Archives September 2024

Never underestimate humanity’s ability to turn the mad or the mundane into a competitive sport. In our pursuit of amusement, we have brought some wonderfully weird sports to the fore, which not only offer an insight into the psyche of nations but also provide travelers with an opportunity to meet eccentric – and passionate – locals.

So switch up that afternoon at the football or evening hockey game for something a little more…unique, and grab tickets to one of these weird sports around the world.

1. Sheep shearing, New Zealand

Competitive sheep shearing? Ewe better believe it. In fact, it’s kind of a big deal in New Zealand, which proudly hosts the annual Golden Shears International Championships – a lanolin-infused jamboree touted as “the Wimbledon of sheep shearing.” 

Held in the War Memorial Stadium in Masterton since 1961, the four-day event seeks to identify the world’s fastest sheep shearer, with spectators merrily fleecing themselves out of a few dollars as they bet on the outcome. The event provides an illuminating insight into local life, but it’s not all about shearing; live bands bring a party vibe to proceedings, and there’s much food and drink to be enjoyed. Can’t make the Masterton event? Fear not. Shearing competitions are also held in Europe, Australia and the US.

2. Lawnmower racing, UK

Like all the best ideas, lawnmower racing entered the world via a pub. It was 1973, and Jackie Stewart was winning his third Formula One title while a group of wannabe racers from West Sussex dreamed of making motorsport – historically the preserve of the wealthy – more accessible to the masses.

Over a few pints they came up with lawnmower racing, which now has its own governing body – the British Lawn Mower Racing Association (BLRA) – and a 30-race championship that runs from May to October. Most races are part of larger rural events, such as the Cranleigh Show in Surrey, where spectators can experience other eccentric pursuits such as ferret racing. The BLRA remains defiantly uncommercial and donates all profits to charity. It also advises spectators to bring packed lunches with them to races.

3. Lucha libre, Mexico

Part sport, part amateur dramatics, lucha libre is a form of freestyle wrestling with a devoted fan base in its native Mexico. Mexico City is home to two legendary Lucha Libre venues: Arena México, known as “The Cathedral of Lucha Libre,” and Arena Coliseo, one of the oldest wrestling arenas in the country. Both offer thrilling experiences for fans of Mexican wrestling. 

Competitors are renowned for their elaborate masks, which keep their identities a secret. That’s until they are defeated in a high-stakes fight, which often requires losers to reveal their faces (other ignominious forfeits include having their heads shaved).

It certainly makes for compelling viewing, and the tequila-charged atmosphere adds to the sense of occasion. Don’t forget to bring some loose change: when spectators are impressed by a victorious wrestler, they throw money at them. The coins are then collected by the wrestler and stored in a commemorative vase to remind them of the victory.

4. Wife carrying, Finland

Legend has it this curious sport is a nod to the ancient custom of wife stealing, whereby gangs of Finnish robbers supposedly raided villages and made off with other men’s wives.

Mercifully, this nefarious activity has been confined to the pages of folk tales. But in an amusing subversion of this fabled criminal act, wife carrying continues, albeit with consenting females, who acrobatically cling to male counterparts as they navigate an assault course – climbing over large wooden obstacles and plunging headlong into cold-water pools in the process. The quickest pair win the wife’s weight in beer. As you might expect, much lager is consumed on the sidelines too, particularly in Sonkajärvi, Finland, which hosts the original Wife Carrying Championships in July. Competitions also take place in Australia, Estonia, Hong Kong, the US and UK. And before you ask, no, the participating couples don’t actually have to be married.

20 unmissable extreme sports (and where to try them)

5. Kabaddi, India

A variation of a game most of us played in the schoolyard, kabaddi is a lot like tag, only with a rulebook and scoring system that could reduce a child to tears. In essence: two teams of seven players face off on a rectangular arena. One player from the offensive team, the “raider,” crosses the midline in the center of the play area and attempts to tag as many opposition players as possible. If the raider makes it back to their team’s side, that team scores a point for every opposition player tagged. However, the other team is able to physically restrain the player from making it back, in which case the team scores nothing. An additional point is awarded if the raider steps over the “bonus line.” Also, this must all be done in a single breath. Simple enough, right?

Though considered a national sport in Bangladesh, it is India that has perhaps the most competitive league. Dubbed the Pro Kabaddi, it unfolds dramatically in stadiums across the country, where players twist, kick, duck and dive around the arena, cheered on by huge, vociferous crowds spilling from the grandstands.

6. Chess boxing, international

Brains and brawn combine in this thinking person’s combat sport, which brings together the unlikely bedfellows of boxing and chess. Matches unfold over 11 rounds – six chess, five boxing – and competitors (or “nerdletes,” as the nerdy athletes are known) must either KO their opponents in the ring or outwit them on the chessboard.

The sport is popular in India (the believed birthplace of chess), but the best place to watch a match is in London, where spectators can enjoy the all-out action of a big fight mixed with the quiet suspense of a chess match (plus a series of weird and wonderful ringside performances between bouts) that culminates in one of the Big Smoke’s most memorable nights out. Fights are organized by Chess Boxing Nation and take place throughout the year.

7. Call of Duty Championship, US

It was once something you begrudgingly did while waiting for your turn on Mario Kart, but now watching other people play computer games is a bona fide spectator sport, with e-sport events now taking place all over the world (and also streaming to huge audiences online).

It’s particularly popular in the US, where fans pay upwards of $50 to watch pro players battle it out in the biggest shoot-‘em-up of all: Call of Duty. The first-person shooter series, which has been a firm favorite with gamers for over a decade, has its own World League Championship. The tournament’s winning team nets a cool $2.5 million. The leaked Call of Duty League 2025 schedule suggests five Majors over seven months, with Major 1 in Barcelona from February 6-9 and the CDL Championship in Toronto from June 26-29. Speculated locations for the remaining Majors include Dallas, Florida, and Chicago, though exact dates and cities for Majors 2-4 are still unconfirmed.

In terms of the spectator experience, expect a largely male and millennial crowd, who typically sit in neat rows, clutching beers and watching the drama unfold on huge screens. And just think, your parents told you playing video games would get you nowhere in life…

8. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, UK

If you think tradition and history are missing from these unusual sports, check out the cheese-rolling competition held at Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester, England. The renowned Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling event is set for Monday, May 26, 2025, during the spring bank holiday, with races kicking off at noon.

The earliest written record of the event is from 1826, though historians believe it to be much older than that. Participants chase a 7-9lb wheel of Double Gloucester down Cooper’s Hill, a steep slope that measures 200 yards long, with the first person who makes it over the finish line at the bottom of the hill being crowned the winner and taking home the cheese. The event draws thousands of spectators and athletes from all over; winners have come from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, and the US, to name just a few places.

