Remarkable Oceanfront Destinations

Luster, one of the largest municipalities in southern Norway, is located in the glacial mountains where the Sognefjord begins its path to the North Sea making landscapes that seem almost surreal. The municipality is home to Feigumfoss waterfall one of the highest in the Scandinavian area and Urnes stave church built in 1150, Norway's oldest Stave church.

 

Île aux Cerfs (French for deer island) is an island near the east coast of the island of Mauritius. Nowadays there are no more deer on the island, but it has the most beautiful beaches. Every day, tourists visit the island. They depart in boats from the village of Trou d'Eau Douce and spend the whole day on the island. There are plenty of water sports to do as well just take in the natural beauty the island has to offer.

 

Trunk Bay is one the Virgin Islands National Park's most famous attractions! World class stretch of white sand, clear cerulean water with a marked underwater snorkeling trail popular with beginner snorkelers, and just pure natural resplendence await you at Trunk Bay. I recommend going on one of the "off days" cruise ships do stop there and it can get crowded.

 

Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. The island is characterized by its fresh water springs, hillsides covered in pine forests, vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields. With its mild winters, and warm summers the island of Hvar is a popular destination for tourists, consistently listed in the top 10 islands by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

 

Apo Island is one of the world's top diving spots. It is located off the southeastern tip of Negros Island, in the Philippines. The marine habitat around the island is a marine reserve, and it has become a popular dive site and snorkeling destination because of its 650 species of fish and over 400 species of corals!

 

Cartagena is a Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain. Thanks to its strategic position on the Mediterranean, Cartagena has been inhabited by many different cultures which have left their mark on its rich cultural heritage during a glorious and turbulent history. There are plenty of great Roman ruins to explore including the the recently restored Roman theatre of Carthago Nova shown here.

 

Zlatni Rat is a narrow white pebble beach on a promontory near Bol, located 2 km west of Bol harbour, on the southern coast of the island of Brač, Croatia. The beach is bordered by a pine tree grove where the remnants of a Roman villa rustica, including a swimming pool. The beach is also popular with windsurfers due to a reliable afternoon westerly wind known as a Maestral.

 

Holbox is an island in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, located on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is separated from mainland Mexico by a shallow lagoon that is home to flamingos, pelicans and other rich bird life. It is still relatively new on the tourist hot spot list but is growing each year because of whale shark viewing.

 -Tracy Smith