Exhilarating Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant South American destination and cultural capital, abounds with iconic landmarks, beaches, and attractions. Christ the Redeemer, the hundred-foot mosaic statue atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooks the glittering coastline and is instantly recognizable, having become an enduring symbol of the city itself. Its arms stretching wide, the prominent figure beckons you to explore this inviting locale.
Framed by an array of tropical flowers, "miniature" houses painted in a pastel palette will enchant you. But, a splash of watercolors is all you'll see as you zip by on a moped. It won't be long before you find the perfect spot for a beach picnic and afternoon of snorkeling.
Bad Gastein is a mountain spa town in the Gastein Valley of Salzburg province, set at about 1,000 meters above sea level within the Hohe Tauern region. The town is built on steep slopes around the Gasteiner Ache, with historic buildings rising above the valley and mountains surrounding the settlement. Its most distinctive feature is the Gastein Waterfall, which drops through the center of town in three stages.
Saint-Malo, a captivating walled city on the coast of Brittany, France, invites visitors to step back in time while embracing the beauty of the rugged coastline. Known for its rich maritime history, this former pirate stronghold has retained its medieval charm, with narrow cobblestone streets, towering granite walls, and fortifications that echo tales of seafaring adventures.
Located roughly in the center of the country, Riobamba is one of Ecuador's largest cities and the starting point of the scenic train ride to Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose). The city has a strong indigenous presence, which lends itself well to the open-air artisan market, and plenty of opportunities for mountainous activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
The Costa Brava coastal region, in northeastern Spain, offers excellent beaches and a typical Mediterranean climate, making it an enticing holiday destination. While parts of the Costa Brava coastline have been exploited by large-scale tourist developments, other areas have retained their traditional roots.
The Gulf of Roses along with its eponymous town is one such tourist center, an important fishing port, and boasts some of the best beaches along the Costa Brava as well as plenty of shops, restaurants, nightlife and sports activities.
Another popular port is Palamos, which offers swimming, sailing and windsurfing. Its main claim to fame is the locally caught prawns from Palamos.
Other Popular Destinations in Spain
Barcelona
To visit Barcelona is to embrace both the past and the future. There is much to do and see in this cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, from medieval structures to beaches to UNESCO Heritage Sites by Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Doménech i Montaner.
Seville
Must-sees in Seville include the landmark palace Royal Alcázar of Seville, the Gothic, bell-towered Catedral de Sevilla, and Plaza de España, an architectural marvel with Moorish, Baroque and Renaissance influences. Meanwhile, Museo del Baile Flamenco is the place to learn about flamenco dancing culture.