With it's tranquil blue waters, 28 miles of beaches and some nine miles of coves, the Bay of Roses has been ranked one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Tempted by this harbor, the Greeks came in the 5th century BC to set up a commercial village. Various settlement remains can still be seen, including the monastery of Santa Maria. Other top sights include the 16th-century Castell de la Trinitat and the Dolmen de la Creu d’en Cobertella, the largest megalithic monument in Catalonia.
Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a handsome 18th-century city with stately buildings, broad avenues and historic public squares. Highlights include the majestic gate known as Porte de Bourgogne, the stained glass windows of Bordeaux Cathedral, the 12th-century Romanesque basilica and the impressive Hôtel de Ville, or City Hall. But no visit to Bordeaux is complete without an acknowledgment of what makes this region of France known worldwide – wine! Wine lovers everywhere will recognize appellations such as Pauillac, St. Emilion, Margaux and Sauternes.
The Samaná peninsula is the Dominican Republic’s natural treasure, a region of verdant mountains, waterfalls, a beautiful bay and miles of pristine beaches. The port town of Santa Bárbara de Samaná overlooks Samaná Bay, where the annual winter gathering of thousands of Atlantic humpback whales is the top attraction. At the bay’s western end, Los Haitises National Park preserves and protects a diverse collection of subtropical plants and birds amid the forests and mangroves. Samaná’s famous beaches are on the northern coast along the Atlantic.
Nestled at the foot of the world’s highest coastal mountain range, Santa Marta was founded in 1525 and is the oldest inhabited city in Colombia. Likewise, the city’s whitewashed cathedral claims to be the country’s oldest church. The Museo del Oro tells the even earlier history of the region’s indigenous people, who were skilled goldsmiths, as well as the story of Spanish colonization. The story continues with Simón Bolívar, the “Great Liberator,” who led Colombia and other South American countries to independence from Spain.
A jewel of Newfoundland's breathtaking west coast, Bonne Bay is surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gros Morne National Park, exhibiting unparalleled diversity of habitat and stunning views of both the ocean and mountains. Within the park are the Tablelands, an astounding geological site nearly a half-billion years old, where continental drift has caused deep ocean crust and rocks of the earth's mantle to lie exposed.
The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is a big, energetic city with a vibrant urban culture. At its heart is the walled Zona Colonial, a compact district of cobblestone streets and graceful plazas lined with incredible heritage architecture, some dating to the early 1500s. Sights include the Catedral Primada de América, the ruins of the San Francisco monastery, and the original Spanish-built fortifications, as well as museums, shops and eateries.
Although Tobago straddles the border of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, the island feels quintessentially Caribbean thanks to its laid-back, carefree vibe. In the capital of Scarborough, the locals may bustle through the central market and esplanade, which are worth a stroll to shop for authentic souvenirs, but just outside of town the pace of life relaxes. The golden, palm-lined beaches along the island’s many bays are perfect for sunning, swimming and “liming” – the local slang for relaxing with friends.
A narrow inlet lined with towering limestone cliffs, the approach to Bonifacio on the French island of Corsica is breathtaking. Napoleon Bonaparte was born here a year after the island transferred to the French from the Genoese, who established the town in the 12th century. Italian influence remains strong to this day. Connected by a staircase built into the cliffs in the 15th century, the town consists of the Lower Town near the port and the Upper Town, where the 9th-century citadel dominates.
Only small ships and yachts can access the harbor of Sète, which is one reason this enchanting French port has retained its many charms. The birthplace of numerous artists, including poet Paul Valéry and singer-songwriter Georges Brassens, Sète has a rich artistic heritage and its museums pay tribute. Colorfully painted façades line the town’s canals, which include the northeastern entrance to the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site linking the Mediterranean and Atlantic through southern France. Several other UNESCO sites nearby compete for attention.
