Mother's Day Gift Guide 2025: Best European Destinations For Wellness

Charming and exclusive, J.K. Place Capri is one of the most sought-after boutique hotels in the region
Europe is always a good idea, especially when it's with your loved ones. Whether you are celebrating Mother's Day with a thoughtful gift or simply wanting to create memories that'll last a lifetime, a mother-daughter escape solely dedicated to wellness and relaxation is the ultimate luxury that will nurture both your body and soul. From sleep clinics to Guerlain Spa, expect nothing but pure bliss at these European destinations.
The first boutique resort of its kind in the region of Val di Noto, Sicily's serene UNESCO World Heritage destination, Il San Corrado di Noto is simply the perfect option for mothers and daughters looking for a slice of Sicilian authenticity and an abundance of space and privacy. With just 26 suites (each complete with an outdoor patio) and eight pool villas, the resort's spa comprises a hammam, Finnish sauna, frigidarium, solarium and relaxation space, fitness suite and tennis court. Think waking up to private yoga class while enjoying the views of the surrounding countryside or an afternoon outing discovering the lesser-known region and its history dating from 664 BC.
Sunset at Il San Corrado di Noto
Nestled within the mystical landscape of Antiparos, Greece, The Rooster exists in complete harmony with nature. With only 17 individual suites, villas and houses of differing size, the wellness retreat offers guests unparalleled relaxation in total privacy, all in an authentic — and breathtaking — setting of the soulful Greek island. The House of Healing is the resort's santuary for relaxation, where wellness experts give guests their own personalized consultation before assisting them in eliminating stress, fostering quality sleep and nurturing meaningful human contact.
Indulge in Greek hospitality at the Rooster
Just a few minutes' drive from Saint Tropez, Hôtel Lily of the Valley is perfect for the mother-daughter duo who wants a side of retail therapy and buzzy lunches to their wellness trip. Dedicated to wellness, detox and sport, the property's holistic approach revolves around three essential pillars: nutritional gastronomy developed with expert Jacques Fricker, targeted physical activities, and customized therapeutic treatments — all designed to rejuvenate both body and soul while still celebrating the pleasures of Mediterranean living.
Exterior pool at Lily of the Valley
The grand dame of the Amalfi Coast, the five-star property has been family-owned for over a century and is renowned for its unparalleled position offering uninterrupted panoramic sea views and warm Italian hospitality. If the Mediterranean way of living is not therapeutic enough, the hotel offers authentic Mediterranean Aromatherapy including a wide range of beauty treatments for the face and body, together with unique rituals that promote balance, harmony and serenity. Exclusive to the property is the famed 'Oro di Amalfi' — a massage that relaxes and stimulates the Chakras by using a delicate lemon-based oil for a toning, smoothing, and purifying effect.
Room at Hotel Santa Caterina
Newly open in January 2o25, ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea is designed to be the space where inner care and innovation merge. Located in Alicante, Spain, the property offers seven integrated health and wellness programs that promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual care, with options ranging from 3 nights with the Essential Program to more extensive personalized ones from 7 to 21 nights. The property's onsite ZEM Clinic offers a complete range of services in 25 specialities and 32 medical practices — think face and body scans and advanced genetic and cognitive diagnostic techniques, all under the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable medical team. For those looking for integral wellbeing, the 4,000m² ZEMness & Spa offers sensory experiences such as Himalayan salt cabin, hammam or cryotherapy.
The ZEM Clinic at ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea offers services in 25 specialities and 32 medical practices
Beyond just rich heritage and unbeatable luxury in a scenic setting, this Puglia institution offers the perfect sanctuary for mother-daughter wellness escapes. Its award-winning Vair Spa blends advanced wellness diagnostics with personalized therapies that nurture both body and spirit, encouraging a shared journey of balance and renewal rather than quick fixes. Think Bioelectric Impedance Analysis, Oligoscan, and gradual, nurturing journey tailored to the individual. Beyond the spa, guests can deepen their bond through authentic cultural experiences with local artisans, chefs, and musicians — creating meaningful memories amidst the rich traditions of southern Italy.
The Vair Spa at Borgo Egnazia encouraging a shared journey of balance and renewal rather than quick fixes
With breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc from 26 luxury suites, The Woodward Auberge is the perfect destination for mother-daughter wellness retreats. The bespoke 'Like Mother Like Daughter' package, available at the property's chic Guerlain Spa, offers guests tailored treatments like classic massages and modernized beauty rituals aimed at celebrating generational bonds like no other. Those looking to enrich their shared experiences are in for a treat — think watchmaking masterclasses and creating personalized Guerlain fragrances, followed by culinary excellence at L'Atelier Robuchon, Geneva's only two-Michelin star restaurant.
Suite overlooking Lake Geneva at The Woodward
Set in Limousin, France, this stunning 13th-century château retreat offers an enchanting setting for a mother-daughter wellness getaway across its 2,500 acres of private countryside. In celebration of the property's new spa partner, Odacité, and just in time for the spring/summer season, the estate's exclusive 'Séjour Bien Être' package features bespoke Odacité spa treatments, complemented alfresco picnics overlooking the château, Michelin-starred dining as well as guided meditation and wellness walks over a two-night stay. For those wanting to dive deeper in spiritual rejuvenation, Stephanie Waxberg's 4-day summer sound healing retreat offers sunrise and sunset sound baths, meditation, and a cacao ceremony, while the property's Gallo-Roman thermal baths, extensive trails, and activities from caviar harvesting to horse riding ensure even the most energetic have plenty to do.
Le Moulin Spa at Domaine Des Etangs offers a profoundly restorative and immersive wellness experience in harmony with nature

