Beyond the beach resorts, glass-bottom-boat tours and canopy adventure parks lies the true Honduras.
The country’s mighty rivers, lush mountains, Mayan archaeological sites and Mesoamerican Barrier Reef beckon adventurous travelers worldwide. Honduras is a popular port of call for large cruise ships, and passengers often squeeze a handful of activities into an eight-hour window. Yet if you can, we recommend visiting Honduras on your own and take the time to experience all this wonderful Central American country has to offer.
Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Honduras.

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Head under the sea with (or without) an air tank
Many consider Honduras one of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. One of the country’s three principal Bay Islands, Roatán has many spectacular dive sites within Roatán Marine Park, designated waters in which coral and sea life are protected.
On an excursion with a dive shop like West Bay Divers, it’s not uncommon to spot sea turtles, eagle rays or plenty of tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter the elusive whale shark.
However, Roatán isn’t the only premier spot for diving in Honduras. The other two Bay Islands, Guanaja and Utila, along with the smaller Cayos Cochinos archipelago, also boast some of the best scuba dive sites in the world.
Utila is internationally known as a dive destination, both for its marine life and youth culture. At this enclave, backpackers seek to become certified PADI divemasters at dive hostels like Alton’s Dive Center.
Best places to visit in Honduras
Get wet on the Rio Cangrejal
The zip-line canopy tours at Gumbalimba Park in Roatán can give you thrills. But if you want to go on a truly immersive adventure, head to the El Naranjo region of the Cangrejal River valley on the mainland, about 10km (6 miles) from the city center of La Ceiba.
Here, you can take a wild whitewater rafting ride on the Rio Cangrejal through Class III–V rapids that churn from the boulders rising up from the river bed.
Long-running operation La Moskitia Ecoaventuras offers rafting excursions with experienced guides to navigate the course. Trips can also be organized through the Jungle River Lodge.
Another freshwater adventure is canyoning with the guides at Las Cascadas Lodge, who’ll lead you on a jungle hike up the river gorge to rappel down a series of waterfalls. While not for the faint of heart, the slow and meticulous 15m (50ft) descent on a rope as the force of falling water pounds your body offers a rush you won’t soon forget.

The majestic scarlet macaw is the national bird of Honduras © loeskieboom / iStockphoto / Getty Images

Go for a hike and do a little bird-watching
Bird nerds to flock to Honduras: it’s the convergence point of over 760 species of North American and South American bird species.
Bird-watching is especially promising in Honduras’ national parks, where hiking trails let you explore a bit when you’re not standing still with your eyes glued to binoculars.
But you don’t need to be an expert to get excited the wild toucans, hummingbirds and parrots you’ll spot on a rainforest hike through Pico Bonito National Park.
Cerro Azul Meámbar and Montaña de Santa Bárbara National Parks, on opposite sides of Lake Yojoa in the western interior, are also worthy bird-watching destinations with great hiking trails.
Seven species of motmots, along with chachalacas, flycatchers and woodcreepers, create a polyphonic soundtrack as you trek through the cloud forest to caves and waterfalls. Panacam Lodge is a good place to base yourself in the area. From here, bird experts lead hikes and inspire an appreciation of ornithology in even the most seemingly uninterested.
Whether you’re a die-hard spotter or not, Honduras’ national bird – the majestic scarlet macaw – is certain catch anyone’s eye. The chances of seeing one in the wild are high in and around the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve.
Rather than a national park, it’s a rehabilitation sanctuary for macaws, parrots, toucans, cassowaries and other feathered creatures.
Each June, those graduates of the scarlet macaw rehab program deemed independent enough to survive without human intervention are released into the wild during a grand, media-blitzed ceremony.

Copán is one of the best-preserved Mayan sites in Central America © Kevin Schafer / Getty Images

Channel your inner archaeologist in Copán
You may spot some scarlet macaws in the wild around the ruins of the Archaeological Park of Copán Ruinas, the site of a once-great Mayan city dating back to 300 CE.
Since this former settlement didn’t have much gold, the Spaniards’ pillaging in the 16th century wasn’t as horrendous as at other Mayan sites across the region. Accordingly, though the site is known for its “ruins,” it stands for its high state of preservation.
Up Copán’s famous hieroglyphic stairway, the longest-known Mayan text inscription depicts the stories of five Mayan kings. The staircase gained Unesco World Heritage status in 1980, joining the roster alongside Guatemala’s Tikal.
While the remains of Copán are in good condition, the red colors that once adorned its temples have faded.
To see Copán in all its former crimson-hued glory, head to the Sculpture Museum of Copán, just across the parking lot from the main entrance. The highlight is the imposing Rosalila Temple, reconstructed to look as it did centuries ago.
Admission to the park is L360, which doesn’t include a guide; written explanations are dotted throughout the site. Museum admission is separate from the park, at L170.

Shop for crafts made by local artisans in Tegucigalpa, Honduras’ capital © Quiony Navarro / EyeEm / Getty Images

Visit the cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula
Honduras’ two biggest cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula have less-than-stellar reputations when it comes to crime. Yet since they host the two principal airports in the country, a stopover may be inevitable. Consider spending more than just a night: if you keep your wits about you, you’ll actually find the pair of cities as safe as any major metropolis – and even filled with charm.
The capital city Tegucigalpa is the country's political hub, with government buildings and remnants of its Spanish colonial past. Most of the historical places of interest are in El Centro, the district surrounding the Plaza Morazán, named after the former Central American president (1830–39) immortalized in a statue at its center.
As you stroll among local families and a handful of tourists around this square, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the city’s Catholic Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel.
Nearby, there’s also the Centro de la Cultura Garinagu, where you can learn about Honduras’ Afro-Indigenous Garifuna community. Several interesting museums lie in the vicinity; if you only have time for one, make it Museo para la Identidad Nacional.
Wandering around, you’ll surely find vendors selling baleadas, the Honduran delicacy of a flour tortilla filled with variations of the traditional mix of refried beans, cream and cheese. Try one.
San Pedro Sula is the country’s industrial and commercial center. Like the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, tall letters spelling out the instantly recognizable brand Coca-Cola loom atop a towering green hill just east of the city.
From up there, you might be able to spot the other places worth checking out: Angeli Gardens, a cross between a botanical garden and an elegant restaurant; the main Cathedral of St Peter the Apostle at the Parque Central; and the Museo de Antropología e Historia, which offers exhibits on Honduras’ past.
Enjoy Honduras’ sparkling nightlife
Across the country, Hondurans bring on the own alcohol- and music-fueled party when the sun goes down. If you’re into craft beer, San Pedro Sula’s offerings include Cerveceria La20, featuring a chill taproom and outdoor beer garden; Alquimia Cervecera commands a crowd for its live music. For a night of dancing, head to Morena, an indoor/outdoor venue to eat, drink and meet young locals.
The capital city Tegucigalpa (known locally as “Tegus”) also has its share of nighttime hot spots. Head to Santé for live music that ranges from Coldplay covers to metal tribute bands. If the club vibe is more your scene, stop by the Vegas-inspired poolside DJ dance parties at Blu Bar, the rooftop venue of the Real Intercontinental Hotel.
While popular nighttime spots are spread out in the bigger cities, they’re more condensed – and therefore easy to hop between on foot – in smaller towns. La Ceiba’s nightlife is primarily in and around the waterfront area known as El Malecón, where bars are lined up next to each other.
At its eastern end is the popular beach bar La Casa del Jugar. If you’re daring enough, order their signature yet diabolical cocktail shot, Semen del Diablo. (Yes, the translation is exactly what you think it is).
In the Bay Islands, nightlife is concentrated on the main drags of town. In Roatán, head to West End Road, lined with one bar after the next. Sundowners and Blue Marlin are the go-to venues for live music, while pirate-themed Booty Bar has dance floors for DJ nights.
Utila’s main (and only) drag has a similar if younger vibe. If you’re looking to party like a college student, head to party bar Tranquila (sounds like “tequila”) or to La Cueva, which has a killer karaoke night that lasts until the wee hours of the morning.

Top 6 things to do in Honduras from scuba diving to exploring Mayan ruins

Many would say that when it comes to surfing, we live in a post-exploration era in which even the most remote, difficult-to-get to breaks hold at least whispers of others having visited before you.
And while some surfers mourn this loss of discovery, many more are celebrating the very compelling upside: more waves. The truth is that surfing is more democratic than ever. There may be less in the way of surf discovery, but we are in a golden era for surf travel.
In Lonely Planet's handy book, Epic Surf Breaks of the World , professional surfers, photographers and surf writers share what makes these top nine European surfing spots so special to them.

