No paths or roads lead to the Scandola Natural Reserve, an area of wild natural beauty accessible solely by sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is all cliffs, sensational rock formations, pristine waters, and dramatic sea and landscapes. One company offering boat tours is Porto-based, Via Mare:

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Birla Mandir is a stunning Hindu temple which dominates Hyderabad's skyline and has attracted visitors for decades. Constructed entirely of pristine white marble, the temple showcases exquisite South Indian architectural styles and offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop perch on Naubath Pahad. Beyond its architectural beauty, the temple’s serene ambience provides a perfect retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

This is one of Oviedo’s oldest buildings, founded in 848 AD and only parts of the original medieval building have survived. Nevertheless, San Miguel de Lillo is regarded as an important part of the region’s Christian heritage and has been granted World Heritage status. The oldest parts of the building include the portico, the choir entrance and the part of the three naves.

The so-called Temple of Hercules (AD 162–166) dominates Amman’s Citadel. These days, archaeologists prefer to call it the Great Temple of Amman, since its dedication remains uncertain. Only six Corinthian columns stand reconstructed today. The rest lie as fragmented drums, their dowel holes revealing Roman engineering techniques. A colossal marble statue once graced the site. All that survives is a weathered elbow and fingers, suggesting a figure over 13 metres tall, likely toppled in the 8th-century earthquake. The temple’s platform doubles as Amman’s premier viewpoint, framing the modern city against the 150-metre Jordanian flag. Excavations nearby expose layers of civilisation: Umayyad palaces, Byzantine churches, and Roman baths intertwine with older Bronze Age ruins. Though the Hercules name persists thanks to the sculptural remnant, archaeologists emphasise the temple’s civic importance. Its sheer scale reflects Amman’s status as a regional hub. Guides prove invaluable for deciphering 9,000 years of history compressed into a single hilltop.