region

Although Tobago straddles the border of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, the island feels quintessentially Caribbean thanks to its laid-back, carefree vibe. In the capital of Scarborough, the locals may bustle through the central market and esplanade, which are worth a stroll to shop for authentic souvenirs, but just outside of town the pace of life relaxes. The golden, palm-lined beaches along the island’s many bays are perfect for sunning, swimming and “liming” – the local slang for relaxing with friends.

Only small ships and yachts can access the harbor of Sète, which is one reason this enchanting French port has retained its many charms. The birthplace of numerous artists, including poet Paul Valéry and singer-songwriter Georges Brassens, Sète has a rich artistic heritage and its museums pay tribute. Colorfully painted façades line the town’s canals, which include the northeastern entrance to the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site linking the Mediterranean and Atlantic through southern France. Several other UNESCO sites nearby compete for attention.

Nestled in a lush valley of fruit trees and olive groves between the mountains and the sea, Sóller is an elegant and arty Mallorcan treasure that blends the quaint and contemporary. Visitors may stroll on picturesque cobbled streets and sun worship in the cafés of Plaça de la Constitució or deeply explore the nature and history that makes the Balearic Islands famous. The Church of Sant Bartomeu is a major attraction, one of many historic churches in the valley. Linking Sóller to its port is the Tranvía de Sóller, one of only two first-generation tramways to survive in Spain.

This port on Italy’s southern coast overlooking the Bay of Naples is a popular starting place to see all of the pretty towns along the famous Amalfi Coast, but don’t miss the charms of Sorrento itself. The town is perched on cliffs high above the marinas and port below. Visit the 8th-century Cloisters of San Francesco and the Sorrento Cathedral, started in the 15th century with many additions made over time. Relax at a café in Piazza Tasso, the hub of the town. From Sorrento it is also possible to take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii and the mighty volcano Vesuvius.

St. Lucia’s iconic landmarks – the towering volcanic peaks known as the Pitons – rise over the bay and over Soufrière, the original capital established under French rule. Less than two hours by car but a world apart from British-founded Castries, Soufrière is a small town replete with charming examples of tropical colonial architecture. Anchorage here provides easy access to St. Lucia’s leading natural attractions, like the Sulphur Springs that inspired the town’s name – the steaming crater of a “drive-in” volcano.

Grenada is the legendary Spice Isle, where nutmeg perfumes the air. Fort George guards the entrance to the colorful, pedestrian-friendly capital of St. George's. The 18th-century garrison and the hilltop Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception offer the best views of the city and its picturesque harbor, the Carenage. To the south of St. George’s is the wide expanse of Grand Anse Beach, the main resort area.

A jetsetter haven, Saint-Tropez  is best known for its designer shopping, drink-and-dance-‘til-dawn nightlife, and ritzy beach clubs like Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach. After all, this is where French screen goddess Brigitte Bardot popularized the bikini in the 1950s, and to this day Bardot makes her home here. But another side of this once humble fishing village can be found in the hills far above the beachfront. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets and visit the 17th-century citadel for stunning views of the port.

Founded in 1600 when the first European fur-trading post was established in North America, Tadoussac lies at the confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence rivers, where cold fresh water and warmer salt water mix to create rich marine life. An abundance of krill makes the area very attractive to whales, and boat excursions to view the massive mammals are one of the town’s biggest attractions. Still surrounded by relative wilderness, Tadoussac Bay is stunning. Sea kayaking in the Saguenay–St.

Nestled on the beautiful Sicilian coast, Taormina is most famous for the 3rd-century Teatro Antico di Taormina, the world's most dramatically situated Greek theater. Nearby cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches. The city center is filled with 15th-century stone palaces and churches, and pedestrian-only Corso Umberto is the spot for people watching, shopping, fine dining or a gelato. Strung along the bay below Taormina is Giardini Naxos, a picturesque seaside resort on the site of the most ancient Greek colony in Sicily.

Les Saintes are a volcanic archipelago of two islands and seven uninhabited islets surrounded by thriving coral reefs and clear seas. Small at just over two square miles, Terre-de-Haut is the most developed of the group, thanks to an anchorage-rich coastline of scenic bays, natural harbors, quiet beaches and charmingly picturesque villages. The ambience is decidedly low-key, and days are devoted to beachgoing, hiking, snorkeling and diving.