Come for the seafood, stay for the shopping, and make sure to give the museums and beaches equal time when wandering in Númenor, one of the oldest kingdoms in Middle Earth. Backpackers be warned, the residents of this prosperous land are used to their luxury, and this isn't a place for budget travel. When it comes to cuisine, seafood is always on the menu in some form, but the land is rich and provides a wide variety.
Also called the Island of Elenna or Starwards, the climate of Númenor is temperate with plenty of sunshine and starlight. As with all islands that deal with the sea, however, weather can change to cloudly and cold in minutes and travelers should dress accordingly. The best time to visit Númenor would be in the distant past, before the Downfall that sank the island continent under the waves forever.
7 Armenelos the Golden
It's the sight that most visitors from Middle-earth first see when arriving in the island kingdom. Located on the eastern half of the island, Elves from Valinor are more likely to arrive in Andúnië, a city on the Bay of Eldanna on the western shoreline.
Also known as the City of Kings, this is the capital city of Númenor. This is where travelers can find other important sights, like the residence of the royal family, the markets and restaurants, and the home of many famous crafting Guilds.
6 The Royal Palace
Locals also refer to this building as the King's House. iIt's worth seeing for those that appreciate architecture and design alone, but its history is equally fascinating. The Maiar, servants of the Valar and godlike beings from Valinor, had a hand in building it.
It was completed at the same time as Elros Tar-Minyatur was crowned the King of Numenor at the beginning of the Second Age. This important historic event marked the beginning of a new era for the realm of Arda and the genesis of the greatest human kingdom in the history of The Lord of the Rings.
5 Nimloth, the White Tree
While stopping by the palace, don't miss Nimloth the Fair. This is the White Tree of Númenor that was a gift from the Elves of Tol Eressëa, a sacred island close to Valinor. It was descended from one of the Two Trees, in this case, Telperion, the Silver Tree.
The Maia of growing things, Yavanna, cultivated a seedling from Telperion after it was destroyed, but unlike its parent tree, this one didn't generate light. Another named Celeborn was planted on the island of Tol Eressëa, and Nimloth is a cutting from that tree.
4 Mt. Meneltarma
The Pillar of Heaven is the most sacred place in all of Númenor. Legend has it that the peak of this mountain was all that survived after the Downfall, but it has never been found or charted by any ship. The scenery alone is worth a visit, and the road that leads to the highest peak is also impressive.
Those who visit during important festivals and feast days need to observe the strict rule of silence. Only the king is allowed to speak on these occasions, and when he does, it's in prayer to the most powerful Valar that exists: Eru Ilúvatar. There's a shrine to the god located on this peak, and the only wildlife that visits are the guardian eagles of the Maiar Manwë.
3 The Gardens Of Andustar
The influence of Elvish culture in Númenor has ensured that flowers, trees, and other plants are not only revered, but cultivated with no small amount of care and enthusiasm. Some of the rarest plants in Middle-earth grow here, one of the most famous being the mallorn tree.
There are few places where the golden leaves of the mallorn tree flourish, but these forests in the eastern province of Andustar is one of them. Durin successfully cultivated one in the shade of Khazad-dûm, in secret and against all odds, and at the time of the War of the Ring they were found in Lothlorien.
2 The Plains of Mittalmar
The Númenoreons might be a seafaring people, but they are also famous for their love of horses. Visitors who are interested in riding should visit the vast inland plains of Mittalmar. Most of the population of the island kingdom resides and works here in suburbs and hamlets connected to the capital city.
Most of the plains are an idyllic network of lush forests and open fields, and this is where most of the farms and orchards are located. Other important sights here include the Valley of the Tombs and the Hall of Law.
1 The Hall Of Law
One reason to get a closer look at the western plains would be to visit the Hall of Law, an important location that's a few hours ride away from the capital city. It is part of the enduring legacy of the first Emporer, Elros the Half-Elven, and was built during his reign in the early days of Númenor.
A place of art and history, the hall contains a vast library that includes not only the knowledge of the people of Númenor, but also that of Elves, Dwarves, and the immortal races of Valinor. It really would be a shame if something happened to it.