As of 2007 there are 851 world heritage sites as designated by UNESCO. If a site is thought to be of sufficiently outstanding natural or cultural significance it will be given careful consideration for a place on the list. The idea is that whilst these sites are, of course, property of the nations in which they are situated they should also be regarded as effectively belonging to everyone and thus our collective responsibility to protect for future generations. As much as viewing the list as some sort of tourist itinerary would be to diminish its actual function, all the sites are undoubtedly worthwhile places to visit.

As we can’t review all 851 sites we decided to pick out three sites that we think are particularly worthy of a visit. To see the full list visit the official website.

Historic Centre of Cordoba, Spain

One of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Cordoba was declared a world heritage site in 1984. It is quite possibly one of the most historically interesting places in the world. The city's historical significance stretches back thousands of years through periods of Roman, Visigoth, Muslim and finally Catholic rule, all of which can still be detected in the cities diverse and often wonderfully preserved architecture. The Mezquita Cathedral is perhaps Cordoba best known architectural treasure and seems to perfectly sum up this distinctive meeting of cultures. The building, now a Roman Catholic Cathedral actually began its life as possibly the most spectacular mosque in the world. It now embodies aspects of each preceding era in Cordoba’s history.
Sun seeking travellers will also be pleased to learn that in addition to its many visual delights Cordoba has some of the most consistently hot temperatures in Europe.

Cheap flights to Spain can be quickly found online by visiting sites like Fly Monarch or Skyscanner. Looking for cheap flights to Malaga, an Andalucian destination well serviced by budget flights might offer the best deals for those planning a visit to Cordoba. The best deal we found was available through Cheap Flights at just £52 inc. tax flying from Gatwick to Malaga with BA.    

City of Valletta, Malta

On visiting Valletta, the capital of Malta, in 1830 Benjamin Disraeli described the city as "a city of palaces built by gentlemen for gentlemen," and continued "Valletta, equals in its noble architecture, if it does not excel, any capital in Europe". This relatively small Mediterranean city has retained much of what Disraeli saw in it nearly 2 centuries ago. The ‘noble architecture’ despite sustaining bomb damage during the Second World War has mostly remained remarkably well preserved. Much actually dates back to the sixteenth century when the city was founded by the Knights of St John.
Within its 0.55 km Valletta packs a wealth of world class cultural attractions, most famously the spectacular St Johns Co-Cathedral which houses Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John The Baptist, and makes a historically intriguing, visually captivating travel destination

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