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Travel + Leisure

a day ago

• Travel + Leisure

10 Postcard-perfect Towns to Visit on the Amalfi Coast, According to Locals

The first time I visited the Amalfi Coast, around 15 years ago, I nearly laughed out loud at the sheer improbability of it. In Positano, I gazed up at the candy-colored buildings stacked on top of each other, hewed into the mountains overlooking the sea, and the majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta gleaming in the sunlight. What kind of mad genius could have created such a landscape? It seemed too beautiful to be real. The Amalfi Coast is no stranger to myths and legends, both of the ancient variety and the more modern kind. One claims that the area's name originates from the love story between the demigod Hercules and a nymph named Amalfi. More recently, the coast had another dolce vita heyday in the 1960s, with movie stars like Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor gracing its beaches and towns with their beauty. And its popularity has never really faded. I've returned countless times since that first trip, and on every visit, I find something new to love. But to get a more local perspective, I tapped two of the coast's best-connected insiders: Francesco Sersale, who runs Positano's iconic hotel Le Sirenuse, and Mariella Avino, owner and managing director of the legendary Palazzo Avino in Ravello. Here are our picks for the 10 best Amalfi Coast towns to visit and what to do in each of them. Beach scenes in Positano. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Once a humble fishing village, Positano has become one of the most visited towns on the Amalfi Coast. Built into the mountain, it's a jumble of stairs and narrow lanes lined with shops selling linen clothes, jewelry, and much more. It's also home to a spectacular Roman villa covered in ancient frescoes hidden under the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. 'If you're staying at Le Sirenuse, my biggest tip is: don't rush. Take your time to enjoy the morning light on your terrace, a long breakfast, a dip in the pool,' Sersale says. 'For lunch, head to Da Adolfo, a Positano institution where bare feet and cold white wine with peaches are part of the ritual. Order the mozzarella grilled on lemon leaves. In the evening, head back to La Sponda for dinner by candlelight—and make sure to catch at least one sunset from Franco's Bar with an ice-cold paloma.' Scenes from around Amalfi. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Once the seat of a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi is still a hub for ferries and other boats arriving from Naples and elsewhere. There's a lovely seafront promenade overlooking the beach, and the main street, Via Lorenzo d'Amalfi, is lined with cafes and shops selling handmade ceramics, summer clothes, and Amalfi paper. One of my favorite things to do here is stop for an espresso and perhaps a pastry at the historic Pasticceria Andrea Pansa, right in the shadow of the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea. The cathedral, its peaceful cloister, and its ornate crypt are also worth a visit. If you want to stay in Amalfi, you're spoiled for choice. My favorite hotels here are the Hotel Santa Caterina, a legendary member of the Leading Hotels of the World with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a saltwater pool at the beach club; Borgo Santandrea, which was featured on our 2022 It List; and Anantara Convento di Amalfi, featured on the 2024 It List. Scenic images of Ravello. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure High up in the mountains, affording fabulous views of the coast, this town is known for its two historic villas, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, which are both worth visiting. (The latter is a hotel, but you can buy a ticket to visit the gardens and the famed Infinity Terrace.) For a more under-the-radar gem, Avino recommends the Museo del Corallo. 'Founded by Giorgio Filocamo and now in the hands of his passionate daughter Tiffany, the Museo del Corallo is a wunderkammer of treasures. Historic coral pieces handmade and engraved by Giorgio are blended with beautiful, unique cameos and jewelry pieces,' she explains. Architecture in Praiano. The next town over from Positano, Praiano is smaller and more under-the-radar. 'Praiano is quietly beautiful. Go for an aperitivo at Bar del Sole, where locals gather at sunset, or hike down to Il Pirata for a swim and a drink by the rocks. If you're up for something more active, the Path of the Gods starts nearby,' suggests Sersale. Scenic images in Furore. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Designated one of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), Furore is best known for its picturesque fjord, where the sea has cleaved its way into the towering cliffs, creating a small beach. Check into the new Furore Grand Hotel and be sure to book a table at their Michelin-starred restaurant Bluh Furore for an elegant dinner. The town is also home to the renowned Cantine Marisa Cuomo winery and the family's restaurant, Bacco Furore. Apostolic Church of San Giovanni Battista in Conca dei Marini. Tiny Conca dei Marini is home to an emerald grotto and is the birthplace of the sfogliatella Santa Rosa, the shell-shaped pastry filled with orange-scented ricotta that can be found all over the coast. 'Tucked away in a pretty cove on the beach in Conca dei Marini, La Tonnarella is one of my favorite restaurants on the Amalfi Coast,' Sersale says, calling it 'A rustic, warm, and inviting atmosphere that provides a family-friendly environment and mouth-watering dining experience.' Scenes from the town of Atrani. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure The smallest town in Italy by surface area, minuscule Atrani is just a 10-minute stroll from Amalfi—and the walk there will give you fantastic views of both towns. If it looks familiar, that might be because it was the setting for the Netflix series Ripley . With its many narrow alleys and stairs, it also served as inspiration for Dutch artist M.C. Escher. A tribute to him can be seen in a covered passageway in town. Cityscape of Vietri Sul Mare. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure 'This is where the coast's ceramic tradition lives on,' Sersale explains. 'Our Emporio Sirenuse 'By the Pool' plate collection was created in collaboration with Scotto, a wonderful artisanal ceramicist based here. 'It's worth visiting for the studios alone—many of which have been run by the same families for generations.' A walking trail in Scala. Cheryl Ramalho/Adobe Stock 'In Scala, I love going to Da Lorenzo, my favorite restaurant outside of the ones at Palazzo Avino! Luca and Gerardo treasure their parents' heritage with joy and dedication. Luca takes care of the service and makes you feel at home from the first step; Gerardo is the soul of the kitchen,' Avino says. 'My favorite dish there (not always available since it depends on the catch of the day) is the tubetti ai totani (squid pasa).' Landscape view of Nerano. Located within the Punta Campanella Natural Marine Reserve, Nerano has hiking trails that will lead you to the pristine Ieranto Bay, which is protected by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (Italy's National Trust). Sersale calls this town 'A quieter gem, tucked around the corner from the Amalfi Coast,' adding, 'Lo Scoglio is the spot for lunch—simple, exceptional, right on the water. The spaghetti with zucchini is legendary.'

