The promise of sun, sea, and sangria continues to draw visitors to Palmanova, though the resort town offers more than just revelry. Sports facilities and scenic surrounds provide plenty of active options throughout the year, while the waterfront promenade boasts modern cafés, hotels, and bars.

A laid-back resort town on Majorca's eastern shores, Cala Millor offers sun, sea, and scenery on par with its west-coast sisters—but without the bacchanalian behaviour. Instead, a vast beach, rocky coves, and relaxed bars cater to families in search of a stress-free sojourn.

The coastal village of Kamari features the beaches and ruins that are typical of Greek islands, but also boasts unusual attractions like an open-air cinema. Stray from the black pebble shores and head up to the site of Ancient Thira, where the stone remains of houses, markets, baths and temples will impress you with their size and structure. Sip local vintages at the Gaia Winery, then relax at an outdoor café as you watch the sun sleepily drop below the horizon, washing the sky with warm Aegean light.

The delightful village of Watamu is an eco-tourist’s dream, lined with sandy white beaches and hotels dedicated to sustainable tourism. Watamu is a quick snorkel away from the Malindi Marine Reserve Park, and Turtle Beach is the ideal spot for a swim and a tanning session. The village proper features quaint Kenyan shopping stalls called dukas, where you can stock up with supplies. Make sure to visit the Gede Ruins, a mysterious and heavily overgrown 12th century Swahili village, and the beautifully fluttery Kipepeo Butterfly Project.