Roscommon is a county town in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, surrounded by the rural landscapes of central Ireland. The town is known for its collection of historic buildings and its position within a wider countryside of lakes, rivers, woodland, and farmland. Roscommon Castle, a substantial medieval fortress, stands beside Loughnaneane Park, while Roscommon Abbey and the former gaol add further layers to the town’s architectural heritage.
Cut length wise by the Turkish/Greek border, the island of Cyprus leads two lives. The Turkish side is traditional and Islamic, while the Greek side is a very modern vacation destination.
Panajachel, on the shores of Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán, is a vibrant town framed by volcanic peaks and the shimmering waters of one of the world’s most picturesque lakes.
Punakaiki is a small coastal settlement on New Zealand’s South Island, located along the rugged West Coast within Paparoa National Park. It is widely recognized for its distinctive limestone formations and its position between dense rainforest and the Tasman Sea.
Oak Bluffs is a coastal town on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, facing Vineyard Sound on the island’s northeastern shore. It is known for its colorful Carpenter Gothic cottages, harbor, beaches, and long association with summer tourism. The town center developed around Circuit Avenue, while the waterfront includes Oak Bluffs Harbor and a public beach along the sound.
Tree-lined avenues, grand architecture, and the imperative to live well defines Bucharest, a bustling city that is rebounding and expanding. In the 1900s, this vibrant Romanian capital was nicknamed "Little Paris" and that jubilant, raise-a-glass spirit carries over to this day.
Travelers are advised to linger in historically-rich Bucharest, even if their future itinerary stop of Transylvania is beckoning. Those that do will be rewarded with 21st-century modernity and belle époque antiquity. Attractions include the gargantuan Palace of Parliament, the grand concert hall Romanian Athenaeum, King Mihai I Park, and the Arch of Triumph war memorial.
Other Popular Destinations in Romania
Braşov
Nestled in the heart of Romania, Brașov is a charming city that effortlessly blends medieval history with stunning natural beauty. Encircled by the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov's well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene make it a must-visit destination.
Sighisoara
Sighisoara rises above the Târnava Mare River as one of the few medieval citadels in Europe that is still lived in and admired today. Its historic center has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999, recognized for its long history as a fortified Saxon settlement and its role in trade and defense on the edges of central Europe. Wander through cobbled alleys framed by pastel-colored houses, and the layers of time feel close at hand, from the city walls and guild towers to busy cafés.