Category Beaches

With historic cities clinging to gorgeous coastlines, endless islands and waterfall-filled national parks, Croatia has plenty of wonders to entice travelers. That’s why we’ve created three itineraries that will take you to the country’s most essential spots, the Istrian peninsula and lesser-visited coasts of Kvarner and Northern Dalmatia. 

Ranging from 7 to 10 days, you can extend these itineraries by adding extra time at various stops or even combining them together to build the two- or -three-week itinerary of your dreams. Whatever you choose, an epic journey in Croatia awaits. 

1. See Croatia’s most essential spots 

Allow at least 7 days 
Distance: 456km (283 miles) 

The essential Croatian experience has a bit of everything – a day-long fling in the capital city Zagreb, followed by the sun-kissed southern counterparts of Split and Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian coast and an island or two in between. There’s an airport at each end, with highway and ferry connections. 

Zagreb: 1 day

Fly into Zagreb, Croatia’s delightful capital city made for low-key, leisurely strolls. Roam the city’s charming historic Upper Town with its cobblestoned streets, ride the funicular and check out the burgeoning specialty coffee scene and great street art. Explore its quirky museums (like the Museum of Broken Relationships), contemporary art galleries and expansive green spaces that dot the city.

Next stop: Drive 4 hours or take a 45-minute plane ride from Zagreb to Split. 

Split: 2 days

Base yourself in Croatia’s exuberant second city, seafront stunner Split. Roam Diocletian’s Palace, a throbbing ancient quarter with 220 historic buildings and about 3000 residents. Dive into its heady sightseeing and nightlife. 

Next stop: Travel from Split to Hvar Town by catamaran (1 hour). 

Detour: Take a day trip from Split to the postcard-perfect walled town of Trogir (30 minutes by car/bus) and stroll the marbled streets.

Hvar Town: 2 days

Catch the catamaran (June to mid-September) to historic Hvar Town, the vibrant main town of Hvar Island. This picturesque place showcases an intriguing mix of European glamour and vibrant nightlife. Explore the island’s pristine beaches, stellar wineries and a string of storybook towns, like lovely Stari Grad. 

Next stop: Travel from Hvar Town to Dubrovnik by catamaran (3.5 hours).

Detour: Hop off in Korčula Town on your way to Dubrovnik, a photogenic walled town on the namesake island.

Dubrovnik: 2 days

Catch the catamaran (in peak months) to Dubrovnik. Your first sight of the magnificent old town from the sea, fringed by mighty defensive walls and the sparkling blue Adriatic, will blow you away. Spend the next two days taking in the sights of the Pearl of the Adriatic. 

2. Explore the best of Istria 

Allow at least 7 days 
Distance: 214km (133 miles) 

Explore the heart-shaped Istrian peninsula for its magnificent medley of sights that span coastal “blue” Istria and “green” Istria, the peninsula’s hinterland strewn with woods, olive groves and vineyards. You’ll find stunning coastal resorts, pretty beaches, hilltop medieval towns, top-rated food, award-winning wines and lovely rural hotels.

Pula: 2 days

Start in Pula, home to the “Arena,” a well-preserved Roman amphitheater that overlooks the city’s harbor, and a smattering of other ruins. Explore Istria’s southernmost point, uninhabited Cape Kamenjak, by bike or on foot to see its rolling hills, wildflowers and 30km (19 miles) of virgin beaches and coves.

Next stop: Travel from Pula to Rovinj (45 minutes by car).

Detour: On the way to Rovinj, 14km (9 miles) from Pula, stop by the captivating town of Bale, one of Istria’s best-kept secrets.

Rovinj: 2 days

Set aside two days in Rovinj, the showpiece resort town on this part of Croatia’s coast. Its steep cobbled streets and piazzas lead up to St Euphemia’s Church, with a 60m-high (197ft) tower that punctuates the peninsula. Explore the verdant beaches and islets of Rovinj’s archipelago. 

Next stop: Travel from Rovinj to Poreč (45 minutes by car). 

Detour: Spend a couple of hours in sweet little seaside town Vrsar, 29km (18 miles) from Rovinj, en route north. 

Poreč: 2 days

Zip up the coast to Poreč to gape at its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Euphrasian Basilica, one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine architecture, with magnificent 6th-century frescoes. 

Next stop: Travel from Poreč to Motovun (45 minutes by car). 

Istria’s Interior: 1 day

Start in the artsy hilltop settlement of Motovun. From here, detour into music and gallery-filled Grožnjan and then head to hilltop Buzet, the truffle epicenter of Istria, Croatia’s foodie heartland. Wander the “world’s smallest town,” adorable Hum, and check out Pazin to walk or zip line across the famous chasm that once inspired Jules Verne. 

3. The lesser-visited coasts of Kvarner and Northern Dalmatia

Allow at least 10 days
Distance: 295km (183 miles) 

Take in the delights of Croatia’s less-trodden coastal stretches in the north and their wild hinterland. Start in the spectacular Kvarner Gulf with its stunning isles, and move south to northern Dalmatia with its wide spectrum of appealing sights, including a lovely coastal city and a mighty national park.

Rijeka: 2 days

Begin in the capital of Kvarner, Rijeka, Croatia’s third-largest city and a thriving port with a laid-back vibe and lively cafe scene. Take a day to explore this under-visited city. 

Next stop: Travel from Rijeka to Cres and Lošinj (2 hours by car and ferry). 

Detour: Spend a day visiting the elegant seaside town Opatija (16km/10 miles from Rijeka) with its belle epoque villas. Stroll Lungomare, a picturesque path winding along the coast through bamboo thickets to Volosko, a pretty fishing village. 

Cres and Lošinj: 2 days

Hop over to one of the Kvarner islands – interconnected and offbeat Cres and Lošinj. Wilder, greener Cres has remote campgrounds, pristine beaches, medieval villages and an off-the-radar feel. The more populated, touristy and posh Lošinj showcases a pair of pretty port towns, beautiful bays, and lush and varied vegetation.

Next stop: Travel from Cres and Lošinj to Rab Island (3.5 hours by car and ferry). 

Rab Island: 2 days

Spend another two days chilling on Rab, lounging on the sandy beaches of the Lopar Peninsula, hiking through the island’s pine forests and exploring the postcard-pretty Rab Town with its ancient stone alleys and the four bell towers that rise from the red-roofed huddle of townhouses. 

Next stop: Travel from Rab Island to Paklenica (2.5 hours by car and ferry). 

Paklenica: 1 day

Head from Rab back to the mainland to explore one of the most spectacular natural beauty spots of Croatia, Paklenica National Park. For a dose of adventure, don’t miss a hike through its network of alpine trails and canyons or for extra thrills, tackle one of the park’s rock-climbing routes. 

Next stop: Travel from Peklenica to Zadar (50 minutes by car). 

Zadar: 2 days

Next head down to Zadar in northern Dalmatia for an amble through this vibrant coastal city with its medley of Roman ruins, Habsburg architecture and a scenic seafront. Stick around for two days to take it all in, including its mesmerizing Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun and the city’s stellar food scene. 

Next stop: Travel from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes (1.5 hours by car). 

Plitvice Lakes: 1 day

Head back inland to spend a day exploring the eye-popping natural wonderland of Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its gorgeous turquoise lakes linked by a series of gushing waterfalls and cascades. Stroll the scenic boardwalks, explore the numerous forest trails and ride the excursion boats inside this mighty park.

Amid inland South Carolina’s year-round bliss – in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville – the state’s shoreline particularly pops come summertime.

South of Myrtle Beach and stretching to the Georgia state line where Savannah awaits, you’ll find South Carolina’s Sea Islands, a stretch of islands each with their own unique ambiance and summer flair.

Your options include the family-friendly and golf haven of Hilton Head, the historic downtown of Beaufort and more secluded options for bird-watching and fishing galore. As you finalize your Palmetto State summer itinerary, there are some key logistical must-knows to truly soak it all in. Here’s the scoop on South Carolina’s Sea Islands.

First time in South Carolina? Here’s everything you need to know before you go

Step 1: Pick a home base

Hilton Head Island

Vibes: Consider this your island destination for staying occupied yet tranquil. Hilton Head is renowned for white-sand bliss, a small-town core and big-time resorts. This is the best option for a family vacation, too, with plenty of quirky activities spanning zip-lining its marshes to an extensive go-kart track, all of which you can find at Adventure Hilton Head and other island spots.

Do: Hilton Head is a golfing destination with nearly 30 courses island-wide. Sea Pines Resort is a top pick, with three courses within its confines, including Harbour Town, which hosts the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament. Otherwise, plop on a beach – Coligny Beach is fully equipped with restrooms, gazebos and benches for a seamless experience.

Stay: The Sweetgrass Inn at Hilton Head Health puts wellness front and center with daily health retreats, nutrition workshops and, for longer stays, a weight loss track, if desired. Beach House is laid-back, with an on-site tiki hut and recently renovated pool.

Eat: Hit Skull Creek Boathouse for a sunset and, within its on-site Dive Bar space, fresh sushi selections. Nectar Farm Kitchen has southern coastal fare down to an art, with sweet potato pancakes and hearty-portioned chicken and waffles.

Folly Beach

Vibes: A 20-minute drive south of Charleston, this is where residents of “the Holy City” head to unwind in the summer. The southern hospitality and general friendliness of Charleston oozes into its beachy neighbor, where locals trade in their bowties and pastel dresses for swim trunks and swimsuits. Its ocean’s edge is dotted with surf shops – like McKevlin’s and Ocean Surf Shop – with a spot known as the Washout being where veteran surfers flock for swells.

