7 of the Best Beaches in the Virgin Islands

Top visit Beaches in the Virgin Islands

Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas

One of the most beloved beaches in the Virgin Islands, Magens Bay Beach boasts the crown jewel of stunning views. Located on St. Thomas, Magens Bay is a heart shaped beach with beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters. A one-mile stretch of paradise, this small area boasts a water sports booth where you can rent a variety of paddle boats and kayaks in addition to beach chairs, floats and snorkel gear. Perfect for families and swimmers of all skill levels, here beach goers will find warm, calm waters that are excellent for a day of floating and swimming. Ideal for when it’s time to refuel, the area also has a bar and restaurant that serves a range of casual fare and snacks.                                                                               Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas

Trunk Bay, St. John

Often considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Trunk Bay on St. John boasts pristine pearly sand and sparkling turquoise waters. Nestled near the Virgin Islands National Park, here beachgoers will find a serene ambiance perfect for soaking in the sunshine and gorgeous landscape. The area is known for its Underwater Trail, a 650-foot snorkeling path of colorful and diverse coral fish where even young snorkelers will enjoy catching a glimpse of the vibrant array of fish. Whether you’re sunbathing, trying your hand at underwater photography or exploring the nearby park, Trunk Bay is a must stop on your Virgin Island itinerary. Snorkeling gear can be found on the beach, in addition to well-maintained facilities and chair rentals.                                                                                              Trunk Bay, St. John

The Baths, Virgin Gorda

One of the most famous beach destinations in the world, The Baths in Virgin Gorda boasts an impressive cave system in addition to its pristine beach area. Here visitors will find a series of otherworldly mazes and steps, with rope handrails that guide you through a unique trail through colorful coves and boulders, from the Devil’s Bay beach to The Baths. Considered a must-see attraction in the British Virgin Islands archipelago, travelers will want to swim through crystalline waters through the variety of breathtaking crevices and grottoes to find a laid-back beach area with shallow waters perfect for a day of sunbathing and light snorkeling.                                                                                    The Baths, Virgin Gorda

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

Nestled on the southern end of Jost Van Dyke, White Bay is a pristine beach that combines soft sands lined with beach bars consistently buzzing with activity. Here you’ll find independent yachts and boats docking in the water, where passengers are then encouraged to hop out and swim to shore. A perfect beach for those looking to unwind with a refreshing tropical cocktail in hand, White Bay offers beachgoers plenty of room to relax with their towels and chairs for a day of sunbathing. Beachgoers who are interested in exploring the lively area of the beach, however, can visit one of the many famous beach bars, including the Soggy Dollar bar where you’ll have the opportunity to taste the popular painkiller cocktail that is rumored to have originated on Jost Van Dyke.                                                                                   White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola

Less crowded than other beaches in the British Virgin Islands, Smuggler’s Cove in Tortola is ideal for beachgoers who are looking for a tranquil beach experience away from it all. Shade is easy to come by, as you’ll find that this soft sand beach is lined with an abundance of swaying palm trees that are make soaking in the salty ocean breeze an ideal activity. You’ll have little to gaze at but the gorgeous horizon, where swimming enthusiasts will find themselves in the perfect location to explore the colorful fish and coral in the calm, bright turquoise waters. The gentle waters pair perfectly with the serene surroundings, where you’ll only find one snack bar in this northwest side of Tortola.                                                                                  Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola

Cane Garden Bay, Tortola

Considered a vibrant area in the British Virgin Islands, Cane Garden Bay in Tortola is a mix of quiet beaches and lively nightlife. Located in the northeastern part of the island, Cane Garden Bay is a favorite for water sports enthusiasts, as you’ll find a wealth of the typical water-based activities here. Renting a boat or kayak is popular daytime activity in addition to indulging in the top-notch swimming and snorkeling available along the shore. Visitors to Cane Garden Bay will find low-key restaurants and bars peppered throughout the area, offering fresh cuisine and local specialties. A perfect area to explore the vibrant variety of nightlife and cuisine of the Virgin Islands, after dark visitors here can soak in the sounds of live island music booming from the open-air beach bars.                                                                                 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola

Anegada Island

Located just 15 miles north of Virgin Gorda and part of the British Virgin Islands, Anegada Island boasts miles and the 18-mile long Horseshoe Reef, the largest coral reef in the Caribbean and the fourth largest in the world. Considered a scuba divers and snorkelers dream, here visitors will delight in the amazing reef mazes and tunnels in the area that lead to an abundance of exotic underwater marine life to explore. Visitors who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the white sandy beaches will also find an abundance of calm and quiet shores to relax on.                                                                                                                       Anegada Island 

United Kingdom

Top 10 places to visit in the UK

Whether you’re just visiting or moving to the UK, this tour of top 10 sites in the UK will take you everywhere from the ‘Jurassic coast’ to royal pomp.

It is extremely difficult to select just 10 top destinations in Great Britain – a country of rich history and varied culture, a mixture of nations and traditions, and heir to one of history’s most powerful empires. Nevertheless, with a mixture of both cultural and natural sights, as well as a combination of well-known landmarks and sights away from the tourist mobs, discover the true British spirit as you travel the country to see the top 10 sites in the UK.

1. The Stonehenge mystery

Marvel at one of the wonders of the world, Stonehenge. Although no one knows for certain who built it and why, this magnificent monument has a history spanning 4,500 years. Speculation on the reason it was built ranges from human sacrifice to astronomy. This prehistoric structure is situated in the English county of Wiltshire, about 8 miles north of Salisbury and just two and a half hours’ drive away from London.

The great age, massive-scale and mysterious purpose of Stonehenge draws hundreds of thousands of visitors per year, and several thousand gather on the summer solstice to watch the sunrise over this ancient and mystical site. Although the original construction has suffered a great deal from both weather damage and human pillage of its rock over the millennia, it is still a breath-taking sight and an ardently recommended destination in the UK.  A GBP 27-million visitor centre opened at the end of 2013 featuring a permanent exhibition of some 250 prehistoric objects and treasures (many previously unseen), a forensic reconstruction of a man who was here 5,500 year ago, a regularly changing programme of special exhibitions, café and shop.

2. Fossick the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site covers 95 miles of truly stunning coastline from East Devon to Dorset, with rocks that have recorded 185 million years of the Earth’s history depicting a geological ‘walk through time’ spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The area is home to the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door – the coast’s most photographed landmark and Lulworth Cove – one of the finest coves in England. In addition to the astounding landscape, the Jurassic Coast is also a place of ‘outstanding universal value’ selected by UNESCO. It’s also where Victorian fossil hunter Mary Anning found the world’s first ichthyosaur, two plesiosaur and other important fossils. You can go fossil hunting yourself; one of the best places is Charmouth, where a visitor centre offers fossil walks and shows you how to find fossils.

