From the most anticipated eclipse of the century to villages perched between sky and rock, passing by crystal waterfalls, medieval fortresses, and royal vacations, here are the articles that captivated SiViaggia readers this week. A curated selection to miss nothing of what happens and that tells of destinations and curiosities that sparked the urge to travel and explore the world in all its facets.
The August 12 eclipse: where to watch it from Italy and worldwide
Undoubtedly one of the most awaited events of the summer 2026, and travelers’ interest proves it: the total solar eclipse of August 12 is among SiViaggia’s most-read pieces this week.
The path of totality will cross some of the most spectacular places in the North Atlantic and Europe, from Greenland to Iceland, passing through Spain and Portugal. In particular, the Iberian Peninsula will be one of the most interesting destinations to witness the spectacle, with the Sun being obscured by the Moon as it approaches the western horizon at sunset: this is also shown by the surge in bookings… no one wants to miss this rare opportunity.
And from Italy? Our country will also be able to enjoy the phenomenon, but only in a partial form. The luckiest will be the Northwestern regions: in some parts of Piedmont the obscuration will exceed 90%, while Lombardy, Liguria, Valle d’Aosta and other northern areas will also offer highly evocative views. The moment of the eclipse will coincide with sunset, making it even more important to choose a point with the horizon free to the west. Are you ready for the summer’s most awaited event?
Here is our article: The most awaited solar eclipse of the year will be visible also from Italy: the best places to see it
Here is our article with all the information: August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse: where and how to observe it. The complete guide
Puentedey, the Spanish village built on the “Bridge of God”
There are places that seem to have stepped straight out of a fairy tale, and Puentedey is exactly one of them.
In the north of the province of Burgos, in Spain, a small medieval village sits atop a huge natural arch of rock carved by the Nela River. The result is striking: stone-and-wood houses, the Romanesque church, and the old fortified palace seem to rest directly on the mountainside. It is no accident that the place’s name stems from a popular tradition that attributes the formation of the gigantic natural bridge to God.
With only about fifty inhabitants, Puentedey has joined the Pueblos Más Bonitos de España network, but its charm goes far beyond its size. A must-stop on your itinerary to explore the Castile and León region.
Here is our article: The enchanting stone village built on the legendary Bridge of God: Puentedey, the Spanish gem
Fonts d’Algar, the water paradise hidden in Costa Blanca
Put aside crowded beaches and Benidorm’s skyscrapers for a moment. Not far from the renowned Costa Blanca resort, there lies a landscape entirely different, made of waterfalls, springs and turquoise natural pools.
They are the Fonts d’Algar, a green oasis shaped by water in the heart of the Sierra de Bernia. The route follows the river for about a kilometer and a half, across boardwalks, small bridges and limestone rock faces, but the real spectacle are the so-called tolls: natural pools fed by springs, where the water remains at around 17-18 degrees. A detail that makes this place particularly inviting during this hot summer.
Here is our article: Emerald coolness among the rocks of the Costa Blanca: a journey into the secret realm of Fonts d’Algar
The Fortresses of Languedoc become UNESCO World Heritage
They topped July’s most-read articles and continue to fascinate readers: the Royal Fortresses of Languedoc have returned to the spotlight because they have officially been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List (as have the splendid Italian condo-theatres).
Built in strategic positions among mountains, valleys and wild landscapes, these eight imposing strongholds tell a fundamental chapter of the history of southern France and the birth of royal power in the region. Among the most spectacular are Montségur Castle, perched at over 1,200 meters, the Peyrepertuse fortress, about 300 meters long, and the famous fortified complex of Carcassonne.
Here is our article: Royal Fortresses of Languedoc, a journey among the medieval castles of Occitania
Dove vanno in vacanza i reali nell’estate 2026
Even royal families have their favorite destinations, and it’s curious to discover where they have chosen to spend this hot summer—kings, queens, princes and princesses.
The British royal family gathers at Balmoral in Scotland, as tradition would have it, while William and Kate have reached the estate with their children. Harry and Meghan, for their part, spent part of the summer across several European destinations.
In Spain, the royal family again chose Palma de Mallorca, while the young Danish royals headed to music festivals. The Dutch princesses treated themselves to a getaway in Greece, at their villa on the Aegean, and the Belgian royal family selected a location on the French Atlantic coast.
Here is our article: Where the royals vacation this summer, among secret islands and fairy-tale escapes
The best cities in the world to live in if you are under 30
What are the cities where young people under 30 would like to live at least once? A new international ranking from Time Out answers this, comparing several metropolises across factors such as quality of life, entertainment, culture, sociability and opportunities for the new generations.
The result reveals destinations that are very different from one another, from major international capitals to less obvious cities, considered particularly interesting for those seeking a dynamic environment and plenty of opportunities. In the top 20, an Italian city also appears, earning high praise for certain categories. Guess which metropolis it is?
Here is our article: The 20 best cities in the world to live under 30: in the 2026 ranking there is an Italian