Do: For surfing newbies, take a lesson with local mainstays like Isla Surf School or Shaka Surf School, the latter of which hosts kids’ summer camps and a Saturday surf and yoga class for women. Folly Beach has a unique saltwater creek and coastal marsh landscape – you can learn all about it and hunt for some shark teeth along the way with a Charleston Outdoor Adventures eco tour.

Stay: For views, each room at the Tides Folly Beach comes with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Its on-site BLU Beach Bar & Grill has a tiki bar and one-of-a-kind vistas of the Folly Beach Pier which juts into the ocean next door. Regatta Inn is the island’s luxe bed-and-breakfast option, with a daily breakfast spread and golf cart shuttle to the beach.

Eat: Folly Beach is loaded with beach bars with fare and booze that run the full spectrum of no-frills to fancy. Lowlife Bar has a daily brunch from 10am to 3pm with a memorable Maryland-style crab cake, chicken and waffles and a pimento cheese plate. Three blocks off the beach, Jack of Cup Saloons serves up craft brews and sake with a variety of Indian and Asian-inspired dishes.

Edisto Island

Vibes: Approximately 50 miles southeast of Charleston, this island is dotted with beachside rentals on stilts, stately plantation abodes and stunning beaches. This is a more relaxed vibe compared to Hilton Head or Folly Beach, with plenty of quirky entertaining things to keep you occupied. An example – and not for the faint of heart – is the Edisto Island Serpentarium, with habitats for a variety of snakes, alligators and turtles.

Do: Edisto Beach State Park is arguably the hot spot for collecting shells in the state. Botany Bay is a marshy, bird-watching paradise where shorebirds, wild turkeys and egrets abound. This is a quiet spot for a sunset cruise, too, with Botany Bay Ecotours being a go-to operator.

Stay: Vacation rentals are the norm here. A conglomerate of rentals owned by Wyndham on the southwestern tip of the island offers the most options in a singular place. For golfers, there is a course – the Plantation Course – in the middle of the complex.

Eat: Cute and homegrown are the general culinary vibes on the island. McConkey’s Jungle Shack serves up wings, burgers, wild rum punch concoctions and a famed local sweet tea. Sea Cow Eatery is an intimate diner that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (minus Monday when it closes at 2pm). Regardless of what time of day it is, keep an eye on its ever-changing homemade pie selections.

Step 2: Book your accommodations

Vacation rentals abound along South Carolina’s coast. In general, individual owners or operating entities open up summer reservations either a year in advance or six months in advance, though it may vary. VRBO, AirBnb and HomeToGo are statewide favorites for rentals. Additionally, you may want to check the state’s tourism website for additional sanctioned options as well as local chambers of commerce.

Across the board on South Carolina’s sea islands, there are options for plopping it at a resort, within a vacation home or at a bed and breakfast and making memories solely on-property. If you’re looking to keep antsy guests or kids occupied, Hilton Head boasts the most things to do. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is perhaps the best of all worlds – quietly tucked on the northern edge of the island, exuding a casual vibe with a water slide and within minutes of shopping at Shelter Cove Harbour.

Traveling the US with kids? Here are our top tips for families

Step 3: Plan your days

Hilton Head is considered a fishing utopia, where spot-tailed trout, flounder, grouper and even sharks abound. Hilton Head is one of the largest breeding grounds for sharks on the East Coast and, yes, you can fish for them, too. You’ll need to charter a fishing boat – ideally with a captain, too, to make it seamless – and for that FishingBooker is trusted and up-to-date.

Beyond the islands, three city visits may be easily pinned to any South Carolina sea islands itinerary. Savannah, Georgia is within a 45-minute drive of Hilton Head Island – saunters through its brick public squares and along its boutique-filled main drag, Broughton Street, are musts. Charleston – closest to Folly Beach – is a cobblestone street wonderland, with a waterfront park overlooking Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter making for a city-meets-tranquil reprieve. Beaufort – located between Hilton Head and Edisto – is on Port Royal Island and has a historic district worthy of a day trip. Its museum selections span the quirky (check out the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory) to the reflective – the Beaufort History Museum showcases more than 500 years of history with exhibits on plantation culture, the Spanish American War and more.

Step 4: Choose the best places to eat in South Carolina’s Sea Islands

In Hilton Head, the blue crab reigns supreme – crack some at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, with vistas of Port Royal Sound and periodic live music. Otherwise, fresh seafood is the way to go along the coast with shrimp and grits, a lowcountry boil and seafood salad being menu norms.

The island towns are also home to some memorable mom-and-pop grocery stores with curated, South Carolina-bred items. Bert’s Market on Folly Beach has it all; stop by for pimento cheese, boiled peanuts and a visit to the deli counter. Palmetto Dunes General Store on Hilton Head Island is a haven for fresh fried chicken and soft-serve ice cream, among other grocery staples.

Step 5: Getting there

Two international airports generally serve as home bases for journeys to these parts. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is within a 45-minute drive of Hilton Head and more remote adventures in Daufuskie Island. Charleston International Airport is within 30 minutes of Folly Beach and approximately 2 hours north of Hilton Head. Hilton Head Island Airport also offers select domestic flights.

For train travel, Amtrak has a major station in Charleston, with a smaller operation in Yemassee, South Carolina – a taxi ride from the train station to the islands is the seamless option from there.

Step 6: What to pack

Check ahead of time to see what your hotel and/or vacation rental supplies in terms of beach items – they can vary drastically. Depending on what is provided and how much you’d like to pack, it may be wise to bring a cooler, snorkeling gear, goggles, water sports gear and water floats with you. Otherwise, during the summer months, count on using sunscreen, sunglasses, sun protective clothing, sandals and – in swampy areas – insect repellant, daily. Fortunately in the home bases we’ve outlined in (Step 1), souvenir shops sell all of the aforementioned, but count on paying a premium.

Home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Portugal provides seaside escapes of every variety.

You can look forward to sandy islands lapped by cerulean seas, peaceful coves tucked near edge-of-the-earth sea cliffs, and dune-backed expanses facing some of the world’s most dramatic surfing spots. The challenge is deciding where to begin.

Although a list of the country’s best beaches could easily run into triple digits, we’ve narrowed it down to 11 of our absolute favorites. The time to start planning your Portugal beach break is now.

1. Praia dos Galapinhos, Parque Natural da Arrábida

Best beach for a quiet break from the city

Less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon, you can find yourself amid the coastal wilderness of the Parque Natural da Arrábida. Here, forest-covered hillsides descend steeply to the shoreline, which is dotted with hidden coves and sparkling beaches. The most lovely is the Praia dos Galapinhos, which offers white sand and crystal-clear waters. The calm seas make it a great swimming spot.

2. Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe

Best beach for families with little kids

Amid the wilder shores of the western Algarve, Praia de Odeceixe hits all the right notes, and the scenic headland-backed beach draws both families and surfers. Its unique location gives it surprising versatility. Lying at the mouth of the Rio Odeceixe, the beach has a sandy riverside section that’s perfect for splashing about without worrying about the pounding surf – ideal for small kids.

Planning tip: If it’s waves you seek, you’ll find them by strolling over to the ocean, where rideable breaks arrive year-round (though conditions are best in winter). Various surf academies – including Odeceixe Surf School – can help you hone your skills or teach you some new ones.

3. Praia Baleal, near Peniche

Best beach for a surfing getaway

About 5km (3 miles) northeast of Peniche on Portugal’s west coast, Praia Baleal is a real showstopper of a beach. This stretch of sand is actually a causeway, linking the mainland to the scenic, island-like village of Baleal, which stands atop a craggy headland jutting from the Atlantic Ocean.

The fantastic sweep of sandy beach here offers swimming both to the north and south and some fine surfing. Surf schools and several restaurants are located along the beach.

4. Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Tavira

Best beach for low-season solitude

This huge beach at the eastern end of Ilha de Tavira – a long barrier island just off the country’s southern coast – boasts golden sands and inviting, clear waters, plus a sprinkling of beach bars, a windsurf school and a campground in summer (the only accommodation on the island). Outside the peak months of July and August, it feels wonderfully remote and empty.

Planning tip: Ferries make the 10-minute hop to the island from Quatro Águas, 2km (1.25 miles) southeast of Tavira, one of the Algarve’s most charming towns.

5. Praia da Falésia, near Albufeira

Best beach for space and facilities

The Algarve has more than its fair share of breathtaking beaches, and this 6km-long (3.7 miles) strip of sand backed by stunning ochre-hued cliffs has to be one of its most impressive. Starting 8km (5 miles) east of Albufeira, this strand gets very crowded in summer, especially when the tide is in.

Planning tip: Head here in low season – November to March – with average highs of around 16°C (61°F), and the beach will be all yours.

6. Praia de São Jacinto, near Aveiro

Best beach for nature lovers

Sandwiched between crashing Atlantic breakers and endless sand dunes, this magnificent beach forms the western flank of the São Jacinto nature reserve. It’s a bit of a trek to get here, but the toil will be worth every second for those who like their beaches sandy, remote and rugged.

Planning tip: To get to Praia de São Jacinto, take a 20-minute bus journey from Aveiro to Forte da Barra, a ferry to São Jacinto, and then it’s a brisk walk to the beach. Aveiro is only 50 minutes from Porto by train, so a visit to the beach can easily be done as a day trip from the city.

