Boasting more than a dozen offshore islands and over 930 miles (1500km) of coastline on the Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas, Sicily has beaches for every taste.

While Sicilian beaches are often of the pebbly variety, with fewer sandy expanses than other Mediterranean hotspots, the coastal scenery here is some of Europe’s most dramatic, with deep-blue, turquoise, and emerald green waters framed by rugged rocky outcrops; swimming conditions are at their best from June to early October.

Whether you're in search of shallow waters perfect for little paddlers or isolated swathes of sand you can enjoy all to yourself, here's our pick of some of the best beaches in Sicily.

Bask on Spiaggia di Cefalù

Best beach for families

Cefalù's long crescent of soft, golden sand is a dreamy place to spend a day… or a week. Basking here in the sun, gazing across the blue-green waters at the palm-fringed medieval cathedral backed by craggy cliffs, you may just be seduced into staying longer than expected.

The calm, warm waters – perfect for families with kids – coupled with Cefalù’s proximity to Palermo (an hour away by train) make this one of Sicily’s perennial favorites. The town also boasts an enchanting historic center, making for atmospheric strolling and gelato shopping when dinnertime rolls around.

In summer it gets crowded, so get here early to snag a prime spot. The section of beach closest to the old town is public.

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Climb the rocks at Scala dei Turchi

Best beach for scenery

Named Scala dei Turchi for the Arab pirates (colloquially known as "Turks") who, according to legend, hid out here in stormy weather, this blindingly white, staircase-like rock formation is Sicily’s most dazzling beach backdrop.

Driving in from Agrigento (9.3 miles/15km to the east), the first beach you come to abuts a shallow swimming area that’s perfect for kids – but older and more adventurous spirits will find it hard to resist climbing high onto the milky-smooth rock shelf beyond. From here, you can leap into the limpid jade-to-indigo waters below, or follow the stratified bands of stone to a longer, sandier strand just around the bend.

Get away from the crowds at Torre Salsa

Best beach for solitude

Most people traveling between the superstar Greek ruins of Agrigento and Selinunte don’t even notice the turnoff for Torre Salsa beach – and that’s a good thing! Despite being one of Sicily’s prettiest, this long stretch of golden sand, backed by white cliffs, remains remarkably secluded. Yes, you do have to navigate a rugged unpaved road to get here, but once you arrive, you won’t have any trouble finding a tranquil place to lay your towel.

The surrounding Riserva Naturale Torre Salsa, administered by the World Wildlife Fund, offers some nice trails with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coast; excellent walking tours with WWF naturalists are available if you book ahead.

Join the "it" crowd at Mondello beach

Best beach for nostalgia buffs

When summer rolls around, Palermo ’s entire population packs a beach towel and a pair of D&G shades and heads almost 7 miles (11km) north to this popular 1.5-km-long (1mi) strip of white sand sandwiched between the handsome rocky promontories of Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo. In fact, Mondello has been the darling of Palermo’s see-and-be-seen crowd since the early 20th century, when a local aristocrat drained the surrounding swamplands and launched the fad of building Art Nouveau villas by the waterfront.

Nowadays the ultimate landmark for nostalgia buffs is the Antico Stabilimento Balneare, a gargantuan turn-of-the-century bathhouse whose pale yellow facade and perky turrets rise photogenically from the grand Art Nouveau pier at the center of the beach. For a splurge, you can dine here, with the elegant Alle Terrazze restaurant boasting gorgeous views of the water and surrounding headlands.

Amidst the toney beach clubs, there is also a wide swath of public beach crammed with swimmers and noisy jet skis.

Explore the bays of Isola Bella

Best beach for snorkeling

As photogenic a cove as you’ll find anywhere in the Med, Isola Bella boasts a prime location just 10 minutes by cable car from the chic hilltop resort of Taormina. Named after the adjacent island nature reserve, it’s reached from the main road via a long staircase and is popular with Italians who come to sunbathe here.

The semi-circular beach is rocky rather than sandy (bring footwear and follow the locals’ lead by renting a sun lounger) but the water is blissfully translucent, and there’s great snorkeling just offshore. You can also hire a boat and pootle around the rocky bays. The site was once home to gardener and conservationist Florence Trevelyan; it’s her house that sits in silent solitude on top of the rocky islet.

Take in the views above Spiaggia Valle Muria

Best beach for boat touring

Surrounded by sheer cliffs, Spiaggia Valle Muria on the southwestern shore of Lipari is among the Aeolian Islands ’ most dramatically beautiful swimming and sunbathing spots. Buses from Lipari Town will drop you at the spectacular Quattrocchi (four eyes) viewpoint. Stretching off to the south, great cliffs plunge into the sea, while in the distance plumes of sinister smoke rise from the dark heights of neighboring Vulcano.

From the viewpoint, backtrack 980ft (300m) to a signposted turn-off and walk 25 minutes steeply downhill to the dark, pebbly beach. On lovely days, look for the congenial, wild-haired Barni, who sells refreshments from his rustic cave-like beach bar and provides scenic boat transfers back to Lipari’s Marina Corta dock at day’s end. Navigating through the towering sea stacks off Lipari’s western shore at sunset is the perfect ending to a long day in the sun.

Journey to Lampedusa's remote Spiaggia dei Conigli

Best beach for white sand

Lapped by iridescent turquoise seas, this sandy beauty in the remote Pelagic Islands regularly wins awards as one of the world's finest beaches. The catch? Lampedusa is closer to Africa than to the Sicilian "mainland", meaning that you’ll need a flight or a four-hour hydrofoil trip to get here.

Those who make the journey to Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach) will be rewarded with a stunning arc of white sand, with crystal-clear, shallow waters for splashing or lolling about. The entire cove is protected within a 12-hectare nature reserve, which means that no boats can enter, making it one of Italy's most pristine beaches.

The beach is one of the few places in Italy where Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtles) lay their eggs and is strictly off-limits at night during peak nesting season (typically between May and August; watch for signs advising of current restrictions).

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Sicily’s 7 loveliest beaches: swim surrounded by stunning scenery

The name “Patagonia” typically conjures up visions of endless pampas (grasslands) and southern cowboys, but there is so much more to the region than that. Covering a massive chunk of southern Chile and Argentina, this unique 402,734 sq mile region is a patchwork of diverse terrains and microclimates that challenges and surprises hikers of all abilities.

Criss-crossed by glacial rivers and streams, alternately covered in scrubland and ancient woodland, and dotted with myriad ice-melt lakes ranging from pale blue to navy, Patagonia bristles with mountain ranges (particularly on the Chilean side) and glitters with glaciers. Whether you’re looking to rough it on multi-day treks through pristine wilderness, hike from hut to hut in epic national parks, exert yourself on varied day treks before returning to the comfort of your boutique guesthouse, or just stretch your legs beneath the shade of Chile’s and Argentina’s oldest trees while road-tripping along Chile’s Carretera Austral, Patagonia has a great deal to offer.

Trekking in Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego (included in this list of hikes) is largely confined to the peak and shoulder seasons of November to late March. If hiking off the beaten track, make sure someone knows your proposed route, take a tent sturdy enough to withstand the famous Patagonian wind – La Escoba de Dios (God’s Broom) – and all the supplies you’ll need. During any hike, all-weather gear is a must (since you may experience four seasons in one day!). Accommodations must be booked many weeks in advance for the December to February high season.

Here are 12 of the region's very best hikes.

