houses works by Edvard Munch, and the medieval Akershus Castle. Nearby, in Aker Brygge, you will fi nd some of Norway’s best restaurants serving classic dishes. Make time, too, for a stroll through Vigeland Sculpture Park.
PALMA Majorca Dominated by its iconic gothic cathedral, the Majorcan capital, Palma, has been transformed in recent years into one of the most sophisticated hotspots of the Mediterranean. From the harbour fi lled with expensive yachts, wander up to the magnifi cent cathedral, which took 500 years to complete. Spreading out around this ancient structure with its impressive views, is a collection of side streets and alleys which give a sense of the city’s cultural past and Moorish infl uences. Walking from the old town you reach the thoroughfare of Passeig d’es Born with its many cafés where you can sample freshly baked spiral pastries called ensaimadas, a local speciality.
PISA (from Livorno) Italy Founded in the 16th century by the Grand Dukes of Tuscany – the Medici Family, Livorno remains a busy port and town. Its centre, which is walkable from the port, has some pretty bars, cafés and classy shops, but many of Livorno’s visitors head straight for Pisa. There are many pieces of great architecture in the stately ‘Square of Miracles’. The Leaning Tower is this city’s most famous landmark, but be certain to visit the equally exquisite Baptistry next door.
PONTA DELGADA Azores A strong Portuguese infl uence pervades in Ponta Delgada from the stylish colonial architecture to the food and wine served in its restaurants. Ponta Delgada is probably the most spectacularly beautiful of the nine Azore islands. It certainly has the most dramatic attraction: Sete citadades. This is a 15 square mile extinct volcanic crater in which two separate lakes have formed – one deep blue, the other emerald green.
PORT MAHON Menorca Port Mahon, the capital city of Menorca, boasts the second deepest natural harbour in the world, but its real claim to fame is being the birthplace of mayonnaise – invented in 1756 for the Duke of Richelieu. The city’s historic centre has been carefully restored and is a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee and the archetypal ‘mañana’ spirit. You can visit the former home of Nelson’s Lady Hamilton, stroll around the shops or stop at one of the beautiful beaches. Keep an eye out for the fascinating Bronze Age stone monuments, called talayots, that dot the landscape.
NEW FOR 2012 PORTIMAO Portugal Situated on the Arade Estuary, with spectacular jagged cliffs to its south and important wetlands to the east and west, life in Portimäo has always ebbed and fl owed with the tides. Traders and invaders all travelled the river to reach the inland regions, today fi shermen and tourist boats follow in their wake. One of the Algarve’s big game fi shing centres, Portimäo offers a
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wide range of watersports as well as an internationally- renowned golf course set among the pines of Penina. Close by, the fi ne golden sands of Praia da Rocha stretch along a shoreline lapped by calm turquoise waters. Manuel Bivar gardens in Portimäo’s old town provide a pleasant escape from the midday sun. Stay awhile to see the tile-covered houses with their wrought-iron balconies and ornate stonework.
PORTLAND ME United States of America Just north of Boston and nestling on a peninsula in the delightful Casco Bay, Portland’s restored waterfront has an eclectic mix of pubs, restaurants, galleries and arty- crafty boutiques. The Victorian mansion in the town centre is one of the fi nest examples of Italian villa-style architecture in the country, and a must-see attraction. Just along the rugged coast at Cape Elizabeth is the world’s oldest permanently-operating lighthouse – the 18th century Portland Headlight. As you might expect, the views are just spectacular.
PORTOFINO Italy The delightful seaside town of Portofi no is a favourite Italian Riviera hangout of the rich and famous. To experience a real touch of class, it’s worth the climb up through exquisite tiered gardens to the Hotel Splendido – a former Benedictine monastery perched right above the harbour – which lives up to its name and is a spectacular setting for afternoon tea. Alternatively, stay at sea level and catch a boat across to Santa Margherita, a wonderfully old-fashioned Riviera resort.
