the Costa Brava·Spain
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons
The Costa Brava's best beaches have no road — only a kayak reaches them, past caves, arches and the sculpted headland of Cap de Creus. It is the gentlest way into Spain's most photogenic coast.
In season: May–Oct · Peak: Jun–Sep
Sheltered cala-to-cala paddling on calm days, with real exposure and wind around Cap de Creus and the Medes crossing. Warm summer water and long light make for easy multi-day trips.
Cove-hopping under pine cliffs, the gentlest stretch
Short paddle between hidden calas, good for a first day
The wildest headland in Catalonia, wind-carved rock and no roads
Out to the islands and round them, weather permitting
Base around L'Estartit or Cadaqués and rent or join a guided trip. Watch the tramuntana wind, which can turn a sheltered coast serious in an hour.
KayakingPoland
Five days on the Czarna Hańcza, finishing through the hand-cranked lock gates of an 1820s canal.
KayakingJapan
Five days paddling mangrove rivers and traversing subtropical jungle on an island that is ninety percent forest.
Kayaking3 routesSpain
Paddling out to wild Atlantic islands and the beach that tops the lists.
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