Want to add a new kind of joy to your holiday season? Escape to the Caribbean for Christmas and swap snow for sun, sand and tropical drinks.
December weather in the Caribbean is particularly dry, with a “Christmas breeze” that locals wait for all year. Add in easy flights, affordable lodging, unique cultural festivities and an ideal party-relaxation balance, and there’s little reason you wouldn’t want to spend Christmas this year in these Caribbean destinations.
Christmas is a major holiday in Puerto Rico. Getty Images
1. Puerto Rico: parties, historic charm and wild beaches
Best for parties, historic charm and wild beaches
For either parties or seclusion at an affordable price, head to Puerto Rico come December. It’s an easy flight from the US, with no passport required for US citizens. Spend the first night in Old San Juan to explore its charming streets for shopping, history and food – then dance the night away to live salsa or bomba.
The island of Vieques is an easy hop on the ferry from Fajardo; arrive early to ensure availability. You should also book your rooms and car rentals in advance. Continue the holiday party vibe on the busier side of Vieques in Esmeralda, or escape into the hills near wild black-sand beaches.
The Boxing Day festival of Junkanoo is reason alone to visit the Bahamas. Montez Kerr/Shutterstock
2. The Bahamas
Best for Junkanoo, shopping and seclusion
The Bahamas’ annual Christmas Junkanoo Festival on Boxing Day is reason alone to visit this beautiful archipelago for the holidays. The colorful parade in Nassau, the largest on any of the country’s islands, is an excuse for everyone to dress up and dance in the streets.
Christmas shopping attracts arts-and-crafts vendors from around the islands to the capital; visit Festival Place at Prince George Wharf for locally made items. When you’re ready to escape the crowds, hop over to Eleuthera, Bimini or any of the Out Islands to lie out of the beach.
Proximity to the US and numerous nonstop flights make visiting the Bahamas for Christmas a no-brainer.
3. Jamaica
Best for fresh sorrel, fruit cake and reggae fests
The best part of Christmas in Jamaica is the food. The markets are livelier than ever, with the season’s favorite fruit – sorrel – in high demand. Feast on seasonal specialties like curried goat or ham with rice and beans, fruit cake and sorrel juice made with a hint of ginger and rum.
A huge Christmas tree in Santo Domingo’s Plaza España marks the season each year. Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock
4. Dominican Republic
Best for waterfalls, free concerts and nightlife
The holiday season is particularly festive in the Dominican Republic, where it’s celebrated through music, shopping and food. In Santo Domingo, malls are beautifully decorated and host indoor arts-and-crafts markets featuring locally made products. In the Zona Colonial, you’ll find live music daily, with free concerts beside Plaza Espana’s giant Christmas tree every weekend evening.
In Puerto Plata, beaches and resorts are less crowded and outdoor adventures are plentiful. Hike to waterfalls in the countryside, tour a chocolate factory and take part in the Christmas Eve ritual of an overnight pig roast. Dancing merengue and bachata until sunrise is also tradition – so head to a few local bars or nightclubs before the big night for a little practice.
At your resort or in town, you can sample Christmas dishes like pasteles en hoja, plantain dough stuffed and wrapped in a green plantain leaf. And don’t forget to order a class of Dominican ponche.
After celebrating Christmas with traditional Belizean food and dancing, retreat to a bungalow on Tobacco Caye. Paul Harding/Shutterstock
5. Belize
Best for rainforests, culture and cays
Christmas in Belize is a chance to experience some of its unique cultural events, in between island hopping and rainforest hikes. Lodging remains reasonably priced during the season, as more tourists visit in January and February.
Check into a riverside lodge in the towns of Burrell Boom or Crooked Tree Village (outside Belize City) to enjoy a traditional Kriol Christmas dinner of turkey with cranberry jelly, rice and beans, ham, potato salad, black cake and rum popo. On Boxing Day, head to the Burrell Boom horse races or to the Brukdong Bram celebration in Gales Point.
In Dangriga, Christmastime draws junkanu and charikanari dancers to the streets. A hunting dance, charikanari features participants wearing headdresses that resemble a cow’s head (including real horns), and hunting a “two foot” cow, which dances and teases the crowds in the street.
Afterward, head to affordable Tobacco Caye for snorkeling and relaxation along Belize’s Barrier Reef.
Often called one of the most underrated cities in the Midwest, Milwaukee is full of farmers markets, festivals, beer gardens and more than 150 spacious parks. The best part? Many of these activities are free to experience.
Here’s our guide to the best free things to do in Milwaukee.
1. Milwaukee Public Market
Located in the Historic Third Ward, the Milwaukee Public Market is not your everyday market. Besides offering a cornucopia of fresh produce, local artisan food products, and handcrafted wares, enjoy cooking classes presented by local and national chefs. Dine at one of the market’s many restaurants, such as Cafe Benelux, which is inspired by the eponymous European region that includes Belgium and The Netherlands. Thirsty? Check out one of the market’s seven bars.
Planning tip: Check out the market’s website for their list of current events. And, download a market map here.
2. Black Cat Alley
One of the few curated outdoor street art galleries in the city, visitors to Black Cat Alley can view works by creatives and muralists from Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Berlin and more. Take a moment to snap a selfie or two in front of Black Cat Alley’s many beautiful backgrounds. The art rotates, so check the website to see which artists are showcased and when new work is making its debut.
3. Alice’s Garden Urban Farm
Alice’s Garden Urban Farm is a locally led community space for people to connect and bond in a beautiful outdoor setting. This two-acre farm on Milwaukee’s north side hosts events such as contemporary dancing with Danceworks, a local dance company, guided and self-guided meditative walks in an herbal labyrinth, art activities for kids, movie nights and live music on fish-fry nights.
Free pre-scheduled tours or self-guided tours are available for those eager to learn the garden’s history as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Browse the garden’s Artisan Market, where local farmers and vendors sell fresh produce, jewelry, herbal skincare and more.
Planning tip: Check their website for dates and times. Although most events at Alice’s Garden are free, a few special events require a small fee.
4. Hank Aaron State Trail
Hit many of the city’s premiere destinations while following the 14-mile Hank Aaron State Trail, named for the Milwaukee baseball legend. As you follow the trail, choose the experiences you’ll encounter along the way: wildlife and nature activities at the Urban Ecology Center, viewing Santiago Calatrava’s white wings art installation that dominates the pavilion of the Milwaukee Art Museum, catching the waves at Bradford Beach and hunting sea glass along the water’s edge at Lakeshore State Park. The trail also connects to other city trails, including Beerline and Oak Leaf.
Planning tip: The Milwaukee Art Museum is free for all visitors on the first Thursday of each month.
A section of the Oak Leaf Trail winds through Veterans Park, an oasis of green and garden spaces near downtown Milwaukee. Lining the shore of Lake Michigan, in good weather, activities include boat rentals for plying the waters of the 14-acre lagoon and the Gift of Wings Kite Store’s free kid-friendly movies in the park.
The park also hosts its annual free Kite Festival, where hobbyists showcase their best and biggest kites in stand-out shapes, such as whales, yellow butterflies and orange jellyfish.
6. Swing Park
Milwaukee has no shortage of parks for visitors to explore, but Swing Park is one of the most delightful – and most under the radar of them all. It is the only Milwaukee park with adult-size swings, but it’s kid-friendly too.
Find Swing Park underneath the Marsupial Bridge Media Garden and Holton Street Bridge, not far from busy Brady Street, one of the coolest streets in the city, with its many shops and restaurants,
Planning tip: The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes) is another intriguing spot to explore. There’s a minimal charge to get in except for the first Thursday of each month when admission is free.
7. Bradford Beach
Pack snacks and a beach towel and head to the lakefront to bask in the sun at Bradford Beach. Catch a free sand volleyball game put on by a local league, join a frisbee game, hop in the freshwater lake, or just lay out on the sand all day. You’ll also see people rollerblading and biking along the sidewalk on the inland areas surrounding the beach.
Bradford Beach is the go-to summer spot where you can experience Milwaukee in action, especially on a hot day. Be prepared to hear music, smell delicious food, and see people of all ages running and playing around Lake Michigan and on the beach.
Planning tip: Bring plenty of sunscreen because you’ll want to stay a while.
8. Milwaukee farmers markets
There’s no charge to explore the many seasonal farmers’ markets. Besides local goodies and fresh produce grown nearby, many of the city’s markets have live performances. The Shorewood Farmers Market offers a mix of fresh local produce and food trucks serving empanadas, waffles, spring rolls, homemade donuts and more. There are both farmer stalls at South Shore Farmers’ Market near Lake Michigan as well as pop-ups from local coffee roasters, ice cream makers and barbecue restaurants.
Planning tip: Most markets run from June through October with several reopening during the holiday season.
Open to all, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, a grand granite structure stunningly accented with Italian-style domes and decorative plaster, was built for the Polish immigrant community that flourished on Milwaukee’s South Side. The red, blue, yellow and orange stained-glass windows from Austria and its European-style murals contributed to St. Josaphat being named the third basilica in the United States in 1929. To visit, schedule a free tour online or opt for a self-guided visit. Both choices include a free exhibit detailing the basilica’s history.
10. Milwaukee Public Library
Established in 1878, the Milwaukee Public Library system is the largest public library system in Wisconsin, and the downtown branch is the most extravagant. Visitors can admire the mosaic-tiled floors, marble columns and grand staircases reminiscent of the French and Italian Renaissances. The downtown branch also provides free activities and storytimes for families.
Planning tip: Visit the Library Bookseller, the library’s used bookshop operated by Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library.
11. Jazz in the Park
For lovers of jazz, blues and funk, Jazz in the Park is a must-visit free event. Jazz in the Park has been a staple for almost 30 years and takes place at Cathedral Square Park. It is Milwaukee’s largest weekly music series, with more than 5000 people attending each week. Families, couples and friends all come to hang out and enjoy the music every Thursday from May to September.
Planning tip: Be sure to pack a picnic basket to bring with you, along with a blanket or lawn chair for the lawn seating.
