Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Napa & Sonoma
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Chocolate Hills
Arguably the most famous tourist attraction in all of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills are featured on the provincial flag and draw thousands of travelers to their unique and breathtaking wonder each year.
An estimated 1,300 individual hills cover a span of some 50 square kilometers in what is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the nation. These rolling green wonders change to brown in drier months, and appear like chocolate kisses, giving them their namesake.
Several local legends seek to explain the creation of this geological formation, including stories of feuding giants and star-crossed lovers. But experts say these hills were formed by coral deposits and underwater reefs that shifted with erosion and ancient seismic activity, creating one of the Philippines most incredible natural landscapes.
Practical Info
The premiere spot to view the Chocolate Hills is called the Chocolate Hills Complex. It is located in Carmen, some 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran. Travelers can also head to Sagbayan Peak in the town of Sagbayan, where an elevated deck offers up stunning views.
Address: Carmen, Philippines
From $ 60
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Few of Mongolia’s temples or museums offer travelers as much color, culture and history as the Choijin Lama Temple and Museum that’s located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar. This stunning landmark was once home to Luvsan Haidav Choijin Lama and opened in 1908. Like many places of worship, the temple closed when Mongolia fell under communist rule. And while religious freedom was returned to the nation in the 1990s, Choijin Lama Temple was converted into a museum, rather than a place of worship.
Visitors to this stunning destination will find five distinct temples dedicated to Buddhist teachers and various gods. The colorful rooms hold statues made of wood and bronze, portraits and religious deities, as well as paper machete masks and other items used in religious ceremonies.
Visitors can explore the temple museum on there own, or include it as a stop on a guided city tour. It’s close proximity to central Ulaanbaatar makes it an ideal stop for those exploring other museums or Genghis Khan Square.
Practical Info
The temple museum is located off of Jamyn Gunii Gudamj in Ulaanbaatar. It is open from 9am-7:30pm between June and September and 10am-4:30pm Tuesday through Saturday between October and May.
Address: Jamyn Gunii Gudamj, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Hours: June-Sept 9am-7:30pm and Oct-May 10am-4:30pm Tues-Sat
From $ 52
Choco Story
The Choco Story is an eco-chocolate museum near the Uxmal ruins of the Yucatan. It sits on the site of an original hacienda and now operates as an interactive museum and cacao bean plantation. Its focus on the history, culture, and sustainability of cacao growth in the area makes for a unique and educational visit. The growth and production here is run in a community-driven, eco-friendly manner and is fair trade.
Exhibits tell the story of cacao in this region, its importance and use in the Mayan culture, as well as economic and health properties. Visitors can view indigenous plants, experience chocolate cooking demonstrations, and even take part in a Mayan ceremony. The museum teaches about the differences between dark, milk, and white chocolate. Near the end of the museum route there is an interactive tasting, which unsurprisingly many cite as their favorite part of the experience.
Practical Info
Choco Story is located across the street from the entrance to the Uxmal ruins, at kilometer 78 of the Campeche-Merida road. It is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and costs 120 pesos to enter. Plan 1-2 hours to see the entire museum.
Address: Campeche-Merida Road, Uxmal, Mexico
Hours: Open daily 8 am - 5 pm
Admission: 120 pesos
From $ 88
Chocholów
Chocolow is a tiny village sitting on the border with Slovakia in southern Poland with a great view of the surrounding Tatras Mountains. Dating back to the 16th century, the village has long been home to the indigenous Goral people and today represents the most complete survival of a traditional Goral village. As such, it has the feeling of an open air museum, with one main street lined with traditional wooden houses. The houses are protected by the Tatra Museum in nearby Zakopane and cannot be altered. They are also kept in pristine condition, with annual cleaning and polishes. The home at #24 is said to have been made entirely from a single tree, and the home at #75 features a small museum about the 1846 uprising in Chocholow against Austrian rule.
