Feature - page 4

Apart from great beaches, a wonderful climate and a wealth of culture and history, the Balearic Islands offer a whole host of attractions for those looking for a destination with a difference. There’s something for everyone, from families looking for relaxing beach holidays to true sports enthusiasts with a wide range of activities for walkers, cyclists and divers.

The Balearic Islands are part of an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea lying off the eastern coast of mainland Spain. They consist of four main islands, Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera, with over one hundred smaller islets. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, the best months to visit the Balearics are May, June, and September. If you’re not flying in from the UK or other far off climes, the best way to get to the islands from Gibraltar is via Spain with local airlines in Barcelona and Madrid offering daily flights to Ibiza, Menorca, and Palma de Mallorca Airport and from Malaga to Mallorca and Ibiza. If you don’t want to fly, you can go via car ferry with some major ferry carriers offering various overnight routes that connect mainland cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Dénia to the islands, many of which operate every day. If you want to island-hop, ferries run daily between the four main isles.

Mallorca, the largest of the islands, is the favoured destination for some of the many celebrities who either own homes there or for the rich and famous who enjoy following in the footsteps of royalty. This is where the Spanish Royal Family spend their holidays in August at the Marivent Palace on the outskirts of Palma and is where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III kicked off their honeymoon cruise in 1956. 

Hiring a car or using your own makes exploring the island an easy option, but public transport is also available. From west to east, Mallorca is 100 kilometres wide and around 75 kilometres from north to south. 

Palma is the capital and home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals that I have visited.  The 14th century Cathedral of Santa Maria, more commonly referred to as La Seu, is one of Europe’s tallest Gothic structures and features sixty-one stained-glass windows, the most spectacular being the central rose window. Make sure to take in Miquel Barceló’s contemporary installation in the right-hand apse of Saint Peter’s Chapel.  Next to La Seu stands the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, which dates back to the 14th century, the official residence of the Royal Family in Mallorca. Both these buildings sit on top of a hill affording magnificent views over the Mediterranean.

If you want to head outside the capital, a trip on the Tren de Sóller is a must. This narrow gauge railway line opened in 1912. The train, made up of mahogany lined vintage carriages with wooden seats and large windows allowing passengers great views of the stunning scenery, departs from its own station in Palma, Plaça de l’Estació. The train journey takes approximately 40 minutes and covers a distance of around 25 kilometre. There is one stop at Bunyola before the train arrives at the Art Deco station in Sóller, from where you can jump on the tram to explore Port de Sóller. 

Other must-see places in Mallorca include: Petra, famous for being the birthplace of Friar Fray Junipero Serra who founded the first Spanish mission in California; Alcúdia the former Roman capital of the Balearic Islands; and the Cap de Formentor peninsula situated at the north-eastern tip of the island which is accessed via 18km of winding roads and hairpin bends. This is where you can visit the Far de Formentor lighthouse built in 1863, at an elevation of 119m above the sea level. 

Mallorca’s smaller sister island Menorca has been a Unesco Biosphere Reserve for nearly three decades. While it only measures around 30 miles from west to east, the island has more than 125 miles of coastline, and with its breath-taking white sandy coves and incredible turquoise waters it is the perfect place for leisurely beach holidays. There are plenty of small fishing villages where you can sample the local cuisine, including a traditional lobster stew (caldereta de langosta). 

The port of Mahón is the second largest natural port in the Mediterranean. It has been a key port on trade routes since it was first used in the 3rd century B.C. and because of the city’s deep harbour and strategic position in the Mediterranean, the British dominated the island for much of the 18th.  Pay a visit to the Xoriguer gin distillery to sample some of the world-renowned Mahón gin and then if you can find your sea legs take a trip around the harbour on one of the many boat trips and find out more about the naval history. 

