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.
Spitzkoppe, often referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia," is a stunning granite peak rising majestically from the desert floor, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. Located between Usakos and Swakopmund, this isolated mountain range, with its highest point standing at 1,728 meters, is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. The area is also rich in ancient San rock art, providing visitors with a glimpse into Namibia's prehistoric past.
Coa Valley lies in northeastern Portugal near the Douro River, in a landscape shaped by steep hills, schist cliffs, vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees. The area is best known for its open-air prehistoric rock engravings, spread across the banks of the Coa River and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Engelberg visitors can enjoy activities in all seasons. In winter, snow covers long ski runs, and slopes of all levels stretch down towards the valley. In warmer months, the same lifts take hikers to high meadows where paths lead past lakes and ridges with spectacular views. Down in the valley, the Brunni area has gentle slopes, a summer toboggan run, and even barefoot trails around quiet ponds, offering a different side of the Alps.
This is a city one could get lost in for days, exploring the old Ming Dynasty walls and wandering through its superb museum. If time permits, you should also take a walk through Linggu Park, home of the Linggu Pagoda and other items of Buddhist interest. Even just a casual walk through the streets-replete with food vendors and baskets of live geese-will help convey the unique flavor of this city.