The only non-wooden building in town is St. Hyacinth’s Church, a stone Gothic church that was built to replace a wooden one in the 19th century. Next to the church is a monument to the Chocholow insurgents from the 1846 uprising, from where a hiking trail begins leading up to Mount Gubalowka.
Practical Info
Chocholow is a main border crossing point with Slovakia. It can be visited as part of a day tour from Zakopane or Krakow and can be reached by regular bus connections from Krakow.
Address: Chocholów, Poland
From $ 44
Chivay
Travelers heading to Peru’s spectacular Colca Canyon will almost certainly spend some time in the town of Chivay, 100 miles (60 kilometers) outside of Arequipa. As the first main tourist town in the valley, Chivay has many hotels, hostels, restaurants and shops selling high-quality Alpaca wool handicrafts. At the center of the city sits Plaza de Armas, a charming little plaza housing Our Lady of Assumption church and a market at its corner selling a little bit of everything (including lots of cheap and tasty eats).
A few minutes outside of Arequipa, the Termas La Calera (La Calera Hot Springs) have a series of indoor and outdoor heated pools perfect for a soak after a day of sightseeing, as well as lockers and showers for post-soak refreshment.
Practical Info
Getting to the Colca Valley takes about 3.5 hours by public bus.
Address: Chivay, Peru
From $ 223
Choco Story
A visit to the museum of chocolate, Choco Story is best reserved for only the most serious of cocoa bean aficionados. The museum’s exhibits run through centuries of the history of chocolate, from the Mayans to the present, and cover every step of the chocolate-making process, from the field to the grocery store shelf, in such painstaking detail that you might find yourself skipping the history lesson and heading straight for the museum shop to stock up on sweets.
If you stick with the tour, however, you will find that weighty historical detail is livened up with displays of antique chocolate-related equipment; a fun cartoon character that explains the virtues and purported health benefits of chocolate, and demonstrations of chocolatiers at work. Best of all, visitors get a sample of the freshly made pralines at the end.
The museum is located in Bruges’ city center, not far from The Burg and the market square, and tours are offered every day. If you have some extra time, you can join a chocolate-making workshop at the museum and learn how to make your very own pralines and truffles.
If you stick with the tour, however, you will find that weighty historical detail is livened up with displays of antique chocolate-related equipment; a fun cartoon character that explains the virtues and purported health benefits of chocolate, and demonstrations of chocolatiers at work. Best of all, visitors get a sample of the freshly made pralines at the end.
The museum is located in Bruges’ city center, not far from The Burg and the market square, and tours are offered every day. If you have some extra time, you can join a chocolate-making workshop at the museum and learn how to make your very own pralines and truffles.
Address: Wijnzakstraat 2 (Sint-Jansplein) 8000, Bruges, Belgium
Hours: Open from 10am- 5pm every day
Admission: Adults: €7 Groups, 65+, Student: €6 Children (6-11 year): €4 Children < 6 year: Free
From $ 9
Chobhar Village
Chobhar is a small town on the southwestern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, inhabited mainly by ethnic Newari people. Although it’s only about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Kathmandu, it feels much like a rural village. The main reason to visit Chobhar is to experience rura Nepalil life, and as a biking destination.
The Basics
Chobhar is believed to be one of the most ancient settlements in the Kathmandu Valley, and even features in Hindu and Buddhist creation myths about Kathmandu. Kathmandu city is now spreading to the very outer limits of the valley, but villages along its edge—such as Chobhar—still feel rural, as they’re surrounded by rice fields and forest. Chobhar is home to the Chobhar Gorge—where the Bagmati River leaves the Kathmandu Valley—and the Chobhar Caves network. There are also some attractive Hindu and Buddhist temples, including the curious Adinath Lokeshwar Temple, which for mysterious reasons is adorned with thousands of everyday kitchen implements.
Chobhar is just south of Kirtipur, so many visitors like to combine a trip to both places, especially if biking or hiking.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The popular Whoopee Land Amusement and Water Park is in Chobhar, and is a fun attraction for kids.