The "W", Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Best overnight hike

46 miles (74km) one way, 3–5 days, moderate

The shorter of the two multi-day treks that Chile’s iconic Torres del Paine National Park is known for, this trail is shaped like the letter "W" (hence the name). You take a boat across Lake Pehoé, hike through woodland along the banks of Lake Grey to the icy monolith of Glacier Grey before retracing your steps. You then pass along the shores of glacial Lake Nordenskjold, and climb steeply up the French Valley for an up-close look at Los Cuernos – the park’s bell-shaped mountain range. A final stint through scrubland, across hills and up the Ascencio river valley brings you to the trident peaks of Las Torres. You can either camp en route at designated campsites, go from refugio (bunk hut) to refugio, or even glamp along the way. Due to Torres del Paine’s immense popularity, all accommodations and camping spots have to be pre-booked months in advance. The "W" is best hiked west to east if you’re camping, so that you’ll have used up most supplies before tackling the steep ascent to the granite towers.

Laguna de Los Tres, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina)

Most scenic and most challenging

15.5 miles (25km) round trip, 8–10 hours, moderate

Only accessible on less windy days, this is the most scenic and challenging of all the day hikes around southern Argentina’s compact trekking capital of El Chaltén. The well-marked trail ascends through ñire (small southern beech) woodlands from the north end of El Chaltén’s main street, past the turquoise Laguna Capri, and across boggy terrain to Camapamento Poincenot, popular with climbers. A steep, exposed trail zigzags up the mountain side to the glacial lagoon, where you get excellent bonus views of Cerro Fitz Roy (11171ft/3405m) – the mountain resembling a jagged tooth. Dip your feet in the water and see how quickly they lose all feeling!

Lagunas Altas Trail, Parque Nacional Patagonia (Chile)

Easiest to access

14.2 miles (23km) loop, 8 hours, moderate

The most easily accessible trail in Parque Nacional Patagonia, due to its location near the entrance to the park this invigorating leg-stretcher is stupendously scenic. Climbing a forested ridge from the Westwind Campsite near the visitors center, the trail passes several tiny glacial meltwater lakes as you cross open terrain. You’ll find that your jaw drops open more than once during the hike at the all-encompassing views of the northern Patagonian ice field, Chacabuco Valley and the Jeinimeni Mountains en route.

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The "Circuit", Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Best long-distance trek

68 miles (110km) loop, 6–10 days, moderate

If you have more time to spare, hike the loop-shaped Circuit, the longest trek in Torres del Paine, trekked in a clockwise direction. Incorporating the "W", this spectacular loop gives you unique views of the backs of Los Cuernos and Las Torres – the park’s two mountain ranges – from remote back country. The terrain is never boring, as you climb partially-forested hills en route from the Serón campsite to the Dickson campsite and refugio, enjoying views of Lake Paine and Lake Dickson along the way, and taking boardwalks across boggy sections. This first half of the hike is where you’re most likely to come face to face with one of the park’s many mountain lions.

From Refugio Dickson, you enter dense southern forest with its thickets of giant wild rhubarb and ferns, with glimpses of waterfalls through the trees. The highest and most challenging part of the trek is the weather-dependent crossing of the John Gardner Pass (4002ft/1220m) between the Los Perros Campsite and Refugio Grey. Once you reach the top, the Glacier Grey icefield opens up below you like a vast, frozen river. As with the "W", you can either camp all the way, or go from refugio to refugio.

Los Alerces Trail, Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas R. Tompkins (Chile)

Best easy hike

0.5 mile (700m) loop, 30 minutes, easy

Alerce trees are the giants of Patagonia. Growing up to 148ft (45m) in height and living for up to 3000 years, and used for making southern Chile’s unique shingled roof tiles, they were cut down almost to extinction by colonists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and now have protected status. Off the Carretera Austral, some 7.7 miles (12.5km) south of the Caleta Gonzalo car ferry landing, this wonderful interpretive trail passes through a particularly impressive grove of these millennia-old skyscrapers of the forest.

Laguna Torre, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina)

Best hike with icebergs and glaciers

13.6 miles (22km) roundtrip, 6–8 hours, moderate

Another excellent day hike from El Chaltén, this trail takes you from the south of town through the Fitz Roy river valley. Passing a small hydroelectric station, you climb through lenga and ñire woods to reach the Mirador Laguna Torre, with views of glaciers beneath the Adela mountain range, Cerro Torre, Mt Fitz Roy and the granite "needles" popular with rock climbers. Crossing an alluvial plain bisected by the glacial Fitz Roy river, you pass the partially sheltered De Agostini campsite before skirting the iceberg-filled Laguna Torre to reach Mirador Maestri, overlooking the Grande glacier.

Laguna de Los Témpanos, Parque Nacional Queulat (Chile)

Best hike in Parque Nacional Queulat

1.2 miles (2km) return, 1 hour, easy

If you do just one hike in Parque Nacional Queulat, off Chile’s Carretera Austral in northern Patagonia, make it this one. From the main car park, after crossing the hanging bridge high above the raging Ventisquero river, you may have to brave the perpetual rain. Expect to beslapped in the face with moisture-laden ferns as you make your way through dense forest and damp undergrowth along this straightforward trail to a splendid glacial lagoon – but it’s well worth it. From the banks of the lagoon, you get uninterrupted views of the Ventisquero Colgante – a hanging glacier across the lagoon, filled with car-sized chunks of calved ice. The frequently inclement weather, and the park’s remoteness, means you’re likely to have it all to yourself.

Volcan Chaitén Crater Trail, Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas R. Tompkins (Chile)

Best all-encompassing view

2.7 miles (4.4km) round trip, 3 hours, moderate

In 2008, the eponymous volcano in northern Patagonia staged a surprise eruption and buried half the town of Chaitén under mud and ash. This relatively steep five-hour round-trip trek starts near Puente Los Gigos, off the Carretera Austral, north of the now-rebuilt town. Following the eruption path of the volcano, the trail gets progressively more barren the higher you get. Your reward at the top is the all-encompassing view of the still-smoking crater and the surrounding forest.

Dientes de Navarino Circuit, Navarino Island (Chile)

Best demanding trek

33.2 mile (53.5km) loop, 4–5 days, difficult

On Chile’s southernmost permanently inhabited territory (across the Beagle Channel from Tierra del Fuego), this demanding trail loops around the jagged pinnacles of the Dientes de Navarino mountain range. Requiring camping wild and excellent navigation skills, it’s best done in a clockwise direction with at least one other companion. The trail cuts across bare stony plateaux, skirts glacial lakes, traverses boggy lowlands, and crosses exposed mountain passes, with highlights including expansive views of the Beagle Channel from Cerro Bandera and Paso Virginia (near the beginning and end of the trek, respectively). Watch your footing on the steep, rapid descent from the latter pass.

Lago del Desierto – Chile trail (Argentina/Chile)

Best hike that crosses an international border

12.4 miles (20km) one way, 6–8 hours, moderate

In recent years, this cross-border trail connecting tiny El Chaltén in southern Argentina to Chile’s equally tiny Villa O’Higgins has gained in popularity with adventurous hikers (and cyclists). Best done from Argentina to Chile (as that avoids a relentless uphill slog), it involves taking a boat across the pristine Lago del Desierto, some 23 miles (37km) north of El Chaltén, getting stamped out at the Argentine border post, then trekking through hilly, dense woodland until you reach the sign welcoming you to Chile, where the narrow trail becomes a broad, forest-fringed gravel road. It then winds its way down to Lago O’Higgins, to the tiny border post of Candelario Mancilla. From here, you have to catch another ferry across Lake O’Higgins/San Martin. During high season, when ferries across both lakes are more frequent, you can time the hike so that it’s doable in a day; otherwise you may have to camp at one or both border posts.

