Who’s ready for summer? Summer doesn’t officially start until June 21st this year, but I’m ready for some much needed Vitamin D and relaxation. So when Zohaib Saleem of Holiday Lettings, a Tripadvisor.com company, contacted me about posting a guest post from Felicity Howlett about some awesome summer destinations, I couldn’t resist.
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Can’t wait to feel the summer sun on your face? Holiday Lettings suggests fantastic places to celebrate the promise of warmer weather to come, from a leisurely picnic in a Paris park to a dip in the azure waters of a Cretan beach.
Barbeque Under the Vines – Kayaköy, Turkey
Dinner at CINBAL in Kayaköy, Turkey will get you into the summer spirit straight away. As you cook your own kebab over one of the restaurant’s barbeques, you’ll soon agree that it’s the ultimate in al fresco eating. The only hard decision (and it is a difficult one) is whether you want to sit by the olive trees or in the vine-laden arbour.
Nearby Fethiye harbour is a perfect place to watch the sun go down, and it’s even better if you’re sipping a cocktail. As you do, you can look out from the local bars’ rooftop terraces and see traditional fishing boats being repaired in the historic boatyard. Or just chill, watch the world go by and if you’re lucky, spot turtles swimming around below.
Get Out on the Water – Tarifa, Spain
Miles of white sand and stiff Atlantic breezes make Tarifa a real watersport paradise. Adrenaline junkies will love kite or windsurfing off beautiful beaches like the Playa de Valdevaqueros and Los Lances. While you’re there, why not join an organised trip to watch for whales and dolphins along the coast too?
Once you’ve dried yourself off, it’s also well worth exploring Tarifa itself. Start at the Baelo Claudia archaeological site and admire the ancient theatre and temples. Next stop, the nearby Church of San Mateo for a moment of quiet reflection. Then it’s an easy walk on to the imposing Castillo de Guzman el Bueno fortress, which offers breathtaking views over the city and out to North Africa.
Picnic in the Park – Paris, France
The lovely Parc Monceau, dating back to the 18th century, provides all the ingredients for a classic picnic. Romantic pond? Yes. Pretty waterfall? Sure. And stunning flowers set against exquisite sculptures complete the idyllic scene. Just don’t forget the crusty baguette, gooey cheese and a nice bottle of wine.
Just off the park, you’ll find the Nissim de Camondo Museum which vividly recreates family life of 19th-century Paris. It wouldn’t be a proper trip to Paris without rushing the short distance from the museum to one of the terrific shops in the district like Printemps or the Galeries Lafayette and treating yourself to a chic new outfit. After the bargain-hunting, you’ll need to relax in the saunas, hammams and pools at the neighbouring Spa My Blend by Clarins.
Hike Through the Mountains – Supramonte, Sardinia
There’s no better way to explore Sardinia’s wild interior than on foot. Keen ramblers will soon navigate to the breathtaking Supramonte massif on the island’s east coast. Here, you can track down natural wonders from hidden canyons to vast chalk rocks and wide plateaus. And knowing that it was once the heart of Sardinia’s bandit country makes the adventure even more exciting.
For more of the gorgeous scenery, jump aboard the little train that whistles across the Golgo Plateau from the town of Baunei. It’s then an easy drive from the station to the Grotta del Fico cave, where you can gaze at the surreal stalagmites. By the time you’re back in Baunei, you’ll definitely need some food, and the pork crackling and homemade gnocchi at Il Golgo restaurant are sensational.
Hit the Beach – Elafonissi, Crete
Pink sand stretches along turquoise waters and even-more turquoise skies: it’s not an Instagram-based fantasy, though, but Elafonissi Beach in Crete. Top up your tan and then take a refreshing dip in the sea. Or maybe paddle round the lagoon. Just don’t forget your sunglasses!
Brushed off the sand? Then you can get a glimpse of local culture further up the coast at the authentic Chrisoskalitissa Monastery. Alternatively, it’s an easy bus ride from the beach to quaint mountain towns like Topolia and Vathi. Birders should have their binoculars ready as they weave through the mountains as they might spy the rare bearded vulture on Agios Dikaios.
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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, but a guest post written by Felicity Howlett of Holiday Lettings, a Tripadvisor.com company. I selected this topic specifically for A Keane Sense of Adventure and for you guys to enjoy.
What are your plans for this summer?
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I'd love to visit Crete, from the five mentioned.. and no plans for us this summer (travel wise) but my cousin and some friends are coming from Mexico, so we'll have plenty to do!
The water in Crete… amazing! I always love having visitors come into town! Have they been to Germany before?
What great travel locations. I would love to go to Sardinia for a spot of trekking, it looks stunning!! 🙂
I am definitely looking forward to the summer! Although, I've used up my quota of travelling this year with New York, so I think it's going to be the good old Belgian coast for us 🙂
no they haven't!
Ooh I've been wanting to go to Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily!!
Same here! I love a good hike!
Wait, when are you going to NYC again? Jealous!
So beautiful… would love to visit one (all) of those islands! I'm so ready for summer!
A picnic in Paris sounds perfect!
I agree with all these places, and vote to add the Algarve in Portugal!
We're off at Christmas time. From 19th Dec to 7th January 🙂 Not exactly sure on our plans, we'd like to see some of New York State as well as the city, but the list of things to see in the city appears to be getting longer and longer!
Yes to all the beach destinations. I want to be there now!