Valletta, on Malta's Sciberras Peninsula, is a compact Baroque capital ringed by massive defensive walls. Built by the Knights of St John, it holds grand palaces, churches, and the flower-filled Upper Barrakka Gardens, where noon cannon fire echoes across the harbor. St John's Cathedral hides a lavish gold interior and a Caravaggio. Nearby are Mdina's car-free medieval streets, the Hypogeum and Tarxien, and Fort St Elmo. Malta gained independence in 1964 but still shows strong British ties.

Giardini Naxos, on a sweeping Sicilian bay, is a scenic base for sun, sea, and history. It was Sicily's first Greek settlement, with nearby Taormina's hillside town, Roman and Greek ruins, and the famous Greek theatre overlooking the sea and Mount Etna. Etna, one of Europe's most active volcanoes, rises over vineyards, lava fields, cacti, and citrus groves. Enjoy the beach, the views, and a glass of local wine.

Salerno, at the north end of the Gulf of Salerno, has an old town above ancient Salernum and Europe's oldest medical school (11th c.-1812). Main sights: the Romanesque cathedral (1085; remodeled) with Paestum columns, sarcophagi, 1099 bronze doors, and the tombs of Gregory VII and St. Matthew; plus a hilltop Lombard castle with wide views. The seafront has a modern promenade, and Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi is the main street. It's a base for Paestum, Pompeii, Amalfi, and Ravello.

Between Rome and Naples on Italy's sun-kissed Tyrrhenian coast, Gaeta offers a charming mix of seaside beauty and centuries of history. Wander the atmospheric old town, admire medieval churches and cliff-top views, or relax on inviting beaches washed by clear blue waters. Local seafood and relaxed Italian life add to the appeal of this scenic port.

Elba, where Napoleon was exiled in 1814, is a scenic Tuscan island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its capital, Portoferraio, has a pretty harbour, pastel buildings, and sea views from Villa dei Mulini, now a museum. With mountains, cliffs, beaches, woods, vineyards, and 90 miles of coast, it's ideal for views, cable-car rides to Monte Capanne, seafood, and sweet local wine.

Bastia, Corsica's northern capital, is a busy commerce and freight/passenger port with more industry than tourism, yet it retains old charm and a strong Italian feel. Key areas are Terra Vecchia, with narrow streets and Baroque churches, and Terra Nova, the historic district. Once a Genoese capital, it grew through trade and farming, and the New Port was built in 1862. Place Saint-Nicolas is the hub. Nearby are the Vieux Port, Governor's Palace, and notable chapels.

Nice's sweeping blue bay still enchants visitors with sun, sea and sophistication. Elegant boulevards, grand buildings, parks and floral displays give the city timeless charm, while the Promenade des Anglais offers a spectacular seafront walk. The old town, flower market on Cours Saleya, Italian influence, Russian Orthodox church, and Colline du Château views all add to Nice's allure.