The brightest stars of Los Baleares are Majorca, Ibiza and peaceful Minorca. Situated between France and Africa, the archipelago's islands each have distinct characters. Majorca is the most developed and offers a mass of hotels, fast food joints and crowded beaches. Ibiza is loved by a hard partying set, including many gay visitors. It is also increasingly popular with upscale travellers, drawn by the chameleon island's reputation as the new Provence. Pick an island and stake a claim on its sand.

Attracting visitors from all parts of the world, Majorca is a dreamy island destination in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the southeast coast of Spain. There's something for every taste—beaches and coves, a spectacular mountain range, romantic fishing villages and a rustic countryside dotted with almond and olive groves.

Palma, the economic and cultural hub of Majorca, is a delightful base for exploring the island's many gold and white beaches. A former Moorish casbah, or walled city, Palma's Old Town is an appealing maze of narrow streets that are a delight to explore on foot. Hop on the Soller Railway for a 17-mile scenic trip, visit 14th-century Bellver Castle and the museum of contemporary art, and check out the nightlife.

Looking for a great, family-friendly beach destination in Majorca? Alcudia’s a great bet. Splash and play at the beautiful beach, enjoy a meal at a pub that welcomes kids… and have some old-fashioned fun playing arcade games and exploring nearby towns.

The landscape of Soller is lush and green, dotted with fruit trees and olive groves, and makes a gorgeous backdrop for a hike or bike ride. Tour the gorgeous botanical gardens or marvel at the lacy sandcastle architecture of the Sant Bartomeu Church. Fans of Antoni Gaudi may recognize the features of the Banco de Soller, which was built by Gaudi student and collaborator Joan Rubió i Bellver.

You’ll find 17th-century, Italian-style buildings and an interesting old cathedral here. However, many travellers are drawn to Ciudadela’s lively nightlife and fiestas, including the Processo dels Tres Tocs on January 17 and a celebration of Sant Joan, the town’s patron saint, on June 23–24. They feature dancing, parades and pomada, a drink combining gin and lemon.

As the first place in Spain to see the sunrise, Minorca is like the country’s ambassador to the morning. Beaches here are beautiful and, surprisingly, relatively empty. The jewel-coloured water is a magnet for waterskiers, windsurfers and sailors. Playa De Binigaus beach is perfect for families, while Cala Mitjana is an idyllic spot for romance. Head to the town of Alaoir to nibble on some fresh local cheese or turn back time in the charming fishing village of Fornells.

Known as the City of Palms, scenic seaside Bordighera is the proud supplier of fronds to the Vatican every Palm Sunday. Just a few miles from the borders of both Monaco and France, floral Bordighera has been a favorite resort destination for British visitors since the 19th century, when Queen Victoria herself was a guest. The town has many lovely gardens (like Pallanca and Winter), an archaeological museum (the Bicknell) and a lovely old town, but most come for the beach and seafront promenade.

A highlight of Emilia-Romagna’s riviera, seaside Cesenatico is defined by its water: Leonardo da Vinci designed the town’s highlight port canal, and its Adriatic coastline is defined by its golden beaches. A local maritime museum and water park add to the fun.

Believe it or not, Nietzsche went on holiday—to this pretty town on Italy’s Lake Garda. Today, travellers can explore mediaeval fortresses and the town’s historic centre. Or, just take relaxing walks along the lakeshore and wonder what in the world it would be like to holiday with Nietzsche.

This resort town, with its great beaches, has a bit of a Spring Break atmosphere (the parties start in the late afternoon and go all night). If dancing in a bikini is not your thing, though, no worries—you can explore a mediaeval monastery or enjoy cruises on the lovely blue water. Families will want to visit Water World, the biggest theme waterpark in Europe.

Enjoy an old-fashioned beach holiday, complete with a boardwalk, at one of Delaware's most popular resort towns. Long a traditional summer getaway for families, Rehoboth Beach is now also a favourite of gay and lesbian travellers. Serious golfers will want to test their skills at the Kings Creek Country Club, while Old Landing Golf Course offers great views of the local scenery. Along with enjoying the famous beach and strolling the boardwalk, there's also a nearby amusement park called Funland to check out.