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.

Sailing into San Salvador is an experience to remember, as the island is actually the exposed peak of a submerged mountain that rises 15,000 feet from the ocean floor. You can easily lose a happy afternoon here on a secluded beach, but there is so much more to this idyllic island than meets the eye. Several monuments, ruins and shipwrecks commemorate San Salvador’s profound history dating back to the 1400s, which has sculpted its rich culture.

The standard mode of transportation for visitors and locals alike, a golf cart is the best way to get around Harbour Island, which is just over three miles from end to end. Make your way to one of the island’s renowned restaurants for exquisite cuisine, exceptional wines and fantastic views of the azure seas. The former Bahamian capital has colonial architecture painted in lovely pastels and framed by towering palm trees begging to be photographed.

The capital of Long Island, Clarence Town is home to just under 100 people, so on any given day, visitors may outnumber the locals. One main road traverses the island, which is over 70 miles long, and two different worlds unfold on either side. The eastern edge is the wild side, where Atlantic winds rustle the palm trees that frame secluded coastline, coves and caves. Explore Hamilton Cave, where Lucayan Indians lived centuries ago, and peer into Dean’s Blue Hole, one of the world’s deepest blue holes at over 660 feet.

With some of the most celebrated beaches in the Caribbean, Anguilla has the added bonus of being off the beaten path, with plenty of room to relax on the soft sands of Sandy Ground. The protected cove offers tranquil, crystalline waters and a long stretch of beach, where you can spend the day swimming, lounging in the sun and sipping the island’s famous rum punch. It won’t take much more than 20 minutes to get to the tiny island’s other main attractions, from the luxury resorts and golf courses to the Wallblake House, Anguilla’s only remaining plantation home.