Offers and prices for tours to the islands. Resorts on the Atlantic Ocean in northern Spain Resort countries with the ocean

Vacations on the ocean are considered “adult”. People usually try to go with children to the seas, which are both warmer and calmer. But, firstly, a child is an elastic concept. Children are not only infants and preschoolers, but also teenagers. And, secondly, why not visit some new, beautiful and interesting place with your children, even if you have to swim in the pool. But if you wish, you can also find beaches on the ocean where you can swim with the whole family.

Most popular resorts are located on the seas, and only a few offer vacations on the ocean coast. It would seem that the difference is small; all seas are an integral part of the ocean. At first glance, an ocean beach is no different from a sea beach, but all the charm lies in the details - on the ocean shore the sand is a little different, the water and air itself are fresher, and the waves are longer and most often higher, not to mention the open spaces. Beach lovers should definitely try a vacation on the ocean.

Today we will talk about holidays on the Atlantic Ocean. Its coastline is very diverse. Atlantic beaches are located in Europe, Africa, South and North America, as well as on the islands. You can choose a vacation spot to suit every taste.

European resorts on the shores of the Atlantic

Most European countries, as well as Egypt and Turkey, traditional for Russian tourists, offer their visitors sea beaches. However, countries such as Portugal, as well as Spain and France, also have resorts on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Portugal

Portugal, which until recently was a little-known country for Russians, is gaining popularity every year. The entire coast of Portugal is the Atlantic.
The most popular beach resorts are Lagos, Albufeira and Tavira.

Lagos

The beaches here have breathtaking views. You can find coves protected from the waves. The main thing is not to run into a nudist beach with your children. There are quite a lot of them in the vicinity of Lagos. And the water here is ocean water, which means it’s not very warm. It will definitely be difficult for kids to swim, but it’s so nice to play around in the sand.

Lagos has one of the best zoos in Portugal, which is worth visiting with your children in between sunbathing on the beaches and swimming in the waters of the Atlantic. There are also many other attractive places in Lagos: both water parks and architectural monuments, from the ancient fortifications of the city to medieval monasteries. By the way, unlike them, the zoo in Lagos has a small number of visitors, so you can look at strange animals without unnecessary queues and crowds.

Albufeira

The beaches of Albufeira are famous for their cleanliness and pleasant soft sand. The water warms up to 22 degrees in July-August, which makes swimming comfortable. The resort can please tourists not only with the endless expanses of the ocean, sunny beaches, but also with active recreation. There are sports centers on the shores, as well as diving schools, where experienced instructors can teach not only adults, but also children. Paragliding is also very popular at this resort.

Tavira

Beautiful beaches are located on the sandy island of Ilha de Tavira, located in Portugal near the city of Tavira. The most popular is Praia de Tavira. A ferry runs regularly from the city to the beach. The ocean here is calm, which is quite suitable for families with children. There are several cozy cafes on the island.

In general, the resorts of Portugal are able to please their visitors not only with beautiful scenery, but also with a variety of recreational activities.

France

The Atlantic coast of France is associated with famous respectable resorts: Deauville, Arcachon, Biarritz. But here you can also find beaches suitable for family holidays. Most often they are located in cozy bays. But the water in the ocean will still be quite cool, about 20-21 degrees in August. And be sure to remember about the tides. In these places they are very high. But ocean water is not only cleaner than sea water, but also healthier.

La Baule

A beautiful corner of the Loire Lands with a wide, long sandy beach. There is the cleanest air with the scent of pine trees, a well-groomed embankment, and a beautiful bay. And there is everything necessary for children. Children's playgrounds appear on the beach in summer.
Adults will also find plenty to do for themselves. You can pamper yourself with thalassotherapy sessions, see one of the wonders of France - the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, or take a horseback ride along the ocean coast. Young mothers should pay attention to special recovery programs after childbirth.

La Rochelle

There are also wide sandy beaches here, and the temperature of both the air and the ocean is usually higher than in La Baule. La Rochelle, a city associated with the adventures of the musketeers. You can arrange a whole adventure for children. The city is home to a famous aquarium. The Futuroscope amusement park is also located nearby.

Ile de Ré

The island is located near La Rochelle. It is perfectly suited for families with children, even very young ones. The island has beautiful shallow beaches. And rental homes are equipped with low sinks, small toilets and even changing tables.

Atlantic coast of Spain

Spain has two sections of the Atlantic coast: south and north of Portugal.

Andalusia

It is naturally warmer in the south, in Andalusia. A number of resorts are aimed directly at married couples with children, for example, the resorts of the Costa de la Luz, but most other resort areas are more suitable for active youth recreation. The resort town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda regularly hosts exciting races of purebred Spanish stallions, and nearby there is the Doñana Natural Park. Besides, what would a holiday in Spain be without bullfights? However, it is worth considering that although the Spaniards themselves take children to bullfights from a young age, such an event can be shocking for a child from another country. If you are going to a bullfight, you should either prepare it for the event or leave it at the hotel.

Northern Spain

This is where the Spaniards themselves prefer to relax. There are fewer people here, lower prices, almost no heat, but at the same time incredibly beautiful. Relaxation on white sand beaches can be combined with exploring a part of Spain that is almost unknown to us: a trip to the amazing Basque State, a visit to the austere Santiago de Compostela, or a look at completely Galician dances, completely different from flamenco. And you definitely need to pamper yourself and the younger generation with various gastronomic delights. You won't have to look for them here for long.

American Atlantic resorts

Florida is one of the most popular winter holiday destinations. The eastern ocean coast is traditionally preferred by surfers. The most famous beach is Miami Beach. But it is aimed more at adults than children. But there is a beach in Miami that is considered one of the best in the world for families with children. This is Crandon Park Beach. The three-kilometer beach occupies the quietest stretch of coastline in the vicinity of Miami. It's so nice to relax on the snow-white sand. But young restless ones will also have something to do. Beach huts are very convenient, where you can hide from the sun for a while. There are also picnic areas, attractions and playgrounds. But on weekends and holidays there are a lot of people on the beach, so you need to come here early.