Surfing the big waves at Unstad, Lofoten Islands © golfer2015 / Getty Images / iStockphoto

Unstad Bay, Norway
Some surfers seek out bigger swells to test themselves. Surf photographer Chris Burkard preferred to journey beyond the Arctic Circle to the north of Norway. "My body screamed in pain as hot water from the shower rained down on me. I was trying desperately to get the feeling back in my hands. I later learned that re-warming is a slow process, and trying to speed that up can cause serious nerve damage. It is perhaps the most valuable thing I learned on that first trip – I have been back here three times since, and am almost always on the verge of frostbite when I visit. "Sitting out in the water there, I feel a deep sensation of just how small I am within nature. There’s so much beauty in the Lofotens, but there’s also mystery. These old rocks with their tiny, craggy bays, complex fjords and idyllic towns have hidden and protected some of the world’s hardiest men, women and children for the last couple of thousand years. "Here, a 6mm wetsuit isn’t much different than Viking battle armor. Because let’s be honest, when you enter that water in Unstad Bay, you are going to war."
Type of wave: Beach break, left and right point break.
Things to know: The average water temperature is around 12°F (-11°C) toward the end of summer, and 6°F (-14°C) in April. You’ll need a thick hooded wetsuit, boots and gloves (a 6/5mm in April). Between November and February, there is little daylight, but between mid-April and August you can surf almost 24/7.
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Thurso, Scotland
For British surf photographer Al Mackinnon, the barrels of Thurso, Scotland, were as elusive as Nessie. But since he first spotted them, he’s known exactly where – and when – to look. "A year or two later, I made the drive once again. This time things were markedly different. The first thing I noticed was that the bay was dead calm, like a millpond. I thought I’d been hoaxed once again. Then I noticed a bloke unsheathing a 7ft pintail made for riding big tubes, and another bloke waxing up a semi-gun. "The water at Holborn Head, the point behind Thurso where swells pass before arriving at the reef, turned dark. Soon there were lines discernible inside the bay. Then, an immaculately groomed set arrived, thick and moving at formidable speed. Each swell hit the reef and thundered down the line with incredible precision and ferocity. It was double overhead and, yes, barrelling all the way with thick, serrated lips. "That set and the ensuing two days of swell changed the course of my life. I may have already been on a trajectory toward melding my two greatest passions – waves and photography – but it was the perfection I witnessed at Thurso East that sealed the deal."
Type of wave: Right reef break.
Things to know: Surfing in Scotland has boomed in recent years, so don’t expect to have its premiere wave all to yourself. However, there is a plethora of waves around, some of them completely devoid of crowds.
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Checking out the waves at Hossegor © Jochen_Conrad / Getty Images / iStockphoto

La Gravière, France
Brendan Buckley visited Biarritz in France for crepes and café au lait. But after sampling Hossegor’s famous pounding beach break, he decided to move there for good. "Hossegor is the epicenter of wave riding on the European continent, hosting the entire spectrum of surfers: long-haired longboarders with groovy vans; performance-obsessed short boarders, who do jumping jacks in spring suits; old men who shred; little girls who shred. While Biarritz – the larger, more famous city, some 40 minutes to the south – also has some great surf, it doesn’t get the world-class waves of Hossegor. "All kinds of surfers make a pilgrimage to La Gravière, either to paddle out and take on the notoriously fast, barrelling beach break, or just to stare out at the bombs as they detonate so close to the sand it’s hard to imagine getting a few turns in. You’ve probably heard so much about ‘La Grav’ that you feel like you’ve seen it or surfed it even if you’ve never been to France. It’s a wave that surfers gravitate toward, regardless of what the reports tell them."
Type of wave: Barrelling beach break with rights and lefts.
Things to know: There’s a cliché about the waves in France: if you check the surf and it’s firing, you’re already too late. And it’s true. Tides are massive here and they can turn a wave on and off within an hour. Keep your options open and never be too stubborn to paddle down the beach.
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Staithes’ residents are hemmed in by cliffs on one side and wild seas on the other © Lukasz Pajor / Shutterstock

Staithes, England
Alf Alderson likes the fact that England’s best reef break is a little too far north for the masses. But as one of the UK’s greatest hits, most surfers eventually make the trip. "These days, surfers come from all over the UK for the three fast, powerful reef breaks that rear up here from the murky waters of the North Sea. Northerly groundswells that may well have traveled all the way from the Arctic grind ashore in Staithes after being funneled down and diverted shorewards. Occasionally, those waves then encounter prevailing offshore winds. And, presto, Staithes starts firing. "Most of my trips to Staithes unfold under a backdrop of sea and sky, blended in a grey-brown wash, an atmosphere where the thrill of anticipation is tempered by the somber scenery and the chilly waters. Regardless of the weather, something funny happens when a great wave comes along. Taking off on one of the bowly lefts that mark The Cove, feeling that weightless drop before hooning along the face and seeing the lip of a barrel unfurl in front of me, I feel
like I could be in Portugal."
Type of wave: Left-hand reef breaks on shallow reefs.
Things to know: The ideal equipment is a high-performance shortboard, or a semi-gun for bigger days. A minimum 5/4 mm wetsuit, or thicker for winter, is recommended, as are booties and a hood.
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Nazaré, Portugal
The sea has provided for the people of Nazaré, Portugal, for centuries, and the tradition continues with Big Wave tourism. Portuguese photographer Ricardo Bravo has witnessed this evolution. "In general, the beaches around here are considered to be best avoided. Most families from Nazaré make their living from fishing, and many have lost someone to these wild seas. Nazaré’s main village beach, Praia da Vila, was already considered extremely dangerous. Further north, Praia do Norte, where the swell often triples in size and power, seemed like a piece of hell on earth. "And as much as I admire those who come to ride Praia do Norte, it’s the ocean and its magnificent shapes that leave me awestruck every time I witness it break. In my years of traveling the world, I’ve never seen anything remotely similar to the waves of Nazaré: they are powerful, raw, unpredictable and frightening. Even if surfers manage to ride them for brief moments of glory, these giants will always be indomitable."
Type of wave: Right- and left-hand beach break, anything from 3ft to 50ft-plus.
Things to know: Nazaré has become one of the most famous big-wave surf spots in the world, and the best one for spectators. Even if you’ll never surf it, watching the show from the headland affords a rare view of big-wave surfing, and it’s worth the trip for spectating alone.
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A surfer rides a wave in Bundoran © David Soanes Photography / Getty Images

The Peak, Ireland
Ireland’s entire coastline is rich with rideable waves. Alf Alderson heads to Bundoran, where an unlikely but iconic surf town has sprung up beside some of the best swells in Europe. "Every time I surf in Ireland, and Bundoran in particular, it’s about far more than simply riding waves. The area’s wild, romantic landscape and rich culture are almost the polar opposite of the backdrop we’re used to on surf trips. My own visits to Bundoran also tend to include a trudge up the lower slopes of the 1500ft Benbulbin, which rises
like a fantastical monolith above the town. Looking around, it’s easy to see how the strange, melancholy atmosphere here has fuelled the country’s artists and poets over centuries. "From atop the hill, I stared out at the coastline of Sligo and Donegal, once again daydreaming about all the surf here. Ireland’s outline twists and turns like a scalded snake, and any surfer can immediately see how the country has some of the best and most varied waves in Europe. Flat days are rare here. I’ve always managed to find a wave, every visit, whether mellow rollers beyond the golden sands of Tullan Strand or challenging, head-high A-frames at my favorite spot, The Peak."
Type of wave: Left-hand reef break.
Things to know: A car is essential to make the most of the range of breaks here. Bring equipment for cold-water waves that range in size from knee-high to triple overhead.
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Surfer walking the beach at sunset © joyfull / Shutterstock

Mundaka, Spain
Some say Mundaka is Basque for "fickle". After years of visiting northern Spain, hoping for conditions to cooperate, Jake Howard finally scored. "For three years I’d been chasing Mundaka, and I still hadn’t had a proper surf here. Coming to town to cover the Billabong Pro, several times, I had yet to see the wave do its thing. Sure, a lot of world-class breaks are fickle – and that’s what makes many of them so magical – but Mundaka is beyond unpredictable. Because of the way it’s protected from the raw energy of the Atlantic, it requires a very specific swell angle. And that is precisely why so many surfers chase it. When it turns on, it’s a freight-train, top-to-bottom left-hand barrel that requires commitment. However, before any of that, the wave simply requires patience. "I was only in the water a few minutes before a large, rolling set came steaming through in the early dawn light. A few silhouetted figures splashed around me like jumping fish. I dodged the first two waves, perhaps not quite ready. But the third wave that came my way was the one. "I was up. Anxiety washed away, replaced by the thrill of flying down the line. The waves were indeed serious, and the session required my full attention. But Mundaka had finally let me in."
Type of wave: Left-hand, sand-bottom point break.
Things to know: Staying in position in the lineup is challenging. Enter through the harbor to insert yourself directly into the lineup. Once in unprotected waters, it’s like stepping onto an aquatic treadmill.
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Sennen Cove, Cornwall © tbradford / Getty Images

Sennen Cove, England
In the UK’s far west, Alex Wade found a home in a place where the landscape is raw and you never know who – or what – you might encounter in the lineup. "A 3ft green-blue wall heads straight for me. I take off, and just as I look along the face, there’s an explosive burst of grey, blue and silver, angling down the wave. It’s a dolphin, surfing the same wave. I trim to the left, standing, watching the dolphin ahead of me, letting the wave carry us both and wishing that this moment would last forever. "In 35 years of surfing, the best oceanic experiences of my life have happened in easy reach of my home in Cornwall. Sennen Cove is the mainland UK’s most westerly beach, a wild and magical place, pummelled by swell all year and with a setup that’s perfect for all types of surfers."
Type of wave: Beach break.
Things to know: As with all beach breaks, the rips will be strong on big days. Don’t try and park in the cove in the summer – it’ll be rammed. Instead, park in the field above the cove and walk down to the beach.
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Surfer in tube at Supertubos © Francisco Caravana / Getty Images

Supertubos, Portugal
Portugal’s heavy and unforgiving beach break is not the place to make mistakes. Stuart Butler found out the hard way. "The next wave was a little larger and angled slightly more to the north – it was heading straight for me. I turned, made two or three easy paddle strokes until I felt the wave pick me up. I dropped in and made one easy bottom turn as the wave stood tall. In front of me, the lip pitched – a rare invitation into the tube. Once on it, it was a surprisingly simple wave to ride. I don’t remember having to do anything but lean into it and enjoy the moment. Eventually, I was blasted cleanly out onto the shoulder. A smile wrapped around my face. "But as I turned to paddle back out, Supertubos was there to collect on what it had just given me. A new set came crashing down on top of me, ripping the board out of my hands. Then, I felt the familiar tug on my ankle. I had, once again, snapped my leash. No wonder the surf shops in Peniche are thriving."
Type of wave: Beach break, where the lefts tend to be better than the rights.
Things to know: Supertubos might be a beach break, but don’t underestimate how heavy it can get. Perfect conditions are not that common; closeouts are. Bring spare leashes. When it’s good, expect heavy crowds – and a talented local crew, who ensure they get the pick of the waves.
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Famed for golden beaches and picturesque cities, Portugal is less known for its hiking paths. This is good news for those looking to discover memorable trails far from the madding crowd.
The Iberian nation is packed with countless scenic routes, from clifftop journeys overlooking the crashing waves to craggy mountain trails in well-preserved parks and nature preserves. Hiking here is not only about enjoying panoramic views and spotting wildlife, stepping onto the trail can also take you back in time to traditional stone villages and along ancient routes once used by the Romans.

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In general, the best time to hike is in the spring and fall, although if you’re heading to the south, the winter doesn’t disappoint: you’ll have cool, but mostly pleasant days and enjoy a welcome lack of crowds wherever you go. Here’s a rundown of some of Portugal’s best hikes.

Hike up to Fóia peak, the highest point in the Algarve © EunikaSopotnicka / Getty Images

Via Algarviana
Best long-distance hike in the southern interior
186 miles (300km), 2–3 weeks, moderate
If you’ve had enough of lounging on one of the Algarve’s postcard-pretty beaches, a hike along part – or, if you’re really brave, all – of the 186-mile Via Algarviana is the best way to appreciate the magnificent landscapes of this region. The trail stretches from Alcoutim in the northeast to the Cabo de São Vicente in the southwest. Some of the most beautiful sections are around Monchique, where splendid vistas open up as you climb through cork groves to the Algarve's highest peaks.
For a two-day taster of the trail, stay in Monchique, walk up to Picota and back one day, and up to Fóia and back the next. Avoid high summer, when temperatures can be extreme and wildfires can pose a hazard.
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Best walk along sea cliffs
5.7km (3.5 miles) one-way, 2-3 hours, moderate
The central coast of the Algarve is the starting point for one of the loveliest seaside walks in the Iberian peninsula. Multi-colored rock formations, the scent of the salt-tinged air, and the sound of crashing waves all set the stage for an immersive hike along coastal cliffs. The light is most impressive in the early morning or late in the day, but in truth, there’s no bad time to go. Even if you go in the heat of the day, you can cool off at beaches along the way (or wait until lovely Praia da Marinha at the end of the trail).
Don’t miss key photo opportunities, like the Alfanzina lighthouse or the wind-carved arches jutting into the ocean at Praia da Mesquita. The walk also passes over the Benagil Caves, but if you want to see the spectacular interior, head down to Praia de Benagil where you can arrange a boat trip.

Hike from the beautiful Piódão Village to Foz d’Égua © Paulo Dias Photography / Getty Images

Piódão to Foz d’Égua Loop
Best village-to-village walk
6.8km (4.2 miles), 2 hours, moderate
A trip to the tiny village of Piódão takes you deep into the Serra de Açor (Goshawk Mountains), a remote range of vertiginous ridges, deeply cut valleys, rivers, and virgin woodland. The village itself is extremely atmospheric, set among steeply terraced slopes with its grey schist houses clinging to the verdant hills, but it can get busy with tourists.
To escape the crowds, and enjoy the serenity of this magnificent region, take the short signposted trail to the nearby village of Foz d’Égua, home to some lovely old stone bridges, schist houses, and a precarious-looking footbridge over the river gorge. You can loop back on a different path with magnificent views over the verdant landscape.
Paiva Walkways
Best river walk
8.7km (5.4 miles) one-way, 3 hours, moderate
Hidden in northern Portugal’s Aveiro region is one of Portugal’s best inland walks. The Passadiços do Paiva take you along a series of staircases and walkways that cling to the hillsides overlooking the gurgling Paiva River. Enjoy beautiful views over a rugged valley and plenty of opportunities to cool off, with three river beaches along the way. At the journey’s end (or beginning), you can make an optional visit to Ponte 516 Arouca, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
Preparation is essential for this walk. The walk happens in the Arouca Geopark, and you must have a (very reasonably priced) ticket to go on the walk. It’s easiest and cheapest to book this online. You’ll also need your own vehicle to reach the trailhead since there are no buses here as well as a firm idea of your itinerary. You can start in either Areinho or Espiunca, and take a taxi back to your starting point at the end. If you’re only planning to go one way, however, it’s less strenuous to begin in Areinho. If you’re planning to do a roundtrip hike then you should start in Espiunca and get the harder bits out of the way first.

Via Geira Roman Road
Best historical trail
4.3km (2.7 miles), 1-2 hours, easy
One of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês' unforgettable hiking experiences is the Via Geira, an ancient Roman road that once stretched nearly 200 miles between Braga and Astorga (Spain), and now has World Heritage status. The most beautiful stretch begins at Portela de Homem, where Roman milepost XXXIV still stands.
From the milepost, you can walk southwest, following the Rio Homem downhill through the beautiful Mata de Albergaria forest. This entire stretch is littered with Roman trail markers – some inscribed with the name of the emperor during whose rule they were erected.
Rocha da Pena circuit
Best off-the-beaten-path hike
6.6km (4.1 miles) round-trip, 2-3 hours, moderate
The Serra do Caldeirão's most worthwhile short walk is climbing this limestone escarpment via a well-signposted circuit. The area has 450 different plant species, including native daffodils and bee orchids. Among the birdlife you might see are the short-toed snake-eagle, Iberian green woodpecker, and Egyptian vulture. Don’t miss the optional detour up to Talefe, the highest point in the Rocha da Pena at 479m (1571ft), with mesmerizing views over the Algarve’s hinterlands.
Museums in Salir, Alte, and Querença stock a basic map-guide. Carry water and snacks (the only refreshment stops are small shop-cafes at the base and in Pena village) and heed seasonal forest fire warnings. The Rocha da Pena is also popular with rock climbers.

There is a coastal and an inland trail on the Rota Vicentina © Vitaly Fedotov / Shutterstock

Rota Vicentina
Best coastal walk in Portugal
226 to 263km (141 to 163 miles), 14 days each trail, moderate
The Rota Vicentina comprises two walking trails – one coastal and one inland – and runs along the southwest coast to Cabo de São Vincente. The coastal walk (better known as the Fishermen’s Trail) uses paths forged by beachgoers and fisherfolk and passes through some of Portugal’s most dramatic coastal scenery. The inland route (the Historical Way) is equally appealing, and passes through rural villages, cork-tree forests, and river valleys, with a scenic coastal section anchoring the southern end of the trail.
Both trails are made up of sections, and it’s rarely more than 25km (15.5 miles)  between villages, where you can lodge for the night (thus no need to bring camping gear). The Fishermen’s Trail has 13 sections, totaling 227km (141 miles), and the walk is slightly more difficult with some passages on dunes and thigh-burning sands. At times it runs along the cliffs, mostly single track, and only walkers are allowed. The longer Historical Way has 13 sections totaling 263km (163 miles). Trails are wider and the walk is generally easier; mountain bikes are permitted.

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An emerald shore receding behind, a sea breeze in your face, a dolphin surfing the bow wave as escort. The magic begins as soon as you board the ferry from Scotland’s rugged west coast and head for Scotland 's Hebrides islands.
This scattering of more than 50 inhabited and uninhabited islands, islets and skerries is like a world unto itself – thrillingly isolated, wind-battered, sea-smashed  and with a beauty that is off the charts. From the ragged mountains of Skye to the snow-white beaches and cerulean seas of Harris, the mysterious standing stones of Lewis to the whisky heaven of Islay, these islands lift spirits in every possible sense of the expression.