12. Sculpture Milwaukee
The outdoor exhibition Sculpture Milwaukee brightens up the tall buildings and parking structures downtown. More than 20 sculptures are scattered over two miles, from Sixth Street to O’Donnell Park. Along the way, you’ll spot abstract sculptures, including larger-than-life blue pickup sticks, a bronze statue of a Black sportsman and a colorful blob monster. Each piece showcases the style and identity of local artists and artists from around the world. The installations change every year, and the exhibit is open only in summer.
Planning tip: Also free is the 40-acre Lynden Sculpture Garden.
Originally constructed in 1891, the restored North Point Lighthouse in Lake Park is a picturesque landmark reflecting the city’s maritime history. Explore the grounds for free. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students – a small price to pay for a climb to the top to see the panoramic view of downtown Milwaukee and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan beyond.
14. Milwaukee RiverWalk
Follow the three-mile Milwaukee RiverWalk as it winds through the heart of downtown. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, access points let strollers explore the many stops along the way. Relive the city’s history while exploring the artsy Historic Third Ward neighborhood with its centuries-old repurposed warehouses and the European-style Old Third World Street that pays homage to Milwaukee’s German roots.
Planning tip: Download a map of the riverwalk.
15. South Shore Beach
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Milwaukee and the fun but busy Bradford Beach and instead spend a day relaxing at South Shore Beach on the city’s South Side. Green spaces and soft sand protected by a breakwater create a comfortable spot for relaxation. Amenities include volleyball nets, a playground and restrooms. Arrive early and climb the rocks to snap photos of the sun rising over Lake Michigan.
Keep planning your trip to Milwaukee:
Exploring Milwaukee’s neighborhoods Exploring Milwaukee’s best city parks 6 secret American road trips to add to your bucket list Make a great escape to Wisconsin’s Geneva Lake
There is a lot of snow in the world. True powder hounds may say that it’s not nearly enough, but trust me, it’s a big world with so many amazing places to ski (and board, of course). And some of those spots are a side slip away from the big, famous names. Hit a godly ski area in Greece, or head to Chile where the food is as big of a draw as the powder — magical slopes await all around the world.
So pack your bags and wax your planks – you might be about to discover your new favorite riding destination.
Make friends and enjoy reliable snow at Portillo in Chile. Getty Images
1. Portillo, Chile
Best for a southern snow fix
This South American superstar in Chile is nothing short of epic, like an all-inclusive cruise ship marooned on a mountain. This big, yellow hotel with a slope-side pool offers four meals a day (including high tea and top-quality South American steaks), and reliable snow. Numbers are capped at only 450 beds, creating such an exclusive club feel that you’ll be saying “hola” to everyone by week’s end.
A week here involves plenty of late morning starts, long lunches at Tio Bobs, early hot-tub sessions, a siesta, dinners that start at 9pm and memories of mingling with like-minded skiers, Pisco Sour in hand. And naturally, there are epic slopes where you can hit the powder without the crowds or lift lines.
Best alternative for a southern snow fix: New Zealand’s Treble Cone offers surreal views of Lake Wanaka and snowy Southern Alps peaks.
2. Nozawa Onsen, Japan
Best for local culture
There you are, surrounded by wooden ryokan, ski pants rolled up with post-riding feet soaking in a roadside foot onsen, a vending-machine coffee in hand after riding Siberian-grade powder that makes Utah’s cold smoke goods look like lard. Welcome to Japan!
A ski trip to the Land of the Rising Sun (or, for skiers, the land of Japowder, with 12m/39ft of annual snowfall) is the ultimate cultural immersion served on a side of snow. In particular, the ancient feudal farming town of Nozawa Onsen will charm the pants off you — quite literally. You’ll come for the riding but before you know it you’ll be stripping down with strangers in a steamy room like an onsen-loving local.
Best alternative for local culture: Poiana Brasov, located deep in the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, Romania, boasts Bran Castle and medieval Brasov nearby, plus ski rentals are the price of a coffee in Zermatt.
Check out the frozen trees that haunt the upper slopes of Canada’s Big White ski resort. Shutterstock
3. Big White, Canada
Best for ski-in ski-out
Big White’s tagline should be “no schlep.” Ski-in ski-out accommodation, the kind where you can reach through the kitchen window and grab a snack mid-run, is the holy grail of skiing. This family-friendly resort in Canada’s British Columbia is entirely ski-in ski-out — even the main road is listed as a piste.
The absence of car parking and lack of stairs, where kids could face-plant as they carry their big skis, aren’t the only reasons to love Big White. Its 7.5m (24ft) of powder is enough to bury a house, it has the biggest night-skiing area in Western Canada (38 acres/15ha), the country’s second-largest lifting system and “snow ghosts” – frozen trees like stalagmites – haunting the upper slopes for an “only-in-BW” experience.
Best alternative for ski-in ski-out: Fire up the fondue, France’s Les Arcs 1950 is the most charming (and newest) of the five Les Arcs villages, entirely ski-in ski-out with fairy lights strung between traditionally built wooden houses and 425km (265 miles) of slopes to explore.
Engelberg, popular with off-piste skiers, is no longer a well-kept secret. Geir Pettersen/Getty Images
4. Engelberg, Switzerland
Best off-piste skiing
Engelberg may not have the name recognition of Chamonix, but this is to Europe for off-piste skiing what California’s Mammoth Mountain or Switzerland’s LAAX are to freestyle. Up until a few years ago Engelberg in Switzerland’s central Uri Alps had been a well-kept secret. However, the recent influx of Instagramming pro skiers and ski films featuring its mountains have seen Engelberg rise in popularity and gain a cult-like status.
To find the best lines from the 3292m (10,800ft) Titlis (reached by a revolving cable car the Titlis Rotair) check in with the freeski crew at the Ski Lodge Engelberg. The Lodge alone is almost reason to come here. The stuff of après legends, it’s overflowing with life-loving Swiss-based Swedes who ski hard and party even harder.
Best alternative for off-piste skiing: If Wyoming’s Jackson Hole is good enough for mountaineering legend Jimmy Chin to call home, it’s challenging enough for us mere mortals. You’ll need nerves of steel to attempt areas like Fat Bastard.
5. Austria
Best for après-ski
You might return from an Austrian ski holiday in desperate need of a holiday. Austria is bulging with world-class ski areas like an overflowing Santa stocking, with cute-as-a-button villages, glaciers galore, pistes for every standard and ski days fueled in part by Leberknödel (ground liver dumplings). The raucous après culture isn’t limited to certain niches of Austria. Everywhere in the country reverberates to the clang of ski boots on cobblestones crossing villages at 8pm.
In Saalbach, one of the partying capitals of the Alps, you’ll find the steeps are as hard as the shots. In St Anton (nicknamed “St Man-ton” due to the prevalence of men on group ski trips) the high-octane Las Vegas of the Arlberg siblings (including St Christoph, Stuben, Lech and Zürs), legendary tales have been born at the MooserWirt. Ishgl is the OG party stronghold.
Best alternative for après-ski: The live acts at La Folie Douce in France’s Val d’Isere never disappoint.
Alta Badia offers one of the best budget ski experiences in Europe and some delicious local dishes too. Getty Images
6. Alta Badia, Italy
Best for food
Ski areas are famed for US$10 soggy, cold fries. Enter stage left – Italy, where incredible slopes, scenery and gastronomy overlap in a Venn diagram of what a perfect ski area looks like. Especially Alta Badia, with the most on-mountain restaurants in the Alps (45 at last count) in cozy refuges. And because skiing and eating here costs less than elsewhere in Europe, you can try everything with change to spare.
Deep in Italy’s Dolomites, pause for a hearty dish of Tyrolean Schlutzkrapfen. Your heart will race from heady aromas swirling from the doorway, or maybe the altitude. Either way, you won’t be able to click your skis off fast enough. Luckily, when you’ve finally had your fill, you’ll be able to hit some incredible slopes as well.
Best alternative for food: The bright lights of Japan’s Niseko offers a food fiesta whether Asian or international cuisine is your yen.
7. Parnassous, Greece
Best under-the-radar spot
As if the islands, historic cities and lip-licking cuisine aren’t enough for Greece, it’s also home to some worthy ski areas. Eighty percent of Greece is mountainous and if planning for a trip packed with more high points than Zeus’s quiver of thunderbolts, say yassou to Parnassous.
This is the country’s biggest ski resort and the most popular. It’s only three hours from Athens, but avoid weekends when lift lines can be long. Following a multistage overhaul, since 2014 the resort has two connected areas with 21 ski runs. The best thing about skiing in Greece, though, is the Greeks, specifically their philotimo to foreigners – hospitality given with generosity and kindness.
Best alternative under-the-radar spot: I have no idea why Big Sky Montana near Yellowstone Park, as the third-largest in North America, ever gets overlooked, but it does. With the resort transforming and the ambitious Big Sky 2025 10-year project nearing completion, run don’t walk to the ski industry’s Next Big (Sky) Thing.
8. Aspen, USA
The complete package
The unbeatable combination of four individual mountains, MoMA-level art exhibitions at the Aspen Art Museum, chic shopping and cosmopolitan eateries mean you need a reason not to visit Aspen Snowmass in Colorado.
Some ski areas have epic mountains, but charmless purpose-built towns. Others have dynamic towns, but “meh” slopes. Aspen makes a clean sweep with the rare combination of a historic Victorian mining town plus endless skiing on the downtown glamazon Aspen Mountain, local favorite Aspen Highlands, beginner skier and X Games home Buttermilk plus behemoth Snowmass.
Don’t be deterred by the glitz and glamour reputation, peek below to discover a tribe of forward-thinking snow-lovers who emphasize community and inclusivity. I came here 25 years ago for the snow and was hooked by its soul.
Home to one of the world’s most accessible live volcanos, the tiny island of Tanna in Vanuatu’s south is ready-made for unforgettable adventures.
Vanuatu is an archipelagic country of 83 islands in the South Pacific. The sixth largest, Tanna is just 40km (25 miles) long and 19km (12 miles) wide – but visitors will find plenty to see and do among its minimally developed tropical landscapes. Two-thirds of the island’s 30,000 inhabitants live traditionally, deep in the mountains, where they raise their families in thatched huts and grow produce in the island’s rich volcanic soil. These resilient local traditions and warm Pacific Islander hospitality – in addition to the exciting allure of wild nature – make Tanna a top location for an adventure holiday. Here are five ways to get the most of it.
