Matador Network's Blog, page 639
June 7, 2021
Tourists fined thousands of dollars for taking sand and shells from beaches in Sardinia
Collecting shells from the beach might seem like an innocent practice, but on beaches Sardinia it could land you in serious trouble. Forty-one tourists were recently fined for taking sand, stones, and shells from beaches in Sardinia in 2020.
The practice of taking sand from beaches in Sardinia was made illegal in 2017.
In 2020, the Italian police seized over 200 lbs of sand, shells, and stones from tourists. Fines ranged from between $600 and $3,650 according to CNN. The practice is even worth jail time. In 2019, a couple faced six years in prison after stuffing 90 lbs of the sand into plastic bottles.
Beaches with pink or very white sand are particularly targeted, the island’s Forest Rangers told CNN last year. “We found a website that was selling our sand as souvenirs. It’s become a very known phenomenon here in Europe,” he said.
Sardinia is not the only place with stringent rules against coming home with a natural souvenir from the beach. Lalaria Beach in Greece banned the practice in 2018. 
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You can stay an unlimited number of nights in boutique hotels for just $500 this July
If you want to keep your travels domestic this summer, especially if you’re planning a cross-country road trip, Graduate Hotels is making you an offer that will be very, very hard to refuse.
Graduate Hotels is bringing back its Hall Pass. For just $500, you could stay in any of their boutique hotels available from coast to coast for the entire month of July (July 1 to July 31). After two or three stays, the Hall Pass has paid for itself.
Photo: Graduate Hotels
Graduate Hotels will start selling those much-coveted Hall Passes starting Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at noon CDT. But if you’re looking to grab one, be sure to snatch it up quickly. There’s a limited number of passes available.
Graduate Hotels has properties in 30 US cities:
Ann Arbor, MichiganAnnapolis, MarylandAthens, GeorgiaBerkeley, CaliforniaBloomington, IndianaChapel Hill, North CarolinaCharlottesville, VirginiaCincinnati, OhioColumbia, South CarolinaColumbus, OhioEast Lansing, MichiganEugene, OregonEvanston, IllinoisFayetteville, ArkansasIowa City, IowaKnoxville, TennesseeLincoln, NebraskaMadison, WisconsinMinneapolis, MinnesotaNashville, TennesseeNew Haven, ConnecticutOxford, MississippiProvidence, Rhode IslandRichmond, VirginiaRoosevelt Island, New YorkSeattle, WashingtonState College, PennsylvaniaStorrs, ConnecticutTempe, ArizonaTucson, ArizonaGraduate Hotels are located in university towns across the country to “celebrate and commemorate the youthful optimism of school days,” according to its website. Each hotel is curated with nods to the heritage of the city it’s located in. For example, there’s a pink-paradise Dolly Parton-themed restaurant at the Nashville, Tennessee location. Or if sports are more your thing, check out Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where the hotel has an identical replica of Michael Jordan’s dorm room. And there’s plenty to soak in wherever you decide to go. You can check out the decor of each of Graduate Hotel’s boutique properties on their website.
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Denmark reopens for vaccinated US travelers
On Friday, June 4, Denmark announced that it’s reopening its borders to US and UK travelers who are fully vaccinated.
US and UK travelers who received vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency — such as Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson — can enter the country. The US Embassy & Consulate in the Kingdom of Denmark states that travelers need to have received the final dose of the vaccine at least 14 days prior to traveling to Denmark.
Vaccinated travelers are exempt from COVID-19 test and quarantine requirements. Children who aren’t vaccinated accompanying vaccinated adults are allowed entry but must get tested for COVID-19. The Danish borders will remain closed for those who aren’t fully vaccinated, unless they qualify for an exception to the border closures.
In the past few weeks, several other European countries have also announced that they will relax their travel restrictions for US travelers, including Spain (June 7) and France (June 9).
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14 Amazon Prime Day deals every traveler should take note of
We hope you love the gear and products we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.
Amazon Prime Day 2021 takes place on June 21 and 22. Amazon stated it will offer discounts on more than two million items this year. In order to participate, you must be an Amazon Prime member, which is $12.99 per month or $119 for an annual subscription. You can also sign up for a free 30-day Amazon Prime trial, take advantage of the Prime Day sale, and then cancel, or sign up for just one month if you don’t want to pay for the membership long term. A Prime Video membership is an additional $8.99 per month, notable as we’ll include a couple of travel movies currently streaming on the platform in this article as inspiration for your shopping. Here are some of the best travel gear deals for Amazon Prime Day 2021, from luggage and packs to essential items to bring with you along the way.
Getting stoked for Amazon Prime Day 2021The day before Amazon Prime Day 2021 is June 20, a Sunday, and no matter what your day looks like we recommend making a stop at the local grocer to pick up some popcorn. This is so you can spend the evening getting psyched up for the sale by streaming epic travel movies currently airing on Amazon Prime Video. Here are some of the best.
Discovering the World[image error]
The Discovering the World series runs four seasons and takes you around the world. Each episode highlights a major city, a country, or a natural wonder and provides the background and info you need to experience it. Best of all, it’s free with a Prime Video subscription.
A Map for Saturday[image error]
A Map for Saturday follows trekkers around the globe, starting in Australia and continuing across four continents on a whirlwind world tour that lasts one year. Nearly everything about the host changes along the way, from his wardrobe to his worldview.
Nomadland[image error]
Nomadland won big at the Oscars this year, and Francis McDormand’s intimate portrayal of the rough-and-tumble #vanlife experience is as honest as it is inspiring. What the film does best is illustrate that there is often a rough side to what we see from travelers on Instagram, but that it shouldn’t deter you from heading out in the first place.
Prime Day purchases to help you pass time on flights and in hotel roomsKindle Paperwhite[image error]
Be sure to have the basics in order before heading out this summer. The Kindle Paperwhite makes it super easy to download and read books while on the go, with backlighting and page design as similar to an actual book as it gets. Plus, it fits easily into all carry-on-approved bags.
Fire TV stick[image error]
Fire TV is among the biggest hotel hacks you’ll ever come across. It’s tiny — smaller than your cell phone — and plugs into the USB input on the back of televisions, providing access to all your streaming services no matter where you are. It also allows for easier casting, saving you the hassle of watching an intense movie on a tiny screen. Want to watch Netflix or Prime in Boston one night and Palm Beach the next? Easy, even without a smart TV.
Audible subscriptionSubscribe to Audible here
Audible subscriptions are among the best deals on Prime Day, giving you access to nearly any book or podcast you want to listen to. You can get more than half off an Audible subscription this month by being a Prime member — $6.95 per month, if you buy before June 30. One piece of advice — bring headphones wherever you go, because you’ll be the one with a phone full of podcasts and books to zone out to while everyone else is fiddling around with seat-back entertainment.