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Some of Europe’s most alluring beaches are on these Scottish islands (but you’ll need to be made of stern stuff to brave the waters and don’t expect to return home with a tan), while remoteness and underpopulation mean that wildlife displaced elsewhere still flourishes. You’re almost guaranteed to see seals and whales; otters, dolphins and porpoises are also regularly sighted.  Seabirds – gannets, fulmars, puffins and more – thrive on jagged coasts, and geese of various species often outnumber residents. That very same isolation – Edinburgh seems another world, and London is outside the Hebridean solar system – means that life has traditionally been a tough, self-reliant affair.
Visiting the Hebrides is about being outdoors. Throughout the islands, there’s great walking, from pacing the sublime sandy beaches of Barra, Tiree or Harris to tackling the rugged challenge of Skye’s Cuillin Hills or the Paps on Jura. To get out on the water, sea-kayaking is a great option on Barra, Skye and other islands. Bicycles are easily taken on ferries, though high winds can make for tough pedaling at times. So lace up the hiking boots, grab binoculars or a paddle, fortify yourself with a local dram and throw yourself into the wilds no matter what hand the weather deals you.

Islay is known for its spectacular scenery as well as the world's best whiskies © Draper White / Getty Images

Visit Islay & Jura to try some of the world’s best whiskies
Mellow, relaxed and so friendly that even passing strangers stop for a wee chat, Islay (‘eye-la’) is the home of several of the world’s best whiskies – many famed for their peatiness – whose names reverberate on the tongue like a pantheon of Celtic deities: Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Bowmore.
Wilder and more rugged, the adjacent island of Jura likes long, dark and low off the coast like a Viking longship and provides a tremendous hit of scenery, with its brooding twin hills, the Paps, providing habitat for an enormous deer population. The ferocious Corryvreckan whirlpool churns away at the north of the island, near where George Orwell wrote 1984. The author summed it up neatly as “a very un-get-at-able place”.
What to do
Top billing goes to the distilleries on Islay and Jura, which have whisky enthusiasts in raptures, among them Ardbeg, with its magnificent 10-year-old, Bowmore, which malts its own barley, Laphroig, where you can taste famously peaty whiskies, and the Isle of Jura Distillery. All welcome visitors and run tours and tastings. More expensive tours throw in more malts and take you further behind the scenes. It’s worth booking in advance online or by calling ahead.
Cracking seafood (langoustines and crabs fresh off the boat, hand-dived scallops, and tasty mussels and oysters), days spent roaming machair-fringed bays lapped by turquoise seas and brilliant wildlife watching (keep an eye out for grey seals, white-tailed sea eagles, barnacle geese and otters) ramp up Islay’s appeal beyond the dram. Hop on Islay Sea Safaris to spot all of Islay and Jura’s distilleries in a single day. Their customized tours from Port Ellen also include birdwatching trips and visits to Jura’s remote west coast and the Corryvreckan whirlpool, one of the most notorious tidal whirlpools in the world.

Whisky barrels stacked at the Bunnahabhain distillery with Jura misty in the background © Matt Gibson / Getty Images

Where to stay
Accommodation is like gold dust on Islay and Jura for the number of visitors they receive in spring and summer, so always book ahead. Get the best of Islay seafood and whisky, as well as seriously comfortable Victorian accommodation, at the Port Charlotte Hotel, or camp or stay in a self-catering cottage at Kintra Farm amid the dunes at the southern end of Laggan Bay.
How to get to Islay
Loganair flies up to three times daily from Glasgow to Islay, and Hebridean Air Services operates twice daily on Thursday from Oban to Colonsay and Islay. There are two ferry terminals: Port Askaig on the east coast, and Port Ellen in the south. Ferries are run by CalMac.
A car ferry shuttles between Port Askaig on Islay and Feolin on Jura. There is no direct car-ferry connection to the mainland. From April to September, Jura Passenger Ferry runs from Tayvallich on the mainland to Craighouse on Jura.
Islay & Jura might be for you if: You’re a fan of whisky and wilderness.
Islay & Jura might not be for you if: You’re looking for serious mountains.

Around only 170 residents permanently reside in Iona, Scotland © keithsutherland / Getty Images

Find mountain drama and holy marvels on Mull and Iona
All of the islands are ravishing, but Mull really hits the scenic high notes, with wild mountains and spectacularly eroded dropping abruptly to startlingly turquoise waters. From great crags of black basalt to blindingly white sands, this is an island for slowing the pace for a spell and wholeheartedly embracing nature.
Birds of prey glide above the highest peaks, otters can be spotted along the shore, while the west coast is good for watching whales, dolphins and porpoises. You’ll for sure see seals, too, both the Atlantic gray (look for its Roman nose) and the common seal (recognizable by its doggy face).
What do do
Mull’s characterful main town, Tobermory, is an instant heart-stealer, with its row of colorful houses, Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust spotlighting local marine life, bijou distillery, excellent restaurant serving sustainable seafood and good old-fashioned pub, near the pier on the harbourfront. Even here, the focus is on the wild outdoors, with hillwalking, whale-watching excursions and boat trips to weird Fingal’s Cave, a 60m-deep chasm of hexagonal pillars, on uninhabited Staffa.
If you’re up for more, you could clamber up 966m Ben More, Mull’s highest peak, and the only island Munro outside Skye, for stirring views out across the islands. Or grab your hiking boots for the adventurous eight-mile return stomp to the phenomenal rock formations of the Carsaig Arches at Malcom’s Point.
A five-minute ferry ride from Fionnphort on Mull, the holy island of Iona weaves its own spell. St Columba sailed from Ireland and landed here in 563, establishing a monastic community with the aim of Christianizing Scotland. Its scriptorium produced some of the most important illuminated manuscripts of the period, including, allegedly, the Book of Kells now in Dublin’s Trinity College. Dotted with majestic stone crosses and monastic ruins, this emerald teardrop of an island is now a place for solitude seekers and pilgrims. The heavily restored abbey is the island’s spiritual heart.
Where to stay
There’s plenty of charming places to stay on Mull, from back-to-nature campsites to B&Bs and luxurious small hotels. For something fancier, Highland Cottage in Tobermory is enchantingly intimate, with antique-filled rooms and a hearty welcome. On a working sheep croft at Iona’s northern tip, the Green Shed is lovely, with eco-friendly self-catering digs decorated with flair and upcycled furniture and riveting sea views.
How to get to Mull
CalMac has three car ferries that link Mull with the mainland: Oban to Craignure (the busiest route), Lochaline to Fishnish and  Tobermory to Kilchoan.
Mull & Iona might be for you if: You love wildlife, mountains and ancient abbeys.
Mull & Iona might not be for you if: You want to just rock up without booking ahead.

Hiking on a trail towards The Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish peninsula © Thomas Janisch / Getty Images

Getting a natural high on the Isle of Skye
The Vikings called it sky-a, or ‘cloud island’, in old Norse, alluding to the clouds that often hovered above the menacing Cuillin Hills, which entice hardcore hikers and mountaineers with some of Scotland’s gnarliest peaks and dizzying views. But even seen from ground level, the Isle of Skye is just stunning. An ethereal light squeezes through the clouds and bathes a rugged splendor that stretches across heather-brushed moors, glittering lochs and sea cliffs razoring above pounding surf.
Skye delivers the kind of big wilderness for which Scotland is so famous – and all neatly packaged into one island. But it’s no secret, so dodge the biggest crowds (and midges) by visiting in spring or autumn. That said, most visitors stick to Portree, Dunvegan and Trotternish – you can always find peace if you’re willing to venture further afield.
What to do
Bring your boots. Hikers are in their element with some of the roughest, toughest and most soul-stirring trails in the country. Ease yourself in gently on short hikes through the remote, boggy, loch-speckled, strikingly beautiful glens of Strath Mor, keeping an eye out for red deer and otters, or on moderately challenging ramble to the Old Man of Storr, an iconic pinnacle of crumbling basalt on the Trotternish Peninsula. Or throw yourself in at the deep end with a pulse-racing, nerve-jangling five-mile trek up 992m Sgùrr Alasdair, the loftiest peak in the Black Cuillin, where dark, fierce fangs of rock punch above the sea. Its summit has sensational views all the way to the isles of Rhum, Eigg and Canna. For rock climbers, the Inaccessible Pinnacle (In Pinn) is the Holy Grail. You might need a guide.
The secluded coves and sparkling sea lochs indenting Skye’s coast are best seen with your bum in a kayak and a paddle in your hand, some say. Whitewave Outdoor Centre and Skyak Adventures get you out on the water.
The outdoors is the big draw, for sure, but when the mist descends or the dreich weather blows in, there’s still plenty to do, from castles like mighty Dunvegan on the vast MacLeod Estate to the fascinating Skye Museum of Island Life, zooming in on the island’s crofting heritage, and jolly pubs where you can shelter from the drizzle with a pint.
Where to stay
Skye is insanely popular and accommodation is therefore plentiful, from camping and glamping to backpacker hostels and high-end hotels. Nevertheless, you should book ahead. Harborside Portree is Skye’s largest and liveliest town, with options ranging from simple, homely B&Bs to the luxe Cuillin Hills Hotel, with broad views out to sea and up to the mountains.
Housed in the old village school, Skyewalker Hostel in Minginish has a cool mix of rooms, glamping huts and a glass-domed outdoor seating area.
How to get to Skye
Skye became permanently tethered to the Scottish mainland when the Skye Bridge opened in 1995. The crossing is free. There are buses from Glasgow to Portree and Uig via Crianlarich, Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh, plus a service from Inverness to Portree.
Despite the bridge, there are still a couple of ferry links between Skye and the mainland. Ferries also operate from Uig on Skye to the Outer Hebrides. The CalMac ferry between Mallaig and Armadale is very popular on weekends and in July and August. The Glenelg–Skye Ferry runs a tiny vessel (six cars only) on the short Kylerhea to Glenelg crossing.
Skye might be for you if: You are mad about big mountains and hardcore hiking.
Skye might not be for you if: You want to totally escape the crowds.