9. Sepak Takraw, Malaysia

If we were to judge sports based solely on their difficulty, Sepak Takraw would be high on the list. Imagine volleyball using only your feet, knees, chest and head to play, as in soccer. Also known as kick volleyball, the sport was standardized in Malaysia in 1960 and is now considered the country’s national sport, although that doesn’t mean its reach is limited to Asia. 

With an international federation (called the ISTAF) consisting of 50 member countries, supporters of Sepak Takraw aim to make it an Olympic sport by 2026. With a fast pace and wild acrobatic kicks in every match, it’s easy to see why. Major events include the ISTAF SuperSeries, the ISTAF World Cup and Sepak Takraw as a medal event in the Asian Games. 

10. World Chase Tag, international

Like most people, you probably played tag when you were a kid. What if you kept at it? What if you could turn pro? Well, since 2012, you can. Founded by Christian Devaux in the UK, World Chase Tag is an international competition that combines competitive parkour with tag. Two teams face off over 16 one-on-one rounds in a 12m x 12m square full of obstacles, aiming to win the most rounds by either tagging the opponent within 20 seconds or, for the other team, evading the tagger for the allotted time. Not only are these athletes paid well for playing tag–with top competitors earning anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per event depending on sponsorships and performance–but the events are also televised on ESPN and Channel 4 in the UK. The exact earnings vary, but many athletes can also secure additional income through brand partnerships and appearance fees. Not just a game for kids anymore! 

Keep planning your next adventure

Looking for more inspiration for your adrenaline-filled travels? Check out these expert guides to help you plan the perfect sports adventure:

Best time to visit for extreme sports: 20 Unmissable Extreme Sports (and Where to Try Them)
Winter sports with a twist: 8 Wild Winter Sports from Around the World
Explore offbeat sports experiences, starting with 9 of the World’s Craziest Mini Golf Courses

For the longest time, travelers to Cambodia only had eyes for the temples of Angkor, but in recent years, the beaches and islands dotting the south coast have become a major attraction in their own right.

Sunseekers are spoiled for choice in Southeast Asia, with legendary beaches tracing the shores of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, but Cambodia can compete with the best of them when it comes to powdery sands, swaying palms and turquoise waters.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of Cambodian island-hopping, the idyllic isles off the coast near Sihanoukville have something for everyone, from die-hard party people to folks seeking sun-smooched solitude. And getting to Cambodia’s islands is easy, with regular ferries and longtail boats setting out from the mainland coast.

All you need to do to find beach perfection in Cambodia is pick your island, choose your beach, and sprawl on the sand surrounded by warm, clear waters. There’s a reason many visitors to Cambodia check in and decide to never check out!

Whether you crave a crowd or a calm escape, here’s our guide to the best beaches in Cambodia.

The best time to visit the beaches of Cambodia

It pays to consider the climate when planning a beach trip to Cambodia. From November to March, the beaches and temples bask under mostly dry skies, and temperatures are warm but not overpowering. This is also the best time to dive on the reefs around Koh Rong, but rates peak at Cambodia’s beach resorts.

Rainfall is moderate in April and early May, but temperatures can climb to uncomfortable levels, often reaching 35°C (95°F). The soggy monsoon months from June to September are not ideal for a beach trip, but it doesn’t rain all day every day, and this coincides with the summer vacation season in Europe, North America and Oceania, so there are still plenty of visitors to the south coast.

1. Long Beach, Koh Rong

Best for serene sands

Hugging the western shore of the idyllic island of Koh Rong, Long Beach – also known as Sok San Beach – is the island’s finest escape, an almost empty stretch of beyond-beautiful sands running for 7km (4.3 miles). The powder-like sand is so squeaky soft that you might be forgiven for thinking there had been an explosion in a baby powder factory!

Confusingly, the beach is sometimes known as 7km Beach thanks to its length, or Royal Sands Beach in honor of the resorts that lie at the northern and southern ends of this castaway fantasy. In case the beachfront looks familiar, the strip was used as a key filming location for the popular US television series Survivor.

Planning Tip: Motos (motorcycle taxis) can zip you around the island to other beaches, or you can charter a longtail boat for beach-to-beach transfers. 

2. Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Sanloem

Best for an easy escape from Sihanoukville

Blessed with endless sands and steamy jungles, Koh Rong Sanloem is tropical perfection. The island has three main settlements, each with its own distinct personality, but there’s no doubt that crescent-shaped Saracen Bay is the most beautiful, with a graceful curve of white sand hemming the island’s eastern shoreline.

If you are weighing up Koh Rong versus Koh Rong Sanloem, the latter is calmer and has a more barefoot vibe, with less development behind the sand. There are few roads on the island, so walking or chartering a longtail boat is the default way to get around.

Planning Tip: There are resorts to suit every budget strung along its 2.5km (1.5 miles) of sand, and this popular bay is well connected to Sihanoukville on the mainland by high-powered speedboats. Ferries also shuttle across to nearby Koh Rong.

3. Long Set Beach, Koh Rong

Best for a low-key island experience

Also known as 4km Beach thanks to its ample proportions, this stunning stretch of sand graces the south coast of Koh Rong island. It takes its name from one of the first resorts to set up shop here, but it’s still relatively undeveloped compared to neighboring Koh Tuch.

You’ll find a handful of hostels and boutique resorts lined up behind the greenery-backed sands, but it’s still pretty peaceful. To the west, Long Set is connected to busy Koh Tuch via a short forest walk, passing the rather lovely Treehouse Bungalows.

Detour: At the extreme east end of Long Set Beach, behind Koh Rong Hill Beach Resort, a short path leads to nearby Nature Beach, another pretty spray of sand that feels more exclusive.

4. Lazy Beach, Koh Rong Sanloem

Best for a family beach break

On the southwest coast of Koh Rong Sanloem, this idyllic hideaway is home to one of the most stunning beaches you’ll find anywhere. There is only one place to stay here, Lazy Beach – the agreeably rustic resort that gave the beach its name.

The basic bungalows have balconies and hammocks to take in the splendor of the sands, and the combined restaurant and lounge area is well-stocked with books and board games, making this beach a good fit for families.

5. Lagoon Beach, Koh Kong Island

Best for pristine waters

Basking off the coast north of Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s largest island rises out of seas so clear you can almost make out individual grains of sand in the shallow waters. The island has seven beaches, lined up along the west coast, and backed by coconut palms and lush vegetation, just as you’d expect in a tropical paradise.

Several of the best beaches are at the mouths of little streams – we strongly recommend the sixth beach, known as Lagoon Beach, where a narrow channel leads to a hidden lagoon.

Planning Tip: To access Koh Kong Island, you’ll need to arrange a boat tour from Koh Rong city or Tatai on the mainland; direct buses and minivans run to Koh Kong city from Phnom Penh, Kampot and Sihanoukville.

6. Koh Ta Kiev, Sihanoukville

Best for an island getaway from Sihanoukville

If your dream beach escape involves switching off and tuning out, then the little island of Koh Ta Kiev, off the coast near Ream National Park, will tick all the right boxes. Although developers are circling, for the moment the southern tip of the island retains its castaway mood.

