Category Adventure Travel

Isabella is one of the writers on the brand new Canary Islands guidebook. Here she helps you decide which of the island is right for your perfect holiday.

Spain’s far-flung Canary Islands are deservedly one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, but there’s much more to them than the famous “winter-sun” tagline suggests.Eight wonderfully varied islands make up this entrancing volcanic archipelago off Morocco’s Atlantic coast, where eerily beautiful lava-sculpted landscapes sweep from black-sand beaches and sparkling sea pools to misty laurisilva (laurel forests), scented pine groves and curiously craggy peaks.

You could visit year after year (like many travelers do), exploring a different island each time, and still be blown away by the Canary Islands every single trip.

First-timers are often drawn to the larger, better-known Canaries, particularly Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but each island has its own personality. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura on the east side feel beachier, surfier and more laid-back, while the three western islands – La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro – are much less touristed than the rest. 

You don’t have to stick to just one island either, as excellent flight and ferry links make it easy to plan a longer island-hopping trip. No matter your travel style, here’s a guide to finding the Canary Island that’s best for you.

1. Tenerife

Best island for epic hikes, mountain scenery and family trips 

The archipelago’s largest and most-visited island combines sun-baked golden beaches and a flourishing gastronomic scene with seemingly endless activities, from cetacean-spotting in Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site to next-level surfing, kitesurfing and hiking. Tenerife is a hugely popular pick for holidaying families, but has enough variety to entertain a wide range of visitors, especially beyond the main south coast beach towns. 

There’s the spectacular Parque Nacional del Teide, where Spain’s tallest peak looms 3718m tall and walking trails thread through a moon-like high-altitude valley. Catching a glimpse of El Teide – originally known as Echeyde by the island’s indigenous Guanche communities – here is easily one of the Canaries’ wow moments. More thrilling hikes await in the biodiverse Anaga mountains, where laurel forests carpet the northern landscapes, or across the wild, secluded Parque Rural de Teno in the northwest. 

Tenerife’s culture-packed capital Santa Cruz is an enticingly laid-back city dotted with subtropical gardens, creative galleries and bold street art, and also hosts Spain’s most fabulous Carnaval each winter. The less-developed north coast, meanwhile, has a wealth of natural sea pools, sloping volcanic vineyards, organic banana farms and historical villages like Garachico to explore. 

Planning tip: If you’re planning to hike to the top of El Teide, you’ll need to book a free permit as far ahead as possible.  

2. Gran Canaria

Best island for coasts, culture and city buzz

The most populous of the eight islands, Gran Canaria is best known for its lively southern beach resorts, especially sun-dappled Maspalomas, which is a hub of Europe’s LGBTIQ+ scene and has a much-loved stretch of gold-tinged dunes. The island famously has its own microclimate, which varies from one pocket to the next.

There’s heaps more to discover here beyond the beaches and parties though, starting with the soulful island capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain’s ninth-largest city and home to one of the world’s great winter carnivals. With its architecture-loaded old town of Vegueta, lagoon-like Playa de las Canteras and unmatched urban food scene, it makes a rewarding city break if you only have a few days. 

Elsewhere across the island, swirls of mist-cloaked mountains give way to desert-like fields and lush laurel and pine forests, while intriguing pre-Spanish-conquest sites like Gáldar’s Cueva Pintada tell the story of Gran Canaria’s indigenous communities. Explore further on a twists-and-turns road trip through the island’s high-altitude center, whose drama peaks at the astonishing Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga monoliths. Then drop into elevated villages like Artenara and Tejeda, and stock up on creamy queso de flor (flower of cheese) and other local goodies at one of the buzzy farmers’ markets. 

3. Lanzarote

Best island for art, beaches and wineries

With brooding volcanic cones, glinting black-pebble beaches and the odd palm-spangled valley, Lanzarote feels like a giant color-shifting natural canvas. So it makes sense that the easternmost of the Canaries captured the heart of the locally born 20th-century artist and environmental campaigner César Manrique, whose impossible-to-miss influence and works await all over the island – from the whitewashed, sky-blue-windowed homes of coastal villages to the inimitable lava-field house at the Fundación César Manrique. 

In recent years Lanzarote has grown into a tempting destination for art, design and architecture lovers, but it’s also packed with outdoor fun and has a blossoming, local-rooted food scene. You can’t miss the sprawling volcanic expanses of the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, which played a key role in creating Lanzarote’s respected wine region, La Geria, where vines grow in mineral-rich volcanic-ash sands.

The beaches here rank among the Canary Islands’ loveliest, too, particularly around southern Lanzarote’s Papagayo nature reserve and wild Famara, which is one of Europe’s top surf spots. 

Planning tip: Lanzarote, especially the north, has some of the most magical accommodation in the Canaries, including restored mansions like Hotel Palacio Ico and design-forward havens like Alava Suites.

4. La Palma

Best island for nature, stargazing and offbeat hiking

It’s impossible not to fall for gorgeously green La Palma. Deservedly nicknamed “La Isla Bonita”, the entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with steep rainforested hills and around 850km of hiking routes. Adventure sports abound, from kayaking to kitesurfing, and the pretty capital Santa Cruz de la Palma is crammed with elaborate 16th-century mansions. 

La Palma’s most thrilling walking routes revolve around the unmissable 50-sq-km Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente, where a miles-wide depression was created by a volcano collapsing in on itself. And following the 2021 eruption of the Tajogaite volcano in the south of the island, local businesses have now bounced back, offering new volcano-viewing experiences in this devastated area.

La Palma also happens to be one of the globe’s prime locations for stargazing, and was named the world’s first Starlight Reserve back in 2012. Visiting the renowned Roque de los Muchachos observatory and contemplating the dark, clear skies on a guided stargazing experience with local experts (such as Astro La Palma) is a Canaries-wide highlight. 

Planning tip: It’s best to factor in some flexibility for stargazing experiences, as weather changes can cause last-minute rearrangements. 

5. Fuerteventura

Best island for beaches and water sports

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2009, the second-largest Canary (after Tenerife) lures visitors with its dazzling beaches, year-round sunny climate and raw lunar-like beauty. Wind-lashed and evocatively arid, Fuerteventura has the archipelago’s dreamiest sands: from the honey-gold dunes of the protected Parque Natural de Corralejo in the north, to the secluded, undeveloped expanses of Playa de Cofete on the island’s southern tip (catch it at sunset and you’ll see). 

The island rivals Lanzarote’s Famara as the Canaries’ top surfing destination, with a laid-back wave-riding scene – for all kinds of levels – centered on the former northern fishing villages of El Cotillo (with surf-whipped sands below cliffs) and Corralejo (more resort-like). You can also go sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding and diving, or venture out on under-the-radar hikes, including around the Isla de Lobos nature reserve off Corralejo.

Local tip: Don’t miss Fuerteventura’s greener interior, home to the old capital Betancuria and some of the best restaurants on the island. 

6. El Hierro

Best island for diving, walking and getting away from it all

Anyone who makes it to the Canaries’ small westernmost island quickly realizes they’re onto something special. Ringed by impenetrable volcanic cliffs, El Hierro has been a UNESCO Geopark since 2014 and feels much more off the beaten track than the rest of the archipelago, though it’s only a 40-minute flight (or 2.5-hour ferry) from Tenerife. This is largely down to its strong, ongoing efforts to limit tourism development and become the world’s first energy-self-sufficient island. 

The last few years have seen El Hierro gently emerge on the travel map for Spanish visitors, but it’s still a place for remote adventure, local legends and traditional Canarian cuisine. A multitude of quiet hiking paths culminates in the 27km-long Camino de la Virgen, which weaves across the entire island following the trail of the four-yearly Bajada de la Virgen procession. 

The jagged coast, meanwhile, is sprinkled with bewitching natural sea pools, such as La Maceta in La Frontera. And the glassy Atlantic waters off El Hierro’s southern shoreline have arguably the best diving in the Canaries, with the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve now slated to become Spain’s newest national park. 

Planning tip: The best months for hiking in El Hierro are March to May (for flower-filled landscapes) and September/October (usually good weather).  

7. La Gomera

Best island for quiet hikes and green havens

Lushly forested hillsides, dramatic volcanic valleys and a string of pastel-painted villages make bohemian La Gomera a hiker’s dream. Despite its location just off southwest Tenerife, the island has, so far, kept large-scale tourism at bay, with most accommodation in small rural hotels, refurbished farmhouses or self-catering apartments. 

The 40-sq-km Parque Nacional de Garajonay at the heart of La Gomera bursts with trails tracking through misty ancestral laurisilva forest, while elsewhere rewarding paths cling to sheer valley walls or meander along the blackened volcanic coastline. When you’re all hiked out, stroll around the colorful coastal capital San Sebastián de la Gomera and relax on its lovely shaded plazas, perhaps over classic specialities like potaje de berros (watercress stew), papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) and fresh goat’s cheese. There’s also a mellow beach scene, mostly around Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago on the south coast.

Planning tip: La Gomera has a rich heritage of local crafts; Gomera Corazón Verde offers workshops on making mojo sauces, weaving palm-leaf baskets and more. 

8. Isla Graciosa

Best island for off-the-beaten-track beaches

Named the official eighth Canary Island in 2018, serene La Graciosa is just a half-hour ferry ride north of Lanzarote, but feels blissfully remote. On this small, low-lying island, wild golden-white beaches wrap around scorched volcanic cones, and the only way to explore is on foot, by bicycle or by jeep tour. It’s all part of the otherwise-off-limits Chinijo archipelago, a protected parque natural where you might spot dolphins, turtles and a rich variety of birds. Hike or bike over to isolated Playa de las Conchas or Playa Francesa overlooking Lanzarote’s cliffs, before relaxing at one of the easygoing seafood restaurants in the tiny sand-dusted “capital” Caleta de Sebo.

Planning tip: Most visitors explore La Graciosa on day trips from Lanzarote, but staying a night (or a few) is a perfect offbeat escape. From Órzola in northern Lanzarote, ferries run every half hour to Caleta de Sebo (and back) with Líneas Romero or Biosfera Express. 

They say if you can ski out East, you can ski anywhere; and Vermont has a reputation for being icy. Still, those in the know love the Green Mountain State for its legendary powder days (it’s not just Colorado and Utah getting dumped on every winter), daredevil verticals, and chill, laid-back vibes.

One thing you won’t find out here is pretension. Skiers and snowboarders come to play and party, sometimes in equal measure, though there’s plenty of family fun to be had too. And even when Mother Nature isn’t blessing Vermont’s slopes with feet of fresh snow, everyone’s just happy to be taking the cold ride up to the top. Chances are, snowmaking is in full effect too, so even if the snow gods aren’t at the top of their game, you can bet fresh tracks are just around the bend.

Mount Snow

Vibes: Mount Snow is a reasonable drive from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, so it sees its fair share of weekend crowds. Everyone’s here to maximize time on the mountain and not do much else, though there are a handful of hearty eateries along Route 100 and a little further afield in Wilmington, VT. 

Who’s it for: There’s plenty for beginners to enjoy on Mount Snow, and the ski school is always bustling on Saturday mornings, but experts won’t have to look far to access the mountain’s challenging terrain on North Face.

What to eat: A newcomer in town, Black Ember Grill currently serves the area’s tastiest food. Start with the Texas Twinkies (bacon-wrapped, stuffed jalapeno poppers) but save room for one of the signature smoker trays like the wood-fired brisket (juicy cut, natch) with buttery cornbread, pickles and a choice of sides. 