3. Cambridge’s pure English essence

A good stop on any UK tour is the university city of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, where one can get in touch with the pure essence of the English spirit. The beautiful buildings are well preserved and the timeless city seems straight out of the 1950s. As it is said in an advertisement trying to lure tourists, ‘breathe in a land of lazy waterways, rolling countryside, majestic cathedrals, magnificent stately homes, bustling market towns, quaint villages and the unforgettable city of Cambridge’. Give in to the atmosphere of the town and freely admire the majesty of one of the most renowned world universities. Gaze up at the awe-inspiring 16th-century King’s College Chapel, hire a punt (flat bottomed boat) to explore the tranquil waters of the College Backs or have a cup of English tea at the Copper Kettle.

4. England’s largest national park: Lake District

Set out to the mountainous region in north west England known as the Lake District. England’s largest national park is a very popular holiday destination and famous for its lakes and mountains, as well as its associations with the early 19th-century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth and the Lake Poets. Nearly 16 million people visit the national park each year. Also located here is the deepest lake in England – Wastwater which, though a bit further away, is definitely worth seeing.

5. Giant’s Causeway

Legend has it that an Irish warrior built the Giant’s Causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish nemesis. Located in County Antrim on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, it is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns which were the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Some of the structures in the area, having been subject to several million years of weathering, resemble objects, such as the Organ and Giant’s Boot. The Antrim coast is also popular for cliff top walks – it offers some of the finest and atmospheric cliff scenery in Europe.

6. The great wall of Hadrian

Hadrian’s Wall is a World Heritage site marking the northern border of the Roman Empire. Its history dates back to 122 AD, when Emperor Hadrian visited Britain and ordered a wall to be built between the Solway Firth in the West and the River Tyne in the east ‘to separate Romans from Barbarians’. The wall was the most heavily fortified border in the Empire, to defend it from the constant invasions of the northern tribes. Today, remnants of the wall can be found for about 73 miles – a lot of those remnants forming stone fences, stone barns and the cobbles in stable courtyards.

7. Find ‘Nessie’ at Loch Ness

Loch Ness may be best known for the alleged sightings of the crypto-zoological Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as ‘Nessie’, but it has much more to offer. The loch or lake, which extends at approximately 37 km, is a favourite tourism spot in Scotland and attracts visitors from all over the world with its delightful natural parks and sights. One can also admire the only island in the lake, Cherry Island, visible at the southwestern end of Loch Ness.

8. Snowdonia National Park: bottom of an ocean

For terrific country terrain for mountain walks and activities such as riding, cycling and pony trekking, Snowdonia National Park in North Wales offers it all. It is also among the most dramatic landscapes in the UK, and has the most rapidly changing weather. It is thought that five million years ago this was a sea bottom, evidenced by the fossil shell fragments found there. You might think that British country scenery holds no more surprises for you but the way the brooding mountain bulk hangs over wide, U-shaped valleys will mesmerise you at first sight. You can walk up to the top – there are several established paths of varying difficulty ­– or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway. At the summit you can have a drink and a snack while you take in some of the most breathtaking views in the UK at the Hafod Eryri visitor centre.

9. Regal ‘pomp’ at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton

Brighton is a popular British coastal town, and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton is another landmark you should not miss. The famous seaside residence was built as a pleasure palace for King George IV, and was also used by his brother William IV and their niece Queen Victoria.

The British have an expression for too much of a good thing – it’s ‘over the top’ they say. If ever a building exemplified the concept of ‘over the top’, it is the Royal Pavilion. Designed by John Nash, it’s an oriental fantasy, combining Regency grandeur with the exotic glamour of India and China. Nowadays, it is a possession of the Brighton municipality and is the home to some of the finest collections and examples of the chinoiserie(Chinese) style in Britain. The Pavilion is right in the centre of Brighton – sometimes called London by the sea – a city famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and exciting gay scene.

10. Time travel in the Cotswolds 

You really feel as if you’ve stepped back in time in the quaint honey-coloured towns and villages of the Cotswolds in the heart of England. The area covers 800 square miles across five counties – Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire – and is the largest of England’s 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is archetypal English countryside: go for a bracing walk in the rolling hills (‘wold’), drink a pint of beer by the fireside in a pub, sleep in a four poster bed in a country house hotel or stroll around one of the many picture-postcard villages and towns. You’re spoilt for choice: Bibury, Broadway, Bourton-on-the-water, Painswick, Burford, Upper and Lower Slaughter; take a crust of bread for the ducks.

Netherlands

Top places to visit in the Netherlands

From atmospheric cellar bars and historic windmills to tulip fields and world-renown art, discover the delights of the top things to do in the Netherlands.

There’s more to see in the Netherlands than its cosmopolitan and laidback capital of Amsterdam. The Netherlands may be a small country but it’s packed with history, has beautiful countryside bursting with wildlife and unique flora, and a mind-blowing amount of world-class art and museums. It’s well worth venturing beyond Amsterdam’s limits to discover an array of top sites and things to do around the Netherlands.

Hip Rotterdam

Culture vultures should head for Rotterdam. It’s got outstanding contemporary and historic art collections, hosts the summer North Sea Jazz festival and International Film Festival, has plenty of lively clubs and bars, and boasts innovative architecture. According to the New York Times, “Rotterdam is increasingly to architecture what Paris is to fashion, or Los Angeles to entertainment.” Much of the city was destroyed in World War II paving the way for a selection of bold modern architecture, such as the 1980s Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge (nicknamed ‘The Swan’), the Kunsthal Museum, and since 2014, Market Hall (Markthal), the strikingly curvaceous marketplace with an 11,000sqm mural ceiling over a mix of grocery stalls, restaurants and bars. For a more historic atmosphere, head down to the tall and narrow harbour-side buildings around Delfshaven.

Haarlem: the Dutch Golden Age

Only a stone’s throw from Amsterdam is the charming city of Haarlem, in the middle of the Netherlands’ tulip-growing region. As you walk the cobbled streets and take in the ornate 17th-century architecture or sit sipping a coffee on Grote Markt square among rising monumental buildings, it’s easy to imagine the city as it was in its heyday during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. It was a powerful place: a thriving commercial centre, an inspiration for artists, the tulip capital and producer of huge quantities of beer. You don’t have to imagine what the citizens looked like – check out their vivid portraits by the Dutch master Frans Hals and others in the eponymous museum. St Bavo Church, the eclectic collection in the Teylers Museum, and the city’s almshouses are also worth a look.

Kinderdijk windmills

When you think of the Netherlands, you probably conjure up windmill images. Historically they were a vital part of the water management system designed to prevent flooding in this low-lying land. Come to the village of Kinderdijk (which means ‘children dike’) not far from Rotterdam to admire the spectacular sight of a network of 19 fully functioning windmills on the polders. They were built around 1740 and were awarded UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1997. Today you can see them in operation during the summer months. If you’re visiting in winter, bring your ice skates and join the skaters on the frozen canals.

