The Grenadines seem boastful. With splendid weather year-round,
vodka-clear waters populated by manta rays and sea turtles, as well
as some of the most untouched islands in the world, how could they
not? But bar Mustique – where you’re not unlikely to spot a royal –
they’re a local-feeling archipelago without an airport. This means
the only way is to float there on 10-15 knots of wind in the summer
months, when you may just have a beach all to yourself.

A wetsuit may not be your first choice of attire, but it’s worth
it to experience wind and kite-surfing on Hood River. The winds are
at their best from April
to October,
but don’t be fooled by the summer sun – those waters are a meagre
10 degrees Celsius year-round. Still, with the cool air from the
Pacific sucked through the Columbia River Gorge, there’s nowhere
better to hop on your board and be gone with those strong thermal
winds. Recharge in the evenings with an abundance of locally grown
food, wine and craft beer in town. Small-town getaway and summer
adventure rolled into one? Yes, please.

As the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, it’s
perhaps unsurprising that Tarifa harbours roaring winds. The 10km
beach is informally divided into “patches” between the surfers:
body, kite and wind. It can be extremely crowded during the summer
though, making the experience a tad chaotic. Nevertheless, a
patchwork of colourful kites fluttering over the ocean keeps things
in perspective. After a day of physical exertion, the old town
provides refuge and good food, and a young crowd brings a more
laid-back atmosphere than the traditional architecture would
suggest. Amid the delicate church and narrow, winding backstreets
you will find many equipment-hire shops and souvenirs that seem a
lot more Californian than Spanish; this is siesta-meets-surf
culture at its best.

Imagine swimming through lazuline waters, bursting with sea
life, vibrant corals and an underwater landscape not even Baz
Luhrmann could dream up. That’s Siquijor. The islet’s natural
wonderment is complemented by a dreamy, unassuming atmosphere. A
true snorkeller’s paradise, keep in mind that the locals are
largely religious and conservative, so secluded beaches are
advisable for getting down and dirty with your tanning.
Alternatively, resorts and hotels also offer private beaches.

It’s known as the quintessential whitewater rafting experience:
when the spring sun melts the mountain snowcaps water comes
charging down with a force that propels you thrillingly downstream.
Get your daily dose of adrenaline coursing swiftly down the

Colorado River with trips at varying levels of intensity.
Whether you have a penchant for risk-taking or not, this
hair-raising adventure is refreshingly invigorating and one you
won’t want to miss out on.

If variety is the spice of life, then
Indonesia is the equivalent of Nando’s Peri-Peri Vusa. While
the Red Sea and Great Barrier Reef hold 600 and 1500 species of
fish respectively, Indonesia is home to 3000 different species and
boasts 20% of the world’s coral reefs. Very spicy indeed. Visit
between June
and October and you may even spot the rare mola mola fish near
Bali
or the psychedelic frogfish off Ambon. Dive sites are just as
diverse, including steep walls, deep water trenches, WWII wrecks
and underwater volcanic mountains.

If variety is the spice of life, then Indonesia is the
equivalent of Nando’s Peri-Peri Vusa. While the Red Sea and Great
Barrier Reef hold 600 and 1500 species of fish respectively,
Indonesia is home to 3000 different species and boasts 20% of the
world’s coral reefs. Very spicy indeed. Visit between June
and October and you may even spot the rare mola mola fish near
Bali
or the psychedelic frogfish off Ambon. Dive sites are just as
diverse, including steep walls, deep water trenches, WWII wrecks
and underwater volcanic mountains.

This town has been a seaside resort since the late 1770s, so the
surf schools really have their teaching methods down. If you’re a
beginner, there’s no better place to start than Rossnowlagh with
its gentle beach break. For those slightly more experienced, the
reef break at The Peak is world renowned, while the Tullan Strand
has reliably good waves. There’s a real community feel in Bundoran,
too, so head down to Madden’s Old Bridge – the unofficial surfer’s
bar – to get involved. They serve local craft beer from just 10km
down the road and host a variety of music events throughout the
week. In a mellow mood? Brennan’s Criterion Bar is an old favourite
for slow nights and long conversations.