Latest news with #fishingvillages
The Guardian
a day ago
- The Guardian
Discover Bornholm: five ways to experience the best of Denmark's ‘Sunshine Island'
Denmark is a nation of islands – more than 400 by most counts – and one island in particular has a special place in the Danes' hearts: Bornholm. Closer to Sweden than Denmark, Bornholm is in the Baltic Sea and nicknamed the 'Sunshine Island' because it soaks up more sun than anywhere else in the nation. Spring reaches Bornholm earlier, and summer leaves later, its granite bones holding on to the warmth of the rays for longer, making it a great destination for outdoor adventures. Around one-and-a-half times the size of the Isle of Wight, the island is surrounded by clear water and fine sandy beaches, and dotted with fishing villages and small creative communities, drawn to this spot thanks to the luminous quality of its light. Quiet tree-lined country lanes lead past fields to smokehouses with white chimneys around the coast, reminders of the island's past as a herring fishing hotspot. It's a legend in Danish terms for all these reasons and more: here are just five ways to get the most from the Danes' favourite island. With more than 140 miles of signposted cycle routes, Bornholm is made to be explored on two wheels. Some visitors bring their own bikes, others rent them on the island, where a variety of types are available, including trailers for kids, and electric bikes for those who need a little extra oomph. The official routes cross from village to village, beach to heath and forest to farmland, stopping at key points of interest including local vineyards, smokehouses and the island's round whitewashed medieval churches. All the important things, in other words, because a cycle tour of Bornholm is about getting much more than miles under your belt: it's a cultural tour with local history and food thrown in too. The 64-mile Route 10 loops all the way round the edge of the island on gravel, coastal, and forest tracks, with the Baltic Sea on your left as you go. Experienced cyclists are said to complete it in four to five hours, but why rush when the joy is in the journey? Bornholm's rugged cliffs and ruined castle give a little hint of how this island once was a haunt of medieval pirates and Viking plunderers. Today, coastal life is peaceful, with sea kayaking and paddleboarding popular ways to explore the island's beaches and discover caves and coves you can't reach on foot. Perhaps the best sea-going challenge is the circumnavigation of the island. Guides are available and kayaks can be rented on the island; all you have to do is decide which direction to tackle it in. If you're more interested in being under the water than on top of it, northern Europe's largest wreck, Fu Shan Hai, lies just offshore, and you can take diving and snorkelling trips on the island too. Pack some local smoked herring in your rucksack – it makes a great packed lunch with a chunk of local bread – and set off on one of Bornholm's beautiful trails. Whether you're going from fishing village to fishing village, or tackling the entire 75-mile coastal path, it's a great way to experience the island. There's a guide to hiking on the island that outlines everything from short hikes ideal for families to longer routes taking you past fields of cattle and into woodland dells. What makes hiking on Bornholm special is its dreamy peacefulness. It's a calm place: limited traffic means you can hear the waves on the shoreline before you even reach the dunes, and nature roams free, with rabbits hopping along the ruts in newly ploughed fields and pheasants strutting in the forests. With more than 400 secured climbing trails, Bornholm is one of Denmark's most popular spots for climbers. Bolted tracks in the cliffs of the quarries at Moseløkken and Ringebakkerne offer easy-to-follow routes, while bouldering can be found along the Ørnebjerg coast. If you're interested in giving climbing a try, Klatring Bornholm is one of a number of operators that offers guided climbs, training and rappelling experiences for children as young as six. Join the team on coastal routes, finding footholds in the cliffs high above the waves, or abseiling down the 45-metre granite rock face beside the Opal Lake. It's quite the experience to hang in mid air over the cliff, suspended high above the treetops, with the sea stretching out below. Bornholm's landscape packs a lot in for such a small island. Between Tejn and Gudhjem, on the north coast, the Sanctuary Cliffs stand out – sharp granite cliffs reaching up to 22 metres with deep caves between them that you can explore by boat. From there, a short drive or walk away, you'll find old forests with rivers running through them, the jewel-blue Opal Lake, a remnant of a granite quarry, plus cosy villages with ice-cream parlours and sandy beaches. You'll find bison grazing in the middle of the island, sand so fine it's used in hourglasses in the south, and the 10-mile long Echo Valley, which stretches along the island. Shout into the stillness and hear Bornholm call back. Perhaps the best view overall, however, is from the ruins of Hammershus Castle as the sun is setting. Discover the island where nature, history and creativity meet, and possibly where your next great adventure begins
Condé Nast Traveler
4 days ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Villas Along the Cinque Terre
Comprising an enchanting string of fishing villages on the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre brings to mind dreamy visions of pastel-hued villas clustered around rugged cliffs and historic ports. Petite in size yet buzzing with life, its five official settlements—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are all connected by scenic hiking trails, while a plethora of stunning beaches, harborside gelaterias, and traditional restaurants provide pitstop refreshments along the way. This picturesque region has earned the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site, but other noteworthy areas spill out from the peripheries, too, offering more spacious villas in more secluded spots. Below, we've selected seven of the best villas along the Cinque Terre itself, as well as those in neighboring areas. This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
The National
6 days ago
- General
- The National
The UAE can model a vision of social cohesion that includes its bond with the natural world
Community is not merely about human connections – it is about the intricate web of relationships that sustain us all. During the UAE's 2025 Year of Community, we celebrate a fundamental truth: that our strongest communities are those that recognise their dependence on, and responsibility to, the natural world. Our national identity, cultural practices and social bonds have all been shaped by our relationship with the land and sea that surround us. To speak of community in the UAE is to speak of nature itself. For generations, Emiratis have understood that individual survival depends on collective effort, and collective effort depends on environmental stewardship. The desert taught us to share scarce water resources. The sea taught us to co-ordinate fishing expeditions and pearl diving. The mountains taught us to create pathways not just for ourselves, but for those who would follow. These environments did not just demand co-operation – they created it. This reciprocal relationship is embedded in our cultural practices. When Bedouin families gathered around their fires under star-filled skies, they shared not just warmth but stories that connected them to the land. When coastal villages established rotating fishing grounds, they were practising early forms of conservation that maintained ecological balance and community harmony. The traditional majlis – our communal gathering space – was often situated under the shade of ghaf trees, nature literally providing the foundation for social cohesion. Today's research confirms what our ancestors intuitively understood: that environmental and community health are inseparable. Studies show that neighbourhoods with accessible green spaces have stronger social ties, lower crime rates and better mental health outcomes. Communities that participate in habitat restoration report increased feelings of belonging and purpose. Conservation projects that engage local stakeholders deliver more sustainable outcomes for people and nature. As we face unprecedented global challenges such as climate change, habitat destruction and displacement, the connection between environmental and community resilience becomes even more vital As we celebrate the Year of Community, we recognise that environmental stewardship forms a natural and complementary dimension of this national focus. When we protect mangrove forests, we are not simply preserving carbon sinks, we are safeguarding cultural knowledge and traditions passed down through generations. When we restore desert ecosystems, we are not just saving endangered species, we are preserving the landscapes that have shaped our poetry, art and collective memory. These environmental actions strengthen the very communities we are celebrating this year. The UAE's conservation initiatives reflect this integrated understanding. Our protected areas preserve not just biodiversity but also landscapes that hold cultural significance for Emiratis. Our fishing regulations honour maritime traditions that have been part of our heritage for generations. Our species reintroduction programmes, such as for the Arabian oryx, restore not just ecological balance but also important symbols that connect our people to their shared identity. This holistic approach extends beyond our borders. Through the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, we support community-led conservation in more than 170 countries, recognising that when local people are empowered as environmental stewards, both nature and social cohesion flourish. These efforts acknowledge that biodiversity loss threatens not just ecosystems but the cultural practices, traditional knowledge and community bonds that depend on them. As we face unprecedented global challenges such as climate change, habitat destruction and displacement, the connection between environmental and community resilience becomes even more vital. When ecosystems collapse, communities fragment. When traditions tied to the land are lost, social fabrics fray. This is why environmental protection is not separate from community building, it is an essential component of it. Later this year, the UAE will host the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, bringing together conservationists, Indigenous peoples, scientists and policymakers from around the world. This gathering embodies our understanding that effective conservation requires diverse communities working in harmony, just as healthy ecosystems depend on biodiversity. By hosting this critical dialogue, we demonstrate that community values and environmental values are one and the same. Building truly resilient communities requires collective action across sectors. Businesses must recognise that their operations depend on and affect both natural and social capital. Educational institutions must teach ecological literacy as a foundation for civic engagement. Government initiatives can consider how community development and environmental awareness often support each other in meaningful ways. And individuals must understand that their daily choices affect both the natural systems that sustain us and the social bonds that give life meaning. In this Year of Community, the UAE has an opportunity to model a vision of social cohesion that extends beyond human relationships to encompass our enduring bond with the natural world. The same values that strengthen our communities – co-operation, foresight and generosity – are precisely those needed to address our environmental challenges. By nurturing both our human connections and our relationship with nature, we honour our heritage while securing a more sustainable and harmonious future. This is the deeper meaning of community, one that recognises humans not as separate from nature but as an integral part of it. By protecting the environments that have shaped us, we strengthen the very foundations upon which our communities are built. In doing so, we create a legacy of connection that will sustain generations to come.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Two iconic routes, one unforgettable trip
Start: Carrickfergus Finish: Derry~Londonderry This legendary route is awash with stunning attractions, whether it's ancient castles, spectacular cliff landscapes, or utterly charming fishing villages. It's also home to some of the most famous icons on the island of Ireland. Start: Inishowen peninsula, County Donegal Finish: Enniscrone, County Sligo A road trip of epic proportions, taking in some of the island's most magical and awe-inspiring scenery. From wildlife sanctuaries to surfer paradises, this route has much adventure to offer, and has served as inspiration for many a legend.
Times
27-05-2025
- Times
13 of the best beaches in the Algarve
With more than 150 coves and bays, and some 300 sunny days in which to enjoy them, the Algarve is among the loveliest beach destinations in Europe. But it's not just a numbers game — it's the variety that makes this part of Portugal particularly attractive. Family-friendly options are available at every turn, but just a short half-hour drive down the road you might find a wind-swept expanse primed for windsurfing, or rolling waves waiting for surfers. Hiring a car means it's easier to reach those quieter spots, but there are plenty of options within easy reach of cities too. To help, here's our pick of the best beaches in the Algarve. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY Set in the western Algarve, within the Costa Vincentina Natural Park, Salema is one of the few really authentic fishing villages left in the Algarve. Here you can see the little fishing boats being pulled up on the beach by tractors and the fishermen mending their nets. Away from the restaurants and bars on the east of the beach are cliff walls made from limestone. Explore the shelves that jut out from this and you'll likely spot a footprint or two from the dinosaurs that roamed here millions of years ago. Simple but comfortable, Hotel Residencial Salema is just steps from the beach. • Discover our full guide to Portugal CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY As important as finding the beach at the end of the rainbow is whether you will be able to park there. At the blue flag beach of Alvor you certainly won't struggle. It is a long stretch of sand and versatile too. Kite-surfers come for the reliable on-shore breezes, while families appreciate the calmers parts. There are several excellent options if you want to eat on the beach, from fresh fish at Dunas to snacks at the cafés on the edge of the golden sand. Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach puts you within steps of the waves and the centre of Alvor. • Best hotels in the Algarve Located within a national park in the northwest Algarve, this beach is renowned among surfers. It feels the full force of the Atlantic, providing the waves and swell that surfers need, and also a reliable spectacle for anyone who likes a bit of dynamism to their shoreline. It's beautiful in a rugged rather than a manicured sort of way, with wildflowers scattered across the clifftops in spring. Nearby, Living Lodge Portugal is perfect for groups and surf lessons can be booked for you at a nearby school. • Best villas in the Algarve White houses are framed by cobalt-blue waters on Praia da Cacela Velha, located at the eastern end of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and based around a wide lagoon and spit of sand. You can walk here at low tide or take a boat. Wind and tide shape the golden sand into myriad formations. There are no lifeguards or café, but families love the warm, shallow water and sense of space. Surrounded by a nature reserve and close to two golf courses, the all-inclusive hotel Robinson Quinta da Ria is primed for relaxation. • Best affordable hotels in the Algarve under £200 CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY This is a pocket handkerchief of a beach, but the lucky few who can bag a spot on this little stretch of sand are in for a treat. It's hemmed in by cliffs, ensuring calm, clear waters of dazzling blue that are just as good for a snorkel as a paddle. There are caves behind where you can escape the heat of the day, natural pools for children to play in and, on stilts at the top of the beach, a simple restaurant. Close by, Praia da Marinha is equally worthy of a visit. It's surrounded by steep cliffs and accessed via a long staircase that acts as a natural filter — many visitors give it a miss in favour of nearby, more accessible beaches. Stay at Vila Alba Resort, which offers easy access to both beaches. • Best family hotels in Portugal CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY Stretching for more than half a mile, this beach is a hub on the Algarve, with a number of wide walkways allowing easy access. Here you will find surfing schools doing their thing in the shallows, basketball hoops on the beach, and crowds of young people who come to chill out. Dominating the skyline is the fortress of Santa Catarina. The marina is well served with restaurants and bars by the beach. AP Oriental Beach is in a fantastic waterfront location with the Jardim da Fortaleza close by. • Best family hotels in the Algarve CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY Free parking, a calm blue flag beach, lifeguards and protected sand dunes — it's easy to see why this Quinta do Lago strand is so popular with families. There are sun loungers to rent, boat rides on offer and great water-skiing too. The beach forms the western boundary of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, ensuring the sand dunes are pristine. Stop at the much-loved 2 Passos restaurant for a plate of perfectly cooked fresh fish when you visit. Hotel Quinta do Lago, a short walk to the beach, is also the top choice for golfers, with seven 18-hole courses in close proximity. CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY Praia do Martinhal is wide, sandy and relatively sheltered, meaning the waters here are calmer than off the beaches just around the headland, which face the full glare of the Atlantic. Small limestone islets just out to sea are popular with snorkellers and divers (water visibility is as good as anywhere in Europe) while, a little further out, the waters are plied by wind-surfers and paddleboarders. Lifeguard supervision provides peace of mind. The Martinhal Sagres resort caters to families with children of all ages with a crèche, kids club, and play room geared towards teens. CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY Around three miles from the town of Tavira and part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Praia do Barril is one of Portugal's most atmospheric beaches. The rather eerie Cemiterio das Ancoras (anchor graveyard) — dozens of rusting anchors arranged in rows — speaks to the once-flourishing, long-since declined tuna fishing days. There's little in the way of shelter, so bring your own — a miniature train arrives here via the marshy surrounds. Offering a mix of studios, apartments and villas with their own kitchenettes, Pedras d'el Rei is ideal for those who want the freedom to cook for themselves or pop into the hotel restaurant. CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY This striking blue flag beach is located in the very northwest of the Algarve on its border with the Alentejo and was voted one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal in a national competition. What makes it so remarkable is the combination of sea and river (this is the mouth of the River Seixe), where currents and tides blend to create a mesmerising, swirling attraction of blue and turquoise waters running through the golden sands. Quite a sight. This beach is relatively remote, with few accommodation options. Fortunately, Carlo's Beach Guest House has simple but comfortable rooms a short walk from the shoreline. The rock formations of the Ponte da Piedade protect this tiny beach from waves from the southwest, resulting in extremely calm water. Warm too. It is ideal for swimming, but also for exploring the caves and tunnels in the surrounding rocks. Access is via a wooden staircase with almost 200 steps, so not one for toddlers or those intent on a hearty picnic. Base yourself at Uma Casa à Beira Sol, a quiet guesthouse set away from the beach with charmingly rustic decor. CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY The advantage of Meia Praia is that even in peak season you should find your own little pocket of sand here — it's three miles long and spans the entire bay. Access is straightforward, with the pretty whitewashed town of Lagos within walking distance. And it has plenty of infrastructure, from water sports — particularly wind-surfing — to restaurants and bars, which more than makes up for a certain lack of charm. Set on the outskirts of town, beachfront Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve is designed to maximise sea views wherever you are in the hotel. CAFÉ | FAMILY-FRIENDLY This beach in the central Algarve borders the Atlantic and the Arade River. Gentle waves make it a perfect destination for less-confident swimmers. There is a small play park for children in the sand, rocks to climb and even a sports pitch at one end. What brings the crowds, though, even by water taxi, is the live music and entertainment at the weekend. Set away from the beach, Hotel Rural Bricia Du Mar is a small property with an enormous pool. • Best things to do in the Algarve• Best all-inclusive hotels in the Algarve Additional reporting by Imogen Lepere and Qin Xie
