The USA packs spectacular biodiversity within its borders, boasting some of the most beautiful places in America.
Within the 50 states, you’ll encounter incredible natural landmarks, including hot desert playas and plateaus, skyscraping mountain ranges topped by glaciers, rolling grasslands where millions of bison once roamed, tropical rainforests, active volcanic zones and polar tundra.
Many of the USA’s most magnificent natural wonders are protected today by the National Park Service (NPS). These specially protected places also provide a safe haven for an astonishing array of wildlife, ranging from tiny eyeless fish living in the dark haunts of Mammoth Cave to the giant grizzly bears of wild Denali National Park. Scattered from coast to coast and beyond, here’s our pick of the most mind-blowing of the USA’s natural wonders.
1. Redwood National and State Parks, California
The world’s tallest trees grow on the fog-kissed Northern California coast. Redwoods can reach a height of 379ft, taller than the Statue of Liberty in NYC, and live for up to two millennia. Almost half of the remaining old-growth redwood trees that have never been logged are protected by the chain of Redwood National and State parks.
Planning tip: To hike the 4.5-mile Tall Trees Trail, you will need to apply for a reservation in advance online.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Measuring a mile deep, up to 18 miles wide and more than 275 miles long, no other sight in the USA beats this giant hole in the ground for instilling stupefying awe. Peering over the edge of the Grand Canyon is enough of a thrill for some, but to really appreciate the canyon’s grandeur, hike all the way down inside it to the rushing Colorado River.
Planning tip: To escape the crowds, visit the canyon’s North Rim, which gets a fraction of the visitors at the South Rim. However, beware that the North Rim is seasonal – there are no visitor services and roads close to all vehicles from December 1 to May 14.
Famous conservationist and wilderness writer John Muir called Yosemite nature’s temple. Gazing up at towering granite monoliths such as El Capitan and at Yosemite Falls, North America’s highest waterfall, you’ll know exactly what he meant. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique geological features carved by glaciers, Yosemite also sustains a variety of rare wildlife inhabiting California’s craggy Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Planning tip: Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls peak in late spring, which is a less hectic time to visit the park than during summer.
4. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is not just one, but three waterfalls that gush along the US-Canada boundary between New York and Ontario: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. They aren’t the USA’s tallest waterfalls, but these powerful cascades have a bigger water flow than any others on the planet. Get up close and feel the cool spray on a Maid of the Mist boat tour.
Planning tip: The Canadian side of the falls claims more natural beauty, so bring your passport for international border crossings.
Yellowstone is the USA’s oldest national park and is a wonderland of unique geology and wildlife. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, you’ll be amazed by the world’s largest collection of geysers and hydrothermal features, including hot springs, boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. Look for herds of bison roaming free alongside the park’s main roads.
Planning tip: Vacationing here during early fall avoids some of the biggest crowds, but be prepared for freezing overnight temperatures and, possibly, snowfall.
6. Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
On Hawaiʻi, the Big Island, Kilauea Volcano has been oozing red-hot lava since 1983, making this one of the world’s longest continuous volcano eruptions. Nowhere else in the country can you see geological forces birthing new land like here at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to Hawaiian tradition, the fiery lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu Carter is the home of Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes.
Planning tip: Check the park website for eruption updates and current lava viewing conditions.
In the indigenous Koyukon Athabaskan language, it means “the high one,” which is fitting because Denali is North America’s highest peak (20,310ft). Prominently poised above the surrounding wilderness, it’s in fact taller than Everest when measured from its base. Climbers first reached the south summit in 1913, a feat now attempted by more than a thousand people every year.
Planning tip: Flightseeing tours depart from Healy to the northeast of the park, and Talkeetna, a railroad town about 150 miles south of Denali National Park.
8. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
In America’s heartland, aptly named Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system. Almost 400 miles of underground passageways have been explored (so far, that is) inside this limestone karst cave labyrinth sculpted by subterranean rivers. See oddly shaped stalactites, stalagmites and other impressive speleothems (cave formations) on a lantern-lit cave tour.
Planning tip: Bring a sweater or a jacket – temperatures inside the cave average 54°F (12°C).
Chances are that those epic landscapes you’ve seen in classic Hollywood Westerns were shot in Monument Valley, where startling sandstone buttes rise up to 1000ft above the sandy desert floor. Today, the valley is a Navajo tribal park. For a grand sense of perspective, sign up for a guided horseback tour.
Planning tip: The Navajo Nation is on Mountain Standard Time (MST), but unlike neighboring Arizona, it observes Daylight Saving Time (DST).
10. Acadia National Park, Maine
On the wind-blown, tide-splashed Atlantic coast, Acadia is a maritime treasure. Don’t miss hiking Cadillac Mountain (1530ft), the tallest peak on the Atlantic seaboard. Climb to the summit for sunrise, and you can claim to be one of the first people in the USA to see the sunrise that day. For equally stunning panoramas, show up for golden leaf peeping in autumn.
Planning tip: Rent bicycles in Bar Harbor, or bring your own bicycles to explore the park car-free.
Valencia has a sky that’s almost always bright blue: no wonder everyone would rather be outside. Life happens in the street in Spain’s third-largest city, whether that’s catching up with friends on sunny terraces over a caña or sipping mojitos with toes plunged into the golden sand.
Come to Valencia to marvel at modernist architecture and Gothic monuments and when it’s time to unplug, head to the secluded beach in a thriving natural park, wade a stand up paddleboard into the calm ocean, or roll out a yoga mat in one of the lush city parks. Further afield there are mountains to explore and leafy bicycle paths to whizz along.
Whether it’s elegant squares or natural beauty, Valencia’s outdoor spaces inspire people to enjoy the great outdoors.
Clockwise from top left: The Jardines del Turia, build on a diverted river’s former flood-prone bed, is now the largest urban park in Spain. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. Threaded through the plants are running routes and bike paths. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. A man-made pond surrounds’s the park’s science museum. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. The Daniel Horchataria serves up the quintessential Spanish refreshment, chilled horchata. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet
Jardin del Turia
Draped across the city like a winner’s sash, Jardin del Turia is a 5.6-mile-long green lung. It’s planted in the former riverbed of the Río Turia, which was diverted after a devastating flood in 1957. Today, it’s the largest urban park in Spain. It’s speckled with lemon trees, grassy meadows and cafés serving chilled horchata under rubber trees. Some roped-off areas might look overgrown; these are wild sections, left unkempt to encourage biodiversity. Threaded through the plants are running routes and bike paths, while yoga classes take place under the shade of palm trees. Walk along the paths to reach cultural hubs, like the grand music venue Palau de la Música and the otherworldly Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
Playa de la Patacona, and the Cabanyal boardwalk on the Playa de las Arenas are perfect places for people-watching. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet
Valencia city beaches
Valencia’s most popular beach, Playa El Cabañal is a lively stretch of butter-yellow sand backed by the old fisherman’s quarter. Begin by exploring the barrio’s character-filled tiled houses and then pop into the local market, Mercat Municipal del Cabanyal for some field-fresh peaches before making tracks to the seaside. Not into sunbathing? Book one of the volleyball courts for free on Playa de la Malvarrosa for you and up to eight friends with the local school BeachBol.
A wealth of water activities await just offshore from all of Valencia’s beaches. From sunset cruises and catamaran sailing to jet skis, windsurfing and paddle boarding, there’s something for every kind of nautical adventurer.
Less than 7 miles from the city is Albufera, and El Saler Beach. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet
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La Devesa
Away from the well-trodden path, this secluded beach just south of Valencia is a sustainability and rewilding success story. The coastline of La Devesa was nearly set to be redeveloped, but thankfully the project was scrapped in favor of keeping the beach natural. The shrub-covered dunes have been reinstated, and now the wild coastline is only accessible by foot. Take the number 25 bus from Porta de la Mar to Embarcador de l’Albufera, then it’s a pleasant 20-minute walk past pine trees and butterflies to reach the hidden sands dotted with shells. Pack a picnic: there are no beach bars shaking up cocktails here. It’s peaceful, undeveloped, and totally relaxing.
Finish with a visit to nearby La Albufera for the region’s famous paella – Bon Aire serves their house special (snails optional) on a terrace beside the rice paddies, or you can escape the elements in the bright and airy Restaurant El Redoli. For a great boat tour of l’Albufera, coupled with delicious paella, look for Nou Racó – it offers traditional flavors with avant garde presentation.
Clockwise from top left: The Jardin Botánico houses a wide variety of plants. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. Tropical and subtropical species, cacti, succulents, palms, orchids, and Mediterranean flora thrive in the garden. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. The botanical garden plays a crucial role in plant conservation, biodiversity research, and environmental education. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. Greenhouses, ponds, fountains, sculptures, and architectural elements enhance its beauty and tranquility. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet
Jardín Botánico
Hidden in a quiet corner of the city center, Jardín Botánico has a fascinating history with roots that stretch back to the 16th century; it was relocated to its current location in 1802. Throughout the 19th century botanical classes took place in this leafy oasis, before it sadly fell out of use. A ten-year recovery project, finished in 2000, restored the old features and added new sights, like the grand orchid and carnivorous plant glasshouse. Now it’s a restorative haven, ideal for morning walks or balmy evening strolls (it’s open until 8pm). Keep an eye on its website for dreamy activities among the flowers.
Left: The fountain in the Plaza de la Virgen represents the Río Turia and the region’s eight irrigation canals. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet Right: There has been a public square on this site for thousands of years. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet
Plaza de la Virgen
Graceful Plaza de la Virgen is one of Valencia’s most atmospheric squares, and it’s steeped in history. There has been a square of sorts here since Roman times, and thousands of years later people still gather here to socialize under the clear sky. In the center, a reclining figure in the fountain represents the Río Turia, and each woman surrounding him represents the eight irrigation canals that watered the surrounding farmland. For a better view, go to the rooftop of Hotel Palacio Vallier (there’s a €10 minimum spend per person). Up here, there’s an eagle-eye perspective over the shell-pink basilica and the cathedral.