At the western end of the island is the old town of Ciutadella, the ancient capital which lives up to its nickname of Vella i Bella, (old and beautiful). We stayed in one of the many burgeoning boutique hotels and wandered the narrow cobbled streets, stopping for coffee in plazas and soaking up the atmosphere in the Main Square, Plaça des Born, bordered by architecturally interesting buildings such as the neoclassical Palau Torre-Saura and fortress-like Ajuntament which sits opposite the Santa Maria Church, built in the 13th century on the site of an old mosque. In the centre of the square is the twenty two metre high obelisk dating from the 19th century which commemorates the resistance and final defeat of the city at the hands of the Turks in 1558. 

Ibiza, known as the nightlife destination of the Balearic Islands and for its hedonistic clubbing scene is frequented by world-famous DJs and celebrities, but it has much more to it than just party vibes. The island is a great place for family holidays. If you want to get away from the crowded resorts, check out the southwest coast which has some of the most beautiful sandy coves on the island where there is plenty of opportunity for snorkelling or kayaking. 

Ibiza’s old town called Dalt Vila, “the city from above”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing museums, medieval houses and narrow streets. In the west of the island is the resort of San Antonio which may be synonymous with the nightlife scene, but travel 25 kilometres north to visit Can Marçà, a cave discovered by groups of smugglers who used it to hide their contraband. Since the 1980s the cave has become one of the island’s major tourist attractions.

A short boat ride from the glitz of Ibiza lies the small island of Formentera, just 20 km long and at the most narrow point 2 km wide. This idyll is very different to the other islands, with a bohemian vibe that still resonates from the 1960s hippy days. This is the island to come to if you want to experience a relaxed, laid-back holiday. Although the smallest of the islands, Formentera has a lot to offer, with highlights including unbeatable pristine beaches and delicious fresh seafood available at the island’s restaurants and chiringuitos. Birdwatchers should visit the Ses Salines Natural Park, one of the most important marine and land reserves located to the north of Formentera. The natural park is an example of the richness of Mediterranean biodiversity and is a stopover and nesting area for migrating birds. 

The Posidonia meadow of Ses Salines is considered the biggest and oldest living organism in the world, at 15 kilometers in size and 80,000 years old. It is thanks to the presence of the Posidonia Oceanica, an underwater grass, that the waters around the island are so crystal clear. The Posidonia meadow is so vital that it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a boat trip and explore the caves of Punta Rasa which can only be accessed by sea. If diving is your thing, or maybe something that you’ve always wanted to try, then the island is the perfect place to start with the sea reaching summer temperatures of around 25ºC.  If you’d rather not go quite so deep, Formentera is a fantastic environment for snorkelling and the rocky cove of Es Caló des Mort, although popular and sometimes crowded, is the perfect place to try this sport. 

Unveiling Hidden Gem Alternatives To Italy: Discovering Similar Experiences Off the Beaten Path

Italy, with its rich history, captivating culture, and breathtaking landscapes, has long been a favored destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable European experience. Its popular cities, such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples, enthrall visitors with their iconic landmarks and legendary attractions. However, for those seeking a similar experience but with a lesser-known twist (and far less crowds / queues / cost) we’ve dug out six ‘hidden gem alternatives’ that should enchant and intrigue! 

Instead Of The Dolomites: Visit Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains

Those who are interested in getting outside and into nature might be surprised to find out that Italy has recently needed to implement reservation systems, visitor caps, and traffic restrictions on its popular mountain region in the north.

While these measures are undoubtedly necessary to help the effects of overcrowding on the local environment, they can make travel plans a bit more complex for travelers. 

If you are looking to explore some mountains, why not check out Georgia’s Caucasus Range?

Offering hiking, camping, skiing (ok, maybe not in the summer), and a variety of outdoor activities, this underrated eastern European country is worth a visit.

With a fraction of the crowds that you will see in Italy’s popular Dolomites, the Caucasus mountains offer something more unique, cheaper, and quieter for travelers who are willing to go off the beaten path a bit.

Instead Of Lake Como: Enjoy Lake Ohrid, or The Bay of Kotor

You will find the tiny Balkan country of Montenegro twice on this list of Italian alternatives, and for good reason.