USA Today

a day ago

• USA Today

From coast to coast, these are the top family beach vacations in the US

Frolicking in waves, building sandcastles, flying kites on the beach – the best family beach vacations offer plenty of opportunities for enjoying healthy outdoor fun and creating lifelong memories with your whole crew. What makes someplace a great family beach destination? Kid-friendly lodging close to all the action and land-based attractions for when you need a break from the sand and sun are musts. And, like all good family vacation ideas, the best family beach vacations are safe and affordable, too. From coast to coast, the U.S. is home to some gorgeous beach destinations (and beach resorts) that offer loads of activities to keep all ages happy in and out of the water. Here are the top spots to consider for your next family beach vacation. 1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts For a quintessential family beach vacation in the northeast, head to Cape Cod, the hook-shaped peninsula on Massachusetts's coast. Yes, this popular New England weekend getaway spot bustles with tourists in the summer months, for good reason. Families flock to the Cape for mini-golfing, traipsing around sand dunes, comparing ice cream stands, gobbling up lobster rolls, spotting whales, and simply admiring the gray cedar shake houses adorned with colorful buoys. Cape Cod is composed of 15 different towns and many more picturesque coastal villages. Just one option for your home base is Barnstable, the area's largest town that's also home to the villages of Hyannis (a travel hub with an airport and ferry terminal) and Hyannis Port (the summer home of former President John F. Kennedy and his family). Barnstable's Sandy Neck Beach is eight miles long and a great spot for riding fat tire bikes. When considering a Massachusetts beach vacation, consider the Bay State's family-friendly islands, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. ▶ Where to stay on Cape Cod Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod in Hyannis (formerly Cape Codder Resort) has family-friendly special deals and packages and an indoor water park—ideal for rainy-day fun in case the weather doesn't cooperate with your family beach vacation. OVERSEAS ADVENTURES: Crowded but worth it, these popular European tourist attractions actually live up to the hype 2. Outer Banks, North Carolina The barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina known as the Outer Banks (OBX to those in the know) are heavenly for families who want to get away from it all. There are no big cities here in this East Coast vacation spot, but rather a series of small towns and long stretches of unspoiled beaches. Things to do on family beach vacations in the Outer Banks include running and rolling down the East Coast's largest sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park. (People also launch themselves off the top in hang gliders!) Visitors can also walk to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. For water sports, the shallower water on each barrier island's east side is calmer than the Atlantic surf, so head there for mellow activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. While OBX gets all the attention, other family beach vacation destinations in North Carolina include Carolina Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. ▶ Where to stay in the Outer Banks From small cottages to sprawling, multi-bedroom beachfront houses, vacation rental properties abound in the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks Beach Club is a timeshare resort that rents one-, two-, or three-bedroom condos just steps from the ocean. It features two outdoor pools and one indoor pool, hot tubs, shuffleboard, and tennis courts. 3. Maui, Hawaii It's hard to go wrong with just about any beach vacation in Hawaii, but Maui is a top choice for families because it offers several different resort areas to choose from. Upscale Wailea is home to high-end resorts that front crescent-shaped beaches with calm waters ideal for little kids. There's even a paved oceanfront walking path that makes it easy to check out the different beach areas. Just south of Wailea is Makena State Park, home to one of the largest undeveloped beaches on Maui. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas at this state park. To the north, Kaanapali Beach is where you'll find not only white sand and crystal clear water, but also plenty of shopping and dining options at open-air Whalers Village. This family beach vacation spot is popular for whale watching in the winter months, and there's a nightly cliff diving ceremony that all ages will enjoy. Of course, the state of Hawaii is home to many other great family beach vacation spots. It can be intimidating trying to decide which is the best Hawaiian island to visit, but a few can't-miss recommendations include the sunny shores of Poipu, Kauai, as well as a stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa on the island of Oahu. RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Here are this year's top family beach resorts in the U.S. ▶ Where to stay on Maui If you're splurging, consider staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani, which is Hawaii's only all-suite and all-villa property on Wailea's Polo Beach. Here, younger children might like to feed the koi or make new friends at the pool, while teens can go sea kayaking, learn to hula, or make leis. 4. Sanibel Island, Florida No need for a ferry or plane ride to get to Sanibel Island, one of the most popular Florida family vacation spots, not named Orlando. You can motor