Sony WH-1000XM4 noise canceling headphones[image error]
Speaking of headphones, if you don’t want to hear that screaming baby or awkward conversation piercing through your favorite song while in flight, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 noise canceling headphones are worth purchasing. They also have a long battery life and smart features such as auto-pause when you take them off.
Prime Day deals for travel gearAmerican Tourister Fieldbrook XLT softside upright luggage[image error]
Effective packing begins with proper gear. American Tourister’s Fieldbrook series has you covered with easy-to-access interiors roomy enough for your clothes, work gear, books, and travel souvenirs. Options include carry-on-sized bags and larger suitcases.
Castries universal travel adapter[image error]
There’s nothing more frustrating than checking into your hotel in London, only to realize you left your Euro-adapter at home (or never even realizing you needed one — no shame). Castries universal travel adapter solves this problem for good, giving you the ability to charge your phone, laptop, and other devices anywhere in the world with one single adapter. There’s no greater tool in the digital nomad toolkit.
Trtl travel pillow[image error]
How many times have you checked into a hotel, hostel, or even a relative’s spare bedroom, only to realize their pillows absolutely suck? The Trtl travel pillow isn’t a plush head rester fit for a king, but it is a versatile and packable travel pillow that you can bring with you wherever you go — including for use on planes — and rest easy knowing that your neck won’t creak in the morning as a result of an inadequate pillow situation.
Eagle Creek packing cube set[image error]
These travel packing cubes could have easily landed in the Outdoor gear section of this article because of their durability. Eagle Creek makes organized travel packing something of second nature with this set of cubes, roomy enough for all your clothes and basics without the worry of an overstuffed bag putting undue stress on the outside zipper.
Surviveware small first aid kit[image error]
This small first aid kit is perfect for vehicles, checked bags, and backpacks, giving you the peace of mind of knowing that a stubbed toe or splinter doesn’t have to ruin a perfectly good afternoon.
Osprey Porter 46[image error]
Born in the high desert of southwest Colorado, Osprey builds the toughest outdoor and backpacking packs on the market. Their packs are tested in some of the most rugged conditions on the planet, and the result is the most versatile and durable line of adventure travel backpacks on the market. The Porter 46 is sizable enough for all forms of backpacking and has comfortable padded shoulder straps and netting to prevent back and shoulder pain. Whether you’re tackling a long trail or heading to Southeast Asia for a month, this pack has your back (you know you laughed. Come on.)
Reef Safe sunscreen SPF 50[image error]
Reef safe sunscreen is essential to protecting vital coastal habitats. Protect your skin without harming the environment with this SPF 50 sunscreen — portable, waterproof and long-lasting to get you through beach days and mountain hikes that may or may not end in an impromptu lake plunge.
Prime Day outdoor gear deals to stock up on while it’s cheapLifeStraw water filter[image error]
LifeStraw’s water filter is a necessity not only for outdoor excursions where you’ll need to filter stream water to drink but for any trip to a place where tap water might not be an ideal source of hydration without proper filtration. It prevents the need for — and expense of — plastic water bottles, and is small enough to keep in your carry-on.
Hydroflask water bottle and coffee mug[image error]
Filter that water into your Hydroflask water bottle, the most rugged water bottle on the market. Its collection comes in a variety of sizes and colors and even includes coffee mugs. The biggest benefit to their products is that once pandemic restrictions are fully lifted at food and drink establishments, you can bring your own to-go bottle and mug with you when you travel and avoid those pesky single-use cups.
Lander Cairn XL 10000[image error]
Upon first look, Lander’s Cairn light may not appear to be a travel necessity. But for someone who spends many days and nights both camping and venturing abroad, no single piece of equipment will revolutionize your travel setup more. This light is perfect for tents, hostel rooms, and other lodgings with inadequate lighting, and best of all, it has a USB plug in so it can charge your phone or laptop while you’re on the go and not near a power outlet. Try bringing it with you to cafes when working remotely — it’s nothing short of amazing.
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The 9 best Airbnbs in Denver for the ultimate beer-cation
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay, and listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Sipping a cold brew on a hot summer afternoon under the gaze of the towering Rockies should be a universal human right. In Denver, it pretty much is thanks to more than 150 breweries and dozens of beer bars to choose from — not to mention the behemoth Coors factory just up Sixth Avenue in Golden. The only way to experience this properly is to book a stay in the city, lace up your best walking shoes, and hit the pavement because it’s never too far to the next taproom. These Airbnb’s in Denver put you close to the city’s best breweries.
1. Entire guesthouse walking distance to RiNo and Five Points
Photo: Airbnb
Before arriving in Denver, write these four letters on the back of your hand, so you don’t forget them: RiNo. In Mile High parlance, this stands for River North, a little section of the city that’s unequivocally the greatest beer neighborhood in the United States, and probably the world. Likely, no one has ever tried this, but theoretically, you could grab a group of friends and split up — each heading to a different brewery — and conduct a solo pub crawl for multiple hours without ever running into each other. This Airbnb in Denver is the perfect start and endpoint of said pub craw. Fortunately, it’s also located along a popular route for food delivery services and a stone’s throw from The Source food hall.
Nearby breweries: Blue Moon, Mockery Brewing, Black Shirt Brewing, Cohesion Brewing, River North Brewery, Ironton Distillery and Crafthouse, 14er Brewing and Taphouse
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $108 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Five Points is Denver’s most historic neighborhood, home to a classic jazz culture and multiple historic music venues. This steampunk-designed loft is in the heart of the neighborhood and the living room is the perfect place for a delivery spread from nearby Birdcall, one of Denver’s hottest restaurants for fried chicken. Plan a route for your day in advance because there are brewpubs in every direction. You want to finish along Larimer or Walnut Streets, effectively making a nearly completed circle. Your legs (or a bike) can carry you even farther to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, and its surrounding nightlife district. This area is also home to — appropriately — several more breweries and the city’s most famous beer bar, Falling Rock Tap House, which features more than 200 brands of suds.
Nearby breweries: Spangalang Brewing, Woods Boss Brewing, Great Divide, Our Mutual Friend, Odell Five Points Brewhouse, Epic Brewing, 10 Barrel
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $159 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This townhouse is the perfect middle point between the two listings above. The townhouse itself is cozy and spacious, with a fenced-in yard for patio sessions. A Colorado flag provides an ideal selfie backdrop. From RiNo and Five Points, head east via car to visit City Park, a large greenspace home to both the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Downtown Denver is also a quick jaunt away. Of the Airbnbs in Denver for beer drinkers, this one is the most centrally located.
