Summer's calling! Craving sun and adventure? We have chosen seven amazing places where traveling far and wide is better than sticking to old habits. From blue water to colorful urban avenues, our guide will show you where to find relaxation and adventure. It may be time to go on vacation, bask in the sun, and discover your next vacation spot on a summer holiday, regardless of your travel preferences.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is the paradise-like Greek Island that you have been reading about in hundreds of travel magazines. Its legendary whitewashed buildings with blue domes hang on the cliff on the foundation of the deep blue Aegean Sea. Sunsets in Oia are a truly magical experience, attracting people who flock to the town to witness it explode in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
Besides its gorgeous scenery, Santorini is not lacking in adventure. There is a picturesque hiking path between Fira and Oia that anyone can walk, and it will visually wow you every step of the way with stunning vistas of the setting before your eyes. Get to know the prehistoric Minoan ruins of Akrotiri, the amazingly well-preserved archaeological site of the Minoan Pompeii. To get a special beach experience, come to the Red Beach, with its dramatic crimson cliffs, or the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari. A day in the geothermally heated waters features a boat excursion to a local volcano and hot springs.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a marvelous and beautiful 50-km-long stretch of coast in southern Italy, known for its sheer cliffs, rugged coastline, and pastel-colored fishing villages. Groups such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are built into the sides of the cliffs, with a spectacular view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized as a remarkable view and landmark of beauty and cultural importance throughout the entire region.
The Amalfi Coast offers adventure both on and off the water. Book a boat and visit the remote coves and beaches that are inaccessible by land. The Path of the Gods (Sentieri degli Dei) is a spectacular walking path that offers a breathtaking panorama of the coastline from a great height. Venture along the ancient Duomo di Sant'Andrea on the Southern coast of Amalfi or roam within the beautiful grounds of Villa Rufolo at Ravello. Eating out and enjoying the local foods and drinks, whether fresh seafood, pasta, or lemon-spiced pastries, is a journey in its own right.
Bali, Indonesia
The Island of the Gods, Bali, is a place that can claim to have it all. It is a place where rice paddies, ancient mountainous landscapes, and the clarity of its beaches combine to form breathtaking natural scenery. Culturally, the island is also rich in spirituality, boasting thousands of temples and an artsy atmosphere. With the choice of either recreation or adventure, Bali provides a refreshing and exhilarating experience.
The Nusa Dua and Seminyak beaches are also white in sand and have 4-star resorts that attract sun-seekers. In the craving for adventure, go to Ubud to do some hiking inside terraced rice fields or stroll in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Many more volcanoes can also be visited, including Mount Batur, which offers a sunrise hike that is rewarded with a spectacular view. The seas surrounding Bali are ideal for surfing, diving, and snorkeling, boasting striking coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life to be explored.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature lover's and adventure enthusiast's paradise. The small Central American nation is home to an amazing biodiversity, an abundance of rainforests, and a strong commitment to conservation. It features several elements, including spirits from both the Caribbean and Pacific. The country motto, "Pura Vida" (pure life), perfectly reflects the light-hearted, happy mood of the country.
Costa Rica is full of adventure everywhere. You can zip-line or hike across the cloud forests of Monteverde, raft or hike to the base of the Arenal Volcano, or even do some whitewater rafting on the Pacuare. A diverse array of animals, including those found in countries such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, teem with a wide range of species, including key species, rare toucans, and many more. To go after sun and surf, go to the Pacific coast, where towns such as Tamarando and Santa Teresa have great waves and a beach atmosphere.
Maui, Hawaii, USA
Maui is a Hawaiian Sutopia and an ideal combination of beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery, and adventure. Its wide geography spans the crater-like cavity of Haleakalà, which looks like the moon, to the rainforests of the Road to Hana. Maui is renowned as one of the best islands in the world, and arguably the best.
The most popular highway on the island is the Road to Hana; it is a highly scenic 64-mile route filled with waterfalls, bamboo, and offering stunning ocean views. To have an experience that can actually last in memory, have a peak of Haleakalakao, which is basically an inactive volcano, elevating 10,000 feet above the ocean level. Water activities on the island include snorkeling, surfing, and whale watching (seasonal). The beaches of Kaanapali and Wailea will charm the sun worshippers.
The Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is the southernmost part of Portugal, featuring golden beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and beautiful fishing villages. It should be on your list of places to go during the summer, as it receives more than 300 days of sunlight annually. It features numerous concealed coves and sea caves, as well as stunning rock formations, making this place a treasure trove for every explorer.
For an adventure, book a boat tour around the Benagil Cave, a spectacular sea cave with a hole in the ceiling that allows the sun to shine through. Iterations using kayakers and paddleboarders are easy methods for navigating the elaborate coastline and discovering hidden locations. There are also terrific hiking trails in the area, including the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail that features breathtaking cliff-top views. During the evenings, fresh seafood is served in local restaurants, and you can view the sunset over the Atlantic.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is a unique blend of history, nature, and bohemian culture, situated on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Tulum is distinguished by its recently restored Mayan ruins located on a rocky point overlooking a white-sand beach and blue waves. This breathtaking scenery makes it one of the most scenic archaeological sites in the world.
In Tulum, adventure can be as slow and easy-going as you like or involve a lot of activity. In the morning, visit the ancient ruins, and in the mid-afternoon, head down to the beach and take a bath. It has cenotes, famous natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. A snorkeling or diving expedition to cenotes such as the Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos is a marvelous adventure. Another place to see numerous and diverse wildlife in a preserved habitat is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Final Thoughts
There are so many beautiful places in the world to be explored, and summer is the best time to take a new adventure. You may be attracted to historic Europe, tropical Southeast Asia, or wild Central America; find the place that suits your best combination of sun and adventure. Then, begin planning, packing, and preparing to have a summer to remember.
