Like every year, reserving your holiday destination can be a real headache. It’s not always easy to navigate between tourist traps and inaccessible getaways. This summer, why not recharge your batteries in the sun, but away from the crowds? Time to go incognito and enjoy some (well-deserved) R&R.
Cover photo: @patrimartir11
La Graciosa, Spain
Photo: @casaenpedrobarba on Instagram
For all those who love fine sand, endless beaches, wet hair from dips in the ocean and the taste of salt on the corner of their lips, welcome to the island of La Graciosa. Lost in the middle of the Canary Islands, nature abounds here: a visit to the village of Pedro Barba, a hike through the Montaña del Mojón and a dive in the turquoise waters of the Lambra beach. Alone in paradise? Yes, please.
Castelluccio di Norcia, Italy
Photo: @marchetourism on Instagram
A historic village at the heart of Italy, Castelluccio is a retreat in itself. Sheltered by mountains, it seems to invite you to slow down. The only thing that has meaning here is silence. On the programme: alternate between reading and napping to the song of cicadas in the middle of poppy fields. And if you feel adventuresome, head to the canyons of Lame Rosse or opt for an improvised swim in the Sarnano waterfalls. A return to the roots.
Essaouira, Morocco
Photo: @siropderue on Instagram
Introducing an ideal destination for southbound travellers, experienced swimmers and amateur athletes alike: Essaouira, a small fishing village on the Moroccan coast. Here, you can learn how to master the waves during a surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing course. A change of setting for a holiday as full as our back-to-school to-do list. Keywords: surf, sip and sleep.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Photo: @bearnpyrenees_tourisme on Instagram
If you have a crush on France, say bye to the crazy tourists in search of a sliver of sand and take a train inland. Leave the coast behind you and head to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, where you can choose a different hike every day to breathe freely, with only silence as your guide. In terms of destinations, try Ainhoa, Orthez, La Bastide-Clairence or Navarrenx. Better yet, take a road trip through the Pyrénées and end in the Basque Country.
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.