Being a Warrior of Light, saviour of worlds, beacon of hope etc. is a lot. For our accomplished heroes, it’s one battle after another, with hardly a breath in between. But, with any job, it’s important to take a little break from time to time. Relax, recharge, and get back in touch with nature.
I thought it was high time my own WoLs took a breather and revisited some of the areas we’ve seen throughout our adventures, only this time with no fires to put out, and no political tensions to ease. Together, we sought out some of Eorzea’s best relaxation spots, stunning landscapes, and truly hidden gems.
La Noscea
Boat on the Rhotano Sea
Eastern La Noscea
X: 38.6, Y: 24.7
Resting on the edge of the Rhotano Sea in Eastern La Noscea is a large ship that only appears once you’ve unlocked flying in the area. Not only can you take advantage of two Fishing hotspots just off the coast of Costa del Sol, but it’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise.
Play pirate for a day, or go shark spotting. It’s a great location to take in the coastal sights of La Noscea.
Seasong Grotto
Middle La Noscea
X: 20.3, Y: 18.8
"I am the waves that bear, I am the winds that guide.
I am the evening stars, I am the morning sky.
I am born of the sea, and there shall I die."
Featured in the Sightseeing Log for A Realm Reborn, Seasong Grotto may be familiar to those who began their adventure in Limsa Lominsa. A plentiful flock of Bogy illuminate this small cave, with a large carved statue being the main focal point.
Here, WoL’s can get up close and study the statue, or enjoy this quiet pocket of La Noscea as new fledgling adventurers begin their journey. Bring a friend. Bring Torgal. Hang out and enjoy cave life for a while. Eorzea isn’t going anywhere (hopefully).
The Serpent’s Tongue
Western La Noscea
X: 12.7, Y: 17.1
“This hidden harbor serves as a hideout for the rapacious Serpent Reavers, who have allied with the Sahagin against their fellow men.”
Had enough of the peaceful spots? How about a Reaver hideout to explore. The Serpent’s Tongue is a landmark in Western La Noscea that’s riddled with Serpent Reavers, but stronger WoLs shouldn’t expect any trouble.
Fly up onto the nearby ship lodged in the rocks and look out from the bow onto the open seas. It’s a great place to rest after you’ve bashed up a few pirate scoundrels.
Thalaos
Upper La Noscea
X: 13.0, Y: 22.4
“Though there is no proof to support the claim, rumor has it that these sun-bleached remains of a long-dead denizen of the deep are those of Thalaos, one of the legendary twin sea serpents believed to have been unleashed by the Navigator, Llymlaen, at the dawn of eras to fill the empty seas (the other being Perykos).”
One of the twin serpents summoned by Llymlaen during the Thaleia raid now rests in Upper La Noscea, though only its bones remain. The huge remnants carve up the landscape and are now littered with Kobolds. But, come rain or shine (torrential rain, in my case), the remains of Thalaos are well-worth a visit.
Take shelter underneath its towering bones, or look out to where its skull now rests in the mountainside. Sad, or therapeutic? Well, it depends on how badly Llymlaen smacked you and your party around.
The Hermit’s Hovel
Outer La Noscea
X: 15.9, Y: 9.3
“While few have ever seen the lord of this humble hideaway which rests precariously on the edge of an unscalable precipice—let alone obtained his permission for entering the premises—that has not stopped travelers from taking full advantage of the respite the Hermit's Hovel offers, whether it be a dip in the steaming pools, or a few bells' slumber on the soft goosefeather bed.”
Tired from all the gallivanting around La Noscea? Thankfully, there’s another little hideaway in Outer La Noscea that offers the perfect space to unwind. The Hermit’s Hovel sits beside a shallow pool, overlooking a nearby ravine. Stand beneath the waterfall, or take in the views under the night sky. Then, when you’re done, head inside for some light reading by candlelight. It really is the perfect retreat.
Othard
Plum Springs
Yanxia
X: 36.3, Y: 23.4
“High in the mountains to the east of Namai, this spring was named for its most striking feature, the many plum trees which can be found growing throughout. A local legend tells of a wizened sage who resides there, but those few who claim to have seen him are rarely believed.”
Even in a land ravaged by war, there’s still spots of tranquility to be found. Up in the mountains is a quaint spring, littered with plum trees in bloom with blossom. Wade through the shallow pools, or take a deeper dip. The Water Sprites won’t mind.