over the scenic Sanibel Causeway bridge from Fort Myers to arrive at this small, laid-back island community where nature takes center stage. Even if you've never been interested in shelling before you arrive at Sanibel, you'll likely become a fan of the activity by the time you leave, as shells are constantly washed up on the island's many beaches. Other popular family beach vacation activities here include spotting wildlife at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, biking along 25 miles of mostly flat recreation trail, kayaking in Tarpon Bay, and fishing – from the shore, in the bay, or on a chartered boat. Of course, there are many other great Florida family beaches to consider as well. Other top picks include Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Space Coast, Destin in the Florida Panhandle, and Clearwater on the Gulf Coast. And many of the best Florida state parks have beaches as well. ▶ Where to stay on Sanibel Island Sanibel Island has taken a beating in recent hurricane seasons, but accommodations, restaurants, and other sites are on the path to reopening if they haven't already. A good hotel option for a family beach vacation is the beachfront Sundial Resort & Spa, which offers multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a schedule of daily activities. 5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Known for its bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, old-fashioned arcade games, live entertainment, and other attractions, Myrtle Beach is a classic family beach vacation spot that's affordable and can keep everyone in your group occupied for days. (Maybe even weeks!) But there's also plenty to experience outside of the action-packed center, where it can get crowded in the summer months. Myrtle Beach's resort area stretches along a full 60 miles of coastline and includes quieter spots like Surfside Beach, which is popular among families for its multiple beach access points and plenty of space to spread out. At Surfside, the different beach areas are cleaned daily and supervised by lifeguards. For still more great beach vacations in South Carolina, consider Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, and destinations across the gorgeous South Carolina Lowcountry. ▶ Where to stay in Myrtle Beach If you'd like a little privacy on your Myrtle Beach family vacation, as well as a way to prep and store easy breakfasts, picnic lunches, and midnight snacks, check out Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, where each villa has two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. VACATION TO REMEMBER: The 25 best U.S. family resorts and hotels for a vacation to remember 6. Grand Haven, Michigan You don't need an ocean to have one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. The Great Lakes boast some of America's niftiest beach areas – and yes, there are actually waves lapping the shore at this Midwest family vacation destination. Because the swimming here is in freshwater, you won't have to worry about salt in the eyes (or sharks!) either. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven offers multiple beach options for families, including a state park and a city beach. Then there's dog-friendly Kirk Park, which has a sandy lakefront and many trails to explore. For a quieter spot, check out West Olive. Other things to do in the area include strolling a historic boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants and making your way out to the pier to snap photos of a scenic lighthouse. There's also a musical fountain where you can watch a 20-minute water and light show nightly in the summer months. Additional family-friendly beach areas that ring Lake Michigan include Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Indiana Dunes State Park (in Indiana). ▶ Where to stay in Grand Haven With its pool and included breakfast, the moderately priced Best Western Beacon Inn is a solid choice for family accommodations in Grand Haven. 7. San Diego, California With its oodles of great beaches, San Diego is always one of the best family beach vacations in the U.S. (and one of our best places to go with kids in 2025). Ranking high for family-friendliness is Coronado Beach, where little ones can wade in tide pools and older kids can go boogie boarding or surfing. The La Jolla coastline also includes La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines State Beach, staffed by lifeguards year-round. And with its options for kayaking, standup paddleboarding, sailing, and waterskiing – plus a boardwalk for strolling and sandy beaches for relaxing – Mission Bay Park is a great spot for active families. For non-beach days, family-friendly attractions include the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium, and Old Town. More great family-friendly beach destinations in California include nearby Carlsbad, as well as Newport Beach and Santa Barbara. And for an entirely different kind of coastal vacation, consider the beaches of Monterey. ▶ Where to stay in San Diego The grand dame of beachfront accommodations in San Diego is the historic Hotel del Coronado, which dates back to 1888. "The Del" is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, so you may enjoy special perks with a Hilton Honors loyalty program membership. WATERFRONT WONDERS: 17 best lake resorts and hotels in the U.S. for families 8. Ogunquit, Maine Maine may be known for its rocky coastline, but in Ogunquit you'll find long, wide expanses of sandy beach that are among the most popular family beaches in New England during the summer vacation months. Ogunquit Beach is