Presided over by its cathedral, where Jane Austen is buried, and medieval castle, home to King Arthur’s Round Table; Winchester wears its history on its sleeve. A maze of cobbled lanes and half-timbered buildings harbour old English pubs, traditional cafés, lively markets, and artisan shops.

Kas may be known as Turkey's premier scuba diving destination, but with its ancient ruins, oceanside restaurants, and bougainvillea-covered houses boasting Ottoman-style balconies, the seaside town offers more than just underwater pursuits.

One of Spain’s most gravity-defying hill towns, Cuenca clings to steep limestone cliffs that tower above twin ravines. The UNESCO-listed town centre retains its medieval Moorish character, though a peek inside many “hanging houses” reveals the town’s modern-day fixation on abstract art.