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Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Located in the Old Town of Rethymno, the Venetian Harbour invites you to time travel through the history of Greece. Built on the edge of the harbour, the Egyptian lighthouse stands as proof—in addition to Turkish elements—of different nations leaving their mark on Crete's old port. Forged in the 14th century under the masterful guidance of the Venetians, this port has long served as a bustling hub for commerce and enterprise. For today's visitors, an old wooden sailing ship replica offers a full historic adventure. For a nostalgic inland experience, visit the 16th-century built Fortezza, Rethymno's Venetian fortress. The citadel is visible from every corner of the town and offers a panoramic view of Rethymno for locals and travellers.
© Gatsi/Getty Images
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Mount Segla, Senja Island, Norway
An assorted land of mountainous terrain on the west with lush greenery on the east, Senja is a beautiful island popularly known as 'Norway in miniature'. At more than 1500 square kilometres, it is Norway's second-largest island. Gisund Bridge connects the island to the mainland in the town of Finnsnes. The most notable spot on Senja is pictured today, Mount Segla, a magnificent peak that is travelled frequently during summers with a trail starting in Fjordgård, a fishing village in the north of Senja. It takes a tough hike up the steep mountain to get to the over 610-metre-tall crest. Other tourist attractions on the island include Ånderdalen National Park and Tranøya, an island located on the south coast of Senja, celebrated for its tranquillity.
© imageBROKER/Moritz Wolf/Getty Images
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Marshes of Bourges, France
At the heart of Bourges, France, you will find a natural treasure that enthrals visitors with its unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity: the Marshes of Bourges. Stretching over vast areas, these marshes include a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, reed beds and shallow waters, and are home to numerous plant and animal species. But the area's significance extends beyond its ecological importance, as it holds historical—the marshes served as a defence until the 17th century—and cultural relevance to the local communities that organise the annual Marshes Fair in September. Over the years, various efforts have been made to preserve and protect the delicate balance of this ecosystem, promoting sustainable practices and eco-tourism to raise awareness about its conservation.
© Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images
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Skyscrapers in Manhattan
Skyscrapers are the towering architectural wonders that punctuate our city skylines and define our urban landscapes. Found in the biggest cities around the world, skyscrapers serve as symbols of progress, ambition and the human pursuit of reaching new heights. Manhattan, the dense, vibrant heart of New York City, boasts a mesmerising skyline adorned with an array of iconic skyscrapers. These structures, like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and the Chrysler Building, define the city's architectural and cultural legacy and captivate millions of visitors every year.
© Wojtek Zagorski/Getty Images
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Allen's hummingbird
With their vibrant plumage, delicate features and ability to hover mid-air, hummingbirds are one of the wonders of the natural world. The rapid flapping of their wings—an average of 53 times a second—creates their trademark humming sound. That gives them quite an appetite: these little birdies can feed every 10–15 minutes! Today's specimen is an Allen's hummingbird, which can be found along the western coast of North America, most commonly in California. They arrive in these areas as early as January and gradually become easy to spot.
© mallardg500/Getty Images
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Turkey tail mushroom
With an often-colourful flower- or umbrella-shaped body, mushrooms are easy to spot in the wilderness. But mushrooms can also be easy to misidentify. For example, poisonous jack-o'-lantern mushrooms are sometimes misidentified as edible chanterelles. But there are various other types that are primarily used for medicine, such as today's species, turkey tail, named for its likeness, which has been used for treating lung conditions in traditional Chinese medicine. Recent research showed them exhibiting anti-tumour properties and helping fortify the immune system. Many make great meal additions, and from portobello to shiitake mushrooms, there are thousands of edible species out there. Sautéed, stuffed, sliced, on a pizza or in soup, it is time to bring some umami fun(gi) to your plate!
© Bill Gozansky/Alamy
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Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona, USA
Massive succulents against a mountainous backdrop, underneath the sun-kissed sky—it's prickly perfection. Pictured here are saguaro (pronounced 'sah-wah-roh') cacti at Arizona's Ironwood Forest National Monument in the Sonoran Desert of North America. Even if you haven't seen one in person, when you hear the word cactus, you're probably thinking of saguaro—tall, green, cylindrical, with arms pointing upward. Though they are slow growers, these plants have been known to live over 200 years and reach enormous heights, with one setting the record at 23.8 metres. Another saguaro cactus, known as 'Grandaddy,' survived in the sweltering desert for about 300 years, eventually succumbing to old age in the early 1990s. Cacti may not be for everyone, but they tend to grow on you (figuratively, of course)!
© Jack Dykinga/Minden Pictures
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Whale shark, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Say hello to the largest fish in the world, the whale shark. These gentle giants are not related to whales, despite their impressive size of an average 12 metres in length. Whale sharks are calm creatures which are usually safe for divers to swim alongside. These sharks are filter feeders and consume plankton and small fish by sieving them through their gill plates. There has been a significant decline in their populations, with an estimated 63% decrease in their numbers in the last 75 years. Threats include being hit by boats or tangled in fishing gear and their habitats are being damaged by pollution, coastal development and over-fishing. Advocates work through education and community engagement to help safeguard whale sharks and preserve our oceans.
© Jason Edwards/Getty Images
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American bison
The bison is a majestic, massive creature, a true emblem of the American frontier spirit. These sturdy animals have roamed America’s prairies for thousands of years, with a population estimated to be as high as 60 million before 1900. Hunting by settlers decimated the vast herds, and less than 100 years ago, the bison was close to extinction. However, today more than 300,000 bison can be found in North America.
