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.

Portofino is an exclusive, glamorous town on the Italian Riviera, set on a protected peninsula. Its harbour fills with yachts, while pastel waterfronts, stone streets, and terrace bars create an elegant atmosphere. Surrounded by green hills, vineyards, and olive groves, it's best enjoyed by boat or from the Piazzetta with aperitivo. Highlights include Ligurian wine, focaccia con il formaggio, San Giorgio, and the white lighthouse at the tip of the headland.

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.