Spot puffins and more wildlife on the Hebrides islands © Mark Caunt / Shutterstock

Give the world the slip in the Outer Hebrides
When the sun breaks through the clouds on Outer Hebrides (or Western Isles), illuminating the velvet pleats of mountains, bracken-cloaked moors and machair-draped dunes that drop to frost-white sands fizzing into a sea of exquisite turquoise, it’s like witnessing the dawn of creation. Far removed from civilization, there are times you will feel like the last soul on earth here, especially if you come in the hush of spring or autumn. Times when you will forget the century we live in, walking barefoot on mile-long beaches made afresh by the tides, looking for otter footprints, witnessing a fiery sunset after a storm, or foraging for cockles and mussels in rocky bays.
These glorious isles – some just wee specks of rock – are  isolated, windswept, treeless places that have traditionally subsisted on fishing, weaving and livestock, though renewable energy is increasingly big business. You’ll hear the gentle lilt of Scottish Gaelic everywhere here as it’s still a working language.
What to do in the Outer Hebrides
The principal island, its northern half called Lewis and its southern Harris, is a terrific starting point, with out-of-this-world coastal scenery, traditional turf-roofed blackhouses, lonely peat bogs dimpled with lochans and the famous Harris tweed.
Mountainous and virtually roadless, North Harris is the hiking dream. South Harris by turn beguiles with staggeringly lovely white-sand beaches like Luskentyre and Scarista, swirling into jade waters. They are all the more enchanting for often being deserted.
Heading to the far northern tip of Lewis brings you to the lighthouse-topped Butt of Lewis, battered by the North Atlantic. The hinterland is largely desolate peat moorland, glittering with lochans. The island is littered with mysterious prehistoric sites, most famously the late-Neolithic standing stones of Callanish, weighing in at some four and a half millennia, roughly contemporary with the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Dun Carloway, a 2000-year-old, dry-stone broch.
To the south, the lonely Uist islands are prime nature-watching territory and connected by a causeway, while little Barra offers memorable sea-kayaking and the chance to watch the Glasgow flight land on the beach.
Where to stay on the Outer Hebrides
Given how remote they are, there’s a surprisingly great assortment of places to stay in the  Outer Hebrides, from basic campsites and hostels to B&Bs, sleek, architect-designed hotels and eco-friendly beach houses. A lot of accommodation swings with the seasons, closing down during the dark, rainy months from October to March. For hostels with a dash of history and incredible views, check out the Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust. Or if you fancy staying in a conserved village of traditional blackhouses on the Isle of Lewis, with the crashing Atlantic as your wake-up call, try Gearrannan Holiday Cottages.
How to get to the Outer Hebrides
Loganair flights operate to Stornoway from Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow. There are also flights (weekdays only) between Stornoway and Benbecula. There are daily Loganair flights from Glasgow to Barra, and from Monday to Saturday to Benbecula. At Barra, the planes land on the hard-sand beach at low tide, so the schedule depends on the tides.
There are two or three CalMac ferries a day to Stornoway, one or two a day to Tarbert and Lochmaddy, and one a day to Castlebay and Lochboisdale (always weather permitting – it can get wild out here!).
The Outer Hebrides might be for you if: You love wild scenery, beaches and prehistory.
The Outer Hebrides might not be for you if: You want more action – it’s remote and quiet here.

The ultimate guide to Scotland's magical Hebrides islands

The number of visitors to small, ravishingly beautiful Iceland is soaring – but this small country wasn't always so packed with tourists, and there are many important things to be aware of ahead of your visit.
Sensible travelers will want to minimize their impact on the pristine environment and be considerate of local etiquette. In these wild landscapes, small errors can lead to life-threatening situations for both the visitor and the search and rescue operations mounted to save them. This handy guide can help first-time visitors avoid social embarrassments, travel responsibly and have a safe and informed trip.
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Keep your impact on Iceland's natural wonders low with these top tips © Ondrej Senk / Shutterstock

Understand the impact of tourism on Iceland
Iceland has a population of around 366,000. Before travelers started arriving in droves (with numbers that topped 2 million per year pre-pandemic), most Icelandic sights, from thundering waterfall Skógafoss and basalt beach Reynisfjara to the wild interiors at Landmannalaugar & Þórsmörk, had no need for big car parks, safety placards or hordes of park rangers. Developing an infrastructure that can cope with its appreciative new visitors while maintaining the untouched feeling of one of the world’s most unique landscapes has been a major challenge for Iceland.
Use common sense
Some tourists have been a little foolish in Iceland's incredible landscapes. We've seen visitors stroll onto the Sólheimajökull glacier in sneakers and light jackets, a family attempting to drive across Langjökull glacier in a small SUV, a teenager jumping into 2°C (35°F) waters at Þingvellir National Park on a dare, and tourists being sucked into the waves at black-sand Djúpalónssandur beach.
Though Iceland’s dramatic terrain is perilous, you may find no safety rails beside cliff edges, and no ropes alongside plummeting waterfalls. Icelanders would prefer not to mar their beauty with obvious signs or railings, and count on people to be smart. And if there are signs or barriers, heed them.

Don't go hiking without good quality gear © Song_about_summer / Shutterstock

Dress appropriately for hikes and pack proper outdoors gear
Bring good maps, appropriate gear, plus, you’ve heard it before: common sense. Consult a proper hiking or cold-weather packing list. Consider: if you have no access to a car or building, would you be warm and dry enough in what you were wearing? No hiking in jeans, no climbing on glaciers without proper guidance, no fording rivers in subcompact cars, no camping without hardcore waterproof tents. Then just relax and enjoy all that beauty, no fear required.
Being prepared can open up great wilderness areas such as the Westfjords’ beautiful Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, known for its Arctic foxes, spectacular birding cliffs and unspoiled hiking and camping.
If you need additional equipment once in Iceland, Reykjavík has a bevy of suppliers for gear purchase or rental, including Fjallakofinn.

Weather conditions can change rapidly with little warning © Andrew Mayovskyy / Shutterstock

Plan ahead when hitting the road or the hiking trails
Having your own wheels in Iceland is a wonderful treat: it allows you to roam the grand countryside at your leisure. Always prepare before setting out: investigate driving times and road conditions (via the Icelandic Road Administration), weather forecasts, safety issues and if you’re hiking, trail conditions and requirements. Ask locals, who will know the tricks and troubles of each place. Then listen. Plan an itinerary that’s realistic for you. You don’t want to be caught on a hillside in fog or sleet (whether on foot or in your car) with no food and water and no idea how to get back to humankind.
Safe Travel is a site run by ICE-SAR (Icelandic Search & Rescue), with travel and weather alerts and information, a smartphone app (useful in emergencies) and procedures for filing a travel plan.
Another good information source is Ferðafélag Íslands (the Icelandic Touring Association) which runs many huts, campgrounds and hiking trails.

Do not drive off-road
Never drive off-road. It’s illegal and incredibly damaging to the fragile environment. Cavalier tourists leave tracks where they’ve flouted the rule, and those tracks entice others to do the same. Even with a 4WD, stick to marked roads.
Always shower with soap before taking a dip in hot springs
Part of the unique gift of Iceland’s volcanic landscape are the excellent natural hot springs you’ll find, from the town center to the fjord side. It’s practically a national pastime to hit the local hotpot, soak and gossip. It is, however, an absolute mandatory hygiene and etiquette rule to wash thoroughly with soap before donning your swimsuit to enter the hot springs and pools. Most pools are untreated with chemicals, so cleanliness is a real factor. Whether you’re at the famous Blue Lagoon, or the remote Krossneslaug, there’s no quicker way to disgust an Icelander than to jump in dirty. You should also take your shoes off and put them on the rack provided as you enter the changing room.

Travel to more adventurous, potentially dangerous places with an official tour company © Jeremie Richard/AFP via Getty Images

Take a tour of the more remote or dangerous landscapes
Iceland’s tour operators are a professional and knowledgeable bunch and can get you out into rugged country via super-Jeep, amphibious bus, snowmobile, helicopter and more. Going on a tour can offer insights and guidance through dangerous landscapes you shouldn’t be tackling alone.
When driving, stick to appropriate roads
Know which roads are accessible in the type of vehicle you're driving. Beyond Iceland’s main Ring Road (Route 1), fingers of sealed road or gravel stretch out to most communities, until you reach the F Roads, bumpy tracks only passable by 4WD. F roads are truly unsafe for small cars. If you travel on them in a hired 2WD you invalidate your insurance. Steer clear, hire a 4WD or take a 4WD bus or super-Jeep tour. Similarly, trying to ford a river in a 2WD vehicle or low-slung 4WD is asking for trouble.

