MEDD

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.

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.

One of the most geographically distinctive and culturally rich islands in the Cyclades, Milos is a volcanic island of beautiful beaches, thermal springs and unusual rock formations. Adámantas, the island’s pretty port and nightlife hub, is sheltered inside the volcano’s former caldera. Plaka, the nearby capital, overlooks the entrance to the Gulf of Milos.  This charming hilltop town is home to Plaka Castle with views of the entire island as well as an acclaimed archaeological museum, which features a replica of the island’s most famous find: the Venus of Milo.

The rhythm of the sea has long defined life on the gorgeous island of Gozo. As you sail towards Mgarr, you’ll be welcomed by two of the island’s hilltop landmarks – the knights-built Fort Chambray and the 19th century Gothic-style Lourdes Chapel. The capital of Victoria is visible for miles around, and its citadel offers wonderful views over the whole island.

Sitting off the central Dalmatian coast, the wonderfully-green island of Korčula is dotted with olive groves, vineyards and pine forests. The main town’s pretty Old Town exemplifies Croatia’s rich Venetian heritage. At its center, you’ll find the 15th century St. Mark’s Cathedral rising high above the red-roofed Gothic and Renaissance buildings. Go wine-tasting in Smokvica or Cara; soak up some sun on a Lumbarda beach; or take a kayak tour of the islets of the Skoji archipelago – especially Badija, with its pretty monastery.