Few places evoke the spirit of the Scottish highlands as poignantly as Dunnottar Castle, a ruined fortress perched atop rugged rocky cliffs overlooking the North Sea, just 3 kilometres away from the town of Stonehaven. The buildings that remain date from the 15th and 16th centuries, and the combination of ruins and setting make for a memorable feeling and experience.

Probably the most photographed spot in Bordeaux—and for good reason. The 18th-century buildings around Place de la Bourse are part of the city’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, and they reflect perfectly in the shallow pool of the Miroir d’eau just across the road. It looks great early in the morning, but the reflections are just as striking in the evening when everything’s lit up. Kids run through the mist when it sprays every 15 minutes in summer, and photographers camp out for that symmetrical shot.

Located across from the mainland town of La Guaira, Isla Grande offers crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches. Despite the small size of the island, there are many little hotels and restaurants, catering to most budgets. The island offers great opportunities for snorkeling and practicing all kinds of water sports, like surfing at the famous surf break near the Sister Moon hotel (caution is advised as the spot requires some expertise and knowledge of the coral reef). The Caribbean cuisine stands out due to the abundance of seafood and coconuts which creates a perfect mix of flavors. Famous Caribbean recipes are made of conch, lobster, crab, octopus, squid, shrimp, fish and many other delicious ingredients.

One of Bordeaux’s oldest landmarks, the Grosse Cloche is a medieval belfry that once served as a gate and even a prison for young offenders. The two towers on either side are about 40 metres tall and frame the central bell tower. The current bell, cast in the 18th century, weighs nearly 8 tonnes and still rings on special days.