The friendly village of Invergordon is your gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Visit Cawdor Castle, built in the 14th century and considered one of the most stately homes in the Highlands. The founding family, the Thanes of Cawdor, live there to this day. Next up is Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Sutherland and one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland, featuring stunning formal gardens that run down to the sea.
One of Europe's favorite playgrounds, Ibiza boasts more than 100 miles of coastline frosted with exquisite beaches. It's a hub of sun worship, white sand, beach bars and clubs that buzz all night. And there's history too. The fortified Old Town, known as Dalt Vila, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a spectacular example of Renaissance military architecture. Carrer del Calvari leads to Portal Nou, the entrance through the old city walls, and a walk up the hill reveals panoramic views of the city.
Super yachts crowd the harbor and waterside bars hum with wealthy vacationers and young partiers in this posh island getaway with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. The island of Hvar is famous for its lavender fields, vineyards, year-round sunshine and nonstop nightlife, but it’s also rich in culture and history. Near the harbor stands a Benedictine convent where nuns fashion lace as part of a 150-year-old tradition recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Situated where the Seine estuary meets the English Channel, Honfleur has been an important port of trade and defense for centuries. Tall, narrow buildings line cobblestone streets in the Vieux Bassin, the historic harbor, and attract Parisians on summer weekends. Look up for the 15th-century wooden spire of the Église Saint-Étienne, the oldest church in town and now a maritime museum. Contrast it with the Église Sainte-Catherine, built entirely of wood by the town’s shipbuilders. Honfleur has a long tradition of inspiring artists in the impressionist school.
Just across the strait from Denmark, the coastal Swedish city of Helsingborg has earned a reputation as the friendliest city in Sweden. The city’s most prominent landmark is Kärnan Castle, built by the Danes in the 1300s and destroyed in 1679. All that remains is a defensive tower that looms over the city. Also worth visiting is Sofiero Castle, which lies in one of Europe’s most beautiful parks and was once the summer getaway for Swedish royalty. There are handsome Gothic churches, a Neo-Gothic Town Hall and even impressive contemporary buildings, all easy to see on foot.
The largest of the Westman Islands off the Icelandic coast, Heimaey is best known for a volcanic eruption in 1973 from a previously unknown fissure that rained ash and lava and changed the landscape forever. A heroic effort was made to save the town – and the valuable frozen fish stock stored at the pier – by pouring seawater on the molten lava. This slowed the red-hot lava’s march toward the sea, and all residents were able to escape. In time, residents were able to return and rebuild the community, now situated amidst the lush landscape of volcanic peaks.
A major economic center of Atlantic Canada, Halifax is also all about culture and scenery. And history. And shopping. And food. Active travelers will enjoy a hike along nearby Peggy's Cove to see the iconic lighthouse, or a Segway tour through Halifax proper, or even a kayak through the harbor. With miles of coastline, Halifax has some of the best views in Nova Scotia, and the national historic site of Halifax Citadel is one of the best places to take in these scenic vistas.
St. Barthélemy – better known as St. Barth – represents a special brand of Caribbean luxury. Exclusive yet unpretentious, its barefoot elegance is distinctly Gallic in style. Around a scenic harbor filled with yachts and sailboats, the tidy capital of Gustavia is a chic mix of designer boutiques, galleries, and fine restaurants serving elevated French-Caribbean cuisine.
On the island of Grand Turk, it’s all about the gorgeous beaches – and the impossibly clear waters surrounding them. The sea starts shallow at the shore and ever so gradually deepens, which creates a spectacular spectrum of every shade of blue imaginable. Step off your yacht, stroll right onto the beach and relax on the pearly white sands. There are also excellent snorkeling and diving spots around the island, including the offshore coral reefs and Gibbs Cay, where you can swim with friendly stingrays.
Gothenburg, located on Sweden’s west coast, is the country’s second largest city and an important trading center. Start your explorations with a stroll down the cobblestone streets of the Haga district. The main street, Haga Nygata, is for pedestrians only and is lined with cafés and artisan shops. A must-see is the Feskekorka fish market. Meaning “Fish Church,” Feskekorka was built in 1874 to resemble a church and is a mecca for seafood lovers. For car buffs, there’s the Volvo Museum, and for thrill-seekers, the Liseberg amusement park.