In South America, the most popular are the Atlantic beaches of Brazil, whose coastline is the longest in the South Atlantic - 7.5 thousand kilometers. The best beaches are located in the northeastern part of the coast. These are the resort areas of Fortaleza, Recife, and El Salvador. The climate of the northeastern region is such that the beach season continues almost all year round. Local beaches, unlike Rio de Janeiro, are few in number and there are significantly fewer problems with crime. In general, this beach is perfect for a relaxing family holiday.

African resorts of the Atlantic

There are a number of resorts on the most turbulent continent on Earth. At the same time, the same beaches of South Africa are in many ways reminiscent of the beaches of southern France, but the water here is much cleaner, and the coastal area is practically untouched by civilization. Most of the comfortable resorts are located near Cape Town. The resorts are notable for the opportunity to watch penguins in natural conditions. It is impossible to combine a beach holiday and the like anywhere else in the world.

Another African country suitable for families with children on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean is Morocco. The resort area of ​​Agadir has the most suitable conditions for such a holiday. The shore itself is quite shallow, the entrance to the water is very smooth. Nearby there is both a regular zoo and a wild bird sanctuary.

Atlantic Islands

And, of course, you can truly feel the ocean on the islands. The islands of the Atlantic Ocean are mostly located in a pleasant climate and can delight visitors with their warmth at almost any time of the year. The resort islands of the Atlantic Ocean are the Canary Islands, Bermuda, the Azores and many others.

Holidays on the Canary Islands are a kind of standard of solidity. The most popular resorts on the island of Tenerife, but in fact there are too many tourists there and it is too crowded for families with children. For a family holiday on the ocean, the resorts on the island of La Gomera are more suitable, while the coast of the island is amazing - the beaches are covered with black sand.

Bermuda is famous for its pink beaches, the color of which is created by a mixture of regular sand and crushed coral. Popularized as a recreation area for noisy groups, Bermuda is also quite suitable for families with children. In addition to amazing beaches, the islands have a number of attractions and entertainment for children, and most hotels have a child care program - that is, they can be left under supervision for a while and go about their business.

The Bahamas enjoy a well-deserved reputation as a wonderful resort for family holidays. Many hotels have groups of animators who keep restless children occupied. And at this time their parents can relax in sun loungers. There are swimming courses for children. And the beaches here are some of the cleanest in the world. For families with children, it is best to choose large islands such as New Providence or Andros. It will be easy to entertain children with them if they get bored on the hotel grounds.

The Azores are a kind of standard resort island. Their territory has practically not changed since the development of the island, the nature is pristine and clean, almost the entire population works in the tourism sector. Among the distinctive features, it should be noted that in addition to numerous beaches, the islands have many hills - most of them extinct volcanoes. Tourists are regularly offered sightseeing walks and mountain biking. On the beaches themselves you can often see whales and dolphins a short distance from the coast.

North Atlantic

Children prefer to relax, practically without getting out of the water. However, children can also be impressed by the oceanic views of the Icelandic coast. This small northern country is famous primarily for its geysers and numerous warm springs. However, in a certain sense, the “Black Beach” of Reynisfijar is a miracle of nature. According to Icelandic legends, the large black boulders of the beach used to be trolls who did not have time to hide in their caves before sunrise. The legend also explains the appearance of basalt columns nearby - “troll fingers”. Black Beach has been repeatedly recognized by various publications as the best beach in the world.

The coast of Ireland is magnificent and even fabulous. It’s not for nothing that one of the Harry Potter episodes was filmed here. Young fans of the fairy tale will be very interested to see the rock where Harry and Professor Dumbledore stood.

If visiting the Atlantic Ocean, plunging into its waters, feeling this uncontrollable, indestructible element is a dream, then you don’t need to wait until your children grow up. On the Atlantic you can find many corners where both adults and children will be interested.

The part of the World Ocean bounded by Europe and Africa to the east and North and South America to the west. The name comes from the name of the Titan Atlas (Atlas) in Greek mythology.

Second in size only to Quiet; its area is approximately 91.56 million km2. It is distinguished from other oceans by its highly rugged coastline, forming numerous seas and bays, especially in the northern part. In addition, the total area of ​​river basins flowing into this ocean or its marginal seas is significantly larger than that of rivers flowing into any other ocean. Another difference Atlantic Ocean is a relatively small number of islands and a complex bottom topography, which, thanks to underwater ridges and uplifts, forms many separate basins.

Atlantic coast states - 49 countries:

Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, Brazil, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Gabon, Haiti, Guyana, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Grenada, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ireland, Iceland , Spain, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint -Lucia, Suriname, USA, Sierra Leone, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, France, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa.

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

It is divided into northern and southern parts, the border between which is conventionally drawn along the equator. From an oceanographic point of view, however, the southern part of the ocean should include the equatorial countercurrent, located at 5–8° N latitude. The northern border is usually drawn along the Arctic Circle. In some places this boundary is marked by underwater ridges.

Borders and coastline

In the Northern Hemisphere has a heavily indented coastline. Its narrow northern part is connected to the Arctic Ocean by three narrow straits. In the northeast, the 360 ​​km wide Davis Strait connects it to the Baffin Sea, which belongs to the Arctic Ocean. In the central part, between Greenland and Iceland, there is the Denmark Strait, at its narrowest point only 287 km wide. Finally, in the northeast, between Iceland and Norway, there is the Norwegian Sea, approx. 1220 km. East of Atlantic Ocean two water areas protruding deeply into the land are separated. The more northern of them begins with the North Sea, which to the east passes into the Baltic Sea with the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland. To the south there is a system of inland seas - the Mediterranean and the Black - with a total length of approx. 4000 km.