Where to après: Dover Bar and Grill (referred to as the D-bag by locals and regulars) is a dive with a pleasing smashburger. The game (this is a New England crowd, don’t forget) is always on, but the bar hosts karaoke nights, too.

Where to stay: In the years since joining Vail Resorts, the Dover area has seen an uptick in new accommodation options. We like Chalet 239, a cute boutique hotel with a welcoming common area and thoughtfully appointed rooms.

Where to rent equipment: Equipe Sport is the go-to spot for all your ski and snowboard needs. And the apparel options aren’t too shabby either. 

Pass and tickets: Mount Snow is a part of the Epic pass, which delivers a decent bang for the buck, depending on how often you ski. Day passes for $110 are also available.

Getting there and around: The free shuttle, the Moover, picks up along Route 100 and drops off at the mountain, but you’ll want a car to access the region as there is no train station in town, and ride shares are few and far between.

Killington

Vibes: Known as The Beast of the East, Killington, located in Rutland County, is Vermont’s largest ski resort. Its recent sale to a group of local investors who’ve pledged to reinvest 100% of profits into improving the skier experience is excellent news for powder hounds. You’re likely to encounter good energy at this massive mountain. With a nearby town that’s lively but not raging, the focus is on hitting the slopes.

Who’s it for: Killington has something for everyone from the strictly-blues skiing contingent to the freestyling snowboarders who flock to The Stash for in-the-trees adventure. 

What to eat:  Refuel with loaded nachos and a smashburger at The Rivershed Grill, a popular spot in town that also takes its Sunday brunch seriously. 

Where to après: If you love a good dive (who doesn’t?), The Lookout Tavern is the place to be after the last downhill. The U-shaped bar is good for groups – and noshing on some hot wings. Off of Northbrook trail there’s a yurt that also serves lunch and snacks. It isn’t open every day, though, so swing by on a midday run and if the lights are on, pop in! 

Where to stay: Every room is different at the freshly renovated Snowed Inn, but all stays include a hot, home-cooked breakfast, hot tub access (reservation system in effect) and ski storage.  

Where to rent equipment: Mom-and-pop shop First Stop Board Barn will deliver your gear to your hotel or Airbnb for a little extra. 

Pass and tickets: Ikon pass members who plan to ski multiple days will fare best as day passes start at $110 when purchased in advance online. 

Getting there and around: If you’re flying into Burlington, your best bet is to rent a car and then make the 90-minute drive to the mountain. Alternatively, Rutland Airport (just 30 minutes away) has three daily flights from Boston, and via Amtrak you can ride directly to Killington. That trip, though, includes a shuttle from the station in Rutland.

Stowe

Vibes: Charming and European-like, Stowe may well be Vermont’s top ski destination for international visitors, though it’s popular among U.S. residents too. 

Who’s it for: Skiers looking to improve their turns, riders who live for the shred and everyone in between. Stowe also has plenty to entice the non-skier; art galleries, artisanal boutiques, and a walkable, picturesque town center set this Vermont ski resort apart from its peers.

What to eat: After a day crushing Vermont’s highest peak, you’ll have more than earned the VT cheddar fries at Doc Ponds. Wash ‘em down with a draft beer or cider (majority from Vermont) and follow the starter with the half chicken or falafel plate.

Where to après: This is the home of The Alchemist, maker of the legendary IPA Heady Topper, which comes hand-pulled at the Beer Cafe (craft cans are also available to drink there or grab and go). A food truck or two is usually parked outside for when you’re feeling peckish. Lot Six Brewing is a new spot in nearby Jeffersonville. It’s worth a pit stop (open Wednesday to Sunday) and is run in part by the former director of brewing operations at beloved Zero Gravity. 

Where to stay: The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a Hyatt property, is the priciest place to stay in town, thanks to its convenient ski-in/ski-out access, but it is the place to stay if you’re seeking luxurious digs with the ski village at your doorstep.

Where to rent equipment: Stowe’s own ski shop selection of rentals is impressive and knowledgeable staff will ensure you get fitted with exactly what you need based on your skill level. If you fly into Burlington, stop along the way to Stowe at Ski and Snowboard Express in Richmond. They’ll hook you up with all you need for your time on the snow, and you’ll avoid the early morning on-mountain crowds. 

Pass and tickets: Epic passholders get unlimited ski days at Stowe, and single day lift tickets start at $110.

Getting there and around: Fly into Burlington and rent a car to make the roughly 60-minute drive to Stowe. Take advantage of the free shuttle to access the mountain or get to the mountain early for a decent parking spot near the gondola.

How to pack

Vermont gets cold. Very, very cold, but hey, all the better for making snow when it’s not coming down naturally. You’ll want to pack your warmest layers and don’t forget the hand and toe warmers. Après ski is generally super casual; cozy wool sweaters and beanies paired with jeans and winter boots are standard attire.

How to budget

Like most of the country’s ski regions, day passes in Vermont cost a pretty penny. Buy in advance online for a marginal savings or, if you’re planning on racking up enough days, opt for the Epic or Ikon pass.

When to ski in Vermont

Killington’s season often starts earlier and ends later than other Vermont ski resorts, in part because of its cold temps and dedication to snowmaking as soon as possible. In general, February and March tend to be some of Vermont’s finest months for skiing when the mountains have a solid base and snowmaking guns are still blasting.

Top tips

• Set your alarm. Vermont’s base areas can get crowded fast, and an hour or two after the lifts open is when lines are longest. Get to the mountain early for first tracks and to avoid a mess of people. 

• Don’t miss one of the greatest ski snacks of all time: a hot waffle from Waffle Cabin. 

• If you’re renting equipment, ask about demo skis and boards. These are typically higher quality and caliber than standard rentals and are worth the extra cost.

Dinosaurs and other ancient plants and animals inspire fascination, even though it might seem like we can only see them in movies like Jurassic Park. But did you know fossils are everywhere in North America? The US is covered in fossil sites featuring ancient critters, big and small. Some are found in deserts that were once ocean floors, others in busy cities where continents shifted millions of years ago.

Whether you’ve got fossil-obsessed kids at home or are a science geek yourself, here are some of the best places in the US to see fossils and investigate the prehistoric past firsthand.

1. Dinosaur National Monument, Utah

Located just across the Colorado border in Utah’s Unita Mountains, Dinosaur National Monument is considered one of the country’s most well-known fossil hot-spots. Here, dinosaurs like the Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, and Apatosaurus are embedded in rock at the Carnegie Quarry. If you head out to McKee Springs, you’ll find petroglyphs created by the Fremont indigenous group over 1,000 years ago, the ancestors of the Ute and Shoshone people who live in the area now. 

While the monument is a great place to learn about paleontology and see fossils in their natural state, fossil hunting and collecting are strictly prohibited throughout the park, including backcountry areas. This rule ensures the preservation of fossils for scientific research and public education. 

Where to camp nearby

There are six campgrounds in Dinosaur National Monument itself, but if you prefer a turnkey glamping site with a tent already set up, head to nearby Vernal, Utah to camp in Steinaker State Park or Red Fleet State Park.

2. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Nebraska

While dinosaurs may get all the glory, mammals take the stage at Agate Fossil Beds. The fossils here are about 20 million years old and include creatures such as the Moropus (part donkey, part anteater), the Dinohyus (a boar as big as a bison) and the Beardog (wolf and hyena-like). Walk the Fossil Hills Trail to see the quarries where some of the monument’s most important fossils were found in the early 1900s. Or hop onto the Daemonelix Trail to see the “corkscrew” homes of ancient dry-land beavers, the Palaeocastor. 

Please note fossil hunting and collecting are not allowed anywhere within the monument, as all fossils are protected by federal law to preserve the area’s scientific and educational value. 

Where to camp nearby

There’s no camping at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, but you can find sites at Toadstool Geologic Park – where you can continue to learn about ancient fossils.

3. Dinosaur State Park, Connecticut

Dinosaur State Park is one of the largest dinosaur track sites on the continent. It is home to 2,000 dinosaur tracks made during the Jurassic period, 500 of which are housed in the Exhibit Center, a large dome at the park’s center. You can also explore trails outside with volcanic rock and plant life from the dinosaur era. In summer, buy a “mining rough” bag to pan for fossils and minerals, and staff can help you identify your finds. However, fossil hunting and removing any natural specimens outside of this are strictly prohibited within the park. 

Where to stay nearby

There’s no camping in Dinosaur State Park, just a day-use picnic pavilion. But you can find nearby vacation rentals, which makes this a great choice for those who prefer an indoorsy vibe.

4. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado

Since studies began in the 1800s at Florissant, scientists have discovered fossils of plants, insects and ancient tree stumps. Research projects are ongoing, so if you’ve ever wanted to visit a working fossil site, Florissant is about as close as you can get. Fossil enthusiasts can walk the trails to see petrified tree stumps and learn about the volcanic activity that shaped the land millions of years ago.

The site offers visitors the chance to view remarkable fossil specimens in the visitor center and on designated trails. Digging for and collecting of any natural or cultural feature is strictly prohibited at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Fossils, rocks, flowers, pine cones, artifacts, etc. must remain here. There are fossil shops and a private quarry outside the monument for visitors wishing for a fossil of their own.

Where to camp nearby

There’s no camping in Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, but you can find sites in Mueller State Park or Pike National Forest. A little further away is 100 Mile Overlook at 105 West Ranch, a private site where the tent is already set up with glamping amenities.

5. Big Brook Preserve, New Jersey

Big Brook Preserve is a great spot for finding Cretaceous-era shark teeth and fossils from when the ocean covered the area. Besides shark teeth, scientists have discovered bones and teeth from Mosasaurs (giant marine reptiles), Plesiosaurs (the inspiration for the Loch Ness Monster) and giant crocodiles. You can hunt for fossils along the creek beds, but remember the rules: only keep what would fit into a 12-ounce can or sandwich-size zip-lock baggie per day, don’t dig into the stream bank and hand tools up to 14 inches may be used. 

It’s important to note that fossil collecting is prohibited in certain protected areas within the preserve. Visitors must be mindful of guidelines and stick to designated areas where collecting is allowed. 

Where to stay nearby

Like Dinosaur State Park in Connecticut, there’s no camping near Big Brook Preserve – this isn’t the rural corner of Jersey. That said, there’s a bevy of great hotels in nearby Middletown like Oyster Point, a boutique spot with marina views.

6. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The dramatic rock formations of Badlands National Park hold ancient animals of all kinds and have worn away enough for us to take a peek. The Oreodont (a bit like a capybara-donkey hybrid), the Nimvarid (known as false saber-toothed cats) and the Brontothere (ancient rhinoceri) all roamed these lands.

The visitor center features a Fossil Preparation Lab that you can visit seven days a week from 9:00am to 4:30pm from the second week in June to the third week in September. You can also hike, enjoy scenic drives and stargaze in the park. 

Fossil hunting is strictly prohibited within the park, and removing any natural artifacts is illegal. This protection ensures the preservation of fossils for scientific study and public enjoyment. 

Where to camp nearby

There is plenty of camping in Badlands National Park, but if you want to go further afield, Plenty Star Ranch is near Wind Cave National Park in Custer, South Dakota – giving you a two-for-one punch on parks.

