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.

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.

Majorca has many beach towns, but if you like your sunny holiday served with a touch of history on the side, you should definitely consider Calvia. Homes and churches date from the 17th century (and earlier), and there are even the remains of a Roman villa.

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.

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 small resort town on Majorca's northern coast, Port de Pollenca feature pine-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and buzzing restaurants. With the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and wild Formentor Peninsula within easy reach, the town is a haven for families, sunseekers, and adventurers alike.

With its extensive sands, shallow bay, and mountainous backdrop, its no surprise that Port d'Alcudia is a popular family destination. Nearby wetlands provide a natural escape, while the town's beaches are ideal for sunbathing and water sports alike.

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.

The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dusseldorf is a regional economic powerhouse straddling the banks of the Rhine River. Altstadt is not just Dusseldorf's lovely old town, but also where the city's nightlife is based and where Altbier, its native dark beer, is plentiful. Dusselforfians take their beer seriously. Königsallee (Ko to the locals), Dusseldorf's famous shopping street, has many high-end stores. And the Museum Kunst Palast has one of the Rhineland's best art collections.

In the "city of dreaming spires", academia takes centre stage. Gaze out at Oxford's world-famous colleges from the top of St Mary's Church tower before heading into the city's pedestrian-friendly streets. The University's Botanic Garden and Ashmolean Museum are Britain's oldest. Follow your nose to the Covered Market for the makings of a picnic to enjoy on a punt or in the University Parks. Mix the historic and modern with visits to the 12th- century village church of Iffley and trendy Cowley's ethnic shops and music venues.

A true family destination, Westport boasts magnificent scenery, golf facilities, recreational fishing, sailing and yachting, beach swimming, hiking and cycling trails, and (to top it all off) a placed called Pirate Adventure Park. What kid wouldn't love this place? Visit in September and you'll witness the exciting Westport Arts Festival, perfect for all ages. And Westport was Google Earth's first fully 3D town, so you can relive the memories from your computer when you get home!

The Isle of Islay spans 240 square miles, with an impressive 130 miles of coastline. The island is famous for its malt whiskies, and there are eight distilleries on the island. To be sure, many people visit the Isle to tour distilleries and "appreciate" whisky, but the wildlife and scenery are also a big draw. Bird-watching is particularly popular through the year. Just don't try to squeeze it in after a distillery tour or two. Looking through binoculars has been known to make some people woozy, especially after whisky.

At the shore in Miami Beach, visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. You can also nap on the white sands, work on a tan or simply watch the beautiful people, especially at South Beach, a favourite of models and celebrities.