On arrival, you’ll find a clutch of delightfully bohemian and eco-friendly budget digs and the impressive Long Beach to sprawl on. This is where the backpacking vibe of Otres Village lives on under the watchful gaze of high-rise Sihanoukville.

Planning Tip: Resorts on Koh Ta Kiev offer transfers by longtail boat from Otres Beach or Ream Beach near Sihanoukville.

7. Koh Sdach Islands, Koh Kong

Best for secluded snorkeling and diving

Just off the southwest tip of Botum Sakor National Park, the Koh Sdach Archipelago is a castaway cluster of 12 small islands, many of which have good snorkeling and scuba diving. The main island – Koh Sdach (King’s Island) – lacks beaches but it’s a great place to experience island life without the crowds.

From here you can hire a boat to explore nearby islands with blissfully empty beaches, including Koh Totang, the sand spits of the Koh Ampil islets, and the long white beaches on either side of Koh Smach. This is definitely one for adventurous beachcombers.

Planning Tip: Boats to the Koh Sdach Islands leave from the southwestern tip of Botum Sakor National Park, but you can make arrangements with the Koh Sdach Resort, or with agencies in Koh Kong city.

8. Lonely Beach, Koh Rong

Best for sustainable living

Lonely Beach is an idyllic traveler bolthole hidden away on a private beach at Koh Rong’s northern tip. There is a strong commitment to sustainability at this low-key eco-resort; cute bungalows and open-air dorms are cooled by sea breezes and all water is dispensed via coconut-shell scoop.

High season brings excursions to other islands, snorkeling trips and nightly banquets on the beach. Don’t be surprised if you never want to leave; some travelers who end up here extend their stay by months.

Planning Tip: The resort offers transfers via a daily boat service, leaving from Sihanoukville’s Royal Pier.

9. Koh Tonsay, Kep

Best for a taste of the old Cambodia

On the mainland near Kampot, Kep was Cambodia’s original beach resort, attracting the glamorous and beautiful in the country’s pre-civil-war heyday. The decades have seen a little of the polish come off, but it’s still an appealing hangout and a popular resort for locals, who are lured here by family beach fun and the city’s famous peppered crab.

For a more peaceful beach escape, head over to Koh Tonsay – Rabbit Island – accessible by boat from Kep in 20 minutes. On weekdays, a tranquil mood pervades the island’s sandy, palm-backed beaches, and there’s decent snorkeling if you have your own gear. Locals gather at the weekend for pocket-friendly seafood feasts.

A flashy new resort is under construction at the southwestern tip of the island, so focus your attention on the main beach, where a handful of bungalow places offer chilled-out accommodation, inexpensive meals, hammocks to sway in, and boat trips to tiny Koh Puos and Koh Svay, where you may spot dolphins.

Planning Tip: It’s easy to reach Rabbit Island – boats depart from Rabbit Island Pier near Kep’s main beach.

10. Koh Thmei, Sihanoukville

Best for a true castaway vibe

Koh Ta Kiev isn’t the only idyllic hideaway basking off the coast near Sihanoukville. Closer to the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc than Sihanoukville, Koh Thmei has serene, sandy beaches backed by tropical greenery but no roads, cars or phone signal – perfect if you want to truly escape from it all.

There’s just a single resort – an off-grid work of art, full of contraptions that minimize its ecological footprint. Everyone gets their own hammock swinging on the front deck, and board games and listening to the sounds of nature are the main activities in the evenings. With no other settlement or business on Koh Thmei, there’s every chance you’ll have the island to yourself.

Planning Tip: The Koh Thmei Resort arranges transfers from the pier by Ouchomna Market, about 35km from Sihanoukville, accessible via the minivans that run from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.

Europe is not just home to headlining-grabbing ski playgrounds such as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc – it’s also home to off-the-radar areas such as Spain’s remote Val d’Aran, a high-altitude skiers’ paradise famous for its steep valleys and jagged couloirs, and France’s often-overlooked Pyrenees region, where ski trails weave between ancient farming villages.

As a former snowboard instructor who has tackled slopes across Europe – including in Sweden, Norway and some seriously remote ski areas in France, Italy and Switzerland – I can guarantee that the most accessible and popular ski areas are not always the best.

Travelers heading to resorts further afield will reap huge rewards, whether that means crowd-free trails or shorter lift lines and cheaper lift passes. Here are the remote resorts worth going out of your way for in Europe.

1. Narvik, Norway

Best for Arctic Circle skiing

Fancy skiing in the Arctic Circle? Head to the resort of Narvik, an alpine skiing hotspot in Norway’s sparsely populated north. Ski here and it’s likely you’ll see the northern lights while flying down the resort’s 16 ski runs, served by six lifts. Skiing here is a slightly different experience to skiing in France or Italy. In winter, the lack of daylight means the slopes are floodlit, and the ski area has fixed opening times – from 10am to 4pm on weekends and 3pm to 8pm on weekdays.

This means plenty of time for off-piste activities, including a ride on the Arctic Train, Norway’s northernmost train service, which whisks passengers from Narvik to Bjørnfjell near the border with Sweden. When it comes to accommodation, try Camp 291, where you can stay in sleek glass cabins perched on the mountainside.

2. Fjätervålen, Sweden

Best for sustainability

This beautiful Swedish ski resort, set 451km (280 miles) north of Stockholm, has 18 slopes and a 47km (29-mile) network of cross-country skiing trails. The ski area is located between 683m (2240ft) and 1003m (3290ft), but what it lacks in altitude, it makes up for with epic views. 

Skiing in this remote corner of Sweden, you’ll enjoy gorgeous vistas of snow-dusted forests, and even have a chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis. Another reason to love this resort is its sustainability ethos – all the electricity used is renewable, there are numerous charging points for electric cars and LED lighting can be found throughout the resort.

3. Großglockner, Austria

Best for natural beauty

Austria’s most popular ski regions include North and South Tyrol, but for crowd-free skiing and breathtaking views, it’s hard to beat the East Tyrol region, separated from the rest of Austria by the Central Alps. It’s a ski area that feels wonderfully remote, with few major roads and just a handful of ski resorts.

Großglockner is one of Austria’s largest ski areas, with 43km (27 miles) of trails, 55km (34 miles) of cross-country tracks and a ski season that lasts from December until April. Here, après-ski isn’t about knocking back Jägerbombs in slopeside bars – it’s about exploring this wonderfully wild region on guided hikes through Hohe Tauern National Park, and stargazing and eagle-spotting sessions with local naturalists. It’s also a resort that offers fantastic value for money – children aged under six ski for free.

4. Baqueira-Beret, Spain

Best for off-piste skiing

Set in the Catalan Pyrenees, Baqueira-Beret is a resort that still feels wonderfully wild, although it’s admittedly more accessible than it once was. You’ll find it in Spain’s Val d’Aran, a Pyrenean valley that was once so cut off from the rest of the country that it developed its own language and culture.

