Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2025 i National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Surrounded by jungled mountains, the village of Teahupo’o on Tahiti’s southeastern coast is home to one of the most feared surf breaks in the world — the Wall of Skulls. In 2023, a year before the Paris Olympics, I spent 10 days there shooting the Tahiti Pro surf competition, which doubled as a test event for the championship to come. Here, Australian surfer Olivia Ottaway duck dives beneath one of the break’s powerful waves towards a bed of sharp coral — a reminder that it demands respect despite its beauty. ryanpierse.com @ryanpierse…

April sees the return of Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa service between Paris and Milan, suspended since 2023 due to a landslide in the French Alps. The ‘red arrow’ engines whisk passengers between the two fashion capitals in as little as six-and-a-half hours. But there are plenty of reasons to plan a longer trip, stopping en route: the line passes through some glorious mountain scenery, calling in at several Alpine gateway towns as well as two of Europe’s most under-rated cities. Tickets start from €35 (£29) one-way. trenitalia.com Paris The 19th arrondissement is home to several new openings. Recently refurbished, La Géode cinema offers the chance to see an IMAX film inside a giant disco ball — if the film’s in French, headsets providing an English translation are available for hire. Nearby is…

THE DESTINATION Perched on the secluded, blue-green shores of South Caicos, Salterra Resort & Spa occupies a place where history, culture and nature intertwine. Each of the newly opened property’s 100 rooms offers a view onto the island’s remarkable waters. Guests are invited to choose from an array of dining options, spas and excursions, including a boat trip to experience the South Caicos Banks, whose reefs form part of the second-largest barrier reef system in the Western Hemisphere. Those interested in helping its endangered corals grow can take part in the resort’s reef restoration project, assisting scientists from the School for Field Studies (SFS) Center for Marine Resource Studies with coral cultivation and planting. THE PRIZE Courtesy of Salterra Resort & Spa, one reader and a guest will spend five…

UK Spring destinations Ten of the best places to escape to this Easter and beyond for a classic British getaway. ROAST DINNERS 15 of the best This classic British meal is often the highlight of Sunday, especially when enjoyed in a cosy pub. DESTINATION DUPES Seen Prague? Try Ljubljana The Slovenian capital has a similar charm to its Czech counterpart — but half the tourists. ROAD TRIPS Colorado’s hidden gems Discover otherworldly dunes, desert canyons and a surprising number of waterfalls. TRAVEL INSPIRATION Romantic trips From Scotland’s Isle of Skye to Brazil’s Iguazu Falls, these spots make it easy to fall in love. SET-JETTING Blockbuster backdrops Follow in the footsteps of onscreen characters, be it in a Thai resort or the wilds of Peru. SEARCH FOR NATGEOTRAVELUK FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM X…

PARTHENON Nothing bellows ‘Ancient Greece’ like the Parthenon, the crowning glory of the hilltop Acropolis citadel and visible all over Athens. The temple was built by hand from white marble in 447 BCE to give thanks to Athena, goddess of wisdom and military victory, who locals believed saved the city during the Persian Wars. Its treasures take centre stage in the Acropolis Museum. A glass chamber displays the temple’s near 200ft-long frieze, with carvings so intricate and vivid, you can almost hear the thunder of hooves. acropolis-tickets.com theacropolismuseum.gr KAVALA Jutting out into the turquoise Aegean Sea, Northern Greece’s ‘Blue City’ spells out its history in architecture. It was under Byzantine rule until the Ottomans rocked up in 1387, razing the acropolis and building a hulking 15th-century fortress in its place.…

A Thessaloniki native, Vasilis runs the modern Estet Cafe near the city’s Roman Agora instagram.com/estet.cafe WHAT MAKES THESSALONIKI’S FOOD SPECIAL? For me, it’s the multicultural mix. Turkish, Macedonian, Jewish, French, Greek. It gives our dishes richer flavours, more spice, different herbs. My father is Jordanian so I obviously have an affinity with it. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TYPE OF PLACE TO EAT AT HERE? I love the traditional tavernas, the corner cafes, the basement restaurants run by the same couple for 20 years. I enjoy honest, unpretentious food. Places to sit, have drinks and snacks, and be with friends and family. ANY RECOMMENDATIONS? I like SinTrofi for modern Greek and Mourga for fish and seafood. They’re run by the same chef, Yiannis Loukakis. Charoupi is fantastic for Cretan dishes. Ouzo Kosmas does…

