Long expanses of golden sand lining crystalline waters welcome visitors to this coastal Caribbean town on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Just offshore from the pristine beaches, colorful coral teems with tropical fish at Banco Chinchorro, a biosphere reserve with a number of shipwreck sites that attract snorkelers and divers alike. Equally enticing is the abundance of ancient Mayan ruins found just inland from Costa Maya.
Sitting in a magnificent location at the end of a promontory with the Cinque Terre coast on one side and the Gulf of Poets (La Spezia) on the other, Porto Venere enjoys the kind of tranquility that its more hectic neighbors can only dream of. And with its pastel-hued tower-houses, picturesque harbor and poetic associations, it’s every bit as enchanting. Spend a morning exploring the rocky terraces of the Grotta di Byron - named because Lord Byron once swam from there to visit the Shelleys in San Terenzo.
Sitting on the edge of Europe, Palermo is a glorious mish-mash of Baroque churches, Arabesque domes, souk-like marketplaces and Gothic palaces. You’ll find yourself gazing at glittering mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, sampling cheeses at the bustling Mercato di Ballarò, viewing the largest collection of ancient anchors in the world at the Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas, wandering serene subtropical gardens at the Orto Botanico or watching world-class opera at the Art Nouveau Teatro Massimo.
With its sun-dappled Piazza del Duomo, winding alleyways, Byzantine-influenced cathedral and pretty little beach, the town of Amalfi embodies Italian charm. Neighboring Atrani is also well worth a visit, as it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. With its ancient churches and whitewashed alleyways, it’s a lovely place to spend a relaxing day away from the crowds. Alternatively, make your way to the magical Grotta dello Smeraldo, which is named because of the gorgeous emerald color that emanates from the water.
With its blend of Italian and Catalan influences, Alghero’s Old Town is breathtakingly beautiful and refreshingly unpretentious. You’ll find Gothic and Catalan architecture around every corner of this authentic centro storico. Pull up a chair in a café in the shadow of one of the city’s 16th century towers and sip a morning coffee before strolling along the pedestrianized Sea Walls, which run all the way from the Piazza Sulis to the marina. The views over to Capo Caccia on the horizon are amazing.
From the sophistication of the German Colony to the bohemian vibe of Masada Street, the bustling port city of Haifa has an eclectic energy all its own. Lose yourself in the beauty of the world’s longest hillside gardens at the Baha’ii Tropical Gardens, learn about five millennia of maritime history at the National Maritime Museum or gaze over the waters of Haifa Bay towards the ancient city of Akko from Hadar HaCarmel. Take the cable car up to Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery and hike up to Elijah’s Cave, or venture beyond the city to explore Caesarea or Nazareth.
Known as the ‘Gateway to Jerusalem’, Ashdod dates back to the 17th century BC, and over the years the Philistines, Romans and Ottoman Turks have all called it home. Step ashore and discover the world’s only Museum of Philistine Culture, or take a stroll up Giv'at Yona hill, which is said to house the tomb of Jonah. Alternatively, head inland to explore the spiritually-magnetic city of Jerusalem.
Utila is the kind of Caribbean paradise where you may run into quite a few people who came here on vacation a couple of years ago and then never left. Surrender to the relaxed pace of the tiny island on the town’s white sand beaches, and sip cocktails at one of the beachfront restaurants. The pristine waters around Utila are the main draw, and there are plenty of dive shops that will help you see the vibrant coral reefs.
The picturesque resort of Parga offers island-style ambience and historic charm on the Greek mainland. Tiers of colorful houses, a legacy of Venetian rule, rise up over a secluded turquoise bay. In the crystal-clear waters is a tiny tree-covered islet, home only to a gleaming white chapel. From the pretty waterfront, a tangle of cobbled streets lead up to a hilltop medieval castle. The ruins overlook the bay below, the golden sands of nearby Valtos beach, orange and olive groves, and out to the Ionian Sea.
The largest town in eastern Crete, Agios Nikolaos is a cosmopolitan resort whose vibrant seaside ambience centers around three distinctive waterfronts. A narrow channel links the sea with Voulismeni, a deep lake filled with small boats and ringed with cafes, tavernas and bars. This picturesque inner harbor is the heart of Agios. A short walk south leads to the marina district. The town’s northern shores enjoy views of the islets of Mikronisi and sacred Agii Pantes (All Saints), topped by a tiny chapel.