Avilés Trail, Parque Nacional Patagonia (Chile)

Best hike for camping wild

29 miles (47km) one way, 3–4 days, difficult

Connecting the eponymous forest lake in the Reserva Nacional Lago Jeinimeni (accessed from Chile Chico) with the Casa Piedra campsite in the scenic Avilés Valley in Parque Nacional Patagonia further south, this is a serious off-the-beaten-track endeavor that requires organizing transfers to and from the trailheads in advance and ample wilderness trekking experience. While the terrain is only moderately demanding, the trail through the valley is rudimentary and minimally marked, there are multiple river crossings and you have to camp wild, bringing all your supplies with you.

Cabo Froward (Chile)

Most remote

45.3 miles (73km) round trip, 4 days, difficult

The goal of this adventurous hike is to reach Cape Froward – the southernmost mainland point on the continent of South America. Starting at the trailhead some 56 miles (90km) south of Punta Arenas, the trail mostly hugs the coast, meandering along wind-battered cliffs, traversing boggy undergrowth, and passing the San Isidro lighthouse. Unless you’re an experienced wayfarer, it’s best to join a guided hike with Erratic Rock from Puerto Natales, as the trek involves fording narrow, deep rivers at low tide and camping wild. The trail isn’t well-marked in places.

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Sandy bliss awaits travelers off Cambodia’s south coast. Whether you favor being glued to a hammock upon an isolated shore, or fancy slothful days recovering from all-night raves, Cambodia has an island for you.

Lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the scattering of islands in Cambodia’s south have hugely diverse beach scenes. But all come with a jungle-clad interior, swaths of sand and the nightly magic of bioluminescent plankton. Nearly all are also shadowed by the cloud of future big development – the time to go is now.

Koh Rong Sanloem: hip romantic getaway

On Koh Rong Sanloem, the wide sweep of sheltered Saracen Bay just might be the perfect beach idyll. At least 12 (with more on the way) small-scale bungalow resorts, built of wood and palm thatch, sit in harmony with the dense jungle that hugs the shore. Intimate Cita Resort has two-tiered bungalows with open-air bathrooms and hammock porches, while the bungalows of Secret Paradise exude effortless beach-casual glamour.

For a more secluded getaway feel, head to the island’s west for sand-between-your-toes living. Koh Rong Sanloem’s oldest resort is Lazy Beach, a hideaway (on the beach of the same name) all about hammock-swinging and sunset cocktails. Further north is Sunset Beach, with just a couple of simple places on the sand.

Koh Rong Sanloem’s beach scene is often pricier than other islands, but Saracen Bay does have a couple of excellent budget options (including the stilted open-air dorm at Beach Island Resort). For something completely different, intrepid travelers should head to M’Pai Bay on the island’s northern tip, where wallet-friendly basic digs (check out Easy Tiger and the Chill Inn) have opened up within the friendly fishing village. Don’t expect gorgeous sweeps of white sand here – this is more a beach break with a true local vibe.

Koh Rong: party island

The now-fabled party stop among backpackers doing the southeast Asia loop, Koh Rong is a tale of two halves. There’s the Koh Tuch village area, where all the action happens; and then there’s the rest of the island, which, despite development plans, remains almost untouched except for a handful of remote resorts and a couple of itsy-bitsy fishing villages. Even Koh Tuch Beach itself is long enough to provide a sense of solitude. Make for Treehouse Bungalows on the headland to escape the crowds. If it’s dance-to-dawn parties and Mekong whisky buckets you’re after, though, the rudimentary crash pads of Koh Tuch village are where it’s at – just don’t expect to get much sleep.

During daylight hours, the more active can exercise their primate instincts by swinging through the treetops at High Point Rope Adventure. But aptly named Long Set Beach is the real island highlight, meandering for a good 7km along the island’s western shore. During the day, half of Koh Rong sets out for boat trips to Long Beach, offloading at this sweep of soft sand for swimming, sunbathing and fishing fun.

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Koh Ta Kiev: back to basics

Tired of older travelers talking about the good old days of southeast Asia’s rustic island living? Put Koh Ta Kiev on your radar; it may just be the chance to grab that experience yourself. Only a handful of budget resorts straddle the west and southwest shorelines, with opportunities to doss in hammocks or under canvas, as well as dorm and basic hut options. Ten 103 and The Last Point are two of the best for seriously back-to-basics communal beach-bum life.

The fingerprints of big development are fast appearing here, with a road sliced through the thick jungle interior to service a planned luxury resort on the north shore. Actual construction seems to have been put on the backburner for the time being. Nevertheless, if you want to sample an old-school-style sandy haven, the best advice is to get here sooner rather than later.

Koh Totang: eco-chic isolation

Blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Koh Totang, in the Koh Sdach Archipelago, is castaway cool with serious eco-credentials. The island’s solo resort, Nomads Land, sits in splendid isolation upon the shore and flies the flag for sustainable chic. The five quirky and colorful bungalows are a bohemian beachcomber’s dream, strung with hammocks and plentiful cozy deck corners for chilling out – yet solar power provides electricity, drinking water comes from stored rainwater and bathrooms have composting toilets and bucket showers. Nomads Land proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style to live life off the grid.

Koh Thmei: nature-lover simplicity

If the profusion of bungalow pads on other islands is causing a decision-making meltdown, why not limit the search to an island where there’s no choice. Flanked by mangrove forests, the almost uninhabited island of Koh Thmei sits off Ream National Park, with just intimate, ecologically minded Koh Thmei Resort gracing the shore. This is a stellar island option for nature fiends – the beach is littered with exotic shells, there’s a coral reef for snorkeling just offshore and the jungle interior is home to more than a hundred species of birds.

Make it happen

Ferries depart for both Koh Rong’s Koh Tuch Beach and Koh Rong Sanloem’s Saracen Bay and M’Pai Bay at least three times daily (schedules change seasonally) from Sihanoukville, with journey time under an hour. For everywhere else, you need to take private boats provided by the resorts.

November to March is high season, with the peak period in December and January when places fill up fast and prices are at their highest. From June the rains descend, but if you don’t mind contemplating storm clouds brewing on the horizon from your porch, you get the bonus of snagging a bungalow bargain.

Don’t forget your island essentials: enough cash to last (none of the islands have banks or ATMs), sunscreen, insect repellent for the fiendishly fierce sandflies and a flashlight.

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Mountains not only request, but demand respect. With feet of snow, hurricane-like winds, little oxygen and their own weather, it’s remarkable we get windows into their world at all. Some are still unclimbed, others invite us in.

If you are physically fit but just starting out as a mountaineer here are a few ‘fourteeners’ – mountains higher than 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) – to get you started for your first big climb. These summit attempts should not be attempted without proper safety precautions. All of these mountains can be summited by first-timers, but we recommend the assistance of a guide with proper training and experience.

Mount Whitney, California: 14,505ft

It's the highest peak in the continental US, but a trail takes you to the top. A permit is required to hike the trail and you’ll need to participate in a raffle to get one. However, for anyone who wants to start climbing and sharpen their skills, Whitney is a winner.

What to bring: Water. Unbelievably, there is no water on the mountain. You are exposed the entire hike up. Besides altitude sickness, dehydration is a serious threat to climbers.