A three-hour drive from Barcelona will deliver you to 169km (105 miles) of slopes that climb to 2500m (8202ft) above sea level. The ski region is divided into four distinct areas: Baqueira, Beret, Bonaigua and Baciver. Top trails include Escornacabres, a fantastic off-piste descent popular with adrenaline junkies. Fun fact: The name Escornacabres means “the place where goats die.”

5. Les Orres, France

Best resort in the Southern Alps

Les Orres, in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France, is proof that venturing away from the larger ski areas pays dividends. Perched at 5400m (17,717ft) above sea level, the resort is famous for its spectacular night skies and laidback way of life. The lack of light pollution makes it a great spot for stargazing.

Les Orres boasts 100km (62 miles) of slopes, served by 17 lifts, and the resort is known for being incredibly snow-sure due to its north-facing position, although the Southern Alps location brings plenty of sunshine. Come here in late March or April and you’ll likely see skiers taking to the slopes in T-shirts.

6. Aletsch Arena, Switzerland

Best for sunny slopes

Ski areas don’t get more stunning than Aletsch Arena – a network of snow-blanketed slopes close to Switzerland’s Aletsch Glacier, the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the Alps. There are 103km (64 miles) of slopes located between 1845m (6053ft) and 2896m (9501ft) above sea level, and most of the accommodation is ski-in, ski-out.

It’s also one of the sunniest places in Europe to ski, with 300 days of sunshine a year and a wide range of off-piste activities designed to showcase the surrounding landscapes. Try a visit to the pretty Maria Zum Schnee chapel, built in 1697 and now a listed building, or take a few laps of the ice rink you’ll find beneath the Bettmerhorn cable car.

7. Sella Nevea–Kanin, Italy and Slovenia

Best for spectacular backdrops

The Sella Nevea–Kanin ski area straddles the border between Italy and Slovenia and it’s known for being extremely snow-sure – the ski season typically runs from November to June, and there’s fantastic backcountry terrain waiting for those who love to venture off-piste.

The resort’s 29km (18 miles) of slopes are best suited to beginners and intermediate skiers, who can soak up gorgeous views while exploring the resort’s well-maintained slopes – on sunny days, you’ll enjoy views as far as the Gulf of Trieste.

When you think of swaying palms, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters in Southeast Asia, Vietnam might not be the first country that comes to mind.

Let’s change that.

Among its myriad other natural wonders, the country’s 3400km (2113 miles) of coast hides more than its fair share of resplendent beaches – not to mention the handful of tropical, coral-ringed islands bobbing off shore. Whether you’re looking for a stretch of sand adjacent to one of the country’s buzzing cities, a spot suitable for families or a quiet cove to escape the crowds, our list of the best beaches in Vietnam has you covered.

1. Nha Trang

Best city beach

Forming a magnificent sweeping arc, Nha Trang’s 6km-long (3.75-mile-long) golden-sand beach is the city’s trump card. Sections are roped off and designated for safe swimming (where you won’t be bothered by Jet Skis or boats); two popular lounging spots are the Sailing Club and Louisiane Brewhouse. If you prefer tanning alone, head south toward the airport to avoid the majority of the crowds.

Consider setting out on one of the many reasonably priced island-hopping tours offered along the beach, which include lunch and snorkeling. The beaches north of Nha Trang, around Ninh Van Bay, are also worthy of a day trip.

Planning tip: Full-day boat trips out to the islands are very value priced but expect to join a very full boat. For a more relaxed experience, check out Rainbow Divers which runs daily snorkeling and diving tours.

2. Mui Ne

Best beach for kitesurfing

Mui Ne was once the jewel of Vietnam’s beach resorts – yet in recent years, harsh tides have eroded much of its golden beach, while overdevelopment has eroded much of its charm. Even so, there are still some nice sections of sand tucked away here, ideal (in season) for those who like to party at night and snooze on chaise lounges during the day. Kitesurfing is also a huge draw: there are several excellent schools and world-class wind conditions between late October and April. The opening of the Dau Giay-Phan Thiet highway in mid-2023 has cut down travel time between Ho Chi Minh City and Mui Ne from 4½ hours to a little over two.

Planning tip: The Mui Ne Kitesurfing School teaches kitesurfing, traditional surfing and stand up paddle boarding in six languages using IKO-certified instructors.

3. Phu Quoc

Best beach for island hopping

Fringed with white-sand beaches and with large tracts of the interior still cloaked in dense tropical jungle, Phu Quoc has rapidly morphed from a sleepy island backwater to a must-visit beach escape for Western expats and sun-seeking tourists. With its picture-perfect white sand and mineral-water-clear sea, Sao Beach is probably the pick of the lot – yet if you venture off alone and you might find a section of sand all to yourself.

Island-hopping tours visit the islands off of Phu Quoc’s southern coast or its lesser-visited northern coast. You can also catch the reasonably priced, 8km-long (5-mile-long) cable car from the An Thoi Station on the island’s far south to Hon Thom Island – and enjoy panoramic views of these alluring islands during the ride.

4. Ho Coc

Best beach for a HCMC getaway

With golden sands, clear waters and a journey time from Ho Chi Minh City of just 2½ hours, this beach – which stretches for almost 10km (6.25 miles) north of Ho Tram – makes a tempting place to stop. Ho Coc is getting increasingly busy with visitors from HCMC, especially on weekends – but on weekdays, it still remains peaceful.

5. My Khe

Best beach for people-watching

My Khe is fast becoming Danang’s easternmost suburb. In the early morning and evening, the beach fills up with city folk doing tai chi. Tourists emerge during peak suntanning hours; locals prefer the evening, when fishermen still cast off from the sands in their coracle boats. The water can have a dangerous undertow, especially in winter, however, it’s protected by the bulk of the mountain peninsula Nui Son Tra.

6. An Bang

Best beach for endless views

Just 3km (2 miles) north of Hoi An, An Bang is one of Vietnam’s most happening and enjoyable beaches, with a wonderful stretch of fine sand (with less of the serious erosion evident at Cua Dai) and an expansive view of the sea interrupted only by the distant Cham Islands. Staying at the beach and visiting Hoi An on day trips is a good strategy for a relaxing visit to the area.

7. Cat Ba

Best beach for an off-season visit

Rugged, craggy and jungle-clad Cat Ba is the largest island in Halong Bay and a stop-off for some of the many tourist boat trips around the UNESCO-listed region. To that end, the island can get very busy, somewhat shattering the serenity. Yet if you visit during the quieter months, you’ll find beaches that are up there with the best in Vietnam. The three beaches of Cat Co Cove, a 10-minute walk southeast from Cat Ba Town, are perhaps the pick of the bunch.

