Seaside Views
Here are seven picturesque seaside escapes for you to explore.
Qingdao, China
Qingdao's unique port conditions and location have given rise to a wide range of cruise itineraries. Compared to other port cities, Qingdao's port is located in the city, just 10 minutes from the railway station and surrounded by many scenic spots.
Making it very convenient for visitors to explore the city, and with short sailing times, you can reach the high seas in just a few hours by cruise ship from Qingdao, so cruise itineraries are varied and the time and cost of travel is perfect.
Greece
Most Greece's islands are always open to visitors and the ferry system works well, although temperature tests and health questionnaires are now required. The islands vary in style, from cliffs to idyllic landscapes, and some hide ancient fortresses and monasteries dating back centuries.
Whether you want to see a medieval city or enjoy a night out on the beach, there is an island for you.
You can customise your trip through the Valef Yacht Club, long a favourite with celebrities and high officials, but this can be a rather luxurious option. And don't worry too much, there are plenty of experienced sailors on these islands who can offer you a range of services at different price budgets.
Croatia
Croatia has one of the most winding coastlines and while private yachts and boats are largely confined to moving between islands during the epidemic, Virtuoso Private Yachting's eight-day Dalmatian Coast tour is the most luxurious, including the islands of Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik, with stops around Korcula and Paleini and Elafiti.
These islands are sunny and have large fields of lavender flowers and cultural sites.
Italy
For centuries, Italy's Amalfi Coast has attracted many visitors with its natural beauty and cultural prestige, especially during the peak summer season, but this year things are different and the once packed country is now desperate to see a return of tourists.
You can explore Amalfi's coastal towns and idyllic islands via the full ferry system, or hire a boat through Banana Sport in the marina at Grande and head out on your own, passing through Capri, Ischia and Procida, exploring the mysterious caves of the coast and experiencing the magical attainments of nature along the coast.
The Caribbean
The white sandy beaches and blue waters of the Caribbean will be an uplifting change for those who have spent the last few months isolated indoors, with its varied scenery and abundance of activities. Dominica has cascading waterfalls, deep lush mountain valleys, raging rivers and dense forests.
Here you can try a range of outdoor sports such as diving and hiking. And the isolated island of Stacia is the perfect place to relax and escape from all your worries.
The Colón Islands
Ecuador's Colón Islands have long been an outdoor paradise. It has been known as a "living museum of biological evolution" due to its unique natural environment, and was once visited by Darwin. The reopening of this volcanic island is a great option for those who wish to escape the lush tropical landscape in favour of a variety of wildlife and extraordinary scenery.
There are quite strict rules in place to protect the local ecology, so make sure you know before you travel.
Tahiti
The climate in French Polynesia is mild all year round, but the dry season is the best time to travel and is described by many as 'the closest thing to paradise'. Many tropical flowers bloom here and the air seems to smell like flowers.
The beaches along the coast are dark and shingle, and the waters are good for surfing and sailing, and deep-sea fishing is also a good experience.For those with an interest in the arts and culture, there are also museums on the island worth visiting.
The Tahiti Museum showcases Polynesian cultural traditions, while the Gauguin Museum commemorates Gauguin, the Impressionist painter who spent time here.