Category Wildlife and Nature

Home to one of the world’s most accessible live volcanos, the tiny island of Tanna in Vanuatu’s south is ready-made for unforgettable adventures.

Vanuatu is an archipelagic country of 83 islands in the South Pacific. The sixth largest, Tanna is just 40km (25 miles) long and 19km (12 miles) wide – but visitors will find plenty to see and do among its minimally developed tropical landscapes. Two-thirds of the island’s 30,000 inhabitants live traditionally, deep in the mountains, where they raise their families in thatched huts and grow produce in the island’s rich volcanic soil. These resilient local traditions and warm Pacific Islander hospitality – in addition to the exciting allure of wild nature – make Tanna a top location for an adventure holiday. Here are five ways to get the most of it.

1. Squeeze your way into the magical Blue Cave

Tanna’s Blue Cave is a remarkable example of nature showing off. The cave is accessed via an unassuming entrance carved in a limestone cliff, and requires a sharp set of eyes (or preferably a tour guide) to spot. You’ll then need to roll into a shallow duck-dive at high tide to pass through the opening.

You’ll pop up in a secret paradise.

Inside, a ray of light beams through an opening at the top of cave, creating an intense spotlight on the turquoise water. Smooth rocks jut out of the water around the cave perimeter: perfect spots for sitting down and taking in the gentle lapping sounds. Don’t forget your waterproof camera or case for your smartphone, for you’ll want a visual memory of this place.

2. Watch the fireworks at the rim of Mt Yasur volcano

Tanna’s main calling card is its active volcano, Mt Yasur. A thick plume of smoke constantly hovers above the mountain, tempting visitors game enough to peer into its red-hot crater, poised for the intermittent eruptions that shoot streaks of glowing lava up to 200m (656ft) into the air. A small visitor center sits at the base of the mountain, from which guests get transported up the 360m(1181ft)-high mountain in 4WD vehicles. A steep 10-minute walk from the drop-off point leads to the crater rim.

It’s best to arrive late afternoon to admire the elevated view across the green plains and distant mountains in the daylight, then watch the impressive show of lava fireworks after dark. Yasur is a place to keep your wits about you: be sure to heed local warnings and snap selfies with caution, as the rim has no safety railing.

3. Have a soak in Sulphur Bay’s hot spring

Since Sulphur Bay sits at the foot of Mt Yasur, the villagers who live there occupy some of the best real estate on the island. Tropical palm trees fringe a long stretch of white sand, bordered by a mountain on one side and a rugged red cliff face on the other. Beneath the cliff is a shallow hot spring, which runs to a piping 60°C (140°F) at its source but feels more like a pleasant hot bath as it flows downstream and dissipates into the ocean.

Scrub yourself down with the fine black ash of the riverbed as the warm water washes over you, then refresh with a dip in the cool sea. Since the spring acts as their permanent hot-water tap, you might see a few locals doing the same. If asked politely, the residents will be all too willing to host a tour of their village.

4. Go snorkeling and scuba diving to marvel at the sea’s bounty

The waters off Tanna typically have excellent visibility, making the island a prime location for snorkelng and scuba diving. White Grass Ocean Resort and Spa has the only PADI-accredited dive center on the island, Volcano Island Divers, which offers a range of courses for beginners through to seasoned scuba experts. Following an assessment in the pool, go in search of the bale of green turtles known to grace the coral gardens off the short of the resort, and look out for eels, spotted rays and dolphins. Those without dive accreditation can head out with a snorkel.

Divers can choose from a series of other shore and boat dives, including the blue holes, connected by swim-through caverns; the wreck of MV Jean Percy, which sank in 14m (46ft) of water after striking a reef; and Kamtiua Reef, where experienced divers can witness sheer drop-offs and swim with yellowfin tuna and barracuda.

5. Expect a warm welcome at Yakel village

The best way to get an insight into Tanna’s local way of life – seeming unchanged for centuries – is to visit a mountain village. Made famous through the Oscar-nominated film Tanna, Yakel is one of the island’s most popular kastom villages (meaning it respects the island’s traditional way of life) for visitors.

After a rough 4WD trip through the mountains, community members will greet you with a traditional dance, singing and stomping the dirt dressed in grass skirts and loin sheaths. After the performance, let the locals lead you to their village, where chickens and pigs roam freely among thatched living quarters.

The lure of commerce hasn’t escaped the village people, so bring some cash if you want to pick up local handicrafts.

How to get to Tanna Island

Tanna’s Whitegrass Airport is less than an hour flight south of the country’s capital, Port Vila, with operators like Air Vanuatu providing regular service.

Argentina is a vast country with four distinct seasons and a variety of landscapes and activities to choose from. With such an array of options, picking what to do is no easy task.

City lovers are drawn to Buenos Aires, one of the most enchanting capitals in Latin America, with its tango shows, culture, soccer matches and fantastic gastronomy.

Visit Iguazu Falls, explore the relics of the Indigenous communities in the Quebrada de Humahuaca and enjoy a great wine in Mendoza, overlooking the Andes Mountains.

Here are our picks for the top things to do in Argentina.

1. Watch a fútbol match in Buenos Aires

Do you want to see, first-hand, just how deep the Argentines’ passion for fútbol (soccer) runs? Head to a game in Buenos Aires. La Bombonera (Boca Juniors) and El Monumental (River Plate) stadiums are the most popular but they’re also hardest to get match-day tickets for.

A more reasonable option is checking out the smaller teams like Argentinos Juniors, Huracàn and Vélez Sársfield. All of them are located in different neighborhoods of Buenos Aires but good transportation makes getting there easy. You’ll still get to see a match and all the shouting, insults and celebrations accompanying it.

Planning tip: Keep an eye on the match schedule, which can be chaotic in Argentina. You can go alone or look for agencies organizing tours, like Tangol. They offer a multiday tour, with admission to a Boca Juniors or River Plate match, plus visits to the clubs’ museums.

2. Witness the power of Iguazú Falls

The Iguazú Falls are a natural wonder shared by Argentina and Brazil. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the series of waterfalls is split between two national parks: Puerto Iguazú in Argentina and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil.

The main attraction is Devil’s Throat, measuring an astonishing 82m (269ft) high and 150m (492ft) wide. The falls can be reached in several ways, including by trails, from viewpoints and on boat rides.

You’ll end the hike wet even if you’re wearing rain gear, but you’ll be charged with positive energy.

Planning tip: The falls are worth seeing from both sides. You can visit any time of the year, but temperatures are pretty high between December and February. Try to enter the park early in the morning to avoid crowds – you’ll also have a better chance of spotting animals. Last entry is at 4:30pm.

3. Eat an authentic Argentine asado

Argentina ranks among the world’s top cattle producers, and Argentines take great pride in their meat. The variety of cuts to choose from is vast and has become more complex over time – it’s now a job to be a meat sommelier.

On the outskirts of Buenos Aires, the estancias (cattle ranches) offer barbecue meals to enjoy in the outdoors. In the city itself, if you’re not invited to an asado (Argentine barbecue) in a family home, you can always book a reservation at an excellent restaurant.

The best known is the Michelin-starred Don Julio. It’s not easy to get a table and it is expensive, but it is worth it. Located on the corner of the streets Gurruchaga and Guatemala, the restaurant specializes in cuts of beef from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford steers fed only on natural pasture.

It’s also the favorite grill of the Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi. Their butcher shop, La Carnicería, specializes in pastured meats and sells cuts of meat on the bone.

Alternatively, Fogón offers a nine-course tasting menu featuring seasonal vegetables, quality cuts of Argentine beef and delectable desserts like crepes with dulce de leche.

Planning tip: Both restaurants are located in the heart of Palermo, renowned as Buenos Aires’ neighborhood with the highest concentration of restaurants.

Read more: The best places to eat and drink in Buenos Aires

4. Marvel at the Route of the Volcanoes

Catamarca, in the northwest of Argentina, offers stunning views of volcanoes over 6000m (19,685ft) high. This region of the Andes Mountains stretches almost 200km (124 miles) and is filled with colorful peaks, valleys, lagoons and Andean salt flats where pink flamingos live.

Planning tip: You can visit it all year round, although October to April is recommended because the rains can interrupt the route between December and March. It is essential to make the trip in a 4×4 truck, accompanied by a specialist guide.

5. Taste the wines of Mendoza

Mendoza produces more than 78% of Argentina’s wine. Undoubtedly, this midwestern province of the country is a paradise for lovers of good wine, and especially its most famous grape variety – Malbec.

Go in March to celebrate the National Grape Harvest Festival, which features concerts and parades with floats from all the wine regions. Visitors can also participate in a grape harvest, visit dozens of wineries, attend tastings and even stay overnight at some of them. At Entre Cielos, you can spend an night in a suite on stilts, right above a vineyard.

Maipú Valley, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley are some of the province’s best-known wine regions.

Read more: 10 ways to eat and drink your way across Argentina

6. Discover the majesty of Patagonia’s glaciers

Witnessing the fall of a giant iceberg is an experience that is hard to forget. You hear (and feel) a roar, as large chunks of glacier break away.

You can see this spectacle in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, in southwestern Patagonia. The park’s most famous site is the Perito Moreno Glacier, a magnificent wall of ice with icebergs more than 30km (18 miles) long.

There are vantage points and steel catwalks that let you close enough to the action while keeping you at a safe distance. In addition to touring the park, you can navigate among the glaciers and hike on the ice. In both cases, it is necessary to take an organised tour.

Planning tip: The best time to go is from November to March.

7. Navigate the wetlands of Esteros del Iberá

Esteros del Iberá is a natural paradise of more than one million hectares – one of the largest freshwater reserves in the world. The most popular activity in the area is a boat ride through the wetlands.

There, you can see caimans, capybaras and birds such as southern screamers (chajás), herons (garzas) and southern lapwings (teros) in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy the palm groves and grasslands on horseback, and take in the enormity of one of the country’s best skies for stargazing.

Planning tip: The marshes have multiple access points such as San Nicolás, Cambyretá and Carambola. The most developed is Portal Iberá, found in Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, accessible from either Posadas (Misiones) or Mercedes (Corrientes). The best seasons are autumn and spring; when the weather is milder, the plants bloom and the birds return.

8. Cycle through the Lake District

The road that joins the cities of Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes is one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Argentina. Many travelers journey through the region in a day by car or on a private tour, but why not take it slow and embark on a 100km (62-mile) bike tour? The effort is worth it.

You’ll visit the national parks of Huapi and Lanín, pass by lakes and forests, and marvel at snow-capped mountains along the paved route.

Join up with a company to organize the whole trip, including camping or hostel accommodations. All you have to bring is your desire to do it.

Planning tip: To enjoy the trip, allow four days to complete it. The route from south to north is best since the road slopes down more than it goes up.

9. Learn about Indigenous culture in the Quebrada de Humahuaca

Quebrada de Humahuaca is a mountainous valley in the Jujuy Province, with several towns that cross the Rio Grande along a 155km (96-mile) stretch. For those who make the trek (and not many do) there’s a bounty of beautiful landscapes. For over 10,000 years, numerous Indigenous cultures have called this place home.

It was an important place in northwestern Argentina for the Incas in particular. Hike the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), located in Purmamarca, and stand in awe of reddish and ocher colors etched on rock formations, trace the the paths forged by the Incas, and discover charming villages.

10. Enjoy the arts in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is one of the great cultural capitals of Latin America. Tango is the music of the city, formed from a mixture of cultures and migratory currents that arrived at the end of the 19th century.

The city is full of milongas (dance schools or halls), where you can learn to dance to this music. Good places to try include La Viruta, Villa Malcolm and La Catedral. The first two are open daily, and the last from Tuesday to Sunday.

There are also places where you can listen to tango singers, full of expressiveness and feeling for this music representing the porteños (people born in Buenos Aires). El Boliche de Roberto and Los Laureles are two old bars where you can listen to the singers with a good glass of wine.

Buenos Aires also has more than 300 theaters spread throughout the city. Performances take place Monday through Sunday and cover diverse genres including drama, comedy, musical theater and a large number of stand-up shows.

Corrientes Ave, between Callao and Cerrito, has a large number of theaters and restaurants. Watching a play and eating a slice of pizza is a popular activity among porteños.

11. Sail the Beagle Channel

The Beagle Channel, which joins the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, is full of stories. In 1833, Charles Darwin’s voyages through these waters shaped his groundbreaking theory of evolution.

The classic boat tour to cross the channel departs from the remote city of Ushuaia, known as “the City at the End of the World.” The tour is an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the place and to see marine wildlife such as sea birds and, if you are lucky, whales, dolphins and sea lions.

The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is another of Patagonia’s icons, along with the Bridges Islands, where you can disembark if the weather is good. The lighthouse was important in navigation history because it guided numerous ships towards the Pacific Ocean.

Planning tip: The trip takes about three hours. The best time to make the excursion is early summer.

Keep planning your trip to Argentina:

• Save these top places to visit to your profile

• Find the best time to visit Argentina for your perfect vacation

• Be in the know with these top tips from Argentina locals

The epicenter of Mayan culture in Central America, Guatemala is renowned for its dramatic volcanoes, black-sand beaches, remarkable biodiversity, historic Spanish cities, thriving Mayan communities and the stunning ruins of Tikal – perhaps the most spectacular of the ruined Mayan cities scattered around the jungles of Central America.

There’s loads to see here, and it’s worth taking your time to roam from the coastal beaches to the temperate highlands, and from Mayan ruins to wildlife-filled national parks. The country’s abundant natural attractions are topped off by the urban charm of Antigua, the country’s former Spanish-era capital, where visitors can find some of the best food in Central America.

Everything in Guatemala feels vibrantly alive, from the Mayan culture of Chichicastenango to the sublime serenity of Lake Atitlán with its guardian ring of volcanoes. One trip will likely have you hooked for life, so here are the best places to start your adventure in Guatemala, the Land of Eternal Spring.

1. Antigua

Best for architecture, history and volcanoes

Just a 45-minute drive from Guatemala’s main international airport, Antigua is most travelers’ first and last stop in Guatemala, and it rarely disappoints. A sprawl of cobblestone streets, historic basilicas and colorful homes, the city is surrounded by towering volcanoes, the most impressive of which is El Fuego (“the fire”), whose steep slopes are regularly marked by low-level eruptions.

Antigua is a place to explore in depth, posing for selfies under the iconic Arco de Santa Catarina, shopping for Mayan handicrafts, taking stunning photos of volcano-backed street scenes and colonial architecture, studying Spanish at local language schools, and refueling in the city’s many excellent cafes, restaurants and bars.

Some of Guatemala’s best restaurants can be found in Antigua, which has excellent global cuisine and traditional and contemporary Guatemalan fare. Eat delicious, budget-friendly street food at the night market or splurge on somewhere elegant and atmospheric such as Meson Panza Verde, a cozy boutique hotel where creative fusion dishes are made with local ingredients.

Detour: For days out of town, wake up early to hike to the nearby Pacaya and Acatenango volcanoes, or wake up late and enjoy a laid-back brunch made with homegrown ingredients at the charming Caoba Farms. There’s plenty here to fill many days of exploring!

2. Lago de Atitlán

Best for chilling out amidst volcanic scenery

Tucked away deep in the western highlands and framed by three towering volcanoes, Lago de Atitlán is considered by some to be the most spectacular lake in the world. The waters of this deep and mysterious crater lake turn turquoise to deep green to dark blue as the light changes with the time of day and season. Because of its unique beauty, travelers have been known to get stuck here for weeks, months or even years.

Several small villages with distinctively different moods dot the lakeshore. Party people head to San Pedro La Laguna, while those interested in meditation and yoga love quieter San Marcos La Laguna. Spanish classes are widely available, but the main order of the day is simply chilling by the lakeside and marveling at the wonders of nature.

Planning Tip: For those who simply can’t sit still, more energetic activities include paragliding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking trips and hikes to the top of the dormant Volcán San Pedro. The lake also has some of Guatemala’s best swimming beaches.

3. Chichicastenango

Best for experiencing Mayan culture

Chichicastenango, aka “Chichi,” not only hosts the most impressive Maya market in the country, but it also has deep cultural significance to the Maya people. The town served as the main trading center for the Quiché region before the conquistadors arrived, and the tradition of people coming from hill villages to trade continues to this day.

Nestled amidst lush green mountains in the Guatemalan highlands, this sprawling market town fills with market traders every Sunday and Thursday, as visitors surge in on day trips from Lago de Atitlán. You’ll find a labyrinth of stalls full of local products, carved masks and gorgeous textiles, including the traditional huipil blouses that Indigenous women weave and wear.

Every region has a different style of huipil, and the intricate patterns of natural designs and abstract symbols can take months or even a year to weave. Other goods sold in this atmospheric market include wood carvings, leather goods, pottery and jade, silver and gold jewelry.

Planning Tip: While you’re in Chichicastenango, drop into the small archeological museum and the museum of ceremonial Mayan masks and spend some time people-watching on the incense-cloaked steps of Iglesia de Santo Tomás.

4. El Petén and Tikal

Best for Mayan ruins in the rainforest

The Guatemalan department (province) of El Petén is one of the most biodiverse regions in Central America, and this is also the setting for the towering Mayan temples of Tikal. The ruins of this ancient city, which rose to the height of its power in the 7th century, are buried deep in the jungle, visited by howler monkeys, coatis, agoutis and tropical birds and cloaked in lush vegetation. It’s worth spending a few days here exploring the region around beautiful, deep-green Lago Petén Itzá.

Several small communities line the water’s edge, but the island town of Flores is where most people stay while visiting Tikal, with a good selection of hostels and hotels, fun-filled nightlife and good amenities. However, the often-overlooked village of El Remate is another excellent option for those looking for a more tranquil vibe.

El Remate is tiny, but it has a handful of hostels, and it’s on a much better stretch of the lakeshore for swimming. As a bonus, the village is located closer to Tikal, meaning a quicker journey to the ruins. Check out the long-established Mon Ami hostel and restaurant for lakeside accommodations and lake-fish lunches, and Las Orquideas for delicious Italian food.

Detour: Quieter than Tikal, but equally worth visiting, are the ruins of Yahxá, a smaller ceremonial site located between two lakes, which is famed for its epic sunsets. For the more adventurous, five-day jungle treks to El Mirador, the largest Mayan site in Central America, can be arranged through local outfitter Carmelita Tours.

5. Río Dulce and Livingston

Best for river adventures

The largest lake in Guatemala, Lago Izabal is known for its geothermally heated waterfalls and fringing mangroves teeming with wildlife. The lake empties into the Río Dulce, which runs directly to the town of Lívingston, a busy hub for Garifuna people located on the Caribbean coast. Many travelers stop here en route to the coast and hire a boat to take them down the river.