8. Con Son

Best beach for sheer natural beauty

Isolated from the mainland, the Con Dao islands are one of Vietnam’s star attractions. For decades a site where political prisoners and undesirables were detained, they now draw visitors with their striking natural beauty. The largest of the chain of 15 islands and islets, Con Son is ringed with lovely beaches, coral reefs and scenic bays, and remains partially covered in tropical forests. Just an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City (or a longer ferry ride from several southern cities), Con Son remains relatively undeveloped, more popular with local Vietnamese as a historic site rather than a beach destination. Which is all the more reason to get there soon.

9. Doc Let

Best beach for white sand and shallow waters

Stretching for 18km (11 miles), the chalk-white sands and shallow turquoise waters of Doc Let ensure its place among Vietnam’s best beaches. Unfortunately, the world has caught on – and in recent years, developers have moved in big time, attracting busloads of tourists on tours from Nha Trang. Keep heading north along the coast for more-secluded spots, including Bai Bau and Bai Xep.

10. My Khe Beach

Best beach for shallow waters and family fun

Not to be confused with Danang’s beach of the same name, this My Khe is located a short distance from Quang Ngai in central Vietnam, and boasts a superb beach with fine white sand and good swimming. It stretches for kilometers along a thin, casuarina-lined spit of sand, separated from the mainland by Song Kinh Giang, a body of water just inland from the beach. If you avoid holidays and weekends you’ll have a good chance of having the pretty stretch largely to yourself. The shoreline’s profile has a gentle shelf, making it great (and safe) for children.

Finding the perfect place to ski in Europe is like falling in love. My first experience was in Avoriaz in France. I was slopeside eating a melted raclette panini – bubbling and oozing in my gloved hand – with the sweet tang of local cheese like a hot gourmet love letter. Surrounded by lyrical accents, fang-like mountains and toe-tapping techno, Cupid’s arrow hit my heart. Somewhere, your ski-slope love affair is waiting to be discovered.  

And there’s a blizzard of choice out there. Among the starring peaks (like Verbier and Val d’Isère) you’ll find spots that would be headline acts anywhere else: quiet achievers like the 25 linked resorts of Ski Amadé (named after nearby Salzburg-local Mozart) or Switzerland’s sweet little Bettmeralp. 

So whether you’re seeking lonely lift lines or buzzing après-ski dance floors, we’ll help you find the perfect place in Europe to plant your poles.

1. Selva, Italy

Best for distance 

In Italy’s Dolomites, take a 40km (25-mile) “ski-fari” around the Sella Ronda, skiing your way from resort to resort using only one ski pass. Circling the huge limestone formation of the Sella massif, the route dips through four culturally ancient Ladin valleys and five mountain passes. You can keep your ski or board permanently attached ⁠— and even get towed by a horse through the Hidden Valley.

There are other, longer ski circuits in the region, like Ski Alberg’s 85km (53-mile) Run of Fame, and the 12 Portes Du Soleil resorts straddle both France and Switzerland, but the Sella Ronda’s drawcard is that it’s in Italy, where skiers can combine la dolce vita with stunning Dolomites scenery.

Formed by a giant prehistoric coral reef 200 million years ago, the UNESCO-listed mountains are streaked in a myriad of hues – catch the dawn and dusk enrosadira phenomenon, or alpenglow, when the rocky peaks blush pink.

Selva is the perfect base in Val Gardena, with direct access to the Sella Ronda via the Costabella chair lift. Bonuses include nearby tiny towns like church-studded Ortisei. 

Best alternative for distance: Limber up for Les Trois Vallées, the largest interlinked ski area in Europe with over 600km (373 miles) of pistes. Base yourself in charming Méribel in the heart of the valleys for all area access.

2. St Anton, Austria

Best for après ski 

Bare-chested, bearded mountain men dance on tables and no one even notices. Slopeside at St Anton’s MooserWirt ⁠— one of the wildest après outposts in Austria, if not the world ⁠— the crowd goes crazy like a Eurovision audience drinking schnapps shots and steins of beer. It’s an outdoor, joyful mass of humanity living their best lives, encapsulating Austria in a nutshell ⁠— or a shot glass. Imagine a funfest of people dancing like it’s 1999 to a playlist that is often from 1999.

The 3pm après bar crawl starts along Piste 1, beginning at relatively tame Heustadl and continuing to Sennhütte before culminating at the full-tilt MooserWirt. Pro tip: finding your skis post-party is like wading through metal avalanche debris. Stow them somewhere memorable.

The ski area itself (part of Ski Arlberg) is an amphitheater of frozen peaks soaring like static sails, where the gourmet experiences are as hectic as the afternoon shenanigans (don’t miss deliciously sweet Kaiserschmarren pancakes at the Alm Hospitz). 

Best alternative for après ski: Head to the cumbersomely named Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn, which boasts more than 30 bars. Try the locally distilled Bartl Enn Schnapps, regarded as some of Europe’s best.

3. Crans Montana, Switzerland

Best for freestylers

“Build it and they will come”, believed 20-something Alaïa Chalet founder Sam Bonvin, and he was right. Well known as the home of Bond actor Roger Moore, Crans Montana (until 2017 it was two villages of upmarket Crans and Montana), is experiencing a generational twist where fur-wearing is out and froth is in. 

Bonvin’s one-stop-freestyle-spot Alaïa Chalet was a catalyst with trampolines, indoor skate ramps, foam pits, bowls outdoor skatepark, lodge, action sport camps and Alaïa Bay, a mechanical surf pool. 

Up on the 150km (93 miles) of slopes, the resort cemented its freestyle status by hosting Red Bull’s 2022 The Nines event, prompting the low-pant-wearing brigade to arrive carting GoPros and fresh energy with them. The Alaïa Parks by Tudor is the largest snowpark in Western Switzerland, boasting a Main Park stretching 100,000 sq m (1,076,391 sq ft) over two sites.

In the town, creative urban art from the Vision Art Festival (including over 80 murals) mixes with traditional carvings, creating a tale of old happily meeting new. 

Best alternative for freestylers: Watch the Mottolino Snowpark in Livigno in Italy as it ramps up to host the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic freestyle competition.

4. Borovets, Bulgaria

Best for budget skiers

A bang-for-your-buck bonanza with lift tickets for but 85 lv (€43, or $47), Bulgaria is a hands-down winner for budget skiers. The former aristocratic playground of Borovets was tarred by the UK-tour-package push in the 2000s, but post-pandemic it’s been rediscovered as having all the trimmings. It’s located about an hour from Sofia airport, and has a ski school and rentals. Plus, eating out nightly costs half the price of a catered chalet in France.

Beginners seeking low-cost commitment are the main market and the skiing terrain of 58km (36 miles) with a longest run of 12km (7.5 miles) among atmospheric pine forests over-delivers. Regarding the village, the main drag is a package holiday town on snow, with a smattering of currency converters, English-style bars and local-style tavernas called mehana with traditional food and music. 