The county’s most popular destination is a, which was founded by ancient Romans, but shows strong Venetian influence in its design.

The bay itself is stunningly beautiful, vast, and surrounded by mountains and little towns around every bend.

While the area does get busy in the summer months, it’s nowhere near as busy or pricy as Lake Como. Although unfortunately, you are not likely to spot George Clooney there.

In addition, those looking for some lakeside lounging can enjoy North Macedonia’s Lake Ohrid.

Another late and impressive (and lovely for swimming) Balkan lake bordering Albania and North Macedonia.

The town of Ohrid draws a bit of a crowd, but the smaller villages around the lake make for some peaceful lake days, and P.S.: North Macedonian wine is very good and very cheap!

Instead of The Italian Riviera: Try The Albanian Riviera

The Italian Riviera is stunning; there is no question about it. However, the summer months bring traffic to a halt, and with more traffic restrictions and parking issues, the task of zipping around to take in the sites becomes a bit of a nightmare.

Not to mention the mega-popular Portofino has just instituted a selfie and loitering ban for tourists, with heavy fines for those who take too long to get their photos.

Want to explore a stunning coastal region with significantly fewer people and much more laid-back and less expensive villages?

The Albanian Riviera is for you then!

Drive along the coast and check out popular Saranda and Ksamil, but if you are really looking for fewer crowds, head up further north and explore the smaller villages such as Dhermi and Himare.

Instead Of Venice: Visit Malta, or Old Town Kotor

Here we see Montenegro’s Kotor again, this time not so much for the lake but for its compact and ancient old town. Here is where you will notice the Venetian influence in every piazza you stumble across.

While you won’t see any canals running through town, you will be serenaded by live musicians, enjoy great food and drink (Montenegro wine is also a must-try, not to mention the fresh seafood!), and enjoy verandas offering stunning views of the mountainsides.

P.S.: you also won’t have to pay a tourist fee to enter the town and be greeted with dried-up canals.

In addition to Kotor, Malta makes an ideal substitute for a Venice trip. Again, you won’t see canals cutting through the old town here, but wandering the streets of Valletta or the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, you might have to remind yourself you are not in Venice.

Perhaps it’s the hundreds of colorful boats called Luzzus, the water taxis, the blue water lapping at the docks, or the architecture, all of which win over everyone who visits. 

Insider Tip- Happy hour drinks in Valletta almost always include some fabulous snacks, usually homemade bread and tomato jam. Come hungry!

Instead Of Italian Ruins: Explore Turkey’s Ancient Ruins

Ok, Turkey is not exactly a secret. This is another country that is also expecting many more visitors this year than in previous years. However, its vastness and abundance of attractions ensure that crowds are dispersed, especially when exploring its ancient ruins. Positioned between the east and the west, Turkey has been a hub for ancient civilizations, resulting in remarkable ruins from Greek and Roman cities.

Turkey’s ancient structures rival those found in Italy. Remarkable sites include the Roman theatre in Aspendos, the ancient cities of a and Hierapolis, the iconic Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis. With numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites and the 9,000-year-old city of Çatalhöyük, Turkey has rightfully earned its reputation as the world’s largest museum.

While we don’t suggest skipping Italy entirely, the next 12 months might be the perfect opportunity to explore these underrated destinations and save Italy for another time when the crowds have subsided.

It’s never too early to plan your winter holiday and if you are looking for somewhere that offers year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches, there are two destinations that should come at the top of your list. 

Dubai

Known for its luxury hotels, high-end lifestyle and lavish shopping malls, Dubai is also a great place for a family friendly holiday, with plenty to do for adults and children alike. If theme parks are high on your list, there are some great ones to choose from including Motiongate, Legoland and Bollywood. If you are looking for kid friendly water and amusement parks, Dubai has a hard-earned reputation for having some of the most amazing water parks in the world. 