a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. Adjacent Footbridge Beach, easily accessed by—you guessed it—a footbridge across the river, is typically less crowded. Both beaches are staffed by lifeguards. Marginal Way is a paved cliff walk offering fabulous views of the ocean, and there are several benches along the way if the kids' legs get tired. The local trolley can be a fun adventure—and useful, too. In the summer, parking for shopping and dining can be hard to come by, so it's often more convenient to take public transportation. Other popular family beach vacations in Maine include stays in Kennebunkport, York, and Old Orchard Beach. New England's largest outdoor water park, family-friendly Water Country in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is only a short drive away as well. ▶ Where to stay in Ogunquit For scenic accommodations, consider The Beachmere Inn with its sprawling green lawn along Marginal Way. From its cliffside location, you can walk right down to the beach. This area is rocky, but has some tide pools for kids to explore (safely, in low tide). 9. Gulfport, Mississippi You can't go wrong with Coastal Mississippi and centrally located Gulfport as your home base for a nice balance of relaxing white sand beaches and action-packed family-friendly activities. Spend your mornings kicking back on Biloxi Beach or Long Beach, perhaps flying a kite and enjoying a picnic lunch. Then the afternoon can be all about playing at Gulf Islands Waterpark, going on a shrimp boat tour, exploring the Mississippi Aquarium, or zip-lining at an adventure park. Of course, it wouldn't be one of the best family beach vacations without opportunities for playing on the water, too. The beaches here are great for everything from kayaking to jet skiing. However, you won't find crystal-clear water right off the mainland coast because six Mississippi barrier islands hold in silt and brackish water in the Mississippi Sound. You'll want to head to one of the unspoiled barrier islands for clear water. Popular Ship Island can be reached via commercial ferry service; check the Ship Island Excursions website for up-to-date schedules and visitor information. Another popular Gulf Coast destination, often described as one of the best cheap family vacations in the U.S., is Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. ▶ Where to stay in Gulfport Kids Suites at Gulfport's Oasis Resort come with a set of bunk beds and a king bed. Guests have access to a water playground with a zero-entry pool, lazy river, and two giant waterslides—and the beach is just steps away. WET AND WILD: Orlando's wildest hotel pools and water parks are so cool that your kids will never want to leave 10. Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach fronts both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, providing a variety of experiences for family beach vacations (even in the cooler fall months). Spend the day at the lifeguarded beach and stroll the three-mile boardwalk along the oceanfront for loads of action, from street entertainers and live music to bike rentals and ice cream shops. And don't forget to snap a family photo in front of the massive King Neptune statue. For quieter adventures, you can go kayaking along the Back Bay in the laid-back community of Sandbridge. Or spend the day enjoying the calm waters and the local vibe of Chesapeake Bay. Off the water, Virginia Beach is home to an aquarium, amusement park, laser tag, indoor skydiving, mini golf, and many more attractions for the entire family to enjoy. Other family-friendly beach destinations in Virginia include Cape Charles and Chincoteague Island. ▶ Where to stay in Virginia Beach There are plenty of budget-friendly Virginia Beach hotels near the oceanfront, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, get pampered at The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club. The elegant accommodations may not impress your toddler, but you'll likely appreciate access to the exclusive Cavalier Beach Club, Seahill Spa, and Tarnished Truth Distilling Company. 11. Cannon Beach, Oregon Eighty miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is all about nature. If you have a budding naturalist, bird-watcher, or marine biologist, this is one of the best family beach destinations in the entire country. This Oregon town's four-mile stretch of beach is known for its sea stack rock formations, the most famous of which is Haystack Rock, a nesting area for puffins. Many other birds make their home here, including bald eagles and cormorants. The tide pools around Haystack and elsewhere along Cannon Beach are extraordinary, with colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, coral, sponge, and sea slugs. A trip to Cannon Beach is more about viewing nature and wildlife, taking long walks on the beach, and playing in the sand than actually jumping in ocean waves. The cool maritime climate means that summer temperatures average in the upper 60s. Pack layers, a light raincoat, and a sense of adventure! For other Oregon beaches to discover with your kids, check out the communities of Seaside and Manzanita. ▶ Where to stay in Cannon Beach Families appreciate the spectacular views, included continental breakfast, fresh homemade cookies all day, and library of games, books, and DVDs at The Ocean Lodge. Plus, there's an evening wine reception nightly—score! From coast to coast, these are the top family beach vacations in the US for sun, safety, and affordability originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: Additional reporting by Beth Luberecki. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.