Río Dulce is hot, humid and lush, and the vibe is surprisingly international, thanks to a string of marinas, restaurants and bars along the river that cater to visiting sailors. Stay at the excellent Tortugal, a boutique guesthouse located on a marina, and let the water lull you to sleep, or take a pickup to stay at one of the more remote riverside hostels in the jungle – Hotelito Perdido is a top choice.

6. Semuc Champey and Lanquín

Best for splashing in jungle pools

With its serene turquoise pools and natural limestone bridge, the national park of Semuc Champey is one of the most beautiful places in Central America. It’s a bit of a challenge to get there, but the trip is well worth the effort to swim and relax surrounded by tranquil natural beauty.

The pools are quite remote, and many visitors choose to stay in Lanquín, a village about a 45-minute drive from Semuc Champey with a handful of excellent hostels. Check out Zephyr Lodge, a popular party hostel with an infinity pool and unrivaled views of the surrounding mountains. El Retiro Lodge is more relaxed and just as pretty, with simple huts located right beside the river. Day trips to the pools are arranged by both hostels.

Planning Tip: If you’re looking to stay as close to the pools as possible, Greengo’s Hotel has A-frame cabins just a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the park.

7. Nebaj and the Ixil Triangle

Best for uncrowded hiking trails

The isolated township of Nebaj is located in the remote highlands of the Cuchumatanes Mountains, a region referred to as the Ixil Triangle. It’s an excellent hub for hiking off the tourist trail. Visitors can trek between the peaks of the tallest mountain chain in Central America, traversing verdant slopes and valleys that alternate between subtropical forests and sweeping shrublands.

It’s possible to hike from the Ixil triangle to Todos Santos, a small town famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations every November. Starting from Nebaj, hikes are run once or twice a month by the excellent Quetzaltrekkers, based out of Quetzaltenango.

8. Monterrico and El Paredon

Best for black sands and surfing

Monterrico is a popular beachside getaway for Guatemalans, and it offers a fine expanse of black sand where you can relax, swim and watch the most incredible sunsets. By day, take a tour through the protected mangrove forest to see tropical birds and other wildlife or visit the Tortugario Monterrico sanctuary in the evening to help release baby turtles from September to January.

A two-hour drive away, El Paredon is the smaller of the two beaches, but it’s becoming increasingly popular thanks to its reliable surf breaks and the emergence of some great places to stay, including hippy-chic Swell. Head to this chilled-out beach for a backpacker vibe, easy-going Spanish classes, surfing lessons and socializing at the Driftwood Surfer hostel, which always has something going on every night of the week.

9. Laguna Lachuá

Best for escaping the tourist trail

Located in the middle of Parque Nacional Laguna Lachuá, in the coffee- and cardamom-growing region of Alta Verapaz, this idyllic lagoon is quickly gaining traction as one of the country’s best off-the-beaten-track destinations. Reached by a humid 5km (3-mile) hike, this perfectly round, turquoise lake is flanked by interpretive trails, and it’s a lovely place to swim.

Visitors can only get to the lagoon after hiking through dense areas of tropical rainforest, home to howler monkeys, tarantulas, colorful birds and tropical flowers. After working up a sweat on the way here, the deep, cool lagoon is the perfect place to dive in, cool off and relax.

Planning Tip: The park doesn’t have any restaurants, so you’ll need to bring your own water and food. The easiest way to get here is on a tour from Cobán, about 147km (91 miles) south of Laguna Lachuá in the central highlands.

10. Quetzaltenango

Best for relaxing in the highlands

Quetzaltenango, or Xela (pronounced shay-la) as almost everyone calls it, is a place to linger. A big city with a small-town vibe, Quetzaltenango has pretty cobblestone streets, crumbling colonial buildings and a central park bookended by an ornate cathedral. Many visitors come here to study Spanish, volunteer, or take some serious hikes in the western highlands.

With the high elevation, expect pleasantly cool evenings that are perfect for sitting out in candle-lit bars and restaurants. Spanish students mingle with NGO volunteers, and chatty local residents are happy to help out with verb conjugations. Check out Mandarina on Calle 13-21 for the best lattes and salads in town. Don’t leave without trying shecas, a local sweet bread stuffed with either beans, cheese or jam, typically consumed with afternoon coffee.

Detours: Sights worth visiting outside the city include the hot springs tucked into the forest at Fuentes Georginas, Laguna Chicabal – a sacred lake that is often shrouded in mist, reached via a five-hour tramp up a volcano – and the twin volcanoes of Volcáns Santa Maria and Volcán Santiaguito, which can both be visited on a rewarding day hike. Huehuetanango, 90km (56 miles) north of Quetzaltenango, is another good base for hikes.

11. Guatemala City

Best for neighborhood exploring

Guatemala City is Central America’s largest metropolis, and how you experience the city will depend on where you spend your time. For those looking for a soft place to land, Zone 10 is the upscale neighborhood of the city, with wide, tree-lined boulevards full of high-end restaurants, hotels and trendy shops. This is also where you’ll find Museo Ixchel, an excellent museum focused on Mayan textiles and weaving.

For a more historic vibe, head to Zone 1, home to the Parque Central and the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, once the residence of dictator General Jorge Ubico. The park is popular for street food and occasional live music, or just as a place to sit for a while and watch the city going about its business.

Heading south from Zone 1 is Paseo de la Sexta, a pedestrian-only area studded with cafes, restaurants and shops. Here, you’ll find the famous Hotel Pan American, popular with revolutionaries, artists and writers since its construction more than 70 years ago. Across the street from the hotel is the equally famous Portalito, the bar reputedly frequented by Che Guevera whenever he visited Guatemala.

Detour: Zone 4 has been transformed from a once-dicey neighborhood full of abandoned factories into a trendy area with a post-industrial vibe. Once dilapidated streets are now alive with colorful street art, art galleries, digital workspaces, craft breweries and cafes serving up local beans that have until recently been reserved for export. Coffee District is a good place to start, with city views and an easygoing vibe.

At every majestic red, brown and pink turn, Grand Canyon National Park wows, with nature’s utmost beauty on full display.

The Grand Canyon is a global destination that offers more than 1.2 million acres of rocky, woodsy and riverine landscapes. It’s a paradise that appeals to travelers in search of many sorts of excursions, from family-centric outings to the most challenging of hikes.

Geologic forces have been molding this scenery for millions of years – and how you choose to take it all in, and which activities you opt for, will define your impression of this natural icon. The Arizona park features more than 130 trails, plus museums to explore, lodges to cozy into and water activities to enjoy.

Amid the many options, here are the top things to do in Grand Canyon National Park.

1. Ride the train to the South Rim via Grand Canyon Railway

Getting to the Grand Canyon is half the fun. Sure, you can embark on a desert journey from Las Vegas via car, or weave through towering hardwoods en route from Flagstaff. However you choose to arrive, consider completing the last leg via the Grand Canyon Railway. With daily routes from Williams, Arizona – approximately 60 miles south of Grand Canyon Village – the railway provides the perfect hybrid of desert and forest landscapes. And it’s always a hoot onboard, with Western-inspired entertainment that the whole family will enjoy.

Planning tip: The train departs Williams at 9:30am daily and returns at 3:30pm (with the exception of November and December). This schedule leaves you approximately three hours and 45 minutes at the canyon.

2. Absorb the canyon’s majesty from several viewpoints

You can plausibly argue that every step in Grand Canyon National Park provides a memorable viewpoint. Yet a handful of lookouts within the park along the South Rim’s main drag (Desert View Dr / Rte 64) – easily accessible to all, and all with guardrails – truly stand out. These include the primed-for-a-sunset Mather Point, partially paved Mohave Point and Grandview Point, from which you can see a bend in the Colorado River below.

3. Admire landscape-inspired art at Kolb Studio

Grand Canyon National Park is a piece of art in itself, true – yet there is an actual art studio within its limits, too. Situated on a cliff along the South Rim, Kolb Studio was once a family residence and photo studio. Today, the multi-level cabin boasts vintage photos from its namesakes – brothers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb – as well as paintings and portraits of folks exploring the canyon’s acreage in times past.

4. Take a hike along Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail

Once you lace up your hiking boots, everything from a death-defying, drop-filled, 11-mile jaunt (the Nankoweap Trail) to a flat straight shot to panoramic vistas (Shoshone Point) awaits. Yet the quintessential trails at the Grand Canyon – each containing a range of difficulties along them – are the nearly 8-mile Bright Angel Trail and the 6-plus-mile South Kaibab Trail. They’re both located in the South Rim, and provide stunning lookouts (such as Ooh Aah Point on South Kaibab) as they descend into the canyon.

Planning tip: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with its busiest hours from 10am to 4pm. Arrive early (or late) to avoid the crowds.

5. Check into Phantom Ranch or another woodsy in-park lodge

The only lodging option below the canyon rim, Phantom Ranch is nestled alongside Bright Angel Creek, just a half mile from the banks of the Colorado River. On its grounds, visitors can check into one of 11 cabins as well as single-sex dormitories. (Reserve early, as accommodations typically book up months in advance.) Beyond Phantom Ranch, a handful of above-rim lodges lie within the park, including the Maswik Lodge South, which opened in 2022; Charles Wittlesey-designed El Tovar; and the contemporary, cement-draped Kachina Lodge.

