This listicle was perhaps more difficult to make than others that I have previously written, for I had to condense all the wondrous places I've seen to a concise list of 11 destinations. Why? You might inquire. Well, had I included all the places that I originally intended to present, surely, you would have drowned in this article. Therefore, I bring to you my top 11 destinations, ranked by their architectural and historical beauty. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, magnificent panoramas and underlying significance of these locations!
1. Budapest, Hungary
A city that is characterized by the grandiose Danube river, its blue magnificence showcasing 12 iconic bridges, Budapest is a beautiful hub of civilization that is also rich in history. During your visit to Budapest, be sure to visit Hero's Square, enjoy a relaxing dip into hot, steaming water in the city's famous bathhouses, and don't dare to leave without having seen the sunset over the Danube or purchasing a bottle of paprika!
2. Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne brings a charm like no other town. Where do you get gorgeous sloping hills alongside a quaint village and a place where the roaring wind of the alps coexists with the calm of day? The beauty of Lucerne is a multi-faceted one, and the reason for making this list.
3. Patmos, Greece
An array of white households scatters the Greek island of Patmos, pairing beautifully with the royal blue of the Aegean sea, and the light of the sky. Patmos is home to the 11th century Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John was said to have written the Book of Revelations.
4. Santorini, Greece
Known for its gorgeous Cycladic architecture, marble-paved streets, and the world's best frozen yogurt (in my opinion), Santorini is no doubt the most famous island in the world. It's location in the Aegean sea and the unique structural designs that this island provides is what makes Santorini both a natural and manmade work of art.
5. Delphi, Greece
Swerving up the slopes of Delphi, the home of the famous oracle, there suddenly emerges a stunning panorama of green, populated by a small village and thousands of olive trees. The air in Delphi is fresh, a rich oxygen that resonates from the luscious forestry of the town.
6. Florence, Italy
Florence provides an incredible cityscape that stretches for miles, filled with terra-cotta red, domes, and zigzagging alleyways. If you don't watch the clock, you may end up gazing for an hour! (Precisely what happened to me).
7. Sorrento, Italy
Outlining the Mediterranean is the stunning port town of Sorrento, famous for its lemons, variegated architecture and crystal clear beach. It's impossible not to fall in love with this place, especially with the pleasant shine of sun and entrancing smell of citrus.
8. Assisi, Italy
The birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, this historic hill town provides the eye with expertly manicured lawns aligned in checkerboard formation, a smoky smell of yesterdays bonfire, and all the other nostalgic aspects that magically remind you of home. The town may be small, but its beauty is of dense nature.
9. Sirmione, Italy
Known for its 13th century Scaliger Castle, Sirmione is a peninsula town that sits upon Lake Garda and is a famous vacation getaway for the wealthy. Once you enter the walls of this commune, you will find it more than difficult to depart.
10. Capri, Italy
The Isle of Capri is reserved for the wealthiest inhabitants, and it is clear why. Extravagant villas dot its peaks, its beaches are of the highest status, and it's interior is populated with a multitude of designer brands. Everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Vladimir Lenin has set their foot on this beautiful isle, and a single square foot of living space here costs a baffling 30,000 euros.
11. Upper Galilee, Israel
The Misgav Am Kibbutz in Upper Galilee provides a fascinating vantage point that consists of beautiful homes and pigments that mostly reside towards the warmer end of the color spectrum. Standing in one place, from this kibbutz is visible both Israel and Lebanon in the distance. If you ever visit the holy land, you must come see this place for yourself.
