Oviedo, the capital of Asturias in northern Spain, offers a rare mix of medieval heritage and everyday life that feels rooted rather than staged. The city’s historic center is home to some of the oldest pre-Romanesque buildings in Europe, including the UNESCO-listed Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. Cider, not wine, defines the local table. Oviedo is surrounded by apple orchards, and the traditional drink, sidra natural, is poured from a height by skilled escanciadores.
Erg Chigaga is a remote field of large sand dunes in southeastern Morocco, extending across the Sahara near M'Hamid El Ghizlane in the Drâa Valley. It is one of the country’s largest dune areas, with sand ridges spread across a broad desert landscape far from major settlements. Some dunes rise to around 60 metres, while the surrounding terrain alternates between sand, gravel plains, and dry desert vegetation.
Oban is located in the northern part of the Scottish Highlands. Renowned for the beauty of the land and the excellent scotch made there, Oban is an indisputable treasure of nature.
Situated at the foot of Mont Collon, the small village of Arolla is a popular starting point for summer mountain hikes as well as a common stop on the Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route expeditions. In the winter, it's a small ski resort with five lifts and guaranteed snow thanks to the elevation.
Mikulov, located in the heart of South Moravia in the Czech Republic, is a picturesque town known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and exceptional wine culture. Dominating the skyline is Mikulov Castle, an elegant Baroque structure that has been a cultural landmark since the 13th century. Visitors can explore the castle’s historical exhibitions, including a fascinating display on the region’s winemaking traditions.
An intellectual and religious center during the Middle Ages, Linköping has grown into a modern center for technology and higher education. This city of over 130,000, lying southwest of Stockholm, enjoyed rapid growth after the founding of Linköping University, the Institute of Technology and the University Hospital.
Even though Linköping has developed into an industrial center and is Sweden's fifth-largest city, it maintains a small-town atmosphere. Old Linköping is the restored town center with preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The tower of the impressive Linköping Cathedral, which took nearly 300 years to complete, can be seen from a distance of more than 10 kilometers.
One of Sweden's top attractions, the Göta Canal, passes through the countryside just outside Linköping. At nearby sister city Norrkoping is Himmelstalund, one of the largest rock carving sites in Europe.
Other Popular Destinations in Sweden
Stockholm
As a city located in a Baltic Sea archipelago, it's not surprising that Stockholm has 50 bridges and sightseeing boats moving people between its 14 islands. This contemporary and welcoming capital of Sweden is nonetheless easily navigable by foot. Every district here has a distinct flavor, from the sophisticated Östermalm to the bustling downtown energy of Norrmalm to the delightful Old Town.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden’s vibrant west coast gem, offers a perfect blend of maritime charm, innovative design, and sustainable living. Known for its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and classic Nordic architecture, Gothenburg invites visitors to explore its rich history and modern flair. The city’s heart is anchored by the famous Kungsportsavenyen (Avenyn), a grand boulevard lined with cafes, boutiques, and cultural landmarks like the Gothenburg Museum of Art.