Cultural Utrecht

The once fortified city of Utrecht is packed with buildings from the early Middle Ages – it’s even got a moat running around it. Founded by the Romans in 48AD, Utrecht has been the religious centre of the country since the 8th century, which makes its main landmark – the almost 700-year-old Gothic Dom Tower – seem positively modern. Take a stroll along the curved Oudegracht (old canal) and stop for a drink at a converted cellar cafe. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Rietveld Schröder House exemplifying De Stijl (‘The Style’) art movement of the 1920s. To relive your childhood head to the Miffy Museum (open February 2016), or the Dick Bruna House, dedicated to the creator of Miffy.

Back to nature at the De Hoge Veluwe National Park

Jump on one of the 1,700 free white bicycles that are on hand to explore the 41km (25 miles) of paths around 5,400 hectares of sand dunes, woodland, heathland, peat bogs and an al fresco sculpture area in the De Hoge Veluwe National Park. Home to rare Red List species such as the Wheatear, the Wryneck and the Moor Frog, you might also see wild boar, red deer and nearly 500 different species of plants. In the heart of the park is the Kröller-Müller Museum, which contains a large collection of Van Goghs. Not far away is the beautiful city of Elburg, with its medieval buildings, and Arnhem, where the famous Battle for Arnhem took place.

Den Haag: ‘City of peace and justice’

The Hague or Den Haag is the seat of the Dutch government and home to the Dutch Royal family. This elegant city has wide leafy streets, several palaces, fantastic restaurants, smart hotels, luxury shops, loads of museums and a whole clutch of beautiful and historic squares such as the Plein and Grokte Markt, where you can enjoy a coffee by day and go clubbing by night. Take a tour of Het Binnenhof, the home of the Dutch parliament since 1446. Art fiends can view the world’s largest Mondrian collection in the Art Deco buildings of the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag (Municipal Museum) as well as a selection of Golden Age masterpieces in the Mauritshuis museum. If you have kids (or you’re a big kid yourself) a day in the miniature world of Madurodam should keep everyone happy.

Flower power

Back in the 17th century, the world’s financial markets went tulip-mad. The price of Dutch tulip bulbs skyrocketed and then plummeted, and fortunes were made and lost in the world’s first recorded speculative ‘bubble’. Flowers are still the country’s major industry. The floating flower market (Bloemenmarkt) on Amsterdam’s Singel canal, Utrecht’s flower market and the Aalsmeer flower auction are all must-sees. To see the tulips growing in in the spring, head to the bulb fields behind the North Sea dunes between the cities of Leiden and Den Helder, or to Keukenhof where you can see an amazing seven million flowers – tulips, narcissi, daffodils and hyacinths – in bloom during March to May.

Cosmopolitan Maastricht

In the south of the Netherlands Maastricht seems ‘less Dutch’ than other Dutch cities; it has Spanish and Roman ruins, French-influenced architecture, an international atmosphere (perhaps because it’s so close to Belgium and Germany) – and it’s even surrounded by hills. Set either side of the Meuse river it’s a truly beautiful place, with a historic centre filled with churches, squares (have a beer in the cobblestoned het Vrijthofsquare), old houses, fortifications and museums above ground, and miles of tunnels and caves (the Caves of St Pieter and the Casements) underground. Maastricht is also renowned for its world-class restaurants (five Michelin-starred restaurants within five miles of the centre), so come hungry and equipped with a credit card.

Wading in the Wadden Islands

Off the northern Dutch coast are the five Wadden islands, part of a chain of 50 islands encircling the Wadden Sea between Den Helder in the Netherlands and Esbjerg in Denmark. Texel has long, sandy beaches, Terschelling has huge colonies of birds in the Boschplaat nature reserve, Ameland has a history of whaling, the forested Vlieland is the most remote and Schiermonnikoog is the smallest. Boat hop between the five or if you’re up to the challenge, try wadlopen or mud-walking – sometimes through thigh-high mud or waist-high water – ­­across the seabed at low tide. This is definitely not for softies: some people call it ‘horizontal alpinism’.

Delectable Delft

Old master Johannes Vermeer, one of the greatest painters of the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age (The Girl with the Pearl Earring is one of his), lived and worked here, and it’s also where the famous hand-painted, blue and white Delft Blue earthenware has been made since the 17th century. Like Amsterdam, Delft is a city built on canals (the word delft comes from delven meaning ‘to dig’) that were designed as lifelines and defences. You can easily spend a weekend here wandering around the historic centre, exploring market stalls, visiting the Prinsenhof Museum (associated with William of Orange – you can even see the bullet holes in the wall where he was assassinated in 1584), the Renaissance style City Hall and the churches, including the Oud and Nieuwe Kerk. Climb to the top of the latter’s tower to see Rotterdam and The Hague on a clear day.

Spain

Top places to visit in Spain

Select from an eclectic plethora of historic Spanish cities, diverse landscapes, famous artworks, quirky festivals and delicious food from all over Spain. Here are some of the best places to visit in Spain.

Wherever you plan to travel in Spain, you will find many top places to visit – and, even better, in each region many top Spanish foods to try. Spain is an addictive destination with its laid-back culture and focus on living the good life, wild Spanish festivals, diverse landscapes and impressive historical architecture everywhere you look. Scattered between distinct landscapes of beaches, plains, deserts and mountains lie impressive Spanish cities, with well-preserved historical centres, cobbled streets, stone buildings and imposing fortresses, castles and city walls.

Some of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions have reached international fame, from Barcelona’s beach culture and Valencia’s Fallas effigy burning, to the infamous Running of the Bulls and tomato-throwing festival La Tomatina. But Spain still offers plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as exploring the Costa Brava coastline or hiking the Camino de Santiago. Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, city break weekend or long tour of the main Spanish cities, there’s always a lot to see and do in Spain. To whet your appetite, here are a few of the best places and things to do in Spain.

The secret Costa Brava

The stunning Costa Brava coastline stretches from Port Bou on the edge of the French Pyrenees down to Blanes, in the north eastern province of Girona. It’s been popular with holidaying Brits and other tourists for years but there are still wonderful places to discover away from the crowds along its 214 km (133 miles).

You’ll find soaring cliffs, lush vegetation, sandy beaches, picturesque villages and rocky coves and hidden bays only reached by boat. Some of the top places to visit include Cadaques, chichi Begur and Port Lligat, where Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala lived and worked. Go inland to Figueres where Dalí was born, and visit the famous Dalí Theatre-Museum and Púbol where he bought a castle for Gala. If you’re interested in culture of a much earlier era, then visit Ampurias (or Empúries), Spain’s most important Greek archaeological site.

