According to the Ancient Greeks, the god Hephaestus used Isolo Vulcano as sort of his own private blacksmith shop. Here you can clamber up volcanoes like Scalata al Cratere and rejuvenate in the warm and gooey sulfur mud baths of Laghetto di Fanghi. Kayaking is a popular way to take in the beauty of Vulcano’s grottoes and coastlines.

Though Cefalu is considered one of Italy’s finest resort towns, there’s more to do than just swim and sunbathe. The seaside spot, poised on Sicily northeastern coast, is equally celebrated for its Norman cathedral, medieval old town, archaeology museum, and seafood-heavy fare.

As the first place in Spain to see the sunrise, Minorca is like the country’s ambassador to the morning. Beaches here are beautiful and, surprisingly, relatively empty. The jewel-coloured water is a magnet for waterskiers, windsurfers and sailors. Playa De Binigaus beach is perfect for families, while Cala Mitjana is an idyllic spot for romance. Head to the town of Alaoir to nibble on some fresh local cheese or turn back time in the charming fishing village of Fornells.

The coastal jewel of Javea is bookended by rocky headlands and is a prime example of old world meets modern energy. The "old town" district is filled with remains of walls built to keep out pirates, as well as a 14th-century church. Visit the beautiful white-sand Arenal beach, brimming with shops, restaurants and, in the summer, hopping beachside bars and nightclubs.

Brittany’s charming capital, Rennes is home to enough timber-framed houses and cobblestone streets to make you feel transported back to medieval France. Far from sleepy, however, the university town boasts art museums, sidewalk cafés, and the verdant Parc du Thabor.

Experience the richness of Aberdeen’s proud history and culture — from the sound of residents’ traditional Doric accent to the sights of glittering granite buildings lining the city’s streets. Explore the cobbled roads and historic university buildings of Old Aberdeen, then take a stroll along the nearby sandy beach and watch for dolphins in the busy harbour. Afterward, find your way to the quaint fishing quarter of Footdee, and lose yourself among its tiny cottages and colourful gardens.