Clockwise from top left: Valencia’s Bioparc and Oceanografic are a respite from the urban center. Krzysztof Dydynski for Lonely Planet. They are immersive places to learn about our planet’s biodiversity. Krzysztof Dydynski for Lonely Planet. Both promote conservation and education. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. Escape the heat among the well-designed enclosures. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet
Bioparc and Oceanográfic
Opened in 2008, Bioparc is an enormous zoo found at the western end of Jardin del Turia. This huge park has been cleverly designed to feel more immersive: traditional fences and cages are replaced with streams, rocks and lakes. Recreated habitats include the African savannah with rhinos and antelopes, and the Kenyan wetland with crocodiles and hippos. Even the café is set in a round hut-inspired building, with giraffes ambling past the terrace. Over in the Madagascar zone, lemurs with long, bouncy tails scuttle along fences and between the ankles of visitors. Keep an eye out for Makena, the first baby elephant ever born in Valencia.
Spain’s most famous aquarium, Oceanográfic, is the southernmost building of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. The sharks, complete with tunnel, are an obvious favorite, while a series of beautiful tanks present species from temperate, Mediterranean, Red Sea and tropical zones. Out of the water, An aviary presents wetland birds, while polar regions feature penguins, and there are seals, sea lions and walruses, too.
Clockwise from top left: Parque Central, located in the Russafa neighborhood, is another urban oasis. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. The former railway yard has been converted to a 27-acre park full of native plants. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. It’s also perfect for picnics. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet. Peaceful water features and modern installations are ideal places to gather after sightseeing. Blake Horn for Lonely Planet
Parque Central
Russafa is one of Valencia’s most culture-packed barrios, and in 2019 a new park was designed to bring some greenery to this vibrant area. Parque Central is a multi-faceted leafy space with peaceful water features, native flora and modern installations; it’s perfect for picnics and taking a breather after action-packed sightseeing. In the height of summer, children love dashing and squealing through the interactive fountains called Estanque de la Panderola while families celebrate birthdays on picnic benches in the shade. In the center, a walkway shaded by a canopy of pink bougainvillea leads to a large grassy expanse and a flower garden interspersed with trickling pools. Pick up some seasonal fruit and other local delicacies from Ruzafa Market en route and spread out a blanket next to the roses for a blissfully unhurried afternoon.
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Lithuania is the unsung star of the Baltics. With a wealth of baroque and art deco architecture, sobering relics of a Soviet past, a thriving, ever-evolving dining scene and ample natural attractions, the country delivers something for every traveler.
Lithuania is one of the best countries to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.
Its rich history goes back millennia – and in spite its ever-changing borders over the years, including by its forcible incorporation into the USSR, Lithuania has always managed to hold true to its language, culture and national character. Even today, traditional villages, where crops are still gathered by hand and artisans practice crafts honed over centuries, thrive alongside cosmopolitan cities. Lithuania’s dense forests attract numerous foragers, while the Baltic Sea draws sun worshippers to the amber-speckled coast.
The following advice from a veteran visitor will help you turn your trip to Lithuania into an unforgettable one.
On the Curonian Spit, massive dunes dazzle. Walter Bibikow/Getty Images
1. Explore the bewitching Curonian Spit
Cloaked in pine forest and bumpy with giant sand dunes that have given it the nickname “Sahara of Lithuania,” the Curonian Spit – a sliver of land barely more than 1km (0.6 miles) across – juts out into the Baltic Sea. Its four fishing villages of Nida, Juodkrantė, Pervalka and Preila make for restful stays, with the cycling on trails between Nida and Juodkrantė a great way to take in the highlights. Don’t miss the giant Parnidis Dune or the state-of-the-art Mizgiris Amber Museum in Nida. Climb Vecekrugas Dune (67m / 220ft) en route to Preila, and Nagliu Dune near Pervalka for fantastic views of the so-called Dead Dunes, cooling off with refreshing dips in the Baltic Sea as you go. Finally, swing by Witches’ Hill in Juodkrantė to commune with wood carvings of devils, witches and other mythological figures along a woodland sculpture trail.
Practical tip: Rent a bicycle from one of several outlets in Nida or Juodkrantė. Local buses connecting the villages have bicycle racks. A wonderful alternative way to explore the spit is by walking the long-distance Baltic Coastal Trail, which spans its coastline.
2. Encounter traditional Lithuanian culture in Dzūkija National Park
Rural tradition runs strong through the very south of the country. In the villages amid Dzūkija’s woodlands, locals still harvest their crops with scythes, weave their own wool and linen, and practice elaborate wood carving and basket weaving. To delve into this traditional way of life, check in for a farm stay in Merkinė, Marcinkonys or other villages. Explore Dzūkija either by walking or cycling the designated hiking trails in the national park, and interacting with pottery masters along the 12km(7.5-mile)-long Secrets of the Black Clay trail that connects Merkinė to other villages that practice this ancient ceramic art.
Planning tip: Join locals in foraging for mushrooms between August and November, and attend the mushroom festival in Varėna in September.
The moving Hill of Crosses contains markers of all proportions and materials. Damien Tachoires/500px
3. Reflect atop the Hill of Crosses
A mesmerizing sight greets you 10km (6 miles) north of Šiauliai: a small hill covered in thousands of crosses of various styles and scales. Rosary beads adorn some; others are fine examples of ironwork, or carved wooden folk-art masterpieces, mingling with Lithuanian koplytstulpis (wooden sculptures of a figure topped with a little roof) and magnificent sculptures of the Sorrowful Christ (Rūpintojėlis). Crosses have been placed here since the 14th century – and began reappearing as symbols of hope and defiance in Soviet times, when planting a cross was an arrestable offense. Today, the devout come from all over Lithuania and beyond.
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Planning tip: Come here early in the morning for some quiet contemplation, and take your time wandering past the rows of crosses and around the hill’s base, drinking in the details. You may spot a memorial to 9/11 victims, recent tributes to those killed by COVID, blue-and-yellow ribbons in memory of civilians who have perished in Russia’s war on Ukraine and a cross fashioned from bicycle gears.
4. Admire Kaunas’ art deco buildings
During its two-decade stint as the country’s capital (when Vilnius was captured by Poland), Lithuania’s second city embodied inter-war optimism – a mood captured through a wealth of well-preserved art deco buildings from the era. To fully appreciate Kaunas, first take in its cobbled Old Town and its medieval castle, before taking the tree-lined Laisvės alėja to New Town, with its museums and fabulous 20th-century architecture, such as the Resurrection Church (1933) and the still-functioning Romuva Cinema (1940). Immersive visits to the Art Deco Museum and the Amsterdam School Museum are unmissable highlights. During these intimate tours of apartments that still boast their original period furnishings, you’ll sip sparkling wine while listening to the life stories of their former owners.
Practical tip: Visits to the private Art Deco Museum and Amsterdam School of Architecture museums must be booked in advance – and are worth planning your entire visit to Kanaus around.
Make like a Lithuanian by soaking up the pleasures of summer in Aukštaitija National Park. Shutterstock
5. Enjoy a quintessential Lithuanian summer in Aukštaitija National Park
Cloaked with pine and spruce forest and dotted with dozens of lakes, Lithuania’s oldest protected area is where city dwellers head every summer. You can join them in hiking or pedaling along the myriad woodland trails, summiting Ladakalnis Hill (a sacred pagan site in centuries past), foraging for bilberries and wild strawberries, swimming wild in the lakes, and canoeing or paddle boarding. In addition to outdoor pleasures, you can explore the ethnographic heritage of the tiny villages, from the Ancient Beekeeping Museum near Stripeikiai to Ginučiai’s still-working 19th-century watermill.
Practical tip: The town of Ignalina has the biggest range of accommodation and dining, while Palūšė is the main water-sports center. LitWild offers active, tailor-made guided tours of the national park.
6. Taste Biržai’s farmhouse beer
Northern Lithuania has been the land of barley-malt beer for over 1000 years, with villagers brewing unpasteurized, unfiltered kaimiškas alus (village beer) using locally grown hops. During Soviet times, the farmhouse brewing tradition was all but wiped out – but is now happily seeing a resurgence, particularly in and around Biržai, where ale-makers have resurrected ancient recipes. Rinkuškiai Brewery offers walk-through tours of the brewing facilities, where you get to witness the process from malting, milling and mashing up through to fermentation and bottling. The visit also includes a tasting of six types of unfiltered beer, from the black ale and porter to the pale ale, plus the smoky house gira (kvass).
Planning tip: Try to find yourself in Biržai during the exuberant two-day fiesta in August, when all of the town’s breweries offer their wares on the street.
Take in magnificent Trakai Casle on an easy day trip from Vilnius. Roman Belogorodov/Shutterstock
7. Tour Vilnius, the country’s capital
Trying to decide how to spend your time in Lithuania’s capital city is a conundrum. You can’t go wrong with a stroll through the marvelously intact Old Town, where locals actually live, and where cobbled streets are lined with exceptional baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings. Take in its centuries-old university, Cathedral Square with its leaning bell tower and the views from Gediminas Hill. Then check out the offbeat, renegade-artists’ “republic” of Užupis, admire contemporary art at MO Museum, peruse the sobering Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, and see the scene at Lukiškės 2.0, a former Soviet prison turned funky arts venue.
Detour: Take a day trip by bus or train to scenic Trakai, home of Lithuania’s most impressive castle, which sits on an island in Lake Galvė. Paddle around it in rented watercraft and sample kybinai (meat-filled pastries) – the signature dish of the local Karaite ethnic minority – at lakeside restaurants.
