MEDD

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.