Avoid caves without the proper gear and a guide © Jane Rix / Shutterstock

Travel responsibly and sustainably
Remember the basics of responsible travel: don’t litter, reduce your footprint, leave places better than you found them and protect wild animals and natural flora. This applies to popular sights like the Golden Circle as well as the wild interior where it’s just you, the glaciers and volcanoes. Check out Nature.is for tips on sustainable travel in Iceland.
Appreciate the open-minded creativity of Icelanders
Icelanders are a generally hardy and open-minded group with a dry but vibrant sense of humor. They tend to speak impeccable English and are game for a chat, or to tell you about their favorite places to go. Respecting local etiquette and laws (along with not whingeing about the weather, or how hard it is to get to the natural wonders) will go a long way in endearing you to them, and open opportunities for local connections.
They are also broad in their curiosities – it seems like half of Icelanders are in a band, or making some sort of art or craft. They’re used to thinking big and having fun. Get out there and join them.

Check the weather ahead of time as conditions in the Icelandic backcountry can change quickly © Maridav / Shutterstock

Take the weather seriously
You may encounter bus tours and droves of visitors in popular places, but Icelandic weather is highly volatile, no matter where you are. A sunny day can quickly turn to snow flurries, and the stakes get even higher as you head into the true wilds. Never underestimate the weather – plan ahead with forecasts from the Icelandic Met Office.
Remove your shoes indoors
Icelanders often remove their shoes when they head inside. Pack flip-flops or slippers for indoors.
Drink the tap water
It’s pure and wonderful; Icelanders will look at you askance if you ask for bottled water.

13 things you need to know before you go to Iceland

Shoehorned in the extreme northwest of the contiguous US, Washington has hiking ingrained in its DNA.

Herein lies the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail (part of the "Triple Crown" of US hiking), the headquarters of the American Alpine Institute, and three pioneering national parks : iconic Mt Rainier, the primeval Olympic peninsula, and the lonesome mini-Alaska of the North Cascades.

When you’re done pacing the state’s saw-toothed mountains and rain-soaked forests, you can stroll the less threatening fields and hedgerows of the bucolic San Juan Islands, or warm down on the pleasantly paved (and accessible) Burke-Gilman trail in urban Seattle. Be introduced to the beauty of the aptly named "Evergreen State" with this hiking guide.

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The Wonderland Trail is a challenging multi-day hike

93-mile loop, 10–12 days, hard

Backcountry endurance athletes will love the Wonderland Trail, Mt Rainier's classic long-distance hike, a 93-mile pilgrimage which completely circumnavigates the mountain and logs a cumulative elevation gain of 21,400ft. Conceived in 1915, the trail is well-marked and completed by between 200 and 250 hikers a year. Incorporating multiple ecosystems into its course, it reveals captivating vistas of Rainier and its 25 glaciers from every angle.

Longmire near Mt Rainier national park’s Nisqually entrance is the most popular starting point for the multi-day extravaganza. The majority of hikers tackle the route in a clockwise direction in July or August after the snow has melted, and the mountain’s famous wildflowers are in bloom. There are 18 backcountry campsites en route.

The Enchanted Valley Trail is the best hike for wildlife-spotting

27 miles round-trip, 2 days, easy

Billed as one of the easiest and downright charming ways to delve into the roadless interior of Olympic National Park, this gentle, easy-to-follow trail stretches for 13.5 miles from the Graves Creek trailhead to a large riverside meadow, the site of a handsomely mildewed wooden cabin dating from the 1930s. Much of the early miles are through a wooded valley studded with magnificent old growth trees and bisected by the gurgling Quinault River. After passing the O’Neil Creek campsite, the trees slowly thin out to reveal sheer cliff faces and peaks rising 2000ft from the valley floor. During the spring snowmelt, the precipice is drizzled by innumerable waterfalls (locals claim there are 10,000!), while the valley is decorated with a rich rainbow of wildflowers. You can camp by the enchanting but closed-to-public cabin before hiking back the way you came. Berry-seeking bears, shy deer and herds of elk are common in these parts.

Ozette Triangle Trail is the best beach hike

9.2-mile loop, 5 hours, moderate

The northern half of Washington state is characterized by its wild, storm-lashed beaches, many of them protected within Olympic National Park. For a taste of this remote, elemental coast, come to Lake Ozette, 31 miles southwest of the town of Clallam Bay. Its the location of a 2000-year-old Ozette-Makah village uncovered during a Pacific storm in 1970 (most of the archaeological site was backfilled in the 1980s).

From the lake you can follow the 3.3-mile Cape Alava Trail to the westernmost point of land in the Lower 48. The trail, much of it across a raised boardwalk, delivers you to a rocky weather-beaten beach speckled with islets and sea stacks. Turn south here and – tide permitting – traverse the beach for three miles. Rocks, sand and fallen trees make it tough going (check tide charts in advance) but, halfway along, you’ll stumble upon the Wedding Rocks, the most significant group of petroglyphs on the Olympic Peninsula.

Loop back to the Lake Ozette trailhead by following the well-marked Sand Point Trail that plunges inland from the beach completing an almost perfect triangle.

Cascade Pass to Stehekin Valley is a hike to an off-the-grid village

23 miles point-to-point, 2 days, hard

Bereft of road connections to the outside world, the remote Cascadian village of Stehekin is reachable only by boat or seaplane or – if you’re up for a bold backcountry adventure – on foot. Three main trails head south off Hwy 20 to converge on the isolated community. The quickest and most spectacular is the 23-mile hike over Cascade Pass (reached via a steep 3.7-mile climb from the Cascade River Rd) that follows the route of a former Native American trading path switching back to the 5392ft subalpine saddle. The area is the current focus of a national park revegetation effort.

After ascending to the pass, the path continues down the other side into the Stehekin River Valley where it joins briefly with the Pacific Crest Trail before descending to High Bridge, from where you can catch a three-times-daily shuttle bus for the last 11 miles into Stehekin. Numerous backcountry campsites are available en route.

Desolation Trail is a great route for literary enthusiasts

7.9 miles round-trip, 7 hours, hard

Loaded with historical and literary significance, the Desolation Trail up to Desolation Peak (6102ft) in the North Cascades takes you to a historic fire lookout, built in 1933, which was the one-time refuge of American Beat writer Jack Kerouac who worked as a watchman at this remote spot during the summer of 1956. The shortest ascent to the lookout from Ross Lake follows a steep, strenuous trail that gains 4475ft in less than four miles. The reward is stunning vistas of the twin peaks of Hozameen and, perhaps, echoes of the literary inspiration that prompted Kerouac to write Desolation Angels and The Dharma Bums.

To complete the hike in a day you'll need to catch a water taxi from Ross Lake to a trailhead on the lake’s upper eastern shore. Alternatively, the peak can be hiked via a longer 43-mile round-trip route starting from a trailhead at milepost 138 on Hwy 20.

Chain Lakes Loop has the best moutain views

7.1-mile loop, 4 hours, moderate

If you’ve grown tired of climbing through thick forests to peek-a-boo viewpoints, this hike will save you some of the grunt work. Set in a high alpine nirvana amid the lake-scattered bowls and slopes of Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan, the Chain Lakes Loop starts at Artist Point (5100ft), at the end the Mt Baker Hwy, enabling you to get above the treeline by car. Beware, snow can keep the road closed until early July.

The hike itself follows a moderate, well-trafficked route that’s spectacular from start to finish. From the parking lot, it traverses the lava walls of Table Mountain before dropping down to pass a half-dozen icy lakes surrounded by huckleberry meadows. Iceberg, Hayes, and Bagley lakes all unveil their glassy beauty. In the background, you’re treated to intermittent snapshots of Mt Shuksan (9131ft), the peak that launched a thousand calendar spreads, and Mt Baker (10,781ft), northwestern Washington’s omnipresent sentinel and one of the snowiest places on earth.

After passing the Heather Meadows Visitor Center take the Wild Goose Trail back to Artist Point.

Dog Mountain Trail is the best hike for wildflowers

7.2 miles round-trip, 5 hours, hard

The toast of all Columbia Gorge hikes is a steep 3.8-mile climb up Dog Mountain, the best place in southern Washington for late-spring wildflowers. The uphill is unrelenting, but it ends in open fields full of balsamroot, paintbrush, lupine, and more, framed by sweeping views over the mighty Columbia River, as wide as a lake at this point in its course. Oregon occupies the opposite bank and various Cascade volcanoes flash their brilliance in the distance.

The hike operates a permit system in the spring months to minimize crowds. Book online.