7. Montour Preserve, Pennsylvania

The Montour Preserve Fossil Pit is known for its fossil pit, featuring a huge concentration of fossilized brachiopods, gastropods, trilobites and more. Visitors are advised to bring basic tools – a small hammer, safety goggles and a brush. Visit early in the morning before the rocks heat up in the afternoon sun. Note that fossil collecting is only allowed in the fossil pit itself. 

Where to camp nearby

Camping isn’t allowed at Mountour Preserve, which is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. But nearby Barakah Heritage Farm offers backcountry camping if you bring your own gear – though a tent is available to rent if this is a one-time foray. It also offers the chance to turn your Montour Preserve visit into a broader educational experience with a hands-on farm stay optional add-on.

8. Caesar Creek State Park, Ohio

Caesar Creek State Park, near Waynesville, Ohio, is great for finding fossils. Visitors can dig in special areas to uncover fossils from ancient sea creatures that lived 450 million years ago during the Ordovician period. Keep an eye out for fossils of trilobites, brachiopods and horn corals in the rock. You don’t need any tools – just look around the limestone areas for these ancient finds! In order to collect fossils at Caesar Creek State Park you must first obtain a permit from Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center by calling (513) 897-1050. 

Where to camp nearby

Reservations at the Caesar Creek State Park Campground can be made up to six months in advance. The campground has electric and full hookup sites available. 

9. Mineral Wells Fossil Park, Texas

Just an hour from Fort Worth, Mineral Wells Fossil Park is a little-known place where you can find fossils from the Pennsylvanian Period, over 300 million years ago. Visitors can discover crinoids, shark teeth and coral fossils for free here. It’s a perfect spot for anyone who wants a hands-on fossil hunt without large crowds. While the park is open to fossil collecting, it is only allowed in designated areas, on the surface, and with small gardening tools. 

Where to camp nearby

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway has campsites and screened shelters available. 

10. Sharktooth Hill, California

Near Bakersfield, Sharktooth Hill is part of an area managed by the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and is a great place for fossil hunting in California. This site, dating back to the Miocene Epoch about 15 million years ago, has many fossilized shark teeth, whale bones and sometimes even dolphin skeletons. Guided digs let you explore these ancient treasures with expert help. Reservations are required. 

Note that fossil collecting is strictly prohibited in some regions of the site as it is a protected location. Visitors must stay within the designated collecting zones or join guided tours that provide access to approved fossil-hunting areas.

Where to camp nearby

While there is no camping available on site, the Kern River Campground is 12 minutes away and has 25 campsites across two sections available. 

11. Aurora Fossil Museum, North Carolina

The Aurora Fossil Museum is located in North Carolina and has a Florida fossil site near the Peace River. Across from the museum, visitors can search the fossiliferous pits for fossils from the Miocene period, all donated by the neighboring Nutrien Phosphate plant. Fossil hunting is only available in the pits, where remains of ancient sharks, whales, bony fish, and coral can be found. 

Where to stay nearby

While there are not many hotels by the museum, nearby Phoenix Farms Vineyard offers guest suites, RV/Camper stays and tent camping. You can also find hotels in the nearby towns of Washington and New Bern.

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Distinguished by three topographical regions – mountains, jungle, and arid coast – Peru is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts as all roads seem to lead to a superb hiking trail.

Ascending the Andes at a steady pace brings you to exhilarating, high-elevation lakes of an azure hue while venturing to the Amazon region offers the chance to view an exquisite array of flora and fauna that are far from the main roads.

Finally, at a lower elevation and far less humid climate, the desert coast surrounding Lima’s capital has a few lesser-known gems that will delight hikers at every skill level.

Strap on your boots as we discover the best hikes in Peru – to Machu Picchu and beyond.

1. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The classic Peru hike

42 km (26 miles) one way, 3-5 days, difficult

Rugged and of high altitude, the ancient Inca Trail (Camino Inka) has become the most famous trek in Peru thanks to its spectacle of diverse landscapes and termination point at the famed Machu Picchu.

Starting on relatively flat terrain from Kilometer 82 of the Inca Trail, the classic route steadily ascends as it cuts through valleys, Andean villages and mountains, crosses rivers, and confronts smaller Inca ruins.

The final climb is up a set of stairs that lead to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), from where Machu Picchu can finally be seen.

After exploring the site, most hikers spend the night in Aguas Calientes before returning by bus.

As a means of preservation, a maximum of 500 persons are allowed on the 15th-century trail per day, 300 of which are required guides and porters.

This hike needs to be planned months (if not a year) in advance for two main reasons: bookings for the Inca Trail tend to sell out quickly and, with an elevation that passes 4200m (13,780ft) above sea level, proper training is vital.

2. Lost City of Choquequirao Trek

Best off-the-beaten-path hike

45km (28 miles), 4-5 days round-trip, strenuous

Authentic and uncrowded, Choquequirao is the more challenging and isolated alternative to Machu Picchu for avid hikers seeking a route steeped in Inca history.

Located in the Apurimac Valley, this archaeological site (whose name can be translated to “cradle of gold”) is believed to be three times the size of its more famous sister city and can only be reached by foot (as opposed to the floods of tour buses that frequent Machu Picchu).

The starting point is the Capuliyoq pass in Abancay, from where trekkers descend into the Apurimac Canyon.

Terraced farmlands that trace the edge of the canyon’s namesake river eventually give way to an exhilarating shift from vertical desert to high-altitude jungle as hikers climb their way to the site.

Finally, after reaching 3050m (10,006ft) above sea level, you can revel in an eye-level view of the spectacular ruins.

Not even half of what archaeologists believe to remain of Choquequirao has been uncovered and yet the 12 visible sectors sprawled across three hilltops are incredible to take in – especially when accompanied by no more than a handful of other hikers, if any.

3. Lomas de Lúcumo

Best family hike

4km (2.5 miles), 2.5 hours round-trip, easy

As hard as it may be to believe, soft slopes of lush vegetation are just an hour’s drive outside of Peru’s desert capital, Lima.

Lomas de Lúcumo is the result of a peculiar climatic occurrence whereby ocean mist is trapped in the hills, springing verdant vegetation to life during the southern hemisphere’s winter months (June to September).

Navigate the sea of green following the trail known as Los Guardianes, the shorter of two marked loops (the other trail is the 6.5km-long Los Lúcumos).

Spot caves with interesting markings, a rock climbing area, and quite a bit of wildlife (if it’s not too crowded). Try to visit during the middle of the week as the trails tend to fill up on weekends with students and families.

Located in the district of Pachacamac, this outdoor excursion can be paired with a visit to the Pachacamac archaeological site and a typical chicharrón (fried pork) sandwich in the nearby town of Lurín.

4. Marcahuasi

Best camping trip from Lima

8km (5 miles), 6-8 hours, difficult

Surreal topography and rock formations make Marcahuasi a magical overnight camping destination if visiting from Lima.

The trailhead is a six-hour drive from the capital city and while the distance of the hike is not so long and the trail itself well marked, the true challenge is overcoming the altitude.

Standing at 4000m (13,123ft) above sea level, Marcahuasi is a naturally formed stone forest with curious carvings of human faces and animals.

It is considered by many locals to have healing powers and the view of a clear night sky full of stars is undeniably awe-inspiring.

With a quick elevation gain, it is important that hikers of all levels are acclimatized before ascending to Marcahuasi. Horses and donkeys can be rented when paying the entrance fee of five Peruvian soles (S5) at San Pedro de Casta.

5. Laguna 69 Trek

Best day hike in Huaraz

13km (8 miles), 5-6 hours round-trip, moderate

Located in Huascarán National Park, Laguna 69 is one of the most picturesque places in Peru – if not all of South America – and yet only a handful of tourists that visit the Andean nation make the time to visit it.

With snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, the still turquoise water is absolutely stunning and well worth the climb.

The scenic trek begins after a two hour drive from the city of Huaraz in north-central Peru. Livestock and cattle, cascading waterfalls, and quaint meadows will come and go, but the towering peaks of Cordillera Blanca are steady company.

The trail gently eases into an ascent for most of the route but the last 30-40 minutes are quite a climb.

The surface elevation of Laguna 69 is over 4600m (15,091ft) above sea level, so be sure to spend a day or two acclimatizing in the city of Huaraz beforehand.

6. Full Circuit to Gocta Waterfalls

Best day hike in the northern Amazon

15km (9.3 miles), 6-8 hours round-trip, moderate

One of the tallest waterfalls in the world, Gocta was only rediscovered and brought to international attention in 2002.

Trickling down from the cloud forest of northern Peru’s Amazonas Region, the two-drop waterfall is 771m (2530ft) tall and is hugged by lush flora.

To witness the lower and upper falls, begin the trek at the trailhead in San Pablo, a short bus ride away from Chachapoyas (where most travelers stay). Well-marked, the trail leads past small villages and coffee plantations as well as plenty of viewpoints of canyons and deep valleys.

The hike to the upper fall is more scenic but the complete view of Gocta seen from the base of the lower fall is unparalleled. The loop finishes in Cocachimba from where transportation back to Chachapoyas can be found.

The best time to complete the full circuit to Gocta waterfalls is between April and June, just after the rainy season has ended and before tourism picks up.

7. Sangalle trek to Colca Canyon

Best exploration of one of the deepest canyons in the world

8km (5 miles), 2 days round-trip, moderate

The world’s second-deepest canyon, Cañón del Colca is cradled by desert hillsides six hours outside of Arequipa city and swooped over by the impressive Andean condor.

There are various trails that lead down the terraced hillside and back up the 3400m-deep canyon (11,155ft), connecting small pueblos along the way.

Day hikes from the nearby Colca Valley town of Chivay down to the hot springs are certainly enjoyable, but the thrill of camping in the bed of the canyon should not be missed if time permits.

The Cabanaconde–Sangalle–Cabanaconde route is a well-trodden yet scenic path as the village tucked in the depths of Colca provides hikers with comfortable overnight accommodations and refreshing swimming pools.

This is not an extensive hike and can be done without a guide. It is possible to complete it in one day, but the two-to-three-hour climb from Sangalle Oasis (2150m/7053ft above sea level) back up to Cabanaconde (3280m/10,761ft) is best done in the cool morning hours. Either way, bring lots of water and sunscreen.

8. Cordillera Huayhuash

The ultimate mountain trekking experience in Peru

120km (75 miles), 12 days, strenuous

Four decades have passed since the publication of Joe Simpson’s incredible mountaineering story Touching the Void and adventurists around the world continue to visit Peru to create their own (hopefully less dangerous) narrative of this epic route.

Azure glacial lakes, Andean peaks blanketed in the purest snowfall, and a surprising diversity of flora and fauna paint the scene of this near two-week hike that dabbles 4000-5000m (13,123-16,404ft) above sea level – such natural beauty has gained the Cordillera Huayhuash trek a reputation as one of the top hiking circuits in the world.

Due to the extreme length and altitude of this trek, it’s rare to pass people other than the settlers who have made a home in the mountain chain, often accompanied by alpacas or llamas. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to go with a guide regardless of experience level.

Acclimatize in Huaraz before heading off to Cuartelwain (a five-hour drive), from where each consecutive day will average six hours of hiking until finishing in Llámac. This circuit is best completed during the dry season (May to September).

