Athens is a majestic, ancient city where elegance meets grit: highways wrap around ruins, museums and galleries stand beside street art, and its legacy spans philosophy, drama and democracy. See the Acropolis and Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, Mount Lycabettus views, and the Old Olympic Stadium. Beyond the center, beaches and temples line the coast. Slow down for Greek coffee and souvlaki.

Nafplion, Greece's first capital, is a beloved seaside escape for Athenians and one of the country's most romantic towns. With beaches, clear water, fortress-backed hills and a blend of Greek, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman charm, it offers a lovely old town, seafront promenade and tavernas. Highlights include Palamidi Fortress, Acronafplia, and the offshore Bourtzi fortress. Nearby Corinth is an ancient city recovered after earthquakes.

Enter Souda Bay to reach Crete, Greece's largest island, a land of beaches, legends, landscapes, and luxury. Its vast natural harbor opens to museums, archaeological sites, and Venetian fishing towns. Souda also has major military history, with a NATO base and the Souda Bay War Cemetery. Enjoy white-sand beaches, olive oil, and Vilana wines. Visit Rethymnon's old town and fortress, Akrotiri's Arkadi Monastery, and Chania's beautiful Venetian harbor and old town.

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.

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.

Ringed by turquoise water and a rugged coast, Trapani is western Sicily's revived sailing hub, built on salt and tuna exports and now served by an international airport. Its historic core offers narrow alleys, shops, wine bars, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Facing the Egadi Islands, it's famed for sunsets, salt pans and windmills at Riserva Naturale Saline di Trapani e Paceco, pink flamingos, and easy access to Egadi beaches, especially Favignana.

Tunisia's capital, Tunis, sits at the western end of Lake Tunis, opening to the sea at La Goulette, the port area and start of northward beach suburbs. Nearby are Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. Tunis is relaxed, relatively liberal, and a trendsetter in Tunisia. Westernization began under Ahmed Bey; in 1861 Tunisia proclaimed the Arab world's first constitution. The French-era ville nouvelle grew around Avenue Habib Bourguiba, linking to the medina.

Arrive by sea and Cagliari is instantly striking: a beautiful blend of spires, domes and colour. On Sardinia's south coast, this largest city offers beaches, architecture and Mediterranean food, shaped by Byzantine, Roman and Pisan influences. Start with espresso and San Benedetto market, then explore Castello, Bastione di Saint Remy, the cathedral, and Poetto Beach. End with a Spritz, bottarga pasta and Cannonau wine.

Cartagena, in Murcia, is a historic port shaped by many cultures since its founding by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. Explore Calle Mayor's ruins and modernist architecture, then ride up to Castillo de la Concepción for views over the harbour. See the preserved Roman Theatre, wander the waterfront, enjoy tapas, and watch Semana Santa processions.

Malaga, on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol, blends beaches, history, and art. Visit La Malagueta beach, the old town, Moorish Alcazaba fortress, and the cathedral known as La Manquita. See the Picasso Museum and Pompidou Centre, plus street art in Soho. Nearby, explore Granada's Alhambra, Cordoba's La Mezquita, and Seville's cathedral for Andalucía's Moorish Golden Triangle.

Malaga, on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol, blends beaches, history, and art. Visit La Malagueta beach, the old town, Moorish Alcazaba fortress, and the cathedral known as La Manquita. See the Picasso Museum and Pompidou Centre, plus street art in Soho. Nearby, explore Granada's Alhambra, Cordoba's La Mezquita, and Seville's cathedral for Andalucía's Moorish Golden Triangle.

Cádiz, Western Europe's oldest city, holds 3,000 years of history in cobbled streets and shaded plazas. Founded by Phoenicians c.1100 BC and later used by Columbus, it grew rich from New World trade. See the cathedral, with its twin towers, and Torre Tavira, the city's best watchtower. Relax on Playa Victoria, cross the modern Constitución de 1812 bridge, and sample tapas at the lively central market.

Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is a beautiful city of seven hills, fado, pastel houses and azulejo tiles. Wander Alfama's steep cobbled streets, visit the Azulejo Museum, then head to São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Graça for sweeping views over red rooftops, the Tagus and the suspension bridge. See Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and take a trip to nearby Sintra and Pena Palace. Finish with ginjinha and a pastel de nata.