6. Kayak curvy Horseshoe Bend

You guessed it: Horseshoe Bend is sheer sandstone wizardry, sculpted by nature in the form of its namesake. Dipping more than 1000ft to the Colorado River below, the trailhead to this popular attraction is located just south of the town of Page. While the trail itself provides 1.2 miles of sweeping beauty, opt for a kayak adventure for a bottom-to-top perspective. Companies like Kayak Horseshoe Bend and Kayak the Colorado have the goods – and, if desired, the guides – to make it happen.

Detour: For more boating adventures, head 15 minutes north to Lake Powell, where operators like Lake Powell Boat Tours offer excursions.

7. Go white-water rafting on the Colorado River

There are few things more refreshing than a hearty splash of Colorado River water after a trek through an often blazing-hot canyon. Go for more than just a quick dip and make a day out of it with a rafting trip. April through October are the best months for rafting, and companies like Grand Canyon Expeditions know exactly where to take thrill seekers and tranquil floaters alike.

Planning tip: Beyond half-day and full-day adventures, three- to five-day rafting and boating trips can take you to the canyon all the way from Las Vegas. Advantage Grand Canyon is a comprehensive site that has a list of all your rafting choices.

8. Take in layered vistas with a bike ride along the South Rim Trail

Between driving, hiking and strolling the viewpoints, add in a bike ride for a full canyon experience. Along the South Rim, a wonderfully paved, 13-mile route offers canyon vistas with every rotation of the pedals. Bikes and e-bikes are now permitted in the park; if you left yours at home, Bright Angel Bicycles and GC-Bikes are tucked near the rim in Grand Canyon Village, with offerings for both adults and kids.

Local tip: When you tire, the park’s shuttle-bus system has bike racks. The shuttle stops almost every mile of the 13-mile stretch, and runs every 15 to 30 minutes.

9. Don’t forget a North Rim excursion

The bulk of the Grand Canyon’s buzziest spots – Bright Angel Trail, Desert View Watchtower and the Trail of Time being among them – are found at the South Rim. But let’s not forget the generally more remote and less developed North Rim. Some of the best viewpoints in all of this part of the Southwest are to be found here, including Cape Royal and Point Imperial.

Planning tip: The North Rim is open May 15 through December 1 annually, and is otherwise closed to vehicular traffic.

10. Explore the East Entrance and Desert View Watchtower

The East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park offers access to the Desert View Watchtower, a historic stone structure designed by architect Mary Colter. From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River, making it a prime spot for photography. The watchtower also features a gift shop and interpretive exhibits.

11. Admire the view from Roosevelt Point

Roosevelt Point is a lesser-known but spectacular viewpoint along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to sweeping, panoramic views of the canyon’s vast expanse and the winding Colorado River below. Unlike the South Rim’s bustling lookouts, Roosevelt Point offers a tranquil atmosphere. The overlook is particularly renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

12. Embark on a mule trip to the bottom of the canyon

For a unique way to experience the Grand Canyon, consider a mule trip. These guided tours descend into the canyon, offering a different perspective of the rugged terrain. Mule trips are available from the South Rim and can be a memorable way to reach Phantom Ranch or the Colorado River.

Planning tip: Mule trips are popular and often require reservations up to 13 months in advance.

13. Visit the Trail of Time for a geologic journey

The Trail of Time along the South Rim offers a self-guided walking tour that illustrates the geological history of the Grand Canyon. Markers along the trail highlight significant rock layers and geological features, providing a fascinating educational experience about the canyon’s formation.

14. Tour the East Cabin at Pipe Spring National Monument

Located near the Grand Canyon, Pipe Spring National Monument is home to several well-preserved historical structures that reflect early pioneer life in the American Southwest. The East Cabin, one of the key buildings on the site, was originally built as a residence. Visitors can explore its rustic interior and learn about the daily lives of those who lived and worked here. While not within the Grand Canyon itself, the East Cabin adds depth to the broader history of the region.

15. Marvel at the night sky

With its clear, high-altitude skies, the Grand Canyon is an excellent location for stargazing. Join a ranger-led astronomy program or simply lay out a blanket to enjoy the night sky. The park’s remote location minimizes light pollution, offering spectacular views of the Milky Way.

16. Step back in time at Bright Angel Lodge

Experience the historic charm of Bright Angel Lodge, an iconic destination located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Built in 1935 by Mary Colter, the lodge features a range of accommodations, from cozy cabins to charming lodge rooms, all designed to reflect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. Guests can enjoy the lodge’s historic dining room, which serves hearty meals with stunning canyon views.

Planning tip: The lodge is a historic site with limited rooms, so book well in advance, especially for the peak summer season. It also offers guided tours of its buildings; inquire about tour times at the front desk.

17. Walk the edge of the Skywalk

For an unparalleled thrill, visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a stunning glass bridge extending 70 feet beyond the edge of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. Suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, the transparent floor and walls of the Skywalk allows visitors to look straight down into the canyon.

Planning tip: The Skywalk prohibits personal cameras, so consider purchasing the professional photos taken on-site.

18. Soar high on a scenic helicopter tour

For a bird’s-eye view of Grand Canyon National Park, consider taking a helicopter tour. These tours provide a breathtaking perspective of the canyon’s vast expanse, highlighting landmarks such as Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River from above. Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters offers tours over the South Rim, North Rim, and a combination of both, as well as excursions that explore the Las Vegas Strip.

Planning tip: Helicopter tours offer various routes, so choose one that includes the landmarks you’re most interested in.

Keep planning your trip

Find the best time to visit.
Discover family-friendly activities.
Plan your road trip route.

Full of surprises, epic Algeria is an adventurous traveler’s dream.

Africa’s largest country by area has a 1600km (994-mile) coastline fringed with long sandy beaches and dotted with history-rich cities which include some of the best Roman ruins in the world. Inland, a fantastic desert hinterland promises authentic oasis towns, vast sand seas and ancient volcanic mountains covered in rare prehistoric petroglyphs and paintings.

Until recently, Algeria was one of the hardest countries in the world to visit. But this is changing, with tourist visas getting easier to obtain (still, budget two months for the process), and an increasing number of flights from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Curiosity piqued? Read on for 10 places you’ll want to visit in this country, a travel destination that will soon get the attention it deserves.

1. Timgad

Best for fans of epic Roman ruins

The UNESCO-listed Roman ruins at Timgad were built by the emperor Trajan in 100 CE. The site sits at a crucial pass through the Aurès Mountains, a strategic point that gave Rome control of access to the Sahara. Often called North Africa’s Pompeii, Timgad an exemplar of Roman urban planning, the city laid out like a chessboard over 50 hectares (123 acres). You’ll need a full day to explore all the forums, temples, markets, bath houses, theaters, law courts and villas here, as well as a rare public library. Look out for the inscription in the forum which reads “venari lavari ludere ridere occ est vivere” (“to hunt, to go to the bath, to play, to laugh: this is to live”). The on-site museum has 200 stunningly well-preserved floor mosaics.

Planning tip: Timgad is a very exposed site. You’ll need a hat and plenty of water in summer, and a jacket in winter or spring as it can be cold and windy.

2. Constantine

Best for admiring one of the world’s most improbably sited cities

Since the 4th century BCE, Constantine has occupied a rocky pinnacle above the river Rhumel, encircled by 200m(656ft)-deep ravines. It’s a pleasure to admire the ingenuity behind this improbably located city – and to snap pictures from the Sidi M’Cid Bridge and the Monument aux Morts, a WWI memorial that offers a bird’s-eye view. Once you hit the streets, you can visit the finely decorated Ottoman Palace of Ahmed Bey, the National Museum and the beautifully contemporary Emir Abdelkader Mosque, one of the largest on the continent.

Planning tip: Non-Muslims are allowed to enter mosques in Algeria outside of prayer times, so plan your touring accordingly.

3. Annaba

Best for following in the footsteps of North African Christian pioneer

Charming Annaba is where Amazigh theologian St Augustine – a figure crucial to and “Father” of the Catholic Church – taught and wrote works that remain cornerstones of modern Christian theology. Augustine was bishop of Roman Hippo Regius, now a flower-filled ruin in the town suburbs. On a hill above is the Basilica de Saint Augustine, built by the French in the late 19th century and overlooking the Basilica of Peace, where Augustine taught and beneath which he was buried. It is still tended by Annaba’s Augustinian community and a site of Catholic pilgrimage.

Planning tip: Underrated Annaba has a beautiful seaside setting, an atmospheric old town and some lovely sandy beaches.

4. Tassili n’Ajjer National Park

Best for taking in the world’s oldest gallery of art

Tassili N’Ajjer National Park encompasses 72,000 sq km (27,800 sq miles) of extraordinary desertscape, characterized by a surreal sandstone rock forest covered with 15,000 prehistoric petroglyphs and carmine-colored rock paintings depicting herds of elephant, giraffe and buffalo. These images provide a reminder of the Saharan steppeland, where Neolithic pastoralists roamed alongside wild megafauna some 10–15,000 years ago. To see all of Tassili’s treasures, you’ll need a full 10 days, though tours of 5 or 6 days are also possible.

Planning tip: Remote Djanet (served by Air Algérie) is the gateway to the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. Officially, travelers touring the desert require an agency escort/guide for security.

