Travel often involves compromise. If one spouse or friend wants to relax on a glorious beach and the other traveler prefers to picnic amid cool mountain scenery, few itineraries would satisfy them both. Few—but not none.
A handful of remarkable regions around the world are blessed with both dramatic mountains and pristine expanses of sun-drenched sand. Following are three of our favorites.
This historically rich province of Spain packs an incredible diversity of landscapes into a small area. Its capital, Barcelona, ranks among the greatest cities in Europe. Just 90 minutes to the north, the rugged Pyrenees form a formidable barrier between Spain and France. And to Barcelona’s northeast, the beaches of Costa Brava have the surreal rocky outcrops and spires which inspired Salvador Dalí.
Start your journey in Barcelona, which contains “some of the best-preserved medieval structures in Europe, as well as a treasure trove of imaginative contemporary buildings,” according to Andrew Harper. The whimsical constructions of Antoni Gaudí have to be seen to be believed—some of them appear to have been grown rather than built. Barcelona’s restaurants also never fail to impress. (Mr. Harper recommends no fewer than 12 in the Harper Collection, ranging from chic contemporary tapas bars to grand establishments serving Catalan classics.) Oenophiles shouldn’t miss a day trip into the Penedès wine region just to the southwest of the city, where Spain’s famed Cava is produced, among other excellent wines.
From Barcelona, it’s an easy drive to the Pyrenees. Mr. Harper describes the scene: “After passing through the Cadi Tunnel, you are confronted by a line of jagged 10,000-foot peaks rising directly from an alpine valley. The Sègre River winds its way through a picture-postcard landscape of forested slopes and flower-strewn meadows down to the dignified old town of La Seu d’Urgell.” From this base, take guided hikes to unspoiled villages perched high in the Pyrenees; kayak in tranquil lakes and streams; head out for a spin on a mountain bike; or take in the entire landscape from a hot-air balloon. Quirky Andorra lies just to the north.
Three hours from La Seu d’Urgell, the Costa Brava makes for a relaxing end to your Spanish journey. Although the name translates as “wild coast,” many of the area’s beaches have been overdeveloped. Fortunately, Mr. Harper recommends two properties in the unspoiled countryside immediately inland, both of which have access to the area’s most untrammeled and picturesque beaches. After a few days meandering along the coast, exploring beautiful towns such as Cadaqués and Girona, return to Barcelona and take your flight home.
It would take months, even years, to explore all of New Zealand’s wonders and, too often, travelers seem determined to rush around the entire country, stringing together a series of one-night stays in an effort to see everything. But because the country is so compact, it’s possible to have a wonderfully varied itinerary—including everything from glaciers to vineyards to sunny beaches—by staying in just two or three key locations.
Consider Christchurch. The city’s “cultural precinct” contains notable institutions such as the Canterbury Museum and the striking modernist Christchurch Art Gallery. In the countryside just outside of town, rolling vineyards, olive groves and manicured gardens provide a magnificent setting from which to explore the surrounding region. In nearby Akaroa, set on the rim of an extinct volcano, it’s easy to spend a full day relaxing on the beaches. But be sure to make time to kayak into sea caves and swim with Hector’s dolphins, one of the world’s smallest and rarest species. A helicopter to the Banks Peninsula affords access to even more isolated and pristine beaches backdropped by rugged cliffs.
A two-hour drive northwest of Christchurch brings you to dramatic Arthur’s Pass, where the summit of Mount Murchison rises to 7,875 feet. In this sensationally scenic national park, you can kayak on crystal-clear alpine lakes, fish for trout in unspoiled rivers, ride horses along high-country trails and, of course, hike through the mountains, trekking through virgin forests and imposing valleys. Those in need of a little post-hike pampering can indulge in a spa treatment underneath a veritable amphitheater of snow-capped peaks.
When visiting the islands of Hawaii, it can be extremely tempting to stay at your resort, savoring the tropical gardens, inviting pools, sybaritic spas, top-notch restaurants and exquisite beaches. For those willing to depart these luxurious confines for a time, Hawaii offers an embarrassment of scenic riches.
In addition to its famed beaches, the island of Kauai boasts the immense Mount Waialeale, a 5,200-foot mountain sacred to the Hawaiians. This shield volcano is best viewed by helicopter, an unforgettable way to see otherwise inaccessible parts of Kauai. The incredible views of narrow cliffs, misty canyons and silvery waterfalls crashing into verdant jungle make this flight well worth the price.
Come back to earth and enjoy some hiking in the otherworldly landscapes of Kauai. Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” dazzles with its red lava-rock walls clad with vibrantly green tropical foliage, broken by occasional waterfalls. Spelunking fans shouldn’t miss the landmark Maniniholo Dry Cave at Ha’ena, set at the base of a towering cliff. Nearby, the beautiful Waikapalae and Waikanaloa wet caves have equally impressive rock formations. And history buffs will want to allow time to explore the island’s enigmatic archaeological sites, including a centuries-old fishpond of mysterious origin and the many sacred pre-Christian ruins along the Wailua River.
Much of Kauai is best explored by water, however. The drama of the Napali Coast can only be accessed by boat, airplane or arduous hike. A leisurely cruise along this astonishing stretch of cliffs, valleys and waterfalls—cocktail in hand—is the most civilized option, allowing you to take in the beauty of the scenery at a much more reasonable pace than by plane. It will become clear why the directors of “Jurassic Park” and “King Kong” chose to film here. Just below the sea’s surface, an array of colorful fish, corals and other marine life can easily be observed while snorkeling. Kayaking along the Hanalei River provides a relaxing means to explore the lovely Hanalei Valley, or for an even more traditional experience, explore Hanalei Bay by guided sailing canoe.
If you can manage even half of the above, you’ve earned at least a day or two to savor the good life on Kauai’s superlative beaches before heading home.
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