Lucca, a Tuscan city surrounded by remarkably intact Renaissance walls, offers more than just postcard views. Known for its quiet streets and grand piazzas, Lucca stands apart with its circular street layout, still following the lines of a Roman amphitheater from centuries ago. The walls, now repurposed as a 4-kilometer tree-lined park, are a favorite route for locals and visitors who explore them on foot or by bike, passing old bastions and panoramic viewpoints along the way.
Lahemaa National Park is a large protected area on Estonia’s northern coast, facing the Gulf of Finland and combining forests, wetlands, rocky shores, sandy beaches, and small islands. It is Estonia’s oldest and largest national park, with landscapes that change noticeably between the coast and the inland forests. The park also protects cultural heritage, including traditional fishing villages, historic manor estates, and old farm landscapes.
San Giovanni Rotondo, placed on the peak of Gargano, is an ideal place to spend, in spiritual serenity, a healthy vacation, far away from the frenetic daily life.
Antipaxos is a small Ionian island southeast of Paxos, separated from its larger neighbor by a short boat journey from Gaios. Covering roughly 4.5 square kilometers, it has a gently rolling landscape of vineyards, olive groves, pine trees, and low Mediterranean vegetation. The island has no large settlement and is known mainly for its beaches, particularly Voutoumi and Vrika, where white sand or pale pebbles meet clear blue-green water.
Waikiki, located on the island of Oahu, is a world-renowned destination that perfectly captures the spirit of Hawaii. Known for its iconic crescent-shaped beach, warm turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife, Waikiki is where Hawaiian royalty once surfed and relaxed, and it remains a hotspot for both relaxation and adventure today.
Replete with windmills and old-world charm, the village of Kinderdijk lies east of Rotterdam on the Lek River and is a popular stop for European river cruises. Home to the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands, Kinderdijk was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Take a tour inside one of the three molens (Dutch for "windmill") which now serve as museums, or simply sail the river for a spectacular view of this iconic landmark. Laten we gaan!
Other Popular Destinations in Netherlands
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the 17th century capital of Holland, is often called the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous, boat-navigable canals. Truly rich in history, the oldest part of this populous, multicultural city is Sloten, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Rotterdam
If you find yourself in Rotterdam, there's a strong chance you've arrived by water. This popular port city (the second largest in the Netherlands) has gone through an architectural renaissance since World War II, with daring, innovative structures dotting the city (cube houses!) and defining its skyline. Café culture is on the rise here, so grab yourself a table and a cup.