In the tropical zone in the southwest of the North Atlantic are the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, connected to the ocean by the Strait of Florida. The coast of North America is indented by small bays (Pamlico, Barnegat, Chesapeake, Delaware and Long Island Sound); to the northwest are the Bays of Fundy and St. Lawrence, the Strait of Belle Isle, Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay.

CURRENTS

Surface currents in the northern part Atlantic Ocean moving clockwise. The main elements of this large system are the northward warm Gulf Stream, as well as the North Atlantic, Canary and North Trade Wind (Equatorial) Currents. The Gulf Stream follows from the Strait of Florida and Cuba in a northerly direction along the coast of the United States and approximately 40° N latitude. deviates to the northeast, changing its name to the North Atlantic Current. This current is divided into two branches, one of which follows northeast along the coast of Norway and further into the Arctic Ocean. The second branch turns south and further southwest along the coast of Africa, forming the cold Canary Current. This current moves southwest and joins the North Trade Wind Current, which heads west towards the West Indies, where it merges with the Gulf Stream. To the north of the North Trade Wind Current there is an area of ​​stagnant waters, teeming with algae, known as the Sargasso Sea. The cold Labrador Current runs along the North Atlantic coast of North America from north to south, coming from Baffin Bay and the Labrador Sea and cooling the shores of New England.

ISLANDS of the Atlantic Ocean

The largest islands are concentrated in the northern part of the ocean; these are the British Isles, Iceland, Newfoundland, Cuba, Haiti (Hispaniola) and Puerto Rico. On the eastern edge Atlantic Ocean There are several groups of small islands - the Azores, the Canaries, and Cape Verde. Similar groups exist in the western part of the ocean. Examples include the Bahamas, Florida Keys and Lesser Antilles. The Greater and Lesser Antilles archipelagos form an island arc surrounding the eastern Caribbean Sea. In the Pacific Ocean, such island arcs are characteristic of areas of crustal deformation. Deep-sea trenches are located along the convex side of the arc.

All this is becoming a reality for tourists coming to Indian Ocean resorts.

The Indian Ocean Islands are an all-season luxury holiday destination. All you have to do is decide what you like best: relaxation and contemplation, active sports, the opportunity to touch antiquities or watch the most unusual creatures on Earth.

Mauritius

Tropical Mauritius was once a favorite haven of pirates, and now the island attracts thousands of tourists every year with its luxury hotels and white beaches surrounded by volcanic mountains. This place is suitable not only for heat-loving couch potatoes, but also for curious travelers who want to get acquainted with the amazing colonial architecture of the region, Indian temples and botanical gardens. Here you can also spot rare birds, walk through the park with lions or swim with dolphins, or you can even test your strength by doing extreme sports - wind and kite surfing are very popular on the island.

Mauritius is located just 20 degrees south of the equator, so the temperature here does not drop below +25 ° C. Most tourists go here on vacation when the cold weather sets in in the Northern Hemisphere, so the peak tourist season on the island is considered to be from October to April. However, at this time of year it is quite hot and humid and sometimes rainy. The best time to holiday in Mauritius is the local winter, which begins in the Southern Hemisphere in May.

Mauritius is very small, only 45x65 square meters. km, however, due to the unique landscape, the weather here is very changeable. You are unlikely to be able to quickly drive around this small island, and all because it is riddled with narrow and winding roads on which it is simply impossible to accelerate. In addition, when planning excursions, it is worth remembering that left-hand traffic has remained on the island since the British colonial era. Therefore, it is better for tourists to use taxi services or organized transfers.

The tourist center of Mauritius is the resort town of Grand Bay in the northeast of the island, where most hotels and entertainment venues are concentrated. The West Coast is the most expensive and prestigious: those who come here are accustomed to relaxing in the most luxurious hotels and want to sunbathe on the most beautiful white sand beaches. The south is considered the greenest, wildest and most interesting part of the island.

Where to stay

The pearl of Mauritius is Paradis & Golf Club on the Le Morne Peninsula. This hotel is considered one of the best on the southwest coast. It is especially memorable for guests due to the breathtaking views from the rooms of the picturesque beach and lagoon.

The Paradis resort is suitable for both lovers of a relaxing holiday (there are several restaurants, a spa center of a famous cosmetic brand, the largest fitness center in Mauritius, its own international golf course and golf academy), and for those who prefer an active holiday and enjoys water sports. On the beach, hotel guests can use any equipment for free, including snorkel masks and windsurfing equipment. A separate fee will be asked only for the services of a personal instructor. By the way, this hotel hosts the Kite Jam Festival, which every year brings together professionals and amateurs of wind and kitesurfing from all over the world. The festival includes amateur competitions, master classes from world champions and the best athletes on the planet, as well as surfing and kiteboarding schools.

	Time zone: there is no time difference between Mauritius and Moscow. So it doesn’t matter how long your vacation is - you won’t remember what jet lag is after returning home.
	Visa: Visa for up to 60 days is issued upon arrival. To do this, at customs you must provide a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of your stay in the country, a return ticket, a hotel reservation, a completed entry form and pay a fee of $17.
	How to get there: the best option is to fly with Air France to Paris with a transfer to an Air Mauritius flight. Travel time including connections is about 16 hours. The price of a round-trip ticket is from 49 thousand rubles.

Madagascar

Madagascar is the largest island of the Indian Ocean, one of the poorest countries in the world, but it is also one of the safest countries in Africa. Such nature as in Madagascar cannot be found anywhere else. The flora and fauna of the island are rich in absolutely endemic plants and animals that cannot be found in other parts of the planet.

Baobab trees grow everywhere in Madagascar. In some areas, impressive rows of giant trees line up, in the crowns of which the African sun pancake beautifully “gets stuck” during sunset, giving tourists the opportunity to take photographs of amazing beauty.

