Italy – and its awe-inspiring art, architecture and food – is no secret. The epicenter of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, this European virtuoso practically groans under the weight of its cultural cachet.

The challenge is not so much where to go – an amazing experience is honestly assured wherever you end up – but rather how to go about it. Here are some ideas from a veteran Italy traveler to turn every Italy trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Return to the Roman Empire

Working out the best way to spend your time in the Italian capital is a cultural conundrum. Rome is the former caput mundi (capital of the world), the epicenter of the Roman Empire, the spiritual HQ of the Christian world and the repository for over two millennia of European art and architecture. The city exudes must-see sights from every pore.

From the Colosseum (buy a "Full Experience" ticket to access the recently opened, underground vaults) to the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, there’s simply too much to cover in a single visit.

Zooming around Italy’s Eternal City on the back of Vespa moped to sightsee at speed is one option, and a great way to sample the dolce vita (good life). Before you leave, toss a coin into the pool below the wild horses and cascading rockfalls of the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to this captivating city.

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Hit slopes and trails in Valle d’Aosta

Ringed by some of Europe's highest peaks, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso, the Aosta Valley sports some of the best winter sports facilities on the continent. In fashionable Courmayeur, winter skiers descend hair-raising runs into France and Switzerland, crossing glaciers and returning via lofty cable cars.

And when the snow melts, spectacular hiking trails in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso and around Mont Blanc await. Whatever the season, keep your ears peeled for Franco-Provençal (also known as Valdôtain), the Franco-Italian valley’s distinctive local language.

Live the Naples street life

Italy’s most spirited urban hub, this highly charged, charismatic city in the country's deep south is a curious potpourri of nail-biting history, classical art and a grungy grassroots cocktail of frescoed ruins, frenzied markets and epicurean adventures. Drama is the order of the day in boisterous Napoli, where street life unfolds like a grand opera.

Shop for swordfish heads and sweet ricotta pastries at Naples’ oldest market, ogle street art in the Centro Storico, admire Mt Vesuvius views from the Lungomare seafront, explore subterranean catacombs, then follow the lead of locals and join the after-dark passegiatta (promenade) on Via Chiaia. Whatever you do, count on drama 24/7.

Time travel to Ancient Greece

The eternal crossroads of the Mediterranean, the island of Sicily dazzles with its brilliant diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures. In the southeast, honey-hued Syracuse was the largest city in the ancient world – bigger even than Athens and Corinth - and played an important role in classical Greece. Its hypnotic archaeological ruins, rising out of lush citrus orchards and the sparkling blue Mediterranean, continue to encapsulate Sicily's timeless beauty.

Two-and-a-half millennia later, Greek dramas still flourish in Syracuse's great amphitheater, alongside contemporary theatre, live music and more. A show beneath the stars on the antiquity stage at Teatro Greco is an unforgettable and spellbinding spectacle.

Go backstage in Tuscany

Most Tuscan tours begin in the Unesco-listed city of Florence, a cinematic feast of Renaissance palazzi (palaces), medieval-frescoed chapels and art museums brimming with Botticelli and Michelangelo masterpieces. At the historic heart of Florence is the Uffizi, stormed by millions of visitors each year for its unmatched Renaissance works. To take the art journey further, the new Uffizi Diffusi project encourages art buffs to trek across Tuscany ’s backcountry – on foot, by bike or car – following an untrodden trail to Italian masterpieces.

Designed to diffuse Florence’s heavy tourist load, this sustainable tourism project is bringing pop-up galleries to backcountry chapels, fortresses, hilltop villages and other unconventional spaces. Not only does it lead visitors off the beaten track, it also allows artworks to be admired in the Tuscan landscapes that inspired the artists – an iconic terrain of rolling hills dipped in morning mist, timeless cypress alleys, silver olive groves and terraced rows of vines. Check current venues on the Uffizi website.

Savor slow food in Piedmont

Rare white truffles from the vine-striped countryside around Alba offer the most grassroots gastronomic experience in all of Italy. Once these fabulous fungi are tracked down by dogs in the woods, ceremoniously sniffed, and greedily scoffed, there is no going back.

Truffles aside, the northwestern region of Piedmont, birthplace of the Slow Food movement, serenades gourmets with sweet creamy hazelnuts from the rolling Langhe hills and silky chocolate and myriad cocoa creations in gilded cafes in elegant Turin. Nebbiolo grapes metamorphose into magical Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and lavish banquets pair these treats with sacrosanct aperitivo (pre-meal snacks to eat with a drink and open up the appetite). Savor the slow feast, one delicious mouthful at a time!

Follow the Via Francigena pilgrim trail

Cycling and walking is a great way to get under the skin of Italy’s diverse landscapes, and there is no finer long-distant trail than the medieval Via Francigena. A perfect, less-trodden alternative to Spain’s Camino de Santiago, Italy’s most celebrated pilgrim route wends its way for 1900km (1180 miles), running all the way from Canterbury in England to Rome.

The scenic Italian section mooches at a meditative snail’s pace through Tuscany and Lazio, breaking for breath at beautiful hilltop villages, volcanic lakes, Etruscan ruins, remote monasteries and enchanting emerald hills around Lucca, the Unesco-protected Val d’Orcia, Viterbo and other gloriously overlooked spots.

Glam it up on the Amalfi Coast

Whether you follow the rugged cliff-laced coast in search of a wild swimming spot or live the high life with spritz-sipping A-listers in Positano, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations. This dramatic coastal strip has thrills and spills to suit every taste and budget, from hunting down traditional marquetry in Sorrento ’s maze-like old-town to garden-hopping in Ravello. Don't overlook the Sentiero degli Dei or ‘Path of Gods’ – a rugged hiking trail that delivers on its name with positively celestial views.

Harvest grapes in the Cinque Terre

Nothing matches Cinque Terre ’s stunning setting: five teeny, sherbet-colored villages pinned to a jaw-dropping backdrop of terraced vineyards, wave-carved cliffs and blue sea on the Italian Riviera. Summer packs these celebrity villages to bursting point, but the autumn vendemmia (grape harvest) ushers in a quite different scene.

Come for mellow days of strolling along quiet cobbled lanes and hiking through vertical vineyards and hillsides perfumed by macchia (herbal scrub) to ancient sanctuaries. The sight of local pickers gallantly harvesting the grapes that go into the Cinque Terre’s sweet fortified Sciacchetrà, and sipping the resulting vintages in a Corniglia or Riomaggiore wine bar with vertiginous views, is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Pick an idyllic island

Italy’s prized island collection hovers around the 450 mark, meaning il bel paese ("the beautiful country") has a beach-laced island with your name on it. Myriad islands dot the Mediterranean, Ionian, Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas. Venice alone is made up of 17 islands, and Sicily and Sardinia – the country’s biggest and busiest islands – offer an enticing mix of outdoor thrills and living history.

Unblemished Capri, a boat ride from Naples, attracts celebrities and the super-rich (as does posh Panarea in Sicily’s Aeolian archipelago). Volcanic Ischia is awash with thermal spas and manicured gardens. At the other extreme, nature lovers gravitate to peaceful salt marshes and mudflats teeming with birdlife in the pristine Grado lagoon, on the country’s northeast border with Austria and Slovenia in little-explored Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Help to save Venice

Venice is impossible to ignore, hence the hordes of tourists who pile into this dreamlike city of romantic canals and ethereal fogs. In an average year, 25 million arrive to snap selfies beneath the Bridge of Sighs and glimpse heaven (in fresco form) in Basilica di San Marco. To curb future crowds, a tourist tax, turnstiles at city entrances, and advance reservations via an app to enter the city  are all on the drawing board.

