Las Palmas (officially Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) is the capital of Gran Canaria island as well as co-capital (along with Santa Cruz de Tenerife) of the Canary Islands. It is a major cruise-ship port known for duty-free shopping and sandy beaches, including Playa de Las Canteras, considered by many to be one of the best urban beaches worldwide.
Discover the charm and history of Krems, Austria, a city nestled along the picturesque Danube River and the gateway to the enchanting Wachau Valley. With origins dating back to Roman times, Krems is a treasure trove of historical and cultural wonders.
Ballybunion is a coastal town in County Kerry on Ireland’s southwest coast, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for broad sandy beaches, high cliffs, sea caves, and a rocky shoreline shaped by the Atlantic. The town sits beside Ballybunion Beach, with the ruins of Ballybunion Castle standing on a headland above the coast.
Bandia Reserve is a private wildlife reserve in Senegal’s Thiès Region, located near the village of Bandia and within easy reach of Dakar, Mbour, and the resort area of Saly. Covering about 3,500 hectares, the reserve protects a landscape of dry savanna, thorny scrub, seasonal water sources, and large baobab trees.
Brønnøysund sits along the Helgeland coast in Norway, surrounded by islands, narrow straits, and open sea. The town serves as a natural gateway to this coastal landscape, where boats move between scattered islets and fishing communities. Its harbor remains central to daily life, with working vessels sharing space with coastal cruise ships that pass through on longer journeys. The setting offers constant change, as weather and light reshape the view from hour to hour.
Located roughly in the center of the country, Riobamba is one of Ecuador's largest cities and the starting point of the scenic train ride to Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose). The city has a strong indigenous presence, which lends itself well to the open-air artisan market, and plenty of opportunities for mountainous activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Quito
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.
Galapagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.