Named during the Tang Dynasty when Taoism was at its peak, Laoshan is one of those places that is as much about the views as it is about the history. The area is dotted with iconic sites like Laoshan Jufeng Peak, Liuqing River, Taiping Palace, Yangkou Beach, and the Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools — each offering a different slice of the region’s natural beauty. From rugged mountain peaks to serene beaches, Laoshan's landscapes are a traveller’s dream. If you're planning to explore, there are a few routes to choose from. The southern route covers the towering Jufeng Peak and the peaceful Taiping Palace. The eastern route takes you to Yangkou Beach and the Qipan Stone Area, while the central route is all about the lush Nine Waters and Eighteen Pools.

When the tide recedes, mud flats are exposed allowing you to walk between islands. Trekking across the Wadden Sea is so evocative that it has even got its own verb, Wattwanderungen (mudflat hiking). However, in order to avoid the quicksands and the tides, you must go with a guide.

Visit authentic Greek vineyards and discover where wine comes from. The three must-visit wine productions on the island are Hatziemmanouil, Petra Marinou and Triantafyllopoulos.

List boasts the largest continuous shifting dune area in Europe, known as Die Wanderdünen (the shifting dune). With a height of 30 metres, these remarkable dunes shape List's landscape, migrating up to 10 metres annually. In order to protect this one-of-a-kind natural spectacle, it was placed under nature protection in 1923. While access to the dunes is strictly prohibited, guided tours to the foot of the dune offer a chance to explore the unique flora and fauna in the serene, untouched environment.