Unesco World Heritage sites

The Elbe Valley (right) highlights the harmony between nature and architecture. This 20km-long valley meanders from the southeast to the northwest fringes of Dresden and captures a rich collection of historic architectural monuments. Traces of Bronze and Iron Age settlements, medieval villages and buildings from the Renaissance and baroque periods, as well as elaborate 19th-century royal residences all vie for attention in this striking region. More information: www.germany-tourism.de.

Two steep-sided volcanic spires, the eroded remnants of lava domes, rise majestically from the sea. The first World Heritage site for this small island state in the Caribbean is a water wonderland with 168 species of fish; there are also 60 species of coral, molluscs, sea sponges and annelid worms. Hawksbill turtles float near the shores, while the tranquil waters are a playground for whale sharks and pilot whales. St Lucia is a lush tropical gem. Midway along the Eastern Caribbean chain, north of Barbados between Martinique and St Vincent. More information: www.stlucia.org.