Sliema is a coastal town on Malta’s northeastern shore, facing Valletta across Marsamxett Harbour. Once a small fishing community, it has developed into one of Malta’s main residential, commercial, and waterfront areas. The coastline is lined with apartment buildings, hotels, cafés, shops, and a long promenade that follows the rocky shore toward neighboring St Julian’s. Views across the water include Valletta’s fortified skyline, the domes and bastions of the historic capital, and the entrances
Alicante, a captivating coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, enchants visitors with its blend of rich history, Mediterranean charm, and vibrant nightlife. Dominated by the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle perched on Mount Benacantil, the city offers sweeping views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and the bustling streets below.
Bakkagerði is a small village in Borgarfjörður Eystri on Iceland’s remote east coast, surrounded by steep mountains, narrow valleys, and the North Atlantic. The village serves as the main settlement and service center for the fjord, with a small harbor and colorful houses scattered beneath the surrounding peaks. Its isolated location gives Bakkagerði a strong connection to the landscape and to traditional rural life.
Akita sits in the northern part of Japan’s Tōhoku region and offers travelers experiences rooted in long-held traditions, lively festivals, and scenic valleys. Its capital city blends seasonal appeal with cultural offerings, from Senshu Park, once the site of Kubota Castle, where cherry blossoms and lotuses draw locals and visitors alike, to the Akita Museum of Art, a striking building designed by famed architect Tadao Ando that displays works including pieces by Tsuguharu Foujita.
Espiritu Santo, one of the largest islands of Vanuatu off the east coast of Australia, is a popular destination for divers. Famous Champagne Beach, as one might guess from the name, offers crystal clear waters and powdery white sands, while the western side of the island is dotted with caves to explore and reefs team with marine life just offshore.
Other Popular Destinations in Vanuatu
Port Vila
Port Vila, the vibrant capital of Vanuatu, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and relaxed island charm. Nestled on the southern coast of Efate Island, Port Vila is renowned for its picturesque harbor, lush landscapes, and bustling market scene. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture at the Port Vila Market, where colorful stalls brim with fresh produce, handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional island fare.
Inyeug
Inyeug, more commonly known as Mystery Island, is a tiny, uninhabited islet off the coast of Aneityum in Vanuatu’s southernmost province. Measuring just 1.5 kilometers long, the island is completely free of roads, shops, and electricity. What it offers instead is pure seclusion and untouched beauty. Cruise ships often anchor offshore, bringing day visitors to its white-sand beaches and shallow coral lagoons, but once they depart, the island returns to stillness.