Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island of La Palma, one of the seven Canary Islands. Although often forgotten in favor of the similarly named Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is a compact and colorful colonial town well worth a visit. Swimming, paragliding, and hiking and some of the most popular daytime activities, while stargazing is a favorite pastime after the sun goes down.

Fitzroy Island sits off the coast from Cairns in Queensland, Australia, rising from the Coral Sea with rainforest and beaches that draw visitors year-round. A short, scenic ferry ride from Cairns’ marlin marina brings visitors to this tropical island, part of the Fitzroy Island National Park where rainforest meets reef.

Montserrat Mountain rises sharply from the plains of Catalonia, its jagged rock shapes visible from far away. The mountain is known for its unusual rounded peaks and narrow ridges, formed into striking forms that look almost carved by hand. Trails and cable cars lead visitors upward from nearby villages such as Monistrol de Montserrat, where the climb quickly reveals wide views across the region, stretching toward Barcelona on clear days.

Leknes sits in the heart of Norway’s Lofoten Islands, a small town shaped more by geography than by long urban history. It developed as a regional hub for farming, fishing, and transport, serving surrounding villages spread across Vestvågøy. Rather than presenting a preserved past, Leknes reflects contemporary life in the north, practical and closely tied to seasonal rhythms.

An island of international renown, Hydra is one of the first islands to have been discovered by tourism and, due to the short distance from Athens, has for years hosted a large number of tourists.