Over the centuries Romans, medieval Catalan kings and the French Royal Navy have all sailed into the deep, natural harbor of Port-Vendres in Roussillon – the French part of Catalonia. Just up the coast from this working fishing port, you’ll find the colorful seaside village of Collioure, which has inspired artists like Henri Matisse and Picasso and is one of the most picturesque resorts on the Côte Vermeille.
The second largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Menorca boasts more beaches than Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera combined. What’s more, this ecologically-minded island has managed to remain utterly unspoiled, as UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and it remains protected to this day. Take a stroll in the town of Ciutadella, the island’s former longtime capital, and you’ll find a beautiful historic quarter where the narrow medieval streets invite exploration.
Sitting on the deep, aquamarine waters of Man O’War Bay, the pretty fishing village of Charlotteville is one of Tobago’s oldest and most laid-back settlements. The off-the-beaten-track location and relaxed, beachy ambience are at the heart of Charlotteville’s charm. There’s a pleasant stretch of golden sand, and just a short walk or boat ride away you’ll find the peaceful seclusion of Pirate’s Bay – a beach so idyllic it starred in the 1952 movie version of Robinson Crusoe.
The white peaks of the Lefka Ori mountain range create a dramatic backdrop for Crete’s former capital of Chania. This city’s rich cultural heritage showcases everything from Byzantine monasteries to medieval churches and Turkish baths. At the heart of its enchanting Old Town you’ll find the Venetian harbor, with its landmark lighthouse and colorful waterfront palazzos. Behind that you’ll discover a maze of alleyways lined with fascinating cafés, galleries, bars and restaurants.
Located on Turkey’s sun-drenched Aegean coast, the town of Bodrum effortlessly blends seaside chic with ancient history and a relaxed beach scene. The town is the hub for boating on the peninsula, and traditional wooden gulet boats will take you along the coastline to idyllic hidden coves to swim in sparkling turquoise waters. Bodrum’s 15th century St. Peter’s Castle stands guard over the old bazaar district’s narrow cobbled streets, quaint cafés, artisan workshops and bougainvillea-draped whitewashed walls.
Sitting on a spectacular stretch of coastline on the ‘heel’ of Italy, Bari is Puglia’s bustling capital. The city’s historic Bari Vecchia district is a labyrinth of charming medieval streets where you’ll see local women selling homemade orecchiette pasta and the faithful making their pilgrimages to the 12th century Basilica San Nicola. Head out of town and explore fascinating heritage sites like Alberobello, a village of unique domed trulli structures; or relax on one of the many sandy beaches that sit beneath the region’s ancient clifftop villages.
Amorgos is a fashionable yet decidedly low-key island in the eastern Cyclades. Its pristine beaches are wonderfully secluded and many of them can only be reached by foot or by boat. The island boasts some world-class dive sites, as well as numerous picturesque trails along its rugged coastline. Make your way inland and you’ll find the quintessentially Cycladic town of Hora. Lose yourself in its narrow streets, charming squares and bougainvillea-draped whitewashed buildings.
Sitting between two bays on the beautiful La Victoria peninsula, Alcúdia is a charming base for exploring the stunning coastline, mountains and ancient monuments of northeastern Mallorca.
With its beautiful pastel-hued historic core and stylish waterfront promenade, it’s no surprise that Corsica’s pretty capital is always buzzing with activity. Visit the house where Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769; head west along the coast to chill out at Ariane beach or Marinella beach; indulge in some fascinating people-watching at an Old Town café; or take a stroll along the waterfront, which is full of sun-worshipers by day and party people by night.
