Where to go in winter to have a quality rest

The warm sea and hot sun are what a good half of the inhabitants of our country dream about during the long winter months. If your vacation fell during these frosty weeks, you are in luck - now is the time to go to exotic countries where the thermometer does not drop below +25 degrees. There are a great many countries suitable for winter holidays, and we will help you choose the resort that will leave an unforgettable impression for a long time.

Cuba

The Republic of Cuba is one of largest islands in the world and the largest in the West Indies. The famous Liberty Island occupies an area of ​​about 111 thousand square kilometers, has its own unique history and combines seemingly incompatible things, because here the poor urban neighborhoods coexist with their squalid homes and people who barely make ends meet, but never lose heart, colorful colonial buildings, vintage cars and luxurious beaches that fully meet the needs of a sophisticated tourist.

Dozens of nice hotels have been built on the coast; they welcome guests from all over the world - young people who come to Cuba for entertainment, discos and romantic relationships, and older people, they are interested not only in beach holidays, but also in the dramatic history of the state, to which the title of Liberty Island was given at the cost of bloody wars. Everyone who is interested in this topic will find something for themselves - interesting excursions and sightseeing.

The flora and fauna can be characterized in one word - exotic. Literally at every step you will meet representatives of flora and fauna, which you have probably only seen on TV. Evergreen palms, shrubs, cacti, mango thickets, picturesque valleys - all this creates the unique landscape of Cuba.

Of course, first of all, everyone strives to get into the main treasury of the history of the island state, its capital, Havana. Tourists sometimes have the feeling that they have stepped back in time, the colonial architecture, belonging to different eras and styles, is so colorful. Of particular interest to compatriots is the topic of the Cuban revolution and sightseeing tours to the tobacco and rum factory. Fans of Hemingway will certainly enjoy learning about his life on the island. Havana has a large selection of restaurants and cafes, but the famous cabaret show Tropicana is especially famous.

Varadero, perhaps the main tourist center of Cuba, is a snow-white sand spit about 120 meters long, extending into the sea. This truly heavenly place is famous for its crystal clear water, azure sky and developed infrastructure. Favorite destinations for Varadero guests include boat trips, underwater fishing and a trip to the local dolphinarium.

Morocco

Morocco is one of the most ancient states, it was here that the first human settlements were found. Over the centuries, many conquerors wanted to take possession of these territories, but still they had to recognize its independence.

Morocco is a separate world, with its own laws and Muslim customs, which are difficult for the average tourist to understand. It is not for nothing that a special set of rules of conduct has been created for guests of this country; taking photographs without consent, harassing women or a cheeky attitude towards locals will be perceived as a personal insult. At the same time, Moroccans are quite friendly, be sure to accept the drinks they offer as a sign of respect.

Morocco is a country filled with unique charm, nature has generously rewarded it with its riches: the desert here gives birth to evergreen oases, the sea and skies merge together, and the bright shades and colors of ocher, silver and copper of the cliffs, beaches and lagoons create the harmony of life.

The Kingdom of Morocco is located at the junction of several civilizations, primarily Arab and European, this fact is reflected in culture, architecture and even cuisine, because for a long time the state was a French colony.

The country combines a rich architectural heritage; it is impossible not to admire the luxurious palaces and mosques, decorated with exquisite tiles, and a well-organized tourism business, which attracts not only Europeans, but also compatriots who are tired of standard holiday destinations.

You should start exploring Morocco by visiting its capital Rabat; it is this city that will convey the flavor of the entire Muslim state with its spicy aromas, ancient snow-white buildings and modern buildings. Be sure to visit the old city of Rabat - Medina, where the oldest mosque is located, and the city of Sale, the main place of pilgrimage for Muslims.

If your goal is a quality beach holiday, then head towards the main resort of the country - Agadir, it is known for its fashionable hotels, chic restaurants, equipped beaches and developed infrastructure. This place is not like other areas of Morocco - the city “looks” very European, you won’t see women in burqas on the streets, but there are a lot of foreign tourists here. 

Chile

The Latin American state of Chile is considered the southernmost country. Its location and unusual elongated shape allows it to have a wide range of climatic zones and an abundance of unique objects and attractions. What makes this corner of the globe interesting and attractive for the tourism business is the fact that two mountain systems stretch across the entire country - the Andes and the Cordillera.