Gyr Abania
The Arms of Meed
The Peaks
X: 9.3, Y: 37.1
“Cleanse your mind, hone your flesh, redeem your soul - so teaches the Fist of Rhalgr. The temple was built in accordance with this belief, that those who have committed wrongs might atone for their sins. Seven years of grueling training here will earn one the Destroyer's forgiveness no matter the weight of his crime.”
This particular area can only be accessed once you’ve unlocked flying in The Peaks. Located to the southwest of the map, in an ‘L’ shape, is a small ruin. Though there’s not much to look at, it’s a peaceful little corner of The Peaks. Take in the ruins, observe some lingering artefacts, or take part in some quiet reflection. It’s worth the trip out just to get some time to yourself.
Dravania
A View of Alexander
Dravania Hinterlands
X: 17.9, Y: 23.0
Hidden in the mountainside of the Dravania Hinterlands is a small cavern overlooking the plains. It’s also the perfect viewing platform to take in the primal, Alexander, without, y’know, getting beaten into the ground.
Water flows from the cavern into the ravine below, so if you don’t mind getting your feet wet then this is the perfect spot to sit down and take in the views.
The Snail
Idyllshire
X: 4.7, Y: 7.4
Idyllshire is more than a little bit idyllic, but even in this bright hamlet are spots of notable beauty. The Snail sits just off the western edge of Idyllshire, taking the form of a large fountain surrounded by flowers.
WoLs can sit here and enjoy the view of the distant mountains, soak up the sunshine next to numerous flowers, or even play in the fountain. Even the strongest warriors can let loose once in a while.
Abalanthia’s Spine
Mok Oogl Island
The Sea of Clouds
X: 15.6, Y: 7.8
“An island whose name, in the tongue of the Vanu Vanu, translates to "a noise heard on high." On the island stands a monument engraved with a mark of moogle design, but no sign of the creatures themselves, leaving its origins clouded in mystery.”
The Sea of Clouds is already a breathtaking location in Abalanthia’s Spire, even in the murky, gusty weather my WoL had on her recent visit. But there’s a particular floating island that’s worth a visit, if only for the amusement. At ground level it might not look like much, but fly up as high as you can and you’ll quickly discover the island’s shape is that of a moogle.
Dotted around the rest of the island are a few enemy creatures, some carved stones, and strange puff balls. If you’re in the area, check it out from above or on the ground.
Black Shroud
Ixali Logging Grounds
North Shroud
X: 18.5, Y: 19.5
“The lxal have never taken well their banishment from the Black Shroud; and to this day continue to fell the hoary sentinels growing on the forest's outskirts. Too heavy to drag back to their settlements in Natalan or faraway Xelphatol, the ill-gotten lumber is tied to balloons buoyed with lxali airstones and flown to the beast tribe's homeland under the cover of night.”
Sure, the Ixali Logging Grounds might not seem like a necessary stop on the sightseeing tour. And yes, it’s crawling with Ixali. But they’re not so bad once you get to know them (or max out your level). Cross the many logs over the shallow stream, or take a seat up by the many campfires. It’s not so bad here, under the stars.
The Sea of Stars
Kydonia Knolls
Northern Mare Lamentorum
X: 11.5, Y: 22.3
“This lifelike face of enormous scale appears to peek out from the surface of Mare Lamentorum. Obviously no natural formation, it is nevertheless unknown who carved this piece, or indeed, whose features it is meant to resemble. One thing is certain: the model would not find the depiction particularly flattering.”
Now what sightseeing tour would be complete without, say, a trip to outer space? Our final destination takes us to Northern Mare Lamentorum, to the Kydonia Knolls to be exact. This particular location isn’t necessarily hidden, as it sits just above the entrance to the Level 90 Smileton dungeon. But, similar to Mok Oogle Island, fly up high and you’ll quickly notice that this lump of rock actually has a face carved into it.
Sit atop its stony nose to take in the galactic sights and the peaceful sound of, well, nothing. It’s quiet up in space, afterall.
And thus concludes our little trip around Eorzea, and beyond it. There are plenty more stunning locales and interesting dwellings to find in arguably one of the most beautiful MMORPGs around, but this little list should give you a great start to planning your Warrior of Light’s own vacation trip. After all, a heroes’ job is never done. As we resume our journeys once again in Patch 7.2, remember to take a break every now and then to soak up the sun, take in the sights, and breathe.
Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.2 — Seekers of Eternity launches on March 25, 2025.