Once located, Tanna’s Blue Cave is understandably hard to leave. Emily McAuliffe for Lonely Planet
1. Squeeze your way into the magical Blue Cave
Tanna’s Blue Cave is a remarkable example of nature showing off. The cave is accessed via an unassuming entrance carved in a limestone cliff, and requires a sharp set of eyes (or preferably a tour guide) to spot. You’ll then need to roll into a shallow duck-dive at high tide to pass through the opening.
You’ll pop up in a secret paradise.
Inside, a ray of light beams through an opening at the top of cave, creating an intense spotlight on the turquoise water. Smooth rocks jut out of the water around the cave perimeter: perfect spots for sitting down and taking in the gentle lapping sounds. Don’t forget your waterproof camera or case for your smartphone, for you’ll want a visual memory of this place.
Fireworks on show: Mt Yasur constantly belches lava and smoke. Tom Pfeiffer/VolcanoDiscovery/Getty Images
2. Watch the fireworks at the rim of Mt Yasur volcano
Tanna’s main calling card is its active volcano, Mt Yasur. A thick plume of smoke constantly hovers above the mountain, tempting visitors game enough to peer into its red-hot crater, poised for the intermittent eruptions that shoot streaks of glowing lava up to 200m (656ft) into the air. A small visitor center sits at the base of the mountain, from which guests get transported up the 360m(1181ft)-high mountain in 4WD vehicles. A steep 10-minute walk from the drop-off point leads to the crater rim.
It’s best to arrive late afternoon to admire the elevated view across the green plains and distant mountains in the daylight, then watch the impressive show of lava fireworks after dark. Yasur is a place to keep your wits about you: be sure to heed local warnings and snap selfies with caution, as the rim has no safety railing.
The Sulphur Bay hot spring sits at the base of Mt Yasur. Emily McAuliffe for Lonely Planet
3. Have a soak in Sulphur Bay’s hot spring
Since Sulphur Bay sits at the foot of Mt Yasur, the villagers who live there occupy some of the best real estate on the island. Tropical palm trees fringe a long stretch of white sand, bordered by a mountain on one side and a rugged red cliff face on the other. Beneath the cliff is a shallow hot spring, which runs to a piping 60°C (140°F) at its source but feels more like a pleasant hot bath as it flows downstream and dissipates into the ocean.
Scrub yourself down with the fine black ash of the riverbed as the warm water washes over you, then refresh with a dip in the cool sea. Since the spring acts as their permanent hot-water tap, you might see a few locals doing the same. If asked politely, the residents will be all too willing to host a tour of their village.
Green turtles, eels and spotted rays are known to frequent the coral gardens off the coast of Tanna. Nicky Dowling/Getty Images
4. Go snorkeling and scuba diving to marvel at the sea’s bounty
The waters off Tanna typically have excellent visibility, making the island a prime location for snorkelng and scuba diving. White Grass Ocean Resort and Spa has the only PADI-accredited dive center on the island, Volcano Island Divers, which offers a range of courses for beginners through to seasoned scuba experts. Following an assessment in the pool, go in search of the bale of green turtles known to grace the coral gardens off the short of the resort, and look out for eels, spotted rays and dolphins. Those without dive accreditation can head out with a snorkel.
Divers can choose from a series of other shore and boat dives, including the blue holes, connected by swim-through caverns; the wreck of MV Jean Percy, which sank in 14m (46ft) of water after striking a reef; and Kamtiua Reef, where experienced divers can witness sheer drop-offs and swim with yellowfin tuna and barracuda.
It’s a bumpy journey to Yakel village by 4WD, but the experience is worth the effort. Emily McAuliffe for Lonely Planet
5. Expect a warm welcome at Yakel village
The best way to get an insight into Tanna’s local way of life – seeming unchanged for centuries – is to visit a mountain village. Made famous through the Oscar-nominated film Tanna, Yakel is one of the island’s most popular kastom villages (meaning it respects the island’s traditional way of life) for visitors.
After a rough 4WD trip through the mountains, community members will greet you with a traditional dance, singing and stomping the dirt dressed in grass skirts and loin sheaths. After the performance, let the locals lead you to their village, where chickens and pigs roam freely among thatched living quarters.
The lure of commerce hasn’t escaped the village people, so bring some cash if you want to pick up local handicrafts.
How to get to Tanna Island
Tanna’s Whitegrass Airport is less than an hour flight south of the country’s capital, Port Vila, with operators like Air Vanuatu providing regular service.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by Sedona’s staggering scenery and unique vibe.
Best known for its stunning red rock formations and energy vortexes, Sedona’s reputation as a hotspot for wellness is rightfully earned. Every rambling trail of the geological wonderland seems to have a backstory that deepens every experience. It’s a place that strikes a bold balance: a haven for visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment, or those wanting adrenaline-spiking adventure among the ancient red rocks and swaths of pine forest.
The Arizona city’s location in the high desert adds to its distinctive – and authentic – allure and cool convergences lie everywhere. Locally produced wines pair well with desert cuisine. Pine forests flank red rocks. And Buddhist shrines and natural-vortex sites crackle with good vibrations.
From among such exciting options, here are 17 experiences not to miss in Sedona.
Sedona’s natural sacred sites have long been lured by those seeking spiritual enlightenment. The area’s history originates with Indigenous people, who consider this land a holy place intended for healing and transformation. Yet it might seem surprising to find a pair of Buddhist stupas – mound-like shrines filled with relics and ritual offerings – erected among the red rocks. Located near Chimney Rock at the base of Thunder Mountain, Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park stretch across 14 acres of junipers and pinyon pines.
The peace park was created by Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC), a Buddhist organization and study center with roots in Tibet. The 36ft (11m) Amitabha stupa, built according to principles of sacred architecture and geometry, was completed and consecrated in 2004; a bronze image of its namesake Buddha of Limitless Light is inside the stupa’s faceplate. The 6ft (2m), white Tara Stupa is named for the female Buddha. Practicing Buddhists pray to her for health, longevity and compassion. Anyone can visit this site: the organization emphasizes that it’s a place for “prayer, meditation and the experience of peace,” regardless of one’s faith.
2. Sip local Arizona wines
While you shouldn’t confuse it with Sonoma, Sedona sits in Central Arizona’s Verde Valley at almost a mile in elevation, making it a great region for grape growing. Downtown, the Art of Wine provides a primer on local wines with by-the-glass offerings. And this range is far-reaching: Bordeaux blends, a single-varietal malbec, the familiar chardonnays and rieslings, plus an Arizona fave, Malvasia Bianca, a fruity white with a floral bouquet. Less than half a mile away is Winery 1912, which features Spanish and Iberian varietals grown at Dragoon Mountain Vineyard in the town of Willcox, one of Arizona’s three unique American Viticultural Areas (AVA) (the other two are nearby Verde Valley and Sonoita, south of Tucson).
Winemaking isn’t new to Arizona (Jesuit priests first planted grapes here in the 1690s) – or even to this desert city. Back in the 1880s, when Sedona was a budding village, a homesteader planted grape vines in the high-desert grasslands, where the combination of warm days and cool nights created favorable growing conditions. Sedona today is once again leaning into these agricultural roots, and a number of companies now offer tours to wineries along the Verde Valley Wine Trail.
Planning tip: Skip the driving and learn as you sip. Sip Sedona Wine Tours offers customized excursions led by a wine-industry professional, while Wine Tours of Sedona has a range of fun tours, including a date night for two at one of the area’s estate vineyards.
Featuring such evocative shapes as cathedrals, castles, bells – and even Snoopy reclining on his doghouse – Sedona’s landscape is like a city carved out of sandstone. The sheer diversity of these red-rock formations is a draw for photographers (pros and Instagrammers alike), with bright-blue skies providing contrast to the iron-rich rock and dark-green junipers that frame undulating trails.
The desert’s drama softens in spring (late April through June) when delicate fuchsia and yellow flowers bloom from the paddles of prickly pears and branches of cholla cactuses, lending color and whimsy to these spiky plants. Visit in winter and you might witness a veil of snowy white to the ancient peaks.
Walking through the desert in the coolness of the evening when it’s aglow with moonlight puts a fresh spin on exploring Sedona’s terrain. You don’t need to wander alone to watch the last light of the day burn out as the moon makes its ascent: naturalists at Red Rock State Park offer guided interpretive hikes during the full moon. The tour covers two miles and you’ll learn about Sedona’s fascinating geology, history and plant life.
“Southwestern” food is one of those all-encompassing terms that can describe multitudes. In Sedona, though, you’ll sometimes see the term “high-desert cuisine” on menus – with rattlesnake as an extreme example, alongside tamer examples like peach cobbler. Syrups made from agave plants and the ripe fruits of prickly pear (or “tuna”) cactus make welcome additions to cocktails, especially margaritas. The pads of those same cactuses, called nopales, turn up in a salad at award-winning Elote Café, and you’ll often find them sizzled up like fries, such as at Cowboy Club.
Local tip: Linger at Cowboy Club to soak in some Hollywood history. Back in the day, celebrities like Elvis Presley, Joan Crawford, John Wayne and Rock Hudson hung out here, often when working on the Westerns filmed in the area during the 1950s and ’60s.
Imagine the feeling of weightlessness and 360-degree views while drifting above Sedona’s buttes, mesas and pinnacles as the sun slowly climbs, bathing the red rocks in light. A hot-air balloon ride offers an awe-inspiring way to get oriented to the sprawling landscape. Flights take off early when the wind conditions are most favorable and last for up to four hours. What’s more, this mode of exploration is a more environmentally sound way to see Sedona from above. In an effort to enhance the city’s natural peace and quiet as part of its Sustainable Tourism Plan, the city of Sedona has asked helicopter tour operators to adhere to no-fly zones.
Planning tip: Tour operators such as Northern Light Balloon Expeditions and Red Rock Balloon Adventures provide year-round sunrise trips (the latter has some closures in summer), so check the schedule before you travel if you have your heart set on a flight.