- Unfortunately, the water that flows through the Chobhar Gorge is heavily polluted, and not suitable for swimming.
- The Chobhar Caves are not usually open to the public.
How to Get There
Local buses from Kathmandu (Ratna Park) and Patan (Lagankhel) to Pharping and Dakshinkali stop at the turnoff to Chobhar. A quicker and easier (though more expensive) way to get there is by taxi. Alternatively, hire a bike in Kathmandu and cycle there. Once you’ve left the Kathmandu traffic and crossed the Ring Road, the ride is pleasant.
When to Get There
Chobhar can be visited any time of year. As a predominantly Newari town, visiting during a Newari festival makes for a fascinating visit. These include Gai Jatra in August, and Yomari Punhi in December.
Continue to the Dakshinkali Temple
Chobhar is on the way out to Dakshinkali, a rather infamous place. The Dakshinkali Temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is believed to demand animal sacrifices. Every day, cockerels and goats are sacrificed at the temple, and it’s usually slick with blood. Dakshinkali is about half a mile (one kilometer) outside Pharping, and can easily be reached by bicycle from Kathmandu, Kirtipur, or Chobhar.
Address: Chobhar, Nepal
From $ 100
Christ the Savior Cathedral
The Christ the Savior Cathedral was originally commissioned by Tsar Alexander I after Russia’s defeat of Napoleon, but work did not begin on it until 1839. Designed by a famed St Petersburg architect, it was modeled on the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
The cathedral was eventually consecrated in 1883, but its tenure was short-lived as the Soviets destroyed it in 1931 to make way for what would have been a Grand Palace of Soviets. However, the palace was never built and instead a swimming pool stood in its place for several decades. In the mid-1990s, Moscow’s mayor joined with the Russian Orthodox Church to rebuild the cathedral and construction began in 1994.
With donations from more than a million Moscow residents, the new church followed the original design, but with modern day improvements. At 103 meters tall, it is the tallest Orthodox church in the world and can accommodate nearly 10,000 church-goers. A highlight for visitors is undoubtedly the panoramic view from a 40-meter-high observation platform inside the bell tower.
Practical Info
The Christ the Savior Cathedral is located at Volkhonka ulitsa 15, on the north bank of the Moscow River and just a short walk from the Kropotkinskaya Metro station. It is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Address: ulitsa Volkhonka, 15, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Mondays 1pm-5pm; Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
From $ 27
Chorro el Macho Waterfall
One of the best attractions in Anton’s Valley (Valle de Antón) is the Chorro el Macho waterfall. This 280-foot (85-meter) waterfall is just a short way north of the town of La Mesa and is one of the most beautiful areas of the valley.
A pleasant half-hour walk through the rain forest on well-marked paths leads you to the waterfall. At the foot sits a large natural pool, and walking paths run through the area for exploration, with suspension bridges running over the river.
For the adventurous, there are also zip lines through the treetops that provide breathtaking aerial views of the Chorro el Macho waterfall. If visiting with a guide, they can point out local animals, birds and butterflies, as well as various points of interest. The falls are most spectacular in the wet season.
Practical Info
The falls are located less than two hours from Panama City, and bus routes run between the city and Anton’s Valley. The site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission costs $3.50.
Address: Chorro el Macho Waterfall, Valle de Antón, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily
Admission: Admission is $3.50
From $ 125
Choquequirao
Sometimes referred to as “the other Machu Picchu”, Choquequirao is an Incan ruin in the mountains outside of Cuzco. Unlike Machu Picchu, however, Choquequirao sees only a handful of visitors due to the difficult two-day hike.
That could potentially change, however, as plans are in the works to shorten the access to a 15-minute ride on a tram. Many believe that this will greatly-reduce the sense of tranquility which is found at the outpost, although others argue it will open the ruin for a greater amount of visitors. Like Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is an Incan city with ornately-carved terraces and structures, and historians believe that this city in the clouds was once the retreat of royalty. Only about a third of the site has been completely excavated, however, and much of the city continues to remain hidden within the cloudy, sweaty jungle.