Bluff Trail is a good hike to do as a family

5.6-mile loop, 2 hours, easy

If your knees aren’t up to mountain scrambles or bushwhacking through Washington’s backcountry, try this bucolic stroll through a National Historical Reserve where the elevation change is minimal, and the wildest animal you’re likely to see is a frightened rabbit. Welcome to Ebey's Landing, a 17,000-acre patchwork of working farms, historic blockhouses, and coastal bluffs spread across two state parks on the western shores of Whidbey Island, 30 miles north of Seattle.

The reserve’s best walk, the Bluff Trail, departs from the Sunnyside Cemetery just outside the historic town of Coupeville near the island’s narrowest point. The white hump of Mt Baker dominates the eastern horizon and the peaks of the Olympics march away to the west as you head through wheat fields to a coastal bluff where the trail loops past wind-contorted trees and flower-covered slopes. Zigzagging down to a beach backed by a lagoon, the path doubles back on a parallel route to the start. Interpretive boards, wildfowl, and marine ecosystems provide distractions en route.

Ape Cave is a great subterranean hike

3 miles round-trip, 2 hours, moderate

Tucked away in forest on the southern side of Mt St Helens, Ape Cave is a two-mile-long lava tube – the longest in the western hemisphere - formed around 2000 years ago in one of the volcano’s earlier eruptions.

It offers the opportunity to partake in an unguided cave walk up to 1.5 miles in length (although there’s a shorter 0.8-mile option) and digest a bit of the area’s volcanic history in the process. Interpretive boards explain the basic geology and forest rangers lead guided walks in summer. Bring good footwear, several torches/flashlights, and a jacket (it gets cold even in summer).

Stairs aid entry to the cave but, once inside, passages are narrow and there are several lava-falls that must be climbed over, including one that’s 8ft tall. From the upper entrance, a forest path meanders 1.5 miles back to the parking area. A permit system has been introduced to enter the cave so book online before your visit.

Skyline Trail is the best route for glacier viewing

6.2-mile loop, 3.5 hours, moderate

Starting behind the historic Paradise Inn perched at 5400ft on the southern slopes of Mt Rainier, this gorgeous loop climbs approximately 1900ft taking in the lofty lookout of Panorama Point, with superb views of both Mt Rainier (in close-up) and the more distant Tatoosh Range. Best done clockwise, the circuit incorporates glacier views, above-the-treeline paths patrolled by whistling marmots, and expansive flower meadows replete with lupine, paintbrush, asters, and bistort. Late July and early August is peak wildflower season and the best (but busiest) time to visit. Pick up a trail map at the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center next to the Inn. Due to its famed beauty, the trail is well signposted and trafficked. There are a couple of opportunities to cut corners and make the loop shorter.

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Once considered the edge of the world, the Canary Islands stood where the Old World map ended before European explorers "discovered" civilization on the other side of the storm-tossed Atlantic.
These days the islands are very much on the vacation map, with their distinctive culture and one-of-a-kind landscapes ranging from glittering black-sand beaches to snow-capped volcanic peaks. Tenerife is the biggest and best-known of the bunch, but even this island has secret places for those who are willing to dodge the crowds and go the extra mile.
Venture beyond the crowded beach resorts in the south, the island's famous water park or the well-trodden hikes and trails to find a hidden Tenerife filled with more secluded spots where you can slip into the relaxed swing of Canarian life. It's an ideal destination to disconnect and enjoy the great, remote outdoors. Here's a handy guide to the best of secret Tenerife beyond the crowds.

Tenerife has dozens of beautiful beaches for watersports and soaking up the sun © Vanessa Nunes / Getty Images

Secluded beaches of Tenerife
The south coast beaches like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos thrum with beach-goers, but those in the know go north instead for a slice of proper coastal wilderness and fewer crowds. Some of the best northern beaches are terrifically secluded, so much so that you can only reach them on foot or by boat.
Getting to back-to-nature Playa de Antequera in the northeast, which some locals consider the best beach on the island, doesn’t come easy. It requires a two- to three-hour hike – or a shorter boat rental – from the town of Igueste de San Andrés. However, it’s worth the effort to lounge on its pristine sands, surrounded by cave-pitted cliffs and rock formations.
If you’re less inclined to hike, head to cliff-wrapped Playa de Benijo in the foothills of the Anaga Mountains, or Playa de las Gaviotas, a gorgeous scoop of dark sand below rugged cliffs, both of which are a tad busier because they accessible by car and shorter footpaths. Both have views of impressive volcanic rock formations and – if you’re inclined – are clothing optional.
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The serenity of Tenerife's Teide volcano at dusk © Andrea Comi / Getty Images

Top of Mt Teide
Mt Teide isn’t exactly hidden: popping up above the lava-sculpted moonscape of the national park, it's Spain’s tallest peak and the third highest volcano in the world at 3715m (12,188ft). Its eruption millions of years ago contributed to the creation of Tenerife and is now one of the island’s biggest pulls. Most head up the easy way – via cable car – but you can stray away from the crowds and trek up on foot.
It’s a tough five- to six-hour hike from the cable car base station to La Rambleta at 3555m (11,633ft). The area surrounding the upper station is just 150m (500ft) short of the true Pico del Teide. Plan ahead and obtain a permit to go beyond this point and trek up to the crater summit, another strenuous hour on foot round-trip. You’ll be glad you decided to stand on the rooftop of Spain as, giddy with elation and short of breath, you take in views that sweep across the lunar valley and beyond to the islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro glimmering across the Atlantic.
If you don't want to hike up Mt Teide, easier walks dip into Parque Nacional del Teide. You’ll find parking areas to its otherworldly volcanic trails along TF-21 – the one road at the base of the peak – including those around the bizarre Roques de Garcia and Las Minas de San Jose.
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Punta de Teno
Flicking out into the Atlantic in the northwest, Punta de Teno is a small peninsula jutting into the Atlantic that's wild and wondrous, with waves hammering a dark-sand beach, mountains rising sheer and rugged in the backdrop and a lighthouse blinking out into the expansive ocean. This scenic promontory was once overrun with visitors, but the Canarian government has placed limits on visitor numbers to curb the masses and to preserve the fragile environment.
But that doesn’t mean it’s completely off limits. Restricted car access during the day means it is now largely uncrowded, and you can visit on foot or by bike or public bus. The Teno Lighthouse, built in 1893, has phenomenal views of the west coast cliffs of Los Gigantes, soaring above a wave-lashed sea. Sunset is primetime viewing.
For a leap into cool, inky sapphire waters and a ramble into the caves, check out La Ballenita beach.

Enjoy a unique view of the Los Gigantes cliffs on a kayak © Erik R Trinidad / Lonely Planet

Masca Bay and the coast of Los Gigantes
Dangling precariously off a cliff, the astonishingly lovely mountain village of Masca is popular among day-trippers and with good reason – it’s a knockout. Some say the town is Tenerife’s answer to Peru’s Machu Picchu because it is flanked by a tall Huayna Picchu–esque mound, just like the Incan citadel.
Many people drop in to stroll Masca’s main drag of cafes and souvenir stores, but the real magic lies in the hike through Barranco de Masca, a tough six-hour round-trip trudge over stream, through orchard and past mighty walls of vertical rock to the sea. If you want to trim the walk a bit, time it so you can hop on a boat from the bay to the lofty cliffs of Los Gigantes. It will save your legs and also give you a sneak peek at some of the most memorable coast-scapes on the island. Kayak tours, which paddle along the coast of Los Gigantes, can be arranged in the nearby port town of Santiago del Teide, at the Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes.
If this sounds too exerting, join one of the boat tours departing from the port of Santiago del Teide, which stops at calm coves in Masca Bay where you can take a quick dip. Along the way, you’ll likely be joined by pods of short-finned pilot whales. One of the world’s largest colonies dwells in these waters between Tenerife and neighboring La Gomera.

You might feel alone in Anaga Rural Park but there's wildlife everywhere © AlenaPaulus / Getty Images

Anaga Rural Park
Tenerife’s appeal goes way beyond the obvious allure of its beaches and volcanoes. The north is a Darwinian wonderland of rare wildlife, shaggy mountains, craggy cliffs and ancient woodlands from the elevated pine forest on Monte de Esperanza to Parque Rural de Anaga, which encompasses much of the island’s northeast.
This vast mountainous area bubbled up from the seabed some nine million years ago and has evolved into a nature reserve so unique that it was given UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2016. Among the twisted, lichen-swathed trunks of ancient laurisilva (laurel forest), scientists have recorded 1900 species, including reptiles, birds, fish and invertebrates.
A popular trek through Anaga Rural Park begins at the visitor center in Cruz del Carmen, on the TF-12 road, and wends down the trail to the coastal hamlet of Taganana for a dip in the ocean. The park is crisscrossed with incredible trails, which vary in length and difficulty. For something more gentle and accessible, Sendero de Los Sentidos (Footpath of the Senses) is a network of three easy nature walks from the visitor center.

