Bethlehem enjoying Croatian waters
My rules for traveling alone are: always visit a new city, work is not allowed (although it is allowed to put yourself in the role of a professional photographer), eat local food , and just do what you feel like and what the body asks of you . In these ten destinations this is more than possible:
1. COSTA BRAVA
If I can say something as a Catalan, it is that we love our land and we live **in love with the Costa Brava**. Dreamlike fishing villages, beaches with crystal clear waters (not at all enviable to the waters of Menorca or Ibiza), beach parties until dawn in summer, natural pools and restaurants where you can eat a good little fish, especially the prawns from Palamós , a delight.
You cannot miss: in Begur, Sa Riera, Aiguablava and Sa Tuna . A mandatory stop in Cadaqués, and visit the house where Dalí lived. follow by Palamos, Calella and Llafranch . Lose yourself in the streets of these little towns, take millions of photos, and marvel at its coves.
A restaurant that you cannot miss: swallow in Calella de Palafrugell.
Castelldefels Beach
two. CROATIA
Oh Croatia! I get excited just saying his name , one of the most beautiful and authentic countries that I have been able to visit (twice) in the last year. Both its impressive landscapes and its splendid gastronomy They have left me speechless (and with two extra kilos, but I can assure you that they are worth it).
Croatia is divided into two parts, "mainland" and the islands, and I definitely recommend visiting the islands. Little villages with marble facades, fishing ports that make you fall in love and Beach Clubs that make you think that you want to stay there forever, with your bikini on and your piña colada in hand watching the sun go down on the Adriatic Sea.
Laganini Beach Club (?iovo, Croatia)
My favorite islands are Hvar and Vis Write them down in your notebook and don't waste time. Specially in Hvar , sleep at the ** Hotel Podstine **, it's not the most luxurious, but you'll die when you wake up and open the curtain to find with the best views of your life. In addition, the attention is exquisite and they have a wonderful terrace. Just a five minute walk into town, you stumble upon **Hula Hula Beach Club**, the best on the island, you'll want to go every day.
While in Hvar, ask to be taken to ** Laganini Restaurant and Beach Club **, on the next island of Palmijana . to eat he asks octopus and truffle pasta (You will thank me all your life, and you will have visited what I consider one of the most beautiful restaurants so far) .
In view , stroll through its wonderful little streets and escape to the restaurant Roki's in the evening, you will remember that dinner forever, and remember to ask for octopus!
Croatia, the ultimate destination
3. OAHU, HAWAII
I don't know where to start, I can only say that it's my favorite place in the world . Many people return from Hawaii disappointed, but that is because they have not left their comfort zone, or what is the same, of Waikiki, the most touristic area of the island, which still has its charm.
If you plan to go alone to Hawaii, get lost in the North Shore and in the eastern area. Once on the North Shore you should not miss the following beaches, which you will have seen millions of times in postcards, movies or Tumblr photos that we all dream of doing one day: Sunset Beach, Pipeline and Waimea Bay, Above all, dare to jump off the rock! And don't forget to stop by **Haleiwa Bowls** and try their delicious Acai Bowl , if you have not tried it, you will become addicted.
You can't miss the side either East of Kailua Island It is my favorite beach and when you are there you will know why: kilometric white sand beach with giant palm trees a few meters from the shore and amazing houses in which you think that at any moment you can find Brad Pitt or President Obama himself walking.
To finish, spend a fun night at Rumfire, at the Sheraton Hotel, and order one of their succulent cocktails while you sit on their terrace overlooking the sea.
** 4. BYRON BAY , AUSTRALIA **
It is the fashionable city, the one that everyone who has Australia as a destination dreams of visiting, and it is not for less. Everything that has to do with Byron Bay, simply fall in love . It has an I don't know what that hooks you, its multicultural atmosphere, its ecological restaurants, its beaches with crystal clear water and the views from the lighthouse. If you were already wanting to go, I'm going to make your teeth even longer.
For starters, stay at: ** The Byron At Byron Resort And Spa **, it's a bit out of town, but a couple of bikes and a wonderful ride to get there will do the trick. Surrounded by nature, the hotel offers a lot of services and each of them is unbeatable.
It is mandatory to do route to the lighthouse on foot It's about two hours, but what your eyes will see during that time is priceless. Especially being in Australia, don't miss their Farmer's Market and eat in the market. Still, dine at **Treehouse on Belongil**, the place is simply unique, you'll want to try it all.
5. THAILAND
If you are thinking of traveling to Thailand in the months of July and August, better decide on any of the other destinations (during those months it is **monsoon season**). Thailand is a country of hulking beauty , and you have to visit it in all its splendor, from December to April.
It is one of my top 5 favorite destinations: both the landscapes, like gastronomy, like its culture , they hooked me, my eyes could not bear so many colors, which one was more beautiful.
Thailand cannot be missing from your Bucket List
I recommend that you travel light, because what you have to do is move around the country from the north (Bangkok and Chiang Mai) to the south through its islands (visit several of them, and above all don't miss the Full Moon party in Koh Phangan : the best party I've ever been to) .
And above all, above all, eat a lot, a lot, lots of thai food , is the richest there is. Proof an authentic Pad Thai , or a good curry in any local restaurant, you will never be able to compare it with the ones here.
What I wouldn't miss: Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan and Krabi, Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Thailand cannot be missing from your Bucket List
6. Bali
You have probably heard half of your friends say that they did not like Bali at all, and on the contrary, the other half will tell you that they have fallen in love. It all comes down to the fact that some did not know how to explore Bali and the others did it correctly.
My first advice: forget Kuta and Seminyak . They are two cities totally dedicated to tourism: that is not Bali (plus you will hate its traffic, its noise, and the crowd).
Second, I recommend that you divide your trip into four parts: Ubud, Canggu, South Bali and the Gili Islands.
Fins Beach Bar in Bali
They will have told you millions of times ubud : I recommend you stay there for a couple of nights and explore the temples (Monkey Temple, for example, and buy some bananas to give to the monkeys that climb over them) and the souks. Hotel, could not be other than: Hanging Gardens of Bali, an incomparable classic.
We continue with Canggu , a little north of Seminyak: is the new trendy area in Bali, all the vegan, organic cafes and beach clubs are here. In Canggu is where most expats reside, or “ expats ” as they are called, you will soak up the multicultural environment: Australians, French, Asians, Spanish, Italians, Brazilians… Good vibes abound in Canggu, and both Seminyak and Kuta are only ten minutes away so you can visit all that area and go out to dinner.
Things you cannot miss: breakfast or brunch at Betelnut Café, Nalu Bowls for the best Pitaya and Açai Bowls on the island, and dinner at the incredible Mexicola, a Mexican worthy of admiration, I better not reveal what awaits you there, go on a friday!
Haleiwa Bowls
I continue with the South of Bali, it is obligatory to spend a day in: El Kabron Bali, run by some Spaniards, Finn's Beach Club and Sundara, for the best and most exquisite experience.
The best beaches: Padang Padang, Nusa Dua, Balangan and Jimbaran. After a day in Balangan, go watch the sunset at End Wrench ; in Jimbaran stay until sunset, and watch the locals play on the beach and how the restaurants set up their tables by the sea and cook the catch of the day in front of you.
Finally, I ask you please, v isit the Gili Islands. Get to Gili Air and go snorkeling with the turtles. Stay at: Gili Air Lagoon Resort.
Cangru, Bali
So far the destinations I have visited and now, the definitive Wish List:
7. THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
As in all of Portugal, they say that in the Algarve they will welcome you with open arms , something that is evident in its climate, sunny most of the year, and of course, in its beaches, its cliffs, its almost deserted islands, its small rocky bays and its endless sandbanks. All this only invites long walks on the beach and endless sunsets.
Walking and biking trails allow you to explore the region, such as the Algarvian Way through the interior or the Vicentina Route along the coast.
Region also well known by surfers, if you like surfing, write it down on your list or buy your plane ticket now. The latest fashion is to go camping in the area and surf for a week, but not just any camping, practice GLAMPING. Take a look at this surf camp and start organizing your adventure, the Algarve, Portugal, its culture and of course: its food, yum!
8. GREECE
Greece is that destination with which we have all fallen in love in the last two years, especially its islands, and we will have seen at least a thousand photographs of Santorini and a thousand other photos of Mykonos.
I suggest you go to another place that is just as magical and that will certainly not leave you indifferent: Rhodes Island . They describe it as one of the most beautiful Greek islands. The Colossus of Rhodes It is one of the seven wonders of antiquity, it served as a lighthouse and guide the sailors who arrived at its shores.
Highlights the impressive medieval city of Rhodes , its walls, minarets, palaces and fortifications and the mandrake port . We will also see castles and fortresses such as those of monoliths , and of course, the beaches are spectacular, both those in the north and those in the south until reaching Prasonissi.
Where to sleep? Don't even think about it, there is no doubt that Cook House is the place to be. As they describe it, "a boutique hotel for the bohemian spirit and wants to connect and inspire travelers." Its decoration is simply exquisite and will make you feel at home.
9. MONTAUK: THE HAMPTONS
Have you dreamed of living in New York? I bet you do, and also that you have dreamed of spending the summer like them: in the famous Hamptons and specifically in Montauk.
Nature reigns in this region, as well as incredible beaches where all you want to do is run for a board and spend the day surfing. Also, Montauk offers an incredible variety of nature trails in which to lose yourself with New York high society.
start the day in Montauk Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York, commissioned by George Washington around 1972. I know that getting up early is very hard, especially on vacation, but I have been told that sunrise at this point is magical.
From there go on an excursion in Montauk Point State Park , the best route: the Paumanok Path strait, with amazing views of the sea.
Do you want to end the night in the best way, or meet people like you? ** The Surf Lodge ** is your place, talk and dance under the braided lights and the starry sky, enjoying great music from independent bands. An advice: Get there before sunset as the lines are usually quite long.
10. THE ANGELS
You've heard of Los Angeles everywhere. And I bet you can't wait to visit it, walk the walk of fame, take your picture next to the HOLLYWOOD sign and watch the sunset on Santa Monica beach next to Pacific Park. I also!
As a trendy place to have a drink, I have been recommended Chateau Marmont. On the other hand, if you want to spend a quiet day on the beach and eat well , Paradise Cove in Malibu, It is the ideal place. To connect with nature, take a walk or an afternoon of reading, visit Huntington Garden and if you are a lover of vintage markets, every Sunday in rosebowl you can find all kinds of objects: old furniture, denim clothes and others.