Historically, there is much more to Choquequirao than simply another city of the Inca. It’s believed by historians that this was the final outpost of warriors who laid siege on the Spanish at Cuzco, who upon staging a revolt to take the capital retreated back into the mountains. For the next 400 years, the city remained largely forgotten and isolated in the cloud forest until excavations began in 1970.
While only the hardiest of trekkers can currently visit the city, enduring the trek to Choquequirao is more than worth the effort. It’s a quiet, mysterious, and forgotten escape where you stroll through a ruin located away from crowds. It’s fascinating window into an ancient culture, and for the time being, it’s a sliver of history and a corner of Peru which you can largely have all to yourself.
Practical Info
Choquequirao is located 100km from Cusco, and it is accessible via a 2-day hike from the town of Cachora. Guides can be arranged in Cusco, and the overall trip length is typically 3-4 days.
Address: Santa Teresa, Cusco, Peru
From $ 417
Chorrillos
For years, Miraflores has been Lima’s district for tourists, expats, and visitors, but lately the neighboring Chorillos district is starting to flex its charm. Heavily razed by Chilean soldiers in a 19th century war, and then completely leveled in 1940 by a devastating coastal earthquake, this coastal district has risen once again into one of the capital’s best zones. Located just south of Miraflores, Chorillos offers visitors everything from beaches to views looking over the city. Sprawl on the sands of La Herradura and watch surfers play in the waves, or stroll the nearby malecón boardwalk that lines the beach at Agua Dulce. The Chorillos beaches are popular in summer—and can be packed on sunny weekends—and there are even wetlands on the far end of the district that house hundreds of species of birds. Late in the day, make the drive (or steep hike) up the hill at Morro Solar, where not only will you find a planetarium and a statue of Christ the Redeemer, but also a panoramic view that offers the best sunsets in Lima.
Practical Info
The Chorillos District is 15 minutes from Miraflores and about an hour south of the airport. By public transportation, the Metropolitano Bus has various stops in Chorillos, or you can also take a taxi from Miraflores in order to save some time.
Address: Lima, Peru
From $ 37
Chowmahalla Palace
Built more than two centuries ago, Chowmahalla Palace was once the epicenter of Hyderabad. It was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and where the Nizams entertained their royal visitors and other esteemed guests.
Widely believed to be modelled on the Shah of Iran's palace in Tehran, Chowmahalla Palace is a unique blend of various architectural styles and influences, such as its Mughal domes and Persian-influenced stucco work.
The palace complex has been considerately restored and is well-maintained throughout. It is made up of two courtyards, the northern and the southern, which consist of grand palaces, the Khilwat Mubarak (or Dharbar Hall) with its stunning chandeliers, gardens with fountains, and a clock tower presiding over the main gate at the palace’s entrance.
One of the buildings within the palace grounds is also used as a car museum for all the vehicles imported by Nizam at the turn of the last century. The collection includes vintage Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and a range of well-maintained American cars.
Practical Info
Chowmahalla Palace is open to visitors throughout the day from Saturday to Thursday. It is located on Khilwat Road, not far from the Mecca Masjid mosque.
Address: Khilwat, 20-4-236, Hyderabad, Telangana 500 002, India
Hours: Saturday to Thursday 10am-5pm
Admission: Rs. 200
From $ 42
ChocoMuseo Cusco
Cusco’s ChocoMuseo allows travelers to immerse themselves in everything cacao. The interactive museum covers the history of cocoa beans in Peru as well as the chocolate-making process, from bean to the chocolate bar.
