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.

Porto is a steep, atmospheric Portuguese city of cobbled streets, stacked buildings, azulejo tiles, and strong wine culture. Explore historic Ribeira on the Douro, wander alleys lined with cafes, try pastel de nata, cross the Ponte de Dom Luis I, and visit Porto Cathedral for views and cloisters. Eat Francesinha or bacalhau, then head to the Douro Valley for vineyards and local wines.

Vigo, in Galicia on Spain's Portuguese border, is one of the country's most underrated destinations. Often seen as an industrial fishing port, it charms visitors with seafood, scenery, and warm welcomes. Founded in Roman times, it still has Romanesque churches and traces of its medieval past. The old town and fishermen's quarter are worth exploring, as are nearby Tui and the Velansa Fortress. Mount Castro offers superb views over Vigo and the bay.

Gibraltar is a unique British outpost on Spain's southern tip: a historic peninsula crowned by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. It mixes red phone boxes, Union Jacks, fish and chips, and sunny Mediterranean views. From one moment you can see Africa across the strait; the next, cross the airport runway. The 400m Rock can be hiked or reached by cable car to see Barbary macaques, the Siege Tunnels, caves, and the Moorish castle. In town, Grand Casemates Square offers a lively, sunlit historic center.

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.

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.

Mallorca is a rugged Spanish Mediterranean island known for cuisine, culture, and sunlit beaches. Palma de Mallorca, its capital, blends living history, bustling markets, cafes, promenades, and intense flavors. Its old town is cobbled and lively, with the great cathedral, Le Seu, and nearby La Almudaina fortress reflecting Moorish and royal history.

Alcúdia is the ideal base for Mallorca's north coast: a 13-km beach from Port d'Alcúdia to C'an Picafort, nearby Playa de Muro, the bird-rich S'Albufera wetlands, and the scenic drive to Cap de Formentor. The walled town is a small capsule of Mallorcan history: founded as a Roman settlement in 123 BC, later reestablished by the Moors, then held by the Knights Templar after the Reconquest. Start at the Church of Sant Jaume and stroll to Porta de Xara with its twin towers.

Menorca, the quieter Balearic, moves at a mellow pace. Its capital, Mahón, sits on the Med's largest natural harbour and feels unspoiled thanks to UNESCO Biosphere protection. Expect pine-fringed beaches, hidden coves, old towns, fishing villages, wetlands and dunes rich in wildlife, plus fresh fish, an 3,000-pipe organ, scenic bike routes, golf, turquoise seas, and a pomada at sunset.

Encircled by dramatic medieval walls above deep-blue waters, Alghero is one of Sardinia's most spectacular old towns. Its cobbled streets, rich history and strong Catalan influence give it great character, while nearby Coral Riviera beaches add to its appeal. Explore the fortified old town, Alghero Cathedral and the Baroque dome of Chiesa di San Michele, then enjoy seafood, porcetto, mirto and pecorino. Relax at Spiaggia di Maria Pia, with pine-scented breezes and coral-rich shores.

Ajaccio, Napoléon Bonaparte's island birthplace, is rich in history and charm, with statues, boulevards, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Set between blue sea and snow-capped peaks, it offers the National Bonaparte Museum in his birth house, the Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption with his baptismal font, nearby Îles Sanguinaires, and Plage de Capo di Feno. Try wild boar in red wine, lobster, fiadone cheesecake, and Corsican polyphony.

Rome is one of the world's most thrilling cities, with unmatched history around every corner. Its streets mix ancient ruins with lively cafés, piazzas, and restaurants serving pasta and pizza. Highlights include the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, and the Spanish Steps. Best explored on foot, gelato or espresso in hand, Rome offers a powerful blend of grandeur, beauty, and everyday life.