7. Praia do Cabedelo, Viana do Castelo

Best urban beach

Near the country’s northern border with Spain, Viana do Castelo is blessed with an appealing medieval center, an attractive riverfront and lovely beaches just outside the city. The pick of the lot is Praia do Cabedelo, a 1km-long (0.6 mile) arc of powdery pale-golden sand that folds into grassy dunes backed by a grove of wind-blown pines.

Planning tip: It’s across the river from town, best reached on a five-minute ferry trip from the pier south of the Praça da Liberdade.

8. Praia das Furnas, Vila Nova de Milfontes

Best beach for shallow waters

On the left bank of the Rio Mira on the coast of Portugal’s southern Alentejo region, Praia das Furnas is a long stretch of fine sand backed by small rocky cliffs. The sandbars in the area make for some relaxing frolicking in the waves – perfect for tiny travelers taking their first dip in the sea.

Planning tip: You can arrive here by car or take the small ferry from Vila Nova de Milfontes, a low-key resort town with lots of charm.

9. Praia do Camilo, Lagos

Best beach near a tourist town

Praia do Camilo is a prime example of the small sandy coves that dot the coastline of the Algarve region. The small, dramatically set beach is located on the outskirts of Lagos, a pretty resort town with cobbled lanes and picturesque squares enclosed by 16th-century walls.

Planning tip: Some 200 wooden steps help beachgoers descend to the golden strip of sand that’s lapped by shallow turquoise waters and encased by wind-gnarled cliffs. Arrive early (or visit out of peak season) to secure towel space.

10. Costa da Caparica, near Lisbon

Best beach near the capital

One of the easiest beach escapes near Lisbon, the Costa da Caparica on the Setúbal Peninsula has a seemingly never-ending beach that attracts sun-worshiping lisboêtas craving all-over tans, surfers keen to ride Atlantic waves and day-tripping families seeking clean water and soft sand.

It hasn’t escaped development, yet a short distance to the south, high-rises soon give way to pine forests and mellow beach-shack cafes.

11. Praia do Norte, Nazaré

Best beach for monumental waves

An underwater canyon off the coast of northern Portugal creates ideal conditions for some of the biggest swells on Earth. You can watch these monsters roll in at Praia do Norte, a wild beach backed by dunes located a few kilometers north of the seaside town of Nazaré.

The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo has a roof terrace for taking in the oceanic drama, and it also contains a small museum about the big waves and some of the surfers who’ve ridden them – like Sebastian Steudtner, who rode a record-breaking 26.2m (86ft) behemoth back in 2020.

Few destinations are as evocative as Fiji and Bali.

Taking up major real estate in most travelers’ imaginations – especially those of Australians and New Zealanders during the winter months – these two places bring visions of endless beaches, adrenaline-pumping surfing waves, tropical forests and unique cultural experiences. Who wouldn’t want to book tickets to either?

Unfortunately, difficult decisions must sometimes be made, and travelers need expertise to weigh the merits of these two vacation dreamlands. So we’ve asked a pair of passionate experts to make the case for fascinating Fiji and beautiful Bali.

Fall for Fiji

Adventure writer and photographer Chantae Reden rarely strays far from the coastline. She has ridden a motorcycle across Timor-Leste, scuba dived with bull sharks in Fiji and swam beside humpback whales in Tonga, among other escapades.

The hug of warm, tropical weather greets you as soon as you step off the tarmac in both Bali and Fiji – but you won’t find swarms of drivers shouting for your attention at the latter’s main international airport. (Of course, there’s always a taxi driver close by when you need one.) Fiji’s relaxed hospitality starts as soon as you arrive, and continues until you hear the sweet sound of “Isa Lei,” the islands’ heartfelt farewell tune.

I’ve called the 333-island nation of Fiji home for the past seven years, and its laid-back and fun-loving bula spirit is truly infectious. Though Bali is also close to my heart (I wrote a guidebook about the Island of the Gods, after all), Fiji deserves to be your next island escape.

Pristine nature

Fiji’s natural wonders are clean and rarely crowded. Fiji has fewer than a million residents spread across its hundreds of islands, and traffic only truly exists in the cities where few tourists ever venture. Unlike Bali, whose beaches suffer from crowds and plastic pollution, Fiji’s stretches of white sand are pristine all year long.

Solitude in nature is easy to find in Fiji. Village custodianship over Fijian lands make waterfalls and trekking trails a bit more challenging to access without a guide than those in Bali – but the effort is well worth it. You can climb to Fiji’s tallest peak, Mt Tomanivi, on the island of Viti Levu, or search for Fiji’s rare tagimoucia flower on the island of Taveuni, without encountering another person. Venture to the Lau Islands, a region without any formal hotels or airports that’s only accessible by boat, and you’re unlikely to come across no other tourists at all.

As for the hotels: they’re spread throughout the islands, which means there’s no need to jostle for a spot in the shade or ward off persistent beach vendors. Even the local markets are a pleasant place to visit, with most merchants adopting a take-it-if-you-like, no-worries-if-not attitude about their heaps of colorful fresh produce.

If you have little travelers to please, Bali and Fiji are both top-tier destinations for families. But it’s Fiji that takes the lead when it comes to child-friendly culture and entertainment. I’ve seen hotel security guards abandon their post to instigate a game of touch rugby for kids. Traveling around the islands with my infant twins has given me a glimpse of what it’s like to be treated like a celebrity. Most resorts have kids’ clubs and affordable nannies; parents and children can each get the vacation of their dreams.

Waves worth the journey

Both Bali and Fiji host championship surf contests at their world-class waves. And while I can’t deny the epicness of Bali’s waves of Uluwatu and Padang Padang, Fiji is certainly not swell-shy, with its famous Cloudbreak and Restaurants breaks. Most of Fiji’s waves require a boat ride to reach – unlike the easy access of Bali – but this serves to minimize the crowds at waves best suited for experienced surfers only.

Below the water, you can peer through your dive mask and come eye to eye with sea life both big and small. Manta rays, sea turtles, hundreds of species of reef fish and reef sharks make regular appearances around Fiji’s vibrant hard- and soft-coral reefs. It’s also one of the few places in the world where you can dive with bull sharks, without a cage – if you dare.

Fijian hospitality extends beyond resort doors. It’s customary to enter a village with a sevusevu, a traditional gift like yaqona (pepper root), then be welcomed with warmth. Spend the day sipping coconut shells filled with kava (the drink made from ground pepper root), dancing and feasting on Fijian fare of just-caught fish, taro leaves cooked in coconut cream, and smoked meats. On the weekends, follow the harmonic hymns to the local church or join in on a Hindu celebrations taking place in Indo-Fijian communities around Suva, Nadi and Labasa.

No matter where you go, expect a hearty greeting of “Bula!” and genuine warmth. Bali simply can’t beat that.

Bet on Bali

Mark Eveleigh lived in Bali for a year in 2022 – and has since returned regularly to a West Balinese village where he has some well-stacked bookshelves and a shed crammed with surfboards.

It’s sometimes said that the best things come in small packages. I fell in love with the diminutive island of Bali 20 years ago, and have since explored every corner of the island. Even now, I remain stunned by the variety on a land mass less than a third the size of Fiji.

Most people know Bali for its world-famous beaches and celebrated resorts, including some of the most luxurious (and expensive) on the planet. Yet you don’t need an infinite budget to enjoy Bali’s pleasures: a bungalow overlooking a deserted beach can go for $20.

Its selling points have caught on with the crowds, it’s true. Yet only a minority of visitors – even among veteran expats – ever venture beyond the celebrated art and yoga heartland around Ubud. Venturing just a bit further afield, you’ll find yourself among dense jungle valleys and vast paddy landscapes that ascend, like a giant’s staircase, toward the sacred peaks.

Beauty beyond the beach

Don’t assume Bali is just sand. A half-day excursion (quicker on a rented scooter) takes you to the solitude of the highlands. Bali’s spectacular volcanic landscapes stretch westward from sacred Gunung Agung (at 3412m / 11,195ft, it’s well over double the altitude of Fiji’s highest point) past smoldering Batur to the rarely visited rainforests of Batukaru Mountain.

You don’t have to seek out culture on the Island of the Gods; it’s literally everywhere, with the vibrant rituals of Balinese Hinduism enacted in small villages, the backpacker hangouts of Kuta, and around the trendy beach clubs of Seminyak alike. Spend time exploring farther and you might even feel some similarities with far-off Fiji. As in Fijian traditional communities, rural villages are governed primarily by a community of elders, known as the banjar. At Mekare-kare festivals, where the young warriors of Tenganan fight to draw blood with pandan “swords,” or during the daily launching of jukung (outrigger fishing canoes) into the pounding waves, it would be easy to imagine that you’re on a Pacific Island. Bali’s connection to the sea is especially evident in the fishing town of Perancak, the anchorage for more than 100 selerek, brightly painted, 20m(66ft)-long fishing vessels.

The western third of the island remains virtually unknown to outsiders, and few tourists (or even islanders, for that matter) realize that uninhabited jungle and seemingly endless beaches that rarely see a foreign footprint are the norm here. You could walk for hours along the beautiful curve of wave-pounded volcanic sand that is Yeh Leh Beach – just 50km (31 miles) from the international airport – without meeting anyone other than a handful of local fishermen.

Take to the water

In Fiji, you need a boat to reach just about any decent surfing wave. In Bali, meanwhile, instantly accessible surf breaks have made spots like Uluwatu and Canggu world-famous (perhaps a little too famous). If you want to break away from the pack, count on the low-key surf towns of Keramas, Balian and Medewi – the last town the gateway to countless, entirely un-surfed beach-break waves along the southwest coast.

If you’re drawn to calmer waters, Bali has excellent diving and snorkeling, with sightings of sharks, turtles, barracudas, dolphins and even the occasional whale shark off the tranquil north coast. Inland, you’ll find adventure activities in the form of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, quad-biking and even white-water rafting. You can walk with rare pink buffaloes in Pekutatan, or attend Jembrana’s dramatic (if somewhat gory) mekepung buffalo-chariot races. In West Bali National Park you can take jungle hikes amid large herds of wild sambar deer, gibbon-like ebony-leaf monkeys and flocks of Bali starlings (the island’s own “bird of paradise”).

If it’s the notion of hopping from tropical island to tropical island that draws you to Fiji and the South Pacific, keep in mind that Bali is but a speck in the vast, dense Indonesian archipelago. Lombok and the Gilis are on every backpacker bucket list, sure – but there are 17,500 other Indonesian islands waiting to be explored.

Who knows? One of them might even be as enchanting as Bali.

Not just a city of modernista masterpieces and nightlife that doesn’t quit, Barcelona has also earned a reputation as one of Europe’s beachiest urban playgrounds.

The thousands of blissful sunbathers lying out at a city beach for the first time might be unaware, though, that Barcelona’s nine consecutive crescent-shaped beaches are all completely artificial, built in anticipation of the 1992 Olympics. For a midday dip or nap on the sand, a visit to Platja de la Barceloneta, the city’s most popular beach, or local favorite Platja del Bogatell can be a perfect treat.

And you’d be wrong – very wrong – in thinking this is the best waterfront the Catalonian coast has to offer.

If you’re looking for a natural beach for a full or even half-day getaway from bustling Barcelona, consider leaving the city limits to discover beaches that any local would recommend. And you don’t even need a car to get to any of them.

1. Sitges

Best beach for partying

Add some flair your beach day by catching a train for the 40-minute trip to Sitges. With over a dozen sandy beaches to boast about, this busy resort town has long been a favorite among Barcelonins and has a decades-long reputation as perhaps Spain’s most prominent LGBTQ-friendly destination. Jubilant displays come out in all colors during Pride Month in June and Carnaval in the winter. This is a town that loves a party, so if you’re looking for an in-between between good vibes and sand, check out the Beso Beach Club.

Detour: For a hike with a worthy reward, take the train one stop further down the line to Villanova i Geltru. Follow the trail up north toward Sitges and you’ll discover some less crowded beaches and calas along the way.

2. Canet de Mar

Best beach for architecture buffs

Stretching northeast from Barcelona lies a bevy of beach towns, from Badalona to Blanes. Everyone has their favorite spot; mine might be Canet de Mar, home to a stunning – and under-visited – architectural gem. Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the architect behind the floral wonderland that is the Palau de la Música Catalana, spent his summers in Canet de Mar – and left his mark on the seaside town. One of his most impressive works is the Castell de Santa Florentina, a medieval-style castle that he was commissioned by his uncle to refurbish, and a masterful meld of the Catalan Gothic and Modernisme styles. (Tours are limited, so you will need to buy tickets in advance to make sure you get inside.) After your visit, you can plop on the sand right just steps from the center of town, or walk a little bit north to find a wilder coast where submerged boulders form tide pools.

Planning tip: If you’re struggling to find elbow room on Barcelona beaches, there are beach towns all along the R1 line, which travels along the shore with sea views the entire way to Blanes.

3. Castelldefels

Best beach for long walks

For something a little more low-key and quieter than Sitges, hop off the train at Castelldefels, a dreamy, 5km (3-mile) stretch of water watched over by some seaside mansions worth gawking at (including the home of former Barça midfielder Lionel Messi). With a lot of wind and great waves, kite surfers love to play here. With the Mediterranean waves and the green hills of Parc del Garraf on either side, it’s also the perfect beach for long, peaceful walks.

Planning tip: Next door to this beach – near the Baix-Llobregat marshlands and close to the airport – is Platja de Gavà, another well-off area with a large, spacious and quiet beach. If things seem too busy in Castelldefells, you might have better luck here.

4. Garraf

Best beach for shutterbugs

Between Castelldefels and Sitges, this beach features a row of adorable green-and-white houses (where fishermen once stored their gear) immediately catches the eye. Today, they are rentable homes and popular backdrops for anyone looking to add some vintage flair to their beach-day pics. The beach itself is less than 500m (1640ft) long and fills up quickly during the summer season – but its picture-perfect quality makes it too pretty to pass up.

Detour: Behind the beach, you can explore the trails in the hills of the Parc del Garraf to get up higher for a wider view of the Mediterranea, or venture out on a thru-hike that ends in Sitges. If you want a different kind of refreshment, Soho House’s posh Little Beach House property has a beach bar open to non-members.

5. Tossa de Mar

Best beach for Costa Brava drama

The Costa Brava is the fabulous stretch of coastline between Barcelona and the French border. While its most famous town, Cadaqués, is at least a 3-hour drive away from Barcelona (one well worth making if you have a night or two to spare), the best way to sample the Costa Brava on a day trip is a trip to Tossa de Mar. The town itself has two stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs best explored by kayak or hiking trails going north. And you can’t leave without taking a stroll through the cobbled streets of the enchanting old town, perfectly framed by the turrets and towers of its medieval walls.

Local tip: The train does not run along the Costa Brava, so you’ll have to take the bus to reach Tossa de Mar. There are multiple direct departures from Barcelona’s Estació Nord; you can also save a few euros by taking the train to Blanes and boarding a cheaper bus from there.

If you’re visiting Barbados for the first time, expect to slow down.

This is not the place for hustle and bustle. In Barbados, life is lived at a laid-back and leisurely pace. It’s a place where you might spend so long lounging on the beach, sipping on rum punches, that you might end up missing your dinner reservations. And you won’t even mind. 

That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do here. We like to say that Barbados has a place for every kind of traveler – foodies, history buffs and nature lovers alike. 

You can come to the island and learn to surf or free dive, or spend your days at some of the finest golf courses in the Caribbean. Or get a bit tipsy, as you sip on the some of world’s best rum. 

Indeed, there’s a lot to do here – but you mustn’t try to rush as you pack it all in. For while Barbados is many things – romantic, friendly, tropical, even idyllic – it’s first and foremost very, very chill. 

When should I go to Barbados? 

There isn’t necessarily any one “best” time to visit Barbados, a tropical destination that’s pretty much sunny year-round, with very little temperature variation (with an average daytime high of 30°C / 86°F). 

June to December is the rainy season, when the weather tends to be wetter and the chance of a hurricane hitting the island increases.

This doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to visit, though: travel between April and November, the long low season, can be more affordable. From December through March, expect significantly higher flight prices and accommodation costs as the country welcomes the most visitors of the year.

Consider planning your trip around seasonal events. From late July to early August, you can experience the exciting and vibrant Crop Over festival, while the tasty Barbados Food and Rum festival takes place every year in late October. 

Running enthusiasts might want to plan their trip around the first weekend in December for Run Barbados, the Caribbean’s biggest marathon weekend. If you’re a lover of motor sports, late May  and early June in Barbados is known as Rally season.

How much time should I spend in Barbados? 

I always recommend five days as the perfect amount of time. If you jet in for just two days or a weekend, you’re sure to leave wishing you spent more time here. 

This is due to our slower, less-structured pace of life. (That again.) Maybe that restaurant that you’re dying to try is only open Wednesday through Sunday, with limited hours.

Or perhaps you planned to pack in a bunch of different activities in one day, but you end up only making it to one because…you fell asleep on the beach. Or the bus you planned to catch was 30 minutes late. It happens.

Is it easy to get in and around Barbados? 

Nonstop flights serve Barbados from many major cities, including New York, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Toronto and even London. Grantley Adams International Airport is about 20 minutes from the capital city of Bridgetown.

A taxi from the airport to your accommodation is your best option; you won’t have trouble finding one once you arrive.

About that accommodation: where you stay is an important consideration when it comes to getting around the island.

The island’s public-transportation system consists of public buses and private “route taxis” known affectionately as “ZRs” (pronounced (“zed-ars”) that can get you around easily. 

But some areas are more accessible than others. For instance, the island’s south coast, popular with tourists, is relatively accessible to many attractions, with the bus routes and transportation options to match.

Yet if you opt to stay on the more rustic east coast, you should rent a car as public transportation is more limited.

Top things to do in Barbados 

Hit up Oistins on a Friday night

No trip to Barbados is complete without a stop at Oistins Bay Garden, an open-air fish fry that comes alive on Friday nights with music, karaoke and other entertainment.

Barbados is known for its deliciously seasoned fresh fish, and Oistins, in the heart of the island’s primary fishing village, is one of the best places to sample this local specialty. 

Sip on delicious local rum

Since Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum (it’s been distilled here since the 17th century), you shouldn’t visit the island without taking a rum tour.

You’ll learn the ins and outs of rum distillation and the spirit’s long relationship with the island while sampling some of the finest rums in the world.

Some tours include a cocktail-making class, during which you’ll learn the secrets to Barbados’ signature rum punch – which will surely be a hit at your next dinner party.

Snorkel with the turtles in Carlisle Bay

A catamaran cruise along the idyllic coast of the island is a must-do activity in and of itself. And snorkeling with sea turtles takes the experience to the next level.

There’s something incomparable about witnessing the grandeur and majesty of sea turtles in warm, crystal-clear water. I simply cannot recommend this enough.

Create your own island tour via Mini Moke

Rentals of Mini Moke electric vehicles are an extremely affordable and popular option for tourists looking for a self-planned day-long excursion.