National Geographic

a day ago

• National Geographic

7 of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). A landscape of extreme verticality, where gelato-hued houses and terraced gardens cling to sea-facing cliffs, this strip of Southern Italy is justly famed for its beauty. Long a source of inspiration for writers and artists — from 19th-century composer Richard Wagner to Patricia Highsmith, who set her novel The Talented Mr Ripley here — the entire area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ravello, Amalfi and Positano are its most celebrated towns, and stretching between the latter two is the 30-mile strada statale 163 Amalfitana (SS163), which curves precipitously past an endless series of captivating vistas. It's best to visit off-peak to avoid traffic jams — and overcrowding more generally. April or May is the time to catch spring flowers, while October benefits from warmer seas and seasonal mushrooms on restaurant menus. 1. Wander clifftop gardens in Ravello Sitting high on the hillside, with no port or beach, Ravello is the least visited of the Amalfi Coast's triumvirate of famous towns — and all the nicer for it. Villa Rufolo hosts an annual classical music festival, but is worth visiting year-round. Spend time admiring the property's hand-painted tiles and Murano glass chandeliers before climbing the 13th-century tower for sweeping views over its cascade of ornamental flowerbeds. The gardens of Villa Cimbrone, a 10-minute walk away along steep, cobbled lanes, are even more impressive. With pockets of lush planting, tree-lined avenues and wisteria-laden pergolas spread across 14.8 acres, their beauty reaches a pinnacle at the ethereal Infinity Terrace, where classical statues peer out over the Mediterranean. Vila Rufolo in Ravello is one of the Amalfi Coast's most recognisable sights. Photograph by ezypix; Getty Images 2. Explore by boat Some of the area's best views are to be found out on the water — and travelling the Amalfi Coast using its extensive ferry network is often the quickest option, too, allowing you to circumvent congestion on its one coastal road. The towns of Amalfi and Positano have frequent boat services, as do Sorrento and Salerno, but there are also myriad connections between smaller destinations — use Ferryhopper to check timetables and prebook tickets. The comparatively under-the-radar town of Cetara is well worth exploring, as is Maiori, home to the region's longest beach. Campania's ceramics capital, Vietri sul Mare, is the best place to pick up artisanal souvenirs — everything from hand-painted decorative tiles to plant pots shaped like human heads. 3. Find peace in Amalfi's cathedral The architecture in Amalfi town is a striking reminder of its past glory — between the ninth and 12th centuries, this was the heart of a maritime republic to rival Venice. Today its narrow streets throng with visitors from April to October — but pay €3 (£2.50) for a ticket to enter the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea, and you'll discover an altogether quieter atmosphere. Begin at the aptly named Paradise Cloister, where pointed archways surround a courtyard garden filled with lofty palms, before descending to gaze at the ornately patterned columns and muralled ceilings of the crypt. Don't bother with a sit-down lunch afterwards — instead, pick up a paper cone of deep-fried calamari or courgette flowers from street food outlet Cuoppo d'Amalfi. The medieval Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea stands at the heart of Amalfi. Photograph by Malcolm P Chapman; Getty Images 4. Walk the Path of the Gods Surely one of Italy's most scenic day hikes, Il Sentiero degli dei unfolds 2,070ft above sea