Pyrgos Kallistis is a medieval fortress surrounded by cobbled streets that twist and turn down the hill towards the village. With its 600 residents, Pyrgos retains the allure of an old Greek village that is gradually opening up to the growing influx of tourism. Tavernas, restaurants and traditional Greek cafés find their home along the village streets, blessed by the scent of grapes released by the vineyards that surround Pyrgos.

The many winding steps of Charlotte Amalie were built in the mid 1700s. The bricks for the steps were brought all the way from Denmark as ballast in the empty hulls of the sailing ships. The picturesque 99 steps attract the most foot traffic and cameras. How could one resist this narrow stairway, adorned with flowers on both sides! The original name if the street can be translated as the Greater Tower Street. The steps lead to the Blackbeard’s Castle — a 17th century watch tower. The tower has been closed to visitors since Hurricanes Irma and Maria, but the view from up above is still stunning.

Simply stroll through the city centre and you learn a lot about the town’s history. Habsburg emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519), in particular, shaped the image of Innsbruck during its transition from medieval times to the Renaissance era. He made the city the centre of an empire that stretched from Spain to Burgundy and Hungary. It was under Maximilian’s reign that Innsbruck’s glittering landmark – the Golden Roof - was constructed.