New routes to Europe and the Middle East launch this spring
As travelers wander out into the world again, pent-up wanderlust is making it tough to decide on what kind of vacation to take. In the mood to wiggle your toes in warm sand? Or perhaps immerse yourself in history and culture? Indulge in food, drink, and shopping sprees? The answer to these questions, for many of us, is yes. Adding to the bounty of choices are United’s new routes from the U.S. to Amman, Jordan; Ponta Delgada in the Azores, Portugal; Bergen, Norway; and Tenerife and Palma de Mallorca in Spain. Intrigued by the new options, but not sure where to start? Here are the best things to do at these five new destinations.
Things to Do in Amman, Jordan
Historical intrigue abounds in Jordan’s capital, which dates back around 9,000 years. Visitors will be awestruck by the ruins of the 6,000-seat Roman Theatre, as well as the massive Hand of Hercules at the Temple of Hercules. Archaeological artifacts can also be found at the Jordan Museum, whose collection includes the wonderfully creepy Ain Ghazal statues. But Amman is also a youthful city, home to vibrant, cultured neighborhoods like Jabal al-Weibdeh, where visitors can mingle with local artists and writers in its galleries and restaurants. Then there’s Rainbow Street, with its cool cafés, rooftop bars, and indie shops selling everything from local art to yoga pants.
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Things to Do in Ponta Delgada, Portugal
About 900 miles west of mainland Portugal, the nine-island Azores archipelago is known for the volcanoes that shaped its dramatic landscapes. Nature buffs and thrill seekers come for the hiking, caving, and hot-spring splashing. The warm, nutrient-rich waters teem with sea life—blue sharks, devil rays, bottlenose dolphins—making this a popular spot for divers. Ponta Delgada—the capital of the Azores and the main port of São Miguel Island—is a former fishing village that has retained its small-town charm. Historical gems like the 18th-century City Gates and 16th-century Church of San Sebastian are part of the appeal, but so too are the patterned cobblestone streets, lush botanical gardens, and cozy bars and restaurants lining the seaside promenade. If it’s paradise you’re after, a short drive leads to the twin lakes of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, and the equally gorgeous Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) crater lake.
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Things to Do in Bergen, Norway
With its polychrome houses, craggy mountains, and shimmering fjords, this coastal city is so visually stunning it can be easy to overlook its historical appeal. Founded in the 11th century, the city embraces a cultural and social life revolving around the Bryggen harbor district—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—whose alleys host an array of eateries, art studios, and shops. The nearby Fish Market is a popular attraction, as is the Fløibanen Funicular, which trundles to the peak of the 1,300-foot Mount Fløyen. A cruise on Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, is another must.
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Things to Do in Tenerife, Spain
When travelers think of Tenerife, they tend to think of beaches—palm-stippled coves, hotel-lined hotspots, black-sand hideaways. But the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands also lays claim to one of the world’s tallest volcanoes (Mount Teide, 12,000-plus feet), a host of beautiful towns, an abundance of exotic vegetation, and soaring coastal cliffs. If nightlife is your thing, visit downtown Santa Cruz and Playa de las Américas (“the party capital of Tenerife”), after which you may very well need a day of recovery on the beach.
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Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
The capital of another Spanish island known for sunshine, beaches, and nightlife, Palma de Mallorca provides a different kind of experience. While it’s no slouch in the eat-drink-and-be-merry department, this ancient city also boasts an array of historical marvels, including the Gothic Santa María cathedral (built between the 13th and 17th centuries), the Moorish Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and the circular Bellver Castle (both 14th century). Equally enchanting are the alleyways that squiggle through Old Town, many of which open into cobbled, café-dotted squares.
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