The Getaway
Travel Destinations with Big, Blue Skies

Blue skies are more than a sign of healthy air quality. In recent years, many cities across the world have been celebrated for their blue skies. In fact, cities in the United States and Europe have improved air quality so much that "blue sky days" are now commonplace. The color of the sky means so much more than just beauty; it also means hope and happiness for many people.

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01 Easter Island, Chile

Moais at Ahu Tahai Bob Krist / Getty Images

The island and its tiny airport are located in the Pacific Ocean about 2,300 miles east of Santiago, Chile. Many tourists are attracted to Easter Island for its remote beauty and enigmatic status as a cultural center for the ancient Rapa Nui civilization. The sky is predominantly blue, with white clouds scattered across it on occasion. A great way to spend the day is renting a motor scooter and driving around the island investigating the iconic statues of the Moai.

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02 Salar de Uyuni

Person jumping in Salar de Uyuni with the water reflecting the blue skies overhead Eanchen / Getty Images

Salar de Uyuni stretches across 10,582 square miles of the Andean plateau, making it one of the largest salt flats in the world. The salt flats are covered with a thin layer of water that reflects the immense blue skies like a mirror during the rainy season. This lonely desert is at 13,200 feet above sea level and is devoid of pollution. The only thing that surrounds it is silence and the blue sky above and below.

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03 Reykjavík, Iceland

The iconic Hallgrims Kirkja in Reykjavik, Icelands largest church, designed by Gudjon Samuelsson, to resemble columnar jointing in Basalt lava flows. Ashley Cooper / Getty Images

The northern lights and blue skies are just some of the amazing things to see in this capital city. Iceland is beautiful in its own unique way, with mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls all around. The Blue Lagoon is known as being the most visited attraction in Iceland. Drink a hot chocolate, soak in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon and enjoy the endless blue skies above.

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04 Cusco, Perú

City of Cuzco in Peru, South America xeni4ka / Getty Images

The blue skies of Cusco aren't easily forgotten because they're so stunning. It’s an amazing place for history buffs as it’s the former capital of the Inca Empire. An altitude of 11,043 feet above sea level affords sky watchers and stargazers a clear view that is not blurred by ozone. Sip a Pisco sour, take in a few archaeological sites, and enjoy 6 months of blue skies during the dry season.

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05 Cape Town, South Africa

A senior couple enjoy lunch at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town. shaun / Getty Images

The blue skies of Cape Town are amazing, and it's not uncommon to see sunny, glorious weather, especially in the summer. But for three weeks of the year, you might like to don your raincoat or even a snorkel – because it's raining frogs! That's right – raining frogs. Cape Town is home to the world's only "true flying frog" - the Dwarf Burrowing Frog. Blues skies, frogs, and all that Cape Town make for a unique travel destination.

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06 Songkhla, Thailand

Reclining Buddha statue in Songkhla Province, Thailand belentine / Getty Images

Songkhla is a charming city in the south of Thailand that is famous for its crystal blue skies. Songkhla has all of the benefits of a good vacation destination like idyllic beaches, good food, and friendly people. If you're looking for some relaxation beach therapy, then Songkhla might be your perfect retreat! To experience Thailand’s culture and history, you can take a tour around the city's historic district or visit one of the many beautiful temples.

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07 Santorini, Greece

Blue domed church along caldera edge in Oia, Santorini gollykim / Getty Images

The blue skies of Santorini, Greece, are captivating. They're even more outstanding when you see the white houses and the clear ocean below you. The island of Santorini is breathtakingly beautiful and has scenic beaches under deep blue skies. It's a perfect getaway for anyone who wants to unwind and escape from their everyday lives. It's a place where you can feel the stress of everyday life slip away.

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08 Roatan, Honduras

Beach Dock in Honduras Bertlmann / Getty Images

This picturesque Caribbean Island has been dubbed the "Adventure Island" and is home to three national parks and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The water is like no other - it is a rich turquoise blue color blending with clear waters. The only thing that rivals the rich blue Caribbean waters is the vast skies overhead. Roatan boasts white sandy beaches protected by impressive coral reef formations that are perfect for snorkeling. Time tends to slow down once you step foot on this Caribbean paradise.

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09 Siesta Key, Florida

Young child running at beach. T_A_P / Getty Images

It’s not hard to see why people flock to Siesta Key. The beaches are a pristine powdery white, and the skies are a rich royal blue. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit because the weather is always perfect, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 60s Fahrenheit. Siesta Key offers an amazing variety of activities that will appeal to everyone, from thrill-seekers to those looking for more family-friendly fun. You can go parasailing, swim with dolphins, kayaking on Sarasota Bay, or fish off Siesta Key Pier.

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10 Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Cathedral in city center, Finland. LeoPatrizi / Getty Images

The Finnish word for blue is “sininen,” which means “heavenly" in English. It is not hard to see why. The country's national color is blue, and its flag has a bright deep-blue Nordic cross. This might be because most of Finland lies above the Arctic Circle with few trees and lots of water - making it one of Europe's last great wildernesses. One thing is certain: Helsinki offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in some really brilliant views of bright, blue skies!

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