Summer is fast approaching, and who isn’t spending hours daydreaming about the upcoming holiday season while stuck at their desk? These beautiful sunny days are making our minds wander to where to head for our annual dose of sun, sand and clear blue sea!
Where are you off to this summer? Will it be a coastal resort for a fun getaway with friends? A lakeside campsite full of fun activities for the kids? Or what about an adventure-packed cruise around the Mediterranean? For anyone still in need of some travel inspiration, we’ve got you covered: we’ve rounded up our five top destinations where you can enjoy an unforgettable waterfront experience, glass in hand.
Lake Garda, Italy
Whether you head for the northernmost resort of Riva del Garda or take in the cobbled streets of Sirmione, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful lake than Lake Garda in northern Italy. Its shores are lined with picturesque little towns where you can get lost in the side streets, sample the best delicacies in local restaurants and explore a range of artisanal shops. Located between Venice and Milan and just a short distance from Verona, you’ll also find that a quick escapade to the city is easy and convenient on less-sunny days. The perfect place to sit back and enjoy the view… perhaps with a glass of the region’s famous aperitif, the spritz, in hand?
Sainte-Maxime, France
An ancient town on the French Riviera, the village of Sainte-Maxime was founded by monks in around 1000AD. Since the twentieth century, it has been a magnet for artists, poets and writers, all of whom come to take in the climate, as well as the beautiful surroundings and azure blue water. Bonus points: it’s only thirty minutes away from the star-studded resort of Saint-Tropez. The surrounding countryside is also home to at least a dozen vineyards, where you can pick up a bottle to take home as a souvenir while enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the Mediterranean. What better way to mix culture and leisure? À votre santé!
Mallorca, Spain
One of the Balearic Islands in the heart of the Mediterranean, the Spanish island of Mallorca is known for being a postcard-perfect holiday location, thanks to its crystal clear water and dreamy beaches. Whether you’re off to soak up the sun on a catamaran cruise or make the most of the unrivalled snorkelling opportunities, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing break! With this in mind, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to shoot our latest video ‘La mer’ on location in Palma de Mallorca – have you checked it out yet, and shared your #CheersToTheOcean?
Oxwich, Wales
Situated in south Wales and home to an ancient castle, scores of wildlife and over two miles of picturesque sand dunes, the sheer range of activities on offer in Oxwich make it a hot camping destination for families and friend groups alike. And that’s not all: Oxwich Bay is also a hotspot for swimming and watersports, including diving, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing. Perfect for anyone up for a challenge – and also for anyone looking for cosy evenings spent huddled around a campfire on the beach!
Tegernsee, Germany
The Tegernsee is a picture-perfect spot in southern Germany’s Bavarian Alps, and hosts plenty of resorts and camping sites for nature lovers. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s renting boats to explore the coast line from the water, or hiking in the hills to admire the beautiful alpine landscape from up close. For the more adventurous travellers, mountain biking and other sports are also available! While you’re at it, why not pack a picnic so you can sit back and take in that beautiful view?
No matter where you’re headed this summer, we’re lucky to have more beautiful waterfront locations here in Europe than we can count – reminding us why it’s so important to protect our oceans, rivers and lakes so that we can continue to enjoy them for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? Time to pack your bags, head for the open water and toast to the ocean. Always drink responsibly – and of course, always choose glass. Cheers to that!
#CheersToTheOcean