Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink—but plenty to dip your toes in! If you get bit by the travel bug this summer and find yourself drawn to the sea, don’t look any further. Here are five stand-out spots with aquatics grand enough to make a sailor blush.
1. Corfu, Greece
Oh, Corfu. Where the sea is as blue as a peacock’s neck and sun-hats are always de riguer.
Unlike the rest of Greece, Corfu (or Kérkyra) never fell under Ottoman oppression. By dint of strong Venetian, British and French influence, this Ionian island has woven itself into the Western world, attracting its fair share of lovers, dreamers and luminaries. Corfu contains more than 80 beaches with a pleasant range of scenery: verdant to rocky, peaceful to party; there seems to be a beach for every type.
If you find lounging on the sands to be a real snore, you can always take up fishing or snorkeling, or mosey on up to one of the island’s many outdoor restaurants and indulge in a baked phyllo pie. You might even be treated to live, traditional music.
2. Amalfi, Italy
Amalfi lies at the mouth of a crystal clear ravine. Over the past 50 years, it’s been a magnet for the rich and famous, but one doesn’t have to be wealthy to get the most out of this breathtaking shoreline.
It’s all casual glamour. Vibrant tuscan-style buildings jut into the sea, and streets wind past lemon trees and olive groves. It’s no wonder Amalfi has been dubbed many times the “perfect romantic hideaway,” attracting big-name stars such as Greta Garbo and Sophia Loren. It might seem a little too ritzy, but the beaches don’t care how well-lined your pockets are.
If splashing in the ocean is not your cup of tea, hike up the Sentiero degli Dei, or “Trail of the Gods.” This path starts in Bomerano, a village in the mountains between Sorrento and Amalfi. The hike takes about four and a half hours, but is well worth it. You’ll discover caves, gorges and exotic flowers. You’ll forget your tired feet when you make it to the top—the view of the ocean is simply awe-inspiring.
3. Budapest, Hungary
There’s a reason why Budapest has been titled the ‘the City of Baths.’ It has more medicinal water springs than any other place in the world. According to budapest.com, “there are [a total of] 118 springs in Budapest, providing over 70 million liters of thermal water a day.” The bath temperature stays between a cozy 69 and 172 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
These thermal springs have been utilized by the Romans since the 2nd century, but it wasn’t until the 16th century (thanks to Turkish influence in Hungary) that the bath culture became a real trend. There are currently 15 public baths where one can soak and rejuvenate. Your epidermis will thank you.
4. The Cenote in Ik-Kil, Mexico
Cenotes are naturally occurring sinkholes in the Earth’s surface and are most commonly associated with Mexico. Ik-Kil is home to one of the most enchanting cenotes, affectionately titled “Sacred Blue.” It’s located on the highway between Chichen Itza and Valladolid. This crystal-clear pool is round and 130 feet deep and is most popular with snorkelers and swimmers. The whole scene is something out of a National Geographic: with its lush, hanging vegetation and heavenly waterfalls. It’s a beloved site for swimmers and photographers alike.
5. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Atlantis, The Palm is a resort located in Dubai and is no Best Western. Atlantis’ suites are, quite literally, submerged. You can lay in bed and watch the passing sea life from your window. But if you get sick at gazing at the fish, you can gallivant to the waterpark, Aquaventure. Their most popular ride is an inner-tube that sends you spinning down the mysterious darkness of Ziggurat tower’s black core, shooting you casually (and protected) through their shark-filled lagoon (emphasis on protected) at what they claim to be “leisurely ‘shark-viewing’ pace.” A kind break from the rapidity at which one usually views sharks. This is a vacation shore to go swimmingly.
