Long at the crossroads of power in the Aegean, Ikaria has a historic legacy that ranges from ancient Greeks to the Ottomans. Following 20th-century wars and hardships, the island today is deeply rooted in community and celebration, an ethos said to support the legendary longevity of Ikarians, along with a diet of local fruit, vegetables, honey, olive oil and free-flowing red wine.
With a fleet of colorful fishing boats bobbing along the quay, pastel-hued buildings and palm-fringed promenade, Sanary-sur-Mer is one of France’s most picturesque ports. The compact town, including its beaches, is easily navigated on foot but its unstudied charm is best captured over a glass of rose at a waterfront cafe. Sanary is also an ideal base for exploring Provence’s Var coast. Next door is Bandol, the coastal town at the heart of a tiny, highly-acclaimed wine appellation.
Rising from the edge of Corsica’s northeast coast, the skyline of Bastia is marked by the graceful twin towers of the Church of St. John the Baptist overlooking the yacht-filled harbor of the Vieux Port. Equally imposing is the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie in the heart of Terra Nova, the walled citadel that once protected the city’s Genoese governors. Both of these areas are filled with Baroque churches and elegant plazas that are delightful places for a stroll, as is the seaside garden that lies between the Vieux Port and Terra Nova.
Puerto Plata may be best known for its over 100 kilometers of beaches. Playa Dorada, named for its golden sands, invites you to relax beside turquoise water, Cabarete beckons kite surfers and windsurfers alike, and Sosua Beach is the perfect place for snorkelers, with its crystal-clear waters and rich submarine ecosystem. More adventures can be found inland by taking the teleférico, or cable car, to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for breathtaking views over the lush landscape that descends to the sea.
On the sun-drenched southern coast of Cyprus, Limassol – Lemesós in Greek – is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a richly atmospheric historic center. A dense tangle of narrow streets and lanes lined with restaurants, cafes, shops and sights like the cathedral and Grand Mosque extends from the old port and a restored medieval castle. Graced with fountains, palms and reflecting pools, a grand promenade extends for miles along the waterfront, connecting the modern marina district to the Old Town and urban beaches to the east.
Italo-Slavic heritage and contemporary Croatian culture mix effortlessly in the northern Adriatic town of Rovinj. Colorful palazzos and historic buildings fill its beautiful Venetian-era Old Town, where you’ll find the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia. Climb its 60-meter-tall bell tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Istrian Peninsula and the Rovinj archipelago. Linking the older and new districts, Tito Square is the lively town center, and home to a landmark clock tower, arch and museum.
Vis is a rare undeveloped Adriatic island, the unexpected result of decades under Communist Yugoslavia military control. Since Croatian independence, tourism has emerged slowly, with few hotels, no resorts and limited ferry service. Quiet beaches, secluded coves, clear blue seas and verdant landscapes of wild scrub, vineyards and olive and citrus groves are the principal attractions. The island’s few sights include a small archaeological museum, some 17th-century Venetian architecture and a fascinating network of WWII-era tunnels and hideouts used by Tito and his partisan forces.
An imposing Venetian fortress guards the maritime entrance to Šibenik, heralding the historic importance of this town in the heart of the Dalmatian coast. The 500-year-old Cathedral of St. James still dominates the waterfront but today this celebrated Gothic-Renaissance UNESCO site anchors an inviting promenade lined with cafes and restaurants that fuel Šibenik’s reputation for culinary excellence.
The abundant coral reefs encircling Bermuda transform the water into myriad shades of vibrant blue and contribute to the pink sands for which the islands are renowned. Whether you choose the famous Horseshoe Bay on Bermuda’s south side or Elbow Beach closer to town, you can easily spend an entire day lounging on pristine sands and snorkeling in the aquamarine waters. For more cultural pursuits, explore the capital of Hamilton, where you can visit the Bermuda National Gallery, the Gothic-style Bermuda Cathedral and the nearby botanical gardens.
Although the walk from one end of Staniel Cay to the other wouldn’t take much more than 40 minutes, the favorite way to travel for visitors and locals is via golf cart. With so few roads, it will be nearly impossible to get lost as you set out in search of the island’s four gorgeous beaches. You won’t need transportation at all if you choose to spend the day swimming in the crystalline waters that lap at the powdery sands of Town Beach. Enjoy a meal overlooking the sea at one of the island’s only restaurants, conveniently located next to the beach.