8. Take the healing waters in Druskininkai
The pine-fringed riverside spa town of Druskininkai has been famous since the 18th century for the allegedly healing properties of the salty mineral water gushing from its springs. You can drink this healing elixir at the Health Resort Druskininkai, soak in it at the Grand Spa Lietuva, Spa Vilnius and Mineral Spa Draugyste, or stay in one of the spa-hotels and partake in treatments ranging from mud baths and salt-room sessions to deep-tissue massage and oxygen therapy.
Detour: Commune with Lenin and Stalin statues and other salvaged communist monuments and memorabilia at Grūto Parkas, 8km (5 miles) east of Druskininkai.
In the Nemunas Delta, keep an eye out for great crested grebes and other striking birds. Simonas Minkevicius/Shutterstock
9. Go bird watching in the Nemunas Delta
Where the Nemunas River spills into the Curonian Lagoon south of the port of Klaipėda, the land dissolves into a wetland delta that teems with birdlife: 270 out of the 294 bird species found in Lithuania, to be precise. The conditions here make bird watching almost absurdly easy. Storks stare down at you from their nests on top of electricity poles as you travel south to Ventės Cape, which extends far into the lagoon. Near the tip of the cape, stop by the Ventės Ragas Ornithological Station, a bird-ringing station on the path of a busy bird-migration route that stretches from the Arctic to East Africa, to see cranes, tits, finches, geese and other migratory birds passing overhead in early autumn and in spring.
Practical tip: Bring birding binoculars to spot great crested grebes and white-winged black terns paddling on the lagoon.
10. Descend into a nuclear bunker at Žemaitija National Park
Deep in the heart of the densely forested and lake-speckled Žemaitija National Park, the only Soviet nuclear missile base in the region once housed four medium-range ballistic SS-4 missiles, armed with two-megaton-power thermonuclear warheads – enough firepower to flatten all of Europe. Descend into one of the underground bunkers, explore the reconstructed headquarters of the bunker commander, interact with the multimedia displays – and marvel at how close the world came to nuclear Armageddon.
Practical tip/detour: To explore the rest of the national park, rent a bicycle in Plateliai, the region’s main town. While you’re there, swing by Plateliai Manor to check out an incredible collection of traditional Shrove Tuesday masks.
Every summer, beachside Palanga becomes a summer playground. Franz Marc Frei/Getty Images
11. Party it up in Palanga
One of Lithuania’s most popular seaside resorts since Soviet times, Palanga is a pounding party spot in summer. While pedestrianized Basanavičiaus gatvė becomes abuzz with arcade machines, merry-go-rounds, electric cars, buskers and late-night bars playing thumping music, much of tree-lined Palanga is incredibly tranquil. Take the coastal path through pine forest, detouring to the beach for sunbathing and swimming. Another highlight is the Amber Museum in the vast Botanical Park, with over 15,000 examples of Baltic gold on show inside a neoclassical palace. Expect everything from ancient insects trapped in a golden tomb to striking, contemporary jewelry by present-day amber masters.
The Ignalina Nuclera Power Plant provides of taste of Lithuania’s Soviet era. Alexander Welscher/picture alliance via Getty Images
12. Visit a nuclear power station in Ignalina
If you’ve seen the 2019 HBO miniseries Chernobyl, then you’ll recognize parts of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) in Visaginas. While it’s currently an epicenter of “nuclear tourism,” the plant has been decommissioned due to the similarity of its design to that of the ill-fated nuclear power station in Chernobyl in Ukraine, and its reactors are in the process of being dismantled. Complete the online application form weeks or months in advance to take an in-depth, 3-hour guided tour of the facility, including the turbine hall, the RBMK reactor hall and unit control room. You can also get an overview of the history of the plant and its challenges during an Information Center tour, complete with VR headset.
Detour: The LitWild team will bring you into a simulator INPP control room near Visaginas, where the plant staff used to receive training on how to handle emergencies.
Barbie-pink houses, plush beachside condos and glossy corporate buildings – stroll through capital George Town and you might see a hint of the Cayman Islands’ rep as a financial hub. But look beyond the glass and you’ll see the archipelago is just as rich in natural charms, with extraordinary wildlife, dramatic cave formations and world-class dive sites scattered among curaçao-colored waters and snow-white sands.
You could easily spend a week lazing on the beach at any one of its three very distinct isles – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – but linger on the sand too long at your peril. From kayaking in bioluminescent waters to spotting cerulean iguanas, you’ll find a string of unique experiences spread across these rather one-of-a-kind siblings. We’ve rounded up some of the best for anyone wanting an alternative Caribbean escape.
1. Kayak in bioluminescence
Picture paddling through a sea of iridescent, blue-green stars glittering in the pitch-black water, and you have a glimpse into the rather magical phenomena that awaits at Grand Cayman’s Bioluminescent Bay.
Come nightfall, millions of light-emitting organisms illuminate the waters like fireflies, and the spectacle is impressively bright thanks to barely any light pollution. Cayman Kayaks take you out on nighttime paddling trips from Rum Point to experience the best of it – think clouds of whitish green darting around like spirits beneath your boat, and total silence except your paddles swishing gently through the ripples.
2. Explore the Crystal Caves
Peeping out from the lush, tropical rainforest is this cluster of 105 limestone caves, filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites that prod out like icicles from marble-swirled ceilings and damp, dewy floors. Guided tours take you round three of its most impressive chambers, including the aptly named bat cave (not for the faint-hearted) and the lake cave, where a still, jade-colored patch of water shimmers like a perfect mirror.
So named for their striking color (which gets even brighter during mating season) blue iguanas are Grand Cayman’s largest endemic species. They’re also seriously endangered; for the best chances of spotting them head to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where they’ve been bred since 2001 as part of a recovery program. You can take tours to see them at the habitat area or, if you’re lucky, glimpse them roaming freely among the soaring palms, wild banana orchids and other exotic plant species that populate this tropical oasis.
Gliding through the sea on the back of a horse, water splashing up as you plod peacefully along, is the stuff of childhood dreams. Spirit of the West make it a reality, with guides taking you wading through the crystalline, turquoise waves beneath a pink-orange sunset. They also offer beach tours for those who’d rather admire the water from afar, with private or group options available (and pickups direct from your hotel).
5. Go on a submarine
Cayman has earned itself quite the rep in the diving world thanks to its ancient shipwrecks, dramatic drop-offs and vibrant coral formations, but if you want to experience its treasures without getting wet, try Atlantis Submarines’ underwater excursion from Seven Mile Beach or George Town. You’ll descend 100 feet in a glass-enclosed, 48-passenger boat, glimpsing the likes of barracudas, turtles, jelly fish and plenty more.
6. Dive one of the Caribbean’s most renowned drop-offs
If the submarine excursion doesn’t satisfy your undersea cravings, there’s only one thing for it – Bloody Bay Wall, a sheer, vertical drop-off on Little Cayman. One of the most sought-after dive spots in the Caribbean, it’s a mesmerizing display – all mustard-yellow tube sponges, deep red corals and mini, purple-veined trees swaying in the water – which falls off to reveal one huge, deep void that’s drastic enough to give you vertigo.
Southern Cross Club, made up of a few bungalows scattered across the beach, makes an excellent base for exploring the reef, with daily dive trips taking you out to the best spots. They include Mixing Bowl, where groupers, turtles, lobsters and a myriad of rainbow-colored fish glide around an undersea forest that looks like something from another planet.
Dive here and you’ll understand why Philippe Cousteau reputedly named it one of the three best dive sites in the world – it’s not one you’ll forget, a little like Cayman as a whole.
Laura French traveled to the Cayman Islands with support from the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (www.caymanislands.ky). Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in return for positive coverage.
When writer Rosemary McCabe took a vacation to visit family in the USA, she had no idea how much her life was about to change.
There was a lot I didn’t know when I stepped on that plane in May 2019 to visit my sister and her family in Indiana.
I couldn’t have known that I would meet a man from Fort Wayne on a dating app. That we would embark on what was initially a long-distance relationship. That I would go through the process of getting a visa to live and work in the USA. That we would get engaged, then married. That just three years later, I would have a house with that man, and a family in the form of two stepsons and a baby born in October 2021.
Not only could I not have known what was coming. I would never have believed it.
For starters, I had never – not once, not ever in my entire life – given any serious thought to the idea of emigrating. I have always been a homebody – and I also felt as though my career tethered me to Dublin just as much as my love for the city itself.
I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else, I’d tell people when they asked – and they did. I graduated in the midst of a recession, with many of my friends moving abroad after college. I love vacationing, I would say. But I always love coming home.
The 2019 trip that started all of this was meant to be a vacation. I would fly to Fort Wayne, stay with my sister and her family for three weeks, then return home to my Dublin life.
I had only been in town a week when my sister suggested to me that I might look into moving over. “Why not?” she asked. “You can work from anywhere as a writer; why not work from here for a year or two?” It was a suggestion she’d made before – first when she was in New York, then in Dallas – but not one to which I had previously given much serious thought. Until now.
You’d think that I might have started researching visas, for starters, or arranged a consultation call with an immigration lawyer, and looked into options for freelance journalists looking to live and work in the US.
Instead, I joined Tinder – and immediately began looking for men to date in Fort Wayne.
Brandin was the second man I met. In his profile, he wore a kilt and described himself as a 6″6′ nerd. In my profile, I said I liked chicken wings and was looking for a man with all of his own teeth. “I fit the bill!” he told me, then asked me to lunch – to eat (you guessed it) chicken wings.
It was the first, um, taste of just how literal Midwesterners are, something that would eventually stop surprising me. (“You like chicken wings? I’ll take you for chicken wings!” It makes sense.)
The venue was Buffalo Wings & Ribs, which Brandin had told me had the city’s best wings. He was incredibly tall – and handsome – but also struck me as being very…American. His big smile showed straight, white teeth, and he had a booming voice that was friendly but also just a little bit…too loud.