5. Algiers

Best for discovering a capital with character

Overlooking a beautiful crescent bay, Algeria’s capital city brims with atmosphere, interesting Ottoman and art deco architecture and cafes playing haabi – the Muslim-Jewish fusion style forged in the city’s ancient alleys. Algiers’ historic heart, the Casbah is a snakes-and-ladders labyrinth of staircases, antique palaces and mosques. After occupying the city in 1830, French colonists encircled Algiers with Parisian-style boulevards; added a botanical garden, the Jardin d’Essai; inaugurated the Bardo National Museum; and built the basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique. The Martyrs Monument, Maqam Echahid, bookends the south end of the city, commemorating those who died during the long fight for independence, finally achieved in 1962.

Planning tip: Explore the Casbah with a guide from Fancyellow. If you have time, take a day trip to the extraordinary Roman ruins of Tipasa and Cherchell.

6. Tlemcen

Best for rich medieval architecture

Tlemcen is an architectural jewel of medieval mosques and palaces set in a green pine forest. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the city was a hub of learning and trade that rivaled Fez, Tunis and Granada, trading gold from Timbuktu and salt from Taghaza with Europe. This explains the hybrid Hispano-Moorish architecture of the Great Mosque (1082), an Almoravid masterpiece, and the El Mechouar citadel, which echoes Spain’s Alhambra. On the western edge of town you’ll find the ruins of the military camp El Mansourah (1299), with a 40m(131ft)-high minaret that is near-twin to the Giralda in Seville.

Detour: Tlemcen remains spiritually significant due to the tomb of Sidi Boumediene, located 1.6km (1 mile) southeast of the city. From here, it’s a 10-minute drive to the El Ourit waterfalls and a half-hour drive to the stalactite-encrusted Grottes des Beni Add.

7. Ahaggar National Park

Best for feeling like you’re at the edge of the world

Older than Tassili, the Hoggar Mountains of Ahaggar National Park are volcanic basalt buttes that rise vertiginously from the desert floor. Ancient river valleys sweeping through them on their way to Lake Chad are lined with more petroglyphs and paintings of wild animals and charioteers, thought to be the Garamantian ancestors of the Tuareg tribespeople. Week-long camel treks and 4×4 tours depart from Tamanrasset to the high plateau of Assekrem (2728m / 8950ft) – which translates to “the end of the world.” Stay at the hostel to see a truly spectacular dawn over the Atakor massif.

Planning tip: Expect to tip guides and drivers the equivalent of an extra day’s payment for each week worked.

8. Ghardaïa and the M’Zab Valley

Best for seeing secretive desert citadels

A collection of five ksours (citadels) built between 1012 and 1350 ( collectively referred to today as Ghardaïa after the principal one), the Pentapolis in the M’Zab Valley is one of the most fascinating places in Algeria. The fortified cities are today inhabited by Mozabites, members of an Amazigh tribe who adhere to the conservative Ibadite sect, observing distinct social codes and clothing, and permitting entry to outsiders only with a chaperone. Engage a guide to explore these closed communities to see, for example, the Sidi Brahim mosque in El-Atteuf, which inspired Le Corbusier. Don’t forget to check out the carpets in Ghardaïa’s market: weaving is a traditional craft here.

Planning tip: To visit Ghardaïa, the government requires tourists be on a group tour with required permits; try Algeria Tours. Within the ksours, you’ll also need to respect community rules, which include modest dress, no smoking and no pictures of people.

9. Sétif & Djemila

Best for gorgeous ancient mosaics

Sétif’s archaeological museum houses some of the best Roman mosaics in the world, including the unrivaled Triumph of Dionysus. Most artifacts come from Djemila (previously Cuicul), a UNESCO-heritage Roman city which sits on an scenic hillside in the Petit Kabyle mountains – and which is an essential excursion. You can tour the lovely ruins in half a day, but you’ll probably want to linger longer to enjoy the picturesque views. An excellent on-site museum exhibits incredible mosaics that cover almost the entire wall space.

Planning tip: Djemila is most easily visited from Sétif (1 hour) or Constantine (1 hours). Stay at Hotel Tadj el Mouada in Setif or Novotel Constantine.

10. Timimoun

Best for oasis life and dune-bashing

Timimoun in Central Algeria is a spectacular desert oasis set at the edge of an escarpment overlooking a sebkha (salt pan) and the undulating dunefields of the Grand Erg Occidental. Since this stunning landscape is miles from anywhere, you’ll feel like you’ve landed on the moon, with the red town rising from the earth like a wind sculpture. From here, you can (and should!) head into the desert. Most hotels can arrange quad biking and sandboarding close to town. Or you can tour the Sebkha Circuit, which takes you to abandoned villages crumbling in the heat on a roller-coaster ride over towering dunes.

Planning tip: Timimoun’s S’Boue Festival lasts seven days and draws thousands who come to celebrate at the mausoleum of Sidi El Hadj Belkacem and enjoy sacred music, poetry and traditional dances.

From dramatic cliffs to pristine forests, our national parks celebrate and preserve the beautiful landscapes that constitute the United States, and fortunately, many venues in and around the parks put together special Thanksgiving celebrations. 

Whether you’re already on the road or looking for somewhere special to chow down on turkey, here are a few national parks where you can celebrate Thanksgiving.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tennessee and North Carolina

The country’s most visited national park is the perfect place to celebrate one of the most beloved holidays – Thanksgiving.

In the heart of Southern Appalachia is the Fontana Village Resort, and their Mountainview Restaurant (which offers a vantage of the ancient Great Smoky Mountains) is serving up a veritable feast. For $59.99 ($29.99 for 5-12-year-olds), Thanksgiving guests will feast on roasted turkey, sweet potato gratin, blistered brussel sprouts, cornbread dressing and more. Other notable menu items include an assortment of classic Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin and pecan pies. Reservations should be made as soon as possible directly with the resort.

2. Yosemite National Park

California

Once known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, the Ahwahnee Hotel is upholding that same standard with a grand lobby sporting multiple massive fireplaces and a dining room decorated with lofty 34-ft beamed ceilings.

Celebrating Thanksgiving inside Yosemite National Park is an incredible experience made only more inviting by The Ahwahnee’s decadent buffet and festivities.

This year’s prix fixe menu ($150 per adult, $75 per child) includes roasted butternut squash soup, roasted turkey, prime rib, brown rice salad with fresh veggies, ratatouille, traditional stuffing with Italian sausage, and whipped mashed potatoes. Reservations should be made directly with the hotel by calling 1-888-413-8869.

3. Arches National Park

Utah

Less than 20 miles east of Arches National Park sits Sorrel River Ranch, an upscale resort surrounded by the dramatic red rocks for which the region is known.

Situated on 240 acres along the Colorado River, the serene hotel and spa will offer a Thanksgiving buffet with carved turkey and prime rib, classic sides like sage and mushroom stuffing and candied sweet potatoes, and an array of dessert options like caramel pecan pie and blackberry cheesecake. Tickets are $95 per adult and $35 per child.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado

Estes Park is the gateway city to Rocky Mountain National Park, and just 10 minutes from the park’s entrance is The Stanley Hotel, an iconic resort (it served as the inspiration for the hotel in The Shining) that hosts an annual Thanksgiving meal.

This year, patrons will order from an à la carte three-course menu filled with Thanksgiving fare like a candied walnut and goat cheese salad, a smokehouse turkey dinner with all the traditional fixings and an elevated pumpkin crème brûlée. Reservations can be made over the phone. Adult seats are $99 each, children 6-12 are $30, and children 5 and under eat for free.

5. Shenandoah National Park

Virginia

Thanksgiving and fall colors go hand in hand, and some of the best autumn foliage is found in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

At miles 41.7 & 42.5 on Skyline Drive inside the park itself is the Skyland restaurant, a full-service dining room with a Thanksgiving dinner that can’t be missed. In place of the standard buffet, there will be a special menu filled with roast turkey and classic sides, many with a Southern flair.

The USA packs spectacular biodiversity within its borders, boasting some of the most beautiful places in America.

Within the 50 states, you’ll encounter incredible natural landmarks, including hot desert playas and plateaus, skyscraping mountain ranges topped by glaciers, rolling grasslands where millions of bison once roamed, tropical rainforests, active volcanic zones and polar tundra.

Many of the USA’s most magnificent natural wonders are protected today by the National Park Service (NPS). These specially protected places also provide a safe haven for an astonishing array of wildlife, ranging from tiny eyeless fish living in the dark haunts of Mammoth Cave to the giant grizzly bears of wild Denali National Park. Scattered from coast to coast and beyond, here’s our pick of the most mind-blowing of the USA’s natural wonders.

1. Redwood National and State Parks, California

The world’s tallest trees grow on the fog-kissed Northern California coast. Redwoods can reach a height of 379ft, taller than the Statue of Liberty in NYC, and live for up to two millennia. Almost half of the remaining old-growth redwood trees that have never been logged are protected by the chain of Redwood National and State parks.

Planning tip: To hike the 4.5-mile Tall Trees Trail, you will need to apply for a reservation in advance online.

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Measuring a mile deep, up to 18 miles wide and more than 275 miles long, no other sight in the USA beats this giant hole in the ground for instilling stupefying awe. Peering over the edge of the Grand Canyon is enough of a thrill for some, but to really appreciate the canyon’s grandeur, hike all the way down inside it to the rushing Colorado River.

Planning tip: To escape the crowds, visit the canyon’s North Rim, which gets a fraction of the visitors at the South Rim. However, beware that the North Rim is seasonal – there are no visitor services and roads close to all vehicles from December 1 to May 14.

