Sometimes a little bit of sun, sea, and sand is all you need after seeing ancient ruins, modern museums, and other artificial marvels. Many dreams of visiting a tropical paradise like Fiji or Maui, with warm weather, palm trees, and a pristine beach. Fuerteventura in the Canaries and Vis in Croatia are two close options for a relaxing vacation. Lucy McGuire selects a few of the world’s most exotic locations, perfect for those who want real escape or wish to be in awe of nature.
Aruba
Located on Venezuela’s coast, Aruba is a Dutch overseas territory. Its stunning natural beauty and convenience have made it a popular vacation spot for decades. Beautiful beaches and pleasant temperatures may be expected practically every day of the year, making this a genuine Caribbean paradise. Tourism accounts for over 100 percent of Aruba’s GDP, so the island is friendly to vacationers and travelers.
The region around Aruba is popular among divers because of the many interesting shipwrecks found there. Charming cities dot Aruba, too, with their unique blend of Caribbean and Dutch architecture and culture.
Creta, Greece
Crete offers everything, from pink sand beaches and beautiful coastal towns to ancient ruins and stunning landscapes. Due to its position as Greece’s biggest and most southern island, the climate and water temperature are more agreeable in the spring and fall. Crete has been able to preserve its own culture. The culture, language, and customs of this area are unique. It ranks high on my list of favorite locations.
Rethymnon, a picturesque port town, is a walled medieval city packed with unique boutiques and authentic eateries. As a boutique hotel, AVLI is a collection of flats that have been joined together. The hotel also has a health food shop where guests can purchase locally produced products like olive oil and honey raki. Katina, the owner of AVLI, offers culinary workshops in her courtyard restaurant, which has 10 tables and uses only the freshest products.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca, the third biggest island in Spain, is experiencing a renaissance thanks to increased high-quality tourism. The Balearic Islands are among the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Mallorca’s natural beauty and centuries-old history are just two of the numerous attractions that draw tourists to the island. Mallorca is a well-rounded island with something to offer everyone, from those searching for tranquility to those with a penchant for exploration and discovery.
Mallorca has many landscapes and coasts, including some with spectacular cliffs. Some of the most picturesque towns in all of Majorca may be found in the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the island’s northwest. Among these towns are Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, and Fornalutx. Sailing, painting on the beach, touring a vineyard, sampling the wares, and mingling with the locals are just some of the activities you may partake in during your time here.
Vis, Croatia
The stunning cliffs and unusual beaches on the Croatian island of Vis are well-known among those who like island hopping. Located only on a short boat trip from Split, Croatia, this Adriatic treasure has isolated coves that are easily mistaken for those in the tropics. Get on a boat and head to Stiniva, a secret beach many people consider the greatest in Europe.
The Isle of Sky
An Old Norse term for “cloud island” is the source of Sky Island’s name. This island off Scotland’s coast is as lovely as it is rocky, and the name fits. The remainder of our list consists of tropical and Mediterranean islands, but this one is worth a detour.
Even in the fog, which settles over Skye rather often, it is one of the most breathtaking locations in Europe. It’s quiet and peaceful here in the mist; you can hear the seas crashing and see the raindrops falling on the undulating moors.
The island reveals green, sheep-filled hills, dozens of castles from the Middle Ages, and excellent hiking opportunities when the fog lifts. The nearby whisky distilleries, museums, and bars should be noticed.
Koh Samui, Thailand
The islands of Thailand are a must-visit for everyone visiting the nation since they are home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. Koh Samui is great because it has everything a vacationer might want: beautiful beaches, a wide variety of luxurious resorts, and the opportunity for independent exploration.
Vancouver Island, Canada
The capital of British Columbia, Victoria, is located on the island of Vancouver. The city is quaint and picturesque, and it is especially well-known for its British heritage and beautiful gardens (including the famous Butchart Gardens, about 30 minutes from the city). However, Victoria is located at the island’s southern point, and the island is approximately 300 miles long, neither of which facts are well known.
Many fascinating destinations may be considered among the world’s most out-of-the-way, but these three stand out.
Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
