MEDD

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.

Amorgos is a fashionable yet decidedly low-key island in the eastern Cyclades. Its pristine beaches are wonderfully secluded and many of them can only be reached by foot or by boat. The island boasts some world-class dive sites, as well as numerous picturesque trails along its rugged coastline. Make your way inland and you’ll find the quintessentially Cycladic town of Hora. Lose yourself in its narrow streets, charming squares and bougainvillea-draped whitewashed buildings.

With its beautiful pastel-hued historic core and stylish waterfront promenade, it’s no surprise that Corsica’s pretty capital is always buzzing with activity. Visit the house where Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769; head west along the coast to chill out at Ariane beach or Marinella beach; indulge in some fascinating people-watching at an Old Town café; or take a stroll along the waterfront, which is full of sun-worshipers by day and party people by night.