Guggenheim in Bilbao

Frank Gehry’s spectacular Guggenheim Museum, in the north western city of Bilbao, has been described as the most important structure of its time and is a must-see site in Spain. Its soaring, titanium curves will blow your mind – and that’s before you even step inside to view its amazing collection of modern art. Bilbao, on the Bay of Biscay in the Basque country, is an architectural hotspot and main Spanish city for tourism, with a metro designed by Norman Foster and an airport by Santiago Calatrava. Enjoy the local custom of chiqueteo – a plate of pintxos (speciality appetisers) with a drink – in a bar or café, before a meal. And what should you eat? Cod, of course: Bilbao is the cod (bacalao) capital of Spain with hundreds of delicious recipes.

Spaghetti Westerns in Almería

Film buffs won’t want to miss visiting this top Spanish attraction amid the arid desert and mountains of Almería in southeast Spain. This is where some of the world’s best loved films were made – Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, Indiana Jones and Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti westerns A Fistful of Dollars and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Following a 66-kilometre route through the Tabernas Desert and Sierra Alhamilla Mountains, you can still see some of the sets and pop-up western towns that were built for filming in an area that has now been turned into a type of theme park called Parque Oasys or aptly, Mini Hollywood.

Seville and its famous fairs

The capital of Andalusia is the fourth largest city in Spain and boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Reales Alcázares palace, the Santa Maria de la Sede Cathedral (containing the remains of Christopher Columbus) and the General Archive of the Indies. Wander around narrow cobbled streets, breathe in orange blossoms, peer into tiny courtyards with tumbling bougainvillea and tinkling fountains, and you might just come across a lone flamenco guitarist. It’s a city that likes to eat and drink outdoors and part of the city’s charm is its vibrant social life and buzz; enjoy a free tapa with the local beer, Cruzcampo.

Of of the main events in Seville’s calendar is Holy Week, or Semana Santa, the week-long Easter festival of elaborate religious processions where statues are carried through Seville’s narrow streets as crowds of believers and tourists press to catch a glimpse of these magnificent religious artworks.

Visit in April and you’ll be treated to Seville’s other main spectacle, the Feria de Abril, which is a top Spanish festival held for a week on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. Sevillanos of all ages, dressed in flamenco finery, stroll around or ride on horseback or in carriages along ‘streets’ of colourful marquees. The party continues all night long: dancing the Sevillanas, drinking jerez (sherry) and manzanilla (chamomile) wine andeating tapas. Best of all: you can join in.

Buzzing Barcelona

For art and culture, nightlife and shopping, it’s got to be Barcelona. The capital of Catalonia (Catalunya) is a cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean coast, with an ancient history: the Barrio Gótico (the Gothic quarter) is the site of the original Roman city. Don’t miss Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical (unfinished) La Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Parc Güell, the Picasso Museum (his early work) and the Joan Miró Foundation. There are great shops, great bars (and tapas) and great clubs either side of Barcelona‘s famous avenue called Las Ramblas. Read about the 10 best things to do in Barcelona.

Out of town, check out the gay-friendly seaside resort of Sitges or take a cable car up to the National Park of Monserrat, a mountain with an unique stegosaurus-like profile, great hiking and climbing trails, a monastery and amazing panoramic views.

The Way of St James (Camino de Santiago de Compostela)

Since the ninth century, people have been making their way through northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrim’s route to the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia. Today, the 500-mile (800km) journey is popular with walkers and cyclists, both local and international, although you can choose how much of the path you want to walk. Certain trails and accommodation can get busy during high season, typically during June to August as many pilgrims time their trip to arrive in Santiago de Compostela by St James Day on 25 July, one of the top Spanish festivals. Hiking in May, June, September and October typically offers moderate temperatures and lower hiker volume.

There are a network of different routes but perhaps the most spectacular runs between the northern Spanish coastline and the mountains – and was first used by pilgrims in the Middle Ages wanting to avoid Muslim territories. The network, passing through great historic cities and awe-inspiring landscapes, was given World Heritage status in 1993.

Running of the Bulls (San Fermin) in Pamplona

Pamplona, capital of the Navarre region in northern Spain, is steeped in history, with gothic, baroque and neo-classical buildings, churches and medieval walls in every direction. Visit the city during the week-long Fiesta deSan Fermin to join its citizens in honouring their patron saint. Festivities include brass bands, alfresco dancing under strings of fairy lights, fireworks and, most famously of all, the running of the bulls through the town’s cobbled streets. This is the (some might say foolhardy) tradition of running in front of a herd of stampeding bulls around the city’s narrow, cobbled streets. It really is as dangerous as it sounds. If it all proves too much, slip away and enjoy a classic meal of lamb cooked with tomatoes and peppers, washed down with a Navarre wine.

The festival officially starts on 6 July at 12pm by firing the pyrotechnic chupinazo (or txupinazo in Basque), a rocket that shoots from the balcony of the town hall, while everybody throws wine and eggs at each other in the town square below, staining the traditional white and red festival clothing (if you don’t have yours, you can buy it once there). This is one of Spain’s top festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, so booking early is essential.

Alhambra in Granada

Granada, in eastern Andalusia, was the last place in Spain to be re-conquered by the Catholics after hundreds of years of Moorish rule in 1492. Granada is a top Spanish city for its impressive Moorish architecture, and the undoubted jewel in the crown is the elegant and intricate palace and gardens of Alhambra, declared a World Heritage site. Moorish poets described it as ‘a pearl set in emeralds’, alluding to the colours of the buildings and surrounding woodland.

It was originally built as a fortress and later converted into a royal palace by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada, and today is a stunning complex of buildings decorated with Arabic inscriptions and geometric motifs, and peaceful gardens (called Generalife) with rectangular courtyards, fountains and tree-lined walkways. The winding streets of Albaicín (or Albayzín, also UNESCO World Heritage) on a steep hillside facing the Alhambra lead to houses and old churches built on mosques, and magnificent views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Magnificent Madrid

Situated dead centre in the middle of Spain, people have lived in the Madrid area for more than two million years – since the Stone Age – but the city’s heyday came in the 16th and 17th centuries after King Philip II made it the capital of his empire. While many tourists brush over Madrid for Spain’s beaches or laid-back Barcelona, Spain’s capital is a top destination for offering it all: some of the world’s top museums and artworks, gourmet restaurants, vibrant nightlife, a grand historic centre and large pedestranised zones lined with shops, restaurants, cafe terraces and bars, which usually offer a free tapa when you order una caña (small beer).

Visit the historic old town, Madrid de los Austrias, the city main square Plaza Mayor and the embellished Royal Palace to see the remnants of Madrid’s heyday. Today, Madrid is famed for its art and culture, with more than 70 museums including the world-famous Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia National Art Centre. See the 10 best things to do in Madrid, how to spend a weekend in Madrid like a local, or Madrid’s tourism site.