KAYAK ON LAKE KREMASTA Created during a 1960s hydroelectric project to dam four rivers, Greece’s biggest artificial lake is a fjord-like, island-speckled beauty that twists and turns over 50sq miles. While you can admire the alpine loveliness of the Agrafa Mountains from its pine-fringed shores, there’s nothing like kayaking in quiet exhilaration across its glass-calm, cerulean-blue waters in summer, pausing every so often for a refreshing dip. Choose a quiet time of day, such as early morning or evening, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including golden eagles, otters and wolves. Finix Adventures runs three-hour guided kayaking tours on the lake year-round. finixadventures.com CLIMB MOUNT OLYMPUS Ruled by Zeus, Greece’s highest mountain is a living legend. The topmost of its peaks is cloud-wreathed 9,573ft Mytikas, a holy grail to…

WHAT MAKES THE WACHAU ONE OF THE DANUBE’S BEST WINE REGIONS? The wine-growing region stands out for various reasons, but I must mention the dedication and passion of its vignerons. They’re committed to handcrafting wines — all grapes are still harvested by hand. WHAT DEFINES THE WACHAU AND ITS WINES? Many factors make Wachau wines unique: single vineyard parcels, steep terraces supported by dry-stone walls, and a microclimate shaped by the Danube and the wider Waldviertel region. Lemony Grüner Veltliner and spicy, minerally Riesling wines best express the terroir. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE WACHAU? The destination is stunning year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful, with the apricot trees full of pink blossom, as is autumn, when the vineyards change colour and the harvest gets underway. For incredible views…

With its Neolithic history and distinctive limestone landscapes, Malta may seem a destination drawn from the past. But if this resilient archipelago has learnt anything from its numerous occupations, it’s to adapt. On the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, centuries-old forts and grand historic palaces now sit side-by-side with modern fine dining restaurants and sleek waterfront promenades. Travellers today are beckoned to explore Malta’s varied dive sites, hike through otherworldly landscapes or observe the host of international talent set to take the stage at the islands’ assorted year-round festivals. With so many experiences to choose from, here are six not to miss. 1 GET ACTIVE IN THE OUTDOORS Malta’s 300 days of sunshine a year mean the islands are ideal for outdoor activity — even in the winter, crisp,…

A perennial favourite, Greece is not exactly unexplored. While the islands garner most attention, the mainland receives its fair share of plaudits, too — from the irrepressible capital of Athens to the mesmerising coastline of Halkidiki. But venture further and there are all sorts of adventures that aren’t traditionally associated with the Hellenic Republic. The vertiginous mountains, alpine lakes and wild landscapes lend themselves to an entirely different sort of experience to those of the Aegean Sea — whether that’s hiking, skiing or taking a road trip. So, join us this issue as we venture inland and remind ourselves of the variety on offer in this intriguing peninsula. We head to the isolated mountain settlements of Zagori, offering some of the most spectacular trekking in the whole of Greece; take…

1 It’s home to incredible beaches Brač’s northern coastline has several impressive beaches including Lovrečina Bay and Splitska Beach, while the town of Bol is home to the much-photographed Zlatni rat, also known as the Golden Horn beach. It’s famous for its tongue-like shape, clear waters and fringing pine trees; the sea here is typically calm in the mornings, ideal for family paddles. In the afternoons, when winds pick up, it’s perfect for watersports such as kitesurfing.  TIP: Zlatni rat’s lively cafes make it a great spot for people-watching and beachside mocktails. 2 The towns are pretty & accessible During quieter mornings or late afternoons, venture out to Supetar — Brač’s main port town — which has a palm-fringed promenade, Romanesque architecture and busy medieval streets. Meanwhile, Pučišća’s traditional white…

BRUSSELS TO PRAGUE European Sleeper is a new start-up. The company’s first route linked Brussels to Berlin, and this addition extends that initial venture, stopping in Dresden on its way south. You’ll wake at the perfect time, too, as the train winds through the valleys of so-called ‘Saxon Switzerland’. ROME TO VIENNA & MUNICH OBB began running its Nightjet trains on this route in September 2024. Waking up on the northbound journey is a joy; you’ll get to see the mountains and rivers of the Alps on the approach to Munich, and the rolling Austrian countryside as the train reaches OBB’s hub at Vienna Hauptbahnhof. LONDON TO WALES, CORNWALL & THE LAKE DISTRICT From July, the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, will offer the chance to live out your Agatha…

Best for local produce £ £ THE PIG IN THE COTSWOLDS The smell of log fires greets you as you enter The Pig in the Cotswolds, the 10th addition to the hotel group’s litter, which opened near Cirencester in Gloucestershire in late 2024. The 17th-century manor house — all honey-coloured stone and mullion windows — radiates a sense of homely comfort, from the warmth of the welcome to the simple elegance of bedrooms decorated in florals. That floral theme is brought to life in the arts and crafts-style garden, a legacy of one-time owner and horticulturalist Rosemary Verey. Star of the show is the restaurant’s 25 Mile Menu, with all ingredients sourced within a 25-mile radius of the hotel. Fresh herbs and beetroots from the kitchen garden and Cotswold lamb…

