Fianarantsoa is a hilltop city in Madagascar’s central highlands and the capital of Haute Matsiatra region. Its name means “place of good learning,” reflecting the city’s long association with education and religious institutions. Built across a series of hills, Fianarantsoa overlooks valleys filled with rice fields, farmland, and scattered villages.
The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, offer far more than just sunshine and beaches. Made up of eight main islands, each with its own personality, the Canaries are a place where lunar landscapes, cloud forests, volcanic peaks, and historic towns coexist within short travel distances. On Tenerife, Mount Teide looms over a landscape of solidified lava and craters that look like a science fiction set.
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.
Broadbeach is one of the fastest growing resort style shopping areas on the Gold Coast and has three major shopping areas; Pacific Fair, Oasis on Broadbeach, and the Pan Pacific and Conrad International Hotels - which are linked across the Gold Coast highway by monorail. The Cascade Water Gardens offer visitors an ideal picnic spot with free electric barbecues, children's playground, canal fishing and band rotunda - which offers free entertainment on the first Sunday of every month.
Barca d'Alva sits quietly along the Douro River, right at Portugal’s eastern border with Spain. Once the final stop on the historic Douro railway line, this riverside village remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. The surrounding landscape filled with terraced vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees form part of the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Wine Region.
Liepāja is a coastal city in western Latvia, positioned between the Baltic Sea and Lake Liepāja. Its identity has long been shaped by the sea, port activity, industry, and music, while the city center contains a notable collection of wooden and Art Nouveau buildings. A broad sandy beach stretches along the coast, separated from the urban area by the large Seaside Park.
Photo Credit: Photo by Nicole Almendrada on Unsplash
San Antonio, a coastal city in central Chile, offers a delightful blend of maritime charm and cultural vibrancy. Known for its bustling port and picturesque waterfront, San Antonio provides a gateway to the scenic beauty of the Chilean coast. The city's port is one of the most important in the country, making it a hub of activity and a key spot for experiencing Chile's maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the Port of San Antonio, where they can observe the busy workings of one of Chile's largest ports and enjoy the surrounding coastal views.
The city's lively Mercado de San Antonio is a must-visit destination. This bustling market offers an array of fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables, reflecting the rich agricultural and marine resources of the region. Here, visitors can savor local specialties such as fresh ceviche and empanadas, experiencing the authentic flavors of Chilean cuisine. The market is also a vibrant place to witness daily life and interact with local vendors.
In addition to its maritime and culinary attractions, San Antonio is close to the beautiful beaches of the Algarrobo region, where visitors can relax on sandy shores and enjoy the mild Pacific waters. Algarrobo Beach and San Alfonso del Mar, renowned for its vast swimming pool, are particularly popular among those seeking a seaside retreat. The area offers opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports.
A fun fact about San Antonio is that it is near the famous "San Alfonso del Mar" pool, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest swimming pool in the world, stretching over 1,013 meters in length. Whether you're interested in maritime history, local cuisine, or simply soaking up the sun, San Antonio provides a delightful and diverse experience for all visitors.
Other Popular Destinations in Chile
Santiago
Flanked by the Chilean Coast Range and the snowy Andes, Chile's largest metropolis offers a dazzling array of sights and attractions for visitors to pursue. Mirrored skyscrapers, 16th-century churches, hip cafes, dance clubs... and did we mention the delicious Chilean cuisine?
San Pedro De Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in northern Chile, sits at over 2,400 meters above sea level in one of the most geologically diverse areas on Earth. Surrounded by volcanoes, salt flats, geysers, and ancient lava flows, it has long served as a gateway to the Atacama Desert. This desert is the driest non-polar place in the world, where some weather stations have never recorded rainfall.