Things to Do in St John's

The historic street of Canongate makes up the eastern section of the Royal Mile, leading up to the grounds of Holywood Palace and is home to many of the key attractions of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Taking its name from the canons of the neighboring Holyrood Abbey, modern-day Canongate is one of the most architectural diverse sections of the Old Town, with the strikingly modern Scottish Parliament building standing in contrast to the grand Holyrood Palace and the futuristic, tent-like structure housing the Our Dynamic Earth exhibition.

Canongate is also home to a number of significant 16th and 17th century buildings including the painstakingly preserved Canongate Tolbooth, dating back to 1591 and 17th century townhouses like Russel House and Queensbury house. In between browsing the many souvenir stores and sipping a pint in the legendary World’s End pub, be sure to visit the Museum of Edinburgh, the headquarters of the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust in the Acheson House and the churchyard of the 17th-century Canongate Kirk, where famous Scots like economist Adam Smith and poet Robert Fergusson are buried.

Anyone who is looking to make the most of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos cannot miss an opportunity to see the Canal del Amor, or the Love Channel. The complete natural adventure, Canal del Amor is not considered a visitor site, but has a spectacular turquoise channel bedded in between mountainous rock. At the channel you can also spot shore birds and reef sharks, or if you have the means, have a swim or go snorkeling, and explore its diverse and plentiful aqua-life and flora.

In the same afternoon, from here you will be able to explore the beautiful La Loberia island and of course, Port of Punta Estrada, where you can get to know the sea iguanas.

Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands, a hill station approximately the size of Singapore, is one of the country’s largest resort areas and a popular escape from the heat and humidity of Kuala Lumpur. Located in the west of the country, about 124 miles (200 kilometers) from Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands enjoy a mean annual temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius),  and temperatures rarely rise above 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celsius).

The vast area is largely agricultural, making it possible to tour tea plantations, visit bee and butterfly farms, stroll through flower-filled gardens or stay in one of the charming inns that looks straight out of Tudor-era England. Like in much of Malaysia, adventure travelers come to trek in the Cameron Highlands, where you might get lucky and spot the Rafflesia flower, the largest flower in the world.

Wild whitewater-rafting at its best surges along the Canon del Atuel, a gorge stretching from the Nihuil hydroelectric reservoir in Mendoza Province.

Kayakers, windsurfers, jetskiers, river-rafters, cyclists and all kinds of adventurers head to the canyon to take on the rapids and rugged landscapes, carved over the centuries by wind and water.

The river is bordered by steep cliffs, and natural rock sculptures formed by the elements have whimsical names like the Hanging Gardens, Monsters, Toad and Enchanted City.

A huge magnet for visitors, the Atuel region has a great range of hotels, country clubs and outdoor adventure facilities to choose from.

Follow Ruta Provincial 144 to the Nihuil reservoir for expansive valley views, or travel to the neighboring Valle Grande reservoir for more whitewater rafting on the River Atuel.

More than just a launching pad for visits to Gallipoli and Troy, Canakkale is a lively seaside port on the Dardanelles that’s an ideal destination for day trips from Istanbul.

The waterfront promenade is the place to be in summer, thronged with visitors enjoying the sunshine, outdoor bars and restaurants, and water views. The multistory clock tower near the harbor is a Canakkale landmark, built in 1897.

The town’s Military Museum includes Gallipoli exhibits, and Canakkale’s Cimenlik castle that was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452. The archaeology museum has prized displays from Troy and Assos, and the cannons dotted around town are from WWI.

You’ll also see a grand model of a Trojan Horse in Canakkale, left over from the 2004 movie Troy, and a model of the ancient city.

Caneel Bay is one of the first beaches you come to as you drive up North Shore Road out of St John’s main port, Cruz Bay. Much of the coastline here is monopolized by an extensive resort, but they guarantee access to Caneel Bay and their restaurants adjacent to the beach are accessible also.

The area was once a plantation and the ruins of the old sugar works make an atmospheric detour. The beach itself is a three-dimensional postcard, while snorkelers will delight in sting rays, barracudas and other sea life.

Just a few kilometers from Uskudar in Istanbul, Camlica Hill offers a different perspective of the city. Split into two hills – Big Camlica and Little Camlica – it is a popular destination for residents to picnic and barbeque on the weekends.

At 267 meters above sea level, Big Camlica is the highest point in Istanbul and, not surprisingly, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. From the top, you can see the Bosphorus Bridge, Eminonu Peninsula, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Island.  On the clearest of days, you can also see as far as Mount Uludag near Bursa.  Tea gardens, restaurants and a variety of vendors are also scattered around the hill.

Little Camlica is the quieter of the two hills. Despite its pleasant gardens and walking trails, it attracts fewer visitors than its counterpart.  

The view from Camlica Hill at sunset is superb, with the silhouettes of Istanbul’s domes and minarets glowing in front of the colorful sky. Visiting in the springtime is also pleasure as tulips are planted ahead of the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival and wildflowers are in bloom.