Here you can see 70 species of lemurs and chameleons and even watch humpback whales. The best time to see whale migration is from June to September, but they appear in east coast waters year-round.

There is also a unique stone forest on the island, covering an area of ​​more than 150 thousand hectares and consisting of sharp karst spiers, the approximate age of which is a million years. Stone Forest consists of intricate labyrinths through which excursions are organized for tourists.

As a rule, travelers go to Madagascar to see the jungle, wild animals, take part in safaris or follow adapted and safe tourist routes, which are complemented by a few days of relaxation on the coast. The most popular recreation areas for foreign tourists are the resorts of the Anakao Peninsula and the beaches of the tiny island near Madagascar - Nosy Be.

The north of the country is very fond of divers all over the world, including those from Russia. The long coastline with unique underwater plants and animals gives them a completely new diving experience.

The climate of Madagascar is very diverse: on the coast it is tropical, in the interior it is closer to subtropical, and in the south it is dry (arid), with high air temperatures experiencing large daily fluctuations and with negligible amounts of precipitation. The island has two seasons. The hot and humid season - the Madagascar summer - lasts from November to April, the air temperature in these months is +25 + 27 ° C, the cooler dry season is established from May to October (+20 + 24 ° C).

Where to stay

One of the best hotels in the popular resort island of Nosy Be is Ravintsara Wellness Hotel. “Fantastic vacation”, “royal vacation”, “heaven on earth” - these are the reviews from tourists that Ravintsara received for its beautiful and spacious bungalows on the beach, green gardens around, excellent service and exquisite cuisine. The hotel also offers entertainment for every taste: boat trips, ATV rides. The cost of accommodation is from 300 dollars per day.

	Time zone: Madagascar time is one hour behind Moscow.
	Visa: a tourist visa for up to 90 days can be issued upon arrival. To do this, you must provide a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return air ticket.
	How to get there: you can get to Antananarivo, the largest airport in Madagascar, from Moscow via Paris (Air France). Flight time is 14 hours excluding connections. Ticket price - from 50 thousand rubles.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago of magical beauty, 115 islands, many of which are uninhabited, scattered in the waters of the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. Breathtakingly secluded beaches, unique nature and climate make the islands perhaps the most idyllic tourist destination in the world.

The Seychelles is one of the few resort areas where you can simply pick up and fly at any time of the year, without worrying about seasonal weather changes. The climate here is quite stable throughout the year, the average air temperature on the islands is +26+30º C. During the peak season (December-January), precipitation on the islands becomes more frequent, which subsides only by mid-March, but it cannot be called abundant and essentially they do not interfere with tourists' recreation.

The warmest and calmest weather occurs in April-May and October-November. During this period, the islands have ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and diving: the water temperature reaches +29º C, and visibility often exceeds 30 meters.

The period from October to April is the best time for fishing enthusiasts, and from April to October is the season for watching exotic birds. It is during these months that they reproduce, nurse their offspring and migrate to other regions. From May to September, fans of surfing and windsurfing flock to the Seychelles.

The main island of the archipelago, on which the international airport is located, is about. Mahe. Those who fly to the Seychelles in search of peace and secluded relaxation are unlikely to appreciate the bustle of Mahe, but it’s worth staying here if only to study the colonial architecture of the capital of the Seychelles - the city of Victoria, or to visit the botanical garden, which contains dozens of tropical species plants. The surrounding area of ​​Mahe Island has great opportunities for deep-sea diving: here you can not only swim with magnificent tropical fish, but also walk through the habitats of reef and big-nosed sharks, stingrays, sea urchins, and sea turtles.

Each island of the archipelago has its own atmosphere, and if you don’t want the noise of Mahe at all, then you can go to the small islands, where complete peace and quiet reigns.

Where to stay

One of the best hotels in Mahe is Banyan Tree Seychelles, located on the picturesque southwestern coast of the island. Banyan Tree has 60 villas, each with its own swimming pool.

This resort is located in a quiet location, away from anything that might disturb you during your holiday. This sometimes makes guests think that they are on a desert island, where someone invisible provides round-the-clock comfort. There are no entertainment venues or significant tourist sites nearby, so it is chosen by those who are going to enjoy a vacation away from civilization. The cost of renting a villa is from $1,200 per day.

	Time zone: in the Seychelles, the time coincides with Moscow.
	Visa: Russian citizens arriving in the Seychelles for a period not exceeding 30 days do not require a visa. It is placed at the border when entering the country.
	How to get there: you can fly from Moscow to the Seychelles on Emirates airlines with a transfer at your home airport (Dubai). Travel time including connections is 12.5 hours. Ticket price - from 30 thousand rubles.

Maldives

The Maldives is made up of about 20 groups of atolls, but only half of the islands that make up them are open to tourists. If you are planning to visit the Maldives for the first time and are looking for some general advice on choosing a resort, then the main thing you need to remember is that each of the Maldives resorts is located on its own island, the size of the islands varies from 2.5 km to 150 m (from coast to coast). This means that all resort facilities (restaurants, bars, sports facilities, etc.) will be the only entertainment during your stay in the Maldives. Therefore, their infrastructure needs to be carefully studied in advance, so as not to fall into deep despondency on your long-awaited vacation. In general, there are offers for tourists for every taste: from affordable bungalows adjacent to diving equipment rental points, to secluded luxury villas on stilts in the sea, from the terrace of which you can hang your feet and admire the colorful fish swimming in the water.

The Maldives archipelago is located almost on the equator, the climate here is tropical, the temperature is stable all year round (about +28+30º C). The hottest season on the islands occurs in our winter: from December to April the islands are dry, and the air temperature reaches its highest levels.

