10. Portugal • The Azores
Located in a corner of the North Atlantic Ocean 1,350 kilometres off the coast of Portugal, the Azores are made up of nine main islands where residents live a life of unrivalled seclusion every day against the blue sea and skies and away from the European mainland.
The Azores are volcanic archipelagos formed by submarine volcanic eruptions, and the rugged terrain of the island is full of craters, volcanic lakes and hydrothermal vents. Today, the Azores are rich in vegetation, forests surrounded by lakes, green grass, volcanic caves and waterfalls, and other natural wonders for visitors to explore.
Pico, the second largest island, is also Portugal's tallest mountain, and the 2,350-metre volcano is a challenge for climbers. There is also a world-unique "lava vineyard" that has been registered as a World Natural Heritage Site by the United Nations.
There is also a Chinese tea plantation, where a pair of Macao brothers crossed the sea at the end of the 19th century, and also brought Chinese tea technology, which became an important production of the area.
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11. Spain • Albarracín
Located in the province of Teruel in the Aragonese autonomous region of Spain, Albarracín is known as the most beautiful village in Spain.
Surrounded by mountains, Albarracín is a strategic point in ancient times, and the walled town is well preserved, the highest point of which is the famous Andador Tower, built in the 10th century, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town, abandoned walls and the ruins of former castles.
As if back in time, the half-timbered houses built along the cliffs, the labyrinthine narrow and steep streets, and the mottled city walls tell people about the past. There are towering churches, quaint castles, a spacious Plaza Mayor and the observation deck of the town hall with a view of the Guadalaviar below.
The town has undergone many religious baptisms and still retains Muslim, Catholic and Jewish architecture.