Surrounded by water on three sides, Agios Nikolaos combines the sleepy feel of a seaside resort with all the amenities of a cosmopolitan port. Villas and tavernas spill over the town’s three hills to meet a harbour dotted with both mega-yachts and fishing boats.

This laid-back beach town on Crete is popular with European travellers. Soft, golden sands and shallow waters make the beaches here especially family-friendly, and there’s a great variety of tavernas, restaurants and bars (including an Irish pub!).

Sandy, peaceful beaches and ancient ruins beckon travelers to Chersonisos, a one-time Roman port on the island of Crete. This is a family-friendly place, with plenty of activities for kids. The Lychnostatis Open Air Museum gives you the chance to explore the trades and lifestyles of early islanders. Exhibits include a herbarium, olive oil and wine presses and workshops on ceramics, shoe making and weaving. The aquarium showcases local sea creatures, as do the town's many traditional cafes, though in a completely different (and more delicious) manner.

This village in the south of Crete sees its share of tourism, but retains its authentic charm, making it an enticing destination. You'll take in views of Agia Galini's port, the serene hills surrounding town and the Lybian Sea. Tranquil nearby beaches offer a chance to bask in the Mediterranean sun, while cultural diversions like the remains of the ancient Roman city of Gortyn and the stunning Minoan palace of Phaistos are within driving distance.

A youthful, modern metropolis with a diverse population, Tel Aviv dates back to only 1909. Clubs, bars, a thriving arts community, gay life and beaches attract artists, musicians and young professionals to Tel Aviv's more secular scene. Its UNESCO-designated Bauhaus architecture has won the city the moniker "The White City". Walk, drive or take cabs between the cultural exhibition pavilions of Haaretz Museum, historic Independence Hall Museum, bustling Carmel Market and Old Jaffa's boardwalk.

Lanzarote’s largest resort area has much to offer visitors—in addition to the fine beaches, you’ll find casinos, great shopping, and tons of restaurant options. Puerto Del Carmen’s nightclubs and large hotels are a big draw for a youthful European crowd.

Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago, was declared a city in the 1500s, and became an important point between the old and new worlds. The laid-back city owes much of its historical prominence to the white gold, the Madeiran sugar. Today Funchal is known for its appealing temperatures, wine and crafts. Top spots to visit include the open Worker's Market, Blandy's Wine Lodge and the Sacred Art Museum. Friendly locals, walkable streets and cheap taxis make the city easy to get around.