Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain

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Calmness overload. Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain

Zahara de la Sierra, a stunning whitewashed village in the hills of Cádiz, Spain, offers a perfect blend of history and nature in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Perched on a rocky hilltop, the village seen in today's image overlooks the turquoise Zahara-El Gastor reservoir and the lush Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1977. Its iconic Moorish castle ruins and the 15th-century tower reflect its history as a medieval fortress. Fun fact: Many people thought the name Zahara de la Sierra came from azahar, the Arabic word for citrus blossom. However, studies suggest it actually comes from sahra, which means wild or barren land, reflecting the rocky hill where the village is located. As part of Andalusia's famous Route of the White Villages, Zahara de la Sierra promises unforgettable experiences in one of Spain's most beautiful corners.

Far across the globe, in the rugged landscapes of India, lies another village steeped in history and charm—Malana. Nestled in the state of Himachal Pradesh, this ancient settlement sits secluded in the Malana Nala, a side valley off the Parvati Valley, northeast of the Kullu Valley. Shielded by the peaks of Chanderkhani and Deo Tibba, the village preserves its unique identity through a distinct lifestyle and strict adherence to age-old customs.