To make a positive impact on Italy’s most mobbed city, come out of season, and don’t duck in and out on a day trip. Instead, stay for a few days using the community-powered, home-sharing platform Fairbnb and meet and learn from Venetians who are passionate about their city through Venezia Autentica. At mealtimes, favor lagoon-caught seafood in local restaurants over tourist joints with English-language menus.

Get off-grid in Abruzzo

The Abruzzo region doesn’t have the Amalfi’s natural glamour or the cultural colossi of Rome, but for travelers seeking an immersive, emotive brush with rural Italy and its people, it definitely hits the spot. Cradled by the gritty Apennine mountains and unforgiving Adriatic sea, the region was hit by an earthquake in 2009, but Abruzzo is slowly rebuilding itself and reclaiming its rich heritage.

In the quiet town of L’Aquila, a new outpost of Rome’s MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts) is just one sign of this cultural rebirth. In remote Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the Sextantio albergo diffuso program hosts visitors in rustic rooms scattered around this pretty mountain village. Spotting rare Marsican bears padding around the Parc Nazionale d’Abruzzo is the icing on the cake.

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Diverse landscapes are Chile 's best assets: rolling vineyards, dazzling lakes, deep fjords, and sprawling salt flats. To truly do them justice, we recommend a set of wheels.

Along the coast and through the Central Valley, roads are generally in tip-top shape. Yet there are no guarantees should you find yourself on the Altiplano in the north, or down south in Patagonia. Consider it part of the adventure.

The Carretera Austral

Best road trip for scenic Patagonian landscapes
Start : Puerto Montt; end : Villa O’Higgins; distance : 1,200km (745 miles); duration : allow 2 weeks

Chile’s Ruta 7 (better known as the Carretera Austral) carves a 1200km (745-mile) path through some of the most remote and untouched landscapes in South America. The first stretch of the “highway” opened in 1988, and the final bit completed in 2003 – though much of its southern half remains, to this day, unpaved. In fact, there are several sections of the route so impenetrable that you’ll need to hop aboard a car ferry just to continue forward.

The route begins in the bustling port city of Puerto Montt, from which you’ll wind your way south through the temperate rainforests of national parks like Pumalín and Queulat. Coyhaique is the biggest city in the region and the best place to stock up on supplies before continuing south to the marble caves of Puerto Río Tranquilo and the wildlife-filled steppes of Parque Nacional Patagonia. The roadless village of Caleta Tortel, a few hours south, is a fairytale of wobbly wooden boardwalks and tiny stilt homes perched over a milky-green fjord. The road ends in the frontier village of Villa O’Higgins, to the east, where expedition ships depart for visits to the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.

The Budileufü Heritage Route

Best road trip for Indigenous culture
Start/end : Puerto Saavedra; distance : 100km (62 miles); duration : allow 2–3 days

Lago Budi is a saltwater lagoon in south-central Chile that was formed after the devastating Valdivia earthquake and tsunami of 1960 (the most powerful tremor in recorded history). This road trip circumnavigates the coastal lagoon from Puerto Saavedra to Puerto Dominguez and back, allowing for visitors to gain a deeper understanding along the way of the Mapuche culture, Chile’s largest Indigenous group. You can sleep in traditional thatch-roofed ruka homes, purchase artisan handcrafts like pilwa bags and dine on Mapuche cuisine, much of which is spiced with the smoky merkén chili pepper.

The Route of the Stars

Best road trip for families
Start : La Serena; end : Pisco Elqui; distance : 110km (68 miles); duration : allow 3–5 days

Begin your trip by admiring the magnificent stars over Elqui Valley, with a night in the historic coastal city of La Serena. Then, it’s time to head east along la ruta de las estrellas (the route of the stars) into the arid Andean foothills at the southern edge of the Atacama Desert. Sleep in the astronomy hub of Vicuña for the second night to check out its tourist-friendly observatories, as well as nearby solar-powered restaurants and breweries. Turn south off the main highway (Ruta 41) on day 3 to learn about the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, Gabriela Mistral, in her hometown of Montegrande. Follow the grape-filled horizon from there to the quaint Andean village of Pisco Elqui to finish your trip with more stargazing, pisco tasting, and treks in the nearby Cochiguaz and Alcoguaz river valleys.

The Central Coast

Best road trip for sea, sand, and surf
Start : Matanzas; end : Zapallar; distance : 235km (145 miles); duration : allow 3–5 days

Two of Chile’s ritziest beach towns are the bookends of this coast-hugging journey, which begins in the hipster hub of Matanzas, about three hours west of Santiago. Heading north, don’t miss Isla Negra (a quirky artist colony), Quintay (an old whaling hub), and El Canelillo (the prettiest swimming beach around) on your way to the twin cities of Valparaiso (great for art and culture) and Viña del Mar (ideal for beaches and gardens). Continuing north, the small hamlet of Ritoque is the most low-key beach town on the otherwise frenetic stretch between Concòn and Cachagua, which is full of weekend homes for middle-class Santiaguinos. Zapallar is the verdant green cove at the end of the route and a great place to hobnob with Chile’s rich and famous.

The Route of the Missions

Best road trip for history buffs
Start : Arica; end : Putre; distance : 230km (143 miles); duration : allow 3–5 days

Start your history-filled journey in Chile’s far north by familiarizing yourself with the oldest mummies in the world at the Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa near Arica. Then, skip the strait-shot highway to Putre and instead follow the rambling Ruta de las Misiones (Route of the Missions). This heritage route links dozens of Indigenous Aymara hamlets in the Andean foothills, many of which have newly restored adobe churches with grass roofs and shops selling hand-woven alpaca clothes. End at the biggest Aymara town of all, Putre, and use it as a base for explorations into the volcano-studded altiplano of Parque Nacional Lauca.

The Pan-American Wine Trail

Best road trip for wine lovers
Start : Santiago; end : Santa Cruz; distance : 180km (112 miles); duration : allow 1–3 days

This ruta del vino uses the Pan-American Highway as a fast way to tackle three of Chile’s most important wine regions: the Maipo, Cachapoal, and Colchagua Valleys. The Maipo Valley lies just south of the capital; such major vineyards as Viña Santa Rita showcase why it’s a power player for wallet-friendly cabernet sauvignons. Cachapoal has more boutique wineries, which range from the biodynamic Tipaume to the extravagant Viña Vik. Turn off the Pan-American highway at San Fernando (home to the stunning Viña Casa Silva estate) and explore the myriad vineyards that line the road all the way to Santa Cruz, the heart of the Colchagua Valley (which specializes in Chile’s signature grape: carménère). Note that it’s best to have a designated driver for this one as Chile has a zero-tolerance policy for blood-alcohol content.

The Lakes & Volcanoes Traverse

Best road trip for adventure
Start : Pucón; end : Puerto Varas; distance : 525km (325 miles); duration : allow 5-7 days

Linking lakes and volcanoes between the resort towns of Pucón and Puerto Varas is a bit like a game of connect-the-dots. You can choose your own adventure as you leave the araucaria-filled parklands of Lago Villarrica in the rearview mirror and head south to Coñaripe, home of the stunning Termas Geometrias hot springs complex. Reserva Biológica Huilo Huilo, near the ceramics hub of Panguipulli to the south, has raging waterfalls, dueling volcanoes, and woodsy hotels such as Montaña Magica, which is blanketed in pea-green vegetation.