Pikes Peak, Colorado: 14,115ft

As far as scaling mountains go, it doesn’t get any easier or more accessible than Pikes Peak in Colorado. A 13.5-mile trail takes you up 7400 feet to the summit. Once there, you’re greeted with a road, a train and 500,000 other visitors each year. There is no other 14er with the ease and safety margin of Pikes.

What to bring: A water purifier. There is water along the trail, but it needs to be sanitized before you take a sip. Again, dehydration is a killer with altitude.

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Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: 19,341ft

Tickling the 20,000-foot (6,000 meters) mark, it may be a surprise to some that this mountain is even on our list. Rest assured – altitude is the greatest challenge on this mountain. Located in northeast Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro can be hiked without setting foot on ice or snow. A guide is required and it will take you up to a week to reach the summit but to say you climbed Africa’s highest peak is on many climber’s bucket list.

What to bring: Your wallet. In order to scale Kilimanjaro, you're going to need to break bank (average costs to climb hover between $2000 and $6000 depending on the guide). But the money goes to the experienced guides and Kilimanjaro National Park to keep the mountain and wildlife pristine.

When is the best time to go to Tanzania?

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Mount Kenya, Kenya: 17,057ft

After ascending Kilimanjaro, why not jump across the border and tackle Africa’s second-highest peak? Mount Kenya, skyrocketing to more than 17,000 feet, may be lower than Kilimanjaro, but it’s more challenging.  With a couple of different routes up this massif, the path you choose is up to you. Once you get there, the views are worth the effort.

What to bring: Camping gear. No matter which route you take, it will consist of a multi-day ascent. With permits and guides in tow, a tent, sleeping bag and pad are all necessary for this summit.

Mount Elbrus, Russia: 18,510ft

Sitting deep within the Caucasus of southwestern Russia, Europe’s highest peak waits for the eager climber to scale her icy face. Screaming to more than 18,000 feet (5500 meters), the thin air of this mountain will be a challenge for any climber, whether a beginner or more advanced.

What to bring: Ice ax, crampons and physical fitness. This mountain demands strength and stamina to achieve the summit and will remind you if you are ready or not.

Pico de Orizaba, Mexico: 18,490ft

Mexico’s highest peak, Pico de Orizaba is a beautifully shaped cone piercing the heavens. Although the climb is relatively simple, a guide is highly recommended as well as plenty of time to tackle its summit. Stay at the hut, wake up at the crack of dawn and make your way up North America’s third-highest peak.

What to bring: Physical stamina and a week or two’s worth of acclimatization training. It is highly recommended you do a few hikes up to altitude in training for the summit.

Volcán Cotopaxi, Ecuador: 19,347ft

Sitting on the equator, it’s phenomenal that a mountain shooting past 19,000 feet exists at that latitude. Cotopaxi is a dormant volcano with a perfectly shaped cone to scale. With some mixed climbing that necessitates the use of ice axes and crampons, this challenging summit will test your lungs en route to the top.

What to bring: Some experience and a camera. A guide is required to attempt a summit, but with economical and experienced adventure packages, the only thing you’ll have to worry about are the photos you take from the summit.

Mount Rainier, Washington: 14,410ft

Mount Rainier is such an iconic setting it has its own National Park. Though it barely breaks the 14,000-foot mark, this active volcano throws more challenges than many of the other peaks on the list. But with all the necessary preparation, the climb is nothing short of spectacular.

What to bring: A portable stove. You must melt snow for your drinking water, so a Jetboil is of utmost importance when climbing Rainier.

Mont Blanc, France: 15,781ft

Europe’s second-highest peak, the massif of Mont Blanc is a prominent fixture. Though the climb to its summit is no cakewalk, a guided trip up will be achievable by most with proper fitness. Make sure to plan ahead as recent regulations have been put in place to limit overcrowding on the mountain.

What to bring: You will need a backpack of gear ranging from trekking shoes to ice axes, rope and crampons. This mountain will demand every type of climbing.

Island Peak, Nepal: 20,305ft

With what has been dubbed, ‘the easiest 20,000-foot mountain in the world,’ Island Peak will undoubtedly test your lung capacity. You won’t just be walking up its face, the use of crampons and ice axes are still required. However, it can be climbed by almost anyone who wishes and acclimatizes appropriately.

What to bring: Any remedy for altitude sickness. These could be used for every climb on the list, but at none other than Island Peak is it absolutely necessary.

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The dreamy pull of Waikiki’s waves and Day-Glo sunsets over Diamond Head are strong. Throw in world-class resorts, some of Hawaii’s best shopping, dining, art and nightlife and it’s no wonder bustling Honolulu is often travelers’ first and only Hawaii stop.

But the rolling green Ko’olau Mountains just beyond the capital’s skyscrapers allude to adventurous alternatives a short drive from downtown. And thanks to the archipelago’s geography (as well as short, frequent and reliable commuter flights), even neighboring islands are just a day trip away.

Napali Coast, Kaua ’ i

Best for epic views

The flight to Kaua ’ i takes just 35 minutes, but memories of the waterfall-lined Napali Coast cliffs will last a lifetime. Sailboats and catamarans depart from several southerly harbors for day and sunset cruises.

If opting for a later tour, spend the morning exploring the striated red rocks of Waimea Canyon – at 36,000ft, it’s nearly as deep as the cliffs are high. Or if you’re feeling flush, helicopter tours showcase it all and then some, occasionally coupling aerial highlights with land-based excursions.

Getting there: Hourly flights depart Honolulu for Lihue each day. From there, rent a car or arrange a tour that meets in Lihue.

Kilauea Volcano, Island of Hawai'i

Best for otherworldly landscapes

Larger than all the other islands combined (more than six Oʻahus could fit inside), it’d be impossible to experience Hawaii Island in a single day. Instead, focus on its undisputed highlight: the world’s most active volcano – Kilauea .

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park , with its still-steaming sulfur banks; hikeable, hardened lava lake in Kilauea Iki Crater ; and otherworldly formations and flows along the Chain of Craters Road ; is the best place to start. If you have time, explore Kilauea’s impacts outside park boundaries, including the new Pahoa Lava Zone Museum show – a volunteer-run outfit detailing the dest ructive four-month-long 2018 eruption. The best place to see a small part of the 2018 eruption is Pohoiki, the world’s newest black sand beach.

Getting there: It’s a 50-minute flight from Honolulu to Hilo. Tours depart from Hilo for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or for the most flexibility rent a car. It’s a 45-minute drive south to the National Park and another 45 minutes from the park to Pahoa.

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Pearl Harbor, Oʻahu

Best for history lessons

Perhaps the most popular day trip from Honolulu is a visit to Pearl Harbor and the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument . The area has four main attractions that honor and commemorate the infamous site of Japanese attacks during WWII: the USS Arizona Memorial , which floats atop the sunken warship; the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park ; the USS Missouri Memorial ; and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island.

Getting there: At just over 10 miles from Waikiki, it’s more affordable to make your way there by public transit, but tour companies streamline the process by arranging hard-to-get timed tickets and navigating the red tape associated with visits to an active military base.

Kualoa Ranch, Oʻahu

Best for cinematic landscapes

Make your way over to the island’s east side to visit Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve. Known as “Hollywood’s backlot,” these 4000 acres of land might be recognizable from Jurassic Park, Jumanji and Godzilla.