We dug into the wings – which, I remembered too late, are terrible first-date food (the mess!) – and I drank my first ever Mountain Dew. He was friendly and funny and asked me questions, and seemed genuinely interested in the answers. And I loved his chocolate-brown eyes, expressive brows and dark hair that fell over his ears.
On our second date, he walked me around downtown and told about Fort Wayne’s history. On our third, I went to his house and we watched a movie and kissed on his couch like teenagers.
Yet too soon, I was headed home to Ireland, with a lot of research to do and plans to get the ball rolling on the small matter of a visa application.
I would come back to the US twice that year – in October, for six weeks, and again over Christmas – to get a better feel for Fort Wayne, to spend time with my sister and her kids and (of course) to see Brandin. Over that summer, we had made our relationship official.
I was in love – not just with Brandin, but with the idea of this move: with the idea of being in the same place as my sister for the first time in over a decade, with the possibility of getting to really know my nephews and witness them growing up, and with Indiana itself.
When it came to the question of moving abroad, one of my greatest fears was the difference, even among two countries without a language barrier. I had found New York chaotic and unfriendly; even the pace of life in London, a mere hour’s flight from Dublin, was much faster than what I knew.
In Fort Wayne, I found a certain familiarity that I hadn’t been expecting. Lush, green fields reminded me a lot of the Irish landscape, and the warmth and friendliness of Midwesterners felt like a hug. Fort Wayne is about the same physical size as Dublin, but with far fewer people – which means little to no traffic (except on those unfortunate occasions when you get stuck waiting for a freight train to cross in front of you).
Of course, the traffic isn’t the only differentiator – and some differences aren’t so welcome. The Midwestern winter, with heavy snowfall that doesn’t melt for weeks, has taken me a while to get used to. Rarely does an Irish snowman last the night; in Indiana, I could create an ice sculpture in my backyard in November that would watch over me until spring.
Nobody walks anywhere in Fort Wayne. I miss how you can stroll for hours around Dublin, from a residential area into the shops, passing by a theater and a gaggle of restaurants and myriad indie coffee shops along the way. Since there’s nowhere to walk in Fort Wayne that doesn’t meet a road too busy to cross or a path that disappears, we drive everywhere. Sometimes, it feels like I haven’t seen another human in days – at least not outside of a car, or a supermarket.
And those supermarkets! I didn’t know so many cereal varieties existed; I still don’t understand why they’re all necessary. Store sizes are just one symbol of all the space America has. In Ireland, I have learned, there are 186 people per square mile; in the US, it’s 90.
When my visa was finally granted, in February 2020, I felt fully committed to the move. I packed my things up in boxes, ready to be shipped. I said goodbye to friends and family – or rather “see you soon,” since I was planning a short return for a wedding that spring.
In a way, the pandemic made the move simpler for me. Without the choice of that quick visit back to Dublin – had I returned to Ireland, I would not have been allowed readmission to the US, thanks to Covid travel restrictions – I was forced to accept Fort Wayne as home.
And the longer I spent with my sister, the boys and Brandin, the more it began to feel like it.
In July 2020, I moved in with Brandin. Six months later, while I did a puzzle at our dining-room table, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It took me a few moments to register what was happening, because I thought he had found a missing puzzle piece that had been causing me great frustration. I said yes – but not without his having to push me for an answer.
Two weeks later, I found out that I was pregnant.
Weirdly, it wasn’t until we bought a house together – a $250,000, 2000-sq-ft, four-bedroom one 15 minutes from downtown, with a two-car garage and a back garden overlooking a big pond – that I realized I likely would never go back to Ireland. The marriage and the baby should have been enough of a hint, yet it took becoming a homeowner for it to truly sink in.
We know that none of it – life, love, friendship – is ever really predictable. And yet we trick ourselves into thinking we know what we’re getting ourselves into. We make plans as if we have some control over what the future will bring. We make definite statements; mine was, I’ll never move away from Ireland.
But every time we walk out our front doors – or drive out our garage doors – we offer the universe a chance to meddle, to throw a spanner in the works, to offer up a suggestion for an alternative future we hadn’t ever considered.
When I got on that plane in May 2019, I thought I knew where I was going. But I had no idea where I’d end up.
A Menmoir: This Is Not About You, by Rosemary McCabe is out now.
Sunseekers and beach hoppers have made Aruba one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. The island is ideal for a fun escape with friends, or for a soothing getaway to relax and recharge your batteries.
Beyond its stunning, picture-perfect, white-sand beaches, the island has much to offer – including the natural appeal of Arikok National Park, the vibrant murals of San Nicolas and some of the best scuba diving in the western hemisphere.
Intrigued yet? Read on as you plan your first trip to Aruba. It surely won’t be your last one.
Carnival festivities enliven Aruba’s streets every February or early March. Shutterstock
When should I go to Aruba?
Aruba’s weather is pleasant and warm to hot year-round, and there simply isn’t a bad-weather season. For unlike other Caribbean islands, Aruba (along with neighboring Bonaire and Curaçao) lies outside the hurricane belt, minimizing the risk of storms. Since it’s a tropical island, rain does fall in Aruba, and the wind can pick up – but the weather overall is enjoyable and sunny just about all the time.
December and January are the peak of the high season, and prices for hotels and rental cars skyrocket. If you do wish to spend the holidays on Aruba, then book everything as far ahead as possible, traveling before Christmas Eve and after New Year’s Day. February through April is also the high season, though with enough planning you can score deals on accommodation. If a colorful Caribbean carnival celebration is on your wish list, head to Aruba in February or early March. (The dates vary each year; Carnival Monday 2025 falls on March 3.)
Low(er) season usually starts after Easter and lasts through November. One of my favorite times to visit the island is in fact November: the weather isn’t as hot as in summer, and there are fewer people – allowing more freedom for spontaneous trips.
How much time should I spend in Aruba?
While you could just fly in for a weekend and have a great time on the beaches, I highly recommend staying longer. Cruise ships call on Aruba, with passengers cruises disembarking for half-day trips to the island; think about the adverse impact such visitors have on the environment and the local economy.
A week-long stay in Aruba is ideal. While 10 days or more will give you time to explore, wind down, hike and maybe even try out a new sport like scuba diving or windsurfing. If you’d like to take a PADI certification course, make sure to devote three to four days to just that – ideally more – so you can gain more experience.
Renting your own car will allow you to explore all of Aruba on your own schedule. Shutterstock
Is it easy to get to and around Aruba?
Several international airlines connect Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport with cities in the USA, Canada, the Dominican Republic and a handful of countries in Latin America, as well London and Amsterdam. Frequent short flights also depart for fellow Dutch Caribbean islands, Bonaire, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
If you have enough time, it is possible to visit all three ABC islands on one trip. But I’d recommend devoting your time to just one, for a deeper visit (and less travel time).
Once you are on Aruba’s shores, you can rent a car directly at the airport and explore from there. Public transportation does reach much of the island, yet for the freedom and flexibility to get to those more challenging-to-reach places, a rental car is the way to go. Taxis can get very expensive, very fast.
Top things to do in Aruba
Many shipwrecks lie underwater off Aruba’s shores, waiting to be explored by scuba divers. Vito Palmisano/Getty Images
Scuba dive through a shipwrecks
Aruba is a fairly easy scuba destination, both for first-timers and seasoned divers. What its waters lack in spectacular coral reefs, Aruba makes up for with wrecks. Check out the SS Antilla, one of the Caribbean’s biggest sunken vessels, or the airplanes that were sunk to create an artificial reef.
Marvel at the sunset at California Lighthouse
As the day draws to a close, hop in your car and make your way to the north of the island to this lighthouse – and be sure to bring a beach chair so you can settle in to catch every last beam of light fade in the distance. Add a bit of sparkle by toasting to the spectacle with a cocktail or fresh coconut smoothie from the food truck in the parking lot.
The rugged landscapes and cacti at Arikok National Park are perhaps not what you’d expect on a tropical Caribbean island. iStock
Spend a day hiking and exploring Arikok National Park
Occupying almost a fifth of Aruba’s square mileage on the island’s eastern half, Arikok National Park is a great place to get active and your step count up. In Arikok’s rugged landscapes (bring sturdy shoes), you’ll see giant cactus and other scrubby vegetation – very different from typical visions of an idyllic Caribbean island.
Discover the island’s foodie side
Thanks to its proximity to South America and influences from the Netherlands, Africa, India, Venezuela and even China, Aruba’s cuisine is a unique – and uniquely tasty – mix. To get a full introduction to the island’s food, we recommend trying patacon (fried, crispy plantains), bolita di keshi (fried cheese balls), funchi (side dish similar to polenta) and kesio (Aruban-style flan). A hop across Oranjestad on the Aruba Food Tour will give you cultural context as you snack away.
Relax and wind down on Eagle Beach
If there’s one beach not to miss in Aruba, it’s this one – a truly magical part of the island. Besides its white sand, it’s particularly famous for the gnarled Fofoti trees that grow close to the water’s edge; they’re great for photo opps. If you get to Eagle Beach early, you might score one of the public palapas – and spend the whole day.
In the town of San Nicolas, many buildings are covered in vivid, large-scale murals. Yingna Cai/Shutterstock
My favorite thing to do in Aruba
No matter where I go in the world, my research begins by googling “street art in…” And while I enjoy all different types of public creativity, murals hold a special place in my heart. Lucky for me, the town of San Nicolas (just a half-hour from Oranjestad) is filled with gorgeous and color-drenched murals, in various styles. My favorite is one by Dutch artist Dopie.dsk: a surreal, giant lionfish in neon colors that stares down those walking by.
How much money do I need for Aruba?
Aruba presents more budget-friendly options than some other Caribbean destinations. If you are on a tighter budget, book flights well ahead, stay in a dorm or a simple accommodation, eat out only occasionally, take the public bus to get around and travel during low season.