In partnership with local Peruvian farmers, the ChocoMuseo produces organic, high-quality chocolate with its guests, who get the opportunity to create their own handmade treats with custom ingredients in the workshop. From roasting the cocoa beans and removing the husk to grinding the cocoa nibs on a metate, chocolate lovers can eat their creations on the spot or save them to indulge in later. Specialized workshop tours also include hot chocolate tastings.
Practical Info
The ChocoMuseo is centrally located just two blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Many tours include transport to and from Cusco hotels. The museum features its own chocolate shop, plus a cafe that serves brownies, fondues and Mayan-style hot chocolate.
Did You Know? It’s estimated that the cocoa bean has been cultivated in South America for three millennia.
Address: Calle Garcilaso 210, Cusco, Peru
Hours: 9am–7pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
ChocoMuseo Miraflores
There are few places more perfect for chocolate lovers than the ChocoMuseo in Miraflores. Travelers can tour the chocolate factory and watch expert artisans craft dark, milk and white chocolate delights by hand, or participate in one of the museum’s unique workshops that grant visitors an opportunity to create rich chocolate truffles or transform cocoa beans to bars under the direction of master chocolatiers. A world-class café offers up chocolate-themed pastries, desserts and beverages, and a well-stocked chocolate shop is lined with shelves of locally sourced treats. Interested travelers can even tour nearby cocoa plantations and learn how local farmers grow and harvest these prized beans to provide pastry chefs and cooks with one of the world’s most coveted ingredients. A visit to ChocoMuseo Miraflores is the perfect way for chocolate lovers to spend an afternoon experiencing the wonder of this rich and delicious delicacy with all of their senses.
Practical Info
The museum is located three blocks from the central square on Calle Berlin 375 in Miarflores. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Address: Calle Berlin 375, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
From $ 15
ChocoMuseo Barranco
There are few places more perfect for chocolate lovers than the ChocoMuseo in Barranco. Travelers can tour the chocolate factory and watch expert artisans craft dark, milk and white chocolate delights by hand, or participate in one of the museum’s unique workshops that grant visitors an opportunity to create rich chocolate truffles or transform cocoa beans to bars under the direction of master chocolatiers. A world-class café offers up chocolate-themed pastries, desserts and beverages, and a well-stocked chocolate shop is lined with shelves of locally sourced treats. Interested travelers can even tour nearby cocoa plantations and learn how local farmers grow and harvest these prized beans to provide pastry chefs and cooks with one of the world’s most coveted ingredients. A visit to ChocoMuseo Barranco is the perfect way for chocolate lovers to spend an afternoon experiencing the wonder of this rich and delicious delicacy with all of their senses.
Practical Info
The museum and shop are located a half block from the central square in Barranco. It is open daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and workshops take place at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day.
Address: Av. Almte. Miguel Grau 264, Barranco 15063, Peru
Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and workshops take place at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day.
From $ 15
Christ Church Cathedral
One of the oldest buildings in Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral is located in the former medieval heart of the city. Founded in 1030 by Sitric, King of the Dublin Norsemen, the grand cathedral (also known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity) has long been a place of pilgrimage for Ireland's devout. Incorporated into the Irish Church in 1152, today it's the seat of both the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic archbishops of Dublin.
Renowned for its design, on a one-hour tour you'll get to explore the interior, keeping a look out for its famous stained glass windows, the smaller chapels behind the main altar, and the secret underground floor. You'll get an insight into the history of the cathedral, and hear the strange tale of the mummified cat and rat. You'll visit the crypt — one of the largest and oldest in Britain and Ireland, and also get to have a go at ringing the bells of Christ Church Cathedral in the belfry.
Practical Info
Fifteen minutes' walk from Heuston rail station, Christ Church Cathedral is open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday (till 7pm in summer), and from 12:30-2pm on Sunday (with extended hours in spring and summer). Last admission is 45 minutes before closing. Adult tickets cost €6; family tickets are available. Guided tours take place Monday-Friday every hour on the hour from 11am-4pm, and every hour on the hour from 2-4pm on Saturday.