3. Yosemite National Park, California

Famous conservationist and wilderness writer John Muir called Yosemite nature’s temple. Gazing up at towering granite monoliths such as El Capitan and at Yosemite Falls, North America’s highest waterfall, you’ll know exactly what he meant. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique geological features carved by glaciers, Yosemite also sustains a variety of rare wildlife inhabiting California’s craggy Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Planning tip: Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls peak in late spring, which is a less hectic time to visit the park than during summer.

4. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is not just one, but three waterfalls that gush along the US-Canada boundary between New York and Ontario: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. They aren’t the USA’s tallest waterfalls, but these powerful cascades have a bigger water flow than any others on the planet. Get up close and feel the cool spray on a Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Planning tip: The Canadian side of the falls claims more natural beauty, so bring your passport for international border crossings.

5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is the USA’s oldest national park and is a wonderland of unique geology and wildlife. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, you’ll be amazed by the world’s largest collection of geysers and hydrothermal features, including hot springs, boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. Look for herds of bison roaming free alongside the park’s main roads.

Planning tip: Vacationing here during early fall avoids some of the biggest crowds, but be prepared for freezing overnight temperatures and, possibly, snowfall.

6. Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

On Hawaiʻi, the Big Island, Kilauea Volcano has been oozing red-hot lava since 1983, making this one of the world’s longest continuous volcano eruptions. Nowhere else in the country can you see geological forces birthing new land like here at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to Hawaiian tradition, the fiery lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu Carter is the home of Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes.

Planning tip: Check the park website for eruption updates and current lava viewing conditions.

7. Denali National Park, Alaska

In the indigenous Koyukon Athabaskan language, it means “the high one,” which is fitting because Denali is North America’s highest peak (20,310ft). Prominently poised above the surrounding wilderness, it’s in fact taller than Everest when measured from its base. Climbers first reached the south summit in 1913, a feat now attempted by more than a thousand people every year.

Planning tip: Flightseeing tours depart from Healy to the northeast of the park, and Talkeetna, a railroad town about 150 miles south of Denali National Park.

8. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

In America’s heartland, aptly named Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system. Almost 400 miles of underground passageways have been explored (so far, that is) inside this limestone karst cave labyrinth sculpted by subterranean rivers. See oddly shaped stalactites, stalagmites and other impressive speleothems (cave formations) on a lantern-lit cave tour.

Planning tip: Bring a sweater or a jacket – temperatures inside the cave average 54°F (12°C).

9. Monument Valley, Arizona

Chances are that those epic landscapes you’ve seen in classic Hollywood Westerns were shot in Monument Valley, where startling sandstone buttes rise up to 1000ft above the sandy desert floor. Today, the valley is a Navajo tribal park. For a grand sense of perspective, sign up for a guided horseback tour.

Planning tip: The Navajo Nation is on Mountain Standard Time (MST), but unlike neighboring Arizona, it observes Daylight Saving Time (DST).

10. Acadia National Park, Maine

On the wind-blown, tide-splashed Atlantic coast, Acadia is a maritime treasure. Don’t miss hiking Cadillac Mountain (1530ft), the tallest peak on the Atlantic seaboard. Climb to the summit for sunrise, and you can claim to be one of the first people in the USA to see the sunrise that day. For equally stunning panoramas, show up for golden leaf peeping in autumn.

Planning tip: Rent bicycles in Bar Harbor, or bring your own bicycles to explore the park car-free.

Valencia has a sky that’s almost always bright blue: no wonder everyone would rather be outside. Life happens in the street in Spain’s third-largest city, whether that’s catching up with friends on sunny terraces over a caña or sipping mojitos with toes plunged into the golden sand.

Come to Valencia to marvel at modernist architecture and Gothic monuments and when it’s time to unplug, head to the secluded beach in a thriving natural park, wade a stand up paddleboard into the calm ocean, or roll out a yoga mat in one of the lush city parks. Further afield there are mountains to explore and leafy bicycle paths to whizz along.

Whether it’s elegant squares or natural beauty, Valencia’s outdoor spaces inspire people to enjoy the great outdoors.

Jardin del Turia

Draped across the city like a winner’s sash, Jardin del Turia is a 5.6-mile-long green lung. It’s planted in the former riverbed of the Río Turia, which was diverted after a devastating flood in 1957. Today, it’s the largest urban park in Spain. It’s speckled with lemon trees, grassy meadows and cafés serving chilled horchata under rubber trees. Some roped-off areas might look overgrown; these are wild sections, left unkempt to encourage biodiversity. Threaded through the plants are running routes and bike paths, while yoga classes take place under the shade of palm trees. Walk along the paths to reach cultural hubs, like the grand music venue Palau de la Música and the otherworldly Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

Valencia city beaches

Valencia’s most popular beach, Playa El Cabañal is a lively stretch of butter-yellow sand backed by the old fisherman’s quarter. Begin by exploring the barrio’s character-filled tiled houses and then pop into the local market, Mercat Municipal del Cabanyal for some field-fresh peaches before making tracks to the seaside. Not into sunbathing? Book one of the volleyball courts for free on Playa de la Malvarrosa for you and up to eight friends with the local school BeachBol.

A wealth of water activities await just offshore from all of Valencia’s beaches. From sunset cruises and catamaran sailing to jet skis, windsurfing and paddle boarding, there’s something for every kind of nautical adventurer.

La Devesa

Away from the well-trodden path, this secluded beach just south of Valencia is a sustainability and rewilding success story. The coastline of La Devesa was nearly set to be redeveloped, but thankfully the project was scrapped in favor of keeping the beach natural. The shrub-covered dunes have been reinstated, and now the wild coastline is only accessible by foot. Take the number 25 bus from Porta de la Mar to Embarcador de l’Albufera, then it’s a pleasant 20-minute walk past pine trees and butterflies to reach the hidden sands dotted with shells. Pack a picnic: there are no beach bars shaking up cocktails here. It’s peaceful, undeveloped, and totally relaxing.

Finish with a visit to nearby La Albufera for the region’s famous paella – Bon Aire serves their house special (snails optional) on a terrace beside the rice paddies, or you can escape the elements in the bright and airy Restaurant El Redoli. For a great boat tour of l’Albufera, coupled with delicious paella, look for Nou Racó – it offers traditional flavors with avant garde presentation.

Jardín Botánico

Hidden in a quiet corner of the city center, Jardín Botánico has a fascinating history with roots that stretch back to the 16th century; it was relocated to its current location in 1802. Throughout the 19th century botanical classes took place in this leafy oasis, before it sadly fell out of use. A ten-year recovery project, finished in 2000, restored the old features and added new sights, like the grand orchid and carnivorous plant glasshouse. Now it’s a restorative haven, ideal for morning walks or balmy evening strolls (it’s open until 8pm). Keep an eye on its website for dreamy activities among the flowers.

Plaza de la Virgen

Graceful Plaza de la Virgen is one of Valencia’s most atmospheric squares, and it’s steeped in history. There has been a square of sorts here since Roman times, and thousands of years later people still gather here to socialize under the clear sky. In the center, a reclining figure in the fountain represents the Río Turia, and each woman surrounding him represents the eight irrigation canals that watered the surrounding farmland. For a better view, go to the rooftop of Hotel Palacio Vallier (there’s a €10 minimum spend per person). Up here, there’s an eagle-eye perspective over the shell-pink basilica and the cathedral.

Bioparc and Oceanográfic

Opened in 2008, Bioparc is an enormous zoo found at the western end of Jardin del Turia. This huge park has been cleverly designed to feel more immersive: traditional fences and cages are replaced with streams, rocks and lakes. Recreated habitats include the African savannah with rhinos and antelopes, and the Kenyan wetland with crocodiles and hippos. Even the café is set in a round hut-inspired building, with giraffes ambling past the terrace. Over in the Madagascar zone, lemurs with long, bouncy tails scuttle along fences and between the ankles of visitors. Keep an eye out for Makena, the first baby elephant ever born in Valencia.

Spain’s most famous aquarium, Oceanográfic, is the southernmost building of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. The sharks, complete with tunnel, are an obvious favorite, while a series of beautiful tanks present species from temperate, Mediterranean, Red Sea and tropical zones. Out of the water, An aviary presents wetland birds, while polar regions feature penguins, and there are seals, sea lions and walruses, too.

Parque Central

Russafa is one of Valencia’s most culture-packed barrios, and in 2019 a new park was designed to bring some greenery to this vibrant area. Parque Central is a multi-faceted leafy space with peaceful water features, native flora and modern installations; it’s perfect for picnics and taking a breather after action-packed sightseeing. In the height of summer, children love dashing and squealing through the interactive fountains called Estanque de la Panderola while families celebrate birthdays on picnic benches in the shade. In the center, a walkway shaded by a canopy of pink bougainvillea leads to a large grassy expanse and a flower garden interspersed with trickling pools. Pick up some seasonal fruit and other local delicacies from Ruzafa Market en route and spread out a blanket next to the roses for a blissfully unhurried afternoon.

From our sponsors: Visit the official tourism website of Valencia to start planning your trip today.

Lithuania is the unsung star of the Baltics. With a wealth of baroque and art deco architecture, sobering relics of a Soviet past, a thriving, ever-evolving dining scene and ample natural attractions, the country delivers something for every traveler.

Lithuania is one of the best countries to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.

Its rich history goes back millennia – and in spite its ever-changing borders over the years, including by its forcible incorporation into the USSR, Lithuania has always managed to hold true to its language, culture and national character. Even today, traditional villages, where crops are still gathered by hand and artisans practice crafts honed over centuries, thrive alongside cosmopolitan cities. Lithuania’s dense forests attract numerous foragers, while the Baltic Sea draws sun worshippers to the amber-speckled coast.