Aruba offers many lovely apartments and smaller-scale hotels, such as Kamerlingh Villa, Pauline’s Apartments, Gray Door Apartments (for adults only) and Walt’s Aruba. While the beach never disappoints, why not stay inland and live more as Arubans do?
Although Aruba has ties to the Netherlands, bringing euros doesn’t really help much; the local currency is the Aruba Florin (Afl). US dollars are accepted throughout the island, so bring a few.
Hostel room: Afl 63 ($35) per person (10–20% more during high season)
Basic room or self-catering apartment for two: Afl 140 ($75) per night (up to 200% more during high season)
Public transport ticket: Afl 4.50 ($2.60) for a single trip, Afl 8.75 ($5) for a round trip or Afl 17.50 ($10) for a day pass
Coffee: Afl 7 ($4)
Mojito on the beach: Afl 25 ($14)
Beer: Afl 7 ($4)
Sandwich: Afl 20 ($11)
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: Afl 240 ($135) for one starter, two mains and drinks including 15% tip
Rental of two chairs or sun beds and a parasol: $35–50
Rental car: $670 per week with full-coverage insurance; $330 per week without insurance
Sustainability fee: $20 (payable upon obtaining the mandatory ED card before your trip)
Do I need a visa for Aruba?
Technically speaking, the Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) card is not a visa. Yet all visitors must apply for the ED card by filling out an online form 7 days before their arrival in Aruba. In 2024, a sustainability fee of $20 took effect, payable when applying for the ED card. If you miss your flight or have to reschedule your plans, you’ll have to apply for the ED card and pay the fee again.
Which language(s) do I need to know in Aruba?
The official languages in Aruba are Papiamento (a creole language derived from Portuguese) and Dutch. Because of the island’s location and influences, most locals speak Spanish and English as well. You’ll find it easy to get around in English, but may find it helpful to learn a few key words in Papiamento, as well.
Danki: Thank you
Por fabor: Please
Bon dia: Good morning
Bon tardi: Good afternoon
Bon nochi: Good evening
Pasa un bon dia: Have a good day
Can I drink the tap water on Aruba?
Yes. Aruba is a BYOWB (bring your own water bottle) kind of island. Tap water is safe to drink, and it’s absolutely unnecessary to buy bottled water in a store. You might want to bring a bigger thermos and get some ice to keep your drink cool during long days on the beach.
How much should I tip in Aruba?
Though tipping is not mandatory in Aruba, staff at most restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and taxi companies will appreciate your tip. Some eat-in places add a service charge of 15% to the bill. Such charges don’t substitute for a tip: the service charge goes to everyone on the restaurant team, with your waiter usually getting the smallest share. If you were happy with your meal and the service, a tip of 10–15% is greatly appreciated.
Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen – and reapply it many times per day. Getty Images
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to Aruba
The sun is blazing hot on Aruba. Yet because of the constant and oh-so-refreshing winds, you might not notice how strong those rays truly are – so remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Research a good reef-safe sunscreen and bring plenty of it for your trip – preferably cream or lotion sunscreen as the winds blow sprays away. Also pack a hat with straps, so it doesn’t go flying, and a rash guard or Lycra shirt. Your skin will thank you.
Pack cotton and linen for Aruba
To beat the humidity on the island, pack smart and bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, preferably in cotton or linen. You’ll notice that you’ll sweat a lot less and feel refreshed when the wind blows through them. Such garments are also a great way to protect your skin from the sun.
The wide open spaces of Montana are famous for their bucolic beauty and classic “Old West” charm. As you make your way around the state to see and experience it all, you might have difficulty figuring out where exactly to go and spend some quality time (along with your hard-earned money).
From festive community events during the summer season to exhilarating places to get out and the great outdoors, here are 16 of the best places to visit in Montana.
The incredible views from the hiking trails in Glacier National Park are unmissable. Stefan Wille / Shutterstock
1. Glacier National Park
Best place to hit a hiking trail
The Crown of the Continent in northwest Montana, Glacier National Park, is a true choose-your-own-adventure for hiking trails. First established as a national park in 1910, Glacier National Park has the most extensive network of glaciers in the continental US, a total of 25 within park boundaries. You can also drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to catch stunning views of Jackson Glacier. If you’re up for a challenge, try hiking the Many Glacier trails to get marvelous views of Grinnell Glacier.
For those just getting introduced to Montana hiking trails, head for the Hidden Lake Trail departing from the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Clements Mountain provides a scenic guidepost along this approximately 5-mile round-trip hike. It’s visible above the wildflower meadows of Hanging Gardens. For those ready for a bigger challenge, the park’s signature hiking trail, the Highline Trail, also departs from Logan Pass. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to see the park’s largest lake and densest stretch of temperate rainforest at Lake McDonald Valley.
Planning tip: Finding parking can be the most challenging aspect of visiting the famous Logan Pass – the highest point along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park’s free summer shuttle system ensures you’ll never be turned away because of parking capacity.
Detour: About 26 miles (or 42km) from Glacier National Park Headquarters, one of the park’s main visitor centers, lies the gorgeous town of Whitefish. Located along the shores of Whitefish Lake, this town is excellent for hiking, biking, fishing and boating during the summer months, and it’s a fantastic spot for winter skiing and snowboarding. And if you want a good place to stay while exploring Glacier National Park, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake provides patrician decor and high levels of comfort.
2. Butte
Best place for Western history
Wild West history is on full display in Butte, Montana, near the western slopes of the Continental Divide. This mining town experienced its boom in the late 1800s with vast copper lodes contributing to its moniker: “the Richest Hill on Earth.”
Mining operations have ceased in Butte, leaving behind the infamous Berkeley Pit and over 6000 historic properties now part of the Butte-Anaconda Historic District, one of the largest in the country. This landmark status plunges visitors into the history that once made Butte the largest city between San Francisco and Chicago.
Copper King mansions, underground mines and sealed-away speakeasies are a few guided tour opportunities diving deeper into Butte’s history. The Pekin Noodle Parlor is also a current attraction of historical interest as one of the oldest family-run Chinese restaurants in the country.
Bridger Bowl is a top snow sports destination just a short drive from Bozeman. CharlieTurchetta / Getty Images
3. Bozeman
Best basecamp for a variety of activities
Depending on the specific itinerary you build for your Montana trip, you may land at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the state’s busiest airport. As much as you might feel the urge to start driving to Yellowstone National Park, don’t ignore the numerous hidden gems of this lovely city.
Yes, Bozeman makes a centrally located base camp for exploring Yellowstone, Hyalite Canyon, and a treasure trove of regional hot springs such as Bozeman Hot Springs and Chico Hot Springs. But while you’re there, you’ll also want to explore Bozeman’s downtown area, peruse some local art at the Emerson Center, enjoy a night out at Opera Montana, visit the Gallatin History Museum or see what’s available at the farmers’ market.
The university city of Bozeman draws winter sports enthusiasts throughout its long, powdery winter season. From November to April, residents and visitors flock toward the cold smoke of two of Montana’s best ski and snowboard destinations, Bridger Bowl Ski Area and Big Sky Resort.
Bridger Bowl is at the backdoor of Bozeman, accessible with a 30-minute drive or a free shuttle ride. Its 2000 skiable acres attract a moderate crowd of students, community members, and tourists, though it only gets busy by Montana standards, with rarely more than a 20-minute chairlift wait. Lift tickets are cheaper if you buy online through Bridger Bowl’s website.
Planning tip: If you’re headed to Montana with your partner, Bozeman is ideal for a romantic trip. Chico Hot Springs is great for a relaxing date and when the weather permits, Palisade Falls in Hyalite Canyon is a beautiful place to hike. The Kimpton Armory Hotel is a perfect place to snuggle up.
4. Big Sky
Best spot for skiing
A scenic hour’s drive south of Bozeman, Big Sky offers over 300 ski runs across a series of connected mountains, including the summit at Lone Peak, which rises over 11,000ft above sea level. With over 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, Big Sky does have some runs that cater to beginners, but 60% of them are designed with advanced and expert skiers in mind.
While Big Sky is best known for skiing, it’s become a year-round destination. Not only is it about an hour’s drive (57mi, or 92km) from Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance), but Big Sky is also great to visit in the warmer months, with 18-hole Big Sky Golf Course, whitewater rafting, and a network of local hiking and mountain biking trails.
Planning tip: For a bargain, stay in Bozeman at Cinnamon Lodge, which has cabins right by the Gallatin River.
5. Yellowstone National Park
Best place for natural wonders
No trip to Montana feels complete without a visit to Yellowstone National Park. Visitors come from around the world to witness the park’s natural geysers, hot springs and wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears and gray wolves.
If this is your first time visiting Montana, give yourself ample time to savor Yellowstone’s incredible landscapes. And while you’ll probably want to see the world-renowned Old Faithful geyser (on the Wyoming side of the park), also make sure to catch the others in the Upper Geyser Basin, as well as hot springs like Grand Prismatic Spring and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Planning tip: For warm weather, visit during Montana’s summer (June-August). Note, however, that summertime is peak season and the most expensive time to visit Yellowstone. For chilly fun and rock-bottom prices, aim for a winter visit (December-March) trip, though it’s important to note that most park roads will be closed and some planning (dress in layers, prepare for sub-zero temps) is necessary. For an affordable Yellowstone trip in comfortable weather, September is a good time to avoid crowds and catch the last days of summer warmth.
6. West Yellowstone
Best place for spotting wildlife
West Yellowstone is a gateway community for Yellowstone National Park, with the park’s entrance less than a mile from the center of this small tourist town. Wildlife abounds in the nation’s first national park, alongside hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers, with frequent sightings of American bison along the roadside.
Head to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone for guaranteed sightings of Greater Yellowstone wildlife. This non-profit, AZA-accredited wildlife park maintains a stimulating habitat for animals unfit to live in the wild.
Planning tip: Budget extra time to hang out in the Naturalist Cabin, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the resident wolf packs.
Montana is a popular destination for fly-fishers. Nature is Magical / Getty Images
7. Missoula
Best place to fly-fish blue-ribbon waterways
Missoula is a fly-fishing paradise at the junction of great trout rivers in western Montana. Local author Norman Maclean captured this ethos in his iconic 1976 collection of stories, A River Runs Through It, and Brad Pitt and Robert Redford revamped enthusiasm with the 1992 blockbuster movie.
Missoula has wonderful views year-round. During the summer season, you can hang around Caras Park on the Clark Fork River, and you might catch live music on Wednesday afternoons or Thursday evenings as part of the Out to Lunch or Downtown ToNight series. This beautiful community space is also home to the Saturday Farmers’ Market and ground central for First Friday celebrations every month.
The Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot are world-class rivers within bicycling distance of Missoula, including tributaries like Rock Creek. Outfitters, such as Missoulian Angler, offer guided fly-fishing trips for first-timers and experienced anglers alike. Fishing spots and hatch dates are often discussed at local fly stores like Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop.
During autumn, the Blue Mountain Recreation Area and the University of Montana campus are prime spots for colorful fall foliage. In winter, Missoula places you within easy reach of several ski resorts, including Discovery Ski Area, Blacktail Mountain and Lost Trail Powder Mountain. In spring, Blue Mountain is also great for spotting wildflowers.
Planning tip: A valid fishing license is required to cast a line in a Montana waterway. Many guiding companies require you to purchase your fishing license before a trip, which can be done online.
8. Flathead Lake
Best place for summer traditions
Flathead Lake is hard to miss when visiting northwest Montana. It’s the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River in the contiguous United States, requiring at least a 40-mile drive from end to end. And with state parks, campgrounds, boat ramps, and small towns lining the route, it’s often a central base for summer road trip traditions.
Looking for an adventure? Rent a kayak or book a charter to Wild Horse Island near the lake’s western shore, and keep your eyes peeled for the feral residents.
Planning tip: Flathead cherries are one summer tradition not to miss. Cherry season is short and sweet in the Flathead Valley, with farm stands popping up near the shoreline in July through early August. Plan a visit to coincide with the Flathead Cherry Festival, typically the last weekend of July, for the full taste of these regional treats.
Detour: Just 7 miles (or 11km) north of Flathead Lake lies the charming mountain town of Kalispell. During the summer, you’ll find several trails (including the Foy’s to Blacktail Trails and the Parkline Trail) suited for hiking, biking and horseback riding. During winter, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area offer prime slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
Drive the Beartooth Highway to the tourist-friendly town of Red Lodge, among the peaks of the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains. Daniel J. Rao / Shutterstock
9. Red Lodge
Best spot for a scenic drive
The Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains set the tone for the tourist-friendly town of Red Lodge in southern Montana, near the Wyoming border. These picturesque peaks, some of the tallest in the state, have unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities. And the seasonal 68-mile Beartooth Highway offers parking lot access to all the wild terrain spanning from Red Lodge to Yellowstone National Park.
The Beartooth Highway is one of Montana’s best road trips between late May and October 15. This All-American road tops out at nearly 11,000ft with prominent views of the glacier-caked Beartooth Mountains and tree-lined valleys. Hiking trails, viewpoints and summer skiing opportunities line the route, eventually connecting to the hydrothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park via Cooke City.
10. Philipsburg
Best place to uncover gems of the Treasure State
Philipsburg is a picturesque mountain town on the Pintler Veterans’ Memorial Scenic Byway, approximately halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Silver and other underground resources built this early Montana town in the 1860s, and that era still resonates down Broadway St with antique storefronts housing modern shops and restaurants.
Montana Sapphires are still mined in Philipsburg, and visitors sift for their own at places like Gem Mountain and Montana Gems of Philipsburg. Here, buy a bag of gravel sourced from nearby sapphire mines and head to the washing station to uncover personal treasures. Shops will cut and polish anything you find, though nothing is guaranteed in sapphire mining.
You can also find a sweeter type of treasure in Philipsburg within hundreds of glass jars lining the walls of the Sweet Palace. This nostalgic candy store sells homemade confections like fudge and saltwater taffy – you’ll get a sugar high from the aroma alone.
11. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Best spot for history buffs
If you’re interested in American history, then you need to add Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument to your Montana itinerary. In June 1876, US Army General George Custer infamously made his “last stand” against the combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Ultimately, Custer and some 267 additional US troops died, along with at least 31 Native American fighters. The Native American tribes claimed victory in this battle, though US forces ultimately annexed all their tribal lands spanning from Montana to Nebraska the following year.
At the monument, which is about 62 miles (or 100km) southeast of Billings, you can learn more of the real history behind the lore that’s come to define the battle fought on this land, and you can learn more about the Indigenous communities who continue to call this region their home.
12. Big Hole National Battlefield
Best place for learning about Native American culture
Little Bighorn may be the better known battle site, but Big Hole National Battlefield is another key place in Montana to learn about Native American history and culture. On August 9, 1877, a group of sleeping Nez Perce (or Nimíipuu) campers awoke to gunshots. Though these Native Americans had already fled their ancestral land in Idaho, US troops proceeded to attack their Montana encampment and kill at least 70 nimíipuu people. Though nimíipuu fighters mounted a fierce defense as they attempted a full escape into Canada, they ultimately surrendered to US forces in October of that year.
Detour: To learn even more about the nimíipuu people, their history, and their enduring cultural heritage, the Nez Perce National Historical Park has additional sites worth visiting across the traditional homeland of the nimíipuu people, spanning from Montana to Oregon.
13. Helena
Best place for a quick stop
Offering a convenient mid-point between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, the state capital of Helena is a worthy destination to spend some time exploring. As a Continental Divide Trail Gateway Community, you’re sure to find plenty of hike and bike trails to traverse: Highlights include Mount Helena City Park (which climbs up to 5,468ft above sea level) and the nearly 6-mile-long Mount Helena Ridge Trail.
If you prefer exploring in town, you’ll probably want to make time to tour the ornate and historic Montana State Capitol, the elegant Queen Anne-style Original Governor’s Mansion, catch a show at the Grandstreet Theatre and The Myrna Loy (which once served as the county jail), and hunt for vintage treasures at the Golden Girls Antiques Mall.
14. White Sulphur Springs
Best spot for relaxation
If you want a place for a relaxing getaway, it’s hard to beat the laid-back charm of White Sulphur Springs. From town, you can embark on the Meagher County Arts & Cultural Trail to discover loads of barn quilts, sculptures, murals, and views of five mountain ranges. The driving time of the trail loop is 1 hour and 35 minutes.
If you want to stay somewhere with easy access to the hot springs, Spa Hot Springs Motel has multiple spring-fed pools on the property. (Even if you’re not an overnight guest, day passes to use the pools start at just US$14 for adults.) If you want a place with more bells and whistles (and lovely mountain views), The Edith Hotel at Showdown Montana is wonderfully cozy.
Local tip: During the winter season, White Sulphur Springs is a great place for some solid skiing. Not only is Showdown Montana the state’s oldest and only woman-owned ski resort, but it also has 39 runs on 640 skiable acres and a full-service lodge and rental shop.
15. Garnet Ghost Town
Best place for ghost-hunting
About 40 miles (or 64km) east of Missoula, you’ll find one of Montana’s best-preserved ghost towns. At Garnet Ghost Town, you will encounter a mining town that sprang to life during the region’s 1890s gold rush. These days, you probably won’t find any gold in these hills, but you will find over 30 structures that have survived Garnet’s boom and bust. In addition, you can hike and bike the local trails. Hunting and fishing are allowed in the area.
While Garnet Ghost Town is open year-round, the area is often only accessible via snowmobiles, snowshoes and cross-country skis during winter. If you want to extend your stay in Garnet, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has two rental cabins available December-April. Camping is allowed for up to 14 days on designated public lands outside Garnet.
16. Medicine Rocks State Park
Best park for geology nerds
Usually, visitors flock to Western Montana to explore the state’s most famous national parks and ski resorts. Yet in Eastern Montana, you’ll find some of the state’s most illustrious big skies and wide open spaces. Such is the case at Medicine Rocks State Park, located roughly between Devils Tower National Monument (in Wyoming) and Theodore Roosevelt National Park (in North Dakota).
The park’s namesake medicine rocks refer to the soft sandstone rock formations that rise about 60 to 80ft from the ground. Many have holes and undulations, and some even have natural tunnels. This park has fossils dating as far back as 63 million years, and this land has long been held sacred by many of the region’s Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne and Crow peoples. If you’re hoping to extend your stay at Medicine Rocks, the park does have RV and tent campsites available for reservation.
Isabella is one of the writers on the new Canary Islands guidebook. After spending weeks of research on the road, she shares the top experiences for your next trip.
Anyone who loves the Canaries can attest that the most challenging (and exciting) part of visiting these bewitching volcanic islands is where to start.
Indeed, it’s this astounding variety – of landscapes, cultures, activities – that makes the beloved Atlantic archipelago such a thrill to discover. Beach lovers will of course be particularly drawn to the Canaries – yet many of the islands are also great bases for adventurous types, perhaps a surprise for first-time visitors. Of Spain’s 16 national parks, four are in the Canary Islands, while a network of other nature reserves protects everything from coastal cliffs to age-old laurisilva (laurel forests).
Keep in mind that each island lends itself to distinct experiences. The three smaller western Canaries, for example, are top spots for hiking, while the three easternmost islands have the loveliest sandy beaches. Tenerife, the largest of the Canaries, genuinely brings a bit of everything.
Here’s our roundup of the many top experiences you can look forward to on the Canary Islands.