Continuing south, Lago Ranco is home to several tony resort villages, including Futrono, as well as the lush, lagoon-filled wilds of Parque Futangue. Lago Llanquihue, three lakes away, is the biggest freshwater body of them all and home to your final stop, Puerto Varas, a world-class adventure hub and gateway to Patagonia.

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Moab and its environs are easily accessible year-round. But the weather does play a major factor for those looking to take on the outdoors adventures found here. In the end, there is no “bad time” to visit Moab. The only question you really need to ask yourself is “will I have enough time?”

March through Early May and September through October are considered high-season. This means you’ll get the best weather for hiking and mountain biking. Summer stays crowded, but the 100°F-plus temperatures (38°C) keep some of the crowds at bay. In winter, it can snow, but you are likely to have the place to yourself. Some places go into hibernation during the winter months, especially the rafting operations. To avoid the crowds, try going a month earlier in the spring. You might just get a spring lightning storm or catch wildflowers blooming in the desert – or wake up to the desert covered in a soft blanket of snow.

High Season: March through May; September through October

Best time for hiking, rafting, and mountain biking

Moab in the spring is off the charts! The desert is blooming (if it rained enough that winter), the weather is cool, and the rivers are pumping. The only hitch: things can get a bit crowded, especially in the national parks. To save on the crowds, and get the most from your trip, consider getting up early (like 5am), or staying up late. It’s perfect timing for sunrise under Delicate Arch, great bird watching, or a late-night look into the starry skies overhead. Both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are open 24-7.

Highwater on the Colorado and Green Rivers happens around May or June. This means you will have some of the biggest whitewater in all the US (bigger even than the Grand Canyon). Mountain biking and hiking in spring are also excellent but watch for surprise storms and flash floods, especially in the canyons.

The other high seasons in Moab happen in the fall. Once school goes back to session and summer vacation ends, the place empties out just a bit. The weather is still great. The later you get into the fall season, the more solitude you will find. It’s a great time to travel here with an RV or consider a hotel stay, as nighttime temps can get pretty chilly. The outdoor adventures are still in full swing, but you will see fewer rafters as the rivers start to slow their flow in the fall months. That said, you can still float any of the rivers during this time.

Shoulder Season: February and November

The weather can be a little tricky in February and early March in the spring, as well as late October and November in the fall. Expect some snow and rainstorms, some amazingly sunny days, and pretty cold nights. It’s a good time for mountain biking and trail running as you will never overheat but plan on staying in a hotel or bringing a really, really warm sleeping bag.

Low Season: December and January

Wintertime sees much smaller crowds, cold weather and short days. You’ll also get good deals on hotels. In the American desert, you can get warm sunny days any time of the year, so it’s still doable to take on outdoor adventures, just be on the lookout for nighttime temperatures, which can drop drastically. You might just find the winter solitude is worth the cold.

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January

It’s downright cold in January, with daytime highs in the mid-40s. The area does get a fair few warm days. Bring your puffy jacket and expect brisk hikes and some snow.

Key Events : Arches Ultra

February

Head up to the La Sal Mountains for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in February. The San Juan Huts are not far from here, and offer the potential for hut-to-hut skiing in the winter. Expect empty trails in the national parks.

Key Events : Moab's Red Hot 55K/33K

March

By March, it’s already warmed up enough to make for really good hiking and mountain biking. If you are camping, bring the extra down blanket, ‘cause it can get freezing cold at night. Trails are still pretty empty until the end of the month.

Key Events : Skinny Tire Festival (Road Bike event), Canyonlands Half Marathon & 5 Mile Run, Behind the Rocks Ultra Trail Race

April

This is the heart of the high season. Restaurants and hotels are packed. You’ll need to book ahead to get a spot. Trails will be crowded, so try to get up extra early to beat the heat and the gapers.

Key Events : Cruise Moab, Toyota 4x4 event, Moab April Action Car Show

May

It’s starting to get hot… Real hot! And the crowds are hitting their peak as vacationing families cruise through the national parks. Try going to the nearby public lands outside the parks to avoid the crowds.

Key Events: Moab Arts Festival

June

Highwater hits the Green and Colorado Rivers, making for some of the best rafting on planet Earth. There are still plenty of crowds, but the heat keeps some people away.

Key Events : Moab Free Concert Series kicks off, Desert Rats Kokopelli 150, Bears Ears Ultra

July

It’s hot as Hades. Plan on doing your rides and hikes real early or real late. It’s a great time to hit the water, perhaps with a guided trip down Cataract Canyon.

Key Events : Independence Day July 4 Celebrations

August

What a wonderful time to look up at the night sky. The Perseid meteor shower normally peaks in mid-August. The rivers are slowing down, but still runnable, and a canoe trip down the Green might just be the adventure of a lifetime.

Key Events : Swell River Festival, Perseid Meteor Shower

September

Finally a reprieve from the summer heat. All-day mountain biking and hiking return to the Moab area, with school back in session, expect some smaller crowds. The best watermelons on earth are ripening nearby in Green River.

Key Events : Green River Melon Days Festival, Moab Celtic Festival "Scots on the Rocks"

October

The days and nights are getting cooler, making camping a bit harder, especially later in the month. This is Moab at its finest, with fewer crowds, cool weather, and maybe, just maybe, a trail all to yourself.

Key Events : Outerbike, Red Rock Arts Festival, Arches Half Marathon

November

Brrrr. It’s cold in the morning and at night. But daytime sun allows you to still take on some of the area hikes. Stay in a hotel in town, it’s too cold out there under the stars.

Key Events : Green River Outlaw Days, Moab Folk Festival

December

The town will feel pretty empty in December. What you get is loads of solitude and the chance of seeing snow above Delicate Arch.

Key Events : Christmas lights and holiday crafts fairs

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Few destinations capture the imagination like Iceland : volcanic lands of ice and fire, glacier-carved fjords and meadows where wild horses roam.

From taking a dip into Icelandic spa culture to delving into the history and legends of the Icelandic sagas, these are the best things to do in Iceland.

Experience an Icelandic saga

At living museums throughout Iceland, visitors are invited to step back in time – they might bake bread over an open fire, listen to a story of ancient heroes and heroines, or swing a sword in an epic fight. At Eiríksstaðir in West Iceland, step inside a longhouse replica, and at 1238 – The Battle of Iceland, don VR goggles for an immersive experience of one of Iceland's most fearsome battles.

At Gásir Medieval Days, which happens every summer, a historic marketplace near Akureyri is brought back to life. Listen to a blacksmith hammer a blade, smell scorched birch as it's transformed into charcoal, watch women dye wool by boiling herbs, have a witch tell your fortune with ancient runes, test your skills with a bow and arrow and help egg a thief. There are many more historic sites and intriguing exhibitions around the country; find inspiration from the Icelandic Saga and Heritage Association.

Soak in geothermal baths and spas

For a long time, the Blue Lagoon dominated the high-end bathing market in Iceland. The milky blue geothermal seawater in the middle of a lava field is still perfect for jetlag recovery (it helps that it's 20 minutes from the airport). More geothermal baths and spas have popped up in recent years, attracting visitors for their elegant architecture, stunning settings, and unique bathing experiences. The Mývatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland overlook Lake Mývatn and the surrounding bird-filled wetlands and volcanic landscapes. Situated on the banks of Lake Laugarvatn, Laugarvatn Fontana pipes in natural steam for its steam bath.

