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Canouan is one of the Grenadines’ most exclusive retreats, a rugged, hilly island of soft white-sand beaches, secluded coves, sparkling turquoise seas, and extensive offshore reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving. Its name comes from the Arawak word for turtles, which regularly nest on the windward sands and are part of a vibrant marine eco-system of hard and soft corals, sea fans and colorful tropical fish. On Canouan’s southern, leeward coast, Charlestown is the main settlement, set on a lovely natural anchorage that shelters sailboats and yachts.

Bequia is known as the Grenadines’ “big” small island for its captivating combination of great natural beauty, classic Caribbean experiences and unhurried ambience, all in just seven square miles. The capital, Port Elizabeth, is a yachting town with a village feel, set on the scenic natural anchorage of Admiralty Bay. At the bay’s western end, Princess Margaret Beach is one of the island’s many stunning stretches of sand. Turquoise waters and colorful reefs ring Bequia, offering great snorkeling and diving. A hike in the forested, hilly interior is rewarded with views of St.

A Prohibition-era haven for rum runners, a paradise for sports fishermen and a gambling destination just two hours from Miami, the islands of Bimini have long benefited from their proximity to mainland Florida. The adventures of writer Ernest Hemingway and other famed anglers sparked the transformation of the Bahamian outpost into a destination in the 1930s. Fishing remains a major draw, alongside the hotels, casinos and nightlife that are concentrated along North Bimini’s beautiful beaches.

Barbados is a sophisticated tropical beauty steeped in English heritage and enlivened by the warm Bajan culture. In the capital of Bridgetown, the well-preserved Old Town and historic Garrison district represent an impressive British legacy designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island’s lush interior is largely covered in forest and fields of sugar cane, a source of prized rums and great colonial fortunes. Attractions include restored great houses, a wildlife preserve, the underground formations of Harrison’s Cave, first-rate golfing and some 60 beaches of incredible variety.

Athens is the cradle of the Western democratic tradition, home to a civilization as radiant as any before or since. Feel the pulse of history as you climb to the hilltop Acropolis, home to some of the city’s most renowned ancient sites. Gaze in amazement at the massive columns of the Parthenon, Pericles' greatest monument. Admire the little Temple of Nike and the fantastic carvings of the caryatids that support a porch of the Erechtheion. At the bottom of the hill, the Acropolis Museum includes original statues of the maidens and numerous other artifacts unearthed here.

The Venetians left their mark in Nafplio. Perched on a cliff jutting into the sea, their impregnable fortress is an elegant display of Venetian might. Walk through the Old Town with its handsome neoclassical buildings and balconies dripping with bougainvillea. One of the most beautiful towns in Greece, Nafplio is also one of the most historic; its cultural roots date back to both the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War. From here you can drive across the Peloponnese where tales from Homer’s Iliad come alive.

Simply arriving in Kotor is an unforgettable experience. One of the world’s most breathtaking waterways, the fjord-like Bay of Kotor follows a winding path through the forested mountains that rise on all sides of the sparkling sea. Nestled along the most inland cove are the coral-tiled roofs of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fortified during Venetian rule, medieval ramparts surround the Old Town, where visitors will find historic landmarks such as the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Tryphon and the Maritime Museum. The physically fit should climb the 1,350 steps to clifftop St.

Coastal Slovenia’s largest town, Koper is something of a well-kept secret. Koper’s central core is delightfully medieval and rich in history. Not far from the port, the Old Town centers around Titov Trg, a plaza filled with Venetian-influenced landmarks, from its Gothic-style loggia to the Praetorian Palace and Da Ponte Fountain, a replica of Venice’s famous Rialto Bridge. The Cathedral of The Assumption, also called Koper Cathedral, features a four-story tower with sweeping bay views and houses one of the oldest bells in Slovenia.

Bronze bodies bask in the sun on golden beaches, blue-domed churches dot the island, and picturesque windmills paddle the horizon. This is Mykonos, one of the most charming and fashionable of the Greek isles. Chora, its capital, is a cubist jumble of whitewashed houses and a maze of alleyways built long ago to foil pirates. Get lost in these narrow, twisting lanes filled with exclusive boutiques, art galleries and world-class restaurants.

Super yachts crowd the harbor and waterside bars hum with wealthy vacationers and young partiers in this posh island getaway with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. The island of Hvar is famous for its lavender fields, vineyards, year-round sunshine and nonstop nightlife, but it’s also rich in culture and history. Near the harbor stands a Benedictine convent where nuns fashion lace as part of a 150-year-old tradition recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.