This privately owned preserve is also culturally significant. It was a safe place for Hawaiian natives to seek forgiveness and also where they would train for annual warrior games. Fast forward to today, and the area’s vast open valleys and rainforest still scream adventure.

It’s easy to spend the entire day here exploring remote areas of the park via electric mountain bikes, or on experienceslike the Jurassic Adventure Tour, which takes visitors to famous sites from the movie. Or take to the open ocean on a catamaran for a dreamy view of Kaneohe Bay.

You’ll also get to see Mokoli‘i Island and Hokule‘a Beach. You should probably also pose with a dinosaur figurine at some point to reenact your favorite Jurassic Park scene. Pro tip: Because this is a popular place, it’s best to book activities well ahead of time.

Getting there: Kualoa Ranch is about 45 minutes from Waikiki Beach by car. Bus routes #8, #19, #20, #23, #42, #60 or #88A also stop at Kualoa Ranch.

Central Oʻahu and The North Shore

Best for surf beaches

Just north of Pearl Harbor, Highway 2 snakes toward the island’s legendary North Shore , which pounds with epic surf in winter. Along the way, stop at the sacred Hawaiian birthing stones before navigating Dole Plantation's pineapple fields.

From the surfer town of Hale’iwa , head left along the only coastal road to check out Waimea Falls, taste locally-grown coffee in an old sugar mill and hike amid nesting albatross in Ka’ena Point State Park . Loop back for surf beaches and shrimp trucks, ending the day with a spectacle and luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center .

Getting there: It’s about 30 miles from Honolulu to Haleiwa, but plan for an hour-and-a-half drive (without stops). Though TheBus services to the North Shore, you’ll spend most of the day waiting for its infrequent service; it’s best to hire a car.

Hanauma Bay and Windward Oʻahu

Best for snorkelling and kayaking

On the other side of Diamond Head, Hanauma , a sunken volcanic cone forming a natural, protected bay, teems with life. Its lagoons and fringing reef host O ʻ ahu’s best snorkeling – home to sea turtles, eels, colorful parrotfish and humuhumunukunukuapua’a, the state fish.

Head to trendy Kailua on the Windward Side to shop its surfer-chic boutiques or rent a kayak for a picnic on Mokolua Islands off of Lanikai Beach . Before returning, visit the Valley of the Temples to explore peaceful Bayodo-In – a recreation of a Unesco-designated Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan, at the base of jungle-clad mountains.

Getting there: TheBus public transit services this route; it’s also possible to Uber or Lyft.

Road to Hana, Maui

Best for road tripping

There’s so much to see along the 50-mile iconic Hana Highway, around East Maui from Pa’ia, to the road’s end in Hana. There are a whopping 620 curves and 59 bridges in all. The verdant thoroughfare has swimmable waterfalls, gorgeous coastal views, roadside fruit stalls, lava tubes and botanical gardens.

The best way to experience the Road to Hana is on a guided tour or by flying to Hana on Mokulele Airlines if you plan to stay in Hana town. Locals encourage visitors not to drive the road on their own because of the high traffic volume.

Getting there: Dozens of daily 43-minute flights connect Honolulu and Kahului. Rent a car at the airport or employ one of several tour companies to navigate the winding route so you don’t have to keep your eyes on the road.

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6 easy day trips from Honolulu

While Iceland is busy headlining countless travel blogs, design magazines and social media feeds. The country's position near the top of global bucket lists seems rock-solid. If you haven't yet visited, you're probably planning to; if you've been, you likely want to return. And the best way to get there, is through the slow and scenic route.

Most visitors to Iceland fly into Keflavík (the country's international airport) to begin their vacation. Fans of slow travel who are looking for a point of difference, a super-scenic voyage or a means to reduce holiday costs (by bringing their own car or campervan), should consider sailing on Smyril Line's Norröna, the only ferry that cruises from Hirtshals in northern Denmark to Seyðisfjörður in east Iceland, via the spectacular Faroe Islands.

Easy, scenic and an adventure you'll remember, here's why a ferry from Denmark is a great way to get to Iceland.

The slow and scenic journey

Sailing time is around 36 hours from Denmark to the Faroe Islands and 19 hours from the Faroes to Iceland. The ferry's home port is Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, a small archipelago with a population of just 50,000 that's a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark.

All journeys pause in Tórshavn and stopovers range from six hours to three days, depending on the season's schedule. Since the ferry runs weekly, there's also the option of staying a full week or two for a more thorough Faroe foray.

Calm seas from the deck of the Norröna ferry © Carolyn Bain / Lonely Planet" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="6cea7997-d092-436e-b4b1-6f223d522a1e">

It's worth noting that seasickness is a possibility on the voyage, especially on the open seas northwest of the Shetland Islands. The boat is large and has good stabilizers but this is the North Atlantic Ocean, after all, and the weather can turn nasty. It's a good idea to pack remedies.

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Emerald peaks and whales, the scenic highlights

Binoculars and cameras at the ready: sail past the Shetland Islands (part of the UK) en route between Denmark and the Faroes is a treat, and in clear weather, you'll see distant oil rigs and tankers while sailing the North Sea.

Arriving into and sailing out of Tórshavn is magical. As the boat pushes northwest to Iceland it travels a relatively narrow passage between the islands of Eysturoy and Kalsoy, and for two hours the views of emerald peaks will leave you entranced.

Snow-topped peaks and waterfalls welcome you to Iceland in dramatic style as the ferry sails 17km up Seyðisfjörður to the small, artsy town at the head of the fjord.

Throughout the voyage be on the lookout for birdlife, and possibly whales, especially in the warmer months.

Views from the Norröna ferry deck as it sails from the Faroe Islands © Carolyn Bain / Lonely Planet" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="5433ead9-6ff8-479e-a064-daa84a4d33c1">

All about the boat

The Norröna is a blend of freight ship, passenger ferry and cruise ship. It's no luxury cruise liner but it has excellent facilities. Cabins vary in size (all with bathroom), or there are budget 'couchette' berths that are effectively a dorm bed in the bowels of the ship.

There are no cooking facilities for passengers on board, but there's a handful of restaurants: the Simmer Dim Steakhouse is upscale (reservations advised), and there are cheaper buffet options and a diner. The cafe bars are a good place to while away the hours, especially the Sky Bar with a view, serving Føroya Bjór, the beer brewed in the Faroes.

There's a souvenir and duty-free shop, and distractions like a small cinema, swimming pool and fitness center, and kids' play areas. More decadent are the hot tubs on deck that you can rent by the hour.

The crowd varies with the seasons, from Icelanders and Faroe Islanders sailing to and from Europe for business or pleasure, to holidaymakers treating the summer sailings as a cruise vacation. Plenty of outdoorsy Europeans load up their 4WD camper trailers for full-scale expeditions in Iceland; you'll likely meet motorcyclists and cyclists too, in warmer months.

The ports are the destination

Hirtshals, Denmark

Hirtshals is a small, unremarkable, ferry-dominated town and its terminals are busy loading and unloading ferry passengers from Norway, who visit for the cheaper meat and booze (hey, it's all relative!).

Boats in the marina at Hirtshals © Carolyn Bain / Lonely Planet" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="11617b73-66ad-4ffe-b99a-35b37db50f43">

Town attractions include the long stretch of beach at Tornby Strand and the family-friendly Nordsøen Oceanarium, one of northern Europe's largest aquariums. The waterfront area has a few eating options and supermarkets for grabbing supplies before you board the ferry.