It’s not for nothing that the Egyptian obelisk anchoring Catania’s central piazza supposedly possesses magical powers to temper Mt Etna. Sicily’s second-largest city lives at its mercy. The active volcano – Europe’s largest – buried the city in boiling lava in 1663 and has erupted at least 80 times in the last 100 years. In August 2024, an angry Etna shot a gigantic eruption cloud 10km (6 miles) high in the sky, spewed filthy black ash across cars and sidewalks in the city, and shut down both airports (again) on the Italian island. Little wonder, then, that climbing Mt Etna is no walk in the park.

Despite the hordes that flock to the volcano every year, hiking here is a serious undertaking. The smoke rings that puff gently into a bluebird sky occasionally from one of its multiple craters – four pock its 3369m-high (11,953ft) summit and there are 300-odd lateral craters – might hint at romance, but the reality is far less pretty. The footpath of lava rocks that I picked my way across with a volcanological guide back in July is already long gone, drowned in a new fireball sea of red lava that crashed down from Etna’s peak just weeks after I left. “We built this path by hand, rock by rock, after the last major eruption in December and will no doubt build many more,” my guide Mirto explained, handing me a fist-sized nugget of lava to feel, still toasty warm seven months later.

Etna is clearly not a mount to mess with. A typical mountain combo of high altitude and capricious weather, uniquely coupled with volcanic activity and a healthy dose of Sicilian hijinks, makes advance planning essential. Here’s how to tackle hiking on Mt Etna safely, soak in its otherworldly moonscapes, and feel the pulse of planet Earth in real-time.

Consider the season and weather

What with sizzling-hot summer temperatures and high-season crowds, Sicily in August is never a brilliant idea. Snow can linger on Mt Etna’s summit well into April and return in November, making the shoulder seasons – April, May, September and October – the best months for hiking. Spring and fall days are pleasantly warm and sunny, there are fewer travelers, and pea-green cushions of springtime Saponaria blaze purple on Etna’s fertile lower slopes.

Book the right guide

Hiking on Mt Etna is strictly regulated. Tramping up an active volcano is not without risk or danger, and it is forbidden to venture above 2500m (8202ft) without an authorized Etna guide. A mind-boggling choice of companies offering guided hikes exists. Check your guide belongs to the Collegio Regionale delle Guide Alpine e Vulcanologiche (Regional College of Sicilian Alpine and Volcanology Guides) before parting with any cash.

I spent two exhilarating days hiking up to Mt Etna’s gigantic summit craters (off-limits since the August 2024 eruption), one with highly experienced alpine guide and backcountry skier Mirto Monaco from Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Sud (Etna’s oldest guiding association, created in 1804). The other day was spent with environmental biologist and PhD student Giulia Bacilliere, one of seven female volcanologist guides in Sicily, at Gruppo Guide Etna Nord. The gems they shared – the jasmine-perfumed yellow Etna broom that thrives between rocks, the diverse snake species protected by Etna’s eponymous national park – magnified my awe and wonder tenfold.

Guided treks always depart at 8:30am or 9am, returning mid-afternoon before the weather changes.

Warm clothes and study footwear are essential

Forget beach attire – approach the Sicilian volcano in the same way you would a mountain in the Alps. Dress in layers, long trousers and wear sturdy closed shoes, preferably proper walking shoes or boots. Even when it‘s hot at lower altitudes, it’s cold and windy up top. Pack a wind jacket, warm headgear and gloves in your day pack. Ditto for sunscreen, sunglasses (against dust as well as sun glare), snood or scarf (to protect the face from dust and gas stenches) and water. If you wear contact lenses, bring glasses – dust levels are extreme.

Any missing gear, including hiking boots, warm jacket and trekking poles for the less sure-footed, can be borrowed directly at guides’ huts. Most trek rates include kit rental.

Choose between Etna Nord and Etna Sud

You can approach Mt Etna two ways: from the wilder north (closest to Taormina, 30 miles northeast) or more-developed south (closest to Catania, 24 miles southeast).

Etna’s northern slopes, known as Etna Nord, entice hardened hikers after a feral, no-holds-barred experience. Guided treks leave from Piano Provenzana, a dot of a ski resort at 1800m (5905ft), comprising little more than a solitary row of wooden huts sheltering trekking guides. The serpentine drive up – from small town Linguaglossa (30 minutes), built in 1556 on an ancient lava stream, or the attractive village of Giarre (45 minutes) – winds through lemon groves, vineyards, beech forest and surreal steel-black fields of diabolical, frozen-in-time lava flow. Look out for the occasional old stone house half-buried in lava flow, harder than marble once cold and impossible to shift or clear away ever.

The mainstream tourist crowd favors Etna Sud. Hikes up the busier southern slopes start from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (1910m/6626ft), a sprawling square named after its eponymous refuge (restaurant and rooms), with a chaotic jumble of souvenir huts, sports shops and fast-food joints. This is the spot to hop aboard Mt Etna’s lone cable car, up to a panoramic 2500m (8202ft). From here, when volcanic activity allows, non-hikers can board a purpose-built 4WD bus to creep further uphill and explore the surreal lunar landscape with an accredited guide on board.

Getting there can be a challenge

It’s not easy without your own wheels. There is no public transport to/from Piano Provenzana (Etna Nord), but Go Etna offers reliable minibus transfers from Taormina and Catania, and works with top-drawer guides from Gruppo Guide Etna Nord once in situ. Book Go Etna tours at least a few days in advance in season.

To get to Etna Sud, one daily AST bus trundles from Piazza Giovanni XXIII in front of Catania train station to Rifugio Sapienza (2 hours, €6.60). Be warned: buying a bus ticket online does not secure a seat on the always-rammed bus, departing from Catania at 8:15am and illogically arriving well after guided treks have left for the day. Should there be a spare seat (rare, even if you rock up an hour in advance of departure), the driver sells tickets. The return bus, equally packed, leaves Rifugio Sapienza at 4:30pm.

In Catania you’ll most likely end up fighting off taxi drivers hawking aggressively for business among the thongs of disappointed bus hopefuls. A return ride by taxi from Catania (1 hour) should cost no more than €120 for four passengers, including waiting time while you hike. Negotiate hard, only pay half the fare up front, and save the driver’s telephone number in your phone before striding out on Mt Etna.

Plenty of organized tours depart directly from downtown Catania to Etna Sud. Most will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

What to expect on the hike

Brace yourself for high drama in spades. Trek routes are dictated by volcanic activity – 120 seismic cameras, satellites and sensors on Etna’s slopes measure and record every last tremor and physical movement, making it one of the world’s most monitored peaks.

The kaleidoscopic landscape is incredulous and varied, whichever trail you follow. Think: tramping across barren black lava fields, scraping away ash to uncover last winter’s snow perfectly preserved beneath, gawping at gas-spitting fumaroles and tens of extinct lateral craters, running down dusty ash hills with not a care in the world (and shoes full of grit once you arrive at the bottom). The rainbow of earthy hues – fire red, ocher, black and gold – is breathtaking, as is the frequent gale-force wind and stench of sulphuric gas in volcanic deserts at higher altitude.

Most guided treks are bookended by a ride in a 4WD vehicle (Etna Nord) or cable car (Etna Sud) to reduce the climb; some duck into lava caves. Guides provide protective helmets which must be worn at all times. A reasonable level of fitness and agility is required for higher-altitude hikes, which typically cover 6km (3.7 miles) in four to five hours.

How to hike Mount Etna with children and inexperienced hikers

Families with very young children and inexperienced hikers don’t need to miss out. The volcano’s lower slopes around 2000m (6560ft) are easy to walk to from Etna Sud’s Rifugio Sapienza and promise high drama too. From Ristorante Crateri Silvestri, a flat and easy 1km (0.6-mile) footpath loops around the top of the extinct, 19th-century Silvestri Crater. Across the street, another signposted path (25 minutes) curves steeply uphill, past the restaurant La Capannina, to a crater formed by a 2001 eruption.

One option to minimize walking is to hop in the cable car. From there, ogle in awe at the mind-blowing myriad of lateral craters polka-dotting Etna’s sprawling slopes below, grab a drink with a lunar desert view at the top-station cafe, then cruise back down without flexing a muscle.

High up in the Appalachian mountains between Virginia and North Carolina, there’s a gently winding road that seems frozen in time. There are hardly any restaurants, stores, billboards or even homes on this route. Some of the only hints of civilization are rustic stone mile markers and nondescript signs signifying upcoming trails and overlooks.

This is the Blue Ridge Parkway, a road that exists solely for the pleasure of driving through some of the East Coast’s most stunning mountain landscapes. At 469 miles from end to end, it’s a delightfully meandering escape from the bustle of typical American roadways.

Growing up in the hills of Amherst County, Virginia, the Parkway was practically at my doorstep. It’s where my family went for leisurely Sunday drives, picnics by mountain streams in the summer and leaf-peeping in the fall. My childhood memories include hiking beside waterfalls, spotting bears in the forest, and scrambling to the summit of some of the highest peaks in the Appalachian Mountains. I’ve traveled all over the world since then, but I still consider the Blue Ridge Parkway to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Technically, you could drive the entire Parkway in a day, but you could also spend weeks exploring the forests along the road. There are plenty of entry and exit points along the Parkway, which means your drive can be as long or as short as you want. Here, we’ll be sharing how to drive the entirety of the Parkway in five days, but you can just as easily choose your favorite stretch and focus your attention there.

• Trip length: The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, between Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In good conditions, you could complete the route without stopping in about 10 hours – but taking your time is the point of this trip, so take at least a weekend to explore.

• When to go: The views of the Appalachian Mountains from the Parkway are spectacular year-round, but they’re most stunning in the fall, when the foliage is at its peak. This is also the busiest time on the Parkway, so be prepared for more traffic, especially on the weekends. If you go in the winter, check ahead for road closures, as the higher elevations often get more snow and ice than lower areas.

• Where to begin and where to end: The north end of the Parkway begins at Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, Virginia. It ends in Cherokee, North Carolina. There are numerous access points along the way, many of them convenient to major highways.

• Things to know: The speed limit on the Parkway doesn’t exceed 45 mph – and it sometimes drops even lower to account for dramatically sharp turns and steep hills. Plan to drive about 30 miles in an hour, minus any stops. Keep an eye out for wildlife, cyclists and rockslides. If you’re not accustomed to mountain driving, be prepared for steep grades, narrow shoulders and limited sight distances. Most importantly, keep your eyes on the road if you’re driving, and wait for the overlooks to enjoy the views.

• What to pack: If you plan to take advantage of the many hiking trails along the Parkway, wear proper footwear and attire. Temperatures in the mountains are often much cooler than lower elevations – pack layers. Cell phones will not always have reception on the more remote stretches, so it’s a good idea to have a paper map and a general idea of your route. Come with a full tank of gas, snacks and water so you won’t have to exit the Parkway until you’re ready.

• Tips for EV drivers: Electric vehicle drivers will need some extra planning to ensure that their vehicles stay charged. Charging stations are uncommon on the Parkway, so make note of where you can find them in nearby towns. Don’t expect to rely on cell service or GPS for on-the-go research, as it’s often quite spotty in the mountains. The Parkway service provides a list of nearby EV charging stations here.

Day 1: Crozet / The Ridge Region

Vibes: Small-town charm and big-time mountain views.

Do: Crozet is one of the closest towns to the Blue Ridge Parkway’s North Entrance and the ideal spot to begin your journey, where you can gas up and gather supplies before hitting the road. It’s about 10 minutes from the Parkway, and also midway between the cities of Charlottesville and Waynesboro. If you want to kick off your adventure with a unique hike, the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is a 4273-ft-long tunnel that runs beneath Afton Mountain.