With your own wheels, you can hit popular tourist attractions like Codrington College, the lion at Gun Hill Signal Station and Animal Flower Cave.

This is a great way to experience Barbados on your own terms, while enjoying the sun on your face and the sweet island breeze in your hair. Pack a lunch, grab some friends and hit the road.

My favorite thing to do in Barbados 

I know it sounds basic. Yet sitting beachside, sipping a refreshing cocktail (rum sours are my drink of choice) and watching the sun set on the island’s west coast never gets old for me.

It’s picture-perfect-postcard magic. Between the sun leaving pink and purple streaks across the sky, and the waters brushing against the shore, it’s truly a beautiful way to end your day. And start your night. 

How much money do I need for Barbados? 

Barbados’ prices lie on the higher end of the spectrum. Yet as with any destination, there are plenty of ways you can lower the cost of your trip – such as taking advantage of specials, booking early and eating at budget-friendly spots.

Note that prices spike in the high season (December to March), especially for accommodation.

Most establishments accept cards, but be sure to have cash if you want to purchase items from street vendors. US dollars are widely accepted. 

• Basic hotel room for two: BDS$400–600 (US$200–300) per night

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): BDS$300 (US$150) per night

• Public transport ticket: BDS$3.50 (US$1.75)

• Coffee: BDS$6–10 (US$3–5)

• Fish cutter (sandwich) at Cuzz’s fish shack: BDS$12 (US$6)

• Casual dinner for two: BDS$70–100 (US$35–50)

• Dinner for two at a high-end restaurant: BDS$250–400+ (US$125–200+)

• Rum punch: BDS$10–15 (US$5–7.50)

Sun-dappled coastlines, soulful creative arts, famously terrific gastronomy – welcome to one of the globe’s most-loved travel destinations, now also an emerging leader in developing sustainable tourism.

In recent years, Spain has been taking important strides to put sustainability at the forefront of its long-established tourism industry, which pulled in more than 85 million visitors in 2023. This Mediterranean-hugging beauty has been working hard to spread tourism well beyond high season for years, encouraging off-season travel while also highlighting lesser-known regions and pushing forward a wealth of sustainability-driven projects.

Destinations all over Spain are now striving to achieve more balanced tourism models, such as the Balearic Islands, which have introduced a wave of circular tourism initiatives. Several Spanish cities have also outlined plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, including Madrid, Valladolid, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Zaragoza and Valencia, which was crowned European Green Capital for 2024.

In other news, flight-free transport across Spain is booming, from electric urban buses to brand-new train routes; creative and adventure projects are helping to revitalize rural regions; more and more travelers are choosing to sidestep the high season; and single-use plastics (such as straws, cutlery and cups) have been banned in Spain since 2023 as part of EU-wide regulations. And the Canary Islands are investing massively in water power and wind farms, with wind power growing by almost 140 percent in recent years. No surprise then that Lonely Planet named Spain one of our 2024 Best In Travel destinations for sustainability.

Flight-free travel

Spain has one of the largest high-speed rail networks in the world, with reliable, locally popular trains whizzing across most of the country in just a few hours. Getting from, say, Barcelona or Málaga to Madrid in under three hours is a breeze, though there are also plenty of more leisurely routes where soaking up the scenery at a slower pace is half the fun. These days, train travel across Spain is a joy as you watch the landscapes morph from endless olive groves into quiet sprawling plains before glimpsing jagged peaks in the distance from the comfort of your seat. Book ahead to secure your desired route and bag the best prices.

The national electric-powered rail operator Renfe (which runs the incredibly on-time high-speed AVE trains) now shares space with other low-cost rail companies such as Ouigo and Iryo, which means prices and route options are kept refreshingly accessible. Over the last few years, a wave of fresh itineraries has opened up rail travel even more, benefitting both local communities and travelers. New AVE services now run to/from Murcia on the east coast, between Madrid and Oviedo (Asturias) since 2023 and also between Madrid and various cities in Galicia.

And for anyone traveling to the beautiful, beachy Balearic Islands off Spain’s east coast, a fleet of convenient ferries connects mainland ports like Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia with Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and beyond.

Low-impact explorations

Heading out hiking is one of the most rewarding and low-impact activities you can enjoy in Spain. Not only will exploring on foot take you to often-overlooked rural areas, but it also inevitably leads you off the beaten track – whether you’re walking through the mountainous wilds of the Spanish Pyrenees in Catalonia’s lake-dotted Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici or weaving between remote villages in the rugged Alpujarras near Granada.

Even those walking the famed Camino de Santiago all the way to Galicia can swap the classic-but-busy Camino Francés for lesser-known routes such as the Camino del Norte (which tracks across Spain’s green north) or the wonderfully rewarding Camino Primitivo from Oviedo (said to be the original Camino).

Cycling in Spain is hugely popular too, from gentle routes along the celebrated Vías Verdes – disused train lines that have ingeniously been reimagined as cycling, walking and horse riding routes – to epic mountain-biking adventures for experienced riders. Many of Spain’s most-loved cities have also thoroughly embraced cycling culture, with ever-expanding networks of bike lanes and other handy resources.

Some bike-share programs are designed mostly for residents (rather than visitors), but local bike-hire operators abound. Best-known for urban adventures on two wheels is sunny Valencia, where cycling among the lush greenery of the former Túria riverbed – now transformed into the Jardín del Túria park – ranks among the city’s favorite pastimes.

Protected spaces

Much of Spain remains wild, natural and undeveloped, home to a richly varied collection of officially protected landscapes that burst with outdoor adventures. Spain was a European pioneer in creating its first national parks all the way back in 1918 when Aragón’s Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido and the Parque Nacional de la Montaña de Covadonga (the predecessor to the northern Parque Nacional Picos de Europa) were both established. Now there are more than 1,600 officially protected natural spaces spread across the country, including 16 beloved parques nacionales (national parks) and more than 150 parques naturales (natural parks).

Spain’s conservation efforts are importantly benefitting local wildlife too. Take the threatened quebrantahuesos (bearded vulture), which has seen such an astonishing recovery in recent years that you might now glimpse it soaring high above the Pyrenees. Then there’s the Iberian lynx, which over the last couple of decades has been almost miraculously brought back from the brink of extinction in Andalucía. With luck, lynx can occasionally be spotted again in the magical Parque Nacional de Doñana on the Huelva-Cádiz border or in Jaén’s remote Parque Natural Sierra de Andújar.

Fabulous food (and wine)

It’s no secret that Spain is one of the world’s culinary capitals, from ever-growing numbers of cutting-edge Michelin-star restaurants to laid-back kitchens serving beloved regional recipes that have been cooked locally for centuries. Many of the country’s top restaurants are rooted in fresh, seasonal and often organic produce. As of 2024, Spain has 49 Green Michelin Stars, which are awarded to gastronomic ventures putting sustainability front and center. Alternatively, seek out restaurants that follow a Slow Food ethos, especially in Catalonia, where the movement is particularly lively and takes in several superb Barcelona kitchens.

Wherever you go in Spain, all things food often start with the local market, whether it’s a buzzy neighborhood mercado or a pop-up farmers market drawing producers from surrounding towns. Even in the most popular cities (like Barcelona and Madrid), a visit to the market is almost guaranteed to offer a glimpse into neighborhood life while also introducing you to all kinds of seasonal specialties and flavors. And in Spain’s booming world of wines, many vineyards are now turning to organic and biodynamic growing and reviving traditional regional grapes that exist only here.

On your Spanish food adventures, don’t miss the chance to meet some of the country’s famed small-scale producers. These gastronomic businesses are often family operations going back centuries, so while tasting that sliver of tangy cheese or wafer-thin slice of jamón, you’re also directly supporting the local community. Many Spanish queserías (cheese farms), for example, now offer tours, tastings and even expert-led classes for visitors to learn the craft themselves.

Green stays

Restored ancient castles, peaceful self-sufficient farmhouses, stylishly converted mansions – this is just a taste of Spain’s blossoming responsible accommodation scene, which often involves sensitively reviving evocative ancient buildings. Today a growing number of properties all over the country are working hard to become more sustainable on both an environmental and social level, including Spain’s state-run Paradores chain. Specializing in bringing new life to beautiful historical buildings (along with a few bold contemporary creations), Paradores has been leading the way in green accommodation, with all of its accommodations running exclusively on renewable energy since 2018.

But there’s also a dazzling choice of inspiring independent places to stay with a responsible ethos across Spain, whether you’re looking for a low-key family-owned guesthouse driving rural tourism, a bioclimatic design property by the sea or a stylish agroturismo built from a centuries-old finca. Seek out accommodation that revolves around positive-impact initiatives like on-site gardens for restaurant ingredients, ensuring all amenities are plastic-free, connecting guests with surrounding communities and employing local staff.

Loving low season

There’s never been a better time to savor Spain in all its off-season beauty. Skipping the peak tourism months and exploring during shoulder or even low season means you’ll automatically be sidestepping most of the summer crowds (and prices). Winter months like January and February can be richly rewarding for quieter city breaks that still involve seaside lunches in the sun (just ask anyone living in Barcelona or Valencia!), while spring is ideal for hiking and other outdoor pursuits, with wildflowers blooming all over the Spanish countryside. Autumn beach breaks are blossoming, too, with enjoyable swimming in the Mediterranean perfectly possible in September and October (sometimes even later in the year).

On the flip side, more and more businesses are now staying open throughout the traditional low (winter) season, and off-season transport connections are being constantly improved.