Chile attracts guests from all continents with a large selection of entertainment - here is a unique beach holiday, diving, ski resorts and climbing the highest peaks, and the country is also famous for its historical heritage, because it is here that the famous and mysterious Easter Island is located.

Those who love to pamper themselves on the ocean coast will find resorts for every taste - both with developed infrastructure, crowded and remote, almost wild. Both will enjoy their holiday to the fullest; all the beaches are clean and suitable for tourists.

The main beach resort of Viña del Mar is famous for its pristine white sand beaches, exotic landscapes, banana oases, magnificent colonial mansions and museums. No less famous is the city of Valparaiso, located just 20 km from Viña del Mar, as well as the resorts of Antafagasta and Arica. Anakena Beach is for those who prefer merging with nature to wild fun.

It will take about 6 hours to get to Easter Island from Santiago, but it’s worth it, the local views are simply amazing. Well, Playa Blanca beach next to the Atacama Desert can be called completely wild. If you are not afraid of being left without the benefits of civilizations and being alone with nature, this is the place for you.

Chile is a country famous for its ski slopes; some sports teams have long chosen them for their training. It is worth noting the Valle Nevado resort near Santiago and Portillo; there are many trails of varying difficulty levels suitable for both beginners and professionals.

As for attractions, there are a great many of them in the country. While in the capital of Chile, be sure to climb Mount San Cristobal, where there is a huge statue of the Virgin Mary, the patroness of Santiago, and a beautiful park and nature reserve spread around it.

A truly amazing and mystical corner of our planet is the island of Rapa Nui in the Pacific Ocean, the so-called Easter Island, famous for its statues made of volcanic ash, moai. In modern parlance, moai are sculpted busts that depict the head and neck on a pedestal. According to legend, the statues contain the power of the ancestors.

Indonesia

Indonesia is called the state of a thousand islands, in fact there are about thirteen thousand of them, it is the largest island country in the world, and it is not without reason that the main means of transportation here are boats that constantly ply between the main islands. The location of Indonesia makes it very attractive for tourists - the country's borders almost cross the equator and are located near two oceans, the Pacific and Indian. The main islands of the archipelago are known to many, these are Sumatra, Bali, Java, New Guinea, Sulawesi and Kalimantan, but mostly these are small islands, some of them are completely uninhabited. There are still indigenous tribes in the republic who live according to their own laws and customs, despite technological progress.

What is Indonesia like from the point of view of an ordinary tourist? There really is something to see here - exotic flora and fauna, impenetrable jungles, endless rice fields, coconut palms, tea plantations and smoking volcanoes. This is a country of incredible interweaving and harmonious existence of ancient civilizations, different languages ​​and beliefs, a country of the richest cultural heritage and colorful national festivals. Every guest of Indonesia takes with them a piece of this magical land, because on the archipelago, the hands of local craftsmen make original and high-quality things from bone, wood, clay and other materials; buying souvenirs for yourself and loved ones turns into an exciting adventure.

Excursions to volcanoes are one of the popular local entertainments. The most famous of all is Kelimutu, in the crater of which multi-colored lakes have formed. The sight is simply stunning, especially if you know the legends associated with these reservoirs.

The number of mosques and temples in Indonesia is countless; you should definitely visit the island of Java to see with your own eyes the largest Buddhist temple complex Borobodur, as well as the unique structure of the Istiklal Mosque in Jakarta, the capital of the republic.

The best place for a beach holiday The island of Bali is considered to be where the main resorts of the country are concentrated. Snow-white sandy beaches here coexist with black, volcanic ones. Ancient temples, blue lagoons, year-round sun and surfing - if paradise exists, it's definitely Bali.

Türkiye

The peculiarity of the location of the Turkish state is that it is located in Asia and Europe at the same time, washed by 4 seas at once - the Black, Aegean, Marmara and Adriatic. The republic is the successor of the Ottoman Empire and is considered the owner of the ancient cultural heritage of several civilizations; some architectural monuments date back to the 7th century BC, that is, they are older than even the famous Egyptian pyramids.

It is difficult to say what attracts tourists most in Turkey - natural beauty, beaches of the four seas with numerous comfortable hotels and an all-inclusive system, or full-fledged excursion programs, which, as a rule, originate in the ancient city of Istanbul.