Most of the activities in the Maldives are centered around water activities. Snorkeling and diving are very popular - vacationers have the opportunity to see the most beautiful coral reefs and get acquainted with 700 species of exotic fish living in the Indian Ocean. Surfers (both advanced and beginners) also enjoy coming here to spend an invigorating holiday cutting through the waves on a board. Those who like a more relaxing holiday may be interested in fishing in open water.

Where to stay

One of the most famous Maldivian resorts, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, is located on the large and very picturesque Addu Atoll, on Villingili Island. Shangri-La offers accommodation in fully equipped traditional style villas. Guests can choose a house in the garden, on the shore or on stilts directly over the water. Vacationers have access to several restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a children's club, a beauty salon and a spa center, which offers various face and body care programs, scrubs, wraps, as well as massage and stone therapy. The territory has tennis and badminton courts, a small golf course, as well as everything you need for snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and fishing.

Tourists are transported to the resort from Male International Airport by plane or speedboat.

	Time zone: time in the Maldives is one hour ahead of Moscow.
	Visa: Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance if the tourist flies to the country for a period of no more than 30 days. It is placed at the border upon entry into the country, for which you will need a valid passport and a dated return ticket.
	How to get there: International flights arrive at Hulhule Airport, which is located next to the capital island of Male. Flights to the Maldives are regularly carried out by Emirates (via Dubai), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Qatar (via Doha). Travel time depends on the length of the connection at the carrier's home airport. In the winter season, Aeroflot opens a direct flight to Male. Travel time is about 9 hours. The cost of the flight is from 49 thousand rubles.

O. Ceylon

The island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) is a real corner of eternal celebration. The number of significant events celebrated here is more than 160 per year! Add to this colorful beaches, misty mountains, tea plantations and luxury hotels - and you will get a truly unforgettable holiday in the kingdom of nature on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

The developed tourism infrastructure in Sri Lanka provides vacationers with excellent opportunities for recreation for every taste: from “doing nothing” on the beaches and self-care in local spas to observing wildlife, practicing extreme sports and pilgrimages to ancient cities.

The climate in Sri Lanka is equatorial. It is warm and humid all year round, with the rainy season occurring in summer. The average annual air temperature on the island is +28º C, the water temperature in the Indian Ocean reaches +26º C.

The largest city of the island state is noisy, crazy Colombo. Tourists come here to see the main attractions: admire colonial buildings, mosques, churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, see the Presidential Residence (or Queen's House), visit the National Museum and Art Gallery. There is also a wonderful zoo in Colombo, where tourists try to go to the elephant show.

The beaches of the island are very popular among tourists. Moreover, Sri Lanka is gaining increasing popularity among those who love active water sports. Surfers managed to fall in love with Arugam Bay, a place 314 km from Colombo, on the southeastern coast of Ceylon, which was included in the honorary list of the ten best surf beaches in the world. Arugam Bay is popular among beginners, and for experienced athletes, the point of attraction has become the west coast, where you can catch impressive waves. The town of Negombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka has become a hangout for kitesurfers who come here for the winds from May to the end of September.

Thanks to the varied topography of the island, Ceylon has excellent conditions for rafting, the now fashionable hiking and mountain biking.

Wildlife lovers come to Sri Lanka to watch the whales and dolphins that appear in the waters near the town of Mirissa. At certain times of the year, sea turtles can also be seen coming ashore to lay eggs.

Where to stay

The most famous beach resort in Sri Lanka is the town of Bentota and its surroundings. This is where the largest number of hotels are located, offering accommodation for every taste. However, the hotels are located at a considerable distance from each other, so tourists can enjoy a relaxing holiday.

A beautiful secluded hotel in Benote - Saman Villas, which is located on a small rocky hill, right on the ocean. It is quiet and cozy here, the number of rooms (and especially the open-air bathroom) pleases travelers who do not skimp on positive reviews. Tourists also note the excellent cuisine in the hotel restaurant and praise the treatments at the local spa. The cost of living is about 300 dollars per day.

The small village of Hikkaduwa is popular among divers and surfers, who are known to be not too fussy, so there are mainly inexpensive hotels and apartments here.

You can snorkel and swim in the calm waters, which are protected from the waves by a coral ridge, at the Trincomalee resort, located on the east coast of the country.

	Time zone: time in Sri Lanka is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow.
	Visa: Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance. It is placed at the airport upon arrival.
	How to get there: flights to Colombo are carried out by Etihad (with a transfer in Abu Dhabi), Emirates (with a transfer in Dubai), as well as Aeroflot. Travel time is about 10 hours. The cost of a round-trip ticket is from 25 thousand rubles.

Irina Lavery

Sun all year round, unique nature, quiet hotels, lost in bays with turquoise water and on paradise islands with snow-white sand - the idyllic picture that we are used to seeing on advertising brochures. All this is becoming a reality for tourists coming to Indian Ocean resorts

The Indian Ocean Islands are an all-season destination for luxury holidays. All you have to do is decide what you like best: relaxation and contemplation, active sports, the opportunity to touch antiquities or watch the most unusual creatures on Earth.

MAURITIUS

Tropical Mauritius was once a favorite haven of pirates, and now the island attracts thousands of tourists every year with its luxury hotels and white beaches surrounded by volcanic mountains. This place is suitable not only for heat-loving couch potatoes, but also for curious travelers who want to get acquainted with the amazing colonial architecture of the region, Indian temples and botanical gardens. Here you can also spot rare birds, walk through the park with lions or swim with dolphins, or you can even test your strength by doing extreme sports - wind and kite surfing are very popular on the island.

Mauritius is located just 20 degrees south of the equator, so the temperature here does not drop below +25 ° C. Most tourists go here on vacation when the cold weather sets in in the Northern Hemisphere, so the peak tourist season on the island is considered to be from October to April. However, at this time of year it is quite hot and humid and sometimes rainy. The best time to holiday in Mauritius is the local winter, which begins in the Southern Hemisphere in May.