Cultural riches

Home to one of the world’s highest numbers of UNESCO-recognized tangible and intangible assets, Spain is a leader in cultural preservation efforts. Remarkable Roman ruins, Islamic-era castles, medieval cities and Modernista mansions are just a few of the architectural treasures that jostle for attention as you travel across the country. Some of Europe’s finest museums and galleries, meanwhile, await discovery in culture-loving places like Bilbao, Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga and Mallorca.

Over on the cultural stage, flamenco – awarded Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status by UNESCO back in 2010 – ranks among Spain’s most renowned performance arts. This feisty fusion of dance, song and guitar is best experienced in its Andalucian heartland and birthplace, around Cádiz, Jerez and Seville, though there are also great flamenco scenes in Granada, Madrid, Barcelona and beyond.

And wherever you go across Spain, there’s a strong, proud heritage of regional artisanal crafts – basketry, ceramics, needlework, shoe-making. Picking up pieces directly from local artisans or independent shops showcasing their work is a great way to support these ancient crafts, many of which date back centuries. Some contemporary artisans are now putting their own spin on things with fresh designs, while an ever-growing number of creative classes and workshops gets you behind the scenes with the experts themselves to learn the secrets of these distinctively Spanish arts.

Access for everyone

In recent years, most Spanish destinations have been making huge efforts to improve accessibility, especially in the worlds of travel, tourism and hospitality. Many local tourist boards now offer wheelchair-accessible guided tours or adapted itineraries for travelers with disabilities. Almost all of Spain’s 15 UNESCO-designated cities have created accessible routes for travelers to explore their historic centers, from riverside Córdoba (with its splendid Islamic architecture) to lovely Cáceres (home to one of the country’s most mesmerizing old towns).

Major monuments are also upping their game with all kinds of accessible experiences, including Madrid’s marvelous Museo del Prado and several unmissable Gaudí buildings in Barcelona, such as Casa Batlló. Tactile experiences, descriptive tours and sensory activities are all part of the package.

Exploring off the beaten track

Anyone who loves Spain has their own favorite offbeat pocket of the country, whether it’s a hidden velvety beach on the Costa de la Luz or a wonderfully green wind-lashed cape on the Bay of Biscay. Stepping beyond the big sights and top tourism destinations is your ticket to Spain’s richly diverse soul, so devoting a trip entirely to a lesser-known region or perhaps combining a popular city with a deep dive into quieter surrounding areas always feels immensely rewarding.

Among our top under-the-radar picks is Extremadura, hugging the Portuguese border, which remains little-known among international visitors despite its stash of cultural, culinary and natural wonders. Enamored Spaniards rave about the region’s exquisite jamón, scattered timeworn villages, remote cherry-filled valleys and dynamic inland cities, which include some of Spain’s finest Roman ruins in the regional capital Mérida.

From adventure seekers, partygoers and families to those in search of spiritual well-being, nature and culture, Bali truly offers something for everyone. The island’s natural splendor of beaches, mountains, rice terraces, river gorges, waterfalls and rainforests is combined with ancient spiritual traditions expressed through Hindu temples, ceremonies and rituals.

In Bali, you can enjoy exceptional dining, rejuvenating spas, unlimited shopping and beach clubs galore. Dance the days and nights away, practice yoga, scale mighty volcanoes, explore eco activities, ride the island’s incredible surf breaks, play golf, snorkel, dive, or visit theme parks. If you’re open to Bali’s creative, artistic and healing energies, this is where you will find your inspiration.

Here’s all you need to know before you visit Bali for the first time.

When should I go to Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is not necessarily determined by the weather but by the activities and festivals you wish to experience. Look forward to sunny, tropical days and balmy nights with temperatures ranging from 27–32°C (81–90°F) and 77–85% humidity throughout the year. The dry season (May through October) brings blue skies and sunny days, while the hot wet season (November through April) is considerably more humid, with torrential downpours and frequent storms. Winds are strong in July during the Bali Kite Festival at Padang Galak. August is the coolest and least humid month, perfect for the chilled, melodic strains of the Ubud Village Jazz Festival. January and February are generally the wettest months with late afternoon thunderstorms.

Peak seasons may also affect your decision about when to visit Bali, as the most popular times are not only the busiest but also the most expensive. Throngs of visitors descend on the island during the July and August school holidays, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Easter, driving up rates for everything from airfares and hotels to taxis and tour packages.

Off-peak seasons are cheaper and some of the best deals can be had at this time. Watch the extraordinary ogoh-ogoh (papier-mâché monster) parades in March, followed by Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence. The way in which it is celebrated is totally unique and something that you will never experience anywhere else in the world. Visit the month-long Bali Arts Festival or witness the thrilling Mekare-kare theatrical fight, which takes place in June or July between the young men of the village of Tenganan, near Candidasa. Celebrate yoga, dance and music at the Bali Spirit Festival in May; and eat, read and write your way through the culinary and literary extravaganzas of the Ubud Food Festival in May and the international Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in October.

How much time should I spend in Bali?

You can visit Bali on a two-day stopover or you can spend a lifetime here, while still discovering unknown places and encountering new wonders. One week is perfect for relaxation and activities, either beachside or in the cultural hub of Ubud. Three weeks will give you time to explore and perhaps base yourself in three contrasting places, such as Amed, Ubud and Seminyak.

If you’ve only got a few days and you’re looking for a white-sand beach holiday away from the traffic jams of Canggu and the Bukit Peninsula, go to Nusa Lembongan, a 30-minute, fast-boat ride from Sanur. Lembongan is everything you might imagine a small tropical island to be, with clear turquoise waters, idyllic coves, a mangrove forest, surf spots, dive sites and a laid-back vibe.

Is it easy to get in and around Bali?

With 43 international and domestic airlines flying into Denpasar Airport (DPS) from 58 airports around the world, plus public ferries from Java and Lombok, Bali is an easy place to get to.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find that walking as a means of getting around is not a great option. The weather is hot and sticky, the streets are busy and the sidewalks are grimy and broken. Taxis can be hailed at the side of the road or ordered online. There are several different companies, all universally blue in color, but Bluebird – look for the Bluebird branding on the side of the cars – has reliable meters, low-priced fares and the best reputation. Grab and Gojek are Bali’s ride-hailing apps, offering car and motorcycle transportation as well as delivery services.

Getting around Bali by bus is slow and therefore the least favored option for visitors, but it’s cheap. Perama Tour offers a daily shuttle bus service to and from all the main places of interest.

Fast-boat services will take you to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, while smaller boats will take you between Lembongan and Penida. Since 2023, in a bid to beat the two-hour congested journey by road, an ocean taxi service, goboat.id, has been operating daily services between Canggu and Uluwatu. Expect a fabulously scenic but wet 35-minute ride in a traditional jukung outrigger fishing boat.

Motorcycle and car rental is available everywhere and is very reasonably priced, but be aware that the roads are dangerous, and negotiating the chaotic traffic can be stressful and challenging in the busy touristy areas. Consider hiring a car along with a driver; you’ll find it to be a much more relaxing, enjoyable experience.

Top things to do in Bali

Marvel at the view of an active volcano

Looking to see some spectacular scenery? If you only have time for one excursion, a Bali “must do” is a day trip to Kintamani to see Gunung Batur volcano and its crater lake. Early morning is the best time and you can have breakfast, coffee, a buffet lunch or a beer in one of the many restaurants or coffee shops on the rim of the ancient caldera.

Witness a natural phenomenon at Petulu

If you’re staying in Ubud, head to the nearby village of Petulu in the late afternoon, where you’ll be awed by the sight of thousands of white herons flying in to roost for the night.

Be a poser for a day

Sign up for a private Instagram Tour and pose for some astonishing photos at the best spots on the island, such as Lake Tamblingan, Tukad Cepung waterfall, Taman Tirta Gangga water palace, and the Gates of Heaven at the Pura Lempuyang temple complex.

Get out of your comfort zone

The bustle, authenticity and history of the old city within the heart of Denpasar offers a gritty slice of everyday life. Most tourists give Bali’s capital a miss, but if you’re prepared to be a little bit adventurous and brave the crowded streets and the commission hunters, you’ll discover some gems in this historical and commercial concentration of markets, temples and monuments. Shop for handicrafts and paintings in Kumbasari Art Market, fabrics on Jalan Sulawesi and gold jewelry on Jalan Hasanuddin.

My favorite thing to do in Bali

If you happen to be approaching from the west as you come into land at Bali’s international airport, you will fly at just a few hundred meters over white-capped waves and tiny fishing boats towards the beautiful golden-sand Jimbaran Beach.

Jimbaran has been my favorite go-to beach for the last 26 years. It’s safe for swimming (albeit with the occasional dumper wave) and remarkably unspoilt and peaceful during the daytime. You can rent a sun lounger and umbrella here and enjoy cold drinks, snacks or fresh fish from one of the local seafood cafes. The bay is west facing so be sure to stay long enough to catch one of Bali’s legendary sunsets.

How much money do I need for Bali?

One of the many joys of holidaying in Bali is the element of choice. For example, a clean and comfortable hotel room for two can be as little as 500,000Rp (US$31) if you want to keep your costs down, or you could pay 30,000,000Rp (US$1300) for a suite at a fabulous resort. Around 50,000Rp (US$3) will buy you a nasi goreng (fried rice) at a roadside warung (food stall), while a nasi goreng in one of Bali’s fine-dining restaurants might cost ten times as much.