STAY ON A MOUNTAIN FARM A time-lost magic hangs in the air at this delightful agriturismo in the Helmos mountain village of Kerpini near the town of Kalavrita. Here, you can properly slip back to nature for a spell in some of the most rugged scenery in the Peloponnese. It’s all about the outdoors, whether you’re hanging out with farm animals (including resident donkey, Archondoula), picking fruit, herbs and vegetables on the organic farm, mushroom hunting in the fir forest or helping harvest grapes the traditional way before a wine-tasting in autumn. Whichever season you visit, days spent hiking, canoeing or skiing in the surrounds slide into inky nights that are perfect for stargazing. Your hosts cook up delicious farm-to-fork dinners, too. en.orias.gr GO BIG ON OLIVES Silver-green leaves shimmering…

Three hours: that’s how long it takes Shelita Buffet to get ready. There are false eyelashes to glue and cheekbones to contour; there’s a neon-bright wig to preen and a sequined pink leotard to tug on — and then there’s the generous application of glitter to beard. Looking this good takes time. The first honeyed rays of dawn have only just begun to wash into the mining town of Broken Hill and Shelita is standing on the station platform in a pair of blocky white heels, watching as I step off the train. I’d boarded in Sydney the day before, leaving behind the skyscrapers and the Opera House’s monumental clutch of alabaster shells to make tracks on a journey of continental proportions, rattling east to west across the bottom of…

I’m gliding down a narrow waterway on a small, open-deck viewing boat deep in the marshes. Next to me, wild horses graze on green plains, while on the horizon, ancient woods shimmer in the morning sun. “Nobody knows how this forest came to be,” says local guide and wildlife expert Daniel Petrescu, binoculars in hand. Having joined a four-day, small-group cruise exploring one of Europe’s largest wetlands, I’m in Romania’s section of the Danube Delta. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the 1,200sq-mile area is a haven for more than 300 resident and migratory bird species, including pelicans, whiskered terns and white-tailed eagles, making it a magnet for birders. But we’re most excited about visiting Letea Forest, one of Romania’s oldest natural reserves, protected since 1938. It covers a tiny area less…

Could you suggest an itinerary taking in Japan’s best gardens? Japanese landscape design is an art form, expressing philosophical and aesthetic ideas around inner peace and harmony with nature. Rather than starting in Tokyo, I’d suggest heading first to Osaka; it’s only 30 minutes by train to Kyoto and its glorious temple gardens. Saiho-ji has one of Japan’s most celebrated moss gardens, while Ryoan-ji is home to a tranquil ‘kare-sansui’ (Zen rock garden), with 15 stones set in a sea of impeccably raked gravel. Tenryu-ji and Tofuku-ji temples are home to masterpieces of Zen landscaping, while the former imperial villa of Katsura Rikyu has the city’s grandest garden, with lawns, lakes and ornamental trees. Don’t miss Kyoto’s 60-acre Botanical Gardens, where you’ll find lotus ponds, bamboo groves, roses, hydrangeas and…

SPONSORED BY Get ready for this summer’s National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival, taking place 19-20 July. The event is packed with culinary inspiration and features some of the biggest names in food and drink, interactive workshops and flavours from around the world. Limited time offer — 40% saving. Still unsure? Here’s what’s on: Main Stage Catch chefs Yotam Ottolenghi and Asma Khan as they cook up signature dishes on Saturday. On Sunday, Andi Oliver, presenter of Great British Menu, will take to the stage, followed by chef and podcaster Karan Gokani. Speakers’ Corner Your chance to hear cookbook authors, including Tim Anderson, Irina Georgescu and Chetna Makan, discuss their latest works. Festival Floor Exhibitors from across the globe, from Ecuador and Montenegro to Georgia and Grenada, will offer travel…

Bringing around 100 days of exhibitions to a string of 17 island locations in the Seto Inland Sea, the Setouchi Triennale art festival will return to Japan this year for its largest ever show. Launched in 2010 and running every three years, the festival has grown to become one of the country’s pre-eminent art events, showcasing the works of local and international artists across galleries and natural spaces. Originally conceived as a way to revitalise the islands and their communities, it has attracted around a million visitors in previous years. The 2025 event will have three iterations, in spring, summer and autumn, so visitors can experience the artworks as the seasons evolve. At the heart of the festival is Naoshima, an island of three square miles off the southwest coast…