Important: When we have summer, it is best to choose resorts on the northern and western coasts of Mauritius. Holidays on the East Coast will be more enjoyable when winter approaches the Northern Hemisphere.

Mauritius is very small, only 45x65 square meters. km, however, due to the unique landscape, the weather here is very changeable. You are unlikely to be able to quickly drive around this small island, and all because it is riddled with narrow and winding roads on which it is simply impossible to accelerate. In addition, when planning excursions, it is worth remembering that left-hand traffic has remained on the island since the British colonial era. Therefore, it is better for tourists to use taxi services or organized transfers.

The tourist center of Mauritius is the resort town of Grand Bay in the northeast of the island, where most hotels and entertainment venues are concentrated. The West Coast is the most expensive and prestigious: those who come here are accustomed to relaxing in the most luxurious hotels and want to sunbathe on the most beautiful white sand beaches. The south is considered the greenest, wildest and most interesting part of the island.

Where to stay

The pearl of Mauritius is Paradis & Golf Club on the Le Morne Peninsula. This hotel is considered one of the best on the southwest coast. It is especially memorable for guests due to the breathtaking views from the rooms of the picturesque beach and lagoon.

The Paradis resort is suitable for both lovers of a relaxing holiday (there are several restaurants, a spa center of a famous cosmetic brand, the largest fitness center in Mauritius, its own international golf course and golf academy), and for those who prefer an active holiday and enjoys water sports. On the beach, hotel guests can use any equipment for free, including snorkel masks and windsurfing equipment. A separate fee will be asked only for the services of a personal instructor. By the way, this very hotel hosts the Kite Jam Festival, which every year brings together professionals and amateurs of wind and kitesurfing from all over the world. The festival includes amateur competitions, master classes from world champions and the best athletes on the planet, as well as surfing and kiteboarding schools.

Time zone: there is no time difference between Mauritius and Moscow. So it doesn’t matter how long your vacation is - you won’t remember what jet lag is after returning home.

Visa: Visa for up to 60 days is issued upon arrival. To do this, at customs you must provide a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of your stay in the country, a return ticket, a hotel reservation, a completed entry form and pay a fee of $17.

How to get there: the best option is to fly with Air France to Paris with a transfer to an Air Mauritius flight. Travel time including connections is about 16 hours. The price of a round-trip ticket is from 49 thousand rubles.

MADAGASCAR

Madagascar is the largest island of the Indian Ocean, one of the poorest countries in the world, but it is also one of the safest countries in Africa. Such nature as in Madagascar cannot be found anywhere else. The flora and fauna of the island are rich in absolutely endemic plants and animals that cannot be found in other parts of the planet.

Baobab trees grow everywhere in Madagascar. In some areas, impressive rows of giant trees line up, in the crowns of which the African sun pancake beautifully “gets stuck” during sunset, giving tourists the opportunity to take photographs of amazing beauty.

Here you can see 70 species of lemurs and chameleons and even watch humpback whales. The best time to see whale migration is from June to September, but they appear in east coast waters year-round.

There is also a unique stone forest on the island, covering an area of ​​more than 150 thousand hectares and consisting of sharp karst spiers, the approximate age of which is a million years. Stone Forest consists of intricate labyrinths through which excursions are organized for tourists.

As a rule, travelers go to Madagascar to see the jungle, wild animals, take part in safaris or follow adapted and safe tourist routes, which are complemented by a few days of relaxation on the coast. The most popular recreation areas for foreign tourists are the resorts of the Anakao Peninsula and the beaches of the tiny island near Madagascar - Nosy Be.

The north of the country is very fond of divers all over the world, including those from Russia. The long coastline with unique underwater plants and animals gives them a completely new diving experience.

The climate of Madagascar is very diverse: on the coast it is tropical, in the interior it is closer to subtropical, and in the south it is dry (arid), with high air temperatures experiencing large daily fluctuations and with negligible amounts of precipitation. The island has two seasons. The hot and humid season - the Madagascan summer - lasts from November to April, the air temperature in these months is +25 + 27 ° C, the cooler dry season is established from May to October (+20 + 24 ° C).

Where to stay

One of the best hotels in the popular resort island of Nosy Be is Ravintsara Wellness Hotel. “Fantastic vacation”, “royal vacation”, “heaven on earth” - these are the reviews from tourists that Ravintsara received for its beautiful and spacious bungalows on the beach, green gardens around, excellent service and exquisite cuisine. The hotel also offers entertainment for every taste: boat trips, ATV rides. The cost of accommodation is from 300 dollars per day.

Time zone: Madagascar time is one hour behind Moscow.

Visa: a tourist visa for up to 90 days can be issued upon arrival. To do this, you must provide a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return air ticket.

How to get there: you can get to Antananarivo, the largest airport in Madagascar, from Moscow via Paris (Air France). Flight time is 14 hours excluding connections. Ticket price – from 50 thousand rubles.

SEYCHELLES

The Seychelles is an archipelago of magical beauty, 115 islands, many of which are uninhabited, scattered in the waters of the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. Breathtakingly secluded beaches, unique nature and climate make the islands perhaps the most idyllic tourist destination in the world.

The Seychelles is one of the few resort areas where you can simply pick up and fly at any time of the year, without worrying about seasonal weather changes. The climate here is quite stable throughout the year, the average air temperature on the islands is +26+30º C. During the peak season (December–January), precipitation on the islands becomes more frequent, which subsides only by mid-March, but it cannot be called abundant and essentially they do not interfere with tourists' recreation.

The warmest and calmest weather occurs in April–May and October–November. During this period, the islands have ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and diving: the water temperature reaches +29º C, and visibility often exceeds 30 meters.