The Sierra Nevada

Down in the far south, just to the east of Granada, is the Sierra Nevada, a national park where you’ll find the highest peaks in the whole of the Iberian peninsula, and some of its most exceptional flora and fauna (including the Spanish ibex). It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 1986. Facing the Mediterranean, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada lies Las Alpajurras, an area with thermal springs and spas. Tiny white cube houses cling to the hillsides, goats still scamper about wearing little bells, serrano hams are cured and almonds grow on trees – Spanish bliss.

Portugal

Top 10 places to visit in Portugal

Portugal has it all: historic cities, world-renown cuisine, natural landscapes and some of the world’s most spectacular beaches – here are 10 of the best places to visit in Portugal.

Once the world’s maritime leader and the longest-lived of Europe’s modern empires, Portugal has a complex history to explore alongside dramatic geographic landscapes, turquoise beaches, a rich gastronomy scene, and all the Port and bacalhau (salted cod fish) you can ask for. Trace the various civilisations that have crossed Portugal in the castles, palaces, and narrow cobbled streets typical around the country. But Portugal has some suprises, too – whale watching, natural springs, a village built from boulders, and a chapel made of human skeletons, to name a few of Portugal’s top sites to see.

1. Surf the beaches of the Algarve

The Algarve, in the south of Portugal, is famous for its stunning beaches ­– there are 150 – and spectacular waves. Steer clear of the crowded south coast and head west to the less developed part of the Algarve where huge Atlantic rollers make for awesome surfing for experts and beginners alike. Praia do Amado, on the Costa Vicentina, is Portugal’s best-known surfing beach. While its big waves have attracted international body boarding and surfing competitions, it’s also family friendly with sand dunes, cliffs, rock pools at low tide and its own surf school. Nearby is the wide sweep of Praia de Bordeira, one of the most spectacular beaches in Portugal with limestone cliffs, swathes of sand dunes, great waves and 3km of golden sand. You can surf, windsurf or body board at Praia do Martinhal in the Bay of Baleeira, near Sagres and then enjoy oysters and garlic prawns at the wooden restaurant behind the sand dunes. At Praia do Amoreira, just outside the little town of Aljezur, the surf is good, there are loads of starfish-filled rock pools to keep youngsters happy but bring your own picnic. For more information, see Algarve tourist information portal.

2. Explore the castles, palaces and royal retreats of Sintra

Not far from Lisbon, on the central western Portuguese coast, are the forested hilltops and opulent castles and palaces of Sintra. The most fantastical of these is the gloriously decadent, colourful and eclectically styled Palácio da Pena. The palace was built in the 19th century for Ferdinand II as the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and is still used for state occasions. One of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, its 19th-century Romantic architecture is a Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance mash-up. The Castelo dos Mouros is a Moorish castle built in the 8th and 9th centuries with amazingly well-preserved towers and ramparts. The Palácio Nacional de Sintra has iconic conical chimneys, courtyards, columns and hand-painted tiles. ThePalácio Nacional de Queluz is a Roccoco confection dating back to the 18th century, while the Palácio de Monserrate is from the 19th century – and the list goes on and on. Unsurprisingly, Sintra has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

3. Go hiking in the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela 

Go hiking or climbing in the rugged mountainous landscape of the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela in the centre of Portugal. It’s Portugal’s largest protected area of countryside – more than 1,000sqm of rock-strewn meadows, gushing rivers and waterfalls, forested slopes, terraced fields and icy lakes – and where you’ll find Portugal’s highest peak, Torre or ‘tower’ at 1,993m. There are lots of hikes and trails and some dramatic drives, especially from Manteigas or Covilhã up to Torres. On the way up to the rocky gorges, look out for casais, traditional one-room stone shepherds’ huts thatched with straw. Sheeps’ wool once made this one of Europe’s biggest wool-producing regions – there’s a museum that tells the story in Covilhã. The mountain town of Manteigas, with its cobbled streets and picturesque houses, makes a great base to explore the area.

4. Take a boat or a train along the Rio Douro valley

Famed for its production of the sweet dessert Port and other wines, the valley of the river Douro, especially the Alto (upper) Douro, has a spectacular landscape of unbelievably steep hillsides covered with vines and, here and there, wine-producing farms called quintas. Making the trip by car will allow you to visit the wineries, spend a night or two in one of the quintas or even join in the grape harvest en route but roads are winding and sometimes stomach-churningly precipitous. If you have the time, take the train: the Linha do Douro is one of Europe’s great railway journeys, connecting Portugal’s second city of Porto with Peso da Regua and other towns along the 200km route. Boats also make the trip up (and down) river between Porto and various points along the Alto Douro.

5. Stroll around atmospheric Lisbon

The capital of Portugal has it all: a stunning hilltop location on the river Tegus, magnificient plazas, icing-sugar cathedrals and the cobbled alleyways of the old Moorish Alfama quarter. Visit the vast waterfront mosaic square Praça do Comércio (commerce square) surrounded on three sides by 18th-century arcades and ornate facades. Don’t miss the Mosterio dos Jerónimos, a honey-coloured stone confection of arches, pillars, columns and turrets and where you’ll find the body of one of Portugal’s most famous sons, explorer Vasco de Gama. See if you can spot the rhinos on the 16th-century Torre de Belém. Absorb the city’s vibe and jump on one of the city’s yellow trams, enjoy a pastel da belém in a patissiere, or listen to mournful fado singers on a patio restaurant. Take the Elvador da Gloria up to the top of one of Lisbon’s fabled seven hills, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – the hilltop district of Bairro Alto is where you’ll find some of the city’s best nightlife.

6. Go back in time in Monsanto, the village built from granite boulders

The sun-baked plains, olive groves and granite outcrops in Beira Baixa in Eastern Portugal is the land that time forgot ­ – and where you’ll find a village that could have come straight out of The Lord of the RIngs. Perched 2,486ft above sea level and with breath-taking views, the village of Monsanto grew up and around gigantic, and seemingly precariously balanced, granite boulders on the side of the vertiginous Mons Sanctus. The boulders have been used as floors, walls and even (nerve-wrackingly) roofs in houses that date back 500 years; look out for the Casa de Uma Só Telha, the house with only one tile – a massive lump of granite. You might see villagers singing with square Moorish tambourines called adufe, donkeys as the main form of transport around the narrow cobbled streets, and rag dolls called marafonas used to ward off sorcery. A few kilometres to the north is the horseshoe-shaped mediaeval village of Sorthelha with its ruined castle – and more granite. This is a region best explored by car as public transport is infrequent and slow.

