Marsala is a coastal city in western Sicily with a long history shaped by trade, conquest, and winemaking. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 4th century BCE, it later passed through Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish hands, each leaving traces in the city’s layout and culture.
Raise a glass and toast Würzburg, an enchanting, Franconian wine-producing area on the Main River, and one of Germany's oldest cities. Wine bars and cellars abound here, but there's also plenty of wonderful history and striking Baroque and rococo architecture to behold.
Two thousand years have left their mark in Bonn, tracing its development from a Roman camp into the settlement known as "Villa Basilica," and on through the Baroque era's Electoral Palace, which today houses the University.
Bastia, located on the northeastern coast of Corsica, is a city where coastal scenery and centuries of history meet at every turn. Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, it serves as the island’s main port and a lively gateway for travelers arriving by ferry. Its old harbor, Vieux Port, is a highlight lined with tall, weathered houses in soft, faded colors, fishing boats bobbing in the water, and waterfront cafés that capture the steady rhythm of local life.
Karpathos is marked by the peculiar Karpathian houses, built of carved stone, full of embroidery and characteristic interior decorations. From Pigadia you may visit Kyra Panagia, a picturesque bay with a marvelous beach and a monastery of the same name. A little further, on the northern promontory of Karpathos, lies the Diafani village; on the nearby little island of Saria we see Palatia, with ruins of the ancient city of Nisyros.
Photo Credit: Photo by Shefaali rafeeq on Unsplash
Travelers on the Arabian Sea often find themselves in Muscat, on the Gulf of Oman. This port capital is situated between ocean and mountains, and boasts lovely beaches, great diving sites (watch for turtles!), 16th-century forts, and the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which can hold 20,000 people. To get a dose of Omani culture, Bait Al Zubair Museum holds local artifacts, while Royal Opera House Muscat is a center of performing arts. Additionally, you can shop for enticing goods at Mutrah Souq, a famous bazaar.
Other Popular Destinations in Oman
Nizwa
In the heart of Oman lies Nizwa, a city once considered the country’s capital and a hub of learning and trade. Its iconic round fort, built in the 17th century, remains one of Oman’s most visited landmarks.
Salalah
Salalah stands out with its rare blend of desert and tropical appeal. Unlike much of the Arabian Peninsula, this coastal city is transformed by the seasonal Khareef (monsoon), turning the landscape lush and green between June and September.