Address: Christchurch Place, Dublin, Ireland
Hours: Vary
Admission: Adults: €6
From $ 8
Chowpatty Beach
One of the top spots to watch the sunset in Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach is a busy expanse of sand and sea that's fun to visit, day or night. People watching is one of the main draws here, because this beach attracts Mumbai residents from all walks of life, from multigenerational families to canoodling couples.
The Basics
Though Chowpatty Beach is more about strolling than sunbathing, it's a fun spot to walk around, especially at dusk when the beach fills up with locals taking evening strolls and vendors selling everything from food to LED toys. It’s a popular spot on night tours of the city, and with its numerous food stalls and wandering snack merchants, the beach makes for a great place to try out street food.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t forget sunscreen and a parasol or a hat if you’re visiting during the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes or beach-friendly flip-flops, and be prepared for plenty of walking.
- The beach isn’t very clean, so it’s less than ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Modest clothes are the norm in India, and women should stick to 1-piece swimsuits or put T-shirts over bikinis out of respect for local culture.
How to Get There
Chowpatty Beach is located on Marine Drive. It’s just north of South Mumbai's Colaba neighborhood, about 15 minutes’ drive from the Gateway of India and less than 10 minutes from Fashion Street. It’s a 15-minute walk south of the Hanging Gardens. The nearest municipal railway station is on Charni Road, a 5-minute walk from the sand.
When to Get There
Chowpatty Beach is fun to explore anytime, but it’s at its most animated around sunset, when people of all ages crowd onto the beach to watch the sunset. If you are in Mumbai for the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations (September or October) and don't mind crowds, it can be worth coming to the beach to watch tens of thousands of pilgrims parade idols of the elephant-headed god Ganesh down to the sea.
Bhelpuri: The Quintessential Chowpatty snack
Chowpatty beach is famous for its bhelpuri, a popular Indian street-food snack made of puffed rice mixed with chopped onions and tomatoes, spices, and chutney, and usually topped with fresh coriander and sev (tiny crisp noodles made from chickpea flour) along with chaat masala spice mix and a squeeze of lemon. Hawkers sell this popular treat all over the beach, often in cones made from recycled newsprint.
Address: India
From $ 18
Chor Bazaar
One of Mumbai's largest markets, gritty and loud Chor Bazaar is packed to the brim with second-hand items, from old furniture to antique bric-a-brac. Its name translates to "thieves market" and according to a local running joke, anything you lose in Mumbai will eventually make its way here. Rest assured, though: Most of the goods aren't actually stolen.
The Basics
A maze of narrow streets crammed with storefronts, Chor Bazaar is an oftentimes packed market full of all sorts of items and the fast-moving wooden hand carts that transport them. Out-of-town visitors are unlikely to want to purchase huge pieces of furniture, but many smaller items here could make unusual souvenirs. Bargaining is a must, and while plenty of travelers visit independently, it’s possible to join an organized tour to help navigate the hectic market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dress conservatively, covering your legs and shoulders, as the market is located in a predominantly Muslim area.
- Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk; wheelchair users might find getting around this market a challenge.
- Don’t hesitate to haggle. It’s part of the Indian shopping experience and expected in this market.
How to Get There
Chor Bazaar is located in South Mumbai, just north of the Bhuleshwar Market and a 15-minute walk west of the Sandhurst Road railway station. The market is easiest to get to by taxi or as part of an organized tour. By car, it's about 20 minutes from the tourist hub of Colaba or about 15 minutes from Chowpatty Beach.
When to Get There
Many of the shops and stalls at Chor Bazaar are open Monday through Saturday around 11–8, though Muslim-owned shops sometimes close on Fridays for prayers. It’s best to visit first thing in the day when temperatures are cooler. You’re also likely to get good bargains if you’re the first customer of the day, which is considered auspicious according to local tradition.