7. Party in Porto

On the mouth of the Rio Douro (river of gold) lies Porto: the city that gave its name to the country and its most famous export, Port. Today, Porto is Portugal’s second city and a colourful mix of medieval relics, extravagant churches, and Beaux Arts buildings and a lively music scene. The Cais da Ribeira riverfront is the heart of the city: tall old buildings made from granite and tile line the river front, narrow streets lie behind and Roman ruins lie underneath. There are loads of wine caves open for tastings. It’s not all port and historic buildings though – the city attracts the world’s best rock, electro and jazz musicians; don’t miss the cutting edge Musea de Arte Contemporânea and the concert space the Casa da Música.

8. Visit a chapel made from human skeletons in Évora

The old walled citadel of Évora lies at the foot of a mountain range of the same name in the wine region of Alentejo, and is one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval towns. Start off in the Praça do Giraldo, which was (rather gruesomely) used as an execution ground during the Spanish Inquisition, then follow the city’s narrow streets into light-filled squares, and pass fountains and courtyards to discover the rose granite towers of Sé de Évora (the fortress-like medieval cathedral), the Corinthian columns of the Templo Romano (a Roman temple that became a medieval fortress then the town’s slaughterhouse) and the Igreja Real de Sao Francisco and the 16th-century Capella dos Ossos (chapel of bones) where human skulls and other bones – some 5,000 bodies is the estimate – are cemented into the walls. Outside of the city, you can see evidence of even older inhabitants: Neolithic stone circles.

9. Whale watching and thermal springs in the Azores

The Azores, some 1,500km (930 miles) to the west of Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean, have one of the best marine habitats in the world for marine mammals – a quarter of the world’s known species have been identified off its coasts. Some say it’s because underwater cliffs on the Azores create the perfect feeding ground. Get out on boat at any time of year and you can expect to see pilot and sperm whales and many different types of dolphin. From April to June you might also see blue, humpback, orcas, fin, minke, and many other whales. Back on dry land, relax in a spa. The islands were created out of erupting lava millions of years ago (although the youngest island, Pico, is only 300,000 years old). There are huge extinct volcanoes, steaming fumeroles and geo-thermal springs – hot, cold, sulphurous, salty, sparkling, still water gushes from the rock face. You can bathe in it, drink it, and cook food in the ground.

10. Take a gondola ride around the canals of Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal

Hop aboard one of the brightly painted, flat-bottomed barcos moliceiros to explore the labyrinthine waterways of Aveiro, a town lying on the edge of a vast lagoon in the Baixo Vouga sub-region of Portugal. Dating back to the Romans, who called the place Aviarium (‘place of birds’), Alveiro prospered as a seaport in medieval times­. The Newfoundland cod-fishing grounds were discovered by Alverio’s João Afonso and salt from Alveiro’s salt pans was used to preserve the fish bacalhau, a feature ingredient in Portuguese cuisine. Later a storm blocked the mouth of the river Vouga making it inaccessible to sea-faring vessels and it wasn’t until the 19th century that Alveiro was reconnected to the sea via the Barra Canal, and its fortunes were reversed; the pastel-coloured Art Nouveau houses lining the canal are from this time. A ride on one of the traditional seaweed-gathering barcos moliceiros will give you the best views of the town and the São Jacinto Nature Reserve on the salt marshes. There’s a lively fish market and the 15th-century Convento de Jesus has a museum. For more information, see Alveiro municipal website.

Belgium

Top places to visit in Belgium

There’s so many more top things to do in Belgium than just chocolate, beer and mussels – as you’ll discover in this list of the top things to do in Belgium.

When looking for the top places to visit in Belgium, you will find the country is divided into two: The top half is Dutch-speaking Flanders (Flemish) while the bottom half is French-speaking Wallonia, with the officially bilingual capital of Brussels straddling the two regions. There are also a few German-speaking regions in the east. While this may seem complicated lingually, the cultural mix has created many tasty top Belgian foods and, best of all, the best Belgian desserts.

Besides language changes, it is otherwise easy to visit the top places in Belgium. Because it is a small country with excellent transport links, the best of Belgium’s tourist attractions are never too far away from Brussels, although make sure you avoid the top scams in Belgium and make note of Belgium’s emergency numbers and public holidays while travelling. The close proximity of all the top Belgian cities, however, makes Belgium perfect for weekend getaways and short-trips.

Belgium you will find is diverse, multicultural, historical and cosmopolitan, with a quirky underside that you can see in top Belgian festivals, especially carnival in Belgium, and the many myths of Manneken Pis, a small peeing statue that is a top Belgian attraction.

There are also spectacular sceneries in Belgium nestled with rustic small towns to explore; visit the forested region of The Ardennes for outdoor activities, or any of the coastal towns on the world’s longest tram line Kusstram. When your muscles get tired you can head to hot springs in Spa, the town from where we get today’s word. There are too many top places in Belgium to list them all, but here is a starting list of the best Belgium cities and an array of top things to do in Belgium.

Top things to do in Brussels

Belgium’s capital Brussels is filled with wonderful architecture, top museums, shops and restaurants – more than a dozen Michelin starred within five miles of the city centre. Brussels is a city where you can savour a coffee in one of the many terrace cafés in the main square, La Grand Place, surrounded by ornate 17th-century baroque townhouses, guild houses and a gothic Town Hall dating back to the 13th century. You can stroll around the luxury shops in the glass-roofed arcade Galeries St Hubert, wander the Royal Palace or visit the futuristic Atomium, built in 1958 to represent a molecule’s nine atoms, with exhibitions and panoramic views from the top. Brussels was also the centre of the 19th-century art movement Art Nouveau; you can houses – indeed, whole neighbourhoods – designed by Victor Horta and Paul Hankar. Tintin fans won’t want to miss the new Hergé Museum just outside Brussels in Louvaine-la-Neuve or Brussels’ comic book mural tour.

Bruges: the ‘Venice of the North’

Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) is only about an hour from Brussels but transports visitors to medieval times. Surrounded by an extensive network of canals, it’s been called the ‘Venice of the North’. Its historic centre is the best-preserved example of medieval Flanders and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chocolate lovers will enjoy exploring more than 50 chocolate shops in Bruges and a chocolate museum, while beer lovers have the De Halve Maan brewery. Culture fans can find the Flemish masters (including Brueghel) in the Groeninge Museum, as well as the Belfry and the Béguinages. Foodies might enjoy the bistro De Refter, from three-star Michelin chef Geert Van Hecke. You will also find lots of shops selling souvenirs of handmade lace – Bruges is famous for it.

Religious beauty in Tournai

One of the main reasons to visit the Walloon city of Tournai is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world and designated as an UNESCO World Heritage site. The five-towered Romanesque and early Gothic masterpiece was built during the 12th and 13th centuries and today houses the Shrine of Our Lady and work by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. If you have the energy to climb the 257 steps to the top of the Belfry, a free-standing bell tower, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views all around. Check out the Museum of Fine Art or enjoy a drink in one of the relaxed cafés in the Grand Place.

