1. Metéora, Greece
Meaning
“suspended in the air”, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Metéora, in
the Pindus Mountains of central Greece, spans six Orthodox monastery
museums. A total of two dozen were built in the 14th century but most of
were destroyed during the Ottoman occupation and Second World War. A
famous landscape from the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only, Metéora
provides a peaceful haven not only for monks, but also for tourists that
choose to take a hike up the mountains to see these gems. All six
monasteries are connected through asphalt roads and are accessible by
steps hewn into the rock. You will need at least one full day to visit
Metéora, but the experience is certainly worth the time and effort.
2. Cuenca, Spain
Another
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Walled Town of Cuenca is a
wonderful destination in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. What makes it unique
is its location on a steep cliff with some superb 15th century “hanging
houses”. Take pictures of the beautiful scenery, then head to Plaza
Mayor in the Old Town for a tapas and drinks in one of the numerous bars
and pubs. While in Cuenca, don’t miss the Ciudad Encantada (“Enchanted
City”), a site with otherworldy geological formations.
3. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque
Terre is composed of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and
Riomaggiore, five small villages built on a precarious stretch of rocky
Liguria coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the car-free
area is accessible by train, eco-friendly electrical bus, ferry, bike
and of course, on foot. Each town has its own quaint charm: Riomaggiore
is home to many artists and great beaches; Vernazza is a natural harbour
overlooked by a ruined castle; Monterosso has gorgeous sandy beaches
and excellent seafood; Corniglia sits on a hilltop, attracting many
hikers and Manarola offers remote rocks for private sunbathing. Visitors
will have to pay a small entrance fee to help preserve Cinque Terre’s
beauty, but it is definitely worth it.
4. Bonifacio, Corsica, France
Set
on Corsica’s southernmost point, Bonifacio owes its charm to medieval
houses built on dazzling limestone cliffs. Built by the Genoese,
Bonifacio’s Old Town is a fascinating maze of narrow streets, where you
can wander around for hours. More Italian than French, the town has
strong Renaissance influences and an old dialect from the times of the
Genoese is still spoken to this today. Bonifacio’s natural harbour has
been transformed into a chic marina, where tens of yachts from the
Mediterranean come to drop anchor. You will find a vibrant display of
trendy bars, restaurants and hotels, with a landscape of superb unspoilt
beaches and rugged mountains. This all results in high prices and large
crowds all through the summer months.
5. Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain
This
small village in Girona, Catalonia is set on a steep cliff overlooking
the Fluvià river. The basalt cliff the village is on is a result of two
lava flows that took place thousands of years ago. Due to its unique
location, Castellfollit de la Roca is illuminated after nightfall until
midnight for 6 months throughout the year. The village was built during
medieval times with dark, narrow streets and houses made from volcanic
rock. Apart from its spectacular location, Castellfollit is a gateway to
the Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa, where you can
admire beautiful volcanic scenery.
6. Mont Saint-Michel, France
Located
on a cone-shaped island in Normandy, France, Mont Saint-Michel is the
small islet home of a Gothic castle built during medieval times and
several monastic buildings originating from the 13th century. The
structure that trumps the rest is a beautifully-preserved Romanesque
church made of pure granite. Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most
popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France, attracting over four
million visitors a year. Apart from its castle and monasteries, there is
a small town at the base of the island offering good accommodation and
scrumptious meals.
7. Santorini, Greece
The
Aegean Sea gem of Santorini is part of the Cyclades volcanic
archipelago. A good deal of the the island’s architecture, from
Santorini hotels to private villas, is built on high cliffs. As a result
this island of natural white, black and red beaches offers remarkable
views.
8. Siurana, Spain
Unless
you practice mountain-climbing, you most probably have not heard of
Suriana – a superb small village set on a cliff edge, bathed by clouds.
For climbers, the Girona, Catalonia town with steep limestone walls is a
must. An affordable campground lures a wide variety of travellers. Once
there, don’t miss Siurana’s old village, formed of centuries-old
buildings, crowned by a beautiful church perched on a mountain top.
9. Ronda, Spain
Within
the province of Málaga, Spain, Ronda is a supremely popular tourist
destination that retains much of its historic charm. The town is divided
in two by a river gorge and connected by the Puente Nuevo. On one side,
you will find many historic buildings in the old Moorish town, while on
the other – El Mercadillo – lies a more modern settlement. Visit the
art museum in Old Ronda or follow the cobbled alleys to Plaza Duquesa de
Parcent, a superb public space with numerous historical buildings.
Palacio de Mondragón, the home of the Moorish King Abb el Malik, is one
of Ronda’s highlights, offering its visitors a look into the city’s
past, as well as beautiful gardens and courtyards for a relaxed stroll.
The Arab baths dating back from the 13th century can be found below the
city.
10. Rocamadour, France
Rocamadour
and Ronda have a lot in common. The spectacular town in southwest
France is a Christian pilgrimage site, with chapels and churches set
high on a rocky plateau. The town’s sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin is
accessible via a 216-step stairway which many pilgrims climb on their
knees. Do not miss the city’s caves, with art from the Paleolithic era,
and the delicious local cheese.