Eat: Plan to get an early start, but fuel up for your drive with a lavender latte and breakfast bagel from Mudhouse in downtown Crozet. If you’re looking for dinner the evening before you leave, Crozet Pizza claims the honor of being named “best in the world” by National Geographic.

Stay: You’ll find mostly small inns and Airbnbs in this rustic region, or you could drive a bit farther into Charlottesville, Waynesboro or Staunton for more traditional hotels. Check into the cozy bed-and-breakfast-style Inn at Stinson Vineyards, which overlooks the vines on this scenic estate. Also nearby, the Afton Mountain Inn is a boutique hotel in a 19th-century farmhouse with five guestrooms, a pool and a hot tub – all just minutes from the Parkway.

The drive (120 miles, 3.5 hours): After entering the Parkway at Rockfish Gap, you’ll focus the first leg of your journey on the Ridge Region, which stretches from here to Roanoke. Just over five miles in, stop at the Humpback Rocks visitor center and take a quick walk around the mountain farm, which offers a taste of life in 1890s Appalachia. There are also three different hiking trails here, ranging from easy to strenuous.

Continue down the road, stopping at any overlooks or trails that strike your fancy – Greenstone Overlook (milepost 8), Yankee Horse Ridge (milepost 34), and Thunder Ridge (milepost 74) are easy, worthwhile stops. At milepost 89, break for lunch at the Peaks of Otter. The restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge has views of Sharp Top Mountain, and a shuttle (or strenuous hike) will take you nearly to the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the area. Spend the afternoon exploring the Peaks of Otter area – Johnson Farm, the Fallingwater Cascades Trail and Harkening Hill are all great hikes. Then continue driving south toward Roanoke (milepost 120).

Day 2: Roanoke / The Plateau Region

Vibes: An outdoorsy mountain town, rolling farmland and Appalachian culture.

Do: Downtown Roanoke is one of the biggest cities near the Parkway, just a few minutes’ drive from multiple access points. Its vibrant historic district has all the hallmarks of a cool mid-sized Southern town: breweries, street art, museums and trendy boutiques. Enjoy a wander around the pedestrian-friendly downtown before resting up for a day of exploring the Parkway’s Plateau Region.

Eat: For dinner, River & Rail Restaurant will give you a taste of Southern cuisine sourced directly from the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Before hitting the road the next morning, swing by Bread Craft Bakery for a breakfast sandwich and/or sticky buns. Crystal Spring Grocery Co. has a nice selection of ready-made sandwiches, salads and other snacks that are ideal for taking on the road.

Stay: Roanoke has a typical range of hotel options, including chain hotels for budget-minded travelers. For something with a bit more character, check out The Liberty Trust, a luxury boutique hotel housed in a restored former bank building. The Tudor-style Hotel Roanoke is another historic property, though this one is quite a bit grander and a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Both are conveniently situated in the city center.

The drive (79 miles, 2.5 hours): Today, you’ll be driving through the Plateau Region of the Parkway, which stretches from Roanoke to Galax, just near the border of Virginia and North Carolina. Begin by entering the Parkway at milepost 120 and driving up Mill Mountain Spur Road, where you can see the largest man-made free-standing star in the world and take in views of the city below. Then head south, stopping at Cahas Knob (milepost 139) and Devil’s Backbone (milepost 143) for even more breathtaking views.

At milepost 176, stop at Mabry Mill and the Rocky Knob Visitor Center to enjoy your picnic lunch and then explore historical exhibits around the gristmill, sawmill and blacksmith shop. Keep driving to the Blue Ridge Music Center (milepost 213), a performing arts facility built to promote and preserve the historic music of the region. Exhibitions take a deep dive into American roots music, and you’ll often hear local musicians performing here. Exit at milepost 199 and wrap up the day in Carroll County, a region that’s known for mountain views and bluegrass.

Day 3: Galax / The Highlands Region

Vibes: Mountain music, old-timey towns and waterfalls.

Do: Virginia’s heritage music trail, the Crooked Road, runs through this region – it’s a worthy detour for fans of bluegrass and American roots music. Galax has a small downtown with antique shops and restaurants.

Eat: Local beer, brick-oven pizzas, and wings are on the menu at Creek Bottom Brews in Galax. Briar Patch Marketplace & Cafe is a coffee shop and antique store downtown. The Gap Deli is conveniently situated for coffee, pastries and sandwiches as you head back on the road.

Stay: Galax, Hillsville and Fancy Gap have a handful of affordable chain hotels to choose from, including a Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn. Or go for the true mountain experience by booking a cabin in the woods with Fiddler’s Roost or New River Trail Cabins.

The drive (94 miles, 3 hours): Get ready for an increase in elevation today as you enter North Carolina and the Parkway’s dramatic Highlands Region. Begin your day at the Fancy Gap entrance at milepost 199, and head south toward Cumberland Knob (milepost 217). This is where construction of the Parkway began in 1935 as part of the New Deal initiative, intended to get Americans back to work following the Great Depression.

With open meadows and rolling hills, Doughton Park (mileposts 238-244) is a great place for spotting wildlife like deer, foxes and raccoons. You can also see historical demonstrations at Brinegar Cabin, explore an old homestead, and hike more than 30 miles of trails in this area. Nearby Northwest Trading Post (milepost 258) is a good stop for souvenirs and snacks. Pause for a picnic at E.B. Jeffress Park (milepost 272), and take a quick hike to see the Cascades waterfalls afterward.

Then, continue driving into the Grandfather Mountain corridor, stopping at Moses Cone Memorial Park, home of the Parkway Craft Center and an extensive network of trails. Stop for the evening in the village of Blowing Rock (milepost 293).

Day 4: Blowing Rock / The Highlands and Pisgah Regions

Vibes: High peaks, tunnels and a stunning gorge.

Do: Explore Blowing Rock’s storybook downtown, which is said to be the inspiration behind bestselling author Jan Karon’s books. The quaint Main Street corridor has plenty of boutiques, antique shops and cafes to choose from. Edgewood Cottage is a gallery specializing in local High Country artists, and the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum will give you a deeper understanding of the area. Five minutes from downtown, visit the Blowing Rock, a dramatic rock outcrop high above the valley with magnificent views.

Eat: On the edge of downtown Blowing Rock, the Speckled Trout explores the roots of Appalachian food and beverage culture. Bald Guy Brew and Camp Coffee Roasters are both solid stops for morning coffee and pastries. Blowing Rock Market is perfect for picking up road snacks and picnic supplies.

Stay: For an upscale stay, Chetola Resort is a luxurious mountain lodge, while Gideon Ridge Inn is a cozy B&B with an award-winning restaurant. If you prefer something more central, the Inn at Ragged Gardens is situated in an early-1900s manor house in the heart of the village.

The drive (89 miles, 3 hours): On today’s drive, continue through the Highlands Region and into the Pisgah Region, ending in Asheville. Around milepost 304, you’ll hit the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that hugs the face of Grandfather Mountain – one of the most photographed spots on the Parkway. There’s a bridge museum and visitor center at the south end of the viaduct.

Consider exiting at milepost 305 to visit Grandfather Mountain, a privately operated attraction famed for its mile-high swinging bridge and wildlife habitats. Back on the Parkway, Linville Falls (milepost 316) has trails leading to the three-tiered waterfalls over a steep-walled gorge that’s been called the Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians. Stop by the visitor center and relax with a picnic nearby after your hike – but keep in mind that this is one of the most popular stops on the Parkway, and it can get crowded.

Moving on, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more rugged, and you’ll drive through an increasing number of tunnels. Enter the Pisgah Region around Crabtree Falls (milepost 340), which offers a strenuous but rewarding hike. At milepost 355, Mount Mitchell State Park boasts the highest peak in the Eastern US at 6684ft, with a road that leads nearly all the way to an observation deck at the summit.

There’s also a Natural History Museum, gift shop and restaurant on site. If you have any energy/daylight left, stop at Craggy Gardens (milepost 364) for postcard-perfect views that are especially stunning in early summer, when the rhododendrons are in bloom. End the day by driving into Asheville (milepost 382), the official headquarters of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Day 5: Asheville / The Pisgah Region

Vibes: Beer, folk art and high elevations.

Do: You won’t struggle to find things to do in Asheville, like visiting the Biltmore Estate, microbreweries and plenty of art galleries. At the entrance to the Parkway, the Folk Art Center (milepost 382) is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. It features exhibits, demonstrations, and a shop devoted to promoting regional artists. The Asheville Botanical Garden and North Carolina Arboretum are also notable stops for nature lovers. Visit the River Arts District to browse the working studios of hundreds of artists.

Eat: If you’re after seasonally inspired, locally sourced cuisine, Asheville has more than a few acclaimed spots helmed by award-winning chefs – Rhubarb, The Market Place and Chai Pani are just a few. 12 Bones Smokehouse is reportedly the Obamas’ pick for barbecue when they’re in town. Or get a taste of the buzzy local beer scene with your meal at Sierra Nevada, Burial Beer Co. or Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium.

Stay: Asheville has no shortage of design-forward hotels both in and around the city. In the interest of staying on theme with our Parkway drive, head to Autocamp Asheville, which offers glamping in Airstreams, cabins and tents. Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is a collection of A-frames just off the French Broad River Greenway. And the Omni Grove Park Inn is a luxurious, sprawling resort near the Parkway that’s been welcoming mountaineers for over a century.

The drive (87 miles, 3 hours): For your final day of driving, head southwest from Asheville to Cherokee, toward the Great Smoky Mountains. At milepost 408, you’ll hit Mount Pisgah. Pause here to enjoy the spectacular views from the hiking trails and lunch at the Pisgah Inn, then keep driving through some of the highest elevations on the Parkway, consistently topping more than 5000ft.

Stop at Graveyard Fields (milepost 418) to take in the view from the overlook, or take the two-mile loop trail to Yellowstone Falls. Richland Balsam Overlook (milepost 431) boasts the highest elevation on the Parkway at 6053 feet. And finally, Waterrock Knob (milepost 451) has views over all the major Southern mountain ranges, including the Great Smokies, the Great Balsams and the Craggies. End your journey in Cherokee, North Carolina, where the Parkway gives way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Whether you prefer wilderness or dense cities, the call of frogs in the rainforest or the beat of samba drums, Brazil has an experience lined up for you. The country’s status as a natural paradise is impossible to deny. While superlatives simply don’t do it justice, this continent-sized nation is home to the largest rainforest, the most sprawling wetlands, and more known species of plants, freshwater fish and mammals than any other country in the world.

Brazil is also home to myriad indigenous and immigrant cultures, each with their own unique languages, foods and music. Get a taste for Afro-Brazilian heritage by eating acarajé in Salvador, dance samba in Rio de Janeiro, or move to the sounds of frevo in Olinda during Carnaval. The Amazon, too, hosts some of the biggest parties in Brazil. If you think you’ll be ready for another vacation at the end of all that, look no further than Brazil’s tropical islands for some downtime.

Plan your shortlist of must-dos with this guide to Brazil’s top experiences.

1. Admire the view in Rio de Janeiro

Beaches, architecture, museums, waterfalls, nightlife…there are dozens of good reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro. But if this city has one essential thing to do, it’s getting up high to admire the view. From above, Rio’s dramatic topography is revealed in all its splendor – forest-covered mountains plunging down to the ocean with urban sprawl jammed in between.