The two million acres of national forest land and 200 trails traversing 400 miles in Sedona means the potential for riding single-track routes is boundless. People new to mountain biking can find plenty of wider and less-steep routes to get comfortable in the saddle, including parts of Slim Shady and the Bell Rock trail. Advanced riders might want to take on the Hangover trail or Cathedral Rock Big Loop, which gains 1054ft (321m) in elevation.
With Sedona’s mild weather, you can go mountain biking any time. (Be aware that heavy rainfall can create flash floods during the summer monsoon season.) Cyclists will enjoy visiting in March, for the three-day Sedona Mountain Bike Festival.
For those enchanted by the desert and its quiet beauty, check out these dreamy day trips.
Local tip: Remember to never “bust the crust.” These signs on Sedona’s multi-use trails are reminders of the fragility of the desert ecosystem – and to stick to the pathways.
Indigenous people first settled in the fertile Verde Valley as far back as 650 BCE: first the Sinagua, followed by the Hopi, Yavapai and Apache. You can discover these cultures’ histories at Arizona’s national parks, and monuments and historic sites run by the US Forest Services, including Palatki, Honanki and Crane Petroglyph (formerly called V Bar V). At these living archeological sites, you can take a guided tour along unpaved pathways to see cave dwellings carved out of the sandstone, and discover the difference between petroglyphs and rock art. Before you go, brush up on your archeological site etiquette.
Another way to learn about Sedona’s thriving Indigenous culture is by – yes – shopping. Fine arts and crafts are for sale at a handful of top-quality galleries and boutiques, such as Sedona Artist Market & Gallery, Hoel’s Indian Shop and Garland’s, where staff are generous with their time and knowledge. Every vintage blanket, squash-blossom necklace and sand painting has a fascinating story of culture and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Local tip: Shop carefully to make sure you’re purchasing truly Indigenous-made artifacts rather than knockoffs.
It’s not unusual to find a swimming hole near a clear creek – but one with a natural slide? To skim down an 80ft (24m) sandstone chute into Oak Creek, grab your gear and head to Slide Rock State Park. The park’s stone channel has a seven-percent decline and gets its slickness from algae, which helps slingshot swimmers into the creek’s cool water. It’s one of the many free things to do in Sedona.
Local tip: With half a mile of the creek to splash around in, wildlife clusters in Slide Rock in summer. Think more than 140 bird species (look for hummingbirds and Steller’s jays), javelinas (aka “skunk pigs”), Coues (pronounced “cows”) white-tailed deer and even black bears.
10. Search for UFOs in an International Dark Sky Place
With billionaires blasting off to explore space, would it be such a stretch to think that aliens are visiting us, too? Not in Sedona, which is considered a superb place to see otherworldly aircraft. First off, it’s ultra-dark in Sedona (Oak Creek Village is on the roster of International Dark Sky Places), so it’s easier to pinpoint potential extraterrestrial activity pulsating in those clear, jet-black skies. Second, people believe Sedona has four vortexes – natural sites that emanate a type of energy.
Sedona’s metaphysical community offers educational tours that typically combine UFO sightings (many guarantee you’ll see paranormal activity) and vortex visits; you can only imagine what you might make out when staring at the stars while wearing military-grade night-vision goggles. Regardless of whether you’re a believer, you’ll find out why so many people find Sedona a mystical place.
11. Gaze up at the Chapel of the Holy Cross
The soaring Chapel of the Holy Cross, set on a 200ft rise against a backdrop of dazzling pink and red buttes, is among the most beautiful sights in Sedona.
Just south of the city on State Road 179 and within Coconino National Forest, the chapel, completed in 1956, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a sculptor and local rancher, was inspired by the newly built Empire State Building to commission building the chapel. Its most distinctive feature – besides the view – is its 90ft iron cross.
Planning tip: There’s a bit of a climb from the parking area, so wear comfortable shoes.
12. Indulge in a luxurious resort
There are many high-end resorts to choose from in Sedona, including L’Auberge de Sedona. Located on the banks of Oak Creek, this resort has a natural spa and views of the red rocks in the distance. Its wonderful restaurant, with a menu featuring French–inspired dishes with an American flair, is designed for leisurely dining, conversation and sipping wine.
13. Explore a mini-Grand Canyon: Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon is sometimes described as a magical, miniature Grand Canyon. The canyon’s two-lane road twists and turns through deep gorges and high cliffs, winding through one of the largest juniper forests in the world. The canyon is a stunner in the fall, when the leaves reach their crescendo of color.
Amazing and intriguing recreational opportunities include the hike to Midgley Bridge and Slide Rock State Park, a former 43-acre apple farm. You can still pick apples there in the fall and the park is also home to the state’s largest natural water slide. Wear your bathing suit in the summer and descend 80ft into Oak Creek – but be warned. The water is typically cold and the smooth rocky bottom slippery.
Detour: The real Grand Canyon is just over two hours away.
14. Channel your spiritual energy at Boynton Canyon
Part of the sacred land of the Yavapai–Apache Nation, Boynton Canyon is surrounded by soaring buttes, red rock cliffs and a high desert landscape studded with giant Ponderosa pines. As the location of the Kachina Woman Vortex, one of four energy vortexes in the area, it’s one of the most magical places in Sedona. The Boynton Canyon trail is also one of the most popular in Sedona due to Subway Cave
A parking area nearby makes the canyon easily accessible. Take a hike on the dog-friendly, 6.1 mile trail. Though there are some steep inclines, the hike is considered easy-to-moderate. Wildlife includes rabbits, whitetail deer and javelinas. Though the latter look fierce (and smell even worse), they’ll keep out of your way unless threatened.
15. Immerse yourself in the red rocks along a scenic byway
A two-lane road, the Red Rock Scenic Byway connects centuries of cultural significance, awe-inspiring natural sites, the land’s long history and recreational opportunities.
The byway is just 14.49 miles long, but the drive is so stunning, you can expect it to take an hour or more. Keep your camera ready for amazing vistas and soaring cliffs, wildlife and desert landscapes.
A must-stop on the byway is the castle-like Bell Rock, shaped from red sandstone and surrounded by greenery, standing at almost 5000ft. South of Sedona and north of Oak Creek, Bell Rock has long drawn visitors with its beauty and energy, said to instill a sense of serenity in onlookers.
The 2.8-mile trail to and from the butte is a moderately challenging route, as is the Bell Rock Pathway, a 3.6-mile trail.
Make sure to plan plenty of time for photo ops and enjoy the views as you navigate through the awe-inspiring Coconino National Forest.
Planning tip: A parking area is available at the Bell Rock trailhead, though you may have to wait a few minutes for a parking space. For those who like to avoid crowds, early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit.
16. Experience traditional arts, culture and food at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Center
Celebrate local and regional art and culture at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Center, which offers the ambiance of a Mexican village. Like Tlaquepaque, the centuries-old art colony near Guadalajara, the center abounds with artists and their work.
Wander under adobe arches and along cobblestone streets, past fountains and public art installations. Poke around galleries featuring textiles, pottery, oils and statues.
As unique as the setting and art, restaurants run the gamut, from Mexican to Italian. For a traditional experience, enjoy sweet corn tamales and shrimp tacos while sipping a margarita and listening to flamenco music at El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano.
17. Hang out in trendy West Sedona
Those who only visit uptown Sedona with its trendy bars, eateries and many shops are missing some of this red rock city’s best neighborhoods.
West Sedona offers an exciting food scene and a cool but neighborly vibe. Dining in West Sedona is like choosing from a world-wide smorgasbord.
Have a taste for French? Sedona Crepes offers both savory and sweet crepes. For Mexican food, check out the shredded beef chimichangas at Los Rosales or the chile cheese rellenos at Nick’s on the West Side, a casual eatery. Order Asian dishes at Szechuan Restaurant and Fresh & Natural Thai Kitchen, or go for creative American food at Casa Sedona Inn, a resort tucked away in a forest of Juniper pines and known for its breakfast and brunch.
Keep planning your trip to Sedona
Discover the best time to visit this four-season city and how to get around.
The distances within Scotland may seem small – but the country’s landscapes are epic.
A journey that seems just a few miles as the crow flies can take hours once you factor in all the glens, lochs and mountains in the way. Remember, too, that large parts of Scotland lie off the mainland, scattered among the choppy waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic.
With this in mind, the most important consideration when planning a trip around Scotland is time. On a fleeting visit, try not to be too ambitious about how much ground you can cover, and plan train journeys and ferry trips in advance so you’re not caught off guard by limited schedules in outlying areas.
Cost-wise, getting around in Scotland can be expensive compared to the rest of Europe. Despite an impressive network of train, bus and ferry routes, the easiest option is usually to travel with your own car, particularly if you want to get off the tartan-and-shortbread tourist trail. Yet outlays can mount quickly if you plan to park in larger cities or take your car on the ferry.
Traveline Scotland is a good source of information and up-to-date timetables on all forms of transit, including ferries and short flights to the Scottish islands. And our breakdown of the different ways to get around the country will help you get your dream trip to Scotland planned in no time.
Train journeys in Scotland – such as the West Highland line – are some of the most scenic in all of Europe. Pajor Pawel/Shutterstock
The train is a great option between major towns and cities
Scotland’s extensive train network covers all major cities and towns. But do keep in mind that the railway map has large blank areas in the Highlands and the Southern Uplands where you’ll need to switch to road transport – in many cases, a local bus.
The West Highland line, from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig, and the Inverness–to–Kyle of Lochalsh line are two of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. ScotRail’s website is a good source of information on routes, fares and timetables.
Buses serve most places – but not always frequently
Scotland is served by an extensive bus network that covers most of the country. In remote rural areas, however, services are geared to the needs of locals, for example shuttling students to school or the shoppers to the nearest large town. This means they may not be conveniently timed to the needs of visitors.
Often, buses run into towns and cities in the morning and back to outlying villages in the afternoon – which is inconvenient for those planning day trips. Local bus services are particularly sparse on the islands: the last postbus – a rustic rural transport operation that saw passengers joining vans with the mail service – ceased operation in 2017.