Best alternative for budget: Bansko is a cosmopolitan step up with notable nightlife (visualize roaming saxophonists at après), a cobblestone town and even a Kempinski hotel. It costs more than Borovets, but you get what you pay for.

5. Zermatt, Switzerland

Best for non-skiers

If you know someone on the brink of joining the snow tribe, Zermatt will entice them over the edge with mountain-focused, non-skiing encounters.  

The car-free glamorpuss of Zermatt is known to skiers for the omnipresent Matterhorn, the highest lifted ski point in Europe (3899m/12,759ft) and 360km (223 miles) of riding. 

But the big news for non-skiers is the Glacier II gondola opening, the final link of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing connecting Swiss Zermatt to Italy’s Breuil-Cervinia. The 90-minute trip includes the summit Glacier Paradise station and point-blank glacier views. 

Then there’s the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis, which tracks the village’s fortunes from poor farming hamlet to international magnet (including the broken rope from the Matterhorn’s tragic first ascent). Try wandering the 500-year-old Hinterdorf alley, with its crooked wooden buildings, and riding the 125-year-old Gornergrat cog railway to Europe’s highest-altitude hotel, the Kulmhotel Gornergrat.

Best alternative for non-skiers: Buzzing Chamonix in France is the grande dame of mountaineering, with a pedestrian main street, shopping, belle epoque architecture and Aigle du Midi cable car (3842m/12,604ft) up Mt Blanc.

6. Avoriaz 1800, France

Best for design lovers  

Ah, Avoriaz. Love it or hate it, there’s nowhere like this futuristic, snowbound village perched on a spectacular balcony at 1800m (5905ft).

The location seems impossible, coiled like a cat poised to freefall into the Morzine Valley. And if the location doesn’t stun, the mimetic architecture will. The collection of acutely angled, red cedar shingle-covered buildings, each more bizarre than the last, melds organically with the mountain. Avoriaz was a wild gamble involving three renegade architects under 30 (Jacques Labro, Jean-Jacques Orzoni and Jean-Marc Roques) in 1966. It was built to be environmentally focused way before sustainability was a “thing,” using passive heating principles and mainly natural materials.

With a seasonal snowfall average of around 7.5m (24ft), Avoriaz is France’s snowiest ski resort – a reason alone to visit. Throw in its Portes du Soleil address with linked slopes and a trip here becomes as unique as a Savoyard snowflake.

Best alternative for design lovers: The French went hard on brutalist high-altitude resorts in the ’60s. Once maligned due to their appearance, ski areas like Val Thorens and La Plagne are now lauded as snow-sure, forward-thinking masterpieces. 

7. Scandinavia

Best for early- and late-season skiing

Scandinavia is the cool kid on the block – literally – from blazing northern lights to traditional Sami ice-bound culture and remote wilderness. If you’re a passionate connoisseur of skiing, at some point, you’ll dig an edge into Scandinavia.

Think of a ski trip here as a winter holiday based around skiing rather than a pure ski trip. Imagine skiing in Levi, Finland under the Aurora Borealis, nuzzling reindeer after visiting Santa in Saariselkä or hitting peak hygge after a cold plunge and sauna basically anywhere.

SkiScandinavia is the local expert, organizing trips including to Sweden’s largest alpine ski area, Sälen, and Norway’s largest Alpine ski area, Trysil located either side of Scandinavia Mountains Airport.  

Best alternative for early- and late-season skiing: Riksgränsen, a freeriding hot spot 16 hours’ drive north of Stockholm opens in February when the sun appears and stays open til midsummer, with skiing under the midnight sun.

Springtime in the USA is a varied – and sometimes unpredictable – thing. Depending on where you are, you may experience warm, sunny days and wildflowers, soaking spring showers, or full-on snowstorms. But variety is the spice of life and one thing is universal: the infectious energy springtime brings as the northern hemisphere shakes off the winter chill in favor of the warmer days ahead.

Here are our favorite springtime destinations across the US, whether you’re looking for wildflowers, beaches, or simply good vibes. 

1. Central Texas

Best for wildflowers

Come April, Texas bluebonnets bloom into a gorgeous wave of indigo that covers acres and acres of fields in the countryside surrounding San Antonio and Austin, through hill country and beyond. And the bluebonnets don’t stand alone – you’ll also see prickly poppies, firewheels, winecups and more, all bringing their vibrant colors to Texas’ wide-open fields. 

Several towns embrace bluebonnet fever: Fredericksburg, Ennis and Chappell Hill are well-known bases for wildflower drives and hold festivals celebrating the flower season. 

While wildflower tourism can be extremely rewarding, it’s also important to be responsible: don’t cross fences onto private property, don’t walk through blooming fields, and of course, don’t pick the flowers! 

2. Central California Coast

Best all-around

While the gorgeous stretch of California coast from Pismo Beach to Monterey is an incredible place to visit year-round, a springtime trip boasts unique rewards – and a lot of them. Visiting in early spring may mean having to dodge a rain shower or two, but you’ll beat the majority of the summer crowd; late spring yields beautiful, balmy weather and a show of wildflowers that ranks among the best in the world. Head to Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County to see one of California’s famous superblooms, or witness colorful wildflowers among the sand at Oceano Dunes. 

If you turn your eyes oceanward, you may also catch the gray whale migration, which begins in March as the magnificent mammals travel south to Baja California.

Planning tip: Hwy 1 is the main artery through the central California coast, and it serves up one of the best road trips in the country. The road is at risk for landslides, however, so always check conditions on Caltrans before booking your hotel and/or hitting the road.

3. Gulf beaches, Alabama and Florida

Best for swimming

Springtime is still a bit early to be hitting the water without a wetsuit in much of the US, but thanks to its relatively shallow depth, the Gulf of Mexico is one of the first places to heat up. If you’re hankering for an ocean dip, make your way to the powdery gulf beaches in Alabama and Florida for maximum fun in the sun.

This shimmering stretch of coastline harbors tons of beaches, all with different vibes. The Gulf Islands National Seashore encompasses barrier islands in both Florida and Mississippi, delivering all the beauty of the coast without any of the development. Head further east for the convivial beach towns Destin and Panama City Beach, and hang south for gorgeous Clearwater. 

Planning tip: While spring crowds are generally smaller than summer ones, things can get a little rowdy around spring break (usually mid-March), when schools and colleges let out for the week. Some beaches are bigger spring destinations than others, so do your research before you book.

4. Chicago, IL

Best city break

Chicago’s winters are the stuff of legend, but in April through June the city is breaking free from its clutches and striding towards summer. Ask any Chicagoan and they’ll tell you: as soon as the snow thaws, the city comes alive with a magnetic social energy that cannot be denied. Patio restaurants along the lake and river begin putting out their chairs and folks take to the lakefront en masse for strolls and bike rides. Baseball season also begins with the White Sox’s home opener in late March and the Cubs’ in early April; Chicago is one of the country’s preeminent baseball towns, so check a game off the ol’ bucket list. 

A visit in March may still be a little chilly, but it’s also when Chicago goes gangbusters for its famous St Patrick’s Day celebration – the city dyes the river green and bursts with parades and pub crawls.

5. Utah’s national parks

Best for hiking

Utah’s national park corridor encompasses some of the country’s most emblematic protected areas, and you can access many of them on a single trip. 

Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches are a winning trifecta when it comes to spring travel. Not only will you be skipping the scalding temperatures that come in summer, but desert blooms contrast against the surrounding Martian landscape and historic orchards begin flowering, making for some striking trailside scenery. 

Further west, it’s also possible to visit Zion and Bryce in spring, though you may encounter snow and ice early in the season. Even if you do, both locations look amazing with a dusting of snow. 

Planning tip: Spring is a busy time to visit most of these parks (folks generally don’t fancy hiking in 110°F weather in July), so plan ahead if you’ve got your heart set on certain campgrounds and hotels. Book your car rental and accommodations early.

6. Colorado Rockies

Best for snow seekers

The high-altitude Colorado Rockies experience somewhat erratic weather in the spring, and while that may be a pain for the hikers, it’s a blessing for the skiers. Snowstorms alternate with warmer, sunny afternoons, making for beautiful days on the slopes. Plus, early spring usually has the deepest snow of the year and fewer crowds than the January to February high season. Breckenridge is known for its long-lasting ski season thanks to its higher elevation, often staying open until May. Arapahoe Basin and Winter Park also offer good spring skiing options.

But the actual skiing is only part of the fun – the resorts themselves bring the energy in spring, opening their patios and hosting more parties and festivals.

7. Miami, FL

Best for cultural happenings

We all know Miami knows how to party, and spring is the perfect time to catch some of the city’s most lively cultural happenings. Spring opens with a bang thanks to Miami’s month-long Carnaval celebration, which features the famous Calle Ocho Music Festival. March also welcomes other big music festivals like Jazz in the Gardens and Ultra, and the city heaves with music lovers of all genres. 

April welcomes all things technicolor, too, with both the huge Youth Fair and Miami Beach Pride. April and May are also Miami’s Attraction and Museum Months, where major sights around the city offer special deals and exhibits. 

8. Washington, DC

Best for cherry blossoms

We know, this isn’t the most groundbreaking pick out there, but some things are well-known for a reason. Washington, DC’s original cherry blossoms (a whopping 3020 of them!) were gifted to the US by Japan in 1912 as a token of friendship; a few years later, President Taft sent dogwoods to Japan as a gesture of gratitude. Today the blossoms blanket the city in pink from the end of March through early April – consult one of the online bloom forecasts so you don’t miss their peak. 

The official Cherry Blossom Festival has been running since 1935, and it features parades, art shows, live music, a kite festival and fireworks.

Planning tip: Washington, DC’s cherry blossoms are internationally renowned, so things will be, in a word, busy. Our tip? Skip the car and use public transportation to get around – that way you won’t lose valuable time stuck in gridlock.

9. Tennessee State Parks

Best for camping

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park may get all the praise when it comes to spring travel in the southeast, but we suggest expanding your view a bit. Springtime in Tennessee is one for the books, whether you’re wandering impossibly green Appalachia in the east, exploring the waterfall circuit in the central part of the state, or paddling the cypress swamps out west. The weather is balmy, everything is blooming, and water levels are high from spring showers so sparkling cascades and creeks are at their most impressive. Tennessee’s excellent state park system lets you experience all of this up close via its numerous well-managed campgrounds, and you won’t have to fight national park crowds to do it.

Planning tip: All this beauty does have one catch: spring storms in Tennessee are common, particularly in April. They’re usually strong and quick-moving, so always be careful and stay connected if you’re outside; if you’re worried about a washout, book an extra day on either end just in case you have to change plans. 

Icelandic water is some of the purest and cleanest in the world. And Icelanders have turned enjoying this natural resource into an art and a science. The Blue Lagoon is just the beginning. From sprawling lagoon complexes with multi-step bathing rituals to tiny secluded natural pools, you’ll find a variety of geothermal facilities across the country.

Different types of geothermal experiences in Iceland

Spas: These sprawling spa complexes tap into Iceland’s crystal-clear geothermal water and take things up a notch with bath rituals, massages and more.

Hidden gems: Spending a lot of money isn’t your only option. Lots of tiny geothermal pools are scattered across Iceland and cost a fraction of the price.

Local pools: Icelanders take swimming seriously and some public pools are closer to what foreign visitors may call waterparks, but with hot tubs. Visiting is a cultural experience.

Reykjavík and around

1. Bláa Lónið/Blue Lagoon (Reykjanes Peninsula)

When you think of Iceland, no doubt one of the first things that comes to
mind is the Blue Lagoon. Walking out in a fluffy white bathrobe to milky-blue
water surrounded by lava, is the epitome of relaxation and luxury. With its silver towers, roiling clouds of steam, and people daubed in white silica mud, it’s an otherworldly place. Those who say it’s too commercial and too crowded aren’t wrong, but you’ll be missing something special if you don’t go. Pre-booking is essential.

Pro tip: Go early in the morning or after 6pm to avoid crowds. Load up on conditioner (provided with admission) as the minerals in the water can be hard on hair.

2. Sundhöll Reykjavíkur (City Center)

Our top pick for a Reykjavík city-center swim. Located near Hallgrímskirkja, the complex has a sauna, steam rooms, cold plunge pools and several heated pools. Admission costs a fraction of what you’d pay for the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon. There are no cocktails to sip or selfie spots to visit, just warm Icelandic water and a truly authentic local experience.

3. Hvammsvík Hot Springs (Hvalfjörður)

Book ahead to soak in these scenic hot pools perched along the fjord, just 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Eight geothermal pools dot the shoreline, with some positioned so close to the water’s edge that sea spray mingles with the warm springs. Take an invigorating cold plunge in the fjord between soaks if you dare.

The Westfjords

4. Krossneslaug (Norðurfjörður)

Krossneslaug is a geothermal (infinity) pool and natural hot pot that shouldn’t be missed. Up a dirt track about 2 miles (3km) beyond Norðurfjörður, you’ll park, then walk down to where it sits at the edge of the universe on a wild black-pebble beach. It’s an incredible place to watch the midnight sun flirt with the roaring waves.

Pro tip: Despite having official opening hours, the pool is accessible night and day via machine payment.

5. Reykjarfjarðarlaug (Southwest Peninsulas)

At the head of tiny Reykjarfjörður are the glorious geothermal pools of Reykjarfjarðarlaug. Up front there’s a concrete pool (90°F/32°C), but the real treat is 30 paces out back – a piping hot (113°F/45°C), natural, turf-fringed pool. And all around are soaring seabirds, mountains and fjord views. The pools are 14 miles (23km) southeast of Bíldudalur and 10 miles (17km) west of the junction with Rte 60.

