Reader favorites span Czech beaver sightings to Sicilian oasis walks
French lakeshores adorned with beautiful beaches.
Lake Vassivière in Limousin offers something for everyone. During our donkey-trekking holiday, we stumbled upon one of France’s largest man-made lakes (but that’s a different tale!). The lake boasts five delightful sandy beaches with designated swimming areas, beachside cafes, and kayak rentals. It also features scenic walking and cycling paths, but the true gem is the island in the middle of the lake. Here, you’ll find a lighthouse, a sculpture park, and a chateau transformed into a restaurant. You can access the island via a footbridge, complimentary water taxis, or by canoe. We stayed in a marvelous yurt on a donkey farm located three miles away (approximately €400 for a week). Je ne regrette rien … – Angela Luke
Sicily an abundant oasis of lush fruitfulness.
As you descend the trail to Kolymbetra’s vibrant gardens, your skin rejoices in the relief from Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples’ scorching heat. Despite noticing that entry to the gardens was complimentary with a National Trust card, we were the inaugural visitors to present one. The receptionist greeted us warmly, brimming with delight. Within the gardens, an oasis of citrus plants awaited, ranging from grapefruit-sized lemons to bergamots, an assortment of tangerines, kumquats, and ugli fruit. Although the paths were steep and uneven, their splendor remained unmatched. – Lynne Collis
Swedish island’s waters, pristine and crystal-clear
Asperö, an island nestled in Gothenburg’s coastal archipelago, served as our tranquil and serene haven. Our accommodation was a cozy cabin near the water, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings and remarkably clear, albeit chilly, waters. Cars were absent on the island, with locals opting to traverse by foot or utilizing peculiar small motorized trailers. Access to the island was facilitated by a scheduled local ferry, while a tram line linked the coast to the city center. – Helen
Captivated by the allure of Palma de Mallorca
In 2011, my journeys to Palma de Mallorca commenced, and a profound affection for the city took hold. From the picturesque Paseo Maritimo to the vibrant Arab quarter, a plethora of lodging, dining, and exploration options awaited, each imbued with its unique neighborhood ambiance. Witnessing the cathedral’s golden stone radiate in the sunset, glimpsed through the masts of opulent yachts, was a truly enchanting sight. While tourists did frequent the area, Palma de Mallorca remained a bustling metropolis with buses bustling with locals. For a delightful beach outing, venture beyond the residential districts to Ses Illetes, or revel in the breathtaking vistas from Castell de Bellver
Experience pure bliss at Bear Lake, Romania
Floating in the saltwater of Romania’s heliothermal Bear Lake is the most blissful and extraordinary experience. It’s deep (18 metres in places) and, unusually for a salt lake, fringed with trees. Once you hop in the water to float, it’s perfectly peaceful … and extraordinarily warm. The top layer consists of sweet water flowing from nearby streams, and the deeper you go, the warmer the water: at one metre it reaches 35C. Some visitors come seeking cures for infertility or rheumatism; or, you can just bob about like a cork, regardless of however many papanasi cheese doughnuts you consumed in the nearby cafes the night before
Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Kastellorizo, Greece
Embark on a ferry journey from Rhodes (or Kas in Turkey) to the captivating island of Kastellorizo (also known as Megisti or Meis), located towards the eastern edge of the Greek islands. Hotel Megisti offers delightful and reasonably priced rooms, alongside numerous other apartments and hotels to suit various preferences. Indulge in a swim at the charming beach on the opposite side of the basilica or take a water taxi to the tiny St George’s island for a day of aquatic exploration through swimming and snorkeling. As the day-trippers depart, venture towards the enchanting harborside tavernas that offer a delightful selection of glistening fish, fresh salads, and slow-cooked lamb. Keep a lookout for the curious loggerhead turtles that inhabit the bay, often surfacing to investigate the culinary delights on your plate.
Unwinding in Hungary’s rejuvenating thermal spa waters
Within a train ride of less than two hours from Budapest lies Lake Balaton, offering a serene getaway from the bustling capital. The lake is adorned with thermal spa waters and an abundance of seafood eateries, creating an idyllic setting. Hungarians often seek refuge here from the hectic city life, just as my grandparents did during my mother and aunt’s childhood summers. In 2019, I had the opportunity to visit with a friend and stayed with a local family on their farm. Our daily routine consisted of cycling, savoring the family’s organic produce, and indulging in the tranquility of the water—a blissful respite resembling a prelude to the subsequent daunting lockdown that awaited us the following year