Several bus companies operate services around Scotland, with long-haul routes to destinations in England provided by National Express and Megabus. Within Scotland, Scottish Citylink runs a network of comfortable, reliable buses between large towns. Away from the main roads, you’ll need to switch to local buses, which are often much less frequent. First, Stagecoach and Lothian Buses are the main local bus operators.
Renting a car gives you maximum flexibiilty to explore Scotland. But the costs do add up. Helen Hotson/Shutterstock
A car or motorcycle of your own gives you the most flexibility
Scotland’s roads are generally well-maintained and are far less busy than those in England, meaning you can concentrate on all that lovely scenery. Do keep in mind that authorities take speeding and drunk driving seriously, with speed traps common. Stick to the limits.
A non-UK license is valid in Britain for up to 12 months from your date of entry into the country, and you’ll need to be age 21 or over to rent a car; surcharges and restrictions apply for drivers age 25 or under. Renting in town is usually cheaper than at the airport.
If you’re bringing your own car from Europe, make sure you’re adequately insured, always drive on the left and stay aware of local speed limits. If you’re planning a road trip encompassing the UK and the Republic of Ireland, car ferries run from Scotland to Northern Ireland, allowing you to loop south before getting back on a ferry to Wales and England, and then heading back north to Scotland. Make sure your insurance covers your time passing through an EU country.
Limited mainly to southern and central Scotland, motorways (designated “M”) are toll-free dual carriageways; you’ll quickly notice their absence once you drive north of Perth. Main roads (“A”) are dual or single carriageways and are sometimes clogged with slow-moving trucks and caravans. The A9 from Perth to Inverness is notoriously busy.
Life on the road is more relaxed and interesting on the secondary roads (designated “B”) and minor roads (no letter) – though in the Highlands and on the islands, there’s the added hazard of sheep wandering onto the road (be particularly wary of lambs in spring). Winter driving conditions can be challenging; keep food, water and blankets in the car in case of blocked roads or breakdowns.
Gasoline is more expensive than in countries such as the US or Australia but roughly in line with the rest of Western Europe. Prices tend to rise as you get further from the main centers and can be more than 10% higher in remote areas, where gas stations are far apart and sometimes closed on Sundays. Fill up whenever you get the chance.
Tip for renting a car: Inter-island car ferries can be a major cost. If you’re planning to visit the Outer Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland, it’ll often prove cheaper to hire a car once you arrive on the islands rather than paying to take your rental across on the ferry.
Ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne connect the many islands that lie off Scotland’s west coast. Shutterstock
Ferries cross the lochs and link the Scottish islands
Ferries run by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) serve Scotland’s west coast and the myriad islands to the north and west of the country, with smaller local ferries linking the islands of the Inner Hebrides to the mainland.
Northlink Ferries travel from Aberdeen and Scrabster (near Thurso) to Orkney, from Orkney to Shetland, and from Aberdeen to Shetland. Tourist-oriented water bus services ferry passengers across some of Scotland’s larger lochs, including Loch Lomond.
CalMac offers some pre-bundled inter-island tickets on its website, which also has comprehensive timetable information. Note that ferry services are significantly reduced in winter.
Tickets for passengers on foot cost a fraction of the price charged for cars, so consider picking up a rental car once you arrive on a given island rather than taking your car across.
Tips for traveling by ferry: If you feel up to tackling the islands by bike, bicycles can be carried for free by foot passengers – particularly useful when reaching smaller islands by ferry. On most routes, children under 5 also travel for free, while kids ages 5 to 15 pay half the adult rate.
Small planes connect some of the more remote islands in Scotland. Shutterstock
Domestic flights link up remote island communities
Domestic air services in Scotland either cater to business travelers or serve as lifelines for remote island communities. Flying is a costly way to cover relatively short distances, both for your own pocket and the environment – yet this is an option worth considering if you’re short on time and want to visit the Outer Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland. And especially if you’re an aviation geek: with a journey time of as little as 1 minute, the flight between Westray and Papa Westray in Orkney is the shortest scheduled flight in the world.
The main domestic airline in Scotland is Loganair, with flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness to many smaller destinations across Scotland, including inter-island flights in Orkney. Hebridean Air Services flies from Connel airfield near Oban to the islands of Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and Islay.
Cycling in Scotland is one of the best ways to explore – especially the smaller islands. Will Salter for Lonely Planet
Cycling is ideal for exploring the islands
In a country as compact as Scotland, traveling around by bicycle is a perfectly feasible proposition if you have the time – and the stamina. Indeed, touring around the islands on a bike is both cheaper than driving (with lower ferry fares, too; see above) and better suited to the islands’ short distances and leisurely pace of life. Any pedaler should be ready for uncooperative winds and weather, and persistent midges at rest stops in spring and summer.
VisitScotland has good information about bike rentals, while Sustrans details routes that form part of the UK-wide National Cycle Network. Spanning 200 miles (322km) and 10 windswept islands between Vatersay and the Butt of Lewis, the Hebridean Way is a bonafide cycling classic.
Transport Passes for Scotland offer good savings on trains, buses and ferries
Even with the multitude of companies providing different forms of public transport in Scotland, there are a few useful passes that allow intermodal travel on trains, buses, ferries and other forms of transport. ScotRail’s Spirit of Scotland pass allows unlimited travel on trains, buses and ferries for foot passengers, for either four days of travel over eight consecutive days (£149) or eight days of travel over 15 consecutive days (£189). There are also several other passes for train travel across Scotland or within specific regions, plus combined passes for trains and buses or trains and ferries.
Scotland is also part of the same scheme of rail passes as the rest of the UK, with various options offering up to a third off standard rail fares, usually for a one-off annual fee of £30 – a good deal if you’ll be making lots of journeys by train or are on a longer trip.
Although the Scottish government’s generous free-transport scheme for young people is only open to Scottish residents, visitors can get discounts using the 16–25 and 26–30 rail cards; there’s also a Senior Railcard for the over-60s. For travelers with kids in tow, the Family & Friends Railcard is a smart investment. Note that all these cards cover train travel across the UK, not just Scotland.
Several bus companies offer their own transport passes. Stagecoach has the Megarider, offering savings of at least 40% compared to buying daily tickets: passes are valid for seven or 28 days and cover specific areas of the country. Citylink has the Explorer Pass, allowing unlimited travel on their buses for three days within a timeframe of five consecutive days; five days within 10 consecutive days; or eight days within 16 consecutive days.
Scotland can be both impressibly accessible and frustrating for those travelers with disabilities. Shutterstock
Accessible transportation in Scotland
Travelers with disabilities will find that Scotland can be both impressively accessible and frustratingly tricky to navigate. Larger cities are the most well-adapted locations for mobility issues: buses and local trains are wheelchair-accessible, pavements and buildings have ramps, and most access points are well set up.
Across the country, most major tourist sights cater to those with mobility issues, though historic buildings and ancient sights can be harder to explore for the less mobile. The biggest challenge will be the hills, which can make getting around a chore even in the middle of Edinburgh. Efforts are underway to make the countryside more accessible, with wheelchair-friendly nature trails in some areas.
Away from the cities, newer buses are usually wheelchair-accessible, though it’s wise to check before setting out. Older train stations are being upgraded to ensure they are accessible, and disabled travelers can get extra assistance by filing a request an hour or more ahead of travel – the ScotRail website has details.
The Disabled Persons Railcard offers discounts on rail travel for eligible travelers and a companion. Ferries offer boarding assistance at staffed ports for disabled travelers, and large boats usually have accessible toilets and cabins.
Tourist attractions usually have reserved parking spaces near the entrance for drivers with disabilities. Many places, such as ticket offices, are fitted with hearing loops to assist the hearing-impaired; look for a posted symbol of a large ear. VisitScotland has information on accessible transportation and accommodations, along with information on beach-wheelchair rentals.
Endearing little Syros merges traditional and modern Greece. One of the smallest islands of the Cyclades and relatively rural outside the capital, it nevertheless has the highest population since it’s the legal and administrative center of the entire archipelago. It’s also the ferry hub of the northern islands and home to Ermoupoli, the grandest of all Cycladic towns, with an unusual history.
As the Cyclades’ capital, it pays less heed to tourism, and its beaches never get as crowded as those of the neighboring islands. It buzzes with life year-round, has great eateries and showcases the best of everyday Greek life.
If you want to add Syros to your Greek islands itinerary, here’s what you need to know.
Summer on the island can be pretty hot, but since Syros isn’t as heavily touristed as some other Cyclades destinations, you’ll likely still find a nice spot on the beach to spread your towel, even during peak season. Compared to other Cyclades islands, Syros tends to be less crowded. Late spring and early autumn also offer pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and sunny days, making it an enjoyable time to explore the island.
Another excellent time to visit is during the off-season. Many hospitality businesses remain open, particularly in the lively main town of Ermoupoli. Unlike places like Mykonos or Santorini, businesses here aren’t as strictly seasonal, and the ferries operate year-round since Syros serves as a major ferry hub for the Cyclades. Temperatures can drop to as low as 12 degrees (53F) in January and February, but the days will generally be bright at this time of year. If you visit in late February, you can take part in the vibrant celebrations for Apokries (Greek Carnival).
How much time should I spend in Syros?
You’ll need at least a night or two here. While many visitors often treat it as a brief stopover in their Cyclades itinerary, Syros has enough to offer to warrant a bit more time. Allocate one day to explore Ermoupoli and perhaps another day to delve into the island’s historical sites and beautiful beaches.
Syros has an airport, and Sky Express flies from Athens to Syros Island National Airport in about 35 minutes. There is no public transport, but taxis congregate around flight times.
As the island group’s capital, Syros theoretically has fair to good year-round ferry links with all the Cyclades islands and to Piraeus (Athens) on the mainland. High-season services to Ermoupoli include Piraeus, Kythnos, Naxos, Mykonos and Tinos. In general, frequencies and routes expand drastically in high season and can diminish to a couple of times a week in winter. Always check ahead (on a site like Openseas) and reserve a ticket in high season.
Buses loop from Ermoupoli bus station beside the ferry quay, taking in the beach towns of Galissas, Finikas, Posidonia, Megas Gialos, Vari and Azolimnos. The full loop takes an hour, and buses run in both directions (at least three daily, increasing to hourly in the peak season). Three to five buses also go to Kini, some of which join the main island loop. There are also regular minibusses to Ano Syros from the waterfront end of El Vanizelou Street.