Head to the Dubai Mall and pay a visit to the Burj Khalifa’s viewing platforms or for those without a head for heights, stop off at the ground-level spectacle of The Dubai Fountain’s son-et-lumière show in the evening. Spend an evening aboard a wooden dhow – once used for fishing and trading – and view the city from a different perspective.

Standing on the eastern Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf coast, the average temperature in October ranges between 25°C – 36°C, but you will find the heat is much milder and a little bit more pleasant in November.  The city has a long coastline with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, and plenty of opportunity to take part in a selection of water sports. 

Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Riviera Maya is a stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s north-eastern Yucatán Peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. When we think of Mexico we conjure up images of tequila, mariachi band, tacos, cave diving, and Mayan ruins, but the Riviera Maya has so much more to offer. 

With a mix of the old and the new cultures, this is the perfect place to visit for history or archaeology enthusiasts who won’t want to miss seeing some of the Yucatan Peninsula’s Mayan ruins, and there is nowhere that has a more beautiful location than the majestic ruins at Tulum, not far from Cancun. Enter the city through a narrow opening in a stone wall 8 meters thick and up to 5 meters high that protects three sides; the fourth side is protected by ocean-facing cliffs.

The fine white sandy beaches and the warm turquoise waters are popular with those who enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming. If you are looking to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, Tulum is renowned for its yoga retreats. 

Whether you are looking for an affordable all-inclusive resort or a luxury hotel, Riviera Maya is the perfect destination for a winter holiday.  

As urban landscapes continue to expand, the need to escape the concrete jungle and reconnect with nature becomes increasingly important. Hiking, the age-old activity that has captivated adventurers for centuries, offers a perfect solution. Beyond the physical exercise and breathtaking views, hiking presents a myriad of benefits that nourish the mind, body, and soul. 

Unleash Your Inner Explorer:

Every trail is a new adventure waiting to unfold. Hiking allows you to explore hidden corners of the world, discover untouched landscapes, and venture into uncharted territories. Whether it’s traversing majestic mountains, wandering through lush forests, or marveling at cascading waterfalls, hiking offers a chance to connect with the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet. As you tread on untrodden paths, you awaken the spirit of curiosity and nurture a deep appreciation for the natural wonders that surround us.

Rejuvenate Mind and Body:

Hiking is a holistic experience that rejuvenates both the mind and body. Step by step, as you embark on your trail, the natural surroundings uplift your spirit and offer respite from the stresses of daily life. Studies have shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and improves overall mental well-being. The rhythmic motion of walking releases endorphins, boosting your mood and creating a sense of euphoria.

Connect with Nature:

In a world that often feels disconnected, hiking provides a chance to reconnect with nature in its purest form. The symphony of birdsong, the scent of wildflowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves beneath your feet create a sensory symphony that awakens your senses. As you become attuned to the natural world, you develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the delicate ecosystems that sustain life. Hiking offers an opportunity to leave behind the noise of the modern world and embrace the serenity of the wilderness.

Improve Physical Fitness:

Hiking is an excellent way to stay physically fit while immersing yourself in nature’s embrace. It provides a full-body workout that engages your muscles, strengthens your cardiovascular system, and improves endurance. The varying terrain challenges your balance and stability, making it a rewarding form of exercise for people of all fitness levels. Additionally, hiking is a low-impact activity that puts less stress on joints compared to other high-intensity exercises, reducing the risk of injury. 

Social Bonding:

Hiking can be enjoyed alone as a solitary retreat or shared with friends and loved ones, fostering deep connections and lasting memories. It provides an ideal setting for quality time, engaging conversations, and shared experiences. Whether you’re scaling a summit with a group of adventurers or strolling through a picturesque trail with a loved one, hiking strengthens relationships and creates unbreakable bonds.

Whether you have journeyed widely or stayed closer to home, there are probably plenty of foods from around the world that you have tried, because travelling and trying the local cuisine goes hand-in-hand.

However, there are probably plenty of foods that you haven’t yet tasted which should be added to your bucket list, or in the case of the last two, maybe not!

