Destinations Europe Caribbean

The wanderlust list: 7 top destinations for 2020

P&O Cruises can take you to some of the most exciting places in the world – near and far and everywhere in between. Whether you have your sights set on distant shores or a port closer to home, our list of the hottest destinations for 2020 will help inspire your next epic holiday

7 min 26 Jan 2020

Editorial Team

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1. Bornholm, Denmark

Holding the distinction of being the sunniest destination in Denmark, Bornholm – a 587 square kilometre island in the Baltic Sea – has long been a popular holiday destination for Danes looking for a laid-back seaside escape. The rest of the world is catching on, too – it recently made Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the best islands in the world. In the summer months, the island comes alive with music and revelry as its white-sand beaches and charming villages draw happy holidaymakers. It also boasts a reputation as a gourmet destination, with a penchant for locally grown produce. Smokehouses have a long history here, with the first ones on the island dating back to the 19th century. Visit one to try the local delicacy, smoked herring.

Little boats docked at sea next to land in Nordholm

2. Rijeka, Croatia

As a European Capital of Culture for 2020, the progressive port city of Rijeka is poised for a big year. More than 600 cultural events will take place, hosted in new and refurbished cultural facilities across the city, including a new museum in a renovated sugar refinery. Rijeka’s outskirts are also home to some unforgettable (and record-breaking) sights: experience Delnice, the green heart of Croatia and the country’s highest town, or downsize and explore the medieval settlement of Hum, which holds a place in Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest town.

3. Miami, USA

Miami brings to mind visions of sandy beaches and turquoise seas, glorious Art Deco architecture and a vibrant arts culture anchored by the likes of Art Basel. But the Floridian city is fast becoming a foodie destination, too. The past year has seen a slate of exciting new restaurant openings, putting Miami’s globally inspired culinary culture on the map. Following in the footsteps of its popular Lisbon equivalent, the Time Out Market in Miami Beach brings the city’s best food and drink – 17 restaurants and 3 bars – together under one roof. Central Fare in Downtown Miami, meanwhile, serves up global flavours in the newly opened Miami Central train station.

Bench and lit up building on Miami Beach

4. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Forget what you think you know about Rotterdam. The dynamic Dutch city – host of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest – has stepped out from Amsterdam’s shadow to become an attractive destination in its own right. Rising from the rubble of the Second World War, the city has emerged as a global architecture powerhouse, examples of which can be seen everywhere from the graceful Erasmus Bridge to Piet Blom’s out-of-kilter Cube Houses. The Markthal gives design lovers a place to eat while they ogle – the horseshoe-shaped structure shelters a food hall surrounded by a massive artwork of fruits, veg, fish and flowers, printed across 4,000 aluminium panels.

People riding bikes over a bridge in Rotterdam

5. Dominica

Don’t expect a quintessentially sand-and-sea Caribbean experience in Dominica. A true adventure island, it’s a nature-lover’s paradise and is fast becoming a top eco-tourism destination – a goal bolstered by government efforts to make the island the world's first climate-resilient nation. And it’s certainly worth protecting: the lush interior is packed with tropical rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, rivers (365 of them, to be precise) and even a boiling lake. Take a dip in the enchanting Emerald Pool, set within the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Legend has it you’ll feel 10 years younger.

Dominica

6. St John’s, Canada

The warm-hearted friendliness of Newfoundlanders has been in the spotlight recently, courtesy of the hit Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away. Experience it for yourself in St John’s, a place where Celtic, English and North American influences combine to create a character unique to this corner of the world. Wander down buzzy George Street and pause for a pint, if you’re feeling so inclined – it’s packed with pubs, bars and restaurants and guarantees a good time. If you’d prefer a bit of drama over a drink, head to nearby Cape Spear – the easternmost point on the continent – for rugged landscapes and breathtaking views out to sea.

Colourful house in St John's, Canada

7. Cádiz, Spain

With 3,000 years of history up its sleeve, you’d expect Cádiz to have lots to offer visitors. And you’d be right: the compact Andalucían city charms with its narrow streets full of flower-decked Moorish-style houses and wide, sandy beaches. Give into the infectious local energy and hit up tapas bars serving treats such as boquerones (anchovies) and tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters), and knock back a fino sherry or two with the gregarious gaditano (locals). From Cádiz, you can also visit Seville, which is currently celebrating the 500th anniversary of Magellan’s circumnavigation of the earth with a three-year programme of events and activities.