A theatre of tragedy and wars

Belgium has been location of war for both European and world wars. Visit Waterloo where, on 18 June 1815, Wellington defeated Napoleon. Today, you’ll find battlefield tours, Napoleon’s headquarters, a Wellington museum and a re-enactment every June. Flanders Fields was the setting for World War I, and there are many monuments, sites and cemeteries in the area centred around Ypres (Leper), where the Last Post continues to be played every day. One of the most famous battles of World War II, the ‘Battle of the Bulge‘, took place in the forested Ardennes region over the winter of 1944/5, near Bastogne. There are museums devoted to the Allied forces, a memorial to US soldiers who fell in battle and vast American military cemeteries.

Ghent

The Flemish city of Ghent (Gent) is a laidback university town with numerous cafes, restaurants and a cool vibe, all set against a backdrop of 13th-century Gothic churches, 17th-century canal-side houses and the commanding Gravensteen – the Castle of the Counts – which is a medieval fortress complete with battlements and torture chamber. You can wander around Ghent on foot or explore the city by boat. Don’t miss one of Northern Europe’s treasures: The famous polyptych (panel painting) of The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,painted in 1432 by Jan and Hubert van Eyck, hangs in St Bavo’s Cathedral.

Sparkling Antwerp

Antwerpen (in Dutch) in Flanders is Belgium’s creative city – and the diamond capital of the world. Back in the 16th and 17th centuries this is where Flemish artists Rubens and Van Dyke were working. You can visit Ruben’s house and studio at the Rubenhuis, and see his work and that of other Flemish artists in the city’s cathedral and the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten. Fashionistas may be already familiar with the Antwerp Six fashion designers, and won’t want to miss the Antwerp Fashion Museum (MOMU). The new Red Star Line Museum tells the fascinating story of the European emigrants’ journey to a new life in America. Don’t forget to sample the city’s famous jenever (gin) or even buy a diamond: more than 85 percent of the world’s rough, and 50 percent of cut, diamonds are traded here.

Chateaux and castles of Namur

Namur, in the French Wallonia part of Belgium, is castles central. The Castle of Veves is a fairy-tale, turreted edifice dating back to 1410, which overlooks the village of Celles and is still lived in by the original family. The Castle of Annevoie is an elegant chateau designed in the late half of the 18th century, with formal gardens filled with fountains, waterfalls and arbours. The Castle of Lavaux-Ste-Anne is an eccentric, moat-encircled series of domes containing three separate museums and a collection of stuffed animals. The Castle and Gardens of Freÿr, near Dinant, is aptly named after the Scandinavian goddess of beauty, and the house, gardens, 300-year-old orange trees and maze are just that.

The cultural capital of Liège

Liège is the cultural capital of Wallonia and situated on the Meuse River not far from Maastricht in the Netherlands. Emperor Charlemagne was born here and so was writer Georges Simenon, creator of the fictional detective Jules Maigret. Must-see sights include the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, the medieval collegiate churches, La Batte Sunday market (the biggest and oldest in Belgium) and the courtyards, stairways and orchards of the Coteaux de la Citadelle. Close by is the Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 racetrack.

Charleroi

Interested in photography? Then come to Charleroi. The biggest city in Wallonia is where you’ll find the largest Museum of Photography in Europe, situated in an old Carmelite monastery. It covers the history of photography from its inception up until today. Besides photography, there are many other must-see attractions in Charleroi, including the Glass Museum, the 17th-century Cartier Chateau and its estate, the Saint-Vierge-Marie Church, the Town Hall and its 300-year-old Sunday market.

Beer tourism in Belgium

You’ll find hearty and delicate beer brews all over Belgium. There are over more than 650 varieties, many brewed by Trappist monks. Kick off your beer tour in Brussels with a glass of non-malted wheat Lambic beer or Gueuze-Lambic (a blend of two or more Lambic beers with a champagne-like fizz). Then head south to Chimayand the Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey, where monks have been producing famous beer (and cheese) since 1862. You can walk off the beer in the nearby Hautes Fagnes (High Fens nature reserve). To the northwest is Dinant, on the banks of the river Meuse and the birthplace of the saxaphone, and the Maredsous Abbey, which produces blonde, brune and triple beers. Go southeast to Rochefort in the Val de Lesse, an area of forests, castles and caves and the Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy Abbey, where monks of the strict Cistercian order still brew their ‘6′, ‘8′ and ‘10′ high-fermentation beers.

Switzerland

Top 10 places to visit in Switzerland 

Whether you’re just visiting or moving to Switzerland, there are many top Swiss attractions. Visit these top 5 places in Switzerland to experience the best of Switzerland’s tourism.

Switzerland may be a small country but Switzerland’s tourism is anything but miniscule. Soaring Alps and glaciers dominate the top Swiss places to visit –  there are more than 200 peaks higher than 3,000m – alongside Switzerland’s bucolic countryside, ancient castles, clear turquoise lakes and breathtaking mountain peaks in every direction. The top Swiss foods make travelling around Switzerland a regional surprise, and once you learn the top Swiss fact, it’s easy to see this tiny country has a lot to offer.

To dive into Swiss tourism, you don’t have to travel too far and an excellent Swiss transport system makes it affordable to see the best places in Switzerland. The Swiss countryside, lakes and mountains are beautiful anytime of year, from snow-capped mountain peaks and ice-skating on lakes to hiking through green fields or celebrating the top Swiss festivals, Swiss carnival or national Swiss holidays.

Those who want to experience this European gem will have no shortage of finding places to visit in Switzerland, and will feel safe travelling in this low-crime rate country, although a list of Swiss emergency numbers is always handy. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland you have to see to experience the best of Switzlerland’s tourism.

1. Matterhorn, Zermatt

This pyramid shaped giant is arguably the most photographed mountain in the world and therefore, also Switzerland’s most famous Alpine peak and a top place to visit in Switzerland. The Matterhorn in Zermatt stands at 4,478 metres high and draws mountaineers from all corners of the globe eager to conquer its ascent – some even daring to reach its summit. Cable cars frequently zip through the mountain station in Zermatt, the highest cable car station in the Alps, and take skiiers and snowboarders to surrounding mountains during the winter and hikers in the summer.

2. Chateau de Chillon, Montreux

Located in the heart of the Swiss Riviera on the banks of Lake Geneva is Chillon Castle – the four-century old water fortress that served as the seat of the wealthy Counts of Savoy. Stroll by the lakeside or parade through its ancient halls where 14th century paintings, towers, subterranean vaults, bedrooms, weaponry and furniture have been kept preserved in their original form. Chateau de Chillon consists of 25 building and three courtyards and is accessible by boat, bus or foot from the town of Montreux. This is one of the most visited historic buildings in Switzerland and certainly a top place to visit in Switzerland.