You can hire cars and scooters at agencies such as Vassilikos on the Ermoupoli waterfront. Avoid driving in central Ermoupoli, as there are lots of stairs, pedestrian-only lanes and one-way streets.
The capital’s streets and many pedestrian precincts are busy by day and also at night when the air of purpose gives way to enjoyment. Strolling lanes shaded by canopies of bougainvillea and lined with markets, cafes, souvlaki stands, bars and more is one of Syros’ great pleasures.
Running between the harbor and the square, Chiou is lined with shops selling local food products, including the island’s excellent cheeses. Stop in for house-roasted coffee at the book-lined Corner Cafe. For sweets on the go, local legend Sykoutris Turkish Delights is an old-time maker of the Cycladic favorite. Django Gelato is simply superb. The owner will recommend what’s on offer and made from fruits in season (the fleetingly available fresh fig is sublime).
For dinner, you can’t go wrong at Cantina Analogue, a high-ceilinged restaurant with a bohemian interior that offers creative takes on taverna fare. In an upscale secluded Ermoupoli courtyard, you’ll find Avant Garden; a stylish spot with a creative Greek menu of locally-sourced food.
See Renaissance art in the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin
After being badly bombed during WWII, it’s a wonder anything survived in this stately 1820s Orthodox church – which made the discovery, in 1983, of a signed icon painted by El Greco even more extraordinary. The work dates from the 1560s before the artist left his native Crete to become a leading light of the Spanish Renaissance. It’s now proudly displayed in the porch of the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, to the right of the main door.
Outside Ermoupoli, Syros comprises a series of hills and valleys that fold down to small bays and beaches, most of which are well served by buses. Kini, on the west coast, is a sandy beach in a horseshoe bay with a small strip of bars and tavernas. Due to its shallow waters, it’s popular with families. Popular with French travelers, Galissas has an appealing beach, a smattering of white-and-blue-trim Cycladic buildings, some good tavernas and a cute little white church on the headland. On the other side of the church is Armeos, a pretty little pebbly nudist beach.
Further south, Finikas sits on a large bay with a marina at one end and a narrow strip of pebbles and sand. It’s more built up than most of the others, with a somewhat shabby feel. Further along the bay is Voulgari Beach, near the village of Posidonia. South of the headland is tiny but popular Agathopes Beach, with calm waters and a taverna. Another 10-minute walk south brings you to Komito, a sheltered bay backed by olive groves.
The south-coast town of Megas Gialos has a couple of beaches hard up against the main road. Gorgeous (and sheltered) Vari, further east, is the better bet with its sandy beach, though the waterfront and tavernas get packed with families in high season.
Enjoy a sundowner in Plateia Miaouli
This great square is perhaps the finest urban space in the Cyclades. Once situated immediately upon the seashore, today it sits well inland and is dominated by the dignified neoclassical town hall. Flanked by palm trees and lined along all sides with cafes and bars, the square and accompanying statue are named for Hydriot naval hero Andreas Miaoulis.
Proudly capping the medieval hilltop settlement of Ano Syros, this pretty cathedral is the mother church of the Cyclades’ significant Roman Catholic minority. Call in to admire the pastel-hued interior and star-fretted barrel roof and enjoy the view of the medieval town below.
Visit the remote village of San Michalis for great food and views
Don’t miss the drive along the mountainous spine of Syros to the northern village of San Michalis, a small hamlet of stone houses and vineyards with spectacular views of unspoilt valleys and nearby islands on either side. Walk the rock path to St Michael’s Catholic Church. Then, stop for excellent Syran food and grand views at timber-framed Plakostroto. It serves the renowned local cheese plus wood-fire-grilled meats.
How much money do I need for Syros?
As a result of the commercial activities on the island, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants, but the prices are lower than on the more touristically oriented islands.
hostel room: €14 – €20 per dorm bed per night in high season
basic hotel room for two: €100 – €120 per night in high season
self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €80 – €120 per night in high season
public transport ticket: €1.50 – €1.60 one way on bus (children under 5 travel for free)
coffee: 50c for an espresso, €3.20 for a latte/cappuccino
casual lunch: €3 – €5 for a gyros at a market
dinner for two: €30 – €50
beer: €3
This article was adapted for digital from two of our Greek guidebooks. Our guidebook on Greece was written by Alexis Averbuck, Rebecca Hall, Paula Hardy, Helen Iatrou, Vangelis Koronakis, Vesna Maric, Leonid Ragozin, Simon Richmond, Helena Smith, Sarah Souli and Ryan Ver Berkmoes. Our guidebook on the Greek Islands was written by Kate Armstrong, Stuart Butler, Peter Dragicevich, Trent Holden, Anna Kaminski, Kate Morgan, Isabella Noble, Leonid Ragozin, Kevin Raub, Simon Richmond, Andrea Schulte-Peevers and Greg Ward.
Argentina is a vast country with four distinct seasons and a variety of landscapes and activities to choose from. With such an array of options, picking what to do is no easy task.
City lovers are drawn to Buenos Aires, one of the most enchanting capitals in Latin America, with its tango shows, culture, soccer matches and fantastic gastronomy.
Visit Iguazu Falls, explore the relics of the Indigenous communities in the Quebrada de Humahuaca and enjoy a great wine in Mendoza, overlooking the Andes Mountains.
Here are our picks for the top things to do in Argentina.
Do you want to see, first-hand, just how deep the Argentines’ passion for fútbol (soccer) runs? Head to a game in Buenos Aires. La Bombonera (Boca Juniors) and El Monumental (River Plate) stadiums are the most popular but they’re also hardest to get match-day tickets for.
A more reasonable option is checking out the smaller teams like Argentinos Juniors, Huracàn and Vélez Sársfield. All of them are located in different neighborhoods of Buenos Aires but good transportation makes getting there easy. You’ll still get to see a match and all the shouting, insults and celebrations accompanying it.
Planning tip: Keep an eye on the match schedule, which can be chaotic in Argentina. You can go alone or look for agencies organizing tours, like Tangol. They offer a multiday tour, with admission to a Boca Juniors or River Plate match, plus visits to the clubs’ museums.
2. Witness the power of Iguazú Falls
The Iguazú Falls are a natural wonder shared by Argentina and Brazil. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the series of waterfalls is split between two national parks: Puerto Iguazú in Argentina and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil.
The main attraction is Devil’s Throat, measuring an astonishing 82m (269ft) high and 150m (492ft) wide. The falls can be reached in several ways, including by trails, from viewpoints and on boat rides.
You’ll end the hike wet even if you’re wearing rain gear, but you’ll be charged with positive energy.
Planning tip: The falls are worth seeing from both sides. You can visit any time of the year, but temperatures are pretty high between December and February. Try to enter the park early in the morning to avoid crowds – you’ll also have a better chance of spotting animals. Last entry is at 4:30pm.
Argentina ranks among the world’s top cattle producers, and Argentines take great pride in their meat. The variety of cuts to choose from is vast and has become more complex over time – it’s now a job to be a meat sommelier.
On the outskirts of Buenos Aires, the estancias (cattle ranches) offer barbecue meals to enjoy in the outdoors. In the city itself, if you’re not invited to an asado (Argentine barbecue) in a family home, you can always book a reservation at an excellent restaurant.
The best known is the Michelin-starred Don Julio. It’s not easy to get a table and it is expensive, but it is worth it. Located on the corner of the streets Gurruchaga and Guatemala, the restaurant specializes in cuts of beef from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford steers fed only on natural pasture.
It’s also the favorite grill of the Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi. Their butcher shop, La Carnicería, specializes in pastured meats and sells cuts of meat on the bone.
Alternatively, Fogón offers a nine-course tasting menu featuring seasonal vegetables, quality cuts of Argentine beef and delectable desserts like crepes with dulce de leche.
Planning tip: Both restaurants are located in the heart of Palermo, renowned as Buenos Aires’ neighborhood with the highest concentration of restaurants.
Read more: The best places to eat and drink in Buenos Aires
4. Marvel at the Route of the Volcanoes
Catamarca, in the northwest of Argentina, offers stunning views of volcanoes over 6000m (19,685ft) high. This region of the Andes Mountains stretches almost 200km (124 miles) and is filled with colorful peaks, valleys, lagoons and Andean salt flats where pink flamingos live.
Planning tip: You can visit it all year round, although October to April is recommended because the rains can interrupt the route between December and March. It is essential to make the trip in a 4×4 truck, accompanied by a specialist guide.
Mendoza produces more than 78% of Argentina’s wine. Undoubtedly, this midwestern province of the country is a paradise for lovers of good wine, and especially its most famous grape variety – Malbec.
Go in March to celebrate the National Grape Harvest Festival, which features concerts and parades with floats from all the wine regions. Visitors can also participate in a grape harvest, visit dozens of wineries, attend tastings and even stay overnight at some of them. At Entre Cielos, you can spend an night in a suite on stilts, right above a vineyard.
Maipú Valley, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley are some of the province’s best-known wine regions.
Read more: 10 ways to eat and drink your way across Argentina
6. Discover the majesty of Patagonia’s glaciers
Witnessing the fall of a giant iceberg is an experience that is hard to forget. You hear (and feel) a roar, as large chunks of glacier break away.
You can see this spectacle in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, in southwestern Patagonia. The park’s most famous site is the Perito Moreno Glacier, a magnificent wall of ice with icebergs more than 30km (18 miles) long.
There are vantage points and steel catwalks that let you close enough to the action while keeping you at a safe distance. In addition to touring the park, you can navigate among the glaciers and hike on the ice. In both cases, it is necessary to take an organised tour.
Planning tip: The best time to go is from November to March.
Esteros del Iberá is a natural paradise of more than one million hectares – one of the largest freshwater reserves in the world. The most popular activity in the area is a boat ride through the wetlands.
There, you can see caimans, capybaras and birds such as southern screamers (chajás), herons (garzas) and southern lapwings (teros) in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy the palm groves and grasslands on horseback, and take in the enormity of one of the country’s best skies for stargazing.
