JULY 2019/MUSCLE & FITNESS 75- Athens, Greece
 The home of the first ever marathon, legend has it that a Greek herald was
 sent running from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce a battle victory.
 For cardio fans, running along the same route is a must.
- Baja California,
 Mexico
 With water temperatures averaging
 27°C, the sea of Cortez offers a
 beautiful retreat for those who feel
 more comfortable on sea than land.
 Take a snorkel and immerse yourself
 in the diverse marine life. The
 UNESCO-protected area provides a
 continuous visual feast for the eyes.
 4. Pacific Crest Trail,
 USA
 The route spans 4265km from Mexico
 to Canada, cutting through California,
 Oregon, and Washington and
 following the highest parts of the
 Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain
 ranges. The length of the trail is
 daunting but can offer a wide variety
 of landscapes for the experienced
 adventurer. The PCT is on many
 hikers’ top ten lists of best treks and
 truly shows the best views America
 has to offer.
 5. Lake Bled, Slovenia
 The small nation of Slovenia holds a
 variety of treasures, but with only
 47km of coastline you would be
 forgiven for thinking this nation has
 little to offer in terms of rowing.
 However, Lake Bled in the north-
 western region is a popular tourist
 destination due to its emerald green
 water and view of the Julien Alps, also
 boasting a whimsical church in the
 centre.
 6. Chamonix-
 Mont-Blanc, France
 The site of the first ever winter
 Olympics held in 1924 is now a
 popular resort for skiers, and is often
 referred to as the capital of all
 mountain skiing. With sharp valleys
 and tumbling glaciers, it’s perfect for
 those looking for a challenge, and
 snowboarders hoping to take on
 “le grand ski”.
- Munda Biddi Trail, Australia
 This famous off-road cycle track is the longest of its
 kind, spanning over 1,000km. It takes its name from
 the local aboriginal language meaning “path
 through the forest”, and it’s not unusual to
 encounter Australian wildlife such as wallabies,
 kangaroo and possums along the way. However,
 it’s not for the faint-hearted as the trail is a huge
 physical workout and requires highly technical
 PHOTO CREDITS: ISTOCK riding skills to master the steep slopes.