• Hostel room: 100,000Rp (US$6)

• Perama shuttle bus from Kuta to Ubud: 100,000Rp (US$6)

• Cappuccino: 35,000Rp (US$2)

• Sandwich: 60,000Rp (US$4)

• Dinner for two: 400,000Rp (US$25)

• Bottle of Bintang beer at a simple beach bar: 35,000Rp (US$2)

• Petrol: 14,000Rp (US$1) per liter

• Self-drive car rental: 325,000Rp (US$20) for 24 hours

Cash or credit card?

Both. You’ll need cash for taxis, entrance fees for temples, market stalls, bars and simple restaurants, as most of the smaller local businesses don’t have card machines. You can use credit cards in supermarkets, international restaurants, hotels and the larger glass-fronted shops.

Will my travel insurance cover me for a motorcycle accident in Bali?

Quite possibly not. Most insurance policies require you to hold a full license to drive a 125cc motorcycle in your home country in addition to holding an international license or an Indonesian license. Not wearing a helmet or driving while intoxicated will invalidate your cover. Check your policy wording very carefully. You won’t believe how many GoFundMe accounts are set up by the families of seriously injured foreigners to cover the hundreds of thousands of dollars required for hospital bills and medical evacuation costs.

How do I show respect to the Balinese people and culture?

There have been a lot of well-publicized incidents of foreigners behaving badly in Bali, disrespecting the local culture and the law. To be a respectful visitor, avoid reckless driving, nudity and public displays of emotion. Additionally, overly revealing attire will attract unwanted attention or disapproval, particularly in the less touristy areas.

What clothing should I pack for Bali?

Bring cool cottons, T-shirts, shorts, sandals, swimwear and casual resort wear. If you forget anything, or if you need something special for Bali’s glamorous night scene, you’ll find everything you need in the shops and boutiques in the tourist areas.

Serving up 125 miles of diverse island beauty, the Florida Keys offer a seemingly endless supply of turquoise waters, pristine white sands and outdoor adventures. Experiencing a lush subtropical climate and year-round warmth might seem out of reach within the continental United States, but thanks to the road that runs almost to the tip of the archipelago, it’s closer than you think.

Stretching from Key Largo to Key West and beyond, there are around 800 keys to explore, and many are connected to mainland Florida by the Overseas Highway. So load up the car, pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, and check out our list of best beach getaways in the Florida Keys.

1. Bahia Honda State Park

Best beach for birdwatching and activities

One of the biggest gems on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park teems with wildlife and offers great opportunities for birdwatching. Nestled between Big Pine Key and Marathon, the park is home to species such as wood warblers, great white herons and sandpipers; it’s a haven for both birds and nature enthusiasts.

For prime views of the park’s feathered residents, head over to the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. While no longer in use, this partially accessible steel bridge extends over the water, providing breathtaking vistas of the park’s natural beauty.

In addition to birdwatching, Bahia Honda State Park offers a wide array of beachside activities. Visitors can rent kayaks, embark on snorkeling tours and explore nature trails right beside the shore. The park’s science center adds a touch of discovery, with staff on hand to educate visitors about local marine life such as stone crabs and comb jellies.

Planning Tip: To make the most of the experience, stay at one of the park’s three campgrounds, with toilet and shower blocks, tent spaces and hookups for RVs. 

2. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Best beach for history lovers

History enthusiasts visiting Key West on the third weekend of the month are in for a treat at this sandy spot. Located at the island’s southwest tip, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park hosts monthly Civil War reenactments, bringing to life the fort’s role as a Union stronghold.

Year-round, visitors can explore this fort from the mid-1800s on guided tours that highlight its history in the Civil War and Spanish-American War, and view an impressive collection of seaside cannons and artillery. The park also has Key West’s best beach, with white sands, calm waters ideal for swimming and vibrant tropical fish beneath the waves.

Parts of the shore can be rocky, so water shoes make wading easier. The beach is also a serene alternative to Mallory Square for watching the sunset, though the park closes immediately after the sun dips below the horizon. Accessing the beach requires a short 10-minute walk from the park entrance.

Detour: A 15-minute stroll east of the park is the famous Hemingway House, once home to its namesake author and still home to six-toed cats.

3. Dry Tortugas National Park

Best beach for a secluded escape

Despite its name, Key West isn’t the westernmost destination in the Florida Keys; that distinction belongs to Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west. Spilling into the Gulf of Mexico, this remote spot consists of seven islands and is one of the most secluded places in the US National Park system.

To reach it, visitors must book a transfer via the park’s official ferry, the Yankee Freedom III, or charter a private boat or seaplane. Once you arrive, you’ll discover pristine coral reefs, secluded beaches and historic Fort Jefferson, a massive Civil War-era fortress. 

Local Tip: Book your ferry tickets as far in advance as possible, as they typically sell out days, if not weeks, in advance.

4. John Pennekamp State Park

Best beach for an underwater adventure

Hailed as the first underwater park in the US, John Pennekamp State Park spans more than 48,000 acres of ocean and 170 acres of dry land, offering a mix of marine adventures and land-based activities. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and its coral reefs teem with marine life such as barracudas and parrotfish.

For an up-close view, book a glass-bottom boat tour to Molasses Reef (they run three times daily year-round), or explore the underwater Christ of the Abyss statue on snorkeling or diving trips. If you’re happy to explore above the water, the park has miles of mangrove-lined channels for kayaking.

On land, there are three nature trails, including the Mangrove Trail – a boardwalk showcasing this unique ecosystem – and the Wild Tamarind Trail, where labels help visitors identify native hardwood trees. The visitor center features a 30,000-gallon aquarium and informative nature films, while nightly campfire programs are a fun touch during the vacation season.

Planning Tip: The park has its own dive shop, offering daily boat dives in season. Snorkeling trips leave up to five times daily; book ahead online.

5. Sombrero Beach

Best beach for families and turtles

This popular beach in Marathon is as family-friendly as it gets, with shaded picnic spots, barbecue grills, a playground and volleyball courts. Its calm waters and sandy shores make it ideal for relaxing or swimming, and from April to October, the beach is an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles – about 10% of the sand is fenced off to protect them.

The city of Marathon offers unique opportunities for visitors to help survey and count the nesting sites, and there are periodic events where nature enthusiasts can help release rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean. Check the city administration website for announcements.

6. Curry Hammock State Park

Best beach in the mid-Keys area

If the vibrant crowds of Key West feel a bit much, the serenity of Curry Hammock State Park offers a perfect escape. Nestled between Duck Key and Marathon, this 1000-acre haven is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quiet.

The park features campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four picnic pavilions, but the real highlight is paddling. Two popular kayak routes await, with the standout being the 1.5-mile loop around Little Crawl Key. This scenic journey takes paddlers through mangrove tunnels and a deep-water lagoon, passing sun-soaked sandbars –perfect for a day immersed in nature.

Local Tip: Despite being a paddling hub, on-site rentals can be hit-or-miss outside of the holiday season. As an alternative, nearby Marathon Kayaking and Paddleboarding offers rentals year-round.

7. Smathers Beach

Best Key West beach escape

Picture a classic South Florida beach with white sand stretching down to turquoise waters. Nestled on Key West’s southern shore, Smathers Beach fits the bill perfectly, with ample space for relaxation or adventure. Highlights include volleyball courts, food trucks and a water sports hub where you can arrange parasailing, jet skiing and kayaking.

For a mini adventure, can wade out to the sandbar just offshore – the shallow, calm waters at Mathers Beach make it easy to explore. It’s worth noting however that this spot gets packed with crowds of college students during Spring Break.

8. Higgs Beach

Best beach for dog lovers

If your Key West adventure includes Fido (or you love seeing pups frolic on the sand), Higgs Beach is a must-visit, thanks to one of Florida’s top dog parks. It’s a charming spot for relaxation, exploration and quality time with your furry friend.

Nearby, the Key West Wildlife Center rehabilitates injured birds, sea turtles and other wildlife, and it offers public tours six days a week. Beyond the wildlife, Higgs Beach has white sand, six tiki huts for picnics, and the historic West Martello Tower – a former military lookout with picturesque gardens that make a perfect Instagram stop.

Local Tip: Dogs must remain on a leash at the park, except for the fenced-in dog park which has dedicated areas for small and large dogs.

9. Anne’s Beach

Best under-the-radar beach

Tucked away on Upper Matecumbe Key in Islamorada, Anne’s Beach has shallow, calm waters that are perfect for wading, framed by an emerald line of mangroves. It’s ideal for picnicking, sunbathing or kayaking through peaceful waters, and a unique boardwalk offers elevated views of these idyllic surroundings. Parking is limited – there are about 15 spots – so arrive early to secure your precious piece of real estate.

Detour: No trip to Islamorada would be complete without visiting its most famous resident, Betsy the Lobster. This giant lobster statue stands off the Overseas Highway, about 20 minutes north of Anne’s Beach.

10. Founders Park Beach

Best beach for sunsets

Another dreamy spot in Islamorada, this beach and park is a local gem with a rich history, named to honor (you guessed it) the area’s founding families. Covering 40 acres, the park has a sandy beach, sports fields, walking trails and a dog park. Facing west, it’s also a prime spot for taking in the spectacular sunsets over Florida Bay.

Local Tip: To take the outdoorsy-ness to another level, the History of Diving Museum is just minutes away, offering a deep dive into the Keys’ underwater heritage.

Europe’s coastlines and astounding beaches may get all the attention as summer comes, but the continent’s lakes should not be overlooked. Italy boasts glamorous, mountain-ringed waters, Croatia offers up saltwater sensations and England is home to moody pastoral scenes. Whether you want to swim, SUP, cycle or chill out on the beach, Europe has a lake for every kind of adventure.

