Les Anses-d’Arlet, a charming fishing village on Martinique’s southern coast, is known for its picture-perfect blend of Caribbean warmth and local tradition. Its centerpiece is a white-sand beach backed by brightly painted houses and the landmark Church of St. Henry, whose steeple aligns beautifully with the sea when viewed from the pier.
Madeira, an archipelago off the coast of Portugal, is often referred to as the “Island of Eternal Spring” due to its mild climate and lush landscapes. Funchal, its vibrant capital, is a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets of the old town, marvel at the Gothic-style Sé Cathedral, and stroll through the colorful Mercado dos Lavradores, where local farmers sell fresh produce, exotic flowers, and the island’s famous wine.
Norway offers a landscape shaped by glaciers, framed by fjords, and steeped in Viking history. The country's coastline stretches for over 100,000 kilometers if you count every inlet and island, which makes it one of the longest in the world. Travelers can take a ferry through the Geirangerfjord or cruise along the Lofoten Islands, where steep mountain peaks rise dramatically from the sea. These routes aren’t just scenic; they’ve been lifelines for coastal communities for centuries.
What sets Kaikōura apart are the extraordinary marine encounters that begin just off the shoreline. The Kaikōura Canyon, an underwater gorge that plunges to great depths close to land, creates currents rich with nutrients that attract a remarkable array of sea life year-round. Sperm whales are a common sight here and are frequently spotted on local boat tours. Dusky dolphins twist and leap in large pods, and colonies of New Zealand fur seals laze on rocky outcrops along the coast.
Cat Island, one of the more unspoiled Out Islands of The Bahamas, is a destination that feels worlds away from the busier resort hubs. Stretching about 50 miles long, the island is lined with pink-sand beaches, rolling green hills, and quiet fishing villages where time seems to stand still.
Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, showcases the country’s contrasting landscapes and deep-rooted history. Although much of the city was rebuilt after World War II, traces of its Roman and Ottoman past still remain. Visitors can explore the ruins of Doclea, a Roman settlement just outside the city, where surviving columns and mosaics give a glimpse into life nearly two millennia ago.
Photo Credit: Photo by Walker Mangum from Wikimedia
Loblolly Beach
Photo Credit: Photo by Kathleen Tyler Conklin from Wikimedia
The only coral island in the archipelago, Anegada is one of the British Virgin Islands and best known for its secluded beaches, extensive salt ponds, and nearly flat elevation which gave rise to the name Tierra Anegada, Spanish for "flooded land."
Although sparsely populated, Anegada's economy is based primarily on tourism, and secondly on commercial fishing. Visitors will find a number of rare or endangered species here: the Anegada rock iguana, Caribbean lobster, the loblolly tree, frangipani, feathery sea lavender and wild orchids.
Offshore, the 18-mile Horseshoe Reef is one of the world's largest coral reefs, making navigation difficult and causing numerous shipwrecks over the years.
Other Popular Destinations in Virgin Islands
St. Thomas
St. Thomas, the gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and Caribbean charm. Its capital, Charlotte Amalie, features a waterfront lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic forts such as Fort Christian, which offer glimpses into the island’s Danish colonial past.
Tortola Island
Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, beckons travelers with its idyllic beaches and vibrant culture. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Tortola offers crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and a range of outdoor activities. Cane Garden Bay, one of the island’s most famous beaches, is renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.