The Mediterranean Sea is more than a body of water, it’s a living crossroads of civilizations, flavors, and landscapes. Stretching across three continents and touching over 20 countries, it has been a stage for ancient empires, maritime trade, and cultural exchange for thousands of years. From the sun-drenched shores of southern Spain to the whitewashed villages of the Greek islands, each coastline tells a different story.

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and a highland city set at the foot of the Entoto Mountains. Its elevated setting gives the city a relatively cool climate compared with much of the country, while broad avenues, busy neighborhoods, green hills, and expanding modern districts create a varied urban landscape. Addis Ababa is also the headquarters of the African Union and hosts numerous international organizations, giving it an important diplomatic role across the continent.

Langebaan is a coastal town in South Africa’s Western Cape, set along the eastern shore of Langebaan Lagoon about 120 kilometres north of Cape Town.

Ahuachapán is a city in western El Salvador and the capital of the department of the same name. It sits near the foothills of the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range, an area known for highland coffee farms, volcanic landscapes, and the route connecting several towns along the Ruta de las Flores. The city itself has a historic center with traditional architecture, plazas, churches, and pedestrian areas.

Bali, an island province of Indonesia, has been shaped by centuries of Hindu influence, volcanic activity, and a deep connection between daily life and ritual. The island’s temples are a major part of its landscape as more than 20,000 exist across Bali. One of the most visited is Uluwatu Temple, perched dramatically on a cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean.