MEDD

Tall hotels rise up from the golden beaches in Málaga, the historic enclave on the Costa del Sol. While the Mediterranean bathes its coastline, Málaga's mountains back the city to form a cocoon that ensures mild weather. Málaga is among the world's oldest cities, founded 2,800 years ago and settled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Visigoths and Christians. Looming over the skyline are the citadels Alcazaba and Castle of Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. Málaga was revitalized in recent years, now featuring some 30 museums and an edgy urban art community.

The approach to Menorca reveals white houses clinging to rocks with a historic town rising above one of the world's largest natural harbors, used as a port since the 3rd century BC. King Island floats halfway in, featuring ruins of a 6th-century basilica. The streets of Menorca present an interesting blend of ancient treasures, such as the medieval wall of San Roque Arch and the relics in the Museu de Menorca, and more recent gems, including the grand Georgian homes that remain from the British occupation of the island.

Medieval hilltop towns spread out across the undulating countryside where tall, slender cypresses march like sentinels past rolling vineyards. Iconic names like Chianti, Brunello and Vino Nobile are celebrated the world over, but the art and architecture of Tuscany may be the region’s biggest draw. Just a few hours from Livorno, you can visit Florence: the cradle of the Renaissance, beloved by great thinkers like Dante and Galileo, and utterly captivating.

With seas as clear as those in the Bahamas and landscapes worthy of a film set, the gorgeous Aeolian Islands were obviously favored by the gods. There are eight islands in all with a variety of volcanic landscapes and local color, and each with its own unique character. Lipari is the largest with a lively Old Town of narrow streets clustered beneath an ancient citadel.

Coastal Slovenia’s largest town, Koper is something of a well-kept secret. Koper’s central core is delightfully medieval and rich in history. Not far from the port, the Old Town centers around Titov Trg, a plaza filled with Venetian-influenced landmarks, from its Gothic-style loggia to the Praetorian Palace and Da Ponte Fountain, a replica of Venice’s famous Rialto Bridge. The Cathedral of The Assumption, also called Koper Cathedral, features a four-story tower with sweeping bay views and houses one of the oldest bells in Slovenia.

One of Europe's favorite playgrounds, Ibiza boasts more than 100 miles of coastline frosted with exquisite beaches. It's a hub of sun worship, white sand, beach bars and clubs that buzz all night. And there's history too. The fortified Old Town, known as Dalt Vila, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a spectacular example of Renaissance military architecture. Carrer del Calvari leads to Portal Nou, the entrance through the old city walls, and a walk up the hill reveals panoramic views of the city.

Super yachts crowd the harbor and waterside bars hum with wealthy vacationers and young partiers in this posh island getaway with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. The island of Hvar is famous for its lavender fields, vineyards, year-round sunshine and nonstop nightlife, but it’s also rich in culture and history. Near the harbor stands a Benedictine convent where nuns fashion lace as part of a 150-year-old tradition recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This British Overseas Territory on Spain’s southern coast is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, fondly called The Rock. For spectacular views, take a six-minute cable car ride to the top, where you can see two continents, two bodies of water and three countries. A short walk brings you to the Gibraltar Nature Reserve and the cheeky Barbary macaques, the famous monkeys that roam freely here. Other highlights include the illuminated stalagmites of St.

Formentera is the smallest of the major Balearic Islands and more off the beaten path than its neighbor Ibiza. This pristine getaway is approachable for everyday folk yet also five-star fabulous. Yachts line up at the port, and it's quite possible to spot a supermodel on one of the exquisite beaches, such Playa de Ses Illetes. A long, thin arc of white sand and shallow turquoise water, the beach has often been named one of the world's best. Formentera has a booming bar and dining scene, from beach clubs with chic little outdoor cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants.