Sure, seeing iconic world wonders and having fantastic cultural experiences is exciting. However, many people think that adventure travel is simply too tiring. Early starts and long days are important if you want to get the most out of each destination you visit. But there is a way to get the best of both worlds. In this article, the Skycap News team will discuss five destinations where you can combine beach and culture along with as much adventure travel as you desire. Don’t worry, you’ll still enjoy plenty of time to relax on the beach and recharge those batteries.
Combining Beach and Culture Destinations
Egypt
For a history buff, it doesn’t get much better than Egypt. The iconic Pyramids of Giza, colossal Karnak Temple, and the tomb-strewn Valley of the Kings are just some of the famous destinations that travelers flock to all year round. If you’re after a spot of relaxation once your tour of Egypt has come to an end, why not head to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada? Luxury hotels, tropical waters teeming with marine life abound. In addition, Hurghada offers plentiful shopping to make the region a perfect place to spend a few days. Sharm El Sheikh is another popular option. Both are well served by Egypt’s impressive domestic flight network.
India
India is a frenetic travel destination and probably not top of your list when thinking about a relaxing beach holiday. But what if I told you there was a way to take in some of the fantastic attractions India has to offer and also spend a few days on the beach? The Golden Triangle is India’s most famous travel route, linking the three iconic cities of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. Attractions on the route include the legendary Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and the impressive mosque of Jama Masjid. Many tour operators from around the world run trips on this route, lasting anywhere between seven days and two weeks.
After your adventure, why not head to the pristine sandy beaches of Goa for a few days of sun, sea, and sand? The region is famous for its cuisine and there are plenty of exclusive restaurants to enjoy. After eating, there is a multitude of water sports to try. If you did want to see some of the local sites, then Old Goa is full of interesting architecture and pretty churches. All three of the Golden Triangle cities are well connected by a network of trains and planes. This makes it relatively easy to make your way to Goa after you’ve completed your Golden Triangle adventure.
Sri Lanka
The Tear Drop isle of Sri Lanka is a maelstrom of fascinating history, lush green jungles, and colorful culture. Some of the incredible ancient sights include the historic capital of Polonnaruwa, the mighty Sigiriya rock fortress, and the beautiful Dambulla Cave Temple, decorated with hundreds of images of Buddha. Sri Lanka is also a brilliant wildlife destination. Great herds of elephants, elusive leopards, and charismatic sloth bears are just some of the species that can be spotted in Yala, Udawalawe, and Bundala national parks.
A few miles south of the charming capital of Colombo lies the beach resort of Bentota. Here palm-fringed beaches back onto the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and there are numerous activities to enjoy. Sit back with a cocktail or a glass of Arrack, the local Toddy alcoholic coconut flavored drink. If snorkeling is your thing, the coast is nearby making it easy to search for marine life. If relaxing while getting your sun on, simply enjoy a few days on the pristine sandy beaches, the choice is yours.
Tanzania
If it’s a wildlife experience that you’re looking for then Tanzania is a destination worth considering. The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater are two of the best places on the continent to go on safari. This fascinating landscape is home to the Big Five. The lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo as well as numerous other rare species. Tanzania is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro. This dormant volcano is a popular summit for intrepid travelers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Safaris and mountain climbing can be tiring work which is where the autonomous paradise island of Zanzibar comes in. Zanzibar makes the perfect destination for a beach holiday. Miles of pristine white sandy beaches, sweet-smelling spice plantations, and the quaint settlement of Stone Town offer a variety of things to see and do.
Turkey
Turkey’s famous Mediterranean beach resorts of Fethiye and Marmaris perfectly complement the country’s adventure travel highlights. The incredible Roman ruins of Ephesus, the mythical sights of Troy, and the bustling bazaars of Istanbul can be enjoyed before heading to the beach for a few days of relaxation. Another option when exploring Turkey is to then enjoy an island-hopping adventure in Greece. The picture-postcard islands of Rhodes, Santorini, Corfu, and more lie just off the western coast of Turkey. This trio can form the basis for a truly enjoyable beach and culture vacation.
Combining Beach and Culture Conclusion
The examples on this list are not exclusive. There are many countries which combine fantastic cultural sites with stunning beaches to get the best of both worlds. If you need some travel tips to unwind, check out our 5 Restful Things to Do While on Vacation article. Make sure you do your research and plan your trip well ahead of departure. Especially if you’re having to travel across the country or into different countries to get to your beach resort. Your friends back home will be exceedingly jealous of both your Instagram snaps at the site of world wonders and your relaxing beach and culture getaway.