#3 MOTW - Helsinki, Finland

The Finns' love for saunas is generally associated with Finnish cultural tradition. Sauna is a type of dry steam bath practised widely in Finland, which is especially evident in the strong tradition around Midsummer and Christmas. The word sauna is of Proto-Finnish origin dating back 7,000 years. 

Steam baths have been part of European tradition elsewhere as well, but the sauna has survived best in Finland, in addition to Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Norway, and parts of the United States and Canada. Moreover, nearly all Finnish houses have either their own sauna or in multi-story apartment houses, a timeshare sauna. The Finnish sauna culture is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

 

#2 MOTW - Ayia Napa, Cyprus

The name Ayia Napa is derived from a Venetian-era monastery of the same name, located in the centre of the town. The word Ayia means "holy" in Greek. Napa is archaic and means "wooded valley" or "dell". In ancient times the area surrounding the town was covered with thick forest. Ayia Napa lies near Cape Greco in the eastern part of Cyprus, south of Famagusta, and forms part of a larger area known as Kokkinochoria ("Red Villages", a name derived from the vivid red colour of the soil).

 

#1 MOTW - Qendër, Albania

The name Albania comes from Greek and Roman sources, referring to the colour white. The Albanians themselves use the name Shqipëria, which means Land of Eagles. The legend says that a young Albanian saved a little eagle from a snake, for which the eagle rewarded him with excellent eyesight and the strength of eagle wings. The young man also received the protection and supervision of the bracken.