The following advice from a veteran visitor will help you turn your trip to Lithuania into an unforgettable one.

1. Explore the bewitching Curonian Spit

Cloaked in pine forest and bumpy with giant sand dunes that have given it the nickname “Sahara of Lithuania,” the Curonian Spit – a sliver of land barely more than 1km (0.6 miles) across – juts out into the Baltic Sea. Its four fishing villages of Nida, Juodkrantė, Pervalka and Preila make for restful stays, with the cycling on trails between Nida and Juodkrantė a great way to take in the highlights. Don’t miss the giant Parnidis Dune or the state-of-the-art Mizgiris Amber Museum in Nida. Climb Vecekrugas Dune (67m / 220ft) en route to Preila, and Nagliu Dune near Pervalka for fantastic views of the so-called Dead Dunes, cooling off with refreshing dips in the Baltic Sea as you go. Finally, swing by Witches’ Hill in Juodkrantė to commune with wood carvings of devils, witches and other mythological figures along a woodland sculpture trail.

Practical tip: Rent a bicycle from one of several outlets in Nida or Juodkrantė. Local buses connecting the villages have bicycle racks. A wonderful alternative way to explore the spit is by walking the long-distance Baltic Coastal Trail, which spans its coastline.

2. Encounter traditional Lithuanian culture in Dzūkija National Park

Rural tradition runs strong through the very south of the country. In the villages amid Dzūkija’s woodlands, locals still harvest their crops with scythes, weave their own wool and linen, and practice elaborate wood carving and basket weaving. To delve into this traditional way of life, check in for a farm stay in Merkinė, Marcinkonys or other villages. Explore Dzūkija either by walking or cycling the designated hiking trails in the national park, and interacting with pottery masters along the 12km(7.5-mile)-long Secrets of the Black Clay trail that connects Merkinė to other villages that practice this ancient ceramic art.

Planning tip: Join locals in foraging for mushrooms between August and November, and attend the mushroom festival in Varėna in September.

3. Reflect atop the Hill of Crosses

A mesmerizing sight greets you 10km (6 miles) north of Šiauliai: a small hill covered in thousands of crosses of various styles and scales. Rosary beads adorn some; others are fine examples of ironwork, or carved wooden folk-art masterpieces, mingling with Lithuanian koplytstulpis (wooden sculptures of a figure topped with a little roof) and magnificent sculptures of the Sorrowful Christ (Rūpintojėlis). Crosses have been placed here since the 14th century – and began reappearing as symbols of hope and defiance in Soviet times, when planting a cross was an arrestable offense. Today, the devout come from all over Lithuania and beyond.

The best way to stay connected.

Saily provides a hassle-free solution to travel data — just choose your data plan and prepare for your trip. When you get to your destination, you can go online right away.

Get your eSIM

Planning tip: Come here early in the morning for some quiet contemplation, and take your time wandering past the rows of crosses and around the hill’s base, drinking in the details. You may spot a memorial to 9/11 victims, recent tributes to those killed by COVID, blue-and-yellow ribbons in memory of civilians who have perished in Russia’s war on Ukraine and a cross fashioned from bicycle gears.

4. Admire Kaunas’ art deco buildings

During its two-decade stint as the country’s capital (when Vilnius was captured by Poland), Lithuania’s second city embodied inter-war optimism – a mood captured through a wealth of well-preserved art deco buildings from the era. To fully appreciate Kaunas, first take in its cobbled Old Town and its medieval castle, before taking the tree-lined Laisvės alėja to New Town, with its museums and fabulous 20th-century architecture, such as the Resurrection Church (1933) and the still-functioning Romuva Cinema (1940). Immersive visits to the Art Deco Museum and the Amsterdam School Museum are unmissable highlights. During these intimate tours of apartments that still boast their original period furnishings, you’ll sip sparkling wine while listening to the life stories of their former owners.

Practical tip: Visits to the private Art Deco Museum and Amsterdam School of Architecture museums must be booked in advance – and are worth planning your entire visit to Kanaus around.

5. Enjoy a quintessential Lithuanian summer in Aukštaitija National Park

Cloaked with pine and spruce forest and dotted with dozens of lakes, Lithuania’s oldest protected area is where city dwellers head every summer. You can join them in hiking or pedaling along the myriad woodland trails, summiting Ladakalnis Hill (a sacred pagan site in centuries past), foraging for bilberries and wild strawberries, swimming wild in the lakes, and canoeing or paddle boarding. In addition to outdoor pleasures, you can explore the ethnographic heritage of the tiny villages, from the Ancient Beekeeping Museum near Stripeikiai to Ginučiai’s still-working 19th-century watermill.

Practical tip: The town of Ignalina has the biggest range of accommodation and dining, while Palūšė is the main water-sports center. LitWild offers active, tailor-made guided tours of the national park.

6. Taste Biržai’s farmhouse beer

Northern Lithuania has been the land of barley-malt beer for over 1000 years, with villagers brewing unpasteurized, unfiltered kaimiškas alus (village beer) using locally grown hops. During Soviet times, the farmhouse brewing tradition was all but wiped out – but is now happily seeing a resurgence, particularly in and around Biržai, where ale-makers have resurrected ancient recipes. Rinkuškiai Brewery offers walk-through tours of the brewing facilities, where you get to witness the process from malting, milling and mashing up through to fermentation and bottling. The visit also includes a tasting of six types of unfiltered beer, from the black ale and porter to the pale ale, plus the smoky house gira (kvass).

Planning tip: Try to find yourself in Biržai during the exuberant two-day fiesta in August, when all of the town’s breweries offer their wares on the street.

7. Tour Vilnius, the country’s capital

Trying to decide how to spend your time in Lithuania’s capital city is a conundrum. You can’t go wrong with a stroll through the marvelously intact Old Town, where locals actually live, and where cobbled streets are lined with exceptional baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings. Take in its centuries-old university, Cathedral Square with its leaning bell tower and the views from Gediminas Hill. Then check out the offbeat, renegade-artists’ “republic” of Užupis, admire contemporary art at MO Museum, peruse the sobering Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, and see the scene at Lukiškės 2.0, a former Soviet prison turned funky arts venue.

Detour: Take a day trip by bus or train to scenic Trakai, home of Lithuania’s most impressive castle, which sits on an island in Lake Galvė. Paddle around it in rented watercraft and sample kybinai (meat-filled pastries) – the signature dish of the local Karaite ethnic minority – at lakeside restaurants.

8. Take the healing waters in Druskininkai

The pine-fringed riverside spa town of Druskininkai has been famous since the 18th century for the allegedly healing properties of the salty mineral water gushing from its springs. You can drink this healing elixir at the Health Resort Druskininkai, soak in it at the Grand Spa Lietuva, Spa Vilnius and Mineral Spa Draugyste, or stay in one of the spa-hotels and partake in treatments ranging from mud baths and salt-room sessions to deep-tissue massage and oxygen therapy.

Detour: Commune with Lenin and Stalin statues and other salvaged communist monuments and memorabilia at Grūto Parkas, 8km (5 miles) east of Druskininkai.

9. Go bird watching in the Nemunas Delta

Where the Nemunas River spills into the Curonian Lagoon south of the port of Klaipėda, the land dissolves into a wetland delta that teems with birdlife: 270 out of the 294 bird species found in Lithuania, to be precise. The conditions here make bird watching almost absurdly easy. Storks stare down at you from their nests on top of electricity poles as you travel south to Ventės Cape, which extends far into the lagoon. Near the tip of the cape, stop by the Ventės Ragas Ornithological Station, a bird-ringing station on the path of a busy bird-migration route that stretches from the Arctic to East Africa, to see cranes, tits, finches, geese and other migratory birds passing overhead in early autumn and in spring.

Practical tip: Bring birding binoculars to spot great crested grebes and white-winged black terns paddling on the lagoon.

10. Descend into a nuclear bunker at Žemaitija National Park

Deep in the heart of the densely forested and lake-speckled Žemaitija National Park, the only Soviet nuclear missile base in the region once housed four medium-range ballistic SS-4 missiles, armed with two-megaton-power thermonuclear warheads – enough firepower to flatten all of Europe. Descend into one of the underground bunkers, explore the reconstructed headquarters of the bunker commander, interact with the multimedia displays – and marvel at how close the world came to nuclear Armageddon.

Practical tip/detour: To explore the rest of the national park, rent a bicycle in Plateliai, the region’s main town. While you’re there, swing by Plateliai Manor to check out an incredible collection of traditional Shrove Tuesday masks.

11. Party it up in Palanga

One of Lithuania’s most popular seaside resorts since Soviet times, Palanga is a pounding party spot in summer. While pedestrianized Basanavičiaus gatvė becomes abuzz with arcade machines, merry-go-rounds, electric cars, buskers and late-night bars playing thumping music, much of tree-lined Palanga is incredibly tranquil. Take the coastal path through pine forest, detouring to the beach for sunbathing and swimming. Another highlight is the Amber Museum in the vast Botanical Park, with over 15,000 examples of Baltic gold on show inside a neoclassical palace. Expect everything from ancient insects trapped in a golden tomb to striking, contemporary jewelry by present-day amber masters.

