From Biarritz to Tulum: 9 waterfront destinations to explore

This tranquil Greek island is just a 90-minute ferry ride from Athens. Local laws have banned the use of motor vehicles, and the only way to get around is via water taxi or on foot. You can also spot donkeys lined up along the cobblestone streets, ready to carry you (or your luggage) up steep hills. After a day of basking by the Aegean sea and exploring the historic mariners’ mansions, enjoy a view of the sunset while sipping a drink on the boardwalk.

Often ranked as one of Europe’s best beaches, Praia da Marinha in Portugal is known for its impressive limestone formations, natural arches, and sea caves, which you can explore through kayaking. It has consistently been awarded the Blue Flag, an award given to beaches that meet high standards of environmental safety.

Lake Iseo is a hidden gem that offers a sweet escape amid charming lakeside towns and rich natural wonders. It is a less crowded alternative to its more famous neighbour, Lake Como. It is home to Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Southern Europe. At its peak sits the Santuario della Ceriola, a small sanctuary with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The surrounding area is known for the Franciacorta wine region, where visitors can explore local vineyards. 

This stunning Alpine lake straddles the border between California and Nevada. A year-round destination, the area offers world-class skiing in the winter and outdoor activities like hiking and boating in the summer. Resorts like Heavenly Mountain and Palisades Tahoe are similarly famous for their top-notch winter sports facilities. Visitors often rent out cosy chalets and cabins where they may relax after a long day of enjoying the outdoors.

See also: A travel editor’s guide to Furano, Japan’s ski destination for food-loving introverts

Dubbed the “Island of Perfumes,” Nosy Be is known for its fragrant ylang-ylang, vanilla and coffee plantations that supply some of the most sought-after perfume ingredients in the world. It is also home to local rum distilleries that infuse their products with local spices. Its beaches boast lily-white sands and crystalline waters, making it a top destination for diving. Additionally, the island and its surrounding islets teem with unique wildlife like the ring-tailed lemur and the aye-aye.

Situated on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the majestic Victoria Falls is considered one of the world’s seven natural wonders. It has the largest curtain of falling water on Earth, spanning an impressive 1.7 kilometres. It is a recommended destination for adrenaline-seekers, offering activities like bungee jumping and white-water rafting. During drier seasons, thrill-seekers may wade in the Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool overlooking the falls’ edge.

The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Palm Cove, is named for its rows of majestic trees that line the beach. Its waters are overflowing with marine life, from stingrays to box jellywife. It is near the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, perfect for thrilling hikes and wildlife spotting. It is also renowned as a luxury spa destination for those who prefer more tranquil pursuits.

Besides stunning beaches and a bustling nightlife scene, Tulum is also known for its mysterious cenotes. These natural sinkholes are formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, exploding the groundwater beneath. Their waters are incredibly clear due to natural filtration through limestone. Tourists and locals often swim in these pools and are in awe of the underwater marine formations. The ancient Maya considered these pools sacred and used cenotes for water supplies.

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