3. The Jungfrau Region

The Jungfraujoch is an Alpine wonderland that has much to offer adventurers and those seeking a quieter retreat. The ‘big three’ – glacial monoliths Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger – tower over rolling green meadows and winding mountain paths, making for truly enchanting views that embody the best of Swiss tourism.

In its middle lies Interlaken, a rustic town that has become a popular starting point for travellers in the region. From there you can visit the Jungfrajoch’s highlights, such as the towns of Grindelwald, Murren, Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. Hike or take a scenic train trip to the peaks of Kleine Scheidegg, Grindelwald-First, Schynigge Platte or Schilthorn and treat yourself to panoramic views you won’t soon forget.

4. Swiss National Park, Zernez

Switzerland’s only national park is a spectacle not to be overlooked. A throwback to how the Alps was before it was touched by tourism, the Schweizerischer Nationalpark features 172 square kilometres of unspoilt scenery from snow-encrusted glaciers, verdant pastures, waterfalls and lush woodlands, making it a top place to see in Switzerland. A total of 21 hiking routes crawl through the park, giving visitors a chance to glimpse its magnificent flora and, if luck is on your side, perhaps even sight the rare golden eagles, chamois, ibexes and marmots that call it home. The park is easily accesible from Zernez, S-chanf and Scuol.

5. Lake Geneva and surrounding cities

Hugged by Geneva on the west and Lausanne on the east is Lake Geneva, a giant liquid basin that has been aptly called by the Celts ‘Lem an’ or ‘Large Water’. It’s now referred to as Lac Léman by the French-speaking Swiss who reside in the area, and the 582 square kilometre-lake is dotted with luxurious fairy-tale chateaus on its shores and stretches of hillside vineyards rise from the lake, giving a rare glimpse into the world of Swiss wines. Ferries, paddle streamers and boats paddle through its topaz waters daily.

The lake is a great starting point to explore Canton Vaud‘s wineries, Jura Mountains and Vaudoise Alps or the charming student city of Lausanne. Those seeking a more multicultural vibe can quickly hop to cosmopolitan Geneva, the centre of at least 200 international organisations and the United Nations. As the third biggest city in Switzerland, Geneva caters to a sophisticated crowd with elegant green spaces, enchanting museums and gourmet restaurants, yet maintains its grit with a lively alternative arts scene. One of the tallest fountains in the world, the Jet d’Eau, is Geneva’s postcard photo. Read about the prettiest Swiss towns within two hours of Geneva.

6. Lugano

Travelling to Lugano shows Switzerland in a different light. Bordering Italy in the south, the Italian influence is undeniable in the Ticino region, from the local language, romantic villas and rich cuisine up to the warm summers. Although a landlocked country, the weather in southern Switzerland is tinged by rushes of warm Mediterranean air. Lugano is flush with museums and a number of heritage sites housed in neoclassical palazzos (grand buildings). The city stands north of the gorgeous Lago di Lugano (Lake Lugano), an area frequented by celebrities which has been dubbed the ‘Monte Carlo of Switzerland.

7. Bern

Not many people know that the medieval city of Bern is Switzerland’s capital – but once you step on its narrow cobblestoned streets, all doubts are sure to vanish. History sings in every corner of this city, especially in its Old Town, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archaic towers loom over Bern’s sandstone facades, numerous fountains and entrenchments while arcades are filled with boutiques, bars, cafes and cabaret stages that are sometimes hidden within vaulted cellars. As the current seat of the Swiss parliament (Bundeshaus), Bern is one of the most well-preserved historical centres in Switzerland. It boasts a stunning botanical garden, a colourful weekly market and access to the River Aare and the Bear Park, where a family of bears – the city’s symbol – reside.

8. Lucerne

In the heart of Switzerland lies the lakeside city of Lucerne, another postcard-perfect town nestled among a mountainous panorama. Fortified towers, wooden bridges and timeworn churches festooned with antique frescoes have allowed the city to keep its traditional townscape, adding to the charm of this top place in Switzerland. Take pleasure in the thrilling views of the city proper and Lake Lucerne by riding up to the peak of neighbouring Mt Pilatus, Mt Rigi or the Stanserhorn.

9. The Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, is a bewitching natural wonder of Swiss tourism. At the northernmost part of Switzerland near the town of Schaffhausen, the mighty falls roar from a breadth of more than 150 metres. Visitors can watch the spectacle from several viewing decks while those bold enough can rent their own canoes and travel to nearby castles Schloss Laufen and Schloss Wörth. On Swiss National Day, 1 August, the Rheinfall flaunts a senational firework display that attracts flocks of tourists.

10. Zurich

As the cultural hub of Switzerland, Zurich is not one to cross of your list of top Swiss places to see. Unbeknown to many, behind Zurich’s metropolis, financial facade exists a pulsating nightlife with a contemporary edge. After all, Zurich hosts the Street Parade, one of Europe’s biggest annual rave parties.

While the city has kept some of its historical roots – evident in the emblematic guild houses, Grossmünster church, Swiss National Museum and Lindenhof square – regeneration is supreme in wealthy Zurich. Old heritage sites and factories have been repurposed and now serve as cultural spaces, joining more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries to see in Zurich. Known as one of the world’s most livable cities, Zurich offers everything you’d want for an urban escape, yet also the chance to reach rural, idyllic towns just a stone’s throw away. Read about the prettiest Swiss towns within two hours of Zurich.

Penang, Malaysia

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Penang is a place to relax, eat delicious food to the brink of misery, and appreciate Malaysia in a new way. Malaysians are quite proud of their large island — and they should be!

A legacy of immigration and colonization in Penang has produced what is arguably some of the best cuisine in all of Southeast Asia. Penang hawker food combines the best of Malay with influences from Chinese and Indian immigrants to produce mouthwatering creations.

Superb food is not the only indulgence on the island. You’ll find hip museums and art galleries along with plenty of other things to do in Penang. Georgetown may have some grubby edges, but it’s not only charming, it’s groovy.

Penang is easy to reach and is certainly among the top destinations in Malaysia.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Many travelers prefer Thailand’s pleasant northern capital over the hectic pace of life in Bangkok. Most of the tourist action happens within Chiang Mai’s Old City, where orange-robed monks from the many temples smile as they pass.

From numerous cultural festivals and sprawling night markets to mountain trekking and scores of beautiful temples, Chiang Mai attracts over a million visitors a year who just can’t wait to come back. Chiang Mai is certainly most popular among the top 10 places to visit in Thailand.

Pai, a riverside village only four hours north of Chiang Mai, is a bonus; you can visit both of them together as a “package.”

Although inflation is on the rise due to popularity (Bangkok is consistently one of the most visited cities in the world), a vacation in Thailand is still relatively inexpensive.