As BBC Travel reports, the American magazine U.S. News & World Report recently compiled a ranking of the best countries for adventure, based on indicators in five categories: “fun,” “friendliness,” “climate,” “scenery,” and “sexiness.” The last category was interpreted quite broadly – from eroticism to a kind of attractiveness that is difficult to describe in words and about which one can only say je ne sais quoi (French for “I don’t know what to say”).
“In addition to the great food, weather, or attractions that the other 20 countries lower in the ranking can offer, the winners offer something else that unites them,” says Annalisa Nash Fernandez, an intercultural coach who lives in two countries – Brazil and Italy (which, by the way, are among the top five most “adventurous”). “None of these countries share a common language with their neighboring states and in one way or another try to preserve their culture and minimize outside influence. If you were blindfolded and placed in any of these countries, you would immediately understand where you are.”
We spoke with residents of these countries to find out what exactly is so “adventurous” about local life.
BRAZIL
In the U.S. News & World Report ranking, Brazil received the highest scores in the “fun” and “sexiness” categories. Locals indeed exude contagious energy, and Brazilians love their country and their traditions. “We love to brag that we have the tastiest food, the best coffee in the world, and the most beautiful people,” says Brazilian Arthur Souza.
As for adventure, this fifth-largest country in the world offers many options. “You can surf the tidal wave in the lower Amazon or relax on the beaches of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago,” says Souza. “And if you want to see something unique, there are the white dunes in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park or Ilha Grande, where nature is preserved almost untouched.”
And, of course, for those who love parties and dancing. Rio de Janeiro offers endless options for nighttime adventures. “We have beaches, we have the old town, we have memories of the colonial era and imperial times. In the evening, you need to go to Lapa (a bohemian district with a vibrant nightlife) with many bars playing everything from samba to hip-hop and country music. You’ll need more than one day to explore this area.”
ITALY
It is well known that Italy has a high reputation for food, art, and architecture. But it is also well off in terms of adventure: for example, the country received the highest scores in the “scenery” category.
“In my hometown of Catania in Sicily, you can start the day swimming in the blue sea and end it climbing the most active volcano in Europe,” says Giorgia Carrafa, a specialist from the travel startup kimkim.
A walk to the crater of Mount Etna will certainly appeal to thrill-seekers, but those living in this country value above all how culturally diverse it is. “Traveling from town to town, from valley to hills, you see how different the culture, different the food, and even different the languages are in different regions of this country,” says Tim Hudson, director of the travel company Inspired Italy.
When it comes to adventure, Italy’s diversity also plays a key role. In winter, according to Hudson, he skis in the Dolomites, and in summer he cycles on the roads of Tuscany.
SPAIN
Spain earned the highest scores in the “friendliness” and “fun” categories. As for adventure, it awaits you literally on the next street, locals testify.
“Most of all, we Spaniards love street life,” says Juan Castillo, who lives in Valencia and leads walking tours for GuruWalk. “Every day after work, you go somewhere for a drink with friends. Here in Valencia, there are great places in the port area or in the historic center of Ruzafa. We love to chat and joke. We enjoy life, and foreigners moving here quickly adopt this.”
The most important thing to understand for those planning to move to Spain is what kind of adventure they are more inclined to. If you like winter, consider Madrid, which is surrounded by mountains and has at least three ski resorts within an hour’s drive. If you like warm weather, then Barcelona with its beaches will suit you. “The weather in Barcelona is amazing,” says Andre Arriaza, a native of Chile and founder of Barcelona Eat Local. “Sun all year round. In winter, you can wear sneakers and not worry about buying heavy winter boots.”
Returning to Madrid, despite the cold winters, the geographical location of this city is such that both the mountains and the coast are no more than a few hours’ drive away. “Or you can take a high-speed train, and there you are on the most beautiful coastline in Europe,” says Matt Halland, a native of Britain and founder of The Travel Blogs.
Among surfers, the northern coast of the Basque Country is most popular, while southern Andalusia attracts cyclists and climbers.
THAILAND
Thailand received high scores in the “scenery” and “fun” categories. The country is attractive to a wide range of tourists – both adventure seekers and those who just want to lie on the beach.
Miriam Hershman recommends Koh Phangan, where she was born and raised (and now lives in Los Angeles). “Tens of thousands of people from different countries around the world come here every month for the infamous beach ‘Full Moon Party.’ The fun lasts until the sun rises,” she says.
However, there is also a completely different audience that comes to the island to practice yoga, meditate, and fast. “The difference between those who come here to have fun on the night beach and those concerned with their spiritual health makes the atmosphere on the island unique. On one hand, everything is peaceful; on the other, it’s full of opportunities for adventure.”
Fans of intense flavors also love Thailand. “Thai people have their own cultural characteristics that are reflected in the local cuisine. Tourists sometimes find this hard to understand. We eat throughout the day, eating whatever we feel like at a given moment,” says Chivan Suwanapak, a Bangkok resident and manager at Intrepid Travel. “In the morning, I might have noodle soup with lots of chili powder. In the evening, I might have spicy papaya salad. When we eat, both our fingers and our stomachs are involved.”
Those seeking thrills not from chili peppers head to the city of Chiang Mai for rafting on the Mae Taeng mountain river or to Doi Inthanon National Park to climb its rocks. “Doi Inthanon” is not without reason translated as “the roof of Thailand” – here lies the country’s highest peak of the same name, reaching 2,565 meters above sea level.
GREECE
The warm Mediterranean waters of Greece make it ideal for water adventure enthusiasts – the country received high marks in the “landscapes” and “climate” categories.
“For swimming, the water here is the best of the best,” says Patricia Hadjifotiou, a U.S. native who now lives on the island of Evia and runs a small travel company, The Olive Odysseys. “Greek doctors prescribe swimming to their patients, and everyone is supposed to count how many times they swam during the summer. It’s a health issue: the sun, minerals that penetrate the skin, movement...”
In the Cyclades archipelago, kayaking and sailing enthusiasts will find many options, but there is also plenty to do for those who prefer hiking on land – in particular, Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades, is located on the island of Naxos, and on the volcanic island of Santorini (also known as Santorini or Thira), there are opportunities for rock climbers to test their fate.
But even beyond the islands, Greece has surprises for tourists. “Imagine driving past the famous Acropolis or traveling along the coast, and one after another, small coves open up before you, stunning you with the blueness of their crystal-clear water,” says American Mina Agnos. “Things like this bring me joy literally every day.”
Athens hosted the first Olympic Games at the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. It is said that as early as the 6th century BC, there was a racetrack on this site. Both locals and tourists are invited here every morning for a morning run (from 7:30 to 9:00) to warm up – some before a workday, others before new adventures in this country.
For those not very attracted to physical exercise, there is always a simple but effective, purely Greek option. “Call a few acquaintances and friends, tell them what you’re doing, and very soon you’ll have a whole crowd wanting to eat ice cream together,” says Patricia Hadjifotiou. “No one will come on time, but everyone will be relaxed and informal.”