Korčula

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Sitting off the central Dalmatian coast, the wonderfully-green island of Korčula is dotted with olive groves, vineyards and pine forests. The main town’s pretty Old Town exemplifies Croatia’s rich Venetian heritage. At its center, you’ll find the 15th century St. Mark’s Cathedral rising high above the red-roofed Gothic and Renaissance buildings. Go wine-tasting in Smokvica or Cara; soak up some sun on a Lumbarda beach; or take a kayak tour of the islets of the Skoji archipelago – especially Badija, with its pretty monastery.

St. Croix, USVI

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The largest and least-visited of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix enchants travelers with its unspoiled white-sand beaches, coral reefs, lush tropical landscapes, protected parks and organic farms. Its two relaxed main towns showcase the island’s unique Danish heritage. On the west coast you’ll find Fredriksted, a tiny, tidy grid of a town with a seafront that stretches between an 18th century fort and a wildlife refuge at Sandy Point.

Katakolon

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Tucked into a forested valley in the western Peloponnese, Olympia was ancient Greece’s center for the worship of Zeus, as well as the birthplace of the original Olympic Games. The Games took place here every four years for over 1,100 years, and the ruins – which include a colossal stadium that was built for 20,000 spectators – are truly impressive. Just 20 miles away on the coast is Katakolon, the maritime gateway to Olympia.

Split, Croatia

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Life in this exuberant city revolves around its outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace. Don’t be mistaken though – this is no quiet palace or stuffy museum – it’s an elaborate ancient complex of 220 buildings that make up the beating heart of this beautiful city. Home to around 3,000 people, Diocletian’s Palace is a precious Roman gem where the locals go about their daily lives undeterred by the fact that they’re living in a historical wonder.

Horta, Azores

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Sailing into the famous marina of Horta on the island on Faial is the quintessential yachting experience. This maritime town has been a mid-Atlantic steppingstone for sailors since the Age of Discovery, and today it’s a pitstop for international regattas like Les Sables-Les Açores-Les Sables. Check out the colorful wall on the marina’s breakwater – seafaring superstition states that sailors should paint a message on it to ensure divine protection for their crossing. Take a whale-watching trip or go hiking at Caldeira, a two-kilometer-wide and 400-meter-deep volcanic cone.

Spetses, Greece

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Pine-scented Spetses is an upscale and relaxed island that attracts more affluent Athenians than foreign tourists. With its rich seafaring culture, this little island is also hugely popular with the yachting crowd. This is one of the most cosmopolitan destinations in Greece, with beautiful Neoclassical buildings sitting on its fine squares and horse-drawn carriages roaming its pretty streets.

Siracusa, Sicily, Italy

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Dating back to 734BC, Siracusa was once one of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization. Today it’s a lively city with a charming historic center, lovely Baroque architecture and some amazing Greek and Roman ruins, like the monumental Teatro Greco at the Parco Archeologico – one of Sicily’s most impressive archaeological sites. At Siracusa’s heart you’ll find the beautiful island of Ortygia, which was first inhabited by the ancient Greeks.

Sifnos, Greece

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Beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, tranquil churches and local traditions meet Cycladic chic on Sifnos. Long known for its outstanding cuisine – the island was the birthplace of Nikolaos Tselementes, author of the first Greek cookbook – Sifnos is growing increasingly cosmopolitan. The tranquil port of Kamares boasts some fabulous waterfront cafés, restaurants and stores along its long, lovely beach. Visit the exceptionally pretty village of Kástro, a former Venetian citadel that was built on top of an ancient town.

Guna Yala, San Blas Islands, Panama

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Sitting off Panama’s northeast Caribbean coast, Guna Yala is a stunning archipelago of 365 palm-fringed islands. An autonomous province since 1924, this intriguing, eco-conscious destination is governed by the indigenous Guna people. A paradise of white sand beaches, thatched houses and turquoise waters, life is refreshingly uncomplicated in Guna Yala. While the locals have embraced outboard motors and mobile phones, they mostly live like their ancestors did.

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