level, offering the kind of views Icarus must've enjoyed right before the sun melted his wings. Begin in Positano and it's a 1,700-step climb to Nocelle and your first reward: a lemon granita, accompanied by the sight of awesome tufo stone bluffs descending to the sparkling waters of the Tyrrhenian. The path — around four miles long — then meanders through shady woodlands and sunny lemon orchards before reaching the village of Agerola, where a ceramic plaque records D H Lawrence's poetic precis of the route. Completing it takes between three and five hours, depending on pace and which way you choose tackle the path. 5. Discover an underground archaeological site The classic postcard image of Positano features the colourfully tiled dome of Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta but few realise that, beneath the church, lies a hidden Roman villa. Buried in volcanic matter during the CE 79 eruption of Vesuvius that also submerged Pompeii, this grand private residence was rediscovered two millennia later and finally opened to the public in 2018. Access is via a small group tour; book onto the last slot of the day and you may have its extraordinarily well-preserved frescoes — featuring real and fantastical beasts, plus scenes from classical mythology — largely to yourself. Also eerily fascinating is an adjacent 18th-century burial chamber, once used for the mummification of members of the local social elite. 6. Shop and sunbathe in Sorrento Although strictly speaking not on the Amalfi Coast but the Sorrentine Peninsula, the latter's namesake resort makes for a delightful day trip, possessing a scale and sense of space that the area's smaller towns lack. Begin with a stroll along Corso Italia, a tree-lined and pedestrianised shopping street, before settling in for a pasta lunch of gnocchi alla sorrentina at L'Abate, a restaurant well placed for people-watching on Piazza Sant'Antonino. You'll need a lie-down after this, so pay €1.20 (£1) for a ticket to board the elevator down to the strip of sand at Marina Grande, where beach clubs like Bagni Sant'Anna rent out deckchairs and parasols for sunbathing on the pier. Charming Villa Treville in Positano is set among spectacular gardens that look out to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Photograph by Umberto D'Aniello (Top) (Left) and Photograph by Umberto D'Aniello (Bottom) (Right) 7. Stay at the former home of a cinematic legend Film director Franco Zeffirelli's guests at Villa Treville included Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor, and those staying at this serene, sea-facing property (now a hotel) today will no doubt feel they've ascended to the A-list. Guests are collected from the ferry dock at Positano by private boat — also available for trips to nearby islands like Ischia and Capri – before checking into one of 16 spacious suites. The property's look — epitomised by the Ripley-esque bathing deck and art- and sculpture-filled social spaces — is one of restrained theatricality, while service is informal but attentive. The charming mixologist at white-tiled Bianca Bar serves crisp, citrussy martinis, while terrace restaurant Maestro's is made for languorous al fresco meals, its lantern-dotted tables setting the scene for Romeo and Juliet-level romance. The Amalfi Coast is served by two airports — Salerno's is closest, but a wider range of carriers fly from the UK to Naples. From here it's a 1h40 minute bus ride to the gateway town of Sorrento. Travel onwards by ferry to Positano (40 minutes) or Amalfi (1h30). Stay at Villa Treville, from €747 (£636), room only. This story was created with the support of Villa Treville. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).