Our pick of the best spots to picnic

Thira, Santorini

When scouring spots for the perfect picnic, the rim of a volcano probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. But that’s exactly what Santorini's capital sits on. Don’t worry, the volcano has long since ceased its fiery bubbling, meaning the whitewashed sugar cube houses that dot the town aren’t in any peril. Arm yourself with a loaf of fresh bread, an enticingly-large block of feta, and a jar of locally-grown olives, and take the cable car up to the summit, where sweeping clifftop views await. If you really fancy earning your lunch, or are worried about that feta, you can climb all 588 steps to the summit. You just might need a beer when you get there.

Agios Sostis Beach, Mykonos

Sticking with Greece and the Aegean, Mykonos' Agios Sostis Beach is another of our favourite al fresco hangouts. The coastline doesn’t exactly unravel for miles, but this place proves bigger isn’t always better. In fact, the best part about this spot is that it remains largely uncommercialised. Something of a secret spot, Agios Sostis, brings together butterscotch sands and toe-dippingly tempting shallow waters. Craggy, pine-clad cliffs, meanwhile, provide a sheltered, secluded ambience that’ll make you feel like it’s just you, Mother Nature and your sarnies, crusts optional.

Valldemosa, Majorca

Majorca’s Serra de Tramuntana – or Tramantuna Mountains – must have been made with picnics in mind. Soaring high over the island, the range is home to a handful of gorgeous hillside villages and spots to admire edge-of-the-world views with a packed lunch. Case in point – Valldemossa. Nestled among the hills, dotted with olive and almond trees, Valldemosa is dripping in rustic charm – think pebbled streets framed by traditional stone houses, independent shops and characterful cafés. Be sure to picnic properly, though. Duck into one of the cafés and grab yourself the local delicacy, coca de patata, a kind of boiled potato sweet cake. Wash it down with fresh coffee or a thick hot chocolate.

S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, Menorca

The Balearics clearly got greedy when it came to top picnic patches. If you’re in Menorca, load up your hamper with bread, cheese, and serrano ham, then throw in a chunk of chorizo, local olives and a bottle of regional wine, and head for the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park. This place is one of the most beautiful parts of Menorca, which, when you consider the whole island’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is quite an accolade. Just don’t forget to take your rubbish with you.

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

Where better to whip out your lunch than slap-bang in the middle of a tropical rainforest? Home to golden frogs, sleepy sloths and multi-coloured toucans, the Cloud Forest is every nature lover’s dream, and offers an unbeatable backdrop to your lunch. Bounce over rope bridges counting off the species as you go, or, if you’re feeling brave, cling on tight as you zoom through the treetops on a zip wire. Check out our Monteverde Overnight trip to really make the most of it.

If you’ve been inspired to enjoy your next picnic in the sunshine of Santorini, Mykonos, Majorca, Menorca or Costa Rica book one of our holidays here.

Author: Chris Rolinson