If you're looking for solitude, the Canyon Baths by Húsafell include a guided hike through stunning Icelandic wilderness followed by a dip in the secluded geothermal pools. For Insta-worthy views, Geosea in Húsavík overlooks Skjálfandi Bay and its snow-tipped mountains. Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir features geothermal pools floating in Urriðavatn Lake. Right on the capital's doorstep, Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur brings a fully Icelandic spa experience within reach for visitors to Reykjavík. New "forest baths" are due to open in early 2022 outside Akureyri.

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Explore Iceland's caves

From ancient lava tubes to ever-changing ice caves and mysterious artificial caves, Iceland has a range of underground adventures for everyone. A little-known fact is that between Selfoss and Vík in South Iceland are 200 artificial caves carved into sandstone before or around the time the first settlers arrived. It is believed that Irish monks (called Papar in Icelandic) created them, but sufficient archaeological evidence is lacking. Twelve of these caves can be found at the farm Ægissíða by Hella, and guided tours are available of some of the caves.

Natural ice caves form in Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, due to geothermal heat or spring thaw. This fleeting, crystalized world of wonder can only be explored with experienced guides. Alternatively, visit the artificial ice tunnel in Langjökull or the ice cave at Perlan in Reykjavík.

There are myriad large and small lava caves, tubes and tunnels around Iceland, all of which reveal surprising colors and formations like stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over hundreds of years. Guided tours are offered in Víðgelmir near Húsafell, Iceland's largest lava cave, Vatnshellir on Snæfellsnes and Lofthellir near Lake Mývatn.

Check out the nightlife in Reykjavík

In a country with comparatively high booze prices, Reykjavík's nightlife is unmatched. Happy hours in Reykjavík usually begin at 4pm – cozy Port 9 and Veður are good places to start. For creative cocktails, head for Apótek and Slippbarinn and find a spot on Petersen svítan's rooftop bar, which is wonderful on sunny days. If pubs are more your thing, check out KEX Hostel and Röntgen, where there's often live music to boot. Skuggabaldur caters specifically to jazz fans.

Kaffibarinn and Prikið are good choices if you want to dance the night away. The crowd at Dillon always goes crazy when "rock'n'roll grandma" Andrea Jónsdóttir starts DJ-ing, and you'll find a similarly joyful atmosphere at Kiki Queer Bar. Múlaberg is great for its happy hour cocktails and outside seating area, and R5 for its range of beers plus occasional blues concerts.

Hike up active volcanoes

In Iceland there are approximately 130 volcanoes, and eruptions occur every three years on average. In Geldingadalir, on the doorstep of Keflavík International Airport, a small-scale eruption has attracted onlookers with its magnificent (yet intermittent) lava flow since March 19, 2021. In 1973, the inhabitants of Vestmannaeyjar, an archipelago off the southwest coast, escaped an eruption that started unexpectedly in their town, burying houses in lava and ash. One of these houses is the centerpiece of the museum Eldheimar.

Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano, was believed to be the entrance to hell, but it has been quiet since 2000. At 1500m (4920ft), Hekla provides an interesting and challenging hike with a panoramic view from the top. At dormant Þríhnúkagígur, you can explore a volcano from the inside. From the top, you're lowered down 213m (699ft) into an enormous and unbelievably colorful magma chamber.

See the Northern Lights and other celestial phenomena

If luck is on your side, green, purple and red ribbons flow across the dark sky on a clear winter night. The Northern Lights are beautiful, powerful, hypnotizing; you can sense how small you are under the hue of a celestial phenomenon that dominates the heavens above. It's best to follow forecasts, base yourself far from light pollution and be patient – or book a tour to up the odds. Learn more about the elusive aurora borealis at Perlan or the Northern Lights Center in Reykjavík.

There are other things to observe in the winter sky above Iceland, too. The Hotel Rangá observatory in South Iceland has a roll-off roof and two high-quality telescopes, bringing you closer to the stars in the sky.

In the summer, the midnight sun provides for spectacular views, especially in North Iceland. At the summer solstice (June 21 in 2022), find a good location for observing the sun bouncing off the ocean surface. One idea is the Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn, which was designed as a giant sundial to capture the midnight sun in perfectly aligned gateways.

Take a budget-friendly swim

The most authentic and budget-friendly way to enjoy Iceland's geothermal energy is the public swimming pools. Practically every town and village has at least one. The water is warm and welcoming, lounging in the hot tubs is bliss, and some of the views are worth the trip alone.

This is where the locals go to exercise, socialize and play with their kids. Find your favorites, but among pools worth visiting are Álftaneslaug for its wave pool, Sundlaug Akureyrar for its thrilling waterslides, Selárlaug for being next to a salmon river and Hofsóslaug for the amazing view of Drangey Island.

Make the most of the snowy season

There are so many ways to enjoy the snowy season in Iceland. Find ski resorts near Reykjavík, Ísafjörður, Neskaupstaður, Akureyri and elsewhere in the north, with ski lifts and slopes of varying levels, as well as tracks for cross-country skiing.

The backcountry skiing season lasts through May, with a range of tours on offer, including skiing from the mountaintop to the shore. Kaldbakur mountain by Grenivík is popular among backcountry skiers. It's possible to hitch a ride with a snowmobile up the mountain. The view from the top of Eyjafjörður fjord and Hrísey island is breathtaking. If you're not keen on skiing, you can take a thrilling sleigh ride down the mountain in a custom-made toboggan.

At Lake Mývatn, you can book a ride with sleigh dogs. For a motorized, action-packed adventure, Skidoo tours are particularly popular on the glaciers in the west and south. If you're looking for a slower-paced type of winter activity, snowshoeing might be your thing, walking up mountains in the north or exploring the black-and-white wonderworld of Dimmuborgir lava field.

Whale-watching and other ocean activities

When you're out on the open ocean and feel the salty air and wind in your hair, you sense a special kind of freedom, and if you're paying attention, you might see seabirds catch fish or even a blowing whale. Húsavík is the best place to go whale-watching in Iceland, with many tours on offer and a high sighting ratio – even blue whales are occasionally seen here. Tours also go from Hauganes and Reykjavík. Seal watching tours depart from Hvammstangi. Watching these curious creatures sunbathe in their natural habitat is delightful.

Sign up for a sea kayaking tour for a slower and more intimate exploration of coastal regions. Find operators in Stykkishólmur and Ögur in Ísafjarðardjúp, among other places. Paddleboarding is becoming a popular activity in Akureyri.

From Ólafsfjörður jetski tours allow people to experience the vertical cliffs of Ólafsfjarðarmúli from below. As for experiences below the surface, Strýtan DiveCenter takes experienced divers on tours to a unique geothermal chimney on the ocean floor of Eyjafjörður. At Grímsey island, people can dive and snorkel with puffins right on the Arctic Circle.

Sample Icelandic craft beers

The local beer always says something special about the place you're visiting, and you can add a new frothy dimension to your Iceland trip by touring the country's surprisingly many microbreweries. The craft beer scene is fairly new in Iceland; the first microbrewery, Bruggsmiðjan, was founded in the tiny village of Árskógssandur in North Iceland in 2006. Its product, Kaldi, proved a hit, and in the years that followed, a growing variety of craft beers appeared on the local market.

Among the most noteworthy breweries in the greater Reykjavík area are Malbygg, RVK Brewing and Lady Brewery. There are also breweries in the rural south, in Vestmannaeyjar off the South Coast, in Siglufjörður in the far north and Ísafjörður in the West Fjords.