Planning tip: The marshes have multiple access points such as San Nicolás, Cambyretá and Carambola. The most developed is Portal Iberá, found in Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, accessible from either Posadas (Misiones) or Mercedes (Corrientes). The best seasons are autumn and spring; when the weather is milder, the plants bloom and the birds return.
8. Cycle through the Lake District
The road that joins the cities of Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes is one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Argentina. Many travelers journey through the region in a day by car or on a private tour, but why not take it slow and embark on a 100km (62-mile) bike tour? The effort is worth it.
You’ll visit the national parks of Huapi and Lanín, pass by lakes and forests, and marvel at snow-capped mountains along the paved route.
Join up with a company to organize the whole trip, including camping or hostel accommodations. All you have to bring is your desire to do it.
Planning tip: To enjoy the trip, allow four days to complete it. The route from south to north is best since the road slopes down more than it goes up.
9. Learn about Indigenous culture in the Quebrada de Humahuaca
Quebrada de Humahuaca is a mountainous valley in the Jujuy Province, with several towns that cross the Rio Grande along a 155km (96-mile) stretch. For those who make the trek (and not many do) there’s a bounty of beautiful landscapes. For over 10,000 years, numerous Indigenous cultures have called this place home.
It was an important place in northwestern Argentina for the Incas in particular. Hike the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), located in Purmamarca, and stand in awe of reddish and ocher colors etched on rock formations, trace the the paths forged by the Incas, and discover charming villages.
10. Enjoy the arts in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of the great cultural capitals of Latin America. Tango is the music of the city, formed from a mixture of cultures and migratory currents that arrived at the end of the 19th century.
The city is full of milongas (dance schools or halls), where you can learn to dance to this music. Good places to try include La Viruta, Villa Malcolm and La Catedral. The first two are open daily, and the last from Tuesday to Sunday.
There are also places where you can listen to tango singers, full of expressiveness and feeling for this music representing the porteños (people born in Buenos Aires). El Boliche de Roberto and Los Laureles are two old bars where you can listen to the singers with a good glass of wine.
Buenos Aires also has more than 300 theaters spread throughout the city. Performances take place Monday through Sunday and cover diverse genres including drama, comedy, musical theater and a large number of stand-up shows.
Corrientes Ave, between Callao and Cerrito, has a large number of theaters and restaurants. Watching a play and eating a slice of pizza is a popular activity among porteños.
The Beagle Channel, which joins the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, is full of stories. In 1833, Charles Darwin’s voyages through these waters shaped his groundbreaking theory of evolution.
The classic boat tour to cross the channel departs from the remote city of Ushuaia, known as “the City at the End of the World.” The tour is an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the place and to see marine wildlife such as sea birds and, if you are lucky, whales, dolphins and sea lions.
The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is another of Patagonia’s icons, along with the Bridges Islands, where you can disembark if the weather is good. The lighthouse was important in navigation history because it guided numerous ships towards the Pacific Ocean.
Planning tip: The trip takes about three hours. The best time to make the excursion is early summer.
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Searching for the perfect backdrop to propose? For some, only a romantic getaway will do, though that can mean different things to different people. Celebrities tend to favour glamorous, far-flung settings to get engaged – but occasionally they like to swap the drama for something a little more cosy and familiar. Here, we count down eight of the most iconic destinations where celebrities have popped the question.
Eva Longoria and Jose Antonio Baston: Dubai
While Eva Longoria and her Jose Antonio Baston were attending the Dubai International Film Festival in 2015, they escaped the concrete jungle for a day with a desert safari.
After the couple enjoyed a camel ride, they settled in for a champagne picnic on outdoor couches strewn with rose petals. The businessman decided to take advantage of the romantic atmosphere and proposed to his girlfriend of two years with a sparkling ruby ring. The newly-engaged couple were only in the city for two days, staying at the beachfront Four Seasons resort, but they clearly made the most of it.
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian: Rome
On the day of her first match in the Italian Open in 2015, Serena Williams was sitting down for breakfast in her hotel in Rome when Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian took a seat at the table next to her. His company wasn’t exactly welcome, and the tennis legend’s entourage tried to deter him by pretending to see a rat, but Ohanian was unfazed, and she eventually invited him to join their table.
Eighteen months later, he took her back to the same hotel in Italy, the Cavalieri, and proposed at the spot where they first met – with a little plastic rat on the table. The lavish hotel is perched on Monte Mario, the highest hill in Rome, and offers some of the best views of the city’s landmarks. Head here for panoramic vistas and proper old-school Italian glamour.
Kate Middleton and Prince William: Kenya
The now Duchess of Cambridge was unkindly dubbed ‘Waity Katie’ as she patiently held out for nearly 10 years for her prince to propose, but when he got around to it in 2010, he made sure it was worth the wait. He whisked Middleton away on a safari in Kenya, and is said to have proposed in a log cabin on the slopes of Mt Kenya.
The couple reportedly drove up from the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, where Prince William spent his gap year before university. The two Rutundu cabins are rustic in style and very remote, to ensure no one would spoil the royals’ special moment. It’s an ideal hideaway for couples seeking peace and quiet, where guests can breakfast on the terrace, fish in the lake or take walks in the forest.
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez: The Bahamas
Talk about a home-run: back in March, J-Lo and Alex Rodriguez headed to the Bahamas for a luxurious vacation, and while taking a walk on the beach, the former New York Yankees player got down on one knee in front of an idyllic Bahamian sunset. The couple reportedly stayed on Great Cauna Cay in the members-only Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club, an A-lister favourite which includes a golf course, three restaurants, a spa and six miles of white-sand beach.
Sofia Vergara said yes to Joe Manganiello at Hawaii’s Hanalei Bay. Glowing Earth Photography / 500px
Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello: Hawaii
Over Christmas in 2014, Joe Manganiello took Sophie Vergara, his girlfriend of two years, to Kauai in Hawaii for the holidays, and booked them into the exclusive St Regis Hotel, now the Princeville Resort.
He reportedly wanted the proposal to be totally private, so he asked Vergara to marry him in their ocean-view suite as the sun set on the glittering Hanalei Bay. To honour her Colombian heritage, the actor memorised a romantic speech in Spanish, including the line “eres mi todo” (you are my everything).
As well as a stunning setting overlooking the shoreline and tropical hills, the hotel boasts a spa, two golf courses, and warm island decor.
Ciara and Russell Wilson: Seychelles
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson went all out with his proposal: he created a game of “travel roulette”, giving Ciara 30 possible destinations around the world, and she ultimately landed on the Seychelles.
On the intimate North Island – a private island resort with five beaches and just 11 villas, where Kate Middleton and Prince William also spent their honeymoon – Wilson popped the question on the secluded Honeymoon Beach, where guests can enjoy private picnics, gaze at the stars or even watch a movie on a sail-screen strung up between two palm trees.
John Stamos and Caitlin McHugh: Disneyland
Actress and model Caitlin McHugh is a massive Disney fan, so John Stamos knew he had to whip up a fairy-tale–worthy proposal for her. He enlisted the help of Disney CEO Bob Iger to cut together a short film of the most romantic Disney and Pixar clips, ending with Sebastian from The Little Mermaid urging Stamos to “just ask the girl”.
The Full House star played it for her at the original Disneyland Park in California, where the two are frequent visitors, but this time they got to stick around after the park closed and run about in Disney onesies.
Rio Ferdinand and Kate Wright: Abu Dhabi
On the last night of their family holiday in Abu Dhabi, the former footballer escorted his girlfriend, Kate Wright, to the helipad on the rooftop of the St Regis hotel, which has 360-degree views of the shimmering skyline.
With the city lights glistening around them, he got down on one knee as his three children looked on, later writing on Instagram: “She said yes. How these 3 kids kept it a secret I’ll never know.” Rio and Kate clearly know how to have a romantic getaway, even with the kids in tow.
Located in the heart of the Corniche, the St Regis is one of Abu Dhabi’s most opulent hotels, and its penthouse suite comes with its own private elevator, spa, gym, library and five-guest cinema.
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The epicenter of Mayan culture in Central America, Guatemala is renowned for its dramatic volcanoes, black-sand beaches, remarkable biodiversity, historic Spanish cities, thriving Mayan communities and the stunning ruins of Tikal – perhaps the most spectacular of the ruined Mayan cities scattered around the jungles of Central America.
There’s loads to see here, and it’s worth taking your time to roam from the coastal beaches to the temperate highlands, and from Mayan ruins to wildlife-filled national parks. The country’s abundant natural attractions are topped off by the urban charm of Antigua, the country’s former Spanish-era capital, where visitors can find some of the best food in Central America.
Everything in Guatemala feels vibrantly alive, from the Mayan culture of Chichicastenango to the sublime serenity of Lake Atitlán with its guardian ring of volcanoes. One trip will likely have you hooked for life, so here are the best places to start your adventure in Guatemala, the Land of Eternal Spring.
1. Antigua
Best for architecture, history and volcanoes
Just a 45-minute drive from Guatemala’s main international airport, Antigua is most travelers’ first and last stop in Guatemala, and it rarely disappoints. A sprawl of cobblestone streets, historic basilicas and colorful homes, the city is surrounded by towering volcanoes, the most impressive of which is El Fuego (“the fire”), whose steep slopes are regularly marked by low-level eruptions.
Antigua is a place to explore in depth, posing for selfies under the iconic Arco de Santa Catarina, shopping for Mayan handicrafts, taking stunning photos of volcano-backed street scenes and colonial architecture, studying Spanish at local language schools, and refueling in the city’s many excellent cafes, restaurants and bars.
Some of Guatemala’s best restaurants can be found in Antigua, which has excellent global cuisine and traditional and contemporary Guatemalan fare. Eat delicious, budget-friendly street food at the night market or splurge on somewhere elegant and atmospheric such as Meson Panza Verde, a cozy boutique hotel where creative fusion dishes are made with local ingredients.
Detour: For days out of town, wake up early to hike to the nearby Pacaya and Acatenango volcanoes, or wake up late and enjoy a laid-back brunch made with homegrown ingredients at the charming Caoba Farms. There’s plenty here to fill many days of exploring!
