Bask on four miles of golden beaches, hit the Mediterranean Sea on water skis or stroll along Benidorm's promenade and revel in its seaside charms; it's a true Spanish beauty of the Costa Blanca. Originally a fishing town, the city's historic center wows with its blue-domed 18th-century church and picturesque alleyways. Panoramic views reward those who climb into the surrounding Canfali hills, and nearby rocky coves reveal underwater riches for scuba enthusiasts. End a day in the sun with a feast of local seafood.

Nicknamed the "Santorini of Spain," Altea draws laid-back travellers to the Costa Blanca with its hilltop old town and pebble beaches. Navy-domed landmarks and whitewashed walls stand out against Mediterranean skies, while three marinas provide plenty of offshore opportunities.

Flanked by a trinity of natural beauties—one green salt lake, one pink salt lake, and the Mediterranean Sea—the salt-mining city of Torrevieja is a distinctive destination on the Costa Blanca that boasts its own microclimate, along with museums, waterparks, and vibrant nightlife.

An old fishing town on Spain's Costa Blanca against a backdrop of mountains, Moraira is a picturesque destination for a family holiday. You will find a combination of sandy and rocky beaches alternating with intriguing coves, and the climate is a sunny but temperate one. If you are looking for water sports, head for Portet Cove which was originally a safe haven for ships. It is within walking distance of the lookout tower near the Cap d'Or, from where there are spectacular views of the coastline. Don't miss the eighteenth century castle, right by the shore. Golf lovers will be pleased to know that Moraira has three golf courses. As well as spending time on the beach, you can enjoy a boat trip and admire the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On your return, choose from a delightful array of restaurants along the shore.

A popular gateway to the Balearic Islands, Denia is a worthy destination in its own right. The port city exudes culture at every turn: an ancient Moorish castle overlooks idyllic beaches, archaeological museums, and authentic eateries, while Mt. Montgó looms in the backdrop.

The pristine white beaches of Tarifa are just as majestic as the 800-year-old castle that stands proudly in this southern Spanish town. Windsurfing or kitesurfing is an absolute must, and the sea sparkles with the promise of bustling marine life—perfect for enthusiastic scuba divers. At night, Tarifa itself sparkles with bars, nightclubs and tapas bars galore.

It’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?

One of the three principal islands of the Maltese archipelago, the island of Malta is the largest of the chain. Its capital Valletta, a lively, bustling city with many buildings dating back to the 16th century, teems with cathedrals, palaces and forts. The impressive Grand Harbour offers a dramatic arrival. The top archaeological attraction is the UNESCO-designated Hypogeum temple ruins, a macabre, 5400-square-foot underground necropolis and the world's only underground prehistoric temple.

A little extra chunk of Russia stuck between Lithuania and Poland on the Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad was known as Königsberg from its founding by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century until after World War II. It was renamed, repopulated with Russians and became part of the Soviet Union. Today, as it has been for centuries, it’s known for amber products, with most of the world’s harvestable amber still lying off its coast. The 14th century Königsberg Cathedral is a main city attraction.

Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort: gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides sure to appeal to kids. Sports enthusiasts will find celebrated golf courses in Virginia Beach and the surrounding area, as well as sea kayaking and miles of hiking trails. Many believe Virginia Beach is at its best in the off-season, when the town is less crowded but the weather is still mild.