Whether you admire if from afar or climb to its summit, El Teide is a magnificent sight. Santiago Urquijo/Getty Images
1. Glimpse – or even summit – El Teide
Visible from all over Tenerife and often even from other islands, El Teide – Spain’s tallest peak – has an undeniable magnetic pull. Known as Echeyde by the indigenous Guanches, the mountain towers 3718m (12,198ft) high, surrounded by the extraordinary stark expanses of the 190-sq-km (73-sq-mile) Parque Nacional del Teide. Whether glimpsed when dusted with snow in winter or surrounded by spring blooms, El Teide is an unmissable Canarian experience, and hiking to its sky-high summit is a temptation few walkers can resist.
The UNESCO-listed national park is understandably popular (almost 4.6 million people visited in 2023) – and it’s also strictly protected. A cable car zips up El Teide’s southern flank to viewing platforms at 3555m (11,663ft), but since there are tight regulations for hiking onwards to the peak, you need to book a (free) pass well ahead. Visit first thing or in the late afternoon to sidestep some of the national park’s crowds. Time permitting, we recommend taking advantage of the many other trails weaving across the lunar landscape.
Detour: Tenerife has plenty of other spectacular hiking paths, especially around the Parque Rural de Anaga and the Parque Rural de Teno.
2. Marvel at ultraclear constellations in La Palma
A quick glimpse up at the inky night sky in La Palma instantly reveals why this lushly green island has been designated the world’s first Starlight Reserve. And you don’t need any prior experience to dive into contemplating the constellations (though you will want to layer up, as nights can be cool at higher altitudes). A crop of local operators, such as AstroLaPalma (which chooses locations each day depending on conditions), will set you up on an expert-guided stargazing experience with professional telescopes. They also organize tours of the renowned Observatorio Roque de Los Muchachos, perched 2396m (7861ft) at the top of the island.
Planning tip: The Parque Nacional del Teide in Tenerife is another great spot for enriching stargazing experiences.
César Manrique’s ultra-stylish home is built into the lava formations, and filled with his vibrant artworks. James McDowall/Shutterstock
3. Soak up the creativity of César Manrique
The world of Canarian art is intimately linked to the 20th-century Lanzarote-born artist César Manrique, who campaigned against overdevelopment decades ago when the local tourism industry was just beginning to blossom. Manrique is best known for his abstract paintings – often inspired by the landscapes of Lanzarote – as well as his ingenious “interventions,” which reimagined natural spaces into dazzling works of architecture and art.
If you only visit one Manrique creation, make it Lanzarote’s wonderful Fundación César Manrique – the artist’s former home turned museum, built into lava flows in the center of the island. But you’ll probably also be tempted to add on the Casa-Museo César Manrique, in the palm-filled Haría valley, where Manrique lived in his final years.
Planning tip: If the master’s residences pique your interest in his work, Manrique left works all over the Canaries, including the soaring Mirador de la Peña in El Hierro and the Parque Marítimo César Manrique pool complex in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
4. Spot whales, dolphins and other marine creatures
The deep-blue Atlantic waters between western Tenerife and neighboring La Gomera make up one of the best places in Europe to spot whales in the wild. Now a protected Whale Heritage Area, this 2000-sq-km (772-sq-mile) expanse is especially known for its populations of resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. On a whale-watching excursion with a local expert, you might also see orcas, sperm whales and many other species of dolphins. Do your homework before you set off to find a responsible, low-impact operator, such as Tenerife-based Biosean, which was founded by a marine biologist.
Fabulous beaches like Lanzarote’s Playa de Papagayo are perhaps the Canaries’ best-known calling card. Zu Sanchez Photography/Getty Images
5. Lie out for hours on golden sands
Relaxing on the powdery beaches is one of the Canaries’ biggest draws. Fuerteventura has grown into the beach star of the archipelago, with a swirl of gorgeous gold-sand strands, including the protected Corralejo dunes in the north and secluded, miles-long Cofete in the south. Neighboring Lanzarote is a close second: its fabulous beaches range from the sheltered coves dotted around the Punta del Papagayo promontory to wild, surf-loving Famara.
Southern Gran Canaria is another beach hotspot, especially Maspalomas, whose rolling dunes make up a protected 400-hectare (162-acre) nature reserve opening onto a 3km-long (2-mile-long) swath of honey-colored, family-friendly sand. Follow marked paths through the dunes to discover palm-studded oases, and spot herons, ospreys and other birds at La Charca lagoon.
6. Take in Tenerife’s art scene
The Canaries’ top contemporary-art gallery looms just south of the historic center in Tenerife’s Carnaval-loving capital of Santa Cruz. Designed by prize-winning Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron alongside Canarian architect Virgilio Gutiérrez, Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA) is marked by its bold fusion of angular architecture and cutting-edge exhibitions. Check online for current shows; the space itself – with its light-flooded library – is worth visiting at any time.
Santa Cruz also has the archipelago’s liveliest street-art scene, with particularly vibrant works adorning the Puente Serrador near the TEA and old-town streets like Calle Castillo and Calle Pi y Margall.
Lanzarote is famous for its grape-growing technique, which involves planting circular vines in volcanic-ash pits. Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images
7. Taste a world of volcanic wines
The Canary Islands escaped the 19th-century phylloxera that swept through other European vineyards, which means the powerful, Atlantic-influenced wines here are largely produced from grape varieties that are both local and ancient. Vines were first planted in Tenerife back in the 15th century – and today the island rivals Lanzarote as the archipelago’s top wine-making island. In recent years, El Hierro has started making a name for itself on Spain’s wine map, too.
Many local vineyards now offer tours, tastings and a raft of other experiences, during which you’ll learn all about the unique growing techniques adapted to the extreme landscapes. These include the cordón trenzado (plaited cord) in mountainous northern Tenerife, and Lanzarote’s famous circular vines planted in volcanic-ash pits.
Planning tip: While many large-scale wineries have drop-in tours and tasting sessions, it’s always best to book ahead for smaller vineyards. Wine Tours Lanzarote and Tenerife Wine Experience run superb bodega-hopping tours.
If you crave some city time during your Canary Islands visit, head to vibrant Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Andrea Comi/Getty Images
8. Feel Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s urban buzz
Spain’s lively ninth-largest city is a destination in its own right, especially during February when it hosts one of the country’s most raucous carnivals. Any visit to Gran Canaria’s capital of Las Palmas should start with a stroll around Vegueta, the oldest part of the city, centered on the monumental volcanic-stone Catedral de Santa Ana, begun back in the 1490s. (Climb the towers for knockout views.)
Then there’s the blossoming food scene, packed with innovative flavors and local produce, anywhere from plaza-view tapas bars to Michelin Green Star kitchen Muxgo. Playa de las Canteras, meanwhile, is up there with Spain’s loveliest urban beaches, with 3km (2 miles) of golden sand, lagoon-like waters and a buzzy promenade.
9. Be dazzled by La Gomera’s Parque Nacional de Garajonay
If you only have time for one thing in low-key La Gomera, head straight to the ethereal national park that crowns the island. The 40-sq-km (15.5-sq-mile), UNESCO-listed Parque Nacional de Garajonay protects around half of the Canaries’s ancient laurisilva, and is often cloaked in mist. Hiking is the thing to do here, whether you choose to tackle a short but wonderfully scenic walk to the Alto de Garajonay (the island’s highest point at 1484m / 4869ft) or descend through verdant canyons to colorful villages like Hermigua.
Just outside the national park’s southern boundary, Casa Efigenia is one of the best places in the Canary Islands to sample traditional cuisine.
Planning tip: While it’s perfectly possible to visit La Gomera on a day trip from Los Cristianos in Tenerife (the ferry across takes 50 minutes), this charmingly slow-going island rewards longer stays.
Those interested in historic architecture will love exploring La Laguna’s narrow, charming streets. Ana del Castillo/Shutterstock
10. Admire the spectacular Canarian architecture of La Laguna
Tenerife’s former capital La Laguna wows with its collection of more than 600 protected historical buildings. Wander through the pedestrian-friendly old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which retains much of its original 16th-century layout, admiring the ornate mansions and palaces dating mostly from the 16th to 18th centuries as you go. Grand Calle San Agustín is the place to start, but to see inside most of these splendid buildings – many of them are privately owned – it’s best to join a guided tour with La Laguna’s tourist office.
Detour: Further west, Santa Cruz de la Palma (La Palma’s laid-back capital) also counts among the Canaries’ most beautiful and architecture-rich cities, bursting with flower-filled wooden balconies and cobbled squares.
11. Hike across El Hierro
The smallest, westernmost and least-visited of the seven main Canary Islands combines rural charm, an offbeat bohemian energy and an entrancing lava-shaped landscape. All of which makes El Hierro one of the most rewarding places for quiet hikes anywhere in the Canaries. Even better: most of its trails can be walked within a day.
The best way to soak it all up is by tackling the 27km-long (17-mile-long) Camino de la Virgen (or at least part of it): the trail tracks across the entire island, from the windswept La Dehesa region to the capital Valverde via eerie cloud forests, juniper woodlands and agricultural fields. The trail (allow eight hours) follows the route of El Hierro’s most-loved fiesta, the Bajada de la Virgen pilgrimage, which has been held every five years since the mid 18th century.
Planning tip: The best months for hiking in El Hierro are October to December and March to May.
Surfers will find some of Europe’s most exciting waves off the coast of Fuerteventura and other Canaries. Getty Images
12. Catch some major Atlantic waves
Sometimes called the “Hawaii of Europe,” the Canary Islands rank among the continent’s top spots for surfing. Easily the most-loved surf destinations are El Cotillo and Corralejo in northern Fuerteventura, Famara in northern Lanzarote and Playa de las Américas in southern Tenerife, all of which have a fun year-round scene. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are big on all three islands, too, and even La Palma is becoming popular for water sports.
Many of the famous surf hubs in the Canaries are best suited to those with some experience, but there are also plenty of beginner-friendly courses and camps (often with accommodation included). Local surfers recommend winter (November to March) as the best season to ride the waves.
Planning tip: If you don’t fancy surfing, try kayaking and paddle boarding along the craggy coast on any island.
