Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, where ancient temples stand alongside colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers. Originally known as Madras, the city grew around Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company in 1644. One of Chennai’s most well-known features is Marina Beach, which stretches for over 13 kilometers and is among the longest urban beaches in the world.

Nestled along the stunning Sognefjord in Norway, the charming town of Olden offers a gateway to some of Scandinavia’s most breathtaking landscapes. This picturesque settlement is renowned for its proximity to the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier in mainland Europe.

Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm, located on the island’s western coast along the Baltic Sea. Its historic center combines narrow streets, low timber-framed houses, and small squares with a working harbor that remains important to local transport and fishing. The town is also a practical starting point for exploring Bornholm, with roads and cycle routes connecting it to the island’s forests, cliffs, beaches, and villages.

Ourika Valley lies south of Marrakesh in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, following the Ourika River through a narrow valley of villages, orchards, terraced fields, and steep mountain slopes. The valley is known for its relatively cool climate and access to the Atlas foothills, making it a marked contrast to the dry plains around Marrakesh. Small settlements extend along the river and up the surrounding slopes, where traditional houses are often built from earth and stone.

St. Paul’s Bay is a coastal town in northern Malta that stretches around a broad, indented section of the island’s northeastern shoreline. The area includes the neighborhoods of Bugibba, Qawra, and the original fishing settlement around St. Paul’s Bay itself. Its waterfront combines rocky shores, small bathing areas, marinas, promenades, and commercial streets filled with cafés and restaurants.