Given that the Norröna departs Hirsthals at 3pm or 3.30pm, consider staying further afield and driving to the port on the morning of the sailing day. Great, visit-worthy options include Aarhus (Denmark's second city; 185km south of Hirtshals), Billund (home to Legoland; 240km south) or beautiful Skagen (49km away to the north).

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

Named after the Norse god Thor, Tórshavn is one of the world’s smallest capitals, and there's a colorful toy-town appearance to the city as you arrive and depart.

In summer, it's possible to book stopover packages and onshore excursions through the ferry operator to help you explore the town and beyond, but local taxi companies can help you make the most of shorter stopovers with private tours to key sights all year round.

Boats at the marina in Tórshavn © Carolyn Bain / Lonely Planet" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="e015d62a-3090-4d8f-b93c-afe44239a476">

Tórshavn's charming historical core is Tinganes, a petite peninsula delightfully jumbled with pretty turf-roofed cottages and rustic, red-painted government buildings. It's a short walk from the terminal. Fans of Scandi crime dramas (and ace knitwear) should visit Guðrun & Guðrun, the Tórshavn store from the women who designed that sweater worn by Detective Sara Lund in Danish TV drama The Killing.

Gourmands should plan a stopover around Koks, an acclaimed locavore restaurant 10km south of Tórshavn in the pretty hamlet of Kirkjubøur. In 2017, Koks was awarded the Faroes' first Michelin star.

Seyðisfjörður, Iceland

Don't be in a hurry to leave Seyðisfjörður, which sits nestled under mountains at the end of its long namesake fjord. It's one of Iceland's loveliest small towns and a hive of creativity. Browse the old timber houses (home to some great design and handicraft stores), take a summertime kayaking tour with Hlynur Oddsson or a mountain-bike ride and enjoy some super-fresh sushi at Norð Austur Sushi & Bar. Skaftfell is a cool hub, serving up beers, pizzas and conviviality.

This long-dormant Icelandic volcano is active - and people are hiking to see it

When it's time to explore more of Iceland, the 25km road (Rte 93) that climbs up and over the mountain pass offers some spectacular vantage points. Rte 93 joins the Ring Road (Rte 1, which circumnavigates Iceland) at the hub town of Egilsstaðir. Buses run year-round between Seyðisfjörður and Egilsstaðir, and from Egilsstaðir northwest to Akureyri and on to Reykjavík (in summer, buses also run to Höfn then along the south coast to Reykjavík).

Practical information

The Norröna operates year-round, on a schedule that varies with season. The high season covers an 11-week period from mid-June to late August, when prices – and demand – peak (book well ahead); the low season is from mid-September to April. There are two short mid-season periods, in May-June and early September. Fares are determined by season, cabin choice, and what vehicle (if any) you are traveling with, and can be bumped up with onboard meal plans or stopover packages.

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Carolyn Bain traveled to Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Iceland with assistance from Smyril Line ( smyrilline.com). Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

Sailing from Denmark to Iceland takes days - but it's the best way to get there

Pack a sunhat and a book of José Martí’s poems and get ready to uncover the buoyant, sophisticated, beautiful magic of Cuba. Right now is an exciting time to visit.

Fewer restrictions on private enterprise have led to an explosion of creativity, while the culture-dampening effects of globalization have yet to dilute the local charm. Isolated but eager to advance, the country is buzzing with ideas. Here a free-spirited cafe where earnest students sit around debating Che Guevara's contribution to world T-shirt art; there an avant-garde art factory where two bucks gets you six hours of electrifying entertainment.

Here are the top activities that really embody Cuba ’s essence and everything this unique  country has to offer.

Cuba will reopen to tourists in November - here's what visitors need to know

Soak up Cuba's live music scene

If you've been in Cuba for more than a day and still haven't heard any live music, you're clearly hanging out in the wrong bars. Welcome to one of the most musically diverse countries on the planet, where melodious guitars rule over background tapes and singing is seen as just another form of verbal communication. The traditional genres are merely one groove on a larger record. Cuba has been pushing the musical envelope for decades. From Benny Moré to X-Alfonso, cities like Havana bleed syncopated rhythms.

Sleep overnight in Cuba's casas particulares

Stay in a private homestay and you quickly uncover the nuances of everyday Cuban life. There's the rocking chairs on the porch, the bottle of rum on the dresser, the front room full of family heirlooms, the clip-clop of horses' hooves in the street outside and the animated conversations over breakfast that always seem to end with the words "no es facil" (it ain't easy). Casas particulares in places like Santa Clara are positively palatial, while others remain refreshingly down-to-earth; all offer an uncensored view of Cuba that no hotel could ever replicate.

Enjoy Cuba's ebullient festivals

Through war, austerity, rationing and hardship, the Cubans have retained their infectious joie de vivre. Even during the darkest days of the Special Period, the feisty festivals never stopped, a testament to the country's capacity to put politics aside and get on with the important business of living. The best shows involve fireworks in Remedios, folklórico dancing in Santiago de Cuba, movies in Gibara and every conceivable genre of music in Havana. Arrive prepared to party.

Admire Cuba's eclectic architecture in Old Havana and beyond

Often spectacular yet rarely constant, Cuban architecture retains certain binding threads, a definable "Cuban-ness" that sets it apart from other genres. Many of the older constructions were built with sugar money using the brutal system of Afro-Cuban slave labor, and these buildings provide an uncomfortable testimony to Cuba's multifaceted culture and sometimes difficult past. More recent architecture displays a melody of influences, from French classicism to hints of art deco and art nouveau. Visit the Unesco-listed cities of Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Camagüey, and pick out the details.

Go birdwatching

Crocodiles aside, Cuba has little impressive fauna, but the paucity of animals is more than made up for by the abundance of birdlife. Approximately 350 species inhabit the shores of this distinct and ecologically unusual archipelago, a good two dozen of them endemic. Look out in particular for the colorful tocororo (Cuban trogan), the zunzuncito (bee hummingbird), the critically endangered ivory-billed woodpecker and the world's largest flamingo nesting site. The Gran Parque Natural Montemar is one of many birdwatching highlights.

Escape to the beach

Cuba's beaches are famous for a reason – they're uncrowded, well endowed with tropical beauty and extremely varied. There are the long, wide tourist-heavy beaches of Varadero backed by massive resorts; the wild, deserted eco beaches of the Península de Guanahacabibes where turtles lay their eggs; the little-visited black-sand beaches on the Isla de la Juventud where pirates once roamed; and the unashamedly nudist beaches of Cayo Largo del Sur where package tourists lounge with mojitos. Search around long enough and you're sure to find your own slice of nirvana.

Understand Cuba's revolutionary heritage

An improbable escape from a shipwrecked leisure yacht, handsome bearded guerrillas meting out Robin Hood–style justice and a classic David versus Goliath struggle that was won convincingly by the (extreme) underdogs: Cuba's revolutionary war reads like the pages of a barely believable movie script. But it all happened right here. Just to prove it, you can visit the revolutionary sites in person. Little has changed in more than 60 years at the disembarkation point of the Granma yacht and Fidel's wartime HQ at mountaintop Comandancia de la Plata.

Step back in time in Trinidad

Soporific Trinidad went to sleep in 1850 and never really woke up. This strange twist of fate is good news for modern travelers, who can roam freely through the perfectly preserved mid-19th-century sugar town like voyeurs from another era. Though it's no secret these days, the time-warped streets still have the power to enchant with their grand colonial homestays, easily accessible countryside and exciting live-music scene. But this is also a real working town loaded with all the foibles and fun of 21st-century Cuba.

