Marbella, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca mountains, is often associated with its luxury resorts and famous marina, Puerto Banús. But beyond the polished storefronts and designer yachts, the city has a layered past. Its old town, known as Casco Antiguo, is a well-preserved network of narrow streets built during Moorish rule, with whitewashed buildings, flower-filled balconies, and hidden plazas like Plaza de los Naranjos, which dates back to the 15th century.
Batalha, a small town in central Portugal, is steeped in history and home to one of the country’s most magnificent monuments, the Batalha Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. I
Swakopmund, on Namibia’s Atlantic coast, is a town where desert meets ocean in striking contrast. Founded by German colonists in the late 19th century, its streets are lined with colonial-era buildings painted in pastel colors, giving the town a distinctly European feel.
Monkey Mia, located within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area on the western coast of Australia, is a serene paradise known for its world-famous wild dolphin encounters. This remote coastal gem, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, invites visitors to experience up-close interactions with bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. For over 50 years, these dolphins have made daily visits to Monkey Mia’s shores, creating a unique tradition that brings awe to travelers.
Caracas, (ke-rä´kes), located in Northern Venezuela, is the capital and largest city of Venezuela. An extremely cosmopolitan city, it is a major industrial center, shipping through the nearby Caribbean port of La Guaira.
New London, city, New London County, southeastern Connecticut, on the Thames River near its mouth on Long Island Sound; incorporated as a city 1784. It is an industrial city and summer resort and has a deepwater port and an airport. Major manufactures include submarines, pharmaceuticals, printed materials, and chemicals.
Other Popular Destinations in Connecticut
Mystic
Mystic, Connecticut, is a small town with a big story, one shaped by shipbuilders, sea captains, and centuries of maritime tradition. Once a bustling shipbuilding center during the 18th and 19th centuries, Mystic still carries the soul of a working seaport. Today, visitors can explore its nautical past at the Mystic Seaport Museum, home to America’s last wooden whaleship, the *Charles W. Morgan*.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Connecticut, offers visitors a fascinating mix of historical significance, cultural diversity, and coastal charm. As the largest city in the state, Bridgeport is known for its rich industrial past and vibrant waterfront. One of the must-visit spots is Seaside Park, a stunning 325-acre public park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same visionary behind New York’s Central Park.