Djena Camara, a Business Insider contributor, traveled from Paris to visit 26 European cities in countries such as Portugal, France, Iceland, Croatia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. In an article updated on September 10, the author selected only four cities she would return to "in a heartbeat": Faro in Portugal, Prague in the Czech Republic, Hvar in Croatia, and Reykjavik in Iceland. At the opposite end were Marseille and Stockholm, destinations that, despite being visually interesting, did not fully meet her expectations.
Faro came in first among the cities that most pleased the traveler. Camara described the Algarve capital as a destination marked by "stunning beaches," distinctive architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere. The author particularly recalls a hike of about an hour with a friend until they found a more secluded beach, considering the landscapes during that journey one of the highlights of the trip. The warm weather and the welcoming nature of the city were other reasons that would make her return.
Faro's connection to the sea is also highlighted by Turismo de Portugal. The city is located next to Ria Formosa, and the sandbar that separates this lagoon system from the ocean provides access to beaches such as those on the islands of Faro, Farol, Culatra, and Deserta. Faro has been the capital of the Algarve since 1756 and highlights spots such as Vila-Adentro, Arco da Vila, the Cathedral, the Municipal Museum, and the riverside promenade, while still maintaining an 11th-century Arab Gate.
In addition to Faro, Prague made the favorites list due to its architecture, which Camara compares to a fairy-tale setting, its history, nightlife, and gastronomy. Hvar stood out for the combination of cobblestone streets, restaurants, and beaches with crystal-clear waters, while Reykjavik won over the traveler for the ease of exploring the city on foot, its gastronomy, and unexpected experiences such as observing the northern lights after leaving a karaoke bar.