PROPRIANO Corsica Tucked into the narrowest part of the Golfe de Valinco on Corsica, Propriano boasts a fi ne natural harbour. It’s a charming place with an unhurried ambience and its main hub is a palm-lined seafront overlooked by café and restaurant terraces. Used by the ancient Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans, and raided by Saracen pirates in the 18th century, today it is revered for its beautiful beaches. The nearest of these, plage de Lido, is only 1km from the port. But don’t miss the gorgeous coves along the enchanting northern shore of the gulf, around Olmeto plage.
QUEBEC Canada Quebec City is a living testimonial to the grace of Old Europe. Its steep cobbled streets make an atmospheric counterpoint to the trees blazing crimson, yellow and gold and creating one of the most dazzling spectacles on earth. Artists display their wares in its tree-lined squares and Europhiles can shop for fi ne antiques and savour fi ne coffee, croissants and La Vie Francais in Parisian-style pavement cafés. Do not miss the magnifi cent view from the turrets of medieval-style Chateau Frontenac, which dominates the city.
NEW FOR 2012
RAPALLO Italy Overlooking Rapallo harbour is a small castle originally built to defend against pirates, today it welcomes visitors from all over the world to this pretty Italian resort. Situated in a sheltered spot on the Golfo del Tigullio, the town, which is famous for its lace-making, is a year-round destination thanks to its temperate climate. The ancient Saline Gate leads from the attractive palm-lined promenade to Rapallo’s
historic centre and many interesting buildings such as the church of Santi Gervasio e Protasio. Reached by cable car, the Sanctuary of Montallegro is the area’s most important religious centre. Built in 1558 to honour a picture left by the Virgin Mary when she appeared to a local farmer, it offers views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
REYKJAVIK Iceland The name means ‘Smoky (or Steamy) Bay’ and Reykjavik’s reputation as a truly cultural, cosmopolitan city, with great restaurants and lively nightlife, has made it a hugely popular destination. Reykjavik – and most of Iceland for that matter – is not actually icy at all. It may be the most northerly capital in the world and in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, but if you want ice, you have to travel away from the capital on one of the exciting glacier safari tours. But the most popular destination remains the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where minerals bubble up from 1,520 metres below the earth’s surface.
RHODES Greece You may feel as though you have stepped back in time when you arrive in Rhodes’ magnifi cent walled Old Town – the largest inhabited medieval town in the whole of Europe. This historical place has made the island the most popular tourist destination in the Dodecanese. Visit the 14th century Palace of the Grand Masters and Hospital of the Knights of St. John, the pink- domed, 16th century Mosque of Suleyman and the Byzantine Museum, housed in an 11th century church. Make time too to visit Lindos, with its ancient Acropolis.
RIGA Latvia Latvia’s capital, Riga, dates back to the 1100s, and since then it has been controlled by the Swedes, the Poles and most recently the Russians. Now it has regained independence, the locals are embracing western culture with enthusiasm while still retaining its historic heart. A stroll through the narrow streets of its walled Old City is a must; take time to view the magnifi cent organ and medieval wall mountings of the Dome Cathedral. Shop for fabulous amber jewellery, fi ne linen and beautifully made wooden toys at the shops and street markets and look out for the city’s Freedom Monument, which depicts Milda, the spirit of Riga, reaching for the stars.
NEW FOR 2012 RIJEKA Croatia Famous for its annual carnival, Rijeka’s theatres, museums and abundant history make this cosmopolitan coastal city an intriguing destination at any time of the year. The unique Baroque rotunda of St Vitus Cathedral, dedicated to the port’s Patron Saint and protector, is in the old town. He appears again in a relief on the early 16th century city fl agpole outside the Municipal Palace close to the Church of St Jerome, once part of an Augustinian monastery complex. Further stone decorations, this time of fi sh and molluscs, are found in the city’s Great Market. Energetic visitors climb the 538 steps to reach the ancient district of Trsat and the Church of Our Lady of Trsat, the oldest Croatian sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
PORT GAZETTEER
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