Dive and snorkel in the Caribbean

There will be protestations, no doubt, but let's say it anyway: Cuba is home to the best diving in the Caribbean. The reasons are unrivaled water clarity, virgin reefs and sheltered Caribbean waters that teem with exotic fish. Accessibility for divers varies from the swim-out walls of the Bahía de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) to the hard-to-reach underwater nirvana of the Jardines de la Reina archipelago. For repeat visitors, Punta Francés on Isla de la Juventud – known for its underwater photography – reigns supreme.

Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of Camagüey

Getting lost is a savvy recommendation for any traveler passing through the city of tinajones (clay pots), churches and erstwhile pirates – aka Camagüey. Always keen to be different, Camagüey was founded on a street grid that deviated from almost every other Spanish colonial city in Latin America. Here the lanes are as labyrinthine as a Moroccan medina, hiding Catholic churches, triangular plazas and a growing ensemble of smart boutique hotels encased in restored colonial buildings.

Experience the next wave of Cuban culture

Welcome to the "new" Cuba! And no, it's not a casino or a golf course or an all-inclusive resort designed to satisfy the whims of foreign tourists. Rather it's an independent, cutting-edge art "factory" where visitors can wander from room to room listening to innovative music, viewing fabulous paintings, and sharing discourse with diverse people. The brainchild of Cuban musician X-Alfonso, Havana's Fábrica de Arte Cubano has emerged as Cuba's finest bona fide art collective, a bastion of creative ideas, loaded with inspiration and excitement. Every city should have one.

Cycle through Valle de Viñales

With less traffic on the roads than 1940s Britain, Cuba is ideal for cycling and there's no better place to do it than the bucolic Valle de Viñales. The valley offers all the ingredients of a tropical Tour de France: craggy mogotes (limestone monoliths), impossibly green tobacco fields, ambling oxen and spirit-lifting viewpoints at every turn. The terrain is relatively flat and, if you can procure a decent bike, your biggest dilemma will be where to stop for your sunset-toasting mojito.

Taste Cuba's evolving food scene

Ever since new privatization laws lifted the lid off Cuba’s creative pressure cooker in 2011, a culinary revolution has been in full swing. A country that once offered little more than rice and beans has rediscovered its gastronomic mojo with a profusion of new restaurants experimenting with spices, fusion and – perhaps best of all – a welcome re-evaluation of its own national cuisine. Havana leads the culinary field in number and variety of eating establishments, but there's plenty of regional diversity from Caibarién's crabs to Baracoa 's chocolate.

Tap into Santa Clara's youthful energy

Leave your preconceived notions about Cuba at the city limits. Santa Clara is everything you thought this country wasn't – progressive, creative, welcoming to people of all persuasions, enthusiastic about rock 'n' roll, and keen to push the boundaries of art in every direction. Being a university town helps. Youthful energy runs through Santa Clara like nowhere else in Cuba. Check out the LGBT+ shows at Club Mejunje, meet arty students at the Casa de la Ciudad, or wander Parque Vidal in the evening when the city orchestra is in full swing.

Unlock the secrets of Matanzas

For too long the city of Matanzas has been overlooked by travelers on their way to the all-inclusives of nearby Varadero. But, things are gradually changing. Amid the bridges and rivers of this once great cultural city, flickers of its erstwhile beauty are starting to re-emerge in revived classical-music venues, a refurbished theater and a cutting-edge art street decorated with chin-scratching sculptures. Varadero may have the beaches, but Matanzas' gigantic historical legacy will teach you more about the real Cuba than 20 repeat visits to the resorts.

Listen to Folklórico dance

There's nothing quite as transcendental as the hypnotic beat of the Santería drums summoning up the spirits of the orishas (deities). But, while most Afro-Cuban religious rites are only for initiates, the drumming and dances of Cuba's folklórico (traditional Latin American dance) troupes are open to all. Formed in the 1960s to keep the African culture of Cuba alive, folklórico groups enjoy strong government patronage, and their energetic and colorful shows in Santiago de Cuba remain spontaneous and true to their roots.

Hike Pico Turquino

The trek up Cuba's highest mountain, Pico Turquino, is a mixture of endurance sport, nature tour and fascinating history lesson. Guides are mandatory for the tough two- to three-day 10.5-mile trek through the steep cloud forests of the Sierra Maestra to the 6470ft summit, where you'll be greeted by a bronze bust of Cuban national hero, José Martí. Revolutionary buffs can make a side trip to Fidel's wartime jungle HQ, La Plata, on the way up.

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Top things to do in Cuba

Winter in Norway’s Far North is Europe’s premier Arctic playground. Yes, temperatures can plummet well below freezing. And it’s true that ethereal darkness envelopes the land here for months at a time. But these elements are all a part of the fun and the rewards – from the otherworldly northern lights to wonderfully weird king-crab safaris, not to mention dog-sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer herding and sleeping in an ice hotel.

Northern lights

There are many ways to enjoy a northern Norwegian winter, but perhaps the most memorable involves standing still and gazing at the heavens. The northern lights, the aurora borealis, could just be the greatest show on earth: a light-and-color show of intense beauty, a seemingly endless spectacle in seemingly endless forms. Sometimes, green pillars of light dance across the sky, shapeshifting into curtains of rose and crimson, then gathering themselves in white, cloud-like expanses before turning yellow in haloes of vibrating light.

Consisting of what’s known as solar wind, the lights are streams of charged particles that interact with nitrogen and oxygen electrons where they meet the earth’s atmosphere. The long Arctic night, especially from October to March presents the best chances of seeing them, and they’re usually at their strongest out in rural areas away from the light pollution that rises from cities. While they don’t happen every night, in their unpredictability lies both frustration and magic, and even catching a glimpse will surely be a highlight of your visit.

You can still see the northern lights in 2021 - here's how

Dog-sledding

Sliding across the ice on a sled pulled by dogs could just be the essence of a 21st-century Arctic adventure, combining as it does a fine sense of tradition with impeccable eco-friendly credentials. Once you leave behind the quiet roads and thinly populated settlements of the north, the otherwise silent trails through boreal forests of pine and spruce can, within seconds, feel like immersion deep in the Arctic wilderness. From half-day excursions to multi-day expeditions, this form of travel, led by loyal huskies and guided by yourself or expert mushers, gets you out into the silence of the snow more effectively than any other activity.

In Karasjok, in the northern Norwegian interior, Engholm's Husky is run by Sven Engholm, one of European dog-sledding's most celebrated names, and is highly recommended as your introduction to the world of dog-led exploration. Dog-sledding is also possible in Alta, Tromsø, Kirkenes and Øvre Dividal National Park.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter .

Reindeer herding

No one knows the Arctic winter like the indigenous Sami, and the opportunity to learn about their traditional lives is one of the main reasons to come here. Ravdol Reindeer Herding in Karasjok is a particularly fine initiation. Reindeer are at the center of Sami life, and they live a near-constant migration in search of food – reindeer can locate and eat lichen and moss even buried in deep snow. Spending time with them as they move with the herds and fashion a comfortable existence in the harshest of winter conditions is a life lesson of a very Arctic kind.

Do you need a visa to travel to Norway?

Snowmobiling

For a deep-winter rush of adrenaline, nothing beats a snowmobile. Like a jet-ski built for snow and ice, snowmobiles make accessible the inaccessible and are both custom-made for the visiting thrill-seeker and an essential means of getting around for locals. Options vary from letting you drive yourself to tandem rides seated behind an expert. Whichever way you do it, racing through an ice-bound forest or across a frozen lake has a vaguely addictive quality.

