High on a hill, dominating the sea, Loreto is a small city that lives solely for the "Santa Casa", one of the most famous and revered monuments of Christianity. According to tradition, it was the Virgin Mary's birth house, which up until that time was kept intact and venerated in Palestine, then flown by angels from Nazareth to the Adriatic Coast and set on a green hill of laurels on the night of December 10, 1294; hence the name Loreto.
Three hours north of Auckland, a chain of verdant islands meet glittering turquoise waters in the Bay of Islands. This subtropical paradise will astound you with its abundance of natural beauty and marine life. Sail to the Bay of Islands, and you'll find plenty to see and explore. Hike to stunning Rainbow Falls, kayak along the shores of New Zealand's lush coastline, and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, penguins, and a variety of colorful parrots.
Siesta Key is a barrier island off Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its broad beaches and unusually fine quartz-crystal sand. Siesta Beach is the island’s best-known public beach, with a wide shoreline, shallow Gulf waters and facilities that include concessions, parking and beach access. The island is more than a beach destination, with Siesta Key Village providing a compact center of restaurants, shops and casual entertainment.
The city of Oporto is situated on the right bank of the River Douro, being the second largest city of the country. Oporto is the regional capital of the northern area.
San Gimignano, a stunning medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy, is often called the "Medieval Manhattan" due to its remarkable skyline of ancient towers. Encircled by 13th-century walls, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a mesmerizing journey back in time. As you stroll along the cobbled streets of the historic center, you'll be enchanted by the preserved Romanesque and Gothic architecture, from charming piazzas to grand churches.
Photo Credit: Photo by Julian Berengar Sölter on Unsplash
The Caribbean's Saba Island is the perfect hideaway! Climb 1,066 hand carved steps to the top of Mount Scenery, or take a roller coaster ride on "The Road", the only road on Saba. Scuba dive, hike, go deep sea fishing, shop for Saba Lace and Saba Spice (an innocent sounding but potent local rum), or relax and enjoy the spectacular views high above the blue Caribbean.
Other Popular Destinations in Netherlands Antilles
Willemstad
Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is unlike any other city in the Caribbean. With its pastel-colored buildings lining the waterfront and a layout shaped by Dutch colonial planning, the city blends European design with Caribbean culture. Its historic center, divided by Sint Anna Bay into Punda and Otrobanda, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kralendijk
There's plenty to explore and savor in this vibrant paradise on the Caribbean Sea, including numerous beaches, an assortment of water sports, and plenty of delicious eats and cocktails.