Marbella, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca mountains, is often associated with its luxury resorts and famous marina, Puerto Banús. But beyond the polished storefronts and designer yachts, the city has a layered past. Its old town, known as Casco Antiguo, is a well-preserved network of narrow streets built during Moorish rule, with whitewashed buildings, flower-filled balconies, and hidden plazas like Plaza de los Naranjos, which dates back to the 15th century.
Prizren, nestled in the picturesque valley of the Sharr Mountains in Kosovo, is a city where history and culture converge in a remarkably scenic setting. Known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, Prizren offers a rich tapestry of historical sites, including the iconic Sinan Pasha Mosque and the ancient Kaljaja Fortress, which overlooks the city from its commanding hilltop.
Perched on the northern coast of Spain, A Coruña (or La Coruña) is a captivating city with a rich maritime heritage and scenic beauty. Dominated by its iconic lighthouse, the Torre de Hércules, which is the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world, A Coruña offers a unique glimpse into ancient engineering.
Jerash is reached by a short drive (29 miles, 47km) north of Amman and is an ancient Graeco-Roman city, once known as Gerasa. It has been dubbed the 'Pompeii of the East', because of its extraordinary state of preservation. Jerash is a vast city, which flourished in the centuries immediately preceding and following the Christian era.
Niigata sits along the Sea of Japan on Honshu’s west coast, a place where long winters and bright summers shape its traditions and flavors. For centuries this region has produced some of Japan’s finest rice, especially the Uonuma Koshihikari variety known for its rich taste and texture. That quality rice helps make Niigata sake famous across the country, and visitors can sample more than 90 local brews at tasting spots such as Ponshukan inside Niigata Station.
Traditional pirogues rest beside a mangrove-lined waterway in Makasutu Culture Forest.
Photo Credit: Mark Hodson Photos
Dense mangrove roots line a tidal creek within Makasutu Culture Forest.
Photo Credit: Jan Kruithof/tjabeljan
Floating lodges reflect in the still waters of Makasutu’s mangrove landscape at twilight.
Photo Credit: Forbes Johnston
Discover Makasutu Culture Forest, a privately managed nature reserve near Brikama where palm groves, hardwood woodland, savanna and mangrove-lined creeks form one of The Gambia’s most varied natural settings. Guided forest walks and peaceful canoe journeys offer opportunities to observe abundant birdlife and other wildlife, while local guides introduce visitors to traditional crafts, music, dance and palm-sap harvesting. Blending nature, culture and community, Makasutu provides an immersive look at the landscapes and traditions of The Gambia.
Other Popular Destinations in The Gambia
Banjul
Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, is located on St. Mary’s Island at the mouth of the Gambia River, giving it a unique waterfront setting.
Tanjeh
Tanjeh, also known as Tanji, is a coastal fishing village in The Gambia’s West Coast Region, facing the Atlantic Ocean south of the main tourist area. The settlement is known for its working fishing beach, where traditional wooden pirogues bring in catches from the sea and fish are sorted, sold, smoked, or dried.