It may not be Norway’s most eco-friendly way of getting around, but most excursions don’t last long and do provide an essential taste of Arctic life. Snowmobiling is possible across Norway’s north, including around Alta and Tromsø, but Kirkenes, almost as far as you can go in Arctic Norway without falling into Russia, is especially good; the Pasvik Valley, a thin sliver of Norwegian territory, is especially beautiful in winter and Barents Safari is an excellent Kirkenes-based operator.

13 essential Norway experiences: from cruising the fjords to wild camping

King crab safaris

Perhaps the strangest of all winter pursuits in northern Norway, king crab safaris take place in fjord waters close to Kirkenes. Introduced into the area from their native North Pacific by Russian scientists in 1961, the king crab has proven hugely successful – tens of millions now inhabit the Barents Sea. The king crab is the world’s largest crustacean – it can weigh up to 15kg and can reach two meters in length – but it can still be a challenge to find. Safaris take you out onto the water in an inflatable Zodiac and dressed in Arctic-strength clothing (provided as part of your safari), but don’t worry – it’s a professional diver who plunges beneath the icy waters to find the crabs, emerging from the depths in a struggle of limbs, both crab and human. The crabs are large and ungainly and none-too-pleased at being plucked from the sea bottom. They’re also rather delicious and can be enjoyed, boiled in seawater, at the completion of your safari.

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Ice hotels

For the fully immersive experience of the northern Norwegian winter, it’s difficult to go past a night in a hotel built entirely from ice and snow. The beds are blocks of ice, as is the rather stylish bar area, while Arctic-strength sleeping bags keep you warm at night – overnight temperatures in the rooms sit at an otherwise uncomfortable minus-four to minus-seven degrees Celsius. Two options stand out – the Kirkenes Snow Hotel and Alta’s Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. One night is usually enough!

Best places to visit in Norway from polar wonder to design-forward cities

Make it happen

Oslo is Norway’s most important international airport, with onward connections to northern cities such as Tromsø, Alta and Kirkenes. A private vehicle is best for getting around, but the Hurtigruten coastal ferry connects Tromsø and Kirkenes. For general Norway information, check out Visit Norway, while Northern Norway focuses on the country’s north.

Produced by Lonely Planet for Singapore Airlines. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.

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It’s hard to make the wrong choice when you're looking to hike in Virginia. With over 7,000 miles of ocean and bay views along the coastal plains, more than 50 state and national park or forest sites and more than 550 miles of the Appalachian Trail crossing diagonally through the state, Virginia earns its reputation as a must-explore state on the East Coast.

While Virginia’s aforementioned section of the Appalachian Trail earns a lot of respect from hiking fanatics – hosting nearly a quarter of the thru-hiking trail’s entire length – the wild areas outside of western Virginia have trails more than worth your while, whether for a day hike or multi-day camping adventure.

Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park

Best for experienced day hikers

9.5 miles (15km) to summit, 7 hours

Whether looking in a guidebook or asking a local for recommendations, there’s a strong likelihood Old Rag Mountain comes up.

Situated in the central-eastern portion of Shenandoah National Park, this hike is popular, but don’t confuse that with accessibility—consider that this 9.5-mile trail rises more than 2,000 ft in elevation and takes some steep switchback climbing on the way up before you lace up at the trailhead.

Planning ahead is recommended, as the trail’s word-of-mouth fame leaves parking areas near the trail full and even lines to start the trail on days with decent weather. Shoot for a mid-week start earlier in the morning to avoid crowds and cherish the rolling green hills from the peak all by yourself.

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Great Falls Park Trails

Best hike for families

1.5-2 miles (2.5km), 1-2 hours

If you’re coming from the Washington, DC region, hiking in Virginia doesn’t get any easier than Great Falls. Just under six miles from the nearest Metro stop, this National Park Service site straddles the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland and combines the region’s nature and history into one destination.

The park’s best trails have a diverse spread, including family-friendly and accessible paved trails like the Old Carriage Road (1.6 miles one way) and rocky scrambles along riverside cliffs on the Billy Goat Trail (1.75 miles one way).

Hiking here is the status quo for many in the Capital Beltway region, so park entrance, parking lots and trails can back up early—expect to get to the park close to its 7am opening time, as entrance lines can build up by 10:30am.

Potomac Heritage Trail

Best hike for history buffs

710 miles (1143 km)

Stay close to the DC region and you can continue to blend history with a hike on the start of the Potomac Heritage Trail, a National Scenic Trail stretching through northern Virginia, D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania.

In 1983, the National Park Service was able to designate a network of existing trails that follow the Potomac River as an official National Scenic Trail, showing off much of the river through the Mid-Atlantic.

Most of the trail is cobbled together from existing routes, but if you’re looking for hiking in the Virginia portion, consider the 17-mile Mount Vernon Trail near George Washington’s homestead south of the District; it’s paved and relatively flat and urban enough to always see the city skyline.

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McAfee Knob

Best hike for backpackers and photographers

8 miles (13km), 4 hours

Settled on the Appalachian Trail near the southern end of the state, the hike to McAfee Knob offers hikers the chance to check out the thru-hiking trail’s most photographed vista.

The hike spans just under 8 miles and is mostly popular with backpackers making their way to the northern or southern termini, and is known to present a lower strain and a high reward. Backpackers will find several dispersed campsites, a shelter and water source, and great views from the hike up to the 3,171-ft peak.

Prince William Forest Park Trails

Best for day hikers of all levels

It’s hard to believe that a 15,000-acre site easily accessible from the state’s most populous region doesn't dominate more Virginia hiking lists, but Prince William Forest Park isn’t like other spots in the state.

The park on former Indigenous Doeg land acts as a hub for Washingtonians hoping to get back to nature close to home on a variety of long and short hikes through a Piedmont setting.

The area hosts 37 miles of hiking trails, reachable from the central Scenic Drive looping through the heart of the park. You’ll also find a number of creeks and campgrounds scattered through the dense forest. Visit in the fall as the leaves change color and you’ll find a higher number of hikers around, but you're still alone enough to comfortably hike through amber autumn trees.

Chincoteague/Assateague Islands

Best hike for birdwatchers

Chincoteague and Assateague Islands might be on the farthest eastern reaches of the state, inhabiting the narrow end of the Delmarva Peninsula, but for hikers in Virginia looking for something unique, they’re well worth the trip across the Chesapeake Bay.

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge shares space on the barrier islands with the Assateague Island National Seashore, offering bay and ocean hikes for all types of hikers interested in a beach getaway.

Hop on the 3-mile Wildlife Loop to ensure a wildlife encounter as you circle Snow Goose Pool along a paved walkway, or practice your long walks on the beach on the 25-mile Beachfront Backpacking Trail, stretching along the strand of the peninsula up to the Virginia-Maryland border.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Best hike for wildlife lovers

4 miles (6.43 km), 2 hours

The Grayson Highlands are the gateway to Virginia coming to or going through the Southwestern corner of the state, and with the state’s tallest peaks and the start of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, are unsurprisingly home to some of the best hiking in the state.

Reach the 5,542-ft peak of Wilburn Ridge and catch sweeping views of the bald hillsides in the neighboring Jefferson National Forest. While you may avoid crowds in this wild area, you might still not be alone—expect to hear or see in person a few wild ponies from the Wilburn Ridge hike.

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