"Beach" Türkiye- These are primarily the relatively inexpensive youth resorts of Alanya and Kemer, more suitable for family holidays in Side and Belek, Antalya, famous for its fashionable hotels, and secluded Fethiye. But you shouldn’t ignore the historical part of the trip; after studying it, the country will open up to you in a new way. It’s simply impossible to tell about all the iconic places in Turkey; it’s better to see everything with your own eyes.

The city of Istanbul is a true legend, the cradle of ancient civilizations, divided by the Bosphorus Strait into European and Asian parts. The city has absorbed all the best from them, there is a huge concentration of mosques, temples, palaces, old quarters with noisy markets, but at the same time Istanbul is built up with modern skyscrapers, banks and shopping centers.

The famous thermal resort of Pamukkale, created by nature itself, seems to have stepped out of the pages of fairy tales; due to salt deposits, the healing springs look like snow-white terraces.

In the east of the country is the highest point in Turkey - Mount Ararat, according to biblical legend, it was here that Noah’s Ark arrived. On the slopes of the mountain there are several glacial caves, parks, picturesque valleys and museums.

The ancient city of Ephesus is a real open-air museum, its history begins in the 5th century BC, in the 15th century it was almost completely destroyed, it took a long time to restore it so that tourists could have an idea of the grandeur of the complex.

Armenia

Armenia is one of the oldest states; it is known that these territories were developed during the heyday of Ancient Greece; the first mentions of it date back to the 7th century BC. Now, at the first mention of Armenia, associations certainly pop up - Mount Ararat, the cognac of the same name, the famous Lake Sevan and numerous Christian monasteries.

Until a certain point, Armenia as a tourist route was not in demand by compatriots; military operations with neighboring Azerbaijan played a decisive role here, however, Lake Sevan was no less famous than the Black or Caspian Sea. Now the conflict is frozen, the tourism infrastructure is developing and guests of the country are slowly exploring the territory where the ancient Christian culture was born, where high mountain ranges rise majestically among apricot groves and ancient monasteries.

There are about 4,000 thousand cultural monuments in Armenia, including the ruins of ancient cities, and the number of monasteries, temples and Christian monasteries here is so large that traveling to this country is more like a pilgrimage. The most famous of them are:

• Khor Virap monastery, built on the site of the ancient capital Artashat;
• Erebuni fortress - the most ancient part of the capital of Armenia, Yerevan;
• Geghard Monastery;
• The Blue Mosque is the cathedral mosque of the capital;
• Noravank Monastery is a pearl of the temple architecture of Armenia.

Most tourists' trips to Armenia are educational in nature, but the excursion program can be combined with sunbathing and swimming in Lake Sevan. This volcanic lake is surrounded by a snow-capped mountain range, making it look like an incredibly beautiful blue bowl.

Sri Lanka

If you look at Sri Lanka from above, it will seem like just a small dot in the middle of the ocean, but in fact it is a fairly vast island nation located in South Asia.

The entire island can be roughly divided into two parts - the northern flat part, and the southern part, on the territory of which there is a beautiful mountain chain. Sri Lanka is a true kingdom of the tropics, lush vegetation and jungle. Nature has endowed the island with bright colors, bubbling waterfalls and tropical fruits. The republic is famous throughout the world for its spices, all kinds of teas (the former name of the island of Ceylon) and spicy dishes, handicrafts and gemstones. Local folklore is rich in traditions and mystical legends; they will allow guests of this country to better get to know its friendly hosts.

Tourists will certainly be interested in a trip to the island's national parks - Wilpata and Inginyala, as well as the most famous Dehiwala Zoo. The national reserve in Yala will allow you to get acquainted with the fauna of Sri Lanka; the roads here are specially equipped so that guests can see with their own eyes elephants, leopards, monkeys and rare species of birds.

Fans of golden beaches, clear ocean water and surfing in Sri Lanka will definitely not get bored; there is a large selection of resorts on the island:

• Bentotota - newlyweds love to relax in the southwest of the republic, because everything here is set up for a romantic mood. The infrastructure is well developed, there are many cafes, restaurants and an open-air shopping center.
• Koggala is hidden in the thickets of tropical plants and is considered one of the best resorts in the world. Nearby is the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where you can explore the local temple and palace.
• Hikkaduwa is a youth resort with many nightclubs and water sports opportunities.
• Jungle Beach is ideal for families with children; thanks to the bay, there are almost no waves here.

