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.
Arguably Panama's most beautiful region and an ecotourism favorite, the Bocas del Toro archipelago consists of nine densely forested islands, scores of uninhabited islets and the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, Panama's oldest marine park. At the southern tip of Colón Island is Bocas Town, the province capital offering dining and shopping opportunities. Sun, sand and surf are obvious highlights – stunning seashores include Bluff Beach to the east and sheltered Starfish Beach to the northwest. Carenero Island is a tranquil aside with some of the province's best seafood.
Nestled in a lush valley of fruit trees and olive groves between the mountains and the sea, Sóller is an elegant and arty Mallorcan treasure that blends the quaint and contemporary. Visitors may stroll on picturesque cobbled streets and sun worship in the cafés of Plaça de la Constitució or deeply explore the nature and history that makes the Balearic Islands famous. The Church of Sant Bartomeu is a major attraction, one of many historic churches in the valley. Linking Sóller to its port is the Tranvía de Sóller, one of only two first-generation tramways to survive in Spain.
Perhaps no single edifice has had more impact on a city than the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao. Designed by renowned architect Franck Gehry and opened in 1997, the massive, billowing, titanium-clad structure reflects the city’s revitalized relationship with the river that runs through it, and the modern collection within the museum is as impressive as the exterior. Other worthwhile museums include the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Euskal Museoa, devoted to Basque culture.
This port on Italy’s southern coast overlooking the Bay of Naples is a popular starting place to see all of the pretty towns along the famous Amalfi Coast, but don’t miss the charms of Sorrento itself. The town is perched on cliffs high above the marinas and port below. Visit the 8th-century Cloisters of San Francesco and the Sorrento Cathedral, started in the 15th century with many additions made over time. Relax at a café in Piazza Tasso, the hub of the town. From Sorrento it is also possible to take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii and the mighty volcano Vesuvius.
