The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is renowned for its sunshine, sandy beaches and spectacular heritage. During two centuries of occupation, the crusading Knights Hospitaller transformed Rhodes Town into a medieval stronghold. Today its Old Town is a wonderful tangle of streets and squares that are bustling with cafés and restaurants. The architecture here is fascinating – a beautiful blend Gothic, Byzantine and Ottoman styles.
The bastions of an impressive 16th century fortress stand guard over Rethymno, one of Crete’s most charming cities. The Old Town is wondrously atmospheric, its cobblestone alleyways leading to pretty churches, Italianate palazzos, Ottoman mosques and charming courtyards that are draped in brilliant bougainvillea. Sun worshipers will find Crete’s longest beach, a 12-kilometer stretch of golden sand, just beyond the marina. If you want to escape the bright Cretan sun, some shady municipal gardens and fine museums provide the opportunity to cool down.
Viewed from mainland Croatia, Rab appears to be barren – a stretch of desolate rock wedged between azure sky and the deep blue Kvarner Gulf. However, the island’s west coast is remarkably green and is covered with forests, olive groves, vineyards and fields. The biggest community is picturesque Rab Town, which sits on a small peninsula that forms a pretty u-shaped natural harbor. A quartet of church towers rise over its historic quarter, where the narrow streets are lined with impressive medieval and Venetian buildings.
Two fortresses – the Ottoman-era Néokástro and medieval Paleokastro – welcome you to the Bay of Navarínou, a natural harbor in the Peloponnese. Established after the 1827 naval battle that paved the way for an independent Greece, Pylos now guards the entrance to this beautiful bay. The area’s many beaches are unspoiled, most notably Voïdhokiliá, a picture-perfect semicircle of white sand that separates the Gialova Lagoon from the sea. A short drive from town takes you to the hilltop ruins of Nestor’s Palace.
From the colorful and unique imperió shrines that dot the cobblestoned streets of the port town of Praia Da Vitória, to the atmospheric allure of Algar do Carvão, a 90-meter-deep volcanic chimney that formed some 3,200 years ago, the island of Terceira is an utter joy to explore. Spend a day relaxing on a volcanic beach, dive the island’s incredible shipwrecks and reefs, or head to the historic town of Angra do Heroísmo.
The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba is at the heart of a stunning land-and-marine park between mainland Italy, Corsica and the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas. The main town of Portoferraio sits on a hill, its 16th century fortifications still visible today. Napoleon was famously exiled here, but Mother Nature is Elba’s real attraction. Along the rocky coastline you’ll find numerous gorgeous small bays, coves and beaches, while in the mountainous interior you’ll discover endless hiking trails that showcase the island’s rugged beauty.
Porto Cervo’s magnificent yacht marina is the swish centerpiece of Sardinia’s dazzlingly beautiful Costa Smeralda. This stylish port, founded in the 1960s by the Aga Khan, has since become a playground for the rich and famous and a vacation spot of choice for the international jet setter. Celebrities like to flock here to enjoy the resort’s high-end charms, so it’s no surprise that it’s the summer headquarters for the Italian paparazzi.
The Rio Arade meets the Atlantic at Portimão, a fishing port and popular watersports destination on Portugal’s beautiful Algarve. The city’s charm is best experienced along the river, where the old fishermen’s quarter and pretty, fountain-splashed squares invite leisurely strolls. Alternatively, take a walk at Rocha beach, where medieval ruins stand guard over the sands, or stroll along the boardwalk at Praia do Alvo. Head west to discover the former provincial capital of Lagos, or make your way to Silves, where you’ll find a stunning fairy tale castle.
With its elegant architecture, cobblestoned streets and restaurant-lined marina, Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel is the charming capital of the Azores. See the three-arched Ponta Delgada, which dates back to 1783; sample local cheeses in the Mercado da Graça; or stop to smell the flowers in Antonio Borges Garden. Venture outside the city and you’ll never forget the view from the Mirador do Rei lookout.
Set between the beautiful Baie des Anges and the Alps, the sunny capital of la Côte d’Azur has long been admired for its beauty and sophistication. One of France’s oldest cities, Nice blends its urban verve with plenty of seaside charm, a fantastic local food scene and a heritage that’s steeped in pretty Italianate influences. In the narrow streets of Vieille Ville you’ll find charming piazzettas, cozy cafés, traditional stores and a famous flower and grocery market.