Visitors jostle for selfie space at two of the city’s most popular tourist spots, the 710m-high (2329ft-high) Christ the Redeemer statue and Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), which both offer spectacular 360-degree views. To avoid the crowds, a splurge on a helicopter tour is worth every real.

A stunning vista is the reward at the end of hikes in the Tijuca National Park, with particularly breathtaking views from the Pico da Tijuca and Pedra da Gávea peaks.

2. Relax on a tropical island

Brazil has thousands of beaches along its coastline, but you can side-step the difficult task of choosing one by escaping to a tropical island instead. Ilha Grande, south of Rio de Janeiro on the Costa Verde, has warm seas and white sandy beaches fringed by the forests of the Mata Atlântica. Ilhabela combines good restaurants for the São Paulo weekenders with hiking trails and guest houses hidden away in dense, jungle-covered hills.

Smaller Ilha do Mel in the south of Brazil near Paranaguá feels more remote, with just a handful of accommodation options, plus a lighthouse, fort and caves to explore. The Bahian coast is a safe bet for sunshine, and Boipeba has more than 20km (12 miles) of palm-lined beaches and a castaway vibe.

3. Spot whales in Praia do Rosa

Once a sleepy fishing hamlet, Praia do Rosa is now a top surf destination, with charming guest houses and hotels tucked into the hillside above a bay. In the winter months (June to November), surfers are joined by another type of visitor playing in the waves: southern right whale calves.

Whales were hunted in these waters as far back as the 1700s and were widely thought to be extinct by the 1970s. Despite making a comeback, they’re still highly endangered. The whales migrate here from Patagonia every year to breed, and a marine reserve stretching 130km (80 miles) along the coast was established to help protect them.

Planning tip: Only masochists will want to swim in the sea this far south in the winter, but the beach is a beautiful destination for windy walks and whale spotting year-round. Boat tours can also be booked for a closer look.

4. Soak up the energy at a soccer game

It’s impossible not to know when there’s a big soccer game playing in Brazil, as every screen in every bar will have it on, with shouts ringing out across neighborhoods when goals are scored. Join in the action by booking tickets to see a game, where the passionate supporters can be as much of a spectacle as the game itself.

The Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro is legendary – it hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics. SR Flamengo is the biggest club in Rio and you can expect excited crowds when the team goes head-to-head with any of its local rivals.

In São Paulo, SE Palmeiras and Corinthians both have gleaming modern stadiums, and the latter in particular is famous for its passionate supporters. The city’s Pacaembu Stadium is an art deco jewel, although it hosts fewer games these days. The soccer museum underneath the stadium is a monument to Brazil’s greatest passion.

5. Watch birds in the Atlantic Forest

Bird-watching enthusiasts will want to trek to some of the most spectacular off-the-beaten-path spots in the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest). One of Brazil’s six biomes, the Atlantic Forest is a hot spot for birding – it’s home to nearly 900 bird species, a quarter of which don’t live anywhere else, including three-toed jacamars and kaleidoscopic green-headed tanagers.

You can explore Atlantic Forest habitats in dozens of national and state parks as well as hundreds of private nature reserves. Itatiaia, established in 1937 as Brazil’s first national park, is a birding paradise. Further south, among the mangroves and salt marshes of Superagui National Park and the Sebui private nature reserve, other Atlantic Forest species such as scarlet ibis and the red-tailed Amazon parrot fill the skies at sunset as they come in to roost for the night.

6. Get soaked on a speed boat under Iguaçu Falls

The thunder and roar of 396,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of water pouring over the edge of Iguaçu Falls every second is a thrilling, visceral experience. Dozens of activities in and around the falls will keep visitors occupied for days, from hiking and cycling in the surrounding national park to feeding the birds at the Parque das Aves bird and wildlife sanctuary.

There’s a good chance you’ll get wet at some stage during your visit, so why not submit to the deluge in the most adrenaline-fueled way possible, with a speedboat ride right under the falls? Turbo-dinghies with 500 horsepower outboard motors pass right beside the falls, where it’s so loud no one will hear your shrieks.

Planning tip: The nearby Itaipú Dam – the world’s second-largest – is well worth a visit, too, and accessible via Brazil or Paraguay.

7. Dance during Carnaval

For one hot, sweaty but utterly thrilling day of your life, you can feel like a star as you don an enormous costume and join a samba school to parade down the Sambódromo during Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. Broadcast live on national television, with many thousands of spectators cheering from the grandstands, this parade is a fierce competition that’s taken extremely seriously by the samba schools that prepare for it year-round.

But Carnaval is not all about Rio. Each corner of the country celebrates in its own way, and one of the most traditional can be found in the coastal city of Olinda. Instead of samba, the rhythms of frevo, maracatu and afoxé ring out across the hilly streets of this charming town. Local bands playing percussion and brass draw huge crowds of excitable revelers trying to keep pace.

Planning tip: Tickets for the Sambódromo can be bought through the official website, which sells seats for the arquibancadas (bleachers) or camarotes (boxes). However, they sell out extremely quickly. Tickets may be available on resale sites, but expect to pay upwards of US$100.

8. See street art in São Paulo

A maze of underpasses and overpasses, sidewalks cracked by tree roots, and steep hills make walking in São Paulo something of an adventure sport. But the reward is a wealth of murals and graffiti daubed across the city’s urban sprawl, all the more striking against the city’s ubiquitous gray concrete.

The colorful Beco do Batman (Batman’s Alley) is a top spot for street art and a tourist honeypot. In Centro, artist Felipe Yung’s 10,000 sq m (107,639 sq ft) Aquarium covers the facades of 15 buildings. The 3.5km (2.2-mile) Minhoção – officially Via Elevada Presidente João Goulart – is closed to traffic at night and at weekends, making it the perfect place to stroll while taking in artwork by such artists as Speto, Zezão and Mag Magrela.

Cambuci, in the southeast of the city, was the stomping ground for the world-famous duo OsGemeos in their youth, and it’s the best place to see their art outside of museums. In northern São Paulo, the Museu Aberto de Arte Urbana (Open Museum of Urban Art) brings together street art by dozens of creators on the huge columns underneath a metro line.

9. Contemplate the origins of life at Serra da Capivara

The culmination of a lifetime’s work for Brazilian archaeologist, Niède Guidon, the Museu da Natureza (Museum of Nature) opened in late 2018. A spiral-shaped building at the edge of the Serra da Capivara National Park, the museum explores the history of humans and other species from their earliest known existence.

Highlights include saber-toothed cat teeth and a 6m (20ft) life-size model of the giant sloth Eremotherium, fossils of which were found in the park. Serra da Capivara has an astounding 300 archaeological sites where fossils, ceramics, bones and tens of thousands of examples of cave art – the largest collection in the world – have been found over the decades. These discoveries suggest that humans settled here as far back as 50,000 years ago, challenging the mainstream theory about human settlement in the Americas.

Planning tip: An airport was built near the Serra da Capivara in 2015, but the only commercial flights run from Petrolina and Recife; most visitors drive or catch a bus from Petrolina or Teresina.

10. Understand Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador

Chili, coconut, coriander, dried shrimp, dendé palm oil…the ingredients of Bahian cuisine make for some of the tastiest dishes in Brazil, showing the strong African influences in the city of Salvador.

A popular street food is acarajé, a deep-fried ball of black-eyed pea paste stuffed with a dried shrimp stew and condiments. The dish is traditionally made by Baianos, descendants of the first Africans in Brazil, and it was even given protected cultural heritage status in 2005. Acarajé is just one of the Baiano-made foods connected to the worship of orixás, deities of Yoruban origin.

Planning tip: Salvador is the best place in Brazil to immerse yourself in Afro-Brazilian culture and religion. The Caminho dos Orixás – Oxum is a tour of the city’s sights run by an agency specializing in Afro-Brazilian culture. Viare Travel also organizes tours tailored around Afro-Brazilian heritage.

11. Float down the river in Bonito

An ecotourism boom town near the Pantanal wetlands, Bonito is a giant aquarium and a playground for lovers of nature. The clear waters here spring up through a limestone base that acts as a water purifier, allowing for astounding underwater visibility. Visitors will come face to face with all sorts of fascinating fish while floating down the Rio da Prata. Alternatively, rafting down the Rio Formoso provides a chance to look out for fish and birds while you navigate the rapids.

12. Party on at festivals in the Amazon

Trees, not people, are what dominate the Amazon in the popular imagination. But the world’s largest rainforest is home to more than 30 million people and they throw some pretty spectacular parties (they’re Brazilian too, after all). Bumba Meu Boi is a folk festival held in June in Parantins that recounts the death and resurrection of an ox, with music, fireworks, dancing and glittering costumes.

The biggest Amazonian festival is Círio de Nazaré, a Catholic celebration that attracts more than a million devotees each October. Devout locals file through the streets of Belém, at the mouth of the Amazon River, in a cathartic throng. Some 966km (600 miles) upriver, the town of Maués throws a festival every December to celebrate the harvest of its energy-boosting guaraná fruit. Locals dance on the beaches of the Maués-Acú River until the early hours.

13. Visit a cachaça distillery

Also known as pinga (among dozens of other nicknames), cachaça is an exclusively Brazilian distilled sugarcane spirit that can range from cheap rocket fuel to an expensive, aged artisanal delicacy. It’s also the main ingredient in the unofficial Brazilian national drink, the caipirinha. Bars can provide an easy education in the delights of cachaça – but better still is a distillery tour.

Minas Gerais is the main cachaça-producing region in Brazil and home to the oldest functioning distillery, Engenho Boa Vista, which has been in business for more than 260 years. Overlooking the sea, the Maria Izabel distillery is a must for any visitors to Paraty. Rio Encantos runs a cachaça tour in Rio, taking in the historic center of the city and finishing up with a cachaça tasting.

Planning tip: The Mapa da Cachaça website is a great resource, mapping out distilleries across the country.   

14. Track jaguars in the Pantanal

The largest cat in the Americas, the jaguar is a rare and elusive creature. These famed big cats roam far and wide across Brazil, and despite game hunting being illegal since 1967, jaguars are still poached. Add in habitat loss – exacerbated by recent fires and the expansion of cattle ranching – and the result has been a decline in their population, placing these magnificent animals at risk of extinction.

One of the best habitats for spotting jaguars is the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland. Conservation NGO Onçafari was set up in 2011 to help protect the jaguars through research and ecotourism. The group runs jaguar safaris from its base at the Caiman Lodge, a private nature reserve.

Planning tip: A number of local tour operators also run jaguar safaris, and the deeper you get into the wetlands, the better chance you have of spotting one. Chances of sightings are best during the dry season (April to September).

15. Kitesurf off Brazil’s northeast coast

Some of the world’s most respected kitesurfing champions are from Brazil – no surprise given the country’s thousands of miles of windswept Atlantic coastline. Ceará in northeastern Brazil has some of the best kitesurfing hot spots, including Cumbuco (a playground for some of the top athletes) and the coastal hubs of Icapuí and Preá.

A little farther north in Piauí state, Barra Grande is an up-and-coming spot for the sport. In Maranhão, lagoons in Atins offer up wind without the waves and the bonus of being on the doorstep of the desert-like Lençois Maranhenses National Park.

Encircled by mountains of myth and sitting astride the shores of its eponymous lake of bluest blue, Lucerne is every bit as gorgeous as it was back in the 19th century when Goethe, Wagner and Queen Victoria eulogised its beauty.

