region

Building on its historic roots and traditions, modern-day Dublin has grown into one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in Europe. Once the muse of literary legends like Joyce, Beckett, Shaw and Wilde, Dublin has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature. The city’s ties to great manuscripts far predate those authors, as you can witness in the Old Library of Trinity College where the hand-illuminated 9th-century Book of Kells is displayed. Countless other icons of literature and history are housed in the National Library and National Museums, and the city’s spirituality comes alive in St.

One of Ireland’s most beautiful and best-kept secrets is the historic seaside port of Cobh. Rows of multicolored houses slope down to one of the world’s largest natural harbors as St. Colman’s Cathedral rises majestically above. After exploring the walkable town, head up the coast to lively Cork, one of Ireland’s largest and most vibrant cities. Here you’ll find another must-visit church, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, which takes your breath away with its soaring arches and grand chambers illuminated through intricate stained-glass windows.

Less than 25 miles from the Arctic Circle, at the mouth of the fjord that lent this former fishing mecca its name, sits the colorful town of Siglufjörður. Once the fishing capital of Iceland – and the herring capital of the world – the Siglufjörður of today is a welcoming town embraced by beautiful snowcapped peaks. The glaciated mountains and sandy black shores make for fabulous hiking, as the scenic beauty of the area is its greatest draw.

Known for its dramatic landscapes, Ísafjörður is the largest municipality in the Westfjords peninsula, a territory as rugged as it is beautiful and as dense with nature as it is sparse with people. A haven for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and birdwatching, Ísafjörður has its roots in the fishing industry, which remains an important part of the local economy. This means you’ll definitely want to stop into a local restaurant to try the day’s fresh catch.

The charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður sits on on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula backed by snowcapped mountains in the distance. In the foreground just across the water stands the town’s landmark, Mount Kirkjufell, rising from the bay. The most photographed scene here is the picturesque waterfall nearby with the solitary, striated peak as a backdrop. A scenic coastal drive takes you to Snæfellsjökull National Park, named for the glacier-crowned stratovolcano at its center.

The only town in Iceland that belongs to Cittaslow – an organization that emphasizes the preservation of natural and cultural heritage and the promotion of local food culture – the tiny community of Djúpivogur welcomes visitors with warm hospitality. Founded as a trading post in the 16th century, the town gets its name from the “deep cove” that provides excellent natural harbor conditions for fishing. Learn more in the cultural museum of Langabúð, housed in the town’s oldest building.

Cosmopolitan in culture, architecture and energy, Thessaloniki has the feel of a big city with the charm and ambience of a much smaller town. Roman, Venetian and Ottoman civilizations have all left their mark here, and the influences of former empires are evident in fifteen UNESCO World Heritage sites, including churches, monasteries and baths spanning the 4th to the 14th centuries. The city’s gastronomy is likewise diverse and well regarded.

A cable car ride to the top of Mont Faron provides the perfect orientation to Toulon with 360-degree views of the city and its environs. Then descend to the scenic waterfront for a stroll along La Rade, where palm-fringed sidewalks are lined with brasseries and bistros serving classics like mussels and fries or ratatouille, each dish paired perfectly with a local Provence rosé.

The capital and largest city of Finland, Helsinki is a rich cultural hub filled with museums, galleries and theaters, including the Ateneum’s collection of nearly 30,000 masterpieces of visual art. When Russia took control of Finland from Sweden in the 19th century, Helsinki was rebuilt with a neoclassical city center featuring handsome boulevards, plentiful parks and expansive squares with spectacular architecture, most notably Senate Square.

While you may not associate beaches with Norway, the resort town of Kristiansand proudly welcomes locals and vacationers to its Blue Flag beach of Bystranda. In another unexpected juxtaposition, Kristiansand is also known for its ice cream shops and beer pubs. In this easily walkable city, a stroll in any direction reveals cultural treasures and natural beauty. An impressive example of modern design, the Kilden Performing Arts Center overlooks the scenic waterfront and the prominent red roof of the Christiansholm Fortress.