We asked our expert writers to share their favorite lakes for a holiday in Europe — here are 12 of the best.

Lake Levico and Lake Caldonazzo, Italy

Recommended by Daniel James Clarke

Trentino’s legendary Lake Garda and cloud-defying Dolomites need little introduction. But hidden between these headliners is unsung Valsugana, harboring its pair of pristine rivals. Lake Levico (Lago di Levico), the smaller of the two, is a fjord-like fantasy: narrow, squeaky-clean waters flanked by sloping pines. Motorized water sports are prohibited, meaning the Blue Flag beach – Levico is one of Europe’s warmest lakes – and shore-tracking paths are soundtracked solely by birdsong. Embrace the stillness and go SUPing, gliding over mirror-like waters and sunken treasure – chests of sparkling Trentodoc wine mature twenty meters below. Meet the characterful brothers behind these aquatic vinos at Cantina Romanese for a scuba-free vineyard tasting.

Adrenaline needed? Cross to neighboring Lake Caldonazzo (Lago di Caldonazzo), where world champion Tomas Degasperi leads exhilarating waterski lessons. Back on dry land, iron-rich thermal spas, a stargazing observatory and the open-air forested sculpture gallery Arte Sella await. Then there’s all the food. Pizza, pasta and gelato are a given – lakeside Gelateria Bellavista is sweet-tooth heaven – but don’t overlook the regional Italian-Austrian flavors, such as canederli, cheese-stuffed bread dumplings. The best part? Unlike Italy’s upscale, mansion-lined lakes, Valsugana’s camping grounds, agriturismos (farm stays) and wellness resorts accommodate all budgets.

Lake Garda, Italy

Recommended by Julia Buckley

It’s big enough to resemble the seaside, and is fringed by picture-perfect villages and dotted with archaeological sites: Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is Italy in beautiful miniature. Its mild Mediterranean climate – the only one of Italy’s lakes to have one – means that fragrant lemon groves blossom by the shoreline, while hotels cling to the sunny cliffsides. There’s something for everyone here. Archaeology lovers will want to head to Sirmione, the snake-shaped peninsula jutting into the south of the lake, where there’s a Roman villa and spa on the waterfront; to go even further back in time, at the far north end, you’ll find the remains of 4,000-year-old huts at the tiny Lake Ledro, suspended in the mountains just behind the northwestern corner of Garda.

Fans of more recent history will be fascinated by the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the outré home of the controversial early 20th-century writer Gabriele d’Annunzio – the sprawling grounds contain a warship in the garden. If you want to visit towns and villages, there’s stately Desenzano del Garda, and pretty Lazise and Limone sul Garda. Leading northwards from Limone is a walkway and cycle path cantilevered over the still water. Want to get closer? Rent a boat to zip around the lake at will.

Lake Constance; Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Recommended by Luke Waterson

Central Europe’s second-largest freshwater body of water after Lake Geneva, Lake Constance laps at the borders of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Its shores are encircled by a 260km cycle path that, combined with the use of cross-lake ferries, lets you experience all three countries in as little as a single day, making it one of the world’s most culturally fascinating lakes.

Vibrant arts hub Bregenz is the toast of the Austrian lakeside, with a cable car climbing to the 1064m peak of Pfänder for the most dramatic lake overview. Around German Lake Constance, ogle Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen, an open-air museum featuring reconstructed ancient lake dwellings, or the hulking fortress of Burg Meersburg with its drawbridge and dungeons. You can also voyage to Mainau near Konstanz, a garden island that dazzles with its Mediterranean flowers, elaborate topiaries and a Baroque castle. Sojourn to Switzerland’s swathe of the lake, stopping in at picturesque settlements like medieval Stein am Rhein with its winsome half-timbered buildings. Just because it’s rich in cultural experiences doesn’t mean the lake lacks in the delightful countryside: get away from it all by strolling vineyards near Meersburg or hiking hilly trails around Pfänder.

Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero, Croatia

Recommended by John Garry

Can’t decide between lakeside or seafront? Consider Mljet – an island so enchanting Odysseus (of mythological fame) stayed for seven years. Homer’s Odyssey credits the nymph Calypso for his extended stint, but we’d like to believe the island’s two saltwater lakes did the trick – Malo Jezero (Little Lake) and Veliko Jezero (Big Lake). Take a boat trip on Veliko Jezero to Sveta Marija (St. Mary’s Island), where a 12th-century Benedictine monastery rises from the blue, or rent a kayak to paddle the perimeter at your own pace.

The real treat, however, is jumping in the water. Mljet’s lakes are warmer than the sea – particularly Malo Jezero. Dive deep enough and you can spot sea cucumbers, giant clams and the endemic Aurelia jellyfish – a harmless invertebrate. Both lakes line Mljet National Park – a 5400-hectare preserve thick with Aleppo pine and holm oak. Hiking the park makes a fine day trip from Dubrovnik (two hours away by ferry), but with a setting this seductive, you might wind up pulling an Odysseus. Plan on resting your head at the aptly named Hotel Odisej Mljet, which overlooks the Adriatic.

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Recommended by Mark Baker

Lakes tend to be drop-dead gorgeous or loads of fun to splash around in — but rarely both. Slovenia solves this problem nicely with two incredible lakes – Bled and Bohinj – just 25 km (15 miles) apart. With its dramatic alpine backdrop, Lake Bled is the looker, while larger Lake Bohinj, lined by kayak and SUP-rental outfits, is the fun one (but truth be told, it’s a beautiful body of water as well).

Start your exploration with a walk around Lake Bled and a visit to grand Bled Castle. Hire a pletna, a wooden boat that resembles a Venetian gondola, and sail out to tiny, magical Bled Island. Before leaving, treat yourself to a piece of kremšnita, Bled’s legendary cream cake. The restaurant at Bled Castle makes a good one. Over at Lake Bohinj, in addition to swimming and kayaking, you can hike around the lake, rent bikes or even go horseback riding in the surrounding hills. Hotel Bohinj, a restored lodge at the lakeside hamlet of Ribčev Laz, is equal parts sumptuous and wacky, but spares no expense spoiling its guests. The chefs at Restaurant Triglav work wonders with locally sourced Bohinj trout, which diners often mistake for salmon because of the meat’s pinkish color.

Lac d’Annecy, France

Recommended by Kerry Walker

One minute you’re gazing in wonder at the wild, snow-dusted French Alps, the next it’s as though you’ve been teleported to another time and place on the palm-rimmed, promenade-ribboned shores of Lac d’Annecy (Lake Annecy). A splash south of Geneva, this dazzler of a glacier-carved, spring-fed lake in Haute-Savoie is France’s third biggest and Europe’s purest (honestly, your bath water is no cleaner).

The town of Annecy at the lake’s northern cusp is the springboard for exploring, and my, is it pretty. The Vieille Ville is bedtime story stuff, with trickling canals and pastel-painted houses harboring enticing bistros, cafes and patisseries. And the cake-topper of a medieval castle, once home to the counts of Geneva, has 360° views over the rooftops to the Massif des Bauges that will make you audibly sigh. Good food? Mais oui…. Annecy has a galaxy of gourmet restaurants including three-Michelin-starred Le Clos des Sens. After a romantic stint in town, head to the lake to walk, mountain bike, swim, row, stand-up paddleboard, paraglide or simply crash on one of the beaches. The under-the-radar mountains of Parc Naturel Régional du Massif des Bauges and 1000-year-old Château de Menthon-St-Bernard make easy, memorable day trips.

Lac de Sainte-Croix, France

Recommended by Chrissie McClatchie

Look at a map of Provence and you’ll find Lac de Sainte-Croix right at the center. The gateway to the dramatic Gorges du Verdon, aka the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” this man-made lake is France’s third largest. Its beauty lies not only in the shock of opaque turquoise water or the activities that can be enjoyed from its sandy shores (swimming, boating, windsurfing, pedalo-ing, canoeing, kayaking and more), but also the magazine cover-pretty villages that surround it that include Moustiers-Saintes-Maries, which clings to a mountain five kilometers away from the water’s edge and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. If everything had gone according to plan when they flooded the Salles Valley to create the body of water in the late 1960s, the latter would have become inhabitable.

During the lavender season (mid-June to mid-July), combine a visit to Lac de Sainte-Croix with a day in the fields of the Plateau de Valensole, which starts a little bit further along the road north from Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.

Buttermere and Crummock Water, England

Recommended by Tom Hall

While neither are, strictly speaking, lakes — just look at their names — Buttermere and Crummock Water are the perfect places to experience the Lake District. Their remote-feeling location in the north of the national park, relative lack of facilities and distance from the park’s big-name mountains (Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Great Gable) generally mean this is a quieter area than the busy south Lakes. And so much the better for anyone who does get here: the two bodies of water are fringed by towering mountains with only a few narrow lanes and dry stone-walled fields to suggest any man-made influence.

Pack your walking boots to get the most out of being here. If you’re arriving in Buttermere Valley via the steep twists of Honister Pass, access one of the best views in all of England by taking the short walk to the top of Fleetwith Pike from the Honister Slate Mine car park. Or if you’d prefer to remain at ground level, there’s an easy 4.2 mi / 6.7 km circular stroll around Buttermere. Both lakes are excellent for slightly chilly swims. However you spend a day — or more, if you come camping or stay at Buttermere YHA — here, a pint at the Fish Inn is the perfect sundowner. The 77 and 77A bus operate circular services for Buttermere Village from Keswick.