How the Market Got Its Name
While many believe that Chor Bazaar was once a resale spot for stolen goods, its unsavory name may have come from a simple misunderstanding. The market may have been called "Shor Bazaar" (noisy market), but British settlers mispronouncing its name consequently morphed it into "Chor Bazaar" (thieves’ market).
Address: Mutton Street, Mumbai, India
From $ 21
Chrissi Island
Measuring just 4.35 miles (7 kilometers) long and 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) at its widest point, Chrissi Island, also known as Gaidouronisi, is small but undoubtedly lovely. This protected nature reserve off Crete’s south coast is blessed with pristine beaches, shallow snorkel-friendly waters, and swaths of old cedar forest.
The Basics
Chrissi Island is a popular day trip from Crete, with visitors coming here to relax amid unspoiled surroundings. Departing from Heraklion and Ierapetra, day tours typically include boat transport to and from Chrissi Island, and free time on the island to do as you wish. Lounge on the pink-tinged sands—the result of crushed shells—or explore the island’s scant Minoan ruins and a 13th-century chapel. The island’s calm shallow waters also lend themselves well to snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chrissi Island is a must for beach lovers.
- A small tavern is located on the island, but prices can be high so you may want to bring your own food and snacks.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
How to Get There
Chrissi island is situated about 9 miles (14.50 kilometers) south of Ierapetra, on the Greek island of Crete. Boats run from the quay in Ierapetra.
When to Get There
Boats depart from around mid-May through October. If you’re coming here for beach time, the best weather is usually between June and September. The island sees the most tourists arrive in July and August. During these months, arrive early in the day to get in ahead of the crowds.
The Beaches of Chrissi Island
Most boats pull into a small harbor near Chrissi Island’s South Beach, where you’ll find umbrellas, cedars, and shallow waters for swimming. Just a short walk from the harbor is Belegrina Beach, where gorgeous pink-tinged sands (caused by the many shell fragments broken up into them), are met by translucent waters. Walking west from here, you’ll reach the secluded beach of Hatzivolakas; swim shoes are advised here as the seabed is rocky.
Address: Chrysi Island, Greece, Greece
From $ 64
Chobe National Park
Located the northeastern corner of Botswana, Chobe National Park encompasses more than 4,500 square miles (12,000 square kilometers) of floodplains, forest, swamps, and rivers. The park is known for having one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa; most notably, a large elephant population.
The Basics
With a location near the borders of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, Chobe is great for a daylong or multi-day tour from any of these neighboring countries. You can combine a Chobe day trip from Victoria Falls with a scenic drive through the adjoining Zambezi National Park. Popular activities include boat cruises along the Chobe River, a game drive through the wilderness areas, and lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge.
If you have some extra time, a camping safari will allow you experience Chobe at sunrise and sunset. If you’re short on time, take a safari from Kasane, which will often include a scenic river cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water.
- If you’re arriving from a neighboring country, be sure to bring your passport.
- Some safari vehicles and boats offer wheelchair access, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Chobe National Park stretches along the Zimbabwe border in northern Botswana, and the most convenient entry points are Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia. From the falls, it’s about two hours by 4WD.
When to Get There
Chobe National Park is open year round, but you’ll see the best wildlife in the dry season (May to October), when game viewing around the waterholes and riverbanks is at its best. For bird watching, come later in the season; most migratory birds arrive from August onwards. Visitors traveling in rainy season (November to April) will have the most luck spotting wildlife in the Ngwenzumba Pans, which fill with water and attract animals from across Chobe. Road closures are common during the wettest months.
Wildlife watching opportunities at Chobe National Park
Chobe has at least four of Africa’s Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, and cape buffalo—plus pachyderms, antelope (including the rare oribi antelope), hyenas, impalas, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and warthogs. It’s not uncommon to spot hippos and crocodiles by the rivers. The area is also home to more than 460 birds, including fish eagles, skimmers, spoonbills, egrets, kingfishers, and coppery-tailed coucal.
Address: Chobe National Park, Zimbabwe
From $ 170