Rendang, Indonesia

Beef Rendang, often called the world’s most delicious dish, is Indonesian beef curry cooked in spiced coconut milk until all the liquid evaporates leaving the meat tasting rich and delicious. 

Ramen, Japan

Ramen is a Japanese dish made of wheat noodles and served in the broth along with vegetables and meat. Ramen comes in several flavours, from tangy to spicy, depending on the flavour of the broth. 

Tom Yam Goong, Thailand

A type of spicy and sour Thai soup bursting with flavour, Tom Yam Goong is prepared with shrimp along with herbs and spices including lemongrass, lime, kaffir leaves, galangal, and red chilli peppers. 

Pho, Vietnam

A simple yet an incredible dish, Pho (pronounced as ‘fuh’) is a Vietnamese dish made of rice noodles and meat (usually beef or chicken) served in broth and topped with herbs. 

Kimchi, Korea

Kimchi is a staple Korean side dish prepared from fermented vegetables such as Korean radishes, and cabbage and topped with several seasonings, including garlic, chilli powder, scallions, and ginger. 

Dosa, India

Dosa is a delicate rice and lentil crepe made with a naturally fermented batter that is most commonly served as ‘Mysore Masala Dosa’, filled with coconut chutney and potatoes that are cooked with onion, turmeric, and spices.

Century eggs, China

In China, eggs are covered in clay, ash and salt and lie for several months to get the right taste. After a while, the yolk turns completely green. The smell of sulphur and ammonia is strong and pungent!

Soup made from ant eggs, Laos

In Laos you can order a soup called Gaeng Kai Mot Daeng made from ants, ant eggs and an embryo. This sour soup tastes a bit like shrimp!

Deep-fried Tarantula, Cambodia

Deep fried tarantulas known ‘a-ping’ spiders are served all over Cambodia. It is said that they taste a bit like crunchy fried pork or crab. It is said that fried tarantula first became popular during the food shortages under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal behind Lisbon, and in my opinion just as beautiful and quaint. One thing that they both have in common is the amount of hilled streets you will come across whilst you’re here! If you’re looking for a place that has culture, sun and affordable food then this is the place for you. Here are 10 things I
recommend doing whilst you are in Porto. 

1 – Go on a Portuguese food crawl 

Portugal has some great food, and after doing some research I found that this city in particular has a few local specialties. The most famous is their ‘francesinhas’, a meat filled sandwich covered in cheese and tomato sauce. Secondly you have ‘bifanas’, which are similar to montaditos de lomo but covered in a delicious spicy sauce. This had to be my favourite! Cachorro hot dogs and cod fish are also popular options in this region. Lastly, you can’t leave Porto without trying a few pastel de natas (custard tarts). 

2 – Book a port wine tour 

This was such a fun experience, just make sure you have a big meal before this because you will end up tipsy! We booked our tour online through GetYourGuide and it lasted around 3 hours. Our guide was informative and funny, we tried 3 different port varieties and by the end of the tour we had 9 glasses of port and one table wine of our choice. My personal favourite was the ruby port, I’d love to know your thoughts if you do this tour! 

3 – Visit the Duoro Valley

If you’re a real wine enthusiast, then I recommend a visit to the Duoro Valley. You can either take the train from Sao Bento yourself, or book a guided tour which arranges the travel for you too. There are even tours where you can pick and stomp on the grapes yourself! 

4 – View the city from the Torre dos Clerigos 

The Clerigos Church Tower is also a great navigation point if you lose your way around the city, but the view from it is also lovely! There’s plenty of cafes and restaurants surrounding it, so it’s also a good place to sit and have a coffee and people watch.

5 – Visit the charming Livraria Lello Bookstore

We didn’t go in ourselves because there was a pretty long ticketed queue to enter the bookstore, but if you’re a book lover then you don’t want to miss this place. It has a charming red staircase and resembles something out of Beauty and the Beast. Tickets to enter cost 5 euros, but if you buy a book inside they will deduct this from the price of the book. 