Try fine dining

The Icelandic restaurant scene has come a long way in the past decades. Dill Restaurant earned the country's first Michelin star in 2017, then lost it and reclaimed it – and in 2021, Dill remains Iceland's only Michelin-star restaurant. Four others received special recommendations in 2021: Matur og drykkur, Óx and Sumac in Reykjavík, and Moss at the Blue Lagoon. Sumac draws inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine, and all others emphasize New Nordic dishes with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.

Outside of Reykjavík, Nielsen Restaurant in Egilsstaðir deserves a special mention for its loyalty to East Icelandic food producers – highlighting local fish, meat, vegetables, grain and dairy – and game, including reindeer. Meanwhile, Norð Austur Sushi & Bar in Seyðisfjörður (open in summer only) combines the best of Japanese cuisine with the freshest Icelandic seafood.

Hike and bike through stunning natural wonders

After the snow melts and the mud dries in summer, Iceland transforms into a hiker's paradise with hiking routes past stunning natural sites. Two of the most famous trails are Laugavegur from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, past multicolored mountains (2–4 days), and across Fimmvörðuháls from Skógafoss to Þórsmörk, along a series of waterfalls (1–2 days).

In the East, the Stórurð trail – which takes about 5 hours – attracts hikers in growing numbers for its turquoise ponds trapped by huge boulders. In the West Fjords, hiking in the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (one to multiple days) provides a closer encounter with nature than most other places.

If you'd rather explore Iceland on a bike, popular trails include the geothermal valley Reykjadalur by Hveragerði and the emerald green landscape around Kirkjubæjaklaustur, where Iceland Bike Farm is based.

Go on an outdoor art trail

Combine a walking tour of Reykjavík with a "treasure hunt" where you find as many outdoor artworks as possible. The "Viking ship" sculpture Sólfar by Jón Gunnar Árnason is a given. Fewer tourists pay attention to Vatnsberinn (The Water Carrier) by Ásmundur Sveinsson in the heart of downtown or Útlaginn (The Outlaw) by Einar Jónsson on the corner of Suðurgata and Hringbraut – works by two of Iceland's most famous sculptors.

Þúfa (The Tussock) is a more recent addition to the capital's outdoor art scene but quickly became a landmark. The 8m-high grassy mound in the Grandi harbor area was created by Ólöf Nordal in 2013, inviting visitors to walk to the top for a view of the city. Download the Reykjavík Art Walk app to learn more about this interesting side of Iceland's capital.

Outside Reykjavík, Eggin í Gleðivík by Sigurður Guðmundsson represents the eggs of 34 species of birds that nest around Djúpivogur. In Seyðisfjörður, Tvísöngur is a fascinating musical sculpture by German artist Lukas Kühne.

Feel free as you go horseback riding

The Icelandic horse is one of a kind. The breed possesses two unique gaits in addition to the "regular" ones, the smooth tölt and fast-flying pace. For centuries Icelanders have relied on the small, sturdy and colorful breed for farm work and carrying them between places in a roadless country.

Today, the horses remain Icelanders' most loyal companions as more people practice horsemanship in Iceland than in other European countries. Riding on a good tölting horse in the wild Icelandic nature is an experience like no other. Through the horse's movements, you connect with nature in a new way, and you feel incredibly free as you gallop along narrow dirt paths or across shallow lakes. Tour operators offer anything from one-hour tours for beginners to multi-day tours for experienced riders in different regions of the country in varied landscapes. Among the most popular treks is across the highland on the ancient route Kjölur.

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Known for its mix of high and low, the Florida Keys can be both budget-friendly and uber expensive.

While the chain of islands has plenty to offer in terms of natural beauty and outdoor activities, there is also a vibrant cultural scene that is worth exploring. Best of all, if you get creative, many of these attractions can be experienced for next to nothing. From public art trails to bird sanctuaries, here’s our guide to the top free activities in the Florida Keys.

Sunset Celebration

There are many quirky characteristics about the Southernmost outpost of the US, but none quite as iconic as the Sunset Celebration. Starting every evening before sunset, visitors in Key West can experience a multitude of live performances, stunt acts, musical groups and much more in Mallory Square. The celebration, which is part circus, part art fair, embodies the oddball spirit of Key West and is not to be missed. If you stay long enough, you’ll also be treated to a gorgeous view of the sun as it sets over the Gulf of Mexico. While payment is not required, it’s worth noting that many of the entertainers work for tips, so you might want to bring a few dollars if you can spare them.

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Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

Connecting the entire Florida Keys in segments from one end to the other, the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is a recreational pathway that was once the famous Flagler Railroad. The path is open to cyclists and pedestrians and offers opportunities for fishing, birding, picnicking, hiking and other leisure pursuits. The trail incorporates 23 of the historic Flagler Railroad bridges along with access to state parks, nature trails, boat ramps and important landmarks.

Traversing the trail allows for easy island hopping, but there are some sections that are directly next to the heavily trafficked Overseas Highway, so anyone walking or biking should be comfortable with motor traffic close by. Also, because sections of the trail are historic, there are often partial closures due to renovations and repairs. The website is updated frequently with the latest announcements, so be sure to check before you plan an excursion.

Morada Way Arts & Cultural District

Morada Way is Islamorada ’s arts and cultural district. The 6-block area is home to art galleries, studios, hip restaurants and boutiques. Every third Thursday of the month, Morada Way hosts an Art Walk from 6 to 9pm. During the event, artists flood the neighborhood to showcase their work, and musicians play live at several local venues. Whether you’re there to invest in some art or just to be inspired, the scenic walk is a great way to get acquainted with downtown Islamorada and enjoy the laid back beauty of the area. Grab a beer at Florida Keys Brewing Company or a quick bite from one of the food trucks and make an evening of it.

Relax at the Public Beaches

With an average of 260 sunny days per year, the Keys are a great place to spend time outdoors. While the region, which sits mostly on coral rock, isn’t known for its expansive sandy beaches, there are a few outliers that can be enjoyed for free all year. Anne’s Beach in Islamorada, Sombrero Beach in Marathon and Smathers Beach in Key West are all beautiful places to spend the day.

In addition to the larger beachfronts, there are also secret enclaves to explore. In Islamorada, all the way down Beach Road, a small public beach is nestled between the private waterfronts of the luxurious Cheeca Lodge and Moorings Village. In Big Pine Key, Horseshoe Beach at Mile Marker 35 is a quiet place to snorkel or scuba dive. Some, such as Smathers, do require a small fee if you are parking a vehicle, so be sure to prepare in advance if you are driving.

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Florida Keys Sculpture Trail

Spanning 80 miles from Islamorada down to Key West, the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail features twelve monumental sculptures dotted along the Overseas Highway. The works were first created for the Art Students League of New York’s “Model to Monument” program in Manhattan before being relocated to the Keys. From a monumental iron sundial to a stainless steel bird, from a red triangular structure to an oversized mesh shell, each sculpture is as different as the next. Now permanent fixtures in the area, the public art trail can be freely enjoyed by anyone passing by.

The Studios of Key West

The Studios of Key West is a cultural hub in downtown Key West that is dedicated to encouraging and connecting creativity on the island. In addition to offering lectures, workshops, studio space and residencies, the organization presents gallery shows and live performances and is home to Books & Books, a charming independent bookstore. On Thursday evenings, guests can enjoy Glow Hours on Hugh’s View. The free weekly cocktail hour not only includes an open bar and live music, but also a panoramic view of the city from the stunning rooftop. Admission to the campus and gallery spaces is free, but many of the scheduled events require a ticket purchase.