The period from October to April is the best time for fishing lovers, and from April to October is the season for observing exotic birds. It is during these months that they reproduce, nurse their offspring and migrate to other regions. From May to September, fans of surfing and windsurfing flock to the Seychelles.

The main island of the archipelago, on which the international airport is located, is about. Mahe. Those who fly to the Seychelles in search of peace and secluded relaxation are unlikely to appreciate the bustle of Mahe, but it’s worth staying here if only to study the colonial architecture of the capital of the Seychelles, the city of Victoria, or visit the botanical garden, which contains dozens of tropical species plants. The surrounding area of ​​Mahe Island has great opportunities for deep-sea diving: here you can not only swim with magnificent tropical fish, but also walk through the habitats of reef and big-nosed sharks, stingrays, sea urchins, and sea turtles.

Each island of the archipelago has its own atmosphere, and if you don’t want the noise of Mahe at all, then you can go to the small islands, where complete peace and quiet reigns.

Where to stay

One of the best hotels in Mahe is Banyan Tree Seychelles, located on the picturesque southwestern coast of the island. Banyan Tree has 60 villas, each with its own swimming pool.

This resort is located in a quiet location, away from anything that might disturb you during your holiday. This sometimes makes guests think that they are on a desert island, where someone invisible provides round-the-clock comfort. There are no entertainment venues or significant tourist sites nearby, so it is chosen by those who are going to enjoy a vacation away from civilization. The cost of renting a villa is from $1,200 per day.

Time zone: in the Seychelles, the time coincides with Moscow.

Visa: Russian citizens arriving in the Seychelles for a period not exceeding 30 days do not require a visa. It is placed at the border when entering the country.

How to get there: you can fly from Moscow to the Seychelles on Emirates airlines with a transfer at your home airport (Dubai). Travel time including connections is 12.5 hours. Ticket price – from 30 thousand rubles.

MALDIVES

The Maldives is made up of about 20 groups of atolls, but only half of the islands that make up them are open to tourists. If you are planning to visit the Maldives for the first time and are looking for some general advice on choosing a resort, then the main thing you need to remember is that each of the Maldives resorts is located on its own island, the size of the islands varies from 2.5 km to 150 m (from coast to coast). This means that all resort facilities (restaurants, bars, sports facilities, etc.) will be the only entertainment during your stay in the Maldives. Therefore, their infrastructure needs to be carefully studied in advance, so as not to fall into deep despondency on your long-awaited vacation. In general, there are offers for tourists for every taste: from affordable bungalows adjacent to diving equipment rental points, to secluded luxury villas on stilts in the sea, from the terrace of which you can hang your feet and admire the colorful fish swimming in the water.

The Maldives archipelago is located almost on the equator, the climate here is tropical, the temperature is stable all year round (about +28+30º C). The hottest season on the islands occurs in our winter: from December to April the islands are dry, and the air temperature reaches its highest levels.

Most of the activities in the Maldives are centered around water activities. Snorkeling and diving are very popular - vacationers have the opportunity to see the most beautiful coral reefs and get acquainted with 700 species of exotic fish living in the Indian Ocean. Surfers (both advanced and beginners) also enjoy coming here to spend an invigorating holiday cutting through the waves on a board. Those who like a more relaxing holiday may be interested in fishing in open water.

Where to stay

One of the most famous Maldivian resorts, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, is located on the large and very picturesque Addu Atoll, on Villingili Island. Shangri-La offers accommodation in fully equipped traditional style villas. Guests can choose a house in the garden, on the shore or on stilts directly over the water. Vacationers have access to several restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a children's club, a beauty salon and a spa center, which offers various face and body care programs, scrubs, wraps, as well as massage and stone therapy. The territory has tennis and badminton courts, a small golf course, as well as everything you need for snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and fishing.

Tourists are transported to the resort from Male International Airport by plane or speedboat.

Time zone: time in the Maldives is one hour ahead of Moscow.

Visa: Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance if the tourist flies into the country for a period of no more than 30 days. It is placed at the border upon entry into the country, for which you will need a valid passport and a dated return ticket.

How to get there: International flights arrive at Hulhule Airport, which is located next to the capital island of Male. Flights to the Maldives are regularly carried out by Emirates (via Dubai), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Qatar (via Doha). Travel time depends on the length of the connection at the carrier's home airport.

In the winter season, Aeroflot opens a direct flight to Male. Travel time is about 9 hours. The cost of the flight is from 49 thousand rubles.

O. CEYLON

The island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) is a real corner of eternal celebration. The number of significant events celebrated here is more than 160 per year! Add to this colorful beaches, misty mountains, tea plantations and luxury hotels - and you will get a truly unforgettable holiday in the kingdom of nature on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

The developed tourism infrastructure in Sri Lanka provides vacationers with excellent opportunities for recreation for every taste: from “doing nothing” on the beaches and self-care in local spas to observing wildlife, practicing extreme sports and pilgrimages to ancient cities.

The climate in Sri Lanka is equatorial. It is warm and humid all year round, with the rainy season occurring in summer. The average annual air temperature on the island is +28º C, the water temperature in the Indian Ocean reaches +26º C.

The largest city of the island state is noisy, crazy Colombo. Tourists come here to see the main attractions: admire colonial buildings, mosques, churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, see the Presidential Residence (or Queen's House), visit the National Museum and Art Gallery. There is also a wonderful zoo in Colombo, where tourists try to go to the elephant show.

The beaches of the island are very popular among tourists. Moreover, Sri Lanka is gaining increasing popularity among those who love active water sports. Surfers managed to fall in love with Arugam Bay, a place 314 km from Colombo, on the southeastern coast of Ceylon, which was included in the honorary list of the ten best surf beaches in the world. Arugam Bay is popular among beginners, and for experienced athletes, the point of attraction has become the west coast, where you can catch impressive waves. The town of Negombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka has become a hangout for kitesurfers who come here for the winds from May to the end of September.