6 – Cross the D Luis I Bridge and walk along the Nova de Gaia area

When you cross the bridge and head down the very steep hill to the Nova de Gaia promenade, you’ll find a range of bars, restaurants and port wine cellars here. You will also find the Mercado Municipal de Beira here which offers lots of different food stalls. There is a stall here that sells ‘brigadeiros’ which are Brazilian fudge balls and they are delicious! Along the promenade you can also try a cod and cheese croquette at the Casa Portuguesa.  

7 – Snap some pics in the Sao Bento Railway Station

This is one of the prettiest stations I’ve been in (after the Toledo station in Naples), and even if you’re not planning on travelling anywhere it’s something worth seeing. As mentioned earlier in this article, you can catch the train to the Duoro Valley from here. 

8 – Walk along the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal

The Crystal Palace Gardens are free to enter and is the biggest and largest green space in Porto. Here you’ll find different gardens with fountains and sculptures scattered around the park. It’s a great place to take a walk through or if the weather is nice, bring a picnic. 

9 – Enjoy happy hour at one of the many bars at Galeria de Paris Street

I don’t think I’ve ever paid 5 euros for an Aperol Spritz anywhere, and this is what you’ll find here when it’s not happy hour. If you do like your fancy cocktails and cool interiors, then I suggest grabbing one at The Royal Cocktail Club. A lot of these bars have dance floors in the evening, so if you’re looking for a night out this is where you want to be. 

• Try and catch a festival whilst you’re there!  

The main reason for our visit to Porto was for the Primavera Sound festival, and I would definitely go again. The organisation was great, an Uber was only 10 euros from the centre and we didn’t have to wait too long, and the range of artists they brought catered for all different age groups and music tastes. 

I hope you have found this article useful, and if you have been to Porto yourself, I would love to hear what your highlights were! 

A word of warning! If you are thinking of travelling into Spain then you should be aware that you need to have appropriate travel insurance.

Back in February this year, the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) reminded Gibraltar residents that they should have appropriate travel insurance with medical cover for every trip into Spain. “The GHA takes this opportunity to remind patients that on 31 December 2020, as a result of the UK and Gibraltar’s departure from the European Union, reciprocal healthcare arrangements with the EU came to an end.”

A Press Release issued by the Government in June 2022 stated that: “Gibraltar residents insured under Gibraltar’s Group Practice Medical Scheme (the Scheme which provides free access to Gibraltar Health Authority services and which covers the vast majority of residents of Gibraltar) will, after 30 June 2022, no longer be able to access free emergency healthcare in Spain during a temporary stay in Spain.”

This means that anyone requiring medical attention, whether that is in the case of an emergency or an accident, will incur considerable costs in order to access Spanish or EU healthcare, irrespective of the duration of the trip, even if it is just for a few hours. So if you are planning to go over for a shopping excursion or just out for a meal, it is worth remembering that you will need medical cover. The same applies for Gibraltarians travelling elsewhere in the European Union.

The Health Authority issued the
advice following enquiries from
patients who were unsure about their health entitlements outside of Gibraltar.  

A statement from the GHA said that the consequence of not having this insurance would mean that people would themselves need to pay for any access to Spanish or EU healthcare – even if that access to healthcare is required in the event of an emergency or accident. 

“Where medical attention is required the costs incurred may be considerable so you should ensure you have adequate insurance cover or alternatively the means to pay. Neither the GHA nor HMGoG can make itself responsible for any claims arising from a failure to insure against these risks.”

We all love to holiday near water but have you ever wondered why we are so drawn to the shoreline? 

Not only is the coast a stunning playground that we associate with relaxation and time off, but increasing scientific evidence proves that being by the sea has tangible health benefits for the body and mind.

Blue Health

The dictionary definition of blue health is the idea that being near or on water is good for physical and mental health.

This is obvious for people who like being in or near the sea. Ask the surfers, coastal artists, wild swimmers and beachcombers. They will confirm what a vital ingredient the ocean is in their lives. There is also growing scientific evidence to show that the benefits of the big blue extend to anyone who spends time by the sea.

