Évora, in Portugal’s Alentejo region, feels like stepping into a story that spans more than two thousand years. Its Historic Centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason with its ancient walls, homes with wrought-iron balconies, and narrow streets quietly preserve traces of Roman, Moorish, and medieval life. Beyond architecture and monuments, Évora reveals lesser-known treasures that reward exploration.
Simon’s Town is a coastal town on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, overlooking False Bay and located about 35 kilometres from central Cape Town. The town is closely associated with the sea, with a working harbour, naval facilities, historic buildings, beaches, and a long maritime tradition. Its sheltered position on False Bay helped establish it as an important harbour, while its setting between the mountains and ocean gives it a distinctive landscape.
Concepción de Ataco is a mountain town in western El Salvador, located in the department of Ahuachapán along the Ruta de las Flores. At about 1,260 meters above sea level, it sits among forested hills and coffee plantations, giving the area a cooler climate than the country's lowlands. The town is known for cobblestone streets, colorful murals, traditional buildings, craft workshops, and small cafés.
Castries, St. Lucia's capital and a busy port city, is an idyllic Caribbean wonderland. Tourists will find craft and fruit markets, photo-ready murals and a general cozy charm here. One must-do activity is getting to the top Morne Fortune (Hill of Good Luck) to drink in the lovely panoramic views. Be sure to visit the museum at Derek Walcott Square, and soak up the sun on Vigie Beach!
Photo Credit: Photo by Women Travel Abroad on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Jihad Houari on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Tomasz Anusiewicz on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Tomasz Anusiewicz on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Zoltan Rakottyai on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Kristijan Nikodinovski on Unsplash
A series of gates surrounds the two centers of ancient, medieval Fez (sometimes spelled Fes). The principal axes link the center to the gates and a street surrounds the heart of the old city. The Kairouan quarter, which is longer, is crossed by an artery. Narrow, tortuous pedestrian streets, covered passages, stairs and numerous dead-ends make up the dense layout with few urban squares. One can still see the religious and military monument reflecting the heyday of the Moorish city, and the intellectual enlightenment of the Islamic city. The twin cities have not lost their individual characters.
Other Popular Destinations in Morocco
Marrakesh
Marrakesh, a vibrant jewel in the heart of Morocco, is a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern allure. Known as the "Red City" for its rose-hued buildings and walls, Marrakesh offers a sensory experience unlike any other. The city’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, bustling souks, and hidden courtyards.
Casablanca
Islamic and French influences blend together in charming Casablanca, Morocco’s iconic coastal city. Frequently used as a port for Spanish and Mediterranean cruises, Casablanca lies halfway between Marrakesh and Fes and is the perfect entryway for exploring the rest of Morocco.