There’s no feast like a Greek Easter feast. When I was a child, we’d spend the day in my grandparents’ Greek-Cypriot taverna in London with cousins and friends. Sometimes we’d go to Cyprus, to the Troodos Mountains near Limassol. At my grandfather’s village, everyone would be out, drinking ouzo after church until well into the night. To appreciate our joy, it’s important to understand what happens during the weeks leading up to this. For over 40 days, we’ll eat plenty of vegetables, but no meat, dairy or eggs. On Easter Saturday, we go to church to light a candle at midnight. We come home at 2am, catch a few hours’ sleep and get up early to begin cooking in earnest. MAGIRITSA After midnight mass, Greeks break their fast with this…

Friday prayers have ended, and the streets of Rawalpindi are hot, noisy and rammed. Mopeds growl as they edge through the crowd. In the throng, details catch the eye: henna-dyed beards and candy-striped hijabs; a knife-sharpener showering sparks over the pavement; four passengers and a goat in an auto-rickshaw. Down an alley, boys are playing cricket under a tangle of overhead wires. The heat is thick. Brakes squeak, brows sweat. “We’re coming into mango season,” says local tour leader Aneeqa Ali, striding through the traffic. She points out a roadside stall amid the hubbub, piled with yellowing fruit. Above us, the sun beats down on tall, sand-coloured buildings. “I like this time of year. June is good for hiking,” she says with a smile. “It’s hot here, but cooler in…

The Danube touches deep. Its landscapes are lyrical, its cities were built high and mighty by once-great empires, its history is as old as European civilisation itself. In 1866, Johann Strauss II extolled its beauty in The Blue Danube. And in 2025, on the 200th anniversary of the Austrian composer’s birth, his ever-popular waltz still captures the sprightly soul of the river, which flows from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania and Ukraine. Whether seen in the mist of winter or summer’s first light, there’s poetry in these waters. But where to begin? Many tours zoom in on the classic sights necklacing the Upper Danube between Germany and Hungary. The knockout is the 24-mile Wachau Valley in Upper Austria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where…

What are the benefits of cruising? Even if you’ve never cruised, the Danube is great for dipping your toes into the water, as the pace is gentle, the cost fairly modest and the start and end points easily accessible. It also allows you to follow the river’s course as opposed to roads or rail lines, getting a feel for its scenic diversity. Options range from week-long cruises along the ‘Classic Danube’, ticking off UNESCO World Heritage Wachau, Vienna and Budapest, to two-week escapades along the lesser-explored Lower Danube and into the wild heart of the Danube Delta. How easy is it to tackle the Danube Cycle Path? You can cycle the length of the river on the Danube Cycle Path; it would take between a month and six weeks. Cicerone’s The…

Ayers Rock to Uluru, the Brecon Beacons to Bannau Brycheiniog — in recent decades, place-renaming has been increasing, and entire countries have even adopted new monikers. There are many reasons for this, ranging from political grounds to the expression of cultural identity. Most recently, US President Donald Trump has called for the Alaskan mountain range Denali to be renamed, hitting on an emotive issue. But is renaming a location always contentious? Or are there times when it’s a good thing? Why are Trump’s proposed name changes controversial? President Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders as part of his ‘America First’ approach. Among them were orders that Denali be renamed Mount McKinley, while the Gulf of Mexico would become the Gulf of America. The controversy over Denali is complicated.…

Beat the upcoming price rise by locking in your subscription today, receiving 10 issues of National Geographic Traveller (UK) for £25, with free delivery to your door. Save over 50% on the retail price and get a £38 Hydro Flask. Visit CHECKOUT.NATGEOTRAVELLER.CO.UK/OFFERS and use code ‘DBEAT25’ or call 01858 438787 and quote code ‘DBEAT25’ T&Cs: Closing date for orders is 1 May 2025. The price shown is a UK Direct Debit offer. Your subscription will begin with the next available issue. If you do not cancel at the end of the subscription period, the subscription will auto-renew by Direct Debit every 12 months at £35. All subscriptions are non-refundable. The Hydro Flasks are subject to availability and for UK subscribers only. Please allow up to four weeks for delivery of…

Tell us about this image. These are the twin peaks of Uummannaq, an island nearly 400 miles above the Arctic Circle on the west coast of Greenland. It’s not an easy place to get to, but the helicopter ride really adds to the sense of adventure. I spent much of the journey with my face pressed up against the window, mesmerised by the views below. How did you achieve the shot? In a hurry. Flight cancellations meant we had just a few hours on Uummannaq, so I rose before sunrise to get some shots of the town. It was thick with fog and the mountain could barely be seen, but shortly before I was due to take the helicopter back to the mainland, the weather cleared. That gave me 15…