Barcelona is a walkable global city known for breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, bustling markets, parks, and fashion. Start at Montjuïc Castle for city views, then visit the Joan Miró and National Art Museum. Spend a day in the Gothic Quarter and Museu Picasso. The city is especially famous for Antoni Gaudí's work, from La Sagrada Família to Park Güell. Along La Rambla, you'll find more architecture, designer shopping, and great tapas.

Palma, capital of the Balearic Islands, is known for La Seu, the Cathedral of Santa Maria over the bay, the nearby Almudaina Palace, and Bellver Castle, which houses the city museum. The Juan March Foundation Museum has 70 works by major 20th-century Spanish avant-garde artists. Mallorca also offers beaches, shopping on Jaime III and Passeig del Born, and sights like the monastery where George Sand and Chopin stayed and Cuevas del Drach.

Menorca rises above one of the world's largest natural harbors, used as a port since the 3rd century BC. Nearby King Island holds ruins of a 6th-century basilica. In town, ancient sights like the medieval San Roque Arch and the Museu de Menorca sit beside Georgian houses from the British era. Its cuisine includes Menorcan cheese, and the island claims to be the birthplace of mayonnaise. Hiking or biking the Cami de Cavalls reveals the scenery, and megalithic monuments invite exploration.

Alghero's Old Town blends Italian and Catalan influences into a beautiful, unpretentious centro storico. Gothic and Catalan architecture appears at every turn. Stop for coffee beside 16th-century towers, then stroll the pedestrian Sea Walls from Piazza Sulis to the marina, with great views of Capo Caccia. Visit the marina, relax at Lido di San Giovanni, then enjoy local specialties like sea urchin or lobster and end with a drink in a chic café.

This small town on Corsica's northwest coast is a lively beach resort with a promenade of restaurants, bars, and shops. Above it, a 15th-century Genoese citadel offers great harbor views. See Église Sainte-Marie, the pink church, and Notre Dame de la Serra. A plaque marks the controversial claim that Christopher Columbus was born here. Nearby, boat tours explore the dramatic rock formations of the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve.

Saint-Tropez is famed for designer shopping, all-night nightlife, and luxe beach clubs like Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot, who still lives here, it also has a quieter side in the hills: narrow cobblestone streets and a 17th-century citadel with stunning port views.

Saint-Tropez is famed for designer shopping, all-night nightlife, and luxe beach clubs like Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot, who still lives here, it also has a quieter side in the hills: narrow cobblestone streets and a 17th-century citadel with stunning port views.

Nice, on the Baie des Anges beneath the Alps, is a sunny, elegant Côte d'Azur city. One of France's oldest, it mixes seaside charm, strong local food, and Italianate heritage. In Vieille Ville, find piazzas, cafés, shops, and the famous flower and food market. See Place Massena and stroll the Promenade des Anglais for Belle Époque flair, beach life, and superb cuisine niçoise.