For a landlocked country, you might not think it’s possible to get your beach fix in Austria. Well, you’d be wrong, as the gorgeous lakeside locations of Seespitz, Thumersbach and the Zell am See lido – all surrounding Lake Zell – prove. Sure, there’s no sand, but that in itself has its own upside as you’re not going to be finding little grains of the stuff in your bags long after returning home. Once you’ve soaked in some amazing lakeside views, it’s time to take the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car up to Elizabeth Chapel at its peak before returning back to town to try some traditional Austrian fare at Restaurant Steinerwirt. If you’re there between May and September, make sure you pick up tasty treats from the local market. Want to venture further afield? There’s a handy train station in Zell am See.
Where to stay: Hotel Stadt Wien.