MEDD

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 island of Martinique provides a little slice of French sophistication in the crystal-clear Caribbean. Sail into Les Anses-d’Arlet, a charming string of villages framed by lush green hills and some of the island’s best beaches.  Soak in the rich history at the Fort Saint-Louis or the Saint-Louis Cathédrale.  Pull up a chair and watch the colorful boats bob in the bay as you dine on a delicious blend of French and Creole-inspired cuisine.

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.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, the volcanic island of Madeira is bursting with exotic colors. The capital city of Funchal is a place to lose yourself in old alleyways, street cafés and pretty squares. See Gothic and Romanesque styles blend at Funchal Cathedral; explore the Contemporary Art Museum, which is housed in the mighty 17th century São Tiago Fortress; or join the locals in the Mercado dos Lavradores, which is adorned with beautiful hand-painted tiles. In the evening, check out the funky Zona Velha.

Gallipoli means ‘Beautiful City’ in Greek—and this gorgeous little town on the Salento Peninsula certainly lives up to its name. Surrounded by water and accessible only by sea or via a 16th century bridge, the town’s historic heart sits on a small island that juts out into the Ionian Sea. This is a place that displays its proud seafaring heritage at every turn, and you’ll see fishermen fixing their nets at the harbor and the freshest seafood dishes adorning the menus of the Old Town.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, the volcanic island of Madeira is bursting with exotic colors. The capital city of Funchal is a place to lose yourself in old alleyways, street cafés and pretty squares. See Gothic and Romanesque styles blend at Funchal Cathedral; explore the Contemporary Art Museum, which is housed in the mighty 17th century São Tiago Fortress; or join the locals in the Mercado dos Lavradores, which is adorned with beautiful hand-painted tiles. In the evening, check out the funky Zona Velha.

Simple seaside pleasures – a waterfront promenade, open-air cafés and some gorgeous beaches – are the focus of life in the resort town of Kuşadası. This modern port is the gateway to Ephesus, one of the great cities of antiquity, which lies just 10 miles inland. Founded by the Ionian Greeks, Ephesus flourished as a provincial capital of Imperial Rome. Wandering around its agoras, baths, libraries and mosaic-adorned houses is an experience you’ll never forget.

Over the centuries Romans, medieval Catalan kings and the French Royal Navy have all sailed into the deep, natural harbor of Port-Vendres in Roussillon – the French part of Catalonia. Just up the coast from this working fishing port, you’ll find the colorful seaside village of Collioure, which has inspired artists like Henri Matisse and Picasso and is one of the most picturesque resorts on the Côte Vermeille.

The white peaks of the Lefka Ori mountain range create a dramatic backdrop for Crete’s former capital of Chania. This city’s rich cultural heritage showcases everything from Byzantine monasteries to medieval churches and Turkish baths. At the heart of its enchanting Old Town you’ll find the Venetian harbor, with its landmark lighthouse and colorful waterfront palazzos. Behind that you’ll discover a maze of alleyways lined with fascinating cafés, galleries, bars and restaurants.

Located on Turkey’s sun-drenched Aegean coast, the town of Bodrum effortlessly blends seaside chic with ancient history and a relaxed beach scene. The town is the hub for boating on the peninsula, and traditional wooden gulet boats will take you along the coastline to idyllic hidden coves to swim in sparkling turquoise waters. Bodrum’s 15th century St. Peter’s Castle stands guard over the old bazaar district’s narrow cobbled streets, quaint cafés, artisan workshops and bougainvillea-draped whitewashed walls.