THIS ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH, SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE. No place on earth can compare with the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. Their place in history is secure by virtue of the revolutionary thoughts that were cultivated during a trip there by Charles Darwin. Inspired by the incredible diversity of life surrounding him, he famously formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection while visiting the archipelago. The picturesque beauty of the islands’ rare flora and fauna continue to bring inspiration to both travellers and the lucky residents (human and nonhuman) that call this paradise home.

Renowned for its stunning Mediterranean islands and pristine whitewashed towns, Greece, unbeknownst to most people, is actually 80% picturesque mountainous terrain, much of it fertile farmland peppered with traditional villages. Some particularly entrancing and typically hilly areas can easily be visited a quick trip from Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.