Research is increasingly highlighting the ocean as a therapeutic environment, capturing the human imagination and interrupting the momentum of daily life with its inspiring rhythms, sounds and scents.

What is Blue Mind?

The concept of blue mind takes the science a little further into the profound benefits the sea, as well as lakes, rivers and natural pools, has on our wellbeing and mental health. 

Positive benefits of a trip to the sea

Whether you head to coastal paths, lay on your beach towel or plunge into the ocean, being in and beside the sea has a huge influence over our physical and emotional state. It improves our health and leaves us feeling elated. From enhancing our sleep to lowering stress levels, there are significant reasons why close proximity to the ocean boosts our emotional and physical health.

Just breathing in the sea air helps lift your mood, as negatively charged ions help to absorb oxygen and balance serotonin levels in the brain. If you venture into the ocean, it stimulates the vagus nerve, calms our fight-or-flight response and releases dopamine, the happy hormone, in considerable amounts. It is small wonder that frolicking in the waves leaves us feeling less stressed, more alert and better equipped to deal with everyday demands.

Watching waves reduces stress levels

Jumping in the surf is not the only way to experience the calming effect of the waves. Simply watching the ocean brings us back into the moment, distracting us from internal and negative thoughts as our focus is drawn to the natural beauty of our surroundings. This mindfulness decreases stress and snaps us into a different, more positive mindset.

Spending time near water gives us a powerful mental health boost.

We have long known that connecting with nature in green spaces is great for our mental health. Now fresh research is showing that time near water – by the coast, rivers and even fountains in the park – is even more restorative

A day at the beach brings joy to all of us. Those who love to go on holiday by oceans, lakes, and even swimming pools, can attest to the water’s power to inspire relaxation and promote personal rejuvenation. The sea, rivers, lakes, streams – as soon as we can, we’re sprinting towards the nearest water source we can find, especially during the summer heat. Why? Because it has the ability to flick a switch inside that takes us from chaotic to calm.

Spending time in and by oceans, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and fountains can help ward off depression and anxiety created by technology. Almost all of the senses are engaged – sight, smell, hearing, and touch, and this physical immersion in reality makes us feel better.  We often imagine we are unable to exist without our phones – even for a moment. Spending too much time inside, glued to screens, consuming news and entertainment, can lead to lethargy, lack of motivation, and dissatisfaction. Involving ourselves in or near water improves moods and raises our spirits.

Whether it is a bracing sea breeze, the gentle lapping of waves or the glint of sunshine on a rippling surface, there is something deeply restorative about being in or near water. The Victorians knew this, prescribing sea air as a treatment for melancholy. So did the French, who, for centuries, sent people with ailments to natural springs.

We recognise the benefits of being out in nature more keenly than ever these days. Hundreds of studies that catalogue the positive effects are being translated into health policies and urban redevelopment projects that aim to nudge people into the great outdoors and, in doing so, alleviate many of the health burdens that accompany modern life.

The idea that nature can give us a mental pick-me-up is nothing new. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing’, is an established tradition of connecting with nature through all the senses. It became popular in the 1980s, after studies demonstrated its calming effects on both body and mind, reducing heart rate, stress hormones and blood pressure.

Research has long found that humans are pulled toward Mother Nature’s blue partly for its restorative benefits. The Victorians are a famous example. Doctors in that era prescribed sea air as a cure for all sorts of issues, from pulmonary complications to mental health conditions.

When we physically enter the water, our body can rest muscles used daily and exercise others that are used far less often. We also give up gravity, something that’s somatically a break for your brain. Many individuals view time spent in the water as an opportunity for insightful thinking and creative output. Equally, it can be a chance to allow your mind to wander and feel free.

Holidaying near water brings countless benefits. Whether you opt for water based activities or simply walking along a glorious stretch of water, you will reap considerable joy, tranquility and a sense of wellbeing.