Cienfuegos, located on Cuba’s south coast along a sheltered bay, stands apart from many other Cuban cities due to its distinct European origins. Founded in 1819 by French settlers, the city developed with a carefully planned layout, wide avenues, and neoclassical architecture that earned it the nickname “La Perla del Sur.”
Santander, the capital of Spain’s Cantabria region, sits along the Bay of Biscay and offers travelers a mix of coastline, culture, and history shaped by centuries of maritime life. Once a bustling port for Castilian exports, Santander saw its golden age in the 19th century when Spanish royalty turned it into a summer retreat. The legacy of that era remains visible at the Palacio de la Magdalena, perched on a peninsula with views of the sea and home to royal stables, a mini zoo, and guided tours.
Baucau is Timor-Leste's second-largest city, located on the country's north coast on a plateau above the Ombai Strait. The city is surrounded by limestone hills, agricultural land, and tropical vegetation, with a cooler climate than the low-lying coastal plain below. Baucau is divided broadly into the older Vila Nova area and the historic Vila Velha, where colonial-era buildings, churches, and public spaces remain.
Jeddah sits along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast and has long served as a gateway between the Arabian Peninsula and the wider world. For centuries, merchants, pilgrims, and travelers passed through its port on the way to Mecca, shaping a city known for openness and exchange.
The city of Macau, located on the Pearl River Delta, is a destination where centuries of history meet modern vibrancy. Once a Portuguese colony, its streets still carry the marks of European influence: ornate churches, tiled plazas, and pastel façades sit alongside traditional Chinese temples and narrow alleyways filled with shops and markets.
The city of Santa Cruz De Tenerife, located on the island of Tenerife, is a favorite stop for Transatlantic voyagers. Tenerife is both the largest and most populated of the seven Canary Islands and of Spain itself. As the island's main city, Santa Cruz De Tenerife is home to almost half of the island's population.
Primary landmarks include the Santa Cruz Towers and the Iglesia de la Conception. In addition, its charming old wood-balconied buildings house attractive shops full of island handicrafts and enticing duty-free goods.
As an alternative, take a tour inland through steep mountains forested in pine and laurel to snow-capped Mount Teide (the highest peak in Spain). The last part of your island tour may be by funicular and there's a stunning view at the top.
Other Popular Destinations in Spain
Barcelona
To visit Barcelona is to embrace both the past and the future. There is much to do and see in this cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, from medieval structures to beaches to UNESCO Heritage Sites by Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Doménech i Montaner.
Madrid
Whether exploring its iconic landmarks, indulging in its flavorful cuisine, or enjoying its lively nightlife, visitors are sure to fall in love with the charm and energy of Madrid.