Thanks to the varied topography of the island, Ceylon has excellent conditions for rafting, the now fashionable hiking and mountain biking.

Wildlife lovers come to Sri Lanka to watch the whales and dolphins that appear in the waters near the town of Mirissa. At certain times of the year, sea turtles can also be seen coming ashore to lay eggs.

Where to stay

The most famous beach resort in Sri Lanka is the town of Bentota and its surroundings. This is where the largest number of hotels are located, offering accommodation for every taste. However, the hotels are located at a considerable distance from each other, so tourists can enjoy a relaxing holiday.

A beautiful secluded hotel in Benote - Saman Villas, which is located on a small rocky hill, right on the ocean. It is quiet and cozy here, the number of rooms (and especially the open-air bathroom) pleases travelers who do not skimp on positive reviews. Tourists also note the excellent cuisine in the hotel restaurant and praise the treatments at the local spa. The cost of living is about 300 dollars per day.

The small village of Hikkaduwa is popular among divers and surfers, who are known to be not too fussy, so there are mainly inexpensive hotels and apartments here.

You can snorkel and swim in the calm waters, which are protected from the waves by a coral ridge, at the Trincomalee resort, located on the east coast of the country.

Time zone: time in Sri Lanka is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow.

Visa: Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance. It is placed at the airport upon arrival.

How to get there: flights to Colombo are carried out by Etihad (with a transfer in Abu Dhabi), Emirates (with a transfer in Dubai), as well as Aeroflot. Travel time is about 10 hours. The cost of a round-trip ticket is from 25 thousand rubles.

: Palolem beach

Goa is a hippie mecca in India, attracting young people from all over the world. Palolem Beach is a piece of paradise and at the same time a popular tourist destination. Relaxing on this wonderful sandy beach, decorated with palm trees, is considered fashionable and youthful. At the same time, the prices are quite budget-friendly by world standards. The atmosphere of Goa is conducive to relaxation.

Maldives: Banyan Tree, Cocoa Island, Nika and Soneva beaches

Tourists who reach the Maldives get the opportunity to relax on one of almost a hundred uninhabited tiny islands in the Indian Ocean. These places are famous not only for their good beaches, but also for excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving in the ocean waters. There are no cultural or historical attractions here, but these places are ideal for a relaxing or romantic holiday. Please note that topless or nude sunbathing is strictly prohibited in the Maldives.

Best time for vacation: from November to April.

Mauritius: Flic en Flac, Trou aux Biches and Paradis beaches

The shores of Mauritius are famous for their coral sand and luxury hotels. The island is protected on all sides by coral reefs, so near the beach the water is always clear and calm, which creates ideal conditions for diving and yachting.

Best time to go: April-May and September to December.

Best time for diving: December to March.

Best time for surfing: June to August.

The best ocean beaches in Seychelles : Anse Volbert and Praslin beaches

The stunning shores of the Seychelles are covered with fine, clean sand, lapped by the calm waters of the Indian Ocean and adorned with granite cliffs and branchy takamaka trees. Almost all hotels are small private boarding houses designed for family holidays.

Best time for windsurfing and yachting: from May to October.

Best time for diving: March to May and September to November.

"High" season: Christmas and late summer.

Atlantic Ocean

Algarve, Portugal: Ilha de Tavira, Albufeira and Lagos beaches

The Atlantic coast of Portugal combines the inviting waters of the ocean on one side and the noise of port cities on the other. The shores are covered with sand. In some places you can find relatively inexpensive hotels.

Canary Islands: La Gomera Beach

The island of La Gomera is different from many of the Canary Islands, including Tenerife. It seems like it was created for an ideal peaceful and relaxing holiday. Many tourists come here just to relax on the ocean coast with black volcanic sand. The best beaches of the ocean

Best time for vacation: from November to May. Especially many people come at Christmas and Easter.

Surfers especially appreciate the shores of Guincho and Ericeira, where wind and waves create excellent conditions for active recreation almost all year round.

South Africa: beaches of the Atlantic coast

Sandy beaches stretch along the entire Atlantic coast of South Africa, where thousands of tourists relax every year. One of the most popular holiday destinations: Cape Town beach, which is very reminiscent of the south of France. Vacationers are surrounded by shady palm trees, there is a lot of grass growing, ideal for picnics, and the embankment is full of restaurants and bars. The sand here is an amazing light brown shade, the water is turquoise, and the wind is fresh and pleasant.

Best time to go: from October to March.

Pacific Ocean

Fiji: Yasawa beach

Yasawa is a chain of islands that make up Fiji. The coral sands are amazingly beautiful against the backdrop of bright blue water. When Hollywood films or commercials require exotic landscapes, directors often choose these locations for filming. A vacation here costs a pretty penny, because from the main island of Fiji - Nadi - you need to fly by plane or sail on a yacht. According to legend, the impressions of a vacation on Yasawa last at least 8 months, since this is exactly the time it takes to wash all the weight out of your hair.

Best time for vacation: from May to October.

Best Ocean Beaches in Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Matira Beach

Bora Bora is home to not only the best, but also the most expensive beaches in the Pacific Ocean. The lagoon around Matira Beach is protected by coral reefs, so the water in the bay is always calm and very warm. Holidays in Bora Bora only mean beach holidays - no excursions or attractions.

Best time to go: from May to October, although it gets too crowded at the end of summer.

Palau: The Rock Islands beaches

The landscapes of Palau delight tourists with huge boulders sticking out of the water and coral reefs. The water here is quite warm all year round, and the underwater world is unique in its flora and fauna. For many divers, visiting The Rock Islands is a dream that they strive to realize at any cost. A real kingdom of jellyfish can be seen in the Jellyfish Lake in the very center of Mecherchar Island.

Best time for vacation: February-March.