Slow travel comes naturally here, with boats, trains and cable cars breezing across the lake and up to nearby Alpine heights. From the birthplace of the nation to sky-scraping glaciers, here are our picks for the best days out from Lucerne.

1. Float on the jewel-colored waters of Lake Uri

Travel time: 1 hour 

Switzerland heart in every possible sense of the word, Lake Lucerne’s southernmost arm, Lake Uri, is its most ravishing. At times as narrow as a fjord, Lake Uri’s jewel-colored green-blue waters give way to forested cliffs and peaks that rise sheer and rugged.

Cruise these waters and you’ll glimpse Rütli Meadow, hallowed birthplace of the Swiss Confederation as the spot where the Oath of Eternal Allegiance was signed in 1291. Nearby is the Tellskapelle, a little chapel ensconced in woods, where the apple-shooting hero and Swiss rebel William Tell is said to have leaped to safety from the boat of his Hapsburg captor, Gessler.

Myths abound, too, at the Schillerstein, a near 30m-high natural obelisk jutting up above the lake. Its inscription pays homage to Friedrich Schiller, the author of the play William Tell.

How to reach Lake Uri: Boat is the way to go to really see Lake Uri. Take SGV’s regular ferry service from Brunnen to Flüelen (44 minutes). Trains link Lucerne to Brunnen (46 minutes) and Flüelen (one hour).

2. Hike waterfalls and high-Alpine moors in Meiringen

Travel time: 1 hour

Tucked away in the eastern corner of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region, Meiringen has a phenomenally beautiful backyard, with hiking and cycling trails leading to wild valleys, waterfalls and high-Alpine moors.

Get an early train for time to see both of its big-hitting natural wonders. First up is the 250m-high Reichenbach Falls, which plummets over sheer, wooded cliff faces with a deafening roar. You can see how author Arthur Conan Doyle thought it the perfect backdrop for a dramatic finale: in The Final Problem, he pushed both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Moriarty over the precipice here.

The Aare Gorge is just as riveting, with tunnels and galleries wending past milky-blue torrents and limestone overhangs.

Stay for more than a day to delve deeper into the Hasli Valley – to see the Triftbrücke, Europe’s highest (100m) and longest (170m) suspension bridge, dangling precariously over the Trift Glacier, for instance, or the waterfall-laced glacier gorge of Rosenlaui.

How to reach Meiringen: Meiringen is a 50-minute drive south of Lucerne via the A8. There are hourly trains to Meiringen (1 hour 10 minutes).

3. Climb Mt Pilatus on the world’s steepest cog railway

Travel time: day-long trip

Mountains and valleys seem to ripple into infinity from the 2128m peak of Mt Pilatus, where the restless ghost of Roman prefect Pontius Pilate is said to roam. As the legend goes, his corpse was thrown into a lake at the summit and he has haunted these parts ever since – hence the name.

Reached by the world’s steepest cog railway since 1889, with a gradient of 48%, the mountain is an easy and insanely scenic day trip from Lucerne. Getting here would have been more of an effort back in the 19th century when Wagner waxed lyrical about Pilatus’ views and Queen Victoria trotted up here on horseback. But the exhilarating views on the walking trail are little changed: reaching across the lake, deep into the Swiss Alps and as far as Germany’s Black Forest on clear days.

How to reach Mt Pilatus: From May to October, you can reach Mt Pilatus on a “golden round-trip” day excursion, a combination of boat, cogwheel railway, cable car and bus.

4. Witness a blazing sunrise or sunset from Mt Rigi

Travel time: 1.5 hours

Puckering up between lakes Lucerne and Zug, the 1797m peak of Mt Rigi is well known for its blazing sunrises and sunsets. Turner was so smitten with the outlook and the singular quality of the light that in 1842 he painted the mountain in watercolors at three different times of day (Blue Rigi, Dark Rigi and Red Rigi).

Europe’s oldest mountain railway – celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021 – hauls you to the summit, where the view is extraordinary, stretching across both lakes to Mt Titlis and the glaciated peaks of the Jungfrau massif. On clear days, you can see 24 of Switzerland’s 26 cantons. There’s terrific high-level hiking up here in summer on 120km of marked trails, as well as low-key skiing, snowshoeing and sledding in winter.

If you’d prefer a swim or massage with a sublime view, head over to the Mario Botta-designed Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad.

How to reach Mt Rigi: Frequent trains run to Vitznau (one hour) and Goldau (32 minutes), where you can connect with cogwheel railways to Rigi Kulm (32 minutes and 44 minutes respectively).

5. Head to Brunnen for paragliding, sailing and kitesurfing

Travel time: 45 minutes

Cradled in the folds of jagged mountains, where Lake Lucerne narrows as it turns sharply south, Brunnen’s quayside is quite the Alpine dream. Turner was so impressed by the view while sojourning here that he painted The Bay of Uri from Brunnen in 1841. When the Föhn wind sweeps down from the peaks, conditions are ideal for sports on and above the water: from sailing to paragliding, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Should you fancy a walk instead, hook onto a section of the 35km, two-day Swiss Path around Lake Uri.

Not only the surrounding peaks offer knife-edge perspectives. Victorinox hails from these parts and the Swiss Knife Valley Museum tells you all about it, with a fascinating romp through the history of knives. The highlight, however, is the chance to build your own Swiss Army Knife (a process of just 15 minutes).

How to reach Brunnen: Brunnen is a 40-minute drive south of Lucerne via the A4, or take one of the regular trains (45 minutes to one hour).

6. Try winter skiing or high-altitude hiking at Engelberg

Travel time: 45 minutes

As if cupped in celestial hands, Engelberg (literally “Angel Mountain”) wings you straight to Alpine heaven with its ragged backdrop of glacier-streaked peaks punching well above the 3000m mark. When the flakes fall in winter, skiers and boarders descend on the resort, eager to make fresh tracks in off-piste powder. In summer, these mountains offer mile upon joyous mile of high-altitude hikes.

The icing on the cake is 3238m, glacier-topped Mt Titlis, Central Switzerland’s tallest mountain, home to the world’s first revolving cable car, which soars above the deeply crevassed ice. With Alps as far as the eye can see, views from the top are staggering, especially if you brave the Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge. Get an early start to avoid the glacier is at its busiest.

How to reach Engelberg: Engelberg is a 40-minute drive south of Lucerne via the A2. There are hourly fast trains linking Lucerne to Engelberg (43 minutes).

7. Ride the funicular and summit Stanserhorn

Travel time: 25 minutes

Flinging up to the south of Lucerne, Stanserhorn is one of the easiest and quickest ways to get high above the lake. From the 1898m summit, an intricate tapestry of mountains, lakes, fields and forests unfurls. Getting there is half the fun, involving a quaintly old-fashioned ride in an 1893 funicular to Kälti, where the double-decker CabriO cable car takes over, swinging up another 1100m in just 6½ minutes. This is the world’s first cable car with a roofless upper deck and it can get mighty breezy up top.

At the summit, there are plenty of big-view hiking trails and hang-gliding and paragliding when conditions allow. The Stanserhorn Rangers give the inside scoop on everything from wildflowers to where to spot eagles and marmots.

How to reach Stanserhorn: Stanserhorn is a 25-minute drive south of Lucerne via the A2. Frequent trains make the same journey in 13 minutes. From here, a funicular rises to the summit from mid-April to early November.

8. Join pilgrims visiting Einsiedeln from afar

Travel time: 1 hour

When Lucerne is rammed on summer weekends, Einsiedeln, hidden away at the end of a valley and framed by gentle wooded hills, makes a peaceful day trip. Pilgrims come from afar to this small town, which is Switzerland’s answer to Lourdes. According to legend, the Bishop of Constance tried to consecrate the original monastery in AD 964, but was interrupted by a heavenly voice, declaring: “Desist. God himself has consecrated this building.”

Whether or not you believe in miracles, the 18th-century Klosterkirche abbey church is magnificent, with its opulent frenzy of frescoes, stucco, marble, and gold swirls. Pilgrims pray before the tiny statue of the Black Madonna. For a view over the abbey to the hills beyond, trudge up to the Statue of St Benedikt.

How to reach Einsiedeln: Einsiedeln is an hour’s drive east of Lucerne via the A14. There are twice hourly trains (1¼ hours).

Venture beyond the cool capital Copenhagen and explore more of Denmark. Historic towns, fairy-tale castles, charming islands and sandy beaches are among the many places you could visit, and with relatively short distances and excellent transport links, luckily, that’s easy to do.

Most of Denmark’s cities are compact, walkable and great for biking. Not only is it fun and fast, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in a quintessential part of Danish culture. Meanwhile, public transportation is straightforward to navigate. From electrified trams and metro lines to battery-powered boats and buses, it’s affordable, reliable, and often green. Trains are the best way to travel cross country, but there are also long-distance and local bus networks, as well as convenient but more expensive car rentals.

From bikes to buses, here’s our advice for the best ways to get around Denmark.

Ditch the car for pedal power

It’s often joked that Danes are born on the back of a bike. Cycling isn’t just a hobby here; it’s a way of life. Nine out of ten people own a bicycle, and across Denmark, there are over 12,000km (7456 mile) of cycling routes, with 400km (250 miles) of bike paths in Copenhagen alone. The Nordic nation ranks as one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly countries, with excellent infrastructure such as special cycle superhighways and traffic lights, bike-only bridges, and even trash cans that are angled for cyclists to use while on the move. Half of Copenhageners commute by bike, and in the capital, it’s often the quickest way to get around.

For visitors, pedaling about on two wheels is not only enjoyable but also sustainable, and helpfully much of the country is rather flat.

Bike rental is widely available

Rental shops are plentiful, most of the bigger cities have local bike-sharing schemes and many hotels lend bicycles to guests for free. Meanwhile, the rental app Donkey Republic operates in several locations across Denmark, including Copenhagen, Aarhus and Roskilde, with its distinctive orange bikes that can handily be picked up and dropped off in different places.

Ride the railways for longer distance journeys

Taking the train is recommended for longer journeys and is a great way to travel beyond the capital. There’s a good network of regular train services connecting Denmark’s major cities and smaller towns. Early-bird discounts or “orange” tickets are available when booking well ahead. Note you need to reserve places for bikes and strollers in advance. However, you can take your bike anytime for free on Copenhagen’s S-tog (suburban rail) network.

Tip: It’s recommended to purchase a seat reservation. Trains are a very popular mode of transport, and carriages soon fill up, so it’s worth paying the small extra fee to guarantee a spot, especially for longer journeys.

Download some travel apps in advance

For the best routes, times and prices across trains, metros, buses and ferries, Rejseplanen is a must for travelers. Similarly, Denmark’s train provider, DSB, has an easy-to-use booking app for purchasing digital train tickets. It also now allows you to tap in and out at stations using your phone rather than a physical railcard. The DOT app is another go-to for buying on-the-day tickets.

Get a Rejsekort travel card

To save money on fares, it’s well worth getting a Rejsekort. You can use it across all public transport nationwide, and it’s cheaper than purchasing a paper ticket. Tourists can purchase a Rejsekort Anonymous card for 80kr ($12 USD), which can be topped up on the go. Do remember to both tap in and tap out against the Blue Point at the ‘check ind’ (check in) signs in transport stations. Press your card against the machine and wait until you hear the beep.

