Ibiza’s premier party destination, Playa d'en Bossa draws A-listers and music lovers with its hip bars and thrumming clubs. But there’s more to this resort town than all-night raving–Ibiza’s longest beach harbours water sports facilities and relaxed restaurants, while a waterpark offers plenty for families, too.

Ibiza: Old Spanish for "party 'til you drop." Perhaps not literally, but this is definitely one of Europe's favourite nightlife playgrounds. Ibiza boasts more than 100 miles of coastline with some 50 beaches, plus plenty of restaurants, bars, and water sports—and clubs, of course. Fit in a little culture and visit Ibiza's UNESCO-designated old town.

Far from Ibiza's party towns, Santa Eulalia del Rio attracts a calmer clientele with its white-sand beaches and laid-back nightlife. Traditional Mediterranean buildings and a 16th-century church overlook a yacht-filled marina, while Ibiza's only river borders the town's southern reaches.

The coastal jewel of Javea is bookended by rocky headlands and is a prime example of old world meets modern energy. The "old town" district is filled with remains of walls built to keep out pirates, as well as a 14th-century church. Visit the beautiful white-sand Arenal beach, brimming with shops, restaurants and, in the summer, hopping beachside bars and nightclubs.

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.

Getting to hilltop Orvieto is half the fun, with the choice of ascending by escalator or funicular cable car. The strategically built old town is free from modern-day traffic, inviting visitors to enjoy a taste of medieval Umbria—and a glass of famous Orvieto Classico wine.

An ancient city in the Flemish province of West Flanders, Ieper (as it’s known in the Flemish tongue) has enjoyed financial and cultural status since the 12th century. Today, visitors can check out remnants of its impressive past, including ramparts that date back to 1385 and an historic moat, which now is a haven for wildlife. Ieper found itself in the middle of World War I and suffered tremendous damage to all of its buildings, but has been both reconstructed in its medieval style and built up with modern structures.

St. Ives boasts a quartet of golden-sand beaches. Sheltered coves draw swimmers and sun-worshippers, but water-sports aficionados visit St. Ives for great surfing, windsurfing and water-skiing conditions. And on your way there, keep your eyes peeled for a dude with seven wives. You never know when nursery rhymes might come true.

Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment. Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.