Wander Thoughts

With sun, sea, and sand as the top necessities for a relaxing escape, we've compiled a list of the world's top beach destinations.

Looking for a guide to some of the world's most breathtaking and distinctive beach vacation spots? Our list will help you discover hidden treasures like the Philippines' diving paradise of Puerto Galera, experience the thrill of surfing at one of Asia's top surfing beaches, and explore the most high-end resorts the Maldives has to offer. Take the plunge, the water's inviting.

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Explore the ultimate Maldives retreat as we compare two five-star resorts that blend sun, sand, surf, and opulent luxury. The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo each boast distinctive atmospheres, breathtaking locations, and world-class amenities, so which one is the perfect island haven for your next relaxation escape?

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This Filipino municipality, just off the northern tip of Mindoro Island, boasts coral reefs renowned for their vibrant colours, and is thus designated as a UNESCO protected marine biosphere. Featured attractions in Puerto Galera include a dive site considered amongst the world's best, as well as hidden beaches, stunning waterfalls, quaint dining spots, lush rainforests, and an active local culture that thrives in the area.

Our new platform of carefully selected content, including explanatory articles, frequently asked questions, in-depth analyses, and informative graphics, has been created by our team of accomplished experts.

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We feature eight top Asian surfing destinations with stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional wave breaks to suit every level of surfer, from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. Among them are Phuket's beginner-friendly waves, Indonesia's thrilling barrels, and Yomitan's lesser-known shores in Japan. For the adventurous, Siargao's Cloud 9 is a must-visit, while Malaysia's Cherating offers a serene environment to learn the sport.

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Find out about the world's 8 top beaches to get that perfect all-over suntan, ranging from famous Haulover Beach in Florida to secluded Praia do AbricO in Brazil. Given that nude sunbathing isn't widely accepted in Asia, naturists should look farther afield, and this article reveals the top international nudist destinations.

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This secluded resort on Thailand's Loh Ba Gao Bay is a haven of luxury and sustainability, situated on a serene shoreline and a pristine 800m white-sand beach. As an eco-conscious resort, it is at the forefront of marine conservation, with initiatives such as bamboo shark and clownfish breeding programmes, mangrove planting, and coral restoration.

Some of the content within this article was produced in collaboration with generative artificial intelligence.

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South Korea boasts an abundance of natural scenery, with numerous national parks featuring diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes. These natural reserves offer an unbeatable chance to embark on thrilling adventures. Here are six Korean parks to visit on your next journey:

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Dadohae Haesang National Park, a marine coastal region characterized by the presence of numerous islands.

Spend at least two days to explore this treasure of the Korean coastline. Situated at the southern end of the peninsula, the park includes around 1,700 islands, a few of which cover only a few square meters. You can reach these islands by boat or ferry, offering breathtaking ocean views with towering cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and secluded beaches. Heuksan Island, the largest and most inhabited island in the archipelago, is easily accessible on foot or by bike, with its fishing villages, beaches, and impressive coastline waiting to be discovered.

Seoraksan National Park, a mountain haven for hikers

South Korea's most stunning national park, Seoraksan is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Positioned in the Gangwon region, approximately three hours from Seoul by car, this magnificent park derives its name from the "snow-covered mountains" discernible across its terrain. Although the trek to its highest peak, Daecheongbong (1700 metres), might present its visitors with a certain degree of difficulty, numerous alternative routes cater to less experienced hikers, inviting them to uncover the park's granite cliffs, gushing waterfalls, verdant valleys and, amidst this vast expanse of untouched wilderness, ancient temples.

Jirisan National Park, treasures of Buddhism and the natural world

In the mountainous region, there is a complex featuring some impressive architecture, including Gakhwangjeon Hall, a wooden Buddhist building that is the largest of its kind in Korea.

Jeju Island's crown jewel, Hallasan National Park

This national park on Jeju Island is a highly recommended destination. With its well-defined 1,950-meter-high crater, it offers a fantastic array of lava tunnels, volcanic caverns, and uniquely shaped coastal mineral formations over a distance of ten kilometers. The subtropical climate and the island's volcanic soil have resulted in a vibrant garden featuring rainforests, mandarin trees, palm trees, and azaleas.

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Deep within the peninsula of Korea, Songnisan National Park has served as a spiritual haven for countless centuries. The trails through the mountains pass through an awe-inspiring natural landscape, affording unobstructed vistas of the dense forests, which are particularly striking in autumn. You can also observe the temples rising above the horizon as seen. Beopju temple, established in 553, stands out among the others within the park: originally, the complex comprised around sixty buildings, a dozen stone monuments and seventy hermitages. Even to this day, one can appreciate Korean religious art at the subdued Palsangjeon pagoda, which features five perfectly balanced levels and a gigantic 25-metre-high golden Buddha.

Hallyeohaesang National Park, breathtaking oceanic vistas

You can visit Yeosu by driving on the coastal roads of the larger islands or by taking a boat excursion to its 400 islands and islets. The two main islands are Tongyeong, famous for its charming harbour town, and Namhaedo, recognized for its stunning coastal road, marked by spectacular scenery where cliffs and lush forests drop sharply into the sea. By boat, you can explore secluded sea caves and observe the rock formations that rise from the water, creating a stunning natural setting.

Perast, a picturesque town by the sea and nestled amidst the mountains, is consistently turning up on our list as the country's most stunning destination. This quaint, seaside fishing village perched on the mountainside is certainly one to explore.

made the short list: the touristy bar, the historic Budva, or the seaside resort of Petrovac... But it was Perast that took the top spot. Why? Because of its delightful harbor, where you can take a leisurely walk, the emerald waters lapping at your feet, and the impressive mountains rising up around the village.

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• So pack your rucksack and set up for a one-of-a-kind adventure from Podgorica.
• The Balkans: Discover its stunning coastline with the most beautiful beaches in the region
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Perast, the fjord adjacent to the Bay of Kotor

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Although some archaeologists claim that the area was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic era, the first evidence of Perast dates back to the 1300s, when it was a small fishing village with an active shipyard and commercial and fishing port. Due to its rich history of Italian, Turkish, Serbian, Croatian, Austrian, and French influences, the village showcases a unique blend of architectural styles and cultural heritage.

What can be done in Perast, Montenegro's most picturesque village?

You might as well take a leisurely walk through the neighborhood and along the harbor, take in the sights such as the St. Ivan church, unwind on the beach or rent a boat to experience the Kotor Bays from a completely different perspective. Appreciate the enchanting ambiance, with the high peaks of the mountains looming in the distance, the peaceful waters (which can range from dark to bright blue) and, if you're lucky, the rising mist and changing clouds that stretch out as far as the eye can see.

Rare artificial island of the Adriatic coast, situated in the 15th century, when legend has it, that two fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary there. Why not visit here again? Your first stop should be the museum and church on the island. We advise going there early or during the off-season, to steer clear of the tourist crowds.

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