Blue Hole

At the center of the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key is the largest freshwater lake in the Keys. Blue Hole was once a limestone quarry whose rock was used to create many of the original roads in the area. Because it is a rare source of freshwater, the lake attracts a variety of wildlife including alligators, herons, turtles, fish and, most especially, Key deer, an endangered type of deer that only live on Big Pine Key. The lake provides an unmatched opportunity to revel in the natural beauty of the Keys, and there are several short trails for hiking around the refuge. While the trails are less than one mile each, they are not shaded, so come prepared with sunscreen and bring good walking shoes!

The Key West Garden Club

The Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower is a historic and secluded tropical paradise. A group of dedicated volunteers maintains the grounds, which include a prehistoric garden, a native garden and a butterfly garden, among others. Visitors can take in seaside views, delight in the exceptional collection of exotic trees and plants and learn about the fascinating history of the West Martello Tower, an important site built during the Civil War. Take your time as you wander the circular layout, as some of the most striking flora can hide in plain sight.

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1980, Crocodile Lake National Refuge is an important nesting ground for the American crocodile, an endangered species found only in South Florida. These crocodiles find refuge in this 6700-acre protected habitat, and it is believed that nearly a quarter of the country’s population lives here. While you aren’t guaranteed to see this reclusive animal during a visit, there are more draws to the refuge including sightings of other rare animals like the white-crowned pigeon, Stock Island tree snails and several kinds of endangered butterflies.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds and consists of both a hospital and the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary, a natural refuge open to the public, houses nearly 40 different species of rescued birds. Visitors can walk through a mangrove forest and observe an array of birds including Great Horned Owls, Great Egrets and plenty of Eastern Brown Pelicans. At the end of the pathway, past the animal enclosures, the mangroves open up to the Florida Bay and a beautiful view of the water. Admission is free, but they do request a donation upon entry.

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There’s more to Malibu than its beautiful beaches. The eastern border of the California city extends into the Santa Monica Mountains, where visitors can hike through canyons and wander through nature preserves. There are also a few carved out spaces along the coastline that are ideal for picnics and recreation. Although the ocean is always in the background, hitting up a park in Malibu doesn’t have to mean spending the day at the beach.

Malibu Creek State Park

The 14-mile Malibu Creek winds its way through the Santa Monica Mountains eventually ending at Malibu Lagoon at the beach near the pier. But there’s plenty to do in this state park besides rock skipping – from a range of hiking trails (including one that goes through where the TV show M*A*S*H was filmed) to mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding and even kayaking in a small lake. There are also plenty of open spaces to simply take in the beautiful oak woodlands and the craggy mountain canyons. The city of Los Angeles feels a world away, instead of just 25 minutes. Overnight camping is also allowed here, but reservations are required. Not quite sure how to tackle the park on your own? Sign up for a hike guided by a park docent who will explain the area’s flora and fauna as well as its cinematic history.

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Trancas Canyon Park

Trancas Canyon Park in north Malibu is a couple of miles inland from Zuma Beach, and it’s one of the best parks for families. There’s a spacious playground area with sweeping views of the mountains and the ocean as well as a fenced dog park. The park’s giant grassy field is an idyllic spot for a picnic, but there are covered tables when you need a little shade. Restrooms and water fountains are available, and parking is plentiful. Nearby is the Trancas Market where you can pick up picnic provisions like pressed paninis, salads and pizza.

Malibu Bluffs Park

Malibu Bluffs Park, just north of the Malibu Pier and past Pepperdine University, is the ultimate recreation spot for families. The six-acre park has two baseball fields, a soccer field that doubles as a grassy vista for a picnic, a play structure, a skatepark, picnic tables, restrooms and a jogging path that winds around the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Michael Landon Community Center, named for the Little House on the Prairie actor, often hosts community classes and parties. Since the park is home field for local recreational sports, the weekends are often crowded and the parking lot fills up fast. But if you can time it for a mid-morning visit during the week, you’ll find it to be a blissful spot to take in the ocean views.

Las Flores Creek Park

Las Flores Creek Park is a few miles inland from the famous Duke’s Restaurant that overlooks the ocean on the Pacific Coast Highway. The offerings are relatively simple: a modern playground for children, picnic tables, restrooms and easy walking trails. This is an ideal spot to learn about Malibu’s native plants because the park has detailed information about its wildlife and history. Once you’re done exploring, you can head down to Duke’s for lunch or dinner.

Malibu Country Mart

Malibu Country Mart is a ritzy retail center with trendy boutiques and restaurants that are often frequented by celebrities (and paparazzi). But for families with children, there are two playgrounds to try in between shopping and eating. The original playground is in the center of the mart near John’s Garden café and just past the Toy Crazy toy store. The structure, which includes a pair of swing sets, is built into sand, so be prepared to go barefoot and do some cleaning up afterward. A second playground was built recently near the new Whole Foods Market and offers modern interactive play features, along with the usual slides and climbing structures. Since the Country Mart is so close to the pier, it’s easy to go from one to the other during your visit.

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Nearly a third of Chile is protected parkland, making this small South American nation one of the best places on earth for active adventures. On a thrill-seeking trip to Chile, you can hike up volcanoes, skirt fjords and glaciers or navigate the wilds of the world’s driest desert.

There's only one problem: with 42 national parks to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To take away some of the guesswork, here's a look at 10 national parks you won’t want to miss.

Parque Nacional Torres del Paine

Best park for overnight treks

Easily the most famous park in Chile, Torres del Paine is the Patagonia travelers dream about, with a unique location tucked between the Magellanic subpolar forests and the Patagonian Steppe. The five-day "W Trek" and eight-day "O Circuit" are the most popular hikes, with epic scenery and well-run campgrounds and comfy refugio lodges along the way.

You can also sleep in five-star adventure lodges on the park’s periphery and tackle day hikes atop glaciers, around moraine lakes or up to the park’s namesake granite spires. Visit in winter to search for pumas and enjoy a respite from both the crowds and the reserve's driving winds.

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Parque Nacional Archipiélago Juan Fernández

Best park for naturalists

Lying 670km (416 miles) off the coast of Valparaíso, this little-visited archipelago is home to 213 species of native flora, of which 135 are endemic. This gives Parque Nacional Archipiélago Juan Fernández a higher percentage of endemism than Hawaii or even the Galapagos Islands.

There are a dozen trails on the main island – appropriately named Robinson Crusoe – crisscrossing primordial forests of perky tree ferns and giant rhubarb (really). Most routes start from the archipelago’s only true town, San Juan Bautista, where lobster dinners are practically obligatory, taking advantage of the abundant crustaceans hauled from local waters.

Parque Nacional Nevado de Tres Cruces

Best park for mountaineering

Hardcore mountaineers flock to Nevado de Tres Cruces each year to acclimatize for trips up Ojos del Salado, which is both the highest active volcano in the world and the second-highest mountain in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Not only that, the crater lake on this muscular 6893m (22,615ft) peak is the highest body of water anywhere on earth.

Those who don’t have the time, money and willpower for a summit expedition can still enjoy hiking to the blue and green lagoons, arid Andean peaks and blindingly white salt flats of this stunning stretch of the Chilean high plains.

