You’ll have three beaches to choose from in Lindos: calm Pallas Beach, secluded St. Paul’s Bay, and the main beach, Megali Paralia. Save time to explore the town itself, too. It’s a bit of a hike up to the acropolis, but the view is magnificent.

Visitors to Faliraki are quick to understand why this coastal village is one of Rhodes’ most popular travel destinations. With sandy beaches, medieval architecture, a vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe, it ticks all the boxes for a sunseeker’s ideal getaway.

Don’t expect a booming nightclub scene in Icmeler—but for the travellers who’ve discovered this Turkish beach resort, that’s a huge plus. Take a boat trip to a nearby island, savor fresh seafood in a beachside café, or just soak up the sun.

A gorgeous backdrop of pine-clad mountains looms behind the seaside resort of Marmaris in southwest Turkey. Popular as a cruise ship and yacht port and with the British budget holiday crowd, Marmaris offers an abundance of fast food restaurants, the restored castle of Suleyman the Magnificent and an appealing cobblestoned old quarter. Outside the busy town, coves and bays of the Datça Peninsula make lovely daytrip destinations for those travelling by boat.

On an ancient isle in the Aegean Sea, lively nightlife and far-reaching history come together on the streets of Kos Town. Beyond the bars, the city boasts archaeological ruins, a charming harbour, and a golden coastline lined with traditional tavernas serving rich Mediterranean fare.

As an ancient fishing village turned seaside retreat, San Benedetto Del Tronto is a highlight of Italy’s underrated Le Marche region. Its palm-fringed promenade is ideal for strolling, and its beach is praised internationally for its unspoiled beauty.

Traces of Preston’s industrial past can be seen in its historic Docklands district and steam train railways, while the city centre mixes the old and new, with glass-fronted shopping malls flanked by elegant Georgian townhouses.

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.