West Iceland

6. Akranes & Guðlaug Geothermal Pools (Akranes)

Akranes offers two bathing experiences that can be enjoyed in a single afternoon: Jaðarsbakkalaug, a family-friendly outdoor complex featuring a 25m pool, hot tubs, steam bath and waterslide. Just minutes away on Langisandur beach, you’ll find the free-to-enter Guðlaug Natural Pool, a cleverly-designed three-level pool overlooking the ocean that’s loved by sea swimmers and is wonderful for relaxing. 

7. Lýsuhólslaug Geothermal Bath (Southern Snæfellsnes)

This old country pool is filled with naturally hot mineral water rich in green algae and various minerals considered to have healing properties. The water bubbles at a perfect 98°F to 102°F (37°C to 39°C). From the pool, bathers can enjoy the view of Lýsuhyrna mountain. Find it just beyond the horse ranch at Lýsuhóll.

8. Húsafell Pool & Canyon Baths (Borgarbyggð)

In Húsafell you’ll find a geothermal pool with hot tubs
and a waterslide. You can also join a two-hour
guided hiking and bathing tour to the Húsafell
Canyon Baths (pre-booked visits only). The trail leads past natural
wonders, including Langfoss waterfall.

9. Krauma (Reykholt)

A mix of water from neighboring Deildartunguhver (Europe’s most powerful hot spring) and glacial
water is the perfect recipe for a relaxing soak in Krauma’s five multi-temperature hot pots. Additionally, it has a cold tub, two saunas
and a relaxation room where guests can doze
off by the fireplace before visiting the restaurant on-site.

 South Iceland

10. Seljavallalaug (Seljavellir)

Built in 1923, this is one of the oldest pools in Iceland. While the historic 25m pool offer free entry and stunning mountain views, be aware it’s unmanned and minimally maintained. The natural algae can make surfaces slippery. Despite this, it’s a worthwhile detour while traveling along the South Coast.

11. Laugarvatn Fontana (Golden Circle)

These steam rooms at Laugarvatn Fontana are located directly on top of the hot springs, allowing the sounds and scents to seep through the wooden floors (and making it hard to do anything but relax). The complex also includes a collection of outdoor mineral baths. Don’t miss the playful stone artwork surrounding the pool or the panoramic view from the hot tub. If you’d prefer a traditional Finnish sauna, there’s one of those here as well. 

Pro tip: Time your visit around daily local geothermal bakery tours to watch fresh pots of bread emerge from hot black sand. Sample one-of-a-kind fresh bread with local smoked trout and Icelandic butter.

Southwest Iceland

12. Gamla Laugin/Secret Lagoon (Flúðir)

The remote oasis of Gamla Laugin traces its history to 1891. Otherwise known as the Secret Lagoon it isn’t as picturesque as the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon, but it’s a peaceful place for a relaxing soak in nature at a fraction of the price. There are no eucalyptus steam rooms, multi-step bathing rituals, saunas or swim-up bars, but the Secret Lagoon does have the basics covered. You’ll find changing rooms, restrooms, showers, lockers and a cafe on-site. 

Pro tip: Increasingly popular, the lagoon gets packed with tour-bus crowds in mid-afternoon, so come earlier or later.

13. Hveragarðurinn/Geothermal Park (Hveragerði)

The geothermal park Hverasvæðið, in the center of Hveragerði, has mud pots and steaming pools where visitors can dip their feet (but no more). Groups can book ahead for a guided walk to learn about the area’s unique geology and greenhouse power.

14. Reykjadalur/Hot River Valley (Hveragerði)

Reykjadalur is a delightful geothermal valley near Hveragerði, where there’s a hot river you can bathe in. There are maps at the tourist information office to find the trail. From the trailhead car park it’s a 1.85 miles (3km) hike through fields of sulphur-belching plains (it takes roughly one hour one way). Stick to marked paths (lest you melt your shoes) and leave no rubbish.

 East Iceland

15. Vök Baths (Egilsstaðir)

Iceland’s only floating infinity pools are filled with geothermal water from Urriðavatn lake. Since opening in 2019, the top-of-the-line Vök Baths has been a default destination
for those seeking to soak in hot water at the edge of a cold
lake. It’s an architectural delight with a swim-up bar serving
a selection of colorful teas. Located 3 miles (5km) from the regional
capital of Egilsstaðir.

North Iceland

16. Mývatn Nature Baths (Mývatn)

Steam rises in wisps from these mineral-rich waters overlooking Lake Mývatn, a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon where locals still outnumber tourists. This is a perfect Ring Road pitstop, especially at sunset, While currently undergoing a major renovation, a major expansion is set to open later in 2025, bringing new facilities.

17. Forest Lagoon (Akureyri)

Open since 2022, the luxury spa resort of Forest Lagoon boasts views over Akureyri and two overlapping baths of varying temperatures. The Finish dry sauna is superb, and some guests move ritually in and out of the cold plunge pool, while a faint smell of burning wood from the fireplace inside fills the calm outdoor scene. It leans more towards relaxation rather than Iceland’s pool culture of socializing; the atmosphere is maintained by high admission costs and a no children after 6pm policy.

18. Grettir’s Bath/Grettislaug (Tindastóll)

At the northern end of Tindastóll is a geothermal area, Reykir, that was mentioned in Grettir’s Saga. Grettir supposedly swam ashore from the island of Drangey and soothed his aching bones in an inviting spring. Today Grettislaug is a popular natural bathing hole, alongside a second hot pot.

19. Bjórböðin Spa (Árskógssandur)

Bathe in beer at Bjórböðin SPA in Árskógssandur while enjoying a Kaldi beer from tap, an experience brought to you by Iceland’s
oldest microbrewery, Bruggsmiðjan. There’s also a hot tub with a view of Hrísey island.
The restaurant serves dishes from local meat
and fish and beer. Complete your trip with a
brewery tour.

20. Sjóböðin á Húsavík/GeoSee (Húsavík)

The cliff-edge infinity pool in whale-watching country merges with Skjálfandi bay and the mountain ridge of Víknarfjöll. It begs for a great holiday photo, drink in hand. The GeoSea exists thanks to a geothermal drillhole that got tainted with seawater, pumping up salty water of bathing temperature, unfit for other purposes. The baths are frequented by socializing locals – as annual membership is a bargain compared to the cost of a single admission ticket – and are busiest in the evening sun.

Pro tip: Húsavík Swimming Pool, the public pool in Húsavík, is another (less expensive) option after a cold day at sea. Here, you’ll find a steam bath, three hot tubs and a water slide named Anaconda.

This article was adapted for digital from our Iceland guidebooks: Iceland (published 2024), written by Meena Thiruvengadam, Alexis Averbuck, Egill Bjarnason and Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir. Experience Iceland (published 2022), written by Zoë Robert, Egill Bjarnason, Jeannie Riley, Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir and Porgnyr Thoroddsen.