Parque Nacional Queulat

Best park for waterfalls

Picture a lush forest sliced in half by a river of blue ice that runs to a jagged clifftop, spilling out in waterfalls that thunder into a turquoise lake below. That's what you’ll find on the 3km (2 mile) Mirador del Ventisquero Trail to the hanging glacier of Parque Nacional Queulat, one of the best kid-friendly outings in Patagonia.

Most visitors sleep in nearby Puyuhuapi, a small town on the edge of a fjord with homey restaurants, steaming hot springs and distinctively German architecture thanks to its earliest settlers. It's a great hub for family-friendly outdoor adventures.

Parque Nacional Patagonia

Best park for wildlife

Wildlife watching doesn’t get much better than this! Formerly occupied by large cattle ranches, the section of Patagonian steppe along the Chacabuco River near Cochrane is now home to one of the most ambitious rewilding projects in the world. Pumas prowl the grasslands of Parque Nacional Patagonia hunting wild herds of lama-like guanacos, while 10% of the world’s remaining huemul deer enjoy a rare oasis.

Then there are the birds, including massive condors, blushing flamingos, Magellanic woodpeckers and ostrich-like ñandús. The fantastic infrastructure built by Tompkins Conservation and Explora makes the national park well suited for families, with the promise of a comfortable bed at the end of a busy day of wildlife spotting.

Parque Nacional Rapa Nui

Best park for history and mystery

The great mysteries of Rapa Nui – Easter Island, to those unfamiliar with the local name – have perplexed mankind for centuries. How did one of the most isolated islands on earth give birth to such an advanced civilization? How did it rise so fast and collapse so dramatically?

And how did the ancient people of Rapa Nui build the 887 monolithic human statues known as moai, and transport them all across the island? This park offers some clues, but no definitive answers, making it ripe for an inspiring family adventure. Administratively, Rapa Nui is a Chilean territory in the Pacific, and is best reached by plane from Santiago (or circuitously, from Tahiti).

Parque Nacional Alberto de Agostini

Best park in Southern Chile

One of Chile’s largest and least-visited national parks, Alberto de Agostini is a great option for those who like to view raw nature and abundant wildlife from the comfort of a cozy, well-heated boat. Expedition cruises depart from Punta Arenas for the glacier-capped Cordillera Darwin in Chile’s extreme south, popping into narrow fjords filled with whales, penguins and barking elephant seals.

Many outfitters carry kayaks on board so you can have up close and personal encounters with the southernmost animals of the Americas. This far south, the climate is cold all year round, so the best time to visit is the austral summer.

Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins

Best park to visit in summer

This heavily rainforested park is named after the late Douglas Tompkins, an American philanthropist who purchased vast swaths of Patagonia to restore the land to its natural state, and then donated it back to the Chilean government. In the heart of the Chilean Lake District, Pumalín was his crown jewel; it’s modeled after the US national park system, with a spectacular trail network, a well-thought-out visitor center and simple lodging.

Rains are less frequent during the summer months (December to March), making this the best time for hikes to thundering waterfalls, montane lakes or the caldera of the Chaitén Volcano. Access the park from the region's main transportation hub, Puerto Montt.

Parque Nacional Lauca

Best park in Northern Chile

Travelers hoping to experience the Andean altiplano (high plains) invariably head to the parks near San Pedro de Atacama, but the reserves near the indigenous Aymara hamlet of Putre in Chile’s extreme north, are even more spectacular. Lauca is the most accessible park, with twin volcanoes and a vast area of puna (montane grassland) filled with alpacas, llamas and their wilder cousins, vicuñas and guanacos.

The greater Lauca Biosphere Reserve includes two more parks that can be reached via unpaved roads to the south – Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas and Monumento Natural Salar de Surire. Both include glistening salt flats, wilderness hot springs and turquoise lagoons filled with fluffy flamingos. Visit in winter to avoid summer rains that can make roads impassable.

Parque Nacional Conguillío

Best park to visit in the winter

There’s something about the appearance of the araucaria trees in winter that makes this park seem to shine during the coldest months of the year (June-August). These ancient conifers – a species that has hardly changed in appearance since the age of the dinosaurs – pop up above the thick snow on the Llaima Volcano like arboreal fireworks.

You can ski in their midst at the Ski Araucarias resort and then rest your weary bones nearby in a thermal hot spring. Hikes in the park take in dense forests, crystalline lakes and vast lava flows from the 37 eruptions registered here since 1852.

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From towering peaks to deep canyons, sparkling coastlines to dense forests, Turkey has a wealth of natural beauty to complement its world-famous historical sites.

The country’s first milli parkı (national park), Yozgat Çamlığı Milli Parkı, was established in the Central Anatolia region in 1958 to protect an endemic species of pine. Today there are 45 national parks across Turkey, encompassing remote, wild terrain, family-friendly recreation areas and important historical sites like the ancient city of Troy (Troya Tarihi Milli Parkı). Here are a dozen of our favourite national parks to begin exploring Turkey’s great outdoors.

Know before you go

Outdoor activities are still slowly gaining a foothold in Turkey, and it’s not always easy to find information about (or markings for!) hiking trails and other recreational opportunities. The Antalya-based NGO Culture Routes Society has done heroic work establishing and maintaining a network of long-distance paths, and many local municipalities are starting to see the benefits and follow suit. Trekking with a guide is a good option in many less-visited areas, and hikers who want to go out on their own would do well to search trail websites beforehand for GPS tracks to download.

Sadly, status as a national park – or other designation such as tabiat parkı (nature park), koruma alanı (protection area) or kuş cenneti (bird sanctuary) – doesn’t always mean an area will be free of poorly planned development, crowds or carelessly tossed trash. But you don’t usually have to venture far from the main parking lots and picnic areas to have spectacular landscapes nearly all to yourself.

Beydağları Sahil Milli Parkı

Best national park for ancient ruins

The pine-shaded ancient ruins of Olympos and Phaselis lie within the boundaries of Beydağları Coastal National Park in the Mediterranean province of Antalya, as do some fine beaches, notably those in Çiralı and Adrasan. Above Çiralı is the famous “burning rock” known as the Chimaera. Here, natural gas escaping from the earth creates small fires that burn continuously – a phenomenon, according to legend, caused by the breath of a part-lion, part-goat and part-snake monster that once terrorised this region.

A section of Turkey’s best-known hiking path, the Lycian Way, runs through the national park, and another important archaeological site, the grand hilltop ruins of Termessos, is only an hour away by car.

Kaçkar Dağları Milli Parkı

Best national park for hiking

The rugged peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains soar above the eastern Black Sea coast, dappled with glacial lakes, high-altitude pastures called yayla and tiny alpine villages. Scaling Mt. Kaçkar (12,916ft) and crossing the range from north to south (or vice versa) are the most popular hikes in this wild – and wildly beautiful – backcountry. Some trails are only accessible without snow and ice gear for a short period each summer.

İğneada Longoz Ormanları Milli Parkı

Best national park for canoeing

A canoe tour is the best way to explore this rare ecosystem, a floodplain forest in Turkey’s far northwestern region of Thrace. Here, a watery world of reed-filled marshes, swamps and lakes empties past coastal sand dunes into the Black Sea. Visitors will find walking and biking paths within the national park.

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Dilek Yarımadası–Büyük Menderes Deltası Milli Parkı

Best national park for beaches

A world away from the nearby resort town of Kuşadası, the serene beaches of the Dilek Peninsula are lapped by clear blue water and backed by lush pine forests. Facilities are rustic but clean, and family-friendly walking paths wind through the woods along with more strenuous trails, which offer superb views of the Aegean Sea and the Greek island of Samos.

