Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island of La Palma, one of the seven Canary Islands. Although often forgotten in favor of the similarly named Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is a compact and colorful colonial town well worth a visit. Swimming, paragliding, and hiking and some of the most popular daytime activities, while stargazing is a favorite pastime after the sun goes down.

Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.

León, Nicaragua serves as the country’s capital for more than two centuries and still feels like the intellectual and political heart of Nicaragua. The city is known for its revolutionary past, visible in murals that stretch across building walls, telling stories of resistance, poets, and everyday citizens. The Cathedral of León, the largest in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominates the central square.

Pinhão, nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, is a small town with a big reputation for its world-renowned port wine and stunning landscapes. Surrounded by terraced vineyards that cascade down to the banks of the Douro River, Pinhão is a paradise for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

A popular stop on river cruises down the Rhône, Tournon, France is a picturesque town south of Lyon. Despite its small size, this French ville is instantly charming. From historic buildings like the Château-Musée de Tournon and the Église Saint-Julien de Tournon, to the lush botanical splendor of the Jardin d’Eden, Tournon’s quaint beauty is guaranteed to enchant.