For such large animals, bison are surprisingly agile. They're more than 2 metres tall at their hump and weigh up to 900 kilograms, but they can run up to 56 kilometres per hour, jump high fences and are strong swimmers.
© Enrique Aguirre Aves/Getty Images
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Though you might instinctively watch out for invading fleets or dragons overhead, you're more likely to encounter a tourist than a Lannister in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. As you may know, 'Game of Thrones' filmed here frequently throughout the run of the show, and you can scarcely blame them; Dubrovnik's Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. For centuries, it flourished as the Republic of Ragusa, maintaining independence through diplomacy and robust trade networks. This 'Pearl of the Adriatic' has withstood military bombardments and devastating earthquakes, yet the city has always rebuilt and persevered. While pop culture, history and UNESCO World Heritage Site status are all big draws, they might be too effective: A recent report estimated that in 2019, there were 36 tourists for every resident.
© Benny Marty/Shutterstock
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Jeju Island, South Korea
The South Korean island of Jeju is full of wonders. If you don't have a chance to visit its volcanic landscape, ancient stone statues, waterfalls and rocky coastline, you can dive into the island's fascinating chronicles from the comfort of your computer. The star of today's image, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), is the island's rare tuff cone formation, created by an underwater volcanic eruption about 5,000 years ago. Tuff cones are also called ash cones, referring to the accumulated ash settling in a cone formation after the lava's forceful explosion. Seongsan Ilchulbong was added to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List in 2007.
© Quynh Anh Nguyen/Getty Images
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Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island, Berlin, Germany
Featured in today's image, Museum Island—embraced by the Spree River—is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to a museum quintet: Altes, Bode, Pergamon, Neues Museums and Alte Nationalgalerie. The Berlin Cathedral, one of the most popular attractions in the city, rises above the island. The cathedral is a stunning architectural masterpiece known for its magnificent green dome and fascinating history that spans across centuries. For hundreds of years, it has captivated visitors with its grandeur and intricate details. Its ornate façade stands as a testament to Berlin's rich history and cultural heritage. Inside, it's exquisite interior and artwork offer a glimpse into the city's past and present artistic splendour.
© Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock
#germany#berlin#museum island#berlin cathedral#spree river#altes museum#bode museum#pergamon museum#neues museum#alte nationalgalerie
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Want to pack some gear and head into the great outdoors but unsure where to go? Look no further than the hundreds of national parks that dot this planet. Countries around the world have, for years, designated areas rich in biodiversity and natural beauty as national parks as a way to preserve their landscape, wildlife and history. Featured in today's image is Yellowstone National Park in the US state of Wyoming. Known for its abundant wildlife, geothermal features and beautiful waterfalls, like the Lower Falls we see here, it was the first national park in the country. But no matter which park you visit, it is important that you explore them with care and appreciation so that they can be preserved for centuries to come.
© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures
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Shark Fin Cove, California, USA
Shark Fin Cove, also known as Shark Tooth Beach, is nestled in a cove in the tiny town of Davenport in California's Central Coast. The cove is a coastal gem known for its stunning sea stack—a vertical rock formation that resembles a shark's fin. The fin used to be connected to the mudstone cliff that surrounds the beach. Over time, the relentless crashing waves and strong winds slowly eroded the rock formation. Shark Fin Cove is visible from California's popular and scenic Highway 1, where travellers can stop and look at the expansive Pacific Ocean views.
© Jeff Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motion
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Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland
Skógafoss waterfall in Iceland is a breathtaking natural wonder, making an impressive splash on today's image. Skógafoss is renowned as one of the largest waterfalls in the country, with a width of almost 25 metres and a vertical drop of around 61 metres. The captivating Skógafoss frequently graces visitors with the sight of vibrant single or double rainbows, formed by the refraction of sunlight through the mist. Adding to its enchanting appeal, legend has it that a treasure chest is hidden behind Skógafoss, left there by a Viking settler named Prasi Porolfsson.
The waterfall has made several appearances in popular fiction. It served as a filming location for scenes in 'Thor: The Dark World,' the Bollywood movie 'Dilwale' and the final season of 'Game of Thrones'. The Skógar Museum, which offers insights into Iceland's cultural heritage, is located near the waterfall in Skógar village.
© Maridav/Shutterstock
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Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
The Amphitheatre of El Jem is a fascinating historical site located in the Tunisian town of El Jem, known as Thysdrus in Roman times. Constructed in the 3rd century CE during the Roman Empire, the Amphitheatre of El Jem is renowned for its impressive architecture. It was built using stone blocks, had a capacity to accommodate up to 35,000 spectators and is still one of the largest amphitheatres in the world today. The amphitheatre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Roman amphitheatres in the world, almost equal in grandeur and architecture to the Colosseum in Rome.
Beneath the arena, there is an extensive underground network of tunnels and chambers, which are open to visitors. Despite its age, the arena floor is still preserved, and visitors can walk on it, gaining a sense of what it must have been like for ancient performers.
© Westend61/Getty Images
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Emerald Lake, Yukon, Canada
Emerald Lake is located along the Klondike Highway in the beautiful Yukon region of Canada. Nestled amidst towering mountains and dense evergreen forests, this lake offers a breathtaking sight that feels straight out of a dream. As its name suggests, the lake boasts a vibrant emerald hue, which is a result of marl deposits at the bottom. Also known as 'Rainbow Lake' by First Nations people, Emerald Lake is surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, making it a must-visit destination, especially for those seeking a break from the humdrum of city life. This serene lake is a true testament to the sheer diversity and beauty of Canada's natural landscapes.
© artherng/Getty Images
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