Aladağlar Milli Parkı

Best national park for vast expanses

This stark and stunning high-altitude national park, featuring glacial lakes, waterfalls and wildlife, covers more than 135,000 mountainous acres between Kayseri and Adana. Its four major peaks, all above 9840ft, draw trekkers and climbers, while less ambitious nature-lovers can visit on a day trip from Cappadocia. Limited accommodation can be found mostly around the village of Çukurbağ.

Uludağ Milli Parkı

Best national park to visit in winter

Close enough to Istanbul for a weekend trip, Uludağ (Great Mountain) in Bursa is one of Turkey’s most popular ski areas, with 24km of runs and around two dozen hotels to choose from. Visitors in the summer months can hike through the coniferous forests on the mountain’s slopes, though trails are not well-marked. An 8km-long cable car provides access year-round.

Köprülü Kanyon Milli Parkı

Best national park for water sports

A Roman-era stone bridge marks the entrance to this steep, scenic canyon in Antalya’s Manavgat area, one of the longest in Turkey at more than 14km. A popular destination for whitewater rafting and canoeing, the area also draws rock climbers and mountain bikers. Part of the long-distance (500km) walking path the St. Paul Trail passes through here too. For those who don’t fancy exerting themselves, waterfront restaurants serve fresh river trout and offer a lovely setting to while away an afternoon.

Marmaris Milli Parkı

Best national park for families

Escape from the busy beach resorts of Marmaris into these quiet woods, where walking paths wind gently around small lakes and across wooden bridges to picnic areas, viewing terraces and children’s playgrounds. The national park also contains a small beach and some archaeological ruins to explore.

Kuşcenneti Milli Parkı

Best national park for birdwatching

More than 250 species of birds, including pelicans, herons, spoonbills, cormorants and geese, can be spotted nesting or resting in this 158-acre wetland, an important location on avian migratory paths between Europe and Africa. A 57ft-high platform offers sweeping views over the lake waters, willow groves and reed beds of this bird sanctuary in the western province of Balıkesir, just across the Marmara Sea from Istanbul.

Munzur Vadisi Milli Parkı

Best national park for wildlife

Covering more than 100,000 acres, this national park in the eastern province of Tunceli is the largest in Turkey – and the most biodiverse. Home to mountain goats, wild boar, foxes, lynx, badgers and even wolves and bears, it also boasts some 1500 plant species. Hiking and rafting are among the options for exploring its mountains, valleys, rivers, springs and mixed forests. The weather can be harsh outside summer months.

Altınbeşik Mağarası Milli Parkı

Best national park for caving

In the summer and fall, the water levels are high enough to float into Altınbeşik Cave on rubber rafts to explore the cavern’s gigantic underground lake, gliding past stalactites, stalagmites and travertines. The surrounding landscape in the Manavgat Valley of Antalya is a dramatic mix of karst and pine forests.

Yedigöller Milli Parkı

Best national park for fall colors

Yedigöller translates to ‘Seven Lakes’ in English, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this national park in the northern province of Bolu. The namesake lakes were formed by avalanches and today are ringed by mixed forests that burst into brilliant displays of color each fall. The Kapankaya Manzara Seyir Yeri, a scenic overlook, is one of the most popular places in the park to visit.

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Thanks to a 1910 Act of Congress, the height of buildings in Washington, DC, is heavily regulated. As a result, the district’s skyline is low and sprawling, with broad avenues, green open spaces and public squares – all thanks to the baroque city design adopted by George Washington’s prized urban planner, Pierre L’Enfant.

From the right rooftop, expect sweeping views of the Washington Monument, the Potomac River, the US Capitol and, yes, even the White House. Here are eight of the best rooftop bars in Washington, DC, for a bird’s-eye view of the city below.

Terrazza

Washington, DC’s southwestern Wharf development offers many Instagrammable views, and the rooftop at Officina is no exception. Part of the three-level Italian culinary venue from Michelin-starred Masseria chef Nicholas Stefanelli, Terrazza presents a series of picture-perfect moments: planes landing and taking off in the skies above Reagan National Airport, and yachts sailing along the Washington Channel.

In the winter, the rooftop transforms into a cozy, enclosed winter wonderland with flannel blankets, fire pits and creative hot cocktails like A Toddy A Day, made with bourbon, Amaro, honey-ginger, lemon and alpine whipped cream.

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Colada Shop

Transport yourself directly to the charming streets of old-town Havana with a visit to Colada Shop, the Cuban hotspot situated just off DC’s bustling 14th St corridor. Vibrant interiors match the menu’s flavorful offerings of strong coffees and light snacks such as empanadas, pastelitos (pastries), croquetas (croquettes) and Cuban sandwiches.

Its main draw, however, is the year-round rooftop garden with colorful seating and flower-filled planters hanging off its pastel green accent wall. Listen to Caribbean beats while indulging on $9 house cocktails at Havana Nights, the shop's all-night happy hour every Thursday from 4:00pm until close.

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Wild Days

Located atop the Eaton DC, one of The District's most progressive hotels, Wild Days is one of the few rooftop bars offering uninhibited views of K St in Downtown DC. Throughout the week, the space plays host to a variety of musical events – from DJ sets to jazz performances to live music shows – and stand-up comedy shows. Turn up on a Friday or Saturday night and find the indoor area transformed into a large dance floor with a chicly dressed crowd dancing the night away.

There are handcrafted cocktails, a beer list featuring local brews, plus inventive fare like an outdoor-only s'mores experience.

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Top of the Yard

For a free bird’s-eye view of a live Washington Nationals baseball game, head to Top of the Yard, the casual Navy Yard bar on the rooftop of the Hampton Inn & Suites. There are baseball-themed cocktails like a Triple Play margarita or a Ball Park Palmer with Jack Daniels Tennessee honey whiskey, honey, lemonade, iced tea and mint. And that’s not all. Fans of ballpark food will be thrilled with the snacks: choose from burgers, soft pretzels, nachos, cheese sticks, Old Bay wings and hot dogs.

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Summit

One of the latest rooftop bars to open in The District, Summit sits on the 11th floor of the sophisticated Conrad Washington, DC. This swanky outdoor bar offers monumental views of the US Capitol building and Downtown DC, making it one of the best vantage points in the city for Fourth of July fireworks. Sip on drinks ranging from a classic old-fashioned or margarita to their Aperol spritz on tap.

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Whiskey Charlie

The first rooftop bar to open on the 10th floor of the Wharf's Canopy by Hilton, the Whiskey Charlie gets its name from the call sign “WC” that’s given to boat captains entering the Washington Channel. The most impressive views from the outdoor deck occur at night when the US Capitol Dome shines brightly in the unobstructed distance, or in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom across the water in East Potomac Park. Get there early in the evening to grab a front-row seat of the enviable nightly sunsets while sipping on nautical-themed cocktails like the refreshing WC Mule made with vodka, ginger beer, Caribbean syrup and lime, or their playful Old Scalawag mixing whiskey, Grand Mariner, orange and walnut bitters.

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Top of the Gate

Located alongside the Potomac River, Top of the Gate offers excellent panoramic views of the Georgetown waterfront and the Washington Monument, as well as the Pentagon across the river. Perched atop the infamous Watergate Hotel, the bar closes during the winter months before reopening in the spring for dining and drinks.

A collection of colorful seasonal cocktails take their inspiration from the epic daily sunset hues over the Potomac – which just so happens to be the best time to stop by one of The District’s most luxe rooftop bars.

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