Volcano hikes around Lago de Atitlán offer views of a landscape that seems like it’s from another world. Simon Dannhaue/Shutterstock
2. Lago de Atitlán
Best for chilling out amidst volcanic scenery
Tucked away deep in the western highlands and framed by three towering volcanoes, Lago de Atitlán is considered by some to be the most spectacular lake in the world. The waters of this deep and mysterious crater lake turn turquoise to deep green to dark blue as the light changes with the time of day and season. Because of its unique beauty, travelers have been known to get stuck here for weeks, months or even years.
Several small villages with distinctively different moods dot the lakeshore. Party people head to San Pedro La Laguna, while those interested in meditation and yoga love quieter San Marcos La Laguna. Spanish classes are widely available, but the main order of the day is simply chilling by the lakeside and marveling at the wonders of nature.
Planning Tip: For those who simply can’t sit still, more energetic activities include paragliding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking trips and hikes to the top of the dormant Volcán San Pedro. The lake also has some of Guatemala’s best swimming beaches.
Mayan traders gather on the steps of Iglesia de Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango. nobito/Shutterstock
3. Chichicastenango
Best for experiencing Mayan culture
Chichicastenango, aka “Chichi,” not only hosts the most impressive Maya market in the country, but it also has deep cultural significance to the Maya people. The town served as the main trading center for the Quiché region before the conquistadors arrived, and the tradition of people coming from hill villages to trade continues to this day.
Nestled amidst lush green mountains in the Guatemalan highlands, this sprawling market town fills with market traders every Sunday and Thursday, as visitors surge in on day trips from Lago de Atitlán. You’ll find a labyrinth of stalls full of local products, carved masks and gorgeous textiles, including the traditional huipil blouses that Indigenous women weave and wear.
Every region has a different style of huipil, and the intricate patterns of natural designs and abstract symbols can take months or even a year to weave. Other goods sold in this atmospheric market include wood carvings, leather goods, pottery and jade, silver and gold jewelry.
Planning Tip: While you’re in Chichicastenango, drop into the small archeological museum and the museum of ceremonial Mayan masks and spend some time people-watching on the incense-cloaked steps of Iglesia de Santo Tomás.
Jungle-tangled Tikal is one of Central America’s most evocative ancient sites. Matteo Colombo/Getty Images
4. El Petén and Tikal
Best for Mayan ruins in the rainforest
The Guatemalan department (province) of El Petén is one of the most biodiverse regions in Central America, and this is also the setting for the towering Mayan temples of Tikal. The ruins of this ancient city, which rose to the height of its power in the 7th century, are buried deep in the jungle, visited by howler monkeys, coatis, agoutis and tropical birds and cloaked in lush vegetation. It’s worth spending a few days here exploring the region around beautiful, deep-green Lago Petén Itzá.
Several small communities line the water’s edge, but the island town of Flores is where most people stay while visiting Tikal, with a good selection of hostels and hotels, fun-filled nightlife and good amenities. However, the often-overlooked village of El Remate is another excellent option for those looking for a more tranquil vibe.
El Remate is tiny, but it has a handful of hostels, and it’s on a much better stretch of the lakeshore for swimming. As a bonus, the village is located closer to Tikal, meaning a quicker journey to the ruins. Check out the long-established Mon Ami hostel and restaurant for lakeside accommodations and lake-fish lunches, and Las Orquideas for delicious Italian food.
Detour: Quieter than Tikal, but equally worth visiting, are the ruins of Yahxá, a smaller ceremonial site located between two lakes, which is famed for its epic sunsets. For the more adventurous, five-day jungle treks to El Mirador, the largest Mayan site in Central America, can be arranged through local outfitter Carmelita Tours.
5. Río Dulce and Livingston
Best for river adventures
The largest lake in Guatemala, Lago Izabal is known for its geothermally heated waterfalls and fringing mangroves teeming with wildlife. The lake empties into the Río Dulce, which runs directly to the town of Lívingston, a busy hub for Garifuna people located on the Caribbean coast. Many travelers stop here en route to the coast and hire a boat to take them down the river.
Río Dulce is hot, humid and lush, and the vibe is surprisingly international, thanks to a string of marinas, restaurants and bars along the river that cater to visiting sailors. Stay at the excellent Tortugal, a boutique guesthouse located on a marina, and let the water lull you to sleep, or take a pickup to stay at one of the more remote riverside hostels in the jungle – Hotelito Perdido is a top choice.
Semuc Champey is one of Central America’s most beautiful swimming holes. Paul Kennedy/Getty Images
6. Semuc Champey and Lanquín
Best for splashing in jungle pools
With its serene turquoise pools and natural limestone bridge, the national park of Semuc Champey is one of the most beautiful places in Central America. It’s a bit of a challenge to get there, but the trip is well worth the effort to swim and relax surrounded by tranquil natural beauty.
The pools are quite remote, and many visitors choose to stay in Lanquín, a village about a 45-minute drive from Semuc Champey with a handful of excellent hostels. Check out Zephyr Lodge, a popular party hostel with an infinity pool and unrivaled views of the surrounding mountains. El Retiro Lodge is more relaxed and just as pretty, with simple huts located right beside the river. Day trips to the pools are arranged by both hostels.
Planning Tip: If you’re looking to stay as close to the pools as possible, Greengo’s Hotel has A-frame cabins just a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the park.
7. Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle
Best for uncrowded hiking trails
The isolated township of Nebaj is located in the remote highlands of the Cuchumatanes Mountains, a region referred to as the Ixil Triangle. It’s an excellent hub for hiking off the tourist trail. Visitors can trek between the peaks of the tallest mountain chain in Central America, traversing verdant slopes and valleys that alternate between subtropical forests and sweeping shrublands.
It’s possible to hike from the Ixil triangle to Todos Santos, a small town famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations every November. Starting from Nebaj, hikes are run once or twice a month by the excellent Quetzaltrekkers, based out of Quetzaltenango.
Black sand, turtles, surfing and sunsets – there are lots of reasons to come to Monterrico and El Paredon. noga f/Shutterstock
8. Monterrico and El Paredon
Best for black sands and surfing
Monterrico is a popular beachside getaway for Guatemalans, and it offers a fine expanse of black sand where you can relax, swim and watch the most incredible sunsets. By day, take a tour through the protected mangrove forest to see tropical birds and other wildlife or visit the Tortugario Monterrico sanctuary in the evening to help release baby turtles from September to January.
A two-hour drive away, El Paredon is the smaller of the two beaches, but it’s becoming increasingly popular thanks to its reliable surf breaks and the emergence of some great places to stay, including hippy-chic Swell. Head to this chilled-out beach for a backpacker vibe, easy-going Spanish classes, surfing lessons and socializing at the Driftwood Surfer hostel, which always has something going on every night of the week.
9. Laguna Lachuá
Best for escaping the tourist trail
Located in the middle of Parque Nacional Laguna Lachuá, in the coffee- and cardamom-growing region of Alta Verapaz, this idyllic lagoon is quickly gaining traction as one of the country’s best off-the-beaten-track destinations. Reached by a humid 5km (3-mile) hike, this perfectly round, turquoise lake is flanked by interpretive trails, and it’s a lovely place to swim.
Visitors can only get to the lagoon after hiking through dense areas of tropical rainforest, home to howler monkeys, tarantulas, colorful birds and tropical flowers. After working up a sweat on the way here, the deep, cool lagoon is the perfect place to dive in, cool off and relax.
Planning Tip: The park doesn’t have any restaurants, so you’ll need to bring your own water and food. The easiest way to get here is on a tour from Cobán, about 147km (91 miles) south of Laguna Lachuá in the central highlands.
Hikes through Guatemala’s green highlands will lift you up above dramatic landscapes. Rolando Estrada/Getty Images
10. Quetzaltenango
Best for relaxing in the highlands
Quetzaltenango, or Xela (pronounced shay-la) as almost everyone calls it, is a place to linger. A big city with a small-town vibe, Quetzaltenango has pretty cobblestone streets, crumbling colonial buildings and a central park bookended by an ornate cathedral. Many visitors come here to study Spanish, volunteer, or take some serious hikes in the western highlands.
With the high elevation, expect pleasantly cool evenings that are perfect for sitting out in candle-lit bars and restaurants. Spanish students mingle with NGO volunteers, and chatty local residents are happy to help out with verb conjugations. Check out Mandarina on Calle 13-21 for the best lattes and salads in town. Don’t leave without trying shecas, a local sweet bread stuffed with either beans, cheese or jam, typically consumed with afternoon coffee.
Detours: Sights worth visiting outside the city include the hot springs tucked into the forest at Fuentes Georginas, Laguna Chicabal – a sacred lake that is often shrouded in mist, reached via a five-hour tramp up a volcano – and the twin volcanoes of Volcáns Santa Maria and Volcán Santiaguito, which can both be visited on a rewarding day hike. Huehuetanango, 90km (56 miles) north of Quetzaltenango, is another good base for hikes.
11. Guatemala City
Best for neighborhood exploring
Guatemala City is Central America’s largest metropolis, and how you experience the city will depend on where you spend your time. For those looking for a soft place to land, Zone 10 is the upscale neighborhood of the city, with wide, tree-lined boulevards full of high-end restaurants, hotels and trendy shops. This is also where you’ll find Museo Ixchel, an excellent museum focused on Mayan textiles and weaving.
For a more historic vibe, head to Zone 1, home to the Parque Central and the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, once the residence of dictator General Jorge Ubico. The park is popular for street food and occasional live music, or just as a place to sit for a while and watch the city going about its business.
Heading south from Zone 1 is Paseo de la Sexta, a pedestrian-only area studded with cafes, restaurants and shops. Here, you’ll find the famous Hotel Pan American, popular with revolutionaries, artists and writers since its construction more than 70 years ago. Across the street from the hotel is the equally famous Portalito, the bar reputedly frequented by Che Guevera whenever he visited Guatemala.
Detour: Zone 4 has been transformed from a once-dicey neighborhood full of abandoned factories into a trendy area with a post-industrial vibe. Once dilapidated streets are now alive with colorful street art, art galleries, digital workspaces, craft breweries and cafes serving up local beans that have until recently been reserved for export. Coffee District is a good place to start, with city views and an easygoing vibe.