12. Visit a nuclear power station in Ignalina

If you’ve seen the 2019 HBO miniseries Chernobyl, then you’ll recognize parts of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) in Visaginas. While it’s currently an epicenter of “nuclear tourism,” the plant has been decommissioned due to the similarity of its design to that of the ill-fated nuclear power station in Chernobyl in Ukraine, and its reactors are in the process of being dismantled. Complete the online application form weeks or months in advance to take an in-depth, 3-hour guided tour of the facility, including the turbine hall, the RBMK reactor hall and unit control room. You can also get an overview of the history of the plant and its challenges during an Information Center tour, complete with VR headset.

Detour: The LitWild team will bring you into a simulator INPP control room near Visaginas, where the plant staff used to receive training on how to handle emergencies.

Most travelers get a taste of Slovakia on a city break in the capital, Bratislava, or by hiking in the famous Tatras.

Yet well beyond its numerous castles and cobbled old towns, the Central European country offers much more. Nowadays, many of Slovakia’s historic buildings are incubators for contemporary art and cuisine. And while the High Tatras are indeed (and should be) a prime draw, Slovakia’s other national parks abound with forests, meadows and alpine lakes, plus cycling and hiking trails galore.

Many countries can boast such a range of attractions – but few have it all such a modestly sized, easy-to-travel package. Trains connect Slovakia to capitals across services Europe, bus services are abundant and driving yourself is easy. Won over yet?

Here’s our rundown of Slovakia’s best places to visit.

Slovakia is one of the best countries to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.

1. Bratislava

Best for merrymaking and monumental architecture

It’s not hard to find thirsty tourists stumbling across Bratislava’s cobblestones in search of their next Lánius beer (or, more bravely, their next round of Slivovitz plum brandy). Yet while the Slovak capital has a well-earned reputation as a party town, even devoted revelers take in some culture along the way.

Expect a showcase of architecture from across the centuries. Michael’s Tower, the city’s original gate, dates from the Middle Ages, as does the city’s crowning castle. The art-nouveau Blue Church is a gem of early-20th-century design, while at the Slovak National Gallery, art is exhibited in an award-winning gallery space. And all around, the brutish beauty of the socialist era is still present in oddities like the UFO (home to a rotating restaurant) and the defiantly upside-down Slovak Radio Building.

Bratislava is also an ideal base for day trips. Within 90 minutes by road you can storm Červený Kameň Castle, take a spa day in Piešťany, drink in the views from Devínska Kobyla Observation Tower or climb Trenčín’s clock tower for a bird’s-eye view.

Planning tip: Summer festivals help you see the city at its regal best. Plan around Middle Ages in the Park in June or the later summer Coronation Days.

2. The High Tatras

Best for mountain thrills

With peaks that reach as high as 2655m (8710ft), northern Slovakia’s mountains have acquired near-mythic status. These fearsome mountains and valleys were carved by glaciers during the Ice Age; today the High Tatras, particularly the crooked peak of Kriváň (2495m / 8285ft), are symbols of national pride. Mixed-ability groups head straight for idyllic strolls at glacial Popradské Pleso lake, while tougher day-long treks like the Furkotská Valley Loop and the Kôprovsky Śtit Ascent appeal to hardier hikers. It’s easy to travel green, too: the Tatra Electric Railway travels between Štrbské Pleso (a lakeside resort town with lovely walking trails) right up to the lofty mountain resort Tatranská Lomnica.

The best way to stay connected.

Saily provides a hassle-free solution to travel data — just choose your data plan and prepare for your trip. When you get to your destination, you can go online right away.

Get your eSIM

Skiers also have plenty of reasons to head to the High Tatras. Jasná Nízke Tatry is the biggest ski area with more than 46km (29 miles) of trails, while the highest resort, Tatranská Lomnica, tops out at 2190m (7185ft).

Planning tip: The highest hikes don’t open until mid-June, so go in midsummer if you’re scaling lofty peaks like Kriváň or Rysy (2501m / 8205ft). Otherwise, September’s mellow sunshine is ideal for hitting the trails.

3. Košice

Best for modern art and medieval finery

Second cities have an appealing vibe: all the size and sophistication of a capital, only with fewer tourists and a scrappy attitude. This describes Košice through and through. For those who like their beauty with a bit of an edge, it’s irresistible. The forbiddingly Gothic St Elizabeth’s Cathedral anchors a plaza graced by a plague column, grand town hall and 14th-century chapel. These layers of history are best peeled back along art studio– and cafe-lined Hrnčiarska, long the abode of the city’s artisans. Meanwhile, Tabačka Kulturfabrik has transformed into a coworking space–performance space–anything-goes bar-slash-venue. It’s creative, messy – and quintessentially Košice.

Planning tip: There are no fewer than 18 UNESCO World Heritage sights within a couple of hours by road from Košice, with the most enchanting along the Wooden Churches Trail. Hire a driver or rent a car to do a loop taking in Ladomirová, Hervatov and Kežmarok; summoning a church custodian to unlock these art-filled churches is part of the fun.

4. Slovenský Raj National Park

Best for waterfalls and rivers

Of the nine national parks within Slovakia’s borders, this might just be our favorite. “Slovak Paradise” is more akin to an adventure playground than a wilderness. Streams wind through this landscape of forests and karst cliffs, forcing visitors to climb ladders and balance along wooden walkways to navigate trails like the ever-popular Suchá Belá Gorge and Kláštorská Gorge, with its three waterfalls.

Cycling is a delightful way to explore, too: there are 65km (40 miles) of bike trails within the park, and more in the surrounding countryside. (Rent wheels in the gateway town of Spišská Nová Ves or in Podlesok, within the park.) Though winter is much quieter, you can cross-country ski on marked walking trails, or head to the small ski area at Mlynky.

Planning tip: A worthwhile detour just outside the park is Dobšinská Ice Cave, which is open to tours of its frosty stalagmites between mid-May and late August.

5. Banská Štiavnica

Best for culture, both above and below ground

Is Banská Štiavnica the prettiest town in Central Europe? We think it’s a strong contender: Gothic and Renaissance churches and houses make it a veritable jewel box of architecture, and it’s huddled inside an extinct volcanic caldera.

This medieval settlement in the midst of the Štiavnica Mountains garnered a UNESCO World Heritage listing not for its beauty but its remarkable engineering history: it’s Slovakia’s oldest gold- and silver-mining town. Strolling around the historic village – from elegant Trinity Square to the not-so-new New Castle (16th century) – is more than eye candy: it’s a glimpse into an industry that transformed the whole region. The Slovak Mining Museum takes you deep down into the heart of the town’s mining past. Up above, Kalvária, a unique complex of Baroque churches and chapels, overlooks Banská Štiavnica from a hilltop east of town.

6. Ždiar

Best for authentic mountain culture

The village of Ždiar’s setting is simply lovely: in the Belianske Tatras, right by the border with Poland, surrounded by glorious hiking and biking trails, as well as caves you can visit nearby. What makes it even more special is the distinct flavor of Goral culture in everything from its food to its ornately painted houses.

Goral people have lived in northern Slovakia and southern Poland ever since the 14th century, when Wallachian shepherds migrated north to these rugged lands. Today, Goral identity remains an unmistakable feature of the town, noticeable in Ždiar’s log houses, which are traditionally decorated with geometric patterns in blue and red paint. The old ways are carefully preserved in the Ždiarsky Dom folk museum – and served up at the adjoining traditional restaurant. Expect sheep’s cheese galore.

7. Tokaj Region

Best for idyllic wine country

Hungary has hogged the acclaim for sweet white Tokaj wine, a so-called “liquid gold” once served to royals and still gracing the dessert menus of many fine-dining restaurants. Yet much of the Tokaj wine region, formerly entirely within the Kingdom of Hungary, landed within the borders of modern-day Slovakia at the end of the First World War.

Today, southeastern Slovakia boasts more than a dozen wineries. Hand-dug underground cellars provide deliciously rustic settings to sample Tokaj wine, usually with cheeses and cold meats to cleanse your palate in between each sweet sip. The Jaroslav Ostrožovič and Tokaj Macik wineres, both long-standing and family-run, offer the full experience. Reserve tastings ahead.

Planning tip: Wine villages like Veľká Tŕňa are only an hour by road from Košice – but it’s much more sensible (not to mention enjoyable) to stay overnight. Many wineries have on-site rooms; another appealing option is a stay in a tree house at Camping Malá Bara.

8. Spišské Podhradie

Best castle and hilltop views

In a country with more than 120 castles to visit, choosing a favorite is tough. But if we had to hide from a trebuchet attack anywhere in Slovakia, we’d pick Spiš. Standing imperiously on a 634m(2080ft)-high hilltop, Spiš Castle has withstood centuries of battles thanks to its stocky towers and defensive walls. It’s one of Central Europe’s biggest strongholds. And thanks to a Gothic makeover of its palace, it’s as attractive as it is imposing. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Tatras.

Spišské Podhradie is no one-trick town: just west lies the Spišská Kapitula, whose architecture – a mix of Romanesque turrets and splashy Baroque finery – has earned it the nickname “Slovakia’s Vatican.” The village has a small but excellent array of guesthouses and restaurants, too; we recommend the farmhouse fare at merry Spišsky Salaš.

Planning tip: Just 12km (7.5 miles) west is the town of Levoča, with a fine town hall and a small cluster of art and medieval museums. The highlight is the dreamy view of Levoča’s church spires and defensive walls from the hilltop Basilica of the Virgin Mary – a view guaranteed to inspire dreams of your next trip.