Learn about the Canaries’ Indigenous heritage at Cueva Pintada and other sites throughout the islands. David Herraez Calzada/Shutterstock
13. Learn about the archipelago’s Indigenous communities
A series of important archaeological sites scattered across the islands sheds light on the cultures of their Indigenous pre-conquest communities. For many experts, Gran Canaria’s Cueva Pintada, in Gáldar, is the main event. Join a guided tour to see the original, colorful geometric paintings that decorate the cave’s walls. It is believed that these complex shapes crafted from natural dyes could possibly be connected to lunar and solar calendars of some kind.
Much more off the beaten track are the superbly preserved petroglyphs etched into lava flows by the Bimbaches at remote El Julan, on El Hierro’s south-facing coast, which can only be reached by pre-booked guided hike or 4WD tour.
14. Get creative with Canarian crafts
Since the islands’ remote location made self-sufficiency essential, all the Canaries have a long, rich heritage of local crafts. Today, a wave of modern-day artisans are sharing their skills with anyone keen to learn the secrets behind the archipelago’s most curious traditions, from pottery-making to embroidery to basketry.
In Lanzarote, you can pick up original Canaries-inspired ceramics and meet their makers in the tiny northern village of Teseguite, or join a ceramics-making class at Tinajo-based Timijota Studio, which also has a second outpost in Tenerife. Over in La Gomera, discover how Canarian palm-leaf baskets are crafted with Gomera Corazón Verde.
The verdant, cloud-draped Caldera de Taburiente has some of the best hiking in all of the Canaries. Alberto Gonzalez/Shutterstock
15. Get lost in La Palma’s lush Caldera de Taburiente
The magical national park at the heart of “La Isla Bonita” is a gorgeously green and raw haven of Canarian-pine forests, jagged peaks, rushing waterfalls and plunging ravines. Best of all, weaving through its 50-sq-km (19-sq-mile) expanse, the Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente has some of the most spectacular hiking paths in all of the Canaries. The whole place revolves around a miles-wide caldera you can ogle at both from lofty lookout points and out on the trails.
Routes around the park range from short scenic loops to strenuous full-day hikes taking in the Roque de los Muchachos. Our favorite time to hit the hiking trails is spring, when wildflowers burst into bloom.
16. Sail over to Isla Graciosa
Flung off the northern tip of Lanzarote, the tiniest of the Canaries only became the official eighth island in 2018. So it is no surprise that secluded Isla Graciosa is still one of the archipelago’s most magical places for refreshingly go-slow beach escapes. The entire island is part of the Chinijo Archipelago and sits within a wider nature reserve. Simply catching the half-hour ferry across from Órzola in Lanzarote (the only way to get here) is a thrill, with views of Lanzarote’s cascading 600m-high (1969ft-high) Famara cliffs dazzling as the journey trundles on.
A day trip to Isla Graciosa is best enjoyed by hiking or cycling out from the sandy-floored “capital” of Caleta de Sebo to untouched golden beaches backed by stark volcanic cones. We love peaceful Playa de La Francesa (with great snorkeling) and wild Playas de Las Conchas (where swimming isn’t advised).
Known for its beaches, the Canary Islands are also dotted with fabulous tidal pools. Marco Gallo/Shutterstock
17. Swim in sparkling Atlantic pools
Sure, the Canary Islands burst with fabulous beaches. Yet some of the region’s most memorable attractions are its glittery natural pools. Scattered along the coastlines, these rocky visions of turquoise and cobalt were created largely by past eruptions, and now fill up with water from the swirling Atlantic Ocean according to the tides. Some feel almost like calm little lagoons; others have been lightly developed as sprawling swimming pools, where you’ll often be joining a local crowd doing laps.
Punta Mujeres in Lanzarote, La Maceta in El Hierro, Bajamar in Tenerife, and anywhere along Gran Canaria’s north coast are all blissful places to jump in.
Planning tip: Always check the tides before heading to a natural pool, as it can be dangerous to swim at high tide.
18. Stock up on fresh produce at farmers markets
Most Canarian towns have a weekly fresh-produce market, which is as much a lively local event as a place to stock up on ingredients. Stalls are typically crammed with goodies sourced from the immediate region, often from small-scale producers on the island itself. Drop in to soak up the atmosphere and pick up beloved Canarian ingredients like palm honey, goat’s cheese, almogrote and locally grown bananas.
In the bigger cities, you’ll find fun permanent markets open most days. Don’t miss Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s wonderful, 1940s Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, a sensation of sounds, colors and scents, with whimsical Moorish-inspired architecture.
Planning tip: They say the Canary Islands consume more cheese per person each year than anywhere else in Spain. You can meet cheese-makers on visits to queserías like Montesdeoca in Tenerife and La Casa del Queso Cabrera Pérez in Fuerteventura.
Roque Nublo on Gran Canaria is mysterious and oh-so photogenic. Ana Flasker/Shutterstock
19. Road-trip to Gran Canaria’s lofty Roques
As you twist and turn into the elevated, peak-studded center of the island around the Caldera de Tejeda, you’ll discover the immense beauty of Gran Canaria’s green interior. Expect to pass some of the Canaries’ most scenic villages, including whitewashed Tejada, perched 1000m (3281ft) above sea level, and pretty Artenara, known for its cave buildings. But the real stars up here among the astonishing inland volcano-scapes are two much-photographed sky-reaching monoliths, Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga.
20. Take the plunge into the Atlantic
The Canaries’ volcanic coasts burst with dimly lit caves, otherworldly rock formations and a wealth of curious marine life, which makes exploring beneath the waves here an unforgettable experience. Rays, turtles and over 300 species of fish roam off the shores in Atlantic waters, where you might also spot wrecks offshore. Most of the islands have a wide range of diving courses and excursions, as well as snorkeling trips. Widely considered the leader of the Canary Islands’ dive scene, El Hierro dazzles with its sun-washed Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, soon slated to become Spain’s 17th national park.
Planning tip: Most experts rank October as the best month for diving in the Canary Islands.
It’s easy to assume that a holiday to Mauritius comes with a hefty price tag. And while that’s true at its legion of upscale resorts, it’s possible to enjoy this island paradise on a budget. Here are our top tips.
When to go
It pays to be flexible. You’ll get the best prices during the low season (May to September, when temperatures are lower but still tropical), with the exception being European school holidays. In general, high season runs from around December to February, with prices soaring over Christmas and New Year. A compromise could be shoulder season (March, April, October and November). Accommodation prices are slightly lower than high season, and there are fewer visitors but temperatures are still high.
Where to stay
Mauritius is synonymous with top-end, opulent hotels and resorts. But skip these and go for a mid-range yet still lovely option like Veranda Resorts, whose properties such as those in Grand Baie and Tamarin offer contemporary rooms, friendly staff and beautiful grounds in gorgeous beachfront settings. Cheaper still is renting a holiday apartment or villa, especially if there are several people in your group. As well as the likes of AirBnb, a few of the larger agencies include CG Villas, Ropsen and Grand Bay Travel & Tours. Another characterful option is Mauritius’ guesthouses, managed by locals with genuine hospitality; there are several in Pointe d’Esny.
Mauritius’ markets are the place for fresh local produce and cheap eats. Phuong D. Nguyen / Shutterstock
What to eat
You needn’t spend a fortune on dining in Mauritius, as street food and cheap eats are in plentiful supply. As well as delicious local fare, you can also pick up Indian, French and Chinese treats. Roadside stalls serve biryani and faratas (unleavened flaky flour pancakes), while inexpensive snacks such as gâteaux piments (chilli cakes), rotis, samosas, bhajas (fried balls of besan dough with herbs or onion), dhal puris (lentil pancakes) and boulettes (tiny steamed Chinese dumplings) are dished up at markets, public beaches and in the capital, Port Louis. If you’re in Port Louis, consider a street food tour with Taste Buddies, where an in-the-know guide will show you round the city’s most salivating spots.
Chamarel is the western gateway to the beautiful Black River Gorges National Park. Fabienne Sypowski / 500px
Activities
There’s a plethora of land and water-based activities available in Mauritius, with options ranging from catamaran cruises, diving and surfing to golf and mountain-biking. Happily, two of Mauritius’ finest activities are completely free. There are stunning beaches throughout the island, particularly along the east coast with long, absurdly photogenic, often deserted stretches. Wonderful hiking spots also abound: Black River Gorges National Park has the island’s most beautiful scenery and well-maintained, clearly signposted trails through forests, waterfalls and gorges, while climbing dramatic outcrop Le Morne brings extraordinary views. Bear in mind though that you’re probably best off hiring a guide for any major hikes.
Festivals are a wonderful way to jazz up a visit to Mauritius and soak up some island culture. The biggest, in February or March, is the 500,000-strong Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin. March coincides with Holi celebrations, October is time for Divali, and Teemeedee in December or January sees Hindus fire-walking.
While diving is one of Mauritius’ big draws, it’s also expensive. Consider snorkelling instead: it’s a great way to explore underwater with minimal equipment and without the big price tag. Even the shallowest reefs off Mauritius are home to fascinating marine life. Rental gear is easily available from dive centres, boat operators and hotels, or catamaran cruises will often include snorkelling in the deal.
Getting there and around
Numerous carriers fly direct to Mauritius. Air Mauritius is the excellent national carrier; they have a decent international network and are currently upgrading their economy cabins.
Save money by travelling by bus, which is cheap, fun and usually an easy and reliable way to get around. There is no countrywide service; instead there are several bus companies and individual operators. Be sure to speak to locals, who are the best and most accurate source of information, as bus services don’t publish timetables.
You might also like these:
Beyond the beaches: exploring Mauritius A taste of Mauritius: the food lover’s guide Which of East Africa’s Indian Ocean islands is for you?
Tom travelled to Mauritius with assistance from Veranda Resorts and Air Mauritius. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.