There’s a great bus network too

Buses are a convenient option in Denmark’s cities, and even smaller towns and countryside villages are well connected by regular services. Use Rejseplanen to find routes, timetables and fares, and purchase tickets online or use the Rejsekort travel card.

For long distance intercity journeys, FlixBus is an affordable alternative to taking the train.  

Car rentals are convenient but pricey

Hiring a car is a flexible and convenient way to get around, but it can also prove pricey in Denmark. Unlimited mileage often isn’t included, while the cost of fueling up and expensive bridge tolls can soon add up.

All the main airports have car rental desks, and bigger cities also have downtown offices; however, the best deals are usually found through international or third-party booking sites like Autoeurope, Kemwel and Expedia.

In major cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, you can use car-sharing apps like Green Mobility, which rents EVs by the minute or per hour. For smaller places, GoMore is widely available and works like an Airbnb for car rentals, where you can book and borrow private vehicles directly from their owners.

It is easy to drive an electric car in Denmark

Going electric is a greener and increasingly popular option on Danish roads, especially for shorter distances. These days, plugging in and charging up is a relative breeze, with an ever-growing number of charge points dotted around the country. Most are provided by Eon and Clever, and you’ll need to down their apps for access.

If you do need a cab in Copenhagen, you can reduce your carbon footprint by booking with taxi firm Viggo, which only uses electric cars, or Drivr, which has a zero-emission fleet running on green hydrogen.

Domestic flights aren’t usually necessary 

Despite its small size, Denmark has several airports, but for most journeys, flying isn’t really necessary. Among the most popular domestic routes, SAS and Norwegian fly between Aalborg and Copenhagen, while DAT connects various regional airports with Bornholm, a Danish island in the Baltic and a popular summer getaway. Taking off from the water right in the heart of Copenhagen’s harbor, Nordic Seaplanes operate the short hop to Aarhus. Meanwhile, the Faroe Islands, a Danish territory in the Atlantic, are two-hours away by air and Atlantic Airways and SAS operate several flights daily.

Explore the Danish coastline by ferry

Denmark’s coastline is punctuated by well over 400 islands. While Zealand, Funen and Bornholm, are large, there are many charming little isles well worth exploring and among the loveliest are Ærø, Fanø, Læsø, and Samsø. Many islands have ferry connections, and sitting on the top deck while enjoying the sea breezes and blissful scenery is truly a delight. Booking could be simpler, though. In most cases, each route has its own individual booking website.

Major routes include fast hydrofoil that links Jutland with Denmark’s main island of Zealand, and the large express boat that sails to Bornholm from Ystad in southern Sweden. International routes also link Denmark with Norway, Sweden, Germany and the Faroe Islands.  If you’re heading to Ærø, check out the battery-powered ferry, Ellen, which charges up with electricity from wind and solar. 

Tip: Book well in advance if you want to take a car. Spots fill up fast in summer months when Danish and German holidaymakers head to the islands. Getting on board as a foot passenger usually isn’t a problem.

Accessible travel is good on trains and buses in Denmark 

With accessibility improving all the time, Denmark is a destination that shouldn’t hold you back. Trains and buses do cater for wheelchair-users and stations are fitted with ramps and lifts. Conveniently the elevators at Copenhagen’s metro take you straight from street level to the platform. In more rural areas, however, the older ferries are sometimes less well-equipped.

Combining rugged beauty, maritime history and a thriving culinary scene, the city of Portland is one of Maine’s shining stars, showcasing the best of New England.

Situated on Casco Bay, Portland packs a punch across its walkable Old Port district, beautiful working waterfront and historic neighborhoods – and there’s a lot to explore. This small city (even though it’s the largest in the state) is a destination where you can sip craft cocktails in a t-shirt or flannel without judgment, or walk into a dive bar and become friends with some locals over blueberry-pie Jell-O shots (more on that below).

If eating the best lobster roll you’ve ever had at a lighthouse perched on the Atlantic Ocean sounds like your kind of thing, Portland is for you. And while lobster and ocean views are the city’s calling cards, there’s much more to discover here.

Outdoor activities get you pumped up? Lace up your boots to take to the numerous hiking trails nearby. Love the beach? Portland has you covered. Looking for culture? Check out the buzzing art scene. If you’re looking for a weekend of superb eating and drinking, or a few days of wellness, Portland can provide whatever kind of escape you want. It’s a place that encapsulates Maine’s tagline, “The way life should be.”

Relaxed, friendly and fun, Portland never disappoints. If you’re planning your first trip, here’s all you need to know.

When should I go to Portland?

Summer is peak season for Portland (and for Maine), with warmer temperatures ideal for taking advantage of all outdoor pursuits, taking a dip in the chilly ocean and spending Thursday or Friday evenings washing down food-truck fare with local brews, your foot tapping to live music at Thompson’s Point – for free. While summertime is spectacular in southern Maine, it’s also a very popular time to visit, so expect many fellow visitors and higher prices for accommodations. Portland Wine Week in June is an especially busy time.

Portland charms in all seasons – though the weather does turn frigid and snowy in the winter. Yet the snowflakes falling on the cobblestone streets of the Old Port are fetching indeed, and you can always get cozy with a hot toddy in one of the city’s many tucked-away cocktail bars.

The shoulder season in Portland may be the sweet spot, with fewer crowds and more budget-friendly accommodation come fall and spring. Leaf-peepers can enjoy the colorful display anywhere from mid-September to the end of October. Foodies will savor the annual Harvest on the Harbor festival, held in late October or early November.

How much time should I spend in Portland?

The destination works well as a weekend escape – in a couple of days, you can sample a couple of restaurants, breweries and museums – though three to four days will spare you feeling rushed while providing a full taste of the city. You can cover the essentials and tack on a local hike, a sunset sailing trip in Casco Bay or an afternoon perusing local boutiques. However long you visit Portland, consider it recon for your next trip. You’ll want to come back.

Is it easy to get in and around Portland?

We recommend taking a car to Portland for maximum freedom and flexibility. Street parking can be tricky downtown, and in the Old Port; there are a few paid parking garages. I always find a spot if I’m willing to walk a few blocks – just be prepared to circle around a few times.

Portland International Jetport lies just 2 miles from downtown. Alternatively, it’s possible to fly into Boston Logan International Airport and rent a car for the almost 2-hour drive north. Amtrak trains reach Portland at Thompson’s Point, just a touch west of the city: the Downeaster travels along the coast every day south to Boston and north to Brunswick.

With the Old Port as your base, you can easily walk to many popular attractions and restaurants. (It’s wise to seek out accommodation that offers parking, especially in the summer.) Public transport is available for those without a car, thanks to Greater Portland METRO.

Top things to do in Portland

Eat, eat – and eat some more

Portland has earned its reputation as a gourmet’s paradise. Classic diners serve delicious comfort food like pancakes with wild Maine blueberries, while chefs of the highest caliber put their impressive mark on a range of cuisines.

Anyone arriving hungry in Portland will want to start with a lobster roll. A deeper dive will unearth everything from craft donuts to Southern barbecue; Greek, Asian, Mexican and Puerto Rican joints; food trucks; and much, much more.

If you like oysters, sampling treasures freshly plucked from the Atlantic is a must. You can’t go wrong at The Shop by Island Creek Oysters in the East Bayside neighborhood, which has a lively atmosphere and killer Bloody Mary. (Yes, it’s topped with an oyster.)

Portland is known for its buzzing breweries and craft cocktail bars. On the sprawling patio at the city’s most famous brewery, Allagash Brewing Company, you can down another lobster roll from the Bite Into Maine food truck. First-timers shouldn’t skip the hot and crisp hand-cut Belgian frites at Duckfat – a true Portland institution, whose cones of twice-fried duck-fat fries live up to the hype.

Hop aboard a boat

The ruggedly handsome coast begs to be explored, and the perspective from the water is superb. I love the Wine Wise wine sails in the late afternoon or evening for sunset.

Visit at least one lighthouse

Head south to Cape Elizabeth to take in the historic and still-operating Portland Head Light, which dates to 1791. Check out the on-site museum and wander the trail for different viewpoints of the extremely photogenic lighthouse. If you happen to visit on Maine Open Lighthouse Day, you’ll be one of the lucky guests to climb the tower – it’s open to the public exactly one day a year.

Hit some nearby trails

Stretch your legs and work off those donuts with a nearby hike. The 3.6-mile waterfront Back Cove loop trail features views of the city on the city’s northeastern edge. A 15-minute drive from town lies Mackworth Island, where a short 1.25-mile trail traces the shore of this tiny speck, which is a state park of the same name. Birding enthusiasts will love that it’s an official bird sanctuary, where you might spot osprey and other shorebirds. About half an hour north of Portland by car, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is home to six trails of varying lengths that feature scenic vistas of Casco Bay, Googins Island and the Harraseeket River.

My favorite thing to do in Portland

I can’t get enough of the food and bar scenes in Portland. When I visit, I always return to Central Provisions for the Baja fish sandwich and to Gilbert’s Chowder House for a steamy bowl of New England clam chowder. And I always pepper in a couple of new-to-me restaurants and breweries each time. (There are always new places to try.)

I always make sure to get my donut fix at Hifi Donuts (I love the Mexican Hot Chocolate or Calico Glaze flavors). Come evening, while I can never resist a craft cocktail from stylish Blyth & Burrows on Exchange St, my heart is happier at a dive bar like Dock Fore, which specializes in local banter and those aforementioned blueberry-pie Jell-O shots.

How much money do I need for Portland?

It depends. You can take in Portland on a mid-range budget – or easily ascend to the stratosphere. I’ve found that even a late-night slice of pizza here is pricier than in other places. Yet if you know where to go and are willing to travel outside of peak season, it’s possible to visit without draining your bank account.

If you’re on a budget, focus on free activities like wandering the waterfront, visiting lighthouses and beaches, and hiking nearby trails. Get your lunch at a food truck, freeing up money to spend on dinner and drinks in the evening.

• Basic room for two: $200–500

• Self-catering apartments: $170–720

• Luxury hotel: $500–700

• Ferry ticket: $7.20/$14 (off-peak/peak)

• Bus ticket: $2–5 (single ride)

• Coffee: $2.50–6

• Donuts or pastries: $2.75–8

• Brewery beer: $7–9 (pint); $10–16 (flight)

• Lobster roll: $17–38

• Mid-range dinner out for two: $40–75

• Slice of late-night pizza: $4.50–7

• Craft cocktail: $13–20

Frequently asked questions about Portland

How should I pack for Portland?

No matter the season, bring lots of layers. Maine’s weather can be fickle, changing on a dime. The temperature varies quite a bit within the space of one day – think chilly mornings and evenings and hot afternoons in the summer. Year-round, you should always have a rain jacket and windproof layer on hand. In winter, you’ll want to have a solid winter coat and boots, sweaters and thinner wool layers to keep warm and peel off once you’re inside a cozy restaurant.

Do I need to make advance restaurant reservations in Portland?

Yes. Portland is a true foodie hub, and you don’t want to find yourself missing out on a meal at that restaurant on the tippy top of your list. Reserve ahead where you can, especially in peak summer season.

How much should I plan to do in one day or weekend in Portland?

Don’t overprogram yourself. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be tempted to pack in as much as possible on your first trip in order to make the most of your time. Yet I highly recommend forcing yourself to take it a little slower, and truly savor what you are doing, seeing and eating. I always recommend quality over quantity when it comes to travel experiences.