5 Instagrammable Summer Holiday Destinations

1. Lake Hillier, Australia

A lake in a shade of millennial pink? There might not be a natural landmark quite so fitting for sharing on Gen Y’s favourite app. Situated on the edge of Middle Island in Western Australia, the saline lake’s bubblegum hue is not fully understood by scientists, although it’s suspected to be related to the presence of microalgae. While this isn’t the only pink lake in the world, it’s arguably the most vivid. A snap requires some effort as you’ll need to experience the landmark from above (since normal tourists can’t physically visit the lake), taking a helicopter service to Middle Island from the town of Esperance. Handily, Esperance is a visual treat in its own right too – thanks to piercingly blue-watered beaches and offshore sightings of dolphins, fur seals and sea lions.

2. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Winding cobblestone alleyways, an army of fluffy, well-fed cats and a sea of buildings in every shade of blue imaginable (robin’s egg! periwinkle! azure! cobalt!), Chefchaouen is a photogenic feast for the eyes. Founded in 1471 as a Moorish fortress for exiles from Spain, the reason for the Rif mountain town’s blue wash is debated, although Jewish teachings suggest that prayer shawls dyed with tekhelet (an ancient natural dye) would remind people of God’s power – a memory that lives on through blue buildings. To pack a double visual feast, combine Chefchaouen with a 45-minute drive to Cascades d’Akchour, a mirage-like a duo of waterfalls that cascade into a pool of crystal-clear water surrounded by lush greenery.

3. Waitomo, New Zealand

Waitomo, a hilly, lush village on the North Island of New Zealand, is famed for its extensive underground of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers, some of which are heavily peppered with luminescent glowworms. The mosquito-like insects, called Arachnocampa Luminosa or 'glowing spider-worm', spin sticky web strings while twinkling on the cave system’s roof like stars in a night sky. The result is a subterranean sight for sore eyes you’ll want to store up as memories in your smartphone gallery. Depending on your comfort level, walking, boating and rafting tours are available for exploring the Waitomo Caves.

4. Havana, Cuba

Thanks to the city’s colonial architecture, faded rainbow colour palette and glamorous nonchalance, Havana is a dream location for creating a highlight reel of picture-perfect content (suboptimal internet access, aside of course). While the whole city is romantically photogenic, Old Havana’s streets of boisterous baroque buildings and colonial plazas are a must-snap, along with El Floridita – the live music daiquiri bar made famous by frequent visitor Ernest Hemingway. Most flattering in the evening light, the iconic spot’s retro exterior complete with a classic car lineup and kitsch neon sign will demand your lens.

5. Rakotzbrücke, Germany

Tucked away in a small park in Saxony, Germany, is a bridge of fairytale dreams: Rakotzbrücke. Built in medieval times and decorated with rock spires, the pathway was designed to be one half of a perfect circle, which – when paired with the right lighting and still waters – creates the illusion of a perfect stone sphere. The structure is nicknamed Devil’s Bridge, as legend has it that a demon helped build the arch in exchange for the soul of the first human who crossed it. Situated in the neighbourhood of Gablenz (no hike-in necessary – it’s a short stroll from the bridge to a nearby car park) this whimsical, tranquil spot is an easy two-hour road trip from Berlin.

Top image by Nataliia Budianska/Shutterstock.com