Nearby breweries: Spangalang Brewing, Woods Boss Brewing, Blue Moon, Mockery Brewing, Black Shirt Brewing, Cohesion Brewing, River North Brewery, Ironton Distillery, and Crafthouse, 14er Brewing and Taphouse, Great Divide, Our Mutual Friend, Odell Five Points Brewhouse, Epic Brewing, 10 Barrel
Three guests, one bedroom
$179 per night
Photo: Airbnb
LoHi, or Lower Highlands, is the trendiest part of town. This Airbnb is in a perfect spot for beer drinking, skyline views, and rooftop patios. Start your day with lunch at Avanti Food and Beverage, a massive two-story food hall with a patio overlooking the downtown skyline. Here, plan your beer trail through the neighborhood beginning west of Interstate 25, and then proceeding under the overpass to the breweries on the east side. Denver Beer Co. buzzes with action from the early afternoon on, particularly on weekends, so make this the meeting point if other groups will be joining you along the way. For a bit of variety on tap along with a great meal, stop into the Ale House.
Nearby breweries: Zuni Street Brewing, Prost Brewing, Denver Beer Co., Cerveceria Colorado
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $164 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Denver is on full display in this home, lined with local art and furniture and featuring a ladder-accessed loft. This home is great for small groups, and it has plenty of space to lounge without crowding each other. The neighborhood, Lincoln Park, is a great base for exploring Denver because it’s just south of the downtown traffic and crowds, but still a short bike ride or Uber from the action if you want to head out to a show or restaurant in the city center. The Santa Fe Arts District is home to the popular First Friday Art Walk (and Renegade Brewing, which is the place to be before, during, and after the outdoor events). The Denver Broncos stadium, Empower Field at Mile High, is also nearby. And the neighborhood is home to a handful of cozy breweries popular with locals meeting for after-work pints or plotting their mountain escape for the coming weekend.
Nearby breweries: Wit’s End Brewing, Renegade Brewing, Raices Brewing
Six guests, two bedrooms
$258 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Another solid beer district sits along Broadway, just south of downtown and Capitol Hill. This area has long been known as a hub for the local punk, metal, and indie scenes, with venues large and small, including the Gothic Theatre and Hi-Dive. This Denver townhome rental is walking distance from Broadway and Lincoln Ave., and no one has ever complained about a hot tub after a day of brews cruisin’.
Nearby breweries: TRVE, Baere Brewing, Banded Oak Brewing, Counter Culture Brewery + Grille, Lockdown Brewery + Kitchen
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $140 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Just north of the above listing, this home remains within walking distance of Broadway and its brewpubs and nightlife while offering more space to accommodate larger groups like bachelor or bachelorette parties among close friends. The neighborhood is vibrant and rich in art, music, and dining, while the home remains tucked away and quiet. Parking is included for two or three vehicles, a major bonus in the city.
Nearby breweries: TRVE, Baere Brewing, Banded Oak Brewing, Counter Culture Brewery + Grille, Lockdown Brewery + Kitchen, Renegade Brewing
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $250 per night
Photo: Airbnb
West Colfax is too often overlooked by Denver’s beer guests. The neighborhood not only has the city’s best lake for boating, lounging, or running around, it’s also home to a tight collection of craft breweries that have become staples in the area. This house is perfect for larger groups — again, bachelor or bachelorette parties, family reunions, or work retreats — as well as those visiting town for a Broncos game and wanting to add some beer stops along the way.
Nearby breweries: Joyride Brewing, WestFax Brewing, Barquantine Brewing, Oasis Brewing, Hogshead Brewery, Seedstock Brewery
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $228 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This loft is among the best bachelor or bachelorette party Airbnbs in Denver, no doubt. Right downtown with room for 14 guests, this loft has a rooftop spa and lounge space with an incredible skyline view. It’s also within walking distance to no less than half a dozen breweries and much of the city’s nightlife. Split that cost up among your crew, and don’t even worry about renting a car or taking rideshares — you can walk and take the light rail everywhere from here.
Nearby breweries: Spangalang Brewing, Woods Boss Brewing, Blue Moon, Mockery Brewing, Black Shirt Brewing, Cohesion Brewing, River North Brewery, Ironton Distillery, and Crafthouse, 14er Brewing and Taphouse, Great Divide, Our Mutual Friend, Odell Five Points Brewhouse, Epic Brewing, 10 Barrel
14 guests, three bedrooms
Price: $732 per night
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8 coastal destinations where the beaches are beautiful, public, and free
Going to the beach is not always as simple as showing up to the shore. In many places, from Bali to the Caribbean, some of the finest oceanfront real estate has been claimed by resorts or homeowners and cordoned off to the general public. Elsewhere, such as New Jersey, even the public beaches come with an entry fee. These private, costly beaches can be a real mood killer for those who’ve booked shoreside vacations unaware. Luckily, some of the world’s most highly coveted coastal destinations have pledged to keep their coastlines open to all and fee-free. Here are eight vacation spots that promise easy access to the sand and surf — and three of their most serene, secluded public beaches to visit if you’d still like some privacy.
1. AustraliaAustralia has one of the longest coastlines in the world, measuring more than 16,000 miles. The laws surrounding its 10,000-plus beaches vary by state, but as a rule, any land that falls within the high-water mark, or high-tide line, is considered Crown Land and open to the public.
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches
Photo: Greg Brave/Shutterstock
Milk Beach: Though not entirely crowd-free, Milk Beach is a local favorite in suburban Sydney and a far cry from tourist-riddled beaches like Bondi. It’s located at the bottom of Hermit Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park and can be reached by car, bus, or boat.
Childers Cove: Much to the enjoyment of those who discover it, this opaquely marked beach along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is overshadowed by the iconic 12 Apostles rock formation nearby. If you do manage to find Childers Cove, expect unspoiled surf and sand, which you’ll also get in neighboring Murnanes Beach and Sandy Cove.
Bailey Beach: Offshore reefs make this modest beach near Perth, Western Australia, a better choice for snorkeling than swimming. Forming mini beaches of their own, the nooks and crannies found at Bailey’s southern end are also prime for beachcombing.
2. ThailandThai beaches are public domain, but access can be tricky where there are hotels. Non-guests may be prevented from reaching these beaches via private property. Little can be done about alternate means of entry, however, such as arriving by boat or finding a trail off hotel grounds.
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches
Photo: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock
Tonsai Beach: Tonsai is one of the quieter beaches on the Railay Peninsula, which is widely known among rock climbers but rarely inundated with sunbathers. Roughly 10 miles southwest of Krabi on the Andaman Coast, Tonsai is ideal for adventuring in peace, be it kayaking, scuba diving, or scurrying up the peninsula’s less-crowded karst cliffs.
Ao Khao Kwai: Also known as Buffalo Bay, Ao Khao Kwai is a secluded spot on Koh Phayam, which has been gaining in popularity but is still less crowded than many of the Thai islands. Visitors here will enjoy a quiet, rugged cove ringed by jungle and a mangrove forest on one end.
Koh Adang: Not a beach but an island, Koh Adang falls within the Tarutao National Marine Park near the Malaysian border. It neighbors Koh Lipe and is often described as a throwback to what the more popular Thai islands were like pre tourism. Though Koh Adang is only accessible by tail boat from busy Koh Lipe, we recommend heading straight there.
3. PortugalPortuguese beaches are open to all. Many are also designed to be accessible to all, including those with limited mobility. In total, Portugal has more than 200 accessible swimming areas, both coastal and inland, which are indicated by a white flag bearing a blue and yellow logo and the phrases “praia acessível” and “praia para todos,” or “beach for everyone.”
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beachesPhoto: Raphael Rivest/Shutterstock
Praia do Baleal: Praia do Baleal is one of several beaches surrounding Peniche, which famously attracts some of the best surfers in Portugal and around the world. You’re likely to see surfers and local families when you visit, but the beach is long, and there’s plenty to go around.
Dunas de São Jacinto: This wide-open beach belongs to a nature reserve near Aveiro, which happens to be one of our favorite small towns in Portugal. Visitors here are greeted by golden sand dunes, which draw a line between the Ria de Aveiro and the Atlantic Ocean, plus forested areas, freshwater ponds, and a wealth of birdlife.
Praia da Bordeira: Praia da Bordeira is a welcome respite from the busier beaches in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. A stone’s throw from the village of Carrapateira, west of tourist centers like Lagos and Faro, this expansive, cliff-backed beach is popular with surfers and hikers who enjoy the surrounding Costa Vicentina nature park.
4. BarbadosBarbados is one Caribbean island where all-inclusives have not claimed the coastline. Access can be made challenging by the presence of resorts, however, many of which also limit amenities like lounge chairs and restrooms to guests or those who purchase a day pass.
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches
Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock
Ginger Bay: If you like admiring pink-sand beaches free of fellow admirers, Ginger Bay is the perfect alternative to neighboring Crane Beach. It’s a little over a mile down the coast from Shark Hole. Swimming isn’t advised, but beach strolls and picnics come highly recommended.
Shark Hole: Blink and you might miss this beach in St. Philip Parish. Given its small size, it can feel crowded with only a few visitors but is often empty during the week. It’s an excellent spot to start your day with a morning swim. Rest easy that there aren’t actually sharks.
Harrismith Beach: Those fed up with the crowds at Bottom Bay will appreciate the calm lagoon at nearby Harrismith Beach, which shares the island’s southeast boast. You can’t miss it: An old plantation house overlooks the shore and the stone staircase leading to the sand.
5. CaliforniaCalifornia law maintains that all beaches are public. In fact, this applies to all beaches on the West Coast, meaning that the entire Pacific coastline from where Washington meets Canada to where California meets Mexico is open to everyone.
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches
Photo: Lucky-photographer/Shutterstock
Pfeiffer Beach: Pfeiffer Beach is tucked away at the heart of Big Sur. It’s famous for its caves, coves, and rock formations, notably Keyhole Arch spanning the water. Also iconic is the purple sand on the northern end, made from manganese garnet. Though it gets more crowded than some Big Sur beaches, like secret San Carpoforo, Pfeiffer is worth sharing with a few others.
Carbon Beach: Malibu’s Carbon Beach seems private owing to the ultra-luxe homes lining its shore, hence the nickname “Billionaire’s Beach.” Though homeowners have tried preventing foot traffic in their supposed backyard, the California Coastal Commission has upheld the beach’s communal status and created three public access points.
Point Sal State Beach: Getting to Point Sal State Beach in Santa Barbara County is a trek. A 10-mile round-trip trek to be exact. Those up for the hike are rewarded with roughly 1.5 miles of remote, rugged oceanfront and gorgeous coastal wildflowers during spring.
6. SpainThroughout Spain, beaches are not only public and free, but seaside hotels are also forbidden from restricting beach access to the general public. Amenities like beach umbrellas and sunbeds may be reserved for hotel guests or come with a fee, however.
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches
Photo: lunamarina/Shutterstock
Cala Estreta: Cala Estreta lies midway up the Costa Brava, which begins near Barcelona and extends all the way to the French border, near the town of Palamós. That you can only reach the w-shaped cove on foot has helped keep visitors at bay. The fact that nudists are welcome might have also contributed, but depending on the visitor, that could be a selling point.
Playa del Silencio: This beach near the fishing village of Cudillero on Spain’s northern coast delivers what its name promises: silence. Though the rocky waters leave something for swimmers to desire, the cove’s cliff-swaddled scenery is as gorgeous as it gets.
Playa de Los Genoveses: Playa de Los Genoveses has been called the most beautiful bay in Andalucia’s Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve. The park’s protected status means there’s little to no infrastructure, which makes for a delightfully rugged and relaxed outing. You’ll want 4WD to navigate the reserve, but be prepared to walk to reach this beach.
7. MexicoOceanfront accommodations may deter travelers from accessing certain beaches in Mexico, but the beaches on which these properties sit are, in fact, open for public use.
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches
Photo: Carlos Garrigos Saucedo/Shutterstock
Maruata: Enchanting Maruata made it onto our list of the top crowd-free coastal vacations in Mexico. And judging by the reaction of our readers, we’re not alone in stanning this barely developed spit of shore in the Michoacán state. Beach camping is encouraged for a rustic retreat.
Xpu-Há: Xpu-Há is what the Riviera Maya looks like when you strip away the tourists at resorts like Playa del Carmen and Tulum. With clear waters, killer snorkeling, a few fish taco spots, and a couple of beach bars, Xpu-Há makes for the perfect beach day on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.
Playa del Caballo: Some of the prettiest, calmest beaches in Mexico can be found in the state of Jalisco. Playa del Caballo is one example. Skip Puerto Vallarta and head to this quieter alternative roughly 12 miles down the coast, which is only accessible by water taxi or on foot.
8. CyprusBeaches in Cyprus are not only open to everyone, but resorts are also prevented from monopolizing the shore. Hotel guests do not have complimentary access to amenities that the general public does not, such as sunbeds, though such amenities may be available for a fee. Always look for Blue Flag beaches, which are considered the best in terms of quality and safety.
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches
Photo: smspsy/Shutterstock
Lara Beach: A little paradise on the Akamas Peninsula in Paphos, Lara Beach is more populated with fauna like wild goats and green turtles than people. You’ll need 4WD to get there, as well as your own chairs and umbrella as the beach offers neither shade nor amenities.
Freedom Beach: This beach in Paralimni does have amenities, namely sunbeds and umbrellas, which are up for grabs at no cost. Similar to Lara Beach, it’s only accessible via dirt roads, but the off-roading here is less adventurous.
Cape Greco: Cape Greco is not your typical sandy beach but a headland near the tourist resort of Ayia Napa. It’s said that a sea monster lives here. As far as we can tell, that’s the only entity you’re likely to encounter while exploring the site’s quiet caves and rocky shore.
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How to have a nomadic lifestyle in a converted bus, according to a couple who lives it
Long-term travel is expensive. There’s the cost of flights and hotels, as well as rent for an apartment that stays empty while gone. In a converted vehicle, however, the cost of living is low and the opportunities for exploring are high.
In May of 2018, I bought a Nissan NV with my partner, named it Powerline, and spent the next six months building it out. We lived in our first van for about two years and loved it before eventually deciding we needed a larger living space: a passenger shuttle bus listed on eBay that had previously been used to transport churchgoers on Sundays.
We spent the next couple of months working non-stop to convert the bus into our next home and, once finished, hit the road. Along the way, we learned that while we love this lifestyle, it also comes with very real challenges.
If you’re considering living in a converted bus for some time, or even just considering taking a long road trip, here’s some advice for happy mobile living.
Choosing good campsites is essential
Photo: the_church_bus
Finding somewhere to park every day requires constant planning, research, and decision-making. It can also mean the difference between having a pleasant, quiet night’s sleep or a terrible one at a loud truck stop.
Before beginning the hunt for a campsite, it’s important to know your personal needs and those of your vehicle: Do you need internet during business hours every day? Does your rig need an electric or water hookup? Do you need a paved road or is a 4×4 road okay? What is your budget for camping? All of these factors go into making the important decision of where to sleep.
Some of the apps and sites I utilize to find parking spots are iOverlander, Campendium, The Vanlife App, Recreation.gov, Hipcamp, Harvest Hosts, and The Dyrt.
They all operate a little differently, but in general, they show campsites and resources near your current location in a digital map format. Then, when you select a location, the description provides details about what the site provides — water info, power hookups, on-site showers, and boondocking. They also include user reviews and comments, which I find especially helpful in choosing a site.
In general, I always cross-reference between apps to read multiple user reviews to make sure a spot is appropriate for our needs. This usually is successful, though we still get the occasional location that ends up not working out. Parking lots sometimes change their restrictions to not allow overnight parking, and campgrounds close during specific seasons, or some spots just end up not being large enough for our bus.
Choosing a backup site in the same area while you have good cell service is a good idea.
Schedule remote work hours around good internet connectionsThis tip comes to you straight from a very bumpy highway somewhere in Tennessee.
If you have a flexible work schedule, make an effort to get work done anytime there’s a strong cell signal or Wi-Fi available. It’s super stressful having a looming deadline and only a bar of barely usable signal. It’s also a bummer to leave a beautiful spot just to send out a couple of emails.
Plan work days near towns to compensate for days when you want to disconnect in nature.
It’s a good idea to reference the same phone apps from the first tip to scope out the signal strength at upcoming locations. Many of them include a signal rating in the user review section of the descriptions, and I’ve found them to be fairly accurate predictors of what we can expect to find.
If you need consistent service regardless of location, consider investing in a cell phone signal booster to add to your vehicle. These boosters work with an antenna to amplify a weak signal. Note that these devices can only increase a signal, not create one, so you still have to find a spot with a little bit of service. It costs around $500 for a reputable one, and I’ve heard great reviews from other nomads that use one.
Pets require extra attention and care on the road
Photo: the_church_bus
We travel full time with our two large dogs. Before we moved into our van, I would romanticize what it would be like to always have them with us. Now that we’ve been living on the road for several years, I have a more realistic view of what it means to have the additional responsibility of caring for an animal. We get to do many amazing things with our dogs and we love having them with us, but we also have to make sacrifices in our daily life to keep them healthy and happy.
Dogs limit the activities you can do and the places you can visit. We often have to skip hiking in national parks because they don’t allow dogs on the trails, and a surprising number of outdoor coffee shops don’t allow pets.
The dogs can only wait in the bus if the temperature is mild. That means planning grocery shopping, laundry days, and all of our other chores around times when it’s not too hot or cold outside. It also means we can’t escape into some air conditioning on extra hot days because our dogs are not allowed in most indoor areas.
Even in mild temperatures, we don’t like to leave them alone in the bus for more than a couple of hours. We also worry about leaving them behind anywhere there is a higher risk of break-ins, like parking on a public street. These limitations can make exploring cities more difficult, and we usually just end up going on a walking tour and skipping indoor activities like museums.
It’s also more challenging to find places to stay with pets if the bus is in the shop. Even hotels that allow dogs often have a size or pet limit to be aware of.
Rover is a great resource for dog owners on the road. I use it to find well-reviewed pet-sitters who have a background check when we need somewhere safe for them to stay at a predetermined nightly rate.
Learn how to maintain a comfortable temperature in your living spaceIn a traditional home, setting your thermostat to room temperature is all it takes to comfortably maintain your environment. Staying comfy in a vehicle, however, takes a little more effort. It tends to turn into a pizza oven in direct sunlight and a deep freezer on snowy winter nights.
We’ve experienced a huge range of temperatures living on the road, including freezing conditions in Colorado, a hot beach climate in Baja Mexico, and the most perfect temperate spring in Arizona.
One of the easiest ways to keep your house comfortable is to travel away from seasonal extremes. Most full-time nomads migrate with the seasons, heading toward cooler northern climates in the summer and warmer southern climates in the winter. It takes a lot of effort to change the temperature in your vehicle by more than a few degrees, and it’s much easier to just avoid super cold or hot temperatures all together.
We still need to be able to battle the elements when traveling with the seasons. When it’s warm out, the metal frame of the bus heats up quickly. In order to keep the bus cool on a hot day, we try to park in the shade, cover our windows with reflective materials to block out the sun, open all of our windows for fresh air ventilation, and try to cook outside.
My top tip for surviving summer in a bus is to purchase a high-quality circulation fan. We have tried cheap box fans in the past, but they didn’t seem to make a huge difference. The only way to make the inside of your rig significantly cooler is through air conditioning. Air conditioners are costly and require large amounts of power to operate, so they aren’t as common in van and bus rigs.
In the colder months, stay warm with lots of clothes as well as a wood stove or propane or diesel heater. Also include adequate insulation to help trap heat inside.
Be prepared for breakdowns
Photo: the_church_bus
When your home is also your main form of transportation, breakdowns and mechanical issues are a pretty big deal. Being both homeless and stranded while your rig is in the shop is not fun, but it is likely to eventually happen.
Get your insurance in order and fully understand the policy before leaving for a road trip. Some questions I have found helpful to ask agents include: Does my insurance cover hotel expenses if the vehicle is in the shop? Does it cover my belongings if I have a break-in? Does it cover towing expenses?
In our first van, we only had the vehicle itself insured. If anything had happened to the build portion, we wouldn’t have been compensated for our investment. In our current bus, we pay a higher rate for a more comprehensive plan that covers the value of our build as well as the vehicle itself.
As great as good coverage is, being a little self-sufficient on the road can be super helpful in a breakdown situation. Camping in the middle of nowhere with no cell service is freeing, but also leaves you stranded if your vehicle won’t start. Carry some basic tools and know how to use them when you’re in a bad situation. In our bus garage, we carry a basic tool kit, an air compressor to fill our tires, a tire repair kit to patch a flat, jumper cables, extra coolant, and traction boards for getting unstuck from sand or mud. I also purchased a book on basic DIY car maintenance and repairs if a problem comes up and we don’t have internet access.
Towing services are another requirement of bus life that’s easy to overlook until you’re stuck on the side of the road. We’ve had AAA for years, but when we made the switch from van to bus, I learned that the service can’t always tow oversized vehicles or RVs, and when they can it’s often for hundreds of dollars in additional fees.
Instead, we use Good Sam’s roadside assistance policy. Good Sam offers towing and insurance options specifically tailored to larger rigs.
At the end of the day, the number one necessity for dealing with breakdowns is having the emergency funds to cover repair costs. A breakdown is bound to eventually happen when you live on the road full-time, and unfortunately it’s almost always both unexpected and expensive.
A rainy day fund to keep your hard-working vehicle running smoothly is a vital part of preparing for this lifestyle.
The post How to have a nomadic lifestyle in a converted bus, according to a couple who lives it appeared first on Matador Network.
6 spectacular Italian train journeys through olive groves, Cinque Terre, and Venice
Italy’s major appeals are its landscapes, food, and rich history. By taking the train across the country, you’ll get to give into la dolce vita and enjoy all three at a leisurely pace — you’re on vacation after all.
One thing to note: Though the country has a vast and dense train network, there are frequent disruptions, delays, and sometimes replacement bus services, so it’s good to have a zen attitude and a flexible itinerary.
Italy’s first train line was completed in 1839 and ran between Naples and Portici. Although many high-speed lines, known as direttissime or DD, were built during the 20th century, some regional lines, especially in southern Italy, run at the same speed as they did over 150 years ago. These slower lines are referred to as linea lenta, or LL.
For many journeys between major cities, you’ll have the option of taking a fast and direct route or a slower train with more stops. If you have time to spare, do the latter. That way you can crisscross the country unhurriedly, contemplate the scenery, get off when the fancy takes you, and savor a cappuccino at the station bar while you wait for your next ride.
Here are six scenic journeys that will take you across Italy from north to south and down some of the country’s most beautiful coastlines.
1. Milan to Venice
Photo: Alexey Gorshenin/Shutterstock
The relatively short journey between Milan and Venice takes you through some must-see cities.
Verona, Vicenza, and Padua all have well-preserved historical city centers worth the stop. In Verona, wander colorful piazzas and stay for an open-air opera in the Roman amphitheatre. In Vicenza, check out the Olympic Theater and the Palazzo Leoni Montanari that’s a mere four-minute walk away. In Padua, don’t miss Giotto’s frescoes at the Scrovegni Chapel and the surrounding gardens.
Perhaps the most memorable part of this train journey is the end when you arrive at the Venice lagoon over a 19th-century railway bridge. For over two miles, you’ll feel as if your train is cruising on water.
Trains along this line are very frequent. The direct train from Milan to Venice takes roughly 2.5 hours and costs about $73. The slower option, which takes one extra hour and includes a brief connection in Verona, is only about $25. If you get individual tickets to make extra stops in Vicenza and Padua, the total price is just a few dollars more.
2. Venice to Florence
Photo: Catarina Belova/Shutterstock
There are few better ways to travel from Venice to Florence than the slow train. It may take twice as long as the fast option, but it’ll give you the chance to stop and explore some of the less touristy towns along this route.
You can visit some imposing medieval structures along the way to the capital of the Italian Renaissance. Stop to see Ferrara’s moated medieval Castello Estense, the seat of the powerful Este family. In Bologna, be sure to eat a plate of pasta al ragù, the Italian name for the spaghetti bolognese that’s named after this city. And when in Prato, visit the Castello dell’Imperatore.
The train journey from Venice will take you through the sprawling region of Emilia-Romagna before guiding you back down to Florence. You’ll know you’re in Tuscany when you see rows of cypress trees snaking along the rolling hills .
The direct route via high-speed train takes about two hours. There are usually seven direct trains per day with prices starting at about $61. The longer journey can take anywhere from three to five hours, including changeovers in Bologna and Prato, but costs a mere $25.
3. Florence to Rome
Photo: Jarek Pawlak/Shutterstock
If you close your eyes and conjure up images of Italy, that mental picture is probably akin to what you’ll see from your window on this train journey. Think medieval hill-top villages, bright blue skies punctuated with wisps of clouds above a green and ochre landscape, and crumbling stone churches with teetering towers.
On the journey from Florence to Rome, you’ll pass through Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano, Orvieto, and more. All are towns where you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere, great wine, locally-produced meats, pastas, and cheeses. If some of the streets evoke a sense of déjà-vu, it may be because you’ve seen them in films like the Oscar-winning Life is Beautiful (filmed in Arezzo), Under the Tuscan Sun (Cortona), or the Twilight sequel New Moon (Montepulciano).
The direct trains from Florence to Rome take around 1.5 hour and can cost anywhere from $60 to more than $120. The regional trains are much slower (some take up to five hours and can involve a couple of changeovers), but only cost about $27. There are multiple train options every hour.
4. Rome to Palermo
Photo: Andrew Mayovskyy/Shutterstock
The ride from Rome to Palermo is long, but it’s memorable. The journey covers 500 miles in about 12 hours, and it’s among the few in the world where your train goes on a boat trip.
The train loads onto a ferry equipped with railway tracks in Villa San Giovanni and emerges in Messina, Sicily. You can stay inside or walk up to the boat deck for a coffee and sea views (or to watch the sunrise if you’re on the overnight train).
But before that, you’ll be riding for about six hours through the southwestern regions of Italy: Lazio, Campagna, Basilicata, and Calabria. You’ll glimpse the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. As you ride south of Naples, the landscape gets drier and more rugged. You’ll have splendid views of the sea as the tracks follow the coastline for most of the way down this section, and again across northern Sicily.
There are 11 trains per day from Rome to Palermo. One option is to take the IntercityNotte and ride overnight, so you save on accommodation. These trains were recently refurbished, so they’re modern and comfortable. Journey times vary from 10.5 hours to over 13 hours. Prices start from as little as $40 if you book well in advance.
5. Cinque Terre: Levanto to La Spezia
Photo: pisaphotography/Shutterstock
If the train journey from Rome to Palermo seems too daunting, going through the area known as Cinque Terre is a much shorter option with equally fantastic views of Italy’s coastline from Levanto to La Spezia.
Cinque Terre, or Five Lands, refers to the five colorful coastal towns that you’ll pass: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. All five have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Take an entire day or two to hop on and off this little train, visit the towns, and sample the local goods like Monterosso’s special anchovies and Corniglia’s honey ice cream.
Starting in Levanto, with no stops, the journey will only take between 20 to 40 minutes depending on the train, and it costs less than about $13. Sit on the right side for the sea views and on the left for a closer look at the vineyards and olive groves that characterize this steep, rugged landscape.
6. A zigzag through southern Puglia: Bari to Otranto or Gallipoli
Photo: vololibero/Shutterstock
It’s impossible to grasp everything that’s contained in Italy’s heel in one straightforward journey. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more surprising and varied region in Italy, and the best way to discover it is to zigzag along its train tracks.
Start in Bari. This fun port city has multiple train stations, so be sure to double-check which one you’re leaving from. First head to Alberobello, known for its cone-shaped-roof houses, or trulli. Five miles and a few minutes away by train, Locorotondo has taken a very different approach to architecture. Its cummerse (narrow white houses with pointed gable roofs) are more reminiscent of buildings in Flanders than anything Italian. As the town’s name suggests, it is also surprisingly round, with curved streets that hug the contours of the hill on which it sits.
From here, you can ride southeast to Ostuni, although this will likely involve a couple of changeovers. Ostuni is a medieval labyrinth of narrow streets and staircases known as La Città Bianca (the white town) because of its lime-washed houses. Less than an hour’s ride away is Lecce, a beautiful Baroque city that studs Italy’s heel. End your journey on the coast by traveling east to Otranto or west to Gallipoli. Both towns have imposing fortifications, seafront promenades, and turquoise waters.
Most of these trips will take you through dense olive groves. Puglia is home to 60 million olive trees and produces about 45 percent of all Italian olive oil. The journeys between towns are generally under two hours and cost very little — less than about $13. Note that the trains on this route are old, so don’t expect air conditioning.
The post 6 spectacular Italian train journeys through olive groves, Cinque Terre, and Venice appeared first on Matador Network.
Vaccinated US travelers will be able to travel to France this summer
On Friday June 4, 2021, French government officials announced that France will reopen to American passport holders who have been vaccinated, starting on June 9.
To travel to France, vaccinated Europeans will not have to present a negative COVID-19 test, along with other “green” countries (Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, and Singapore), but those who are unvaccinated will need to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to boarding.
Travelers from “orange” listed countries, including the United States, will need to present a negative COVID-19 test regardless of vaccination status if they want to travel to France. Unvaccinated travelers can only visit for “essential travel,” will have to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test before departure, and quarantine for seven days on arrival (they will be tested on the seventh day).
Red-listed countries can only participate in essential travel and must test negative with a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours before departure. They must also quarantine.
Photo: French government
For more information about France’s reopening plan, and to see if you can or cannot travel there this summer, visit the French government’s website.
A version of this article was previously published on April 20, 2021, and was updated on June 7, 2021, with more information.
More like thisTravelEvery destination in the world currently open to US touristsThe post Vaccinated US travelers will be able to travel to France this summer appeared first on Matador Network.
Outdoor guide: Fort Lauderdale Beach
Tagged Beaches + Islands Outdoor guide to Fort Lauderdale BeachBy: Sarah Sekula
On the waterIn the waterOn the sandPhoto: Ruth Peterkin/Shutterstock#wedge-0 { background-image: url('https://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs...') }@media(min-width:560px){ #wedge-0 { background-image: url('https://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs...') } }@media(min-width:1200px){ #wedge-0 { background-image: url('https://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs...') } }If you haven’t yet experienced Fort Lauderdale Beach, on Florida’s southeastern coast, here’s what you need to know: This is the kind of place where locals get to live like they’re on vacation. And from the consistently balmy temps and 300+ days of sunshine a year to the 24 miles of turquoise coastline and a lively promenade, there’s always something to do outdoors. The question isn’t usually why you’d visit, but when.
To answer that, know that there’s a good excuse to plan a trip any time of year. Whenever you need to clock some beach time, to get away from the daily grind, to spend less time with your coworkers and more time with dolphins and manatees, that’s when to get yourself to Fort Lauderdale Beach. So set that flight alert, dig out that swimsuit, and get ready for some serious outdoor adventure — on the water, in the water, and on the sand.
This guide is proudly produced in partnership with Visit Lauderdale. On the waterPhoto: mariakray/ShutterstockFirst things first: Clear your itinerary and make time to explore that sparkling ocean. Off the coast of Fort Lauderdale Beach, you’re bound to spot marine life — Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays all call this area home. You’re also bound, should you choose, to feel a bit like an adrenaline junkie.
Flyboard like a superheroFor a memorable way to begin your Fort Lauderdale Beach vacay...
Visit Flyboard like a superheroFor a memorable way to begin your Fort Lauderdale Beach vacay (and a very rad story to tell your friends), check out flyboarding or electric surfboarding, no waves—or experience—necessary.
The flyboard, which launches you up to 30 feet in the air strapped to a water-propelled jetpack, is guaranteed to make you feel—and look!—like Iron Man. And the electric surfboard? It hits speeds up to 24 mph.
Whichever one you choose, with Aqua Flight, you can perfect your extreme-watersports skills, sending you home with the best souvenir: bragging rights.
Photo: PYU / Shutterstock
Get fancy on a yacht tour
Getting around the city by boat is easy to do...
Visit Get fancy on a yacht tourGetting around the city by boat is easy to do—Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” and the yachting capital of the world, thanks to its many scenic waterways.
Strolling beside them is nice, but there’s nothing quite like a day on the canals in a mega power yacht. With 300+ miles of navigable waterways, there’s an endless amount of time you can spend exploring. Be sure to go past the impressive estates on millionaire’s row and the skyscrapers downtown.
Tip: Rent your own dream boat from Best Boat Club and Rentals or hop on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi for a scenic ride to a waterfront restaurant. Ahoy, mateys!
Photo: Ruth Peterkin / Shutterstock
Reel ‘em in on a boat charter
You can have a sport-fishing adventure only a mile and a half offshore...
Visit Reel ‘em in on a boat charterOne of the cool things about Fort Lauderdale is you can have a sport-fishing adventure only a mile and a half offshore. Migratory pelagic fish like sailfish, marlin, dolphin, tuna, and wahoo frequent these waters every day of the year.
Fish Lauderdale can take you and up to five of your buddies on their 42-foot yacht. Best part: Newbies are welcome—the captain will teach you all the techniques you need. They also have all the necessary equipment, so just show up ready to keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking in the wake of the boat. It’s also common to come across barracuda, snapper, and grouper.
Photo: kelldallfall / Shutterstock
Paddle beside a manatee
Kayaking should be on your Fort Lauderdale Beach short list...
Visit Paddle beside a manateeKayaking should be on your Fort Lauderdale Beach short list. During manatee season (mid-November to mid-April), there’s a very good chance you’ll spot one of these gentle giants on a morning paddle. Just make sure you let them decide how close they want to get to you. Respect is the name of the game.
Don’t worry, though, if you visit outside of manatee season—there’s plenty to see all year long. Sunrise Paddleboards offers great kayak tours, lessons, and rentals, so you can take an excursion any time you’d like into the area waterways.
Photo: Jeff Stamer / Shutterstock
In the waterPhoto: DisobeyArt/Shutterstock
To scope out even more marine life, go below the surface. Water temps are comfortable year-round here in the Atlantic, and Broward County is home to 76 artificial reefs absolutely teeming with life. The Greater Fort Lauderdale area also happens to have the highest number of warm-water shipwrecks in the Western world. With a GoPro and some goggles, what’s not possible in the water?
Explore shipwrecks and moreOff the coast of Fort Lauderdale Beach lie several dive sites...
Visit Explore shipwrecks and moreOff the coast of Fort Lauderdale Beach lie several dive sites worth any trip. One crowd-pleaser is Hog Heaven, which includes an 180-foot barge purposefully sunk as part of the Florida Artificial Reef Program. Scuba-certified divers can flipper-kick their way through it to check out the resident coral and its marine inhabitants. Nearby, you can also see part of an airplane wing and a radio tower. Safe to say, it’s a diver’s playground.
Tip: Looking for a solid outfitter? Sea Experience takes certified divers out to this site year-round. Snorkelers and glass-bottom boaters are catered to as well.
Photo: Durden Images / Shutterstock
Snorkeling the reefs
Log some more time underwater with a snorkel sesh...
Visit Snorkeling the reefsLog some more time underwater with a super-accessible snorkel sesh: The reef at Vista Park is easy to get to and still full of all those wild Florida rewards. It’s about 1,000 feet off the shore, and the coral reef is shallow—perfect for sea fans and lots of tropical fish.
You might see parrotfish chomping on the coral or stingrays happily flapping by. Lobsters like to hide among the coral, as do parrotfish, angelfish, and snapper. It’s a rainbow parade down here, for sure.
Photo: EB Adventure Photography / Shutterstock
Take an underwater jet ski tour
SEABOB sea scooters are an extremely fun way to roam the ocean...
Visit Take an underwater jet ski tourSEABOB sea scooters are an extremely fun way to roam the ocean. The steam-powered, eco-friendly underwater scooters—which look somewhat like a miniature jet ski—allow you to dive down more than 100 feet at up to 10 mph. (Imagine holding onto a dolphin and going for a ride.)
Aqua Flight tour guides will have you mastering this wild sport within minutes, no matter your skill or age. Every time you come up for air, there’s bound to be a very wide grin on your face.
Photo: shevstovy / Shutterstock
Take a mini power boat for a ride
It’s sort of like water bumper cars...
Visit Take a mini power boat for a rideIt’s sort of like water bumper cars, but definitely try to avoid any run-ins with your friends. At Las Olas Paddle Boards, choose between a red Whaly boat or a white Exhilarator, and take the one-hour Las Olas Isles loop in your vessel-for-one in search of dolphins, tarpon, iguanas, and sharks.
These power boats only fit one human, but you can bring your doggo along, if you like.
Photo: Lukas Gojda / Shutterstock
On the sandPhoto: Sean Pavone/ShutterstockOf course, there’s plenty to do on land, too. Bike paths, picnic spots, state parks, and people-watching promenades all hide their own treasures — never mind the endless possibilities on the golden sand. Search for seashells by the seashore
Wake up early and greet the day at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park...
Visit Search for seashells by the seashoreWake up early and greet the day at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a wide, white-sand stretch of beach between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, where you can take a two-mile trek through hardwood hammocks. Then, perhaps a beach jog or an ocean swim?
Or better yet, both. Bonus points if you stumble upon a seashell or sand dollar along the way.
Photo: Steven Hodel / Shutterstock
Two-wheel it
On two wheels, there’s always a breeze...
Visit Two-wheel itOn two wheels there’s always a breeze. Scenic bike paths in the area include Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Las Olas Blvd., and beach neighborhood streets like N. Birch Rd. and Bayshore Dr., just to name a few. Grab yourself an adorable cruiser at the Fun Center Fort Lauderdale or rent an electric bike with Broward B Cycle to see a whole lot in a short amount of time.
For shades of green, head through the aforementioned Hugh Taylor Birch State Park—Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park”—on paved trails and past mangroves, keeping your eyes peeled for gopher tortoises and flycatchers.
Photo: Gabriele Maltinti / Shutterstock
Get your downward dog on with a beach yoga class
Yoga can certainly be a calming experience no matter where you are...
Visit Get your downward dog on with a beach yoga classYoga can certainly be a calming experience no matter where you are, but yoga al fresco? Now that has the potential for exponential relaxation.
Beach Yoga & Fitness offers beach yoga classes at the NE 9th Street beach entrance—feel the sand between your toes with the ocean right in front of you, breathing in tandem with the waves. Namaste!
Photo: Nadya Lukic / Shutterstock
Set, spike, and serve
Pack a picnic lunch and make a beeline for Fort Lauderdale Beach...
Visit Set, spike, and servePack a picnic lunch and make a beeline for Fort Lauderdale Beach. It’s dotted with volleyball nets, but just remember the early bird gets the worm: Go in the morning to stake your claim. Major volleyball tournaments are scheduled throughout the year, too, if watching the pros set, spike, and serve (and sand-dive) is more your speed.
Photo: oneinchpunch / Shutterstock
Stroll the promenade
Take an easy-breezy walk along the brick Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade...
Visit Stroll the promenadeTake an easy-breezy walk along the brick Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade, cruising down the coastline, seeing and being seen. The palm-tree-lined pathway, stretching for seven miles next to A1A, is a people-watching extravaganza.
Beyond the fashion show, you’ll spot a two-mile-long wave wall and runners, skaters, and bikers, morning, noon, and night. Across the street are plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants, so when you’re ready to take a breather, sit down for lunch or grab an ice cream to go.
Photo: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
This guide is proudly produced in partnership with Visit Lauderdale. The post Outdoor guide to Fort Lauderdale Beach appeared first on Matador Network.
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