5 Destinations In The World That Are Perfect Mix Of Mountains And Beaches

Mountain and beach destinations offer the perfect mix of activity and relaxation. Sometimes, you don’t want to choose and these destinations offer you the best of both worlds. Crystal waters, backed by dramatic mountain ranges make the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable trip. If you like hiking but want the option of relaxing on the beach too, these mountain and beach destinations are perfect for your next trip!

# Sabah, Malaysia

Borneo is the world’s third-largest island. The state of Sabah occupies the northern part of this giant Malaysian isle. Here you can find dense, rainforest-covered mountains and an expansive coastline on the South China Sea. At the heart of Sabah is towering Mount Kinabalu, measuring 4,095-metres high at its peak. Therefore, this is an ideal mountain and beach destination, where you can choose between exploring the immaculate mountain environment or opt to lounge on the golden sand beaches of the coast. Sabah is famed for its rich biodiversity and is home to Borneo’s most famous inhabitant: the orangutan! Furthermore, you’ll find world-famous diving spots and exotic plant life throughout the region. Ideally situated to enjoy the luscious beaches and verdant mountains of the west coast, Kota Kinabalu is the most popular resort in Sabah.

# Paraty, Brazil

Situated on Brazil’s Costa Verde, Paraty is the perfect beach and mountain destination. Backed by dramatic mountains and lapped by the warm waters of the South Atlantic, Paraty is a small fishing town. Known for its charming colonial-era architecture, Paraty is a tropical paradise where you can enjoy both mountain and beach landscapes. Furthermore, the region is covered in emerald forests, home to popular hiking trails. If you travel to Paraty you can spend your days trekking through the jungle to discover untouched beaches and panoramic viewpoints. In fact, Paraty is surrounded by protected nature reserves such as Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina and Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area. Largely untouched by mass tourism, Paraty is an ideal mountain and beach destination for a tropical escape into nature!

# Oahu, Hawaii

A paradise isle in the Pacific Ocean, Oahu is one of Hawaii’s most iconic destinations. If you are dreaming of tropical beaches, exotic wildlife and dramatic mountains, Oahu is a great choice. Whilst the busier beaches of the south and east sides of the island are inviting, head to the west of the island for rugged landscapes and untouched coastline. Here you’ll find sea turtles, silent stretches of sand and a number of nature reserves. These include the emerald Makaha Valley and the Kuaokala Forest Reserve, filled with hiking trails and otherworldly landscapes. Furthermore, the island offers both coastal and inland trails so hikers can enjoy the best of both worlds.

# Makarska, Croatia

This picturesque port town is located on the Dalmatian coast between Split and Dubrovnik. Known for its idyllic beaches and rugged clifftops, Makarska is a must-visit for mountain and beach lovers. The nearby Biokovo Mountains are home to golden eagles and Balkan chamois, where you can hit the trail and connect with nature for a while. On the other hand, the mountain trails are also well-suited for biking if you prefer to travel on two wheels. After you’ve admired the view from the top of Mount Biokovo, head down to the coast to cool off in the clear waters of the Adriatic. The main beaches are Makarska Beach and Nugal Beach.

# Crete, Greece

Attracted to the awe-inspiring landscapes, hikers from across the world travel to Crete. Thousands of kilometres of trails connect beaches to dramatic gorges, rugged woodlands and towering mountains. Whilst the coast offers all the white-sand relaxation you could wish for, it is Crete’s epic inland scenery that steals the show. A true mountain and beach destination, Crete’s landscape compromise desert mountains, secret waterfalls and even snow-capped mountains. Timios Stavros is the highest peak on the island, measuring 2546-metres at its summit. Part of the Ida mountain range, trekking up Timios Stavros is one of the most popular activities for nature lovers in Crete.