Where to avoid the crowds in Tenerife

There are few sights as awe-inspiring as the night sky, with the cloudy band of the Milky Way and the planets shining overhead.
While most people travel for daytime sightseeing or adventure experiences, there are plenty of reasons to plan extra time into your vacation to enjoy stargazing in the US when the skies are clear, particularly during this year's Perseid meteor shower, which has just begun and will reach its peak during the predawn hours of August 11-13. After all, according to NASA, it's "considered the best meteor shower of the year."
The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) works with destinations around the world to certify the quality of their dark skies—and provides different levels of designation for the size and quality of darkness you’ll experience. All of these parks are certified dark sky places by the IDA and are great places to catch the meteor shower or any other celestial show. Based on what else drives you to explore the world, here’s how to choose the best one for you.

At a lookout point in the Grand Canyon National Park with the Milky Way overhead © CARLOS FERNANDEZ / Getty Images

Best for hiking: The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Hiking along the rim of the Grand Canyon, or down in its depths, is a bucket-list-worthy adventure. It’s home to a variety of trails you can enjoy during the day, and once the sun sets you can spend your evenings attending organized astronomy events. There’s usually a variety of ranger talks, constellation tours, and star parties where local astronomers bring their telescopes to set up at the visitor centers on the north and south rim.
How to visit: There are three campgrounds, an RV campground and a wide variety of accommodations available near both the north rim and south rim of the Grand Canyon. Reservations are required at least several weeks in advance.
Ask LP: Where are the world's best places for star gazing?

Families will love the camping at Cherry Springs State Park under the Milky Way © Michael Ver Sprill / Lonely Planet

Best for families: Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
If young members of your family are interested in the night sky, Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, Pennsylvania is a great option. This state park is small at just 1.7 square miles but represents one of the best pockets of darkness near the east coast. It plays host to multiple programs on weekend nights when park educators or guest speakers introduce the wonders of the night sky and natural world at night to all ages.
How to visit: Cherry Springs is about 4 hours from Pittsburgh or 4.5 hours from Philadelphia. During the summer months, you can camp overnight at one of 30 sites in the park, but they fill up fast so make your reservation online before you go.
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Rainbow Bridge National Monument is inaccessible without a backcountry permit © Ralph Ehoff / Getty Images

Best for solitude: Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Utah
Near one of the most sparsely populated areas in the contiguous United States, Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a certified Dark Sky Sanctuary. You’ll need to plan ahead to go stargazing: there are no roads where you’re going. The only way to reach the namesake rock formation is with a backcountry hiking permit administered by the neighboring Navajo Nation.
How to visit: Camping at Rainbow Bridge is not permitted—you’ll need to hike in to go stargazing and then hike back out to a designated campsite on Navajo Lands. It’s best to visit the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park office in Page, Arizona, and confirm where you can camp.
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Dinosaur National Monument might be the only place in the country you can see fossils and starlight that are the same age © National Park Service / Cindy McIntyre

Best for amateur paleontologists: Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah
Spend the day exploring dinosaur fossils dating back 150 million years; at night, gaze at stars whose light has traveled the same amount of time. Straddling the border between Colorado and Utah, you can ponder the vast history of the universe through the geologic record that is so well-preserved in this park. There are also human petroglyphs for those who want to learn history that’s a little more modern.
How to visit: There are six campgrounds within Dinosaur National Monument; some are located within hiking distance of fossils or petroglyphs. More adventurous travelers can raft down the Green River from the Gates of Lodore campground; backcountry spots along the river are reserved for this, and are the most remote parts of the National Monument to ensure dark skies.
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Star parties, where astrotourism fans get together to look at the night sky, can be found across the country © m-gucci / Getty Images

Best for urban stargazing: Homer Glen, Illinois
It might seem like you’ve got to prepare for a multi-night journey to stargaze in the most remote parts of the country. In fact, there are dark sky places closer than you might think. Homer Glen is home to 25,000 people and only an hour from downtown Chicago. It’s certified as a Dark Sky Community and hosts semi-regular stargazing events for residents and visitors alike.
How to visit: If you’re staying in Chicago, book a room at the historic Plaza Hotel. You’ll look out over Millennium Park and it’s an easy walk to the Adler Planetarium to learn more about the wonders of the universe.
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Gila National Forest might be primitive, but it is a spectacular place to see stars © Alan Dyer / Stocktrek / Getty Images

Best for going off the grid: Cosmic Campground, New Mexico
If the idea of going off the grid is your ideal escape, there’s a dark sky park for that. Cosmic Campground was the first certified Dark Sky Sanctuary in the northern hemisphere. A sanctuary is usually very remote, with few (if any) nearby threats to its darkness. Because of its remoteness, it needs advocates. And the Sanctuary designation helps to get the word out.
Located under some of the darkest skies in the US in western New Mexico ’s Gila National Forest, Cosmic Campground is primitive: there are only pit toilets and no water or trash services at the campground, and you can only use red lights outside after dark. This commitment to living rough ensures all visitors enjoy the pristine night sky.
How to visit: Cosmic Campground currently has five campsites available for RVs, trailers or tent camping on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Snuggled into Alberta ’s majestic Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise are among the most exquisitely beautiful places on Earth. It’s also one of the most popular destinations for travelers from around the world, but you can avoid the crowds by visiting in winter – especially near Christmas.

Once Old Man Winter settles in, something magical happens – the land turns into a wintry wonderland, bringing with it a seasonal shift of adventures best enjoyed with snow. Banff National Park is home to three world-class ski resorts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay, but there are plenty of other ways to keep yourself entertained. Cross your fingers for a good northern lights forecast, pack your warmest layers and head to Banff and Lake Louise to see how much frosty fun you can have.

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Sulphur Mountain summit

Perhaps the best way to acquaint yourself with the lay of the land is to summit Banff’s Sulphur Mountain (7486ft / 2281m). Climb the six-mile alpine switchback trail, which begins at the Upper Hot Springs parking lot and emerges at the summit. Or ride the Banff Gondola to the top, which takes less than ten minutes. As you stroll around the rooftop observation deck, you’ll see six snowy mountain ranges and have sweeping views of the Bow Valley and the town of Banff below. Between mid-November and Christmas, you’ll find Santa’s workshop in full swing at the summit of the Banff Gondola.

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Johnston Canyon ice walk

A local outfitter will supply you with ice cleats and hiking poles for the moderate trek to the must-see cerulean blue waterfalls in Johnston Canyon. On the three-mile round trip journey, you’ll be treated to dramatic views of frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees inside the towering canyon walls. Johnston Canyon is also a popular place for ice climbing, so you may see climbers making their way up the icefalls as you hike along the icy trails and catwalks. If this inspires you to try ice climbing, you’ll find Johnston Canyon has an excellent range of routes from beginner to expert.

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Moraine Lake forest bathing

Don’t worry – this is a fully-clothed activity. Forest bathing originated in Japan and is known there as shinrin-yoku, which means "taking in the atmosphere of the forest." Hire a guide from Forest Fix to lead you through a guided meditation and take a hyper-conscious slow walk in the woods, listen to the birds, smell the trees and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Over the past few years, this form of nature therapy has caught on everywhere, and Moraine Lake’s solitude makes it the perfect location to try it out.

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Cave exploration

Open year-round, the Rat’s Nest Cave near Canmore has more than two miles of tunnels and plenty of geological features to keep it interesting. Once you reach the Grotto, you’ll be more than 180ft underground. Your guide from Canmore Cave Tours will give you a lesson in natural history as you delve into this subterranean safari and worm your way through the Challenge Squeeze. If you’re there between December 20 - 23, wriggle your way to the cave’s Grand Gallery for a holiday concert unlike any other.

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Winter whirlybird

The best way to appreciate the staggering grandeur of the Canadian Rockies is to fly high above them, getting a close look at the snow-capped peaks and marveling at the dazzling turquoise-hued lakes in the valleys below. Alpine Helicopter Tours will whisk you away in a helicopter, piloted by an expert aviator, for 12 - 45 minutes of glorious sightseeing and have you exclaiming “Heli-yeah!” as you soar among the clouds.

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Banff Upper Hot Springs

After a day of cold adventures, relax in the steamy Banff Upper Hot Springs while watching the sun go down behind snowy peaks. Banff National Park’s only hot springs pool is also the highest operating hot spring in all of Canada (5200ft) and has a sustained water temperature between 98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Forget your swimmers? No problem – rent a 1930s-inspired heritage bathing suit for less than $2, absolutely worth the price considering you’ll walk away with some of the best photos of your trip. The suits are properly sanitized between uses, so it’s not that weird.

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Medicinal walk

Learn about ancient plant-based remedies with a Mahikan Trails medicine man or woman on a snowshoe tour through the woods at Cascade Pond. Your guide will educate you about the various Indigenous plants and trees and their secret healing powers at this day-use area inside Banff National Park, which also has arguably the best views of Mount Rundle and is a good place for spotting wildlife.

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Holiday happenings

The Banff and Lake Louise holiday season kicks off with the annual Santa Claus Parade of Lights in November, when everyone gathers around the fire at Banff Avenue Square to welcome Kris Kringle to town. Find fairytale activities throughout the town including browsing locally made artisan gifts at the Christmas Market, celebrating Christmas traditions at the Fairmont Banff Springs “castle” and taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride to Brewster’s Barn for a cozy holiday dinner.

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