Island magic and the azure-blue Adriatic

Palma de Mallorca announces itself with one of the most spectacular Gothic cathedrals in the world — La Seu, its honey-coloured sandstone buttresses rising directly from the bay, its interior modified by Antoni Gaudí and illuminated by the world's largest Gothic rose window. The old town behind it is a quarter of Arab baths, Renaissance palaces converted into boutique hotels, and the Passeig del Born — a plane-tree-shaded promenade where Balearic life conducts itself with unhurried grace. The local ensaïmada pastry and fresh sobrasada sausage from the island's black pigs are essential breakfast rituals. Visit May, June, or September: warm, brilliant, and measurably calmer than the July–August peak.

Ajaccio, the vibrant capital of Corsica, enchants visitors with its rich history as Napoleon's birthplace and its stunning coastal views. Don't miss trying local delicacies like figatellu and brocciu, and explore the nearby picturesque villages. The best season to visit is during the mild spring or fall months, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer.

The Aleutian Islands are a 1,900-kilometer volcanic chain in Alaska where forty active volcanoes, enormous seabird colonies, and Steller sea lion rookeries create one of Earth's wildest landscapes. Must-dos include watching auklet swarms, approaching sea lion rookeries by Zodiac, and viewing the perfect cone of Mount Shishaldin. July offers the best conditions during the brief June-to-August expedition season.

Messina guards the storied strait that separates Sicily from the Italian mainland — the passage Homer mythologised as Scylla and Charybdis — and its Norman cathedral's astronomical clock, one of the world's largest mechanical clocks, puts on a captivating automated display each noon as gilded figures enact scenes of the Resurrection. The city was catastrophically rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, but its markets and waterfront convey the fierce energy of a Sicilian port that has witnessed two and a half millennia of Mediterranean history. Messina is the perfect gateway to Taormina, a 40-minute drive into the hills above the Ionian coast, with views of Etna at their most dramatic. Spring and autumn are ideal.

Dubrovnik, Croatia's stunning port city, is a blend of rich history, dramatic architecture, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination. Don't miss a stroll along the city walls for breathtaking views and savor local dishes like "peka" and "black risotto." The best time to visit is in late spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.

Korčula is a magnificently preserved medieval island town on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, renowned as the legendary birthplace of Marco Polo and celebrated for its Venetian herringbone streets, exceptional white wines like Grk and Pošip, and centuries-old culinary traditions including slow-braised pašticada and fresh Adriatic seafood. Visitors should explore the fortified old town's limestone calles at golden hour and taste the island's rare vintages in a harbourside konoba. The best months to visit are May through early October, with late September offering warm seas, golden light, and blissful absence of peak-season crowds.

Trogir is a UNESCO-listed medieval island town on the Dalmatian coast, where a Greek-founded settlement of over 2,300 years has accumulated masterpieces of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture in an extraordinarily compact space. Visit from May through September for the finest Adriatic light, Radovan's magnificent cathedral portal, and waterfront dining in one of Europe's most perfectly preserved historic towns.

Trieste, a historic port city in Italy, is renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and stunning architectural heritage. Must-do experiences include sampling local delicacies like ćevapi and sachertorte, and exploring the vibrant Mercato Coperto. The best time to visit is during the spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the city is alive with activity.

Piran is a perfectly preserved Venetian-era town on Slovenia's short Adriatic coast, centered on the elegant Tartini Square and crowned by a hilltop church with panoramic views to the Alps and Italy. Must-dos include tasting hand-harvested fleur de sel from the medieval Sečovlje salt pans, dining on Adriatic seafood at a harbor-side restaurant, and climbing the Venetian bell tower. May–June and September–October offer the most atmospheric visits with warm weather and few crowds.

Venice, a historic port city, captivates with its unique canals and rich cultural heritage. Must-do experiences include visiting the iconic Basilica di San Marco and indulging in local delicacies like risotto al nero di seppia. The best time to visit is during the mild, vibrant spring months when the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor activities.