The 5 Places We Are Dreaming About This Summer
Warning, this article will stir up serious wanderlust.
As summer rolls around, so does our annual wanderlust. This year many of us would love to escape our troubles and spend a few days exploring foreign cities or relaxing on a tropical beach. To help inspire you for your next holiday, we’ve curated a list of incredible locations around the world that need to be on your wishlist. Some you will know of already, others are hidden gems, but all are worthy of being the places we dream about this summer.
Formentera
While Formentera is sometimes called Ibiza’s little sister, the island is worth a trip in its own right. Part of the Balearic islands, it is only accessible by boat, which means the 12 mile long island has avoided the crowds that the other Balearic islands encounter. Instead, Formentera is more exclusive and frequented by designers, music legends (both Bob Marley and Jimmi Hendrix have stayed on the island) and those in the know. Formentera is home to some of the best restaurants and small scale boutique hotels, as well as some of the mediterraneans most beautiful beaches.
Formentera still feels somewhat ‘wild’ as the island is less developed than Ibiza. The longest beach, Playa Migjorn, is framed with pine trees, while the breathtaking playa de Ses Illetes - one of Europe's most beautiful beaches - is a kilometer long beach backed by sand dunes. The surrounding waters offer great opportunities for watersports, including snorkelling and sailing, but don’t forget the sundowners - Formentera has some of the regions most fancy cocktail bars ready to help you unwind after an adventurous day.
Mykonos
When you think of a Greek island, chances are you will picture Mykonos. Little white washed boutique stores, restaurants and cafes are spaced out between private residences and understated hotels within the small town. The rest of the island is more nature orientated, with villas and pools overlooking the deep blue waters. Attracting a great mix of travellers, by day you can explore the island's beaches and by night you can wine, dine and dance the night away.
Paradise beach is the most famous stretch of sand on Mykonos and hosts the best beach parties after sundown. During the day, as the name suggests, it is a vibrant place to swim and soak up the sun, but an electric atmosphere appears as the sun sets and the music starts. Right next door is Super Paradise beach, an even larger stretch of golden sand and equally perfect waters.
If you are the more active type, then Mykonos offers small villages to explore, horseback riding along deserted beaches, jet-skiing and parasailing. Near Ano Mera village is a beach called Ftelia, which has strong winds year round and so is a great location for windsurfing enthusiasts.
The Amalfi Coast
La Costiera Amalfitana is a breathtaking stretch of Italian coastline featuring houses perched on steep, rocky peninsulas. Located in the Campania region, this stretch of coastline and the accompanying highway is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives. Follow the winding roads through quaint historical villages featuring a backdrop of the mighty Mount Vesuvius and views out to the Isle of Capri.
The 13 coastal towns along the Amalfi coast are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and travellers flock from all regions of the world to be mesmerised by the unique landscape these towns have developed upon. While the Almalfi coast is famed for the towns clinging to hillsides the region is also home to Italy’s neapolitan cuisine, with incredible pastas handmade by artisans and ingredients grown locally. After a indulgent lunch head to Fiordo di Furore, where steep steps bring you to a patch of beach enclosed by two cliffs joined by a bridge. Sofia Loren and Jude Law are celebrities that have been spotted here and on any given afternoon the area will be packed with crowds of beautiful tanned Italians.
Turks And Caicos
Made up of 40 islands dotted throughout calm turquoise waters, Turks and Caicos are the epitome of caribbean islands. Their rhythm is more relaxed than their Latin neighbours, but they still offer an abundance of culture, activities and exotic landscapes.
Imagine miles of white sand beaches circling low-lying islands, with peaks of palm trees. Some beaches are dotted with bars and open air restaurants, while others offer kite surfing and horse riding. But venture a little off the beaten track and you can find completely deserted stretches of sand, your own personal patch of paradise.
The Turks and Caicos islands are famous for diving, with a 14 mile barrier reef situated on the north shore of Providenciales island, and a plunging 2000m underwater wall dive site a short boat ride from Grand Turk island. Providenciales island’s Grace Bay is also repeatedly voted Best Beach in the world, and the 12 mile stretch of coastline met by picturesque azure water is absolutely stunning.
Bali
Known as the ultimate island paradise in southeast Asia, Bali is simply beautiful. The island has something for everyone, from prime surf waves on the west coast to restorative yoga retreats and a variety of dive spots to keep any scuba enthusiast busy. But Bali offers so much more than just beaches; it has a great nightlife, from clubs in Kuta to cocktail bars in Seminyak, incredible hotel resorts and active volcanoes to hike.
While to the outside world Bali is a bucket list destination, the island is also home to a strong culture dating back over 4,000 years. Head inland to Ubud and you will discover the monkey temple - ancient ruins surrounded by lush rainforest. Take a day trip north to discover glowing green rice paddies, the Instagram worthy Handara gate, and the sacred site of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple. The famous Hindu temple with the 12 story pagoda sits on an old volcano crater now transformed into a lake. After witnessing the culture, you will start to understand why Bali is known as “The Island of the Gods.”
With all these stunning locations to visit, it’s time to get your wardrobe ready. Marda has a new collection of swimwear for both men to look stylish while exploring the world. All that you need to do is decide where to head first!