Israel

Israel- a small state in southwest Asia, with access to the Red Sea, bordered by one of the most famous rivers, the Holy Jordan. Christians are sure that it was here that Jesus was baptized, so the waters of the river can regenerate a person’s soul, heal and wash away all sins. The country's territory is relatively small, but it is distinguished by a variety of natural landscapes. Most of Israel is occupied by desert lands, and in the north there are mountain belts covered with greenery.

All guests of the country strive to visit one of the local natural attractions - the Dead Sea, which is located between Israel and Jordan. This is a truly unique body of water, its name speaks for itself; due to the high concentration of salt, neither fish nor plants can exist in this sea. However, mud from the bottom of the Dead Sea is considered medicinal, which made it possible to create a resort on its shores.

For believers, Israel, and especially its capital Jerusalem, is a real find. Thousands of people around the world come to the pilgrimage center to visit famous Christian shrines, and there are a great many of them in the country. The iconic places are the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Church of the Resurrection and the Church of St. Helena.

Tel Aviv is considered one of the most popular resorts; it is a modern city, a real pearl of the Mediterranean Sea. A large selection of accommodation on the coast, cozy cafes and huge shopping centers - Tel Aviv has it all in abundance. You should definitely visit the colorful Arab quarter called Jaffa.

India

India is a country located in southern Asia. For many centuries, civilizations were born and died here; it was on these lands that religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism arose, as well as many philosophical movements that later spread throughout the world. For the sophisticated tourist, this exotic country offers a number of unique health programs, mountain hiking, shopping, jeep riding and all kinds of sea adventures. India is a bizarre interweaving of interesting traditions and the cradle of many types of art; it is a riot of natural colors, spicy spices, famous centers of medical practices and, of course, incredibly beautiful beaches.

India— the country is multifaceted, on some beaches you can enjoy world-famous parties, show programs and have plenty of fun at discos; in small villages, lovers of a relaxing holiday will find romance and unity with nature.

The best place to study the history of the ancient state is in the capital of India, Delhi, one of the most colorful cities in the world. In the narrow streets of Old Delhi you can admire fortresses, mausoleums, mosques for a long time, taste the atmosphere of bustling Indian bazaars, see with your own eyes the magnificent Qutab Minar and take a walk in the Mughal Gardens of the Presidential Palace.

The Arabian Sea and well-groomed sandy beaches are what most tourists come to Goa for. The state of Goa is divided into northern and southern parts; in terms of type of recreation, they are radically different from each other.

Tourism in the state originated in North Goa; it has long been loved by young people, hippies, musicians and freaks of all stripes. This state within a state is distinguished by an abundance of bars and discos; prices for accommodation here are very affordable. The most famous local beaches are Calangute, Bata, Anjuna, Candolim and Vagator.

South Goa has a more relaxed atmosphere, spacious beaches with golden sand and comfortable hotels. The audience here is usually more respectable, mostly married couples with children. A whole strip of beaches called Majorja is considered the best in the state; going down to the sea, tourists find themselves in palm and coconut groves.

Thailand

Thailand— another exotic country in Southeast Asia, where the swimming season lasts literally all year round.   This is a country of heavenly golden beaches, impenetrable jungles, turquoise lagoons with perfectly clear clear water, a “land of smiles” and friendly residents, and a huge number of ancient Buddhist temples cannot be seen even during several visits to Thailand: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Temple of Truth, the White Temple - all these grandiose complexes were created in different centuries, but equally amaze with their majesty and mastery of execution.

Bangkok is the industrial center of the country; you need to visit it at least for the sake of grandiose modern buildings and skyscrapers. The most famous of them, the Baiyock Sky Tower, is located in the very center of the city; it is the tallest building of 84 floors with a luxury hotel, multi-level parking and observation decks from which a picturesque view of the surrounding area opens.

Thailand's resorts are comfortably located on the shores of the Pacific and Indian oceans, many of which meet the requirements of the most sophisticated tourist.

The small city of Pattaya along the Gulf of Thailand is very popular among Russian tourists. Beach holidays have their place here, but the coast is not very clean, so guests prefer to relax on the islands; a ferry runs between them and the city daily. Most holidaymakers in Pattaya are nocturnal, visiting numerous bars and erotic shows on Volkin Street, the main street of the city.

The island of Phuket in the southern part of Thailand is perfect for a sophisticated tourist and a quality beach holiday. Tropical natural beauty, snow-white sand and the opportunity to explore the underwater world - all this will not come cheap, but the exotic paradise is worth the expense.