Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Sidi Bou Said is a postcard-perfect village in Tunisia that enchants visitors with its striking white and blue architecture. Known for its iconic Andalusian-style buildings, Sidi Bou Said is a haven for artists, poets, and those seeking tranquility. Strolling through its narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll be greeted by the scent of jasmine and the vibrant colors of bougainvillea cascading from balconies.
This city in the Rhine Gorge is known for its winemaking, dramatic landscapes and 15-minute cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument (celebrating the German victory over France in 1871).
Toyama is a regional capital on the Sea of Japan coast, set between Toyama Bay and the mountains of the Northern Japan Alps. The city is known for its close relationship with both the sea and the alpine interior, with waterways, fertile plains, and snow-fed rivers shaping the surrounding landscape. Toyama also serves as a gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the mountain communities of the wider prefecture.
Akureyri, often referred to as the capital of North Iceland, offers travelers a distinct experience shaped by its Arctic location and rich local culture. Nestled at the base of Eyjafjörður fjord, the town has served as a trading center since the 1600s and continues to thrive with a mix of fishing, arts, and tourism. Within a few hours’ drive, visitors can reach the geothermal fields of Hverir, the volcanic craters at Lake Mývatn, and the powerful Goðafoss waterfall.
Ballycastle is a small seaside town on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, positioned between the Causeway Coast and the Glens of Antrim. Its harbor faces Rathlin Island and the North Channel, while the surrounding landscape includes beaches, cliffs, farmland, and wooded valleys. Ballycastle Beach stretches along the eastern side of the town, with views across the water toward Rathlin and, in clear conditions, the Scottish coast.
Located on the southern coast of Finland at the delta of the Kymi river, the city of Kotka is a major Finnish sea port. Perhaps the best-known attraction of this multicultural and creative city is the country's largest urban maritime festival, an annual celebration that includes boating events, dance and music performances, and Finland's largest parade which marks the beginning of the city-wide event.
Other Popular Destinations in Finland
Helsinki
Nature is never far in Helsinki. Locals swim in the sea, walk forested trails, and gather mushrooms or berries all within city limits. One popular local habit is heading to the sauna, and the city offers several open-to-the-public options. Löyly, located on the waterfront, combines traditional wood-burning saunas with a sleek, modern design. In winter, visitors can even pair a sauna session with a quick dip through a hole cut in the ice for an experience both shocking and strangely calming.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi, located just a few kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, is widely recognized as the official hometown of Santa Claus. From late August through early April, the Northern Lights are visible on clear nights, and several local guides offer nighttime tours to remote locations for optimal viewing. During summer, the sun doesn't set for weeks, giving travelers the rare chance to hike or kayak under a sky that stays bright at midnight.