The Greek island of Santorini is a blissful spot for a getaway, and its capital, Fira, is a vision of dramatic cliffs and pristine whitewashed buildings. The Archaeological Museum contains Minoan artifacts from Fira’s ancient foundations, while several churches and monasteries offer a glimpse into the historical and contemporary religious make up of this beautiful village. Exploring the shops and cafes along Fira’s narrow footpaths is a leisurely way to spend an afternoon.

Oia is carved out of the cliffs, and visitors can see houses built for Venetian sea captains as well as the more typical "cave houses" of the villagers. You’ll find the pure white buildings with colorful roofs that are typical of Greek architecture, and you’ll probably enjoy poking around the town. But don’t breeze through in an hour—you must stay for the sunset. It’s legendary. Watch from a café, or, better yet, from a boat—you’ll be spellbound.

Even if you’ve never been to this Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, you’d still recognize it immediately – candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, gleaming white buildings topped with half-spheres the color of a stormy sky. Here you’ll find peace as you roam the black sand beaches or the streets of a provincial village like Imerovigli. Beautiful Oia is world famous for its sunsets, which seem tinted with every shade of an artist’s palette.

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.

A spot of white in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, the island of Naxos is a unique blend of ancient ruins and beach culture. The largest of the Cycladic Islands, Naxos is the childhood home of none other than Zeus, king of the gods. Upon arrival in Naxos, hike over a causeway to Palatia, where the Portara, a stone gateway to an ancient temple that no longer exists, stands alone, the symbol of the island. At sunset, the views of the island, and the sea beyond, are breathtaking.

There are beaches for everyone on Paros—families, partiers, watersports enthusiasts, honeymooners. Anyone can find their perfect stretch of golden sand. The same breeze that rustles orange and pomegranate trees will power your kitesurfing or windsurfing session. In the capital city of Parikia, make sure to pay your respects at the Byzantine "church of 100 doors" (Panagia Ekatontapillani) and visit the seaside ruins of a medieval castle built from the marble remains of an ancient temple.

While its footprint in the Aegean Sea may be small, Paros has more than enough beauty to take up a big spot on travelers’ must-see lists. Most stay in the island’s biggest town (although biggest is a relative term), Naoussa — where they can explore the labyrinth-style streets, explore shops filled with local goods, dine in the seaside cafes serving up fresh-caught octopus, and soak up all the Greek islands scenery they’ve lusted after on social media.

Known as the "Island of Colors" thanks to its jewel-colored waters and building painted in vivid primary tones, the horseshoe-shaped island of Milos floats serenely in the Aegean Sea. It was here that the world-famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered. Though she now holds court at the Louvre, Milos has other beauties to admire. There are dozens of beaches, all different colors and all different combinations of sand, stone and shell. Explore the ancient theater, catacombs and windmills in Tripiti village, then cap off your day with a cinematic sunset.

Classic whitewashed buildings line the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos, the largest town on the Greek island of the same name. Matoyianni Street is particularly charming. Iconic 16th-century windmills keep watch over the village from the hills above, and the fully functional Boni Mill is part of the Mykonos Agricultural Museum. The Aegean Maritime Museum and the Folklore Museum will give you a proper introduction to the area’s rich cultural and economic history.

The achingly beautiful Tuscany region of Italy is a touchstone of art, food, and culture. Made up of stunning countryside and distinguished cities, Tuscany is the perfect escape for gastronomes, cognoscenti, and fans of the Italian Renaissance. Visit the stunning Roman Catholic cathedrals and galleries of Florence and Arezzo, or make your way to Pisa to see its hallmark Leaning Tower. A bike tour through olive groves and vineyards is a popular way to literally breathe in the Tuscan atmosphere.

About 10 miles north of Nuremberg, Erlangen is the home of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Friedrich-Alexander-University), founded in 1742. Just over 100,000 people live here, about a third of whom are involved with the university; about another third work for the Siemens corporation. Bergkirchweih, Erlangen’s annual festival - akin to Munich’s Oktoberfest - opens in a different beer cellar every year and is attended by over a million people in its twelve-day run around Pentecost.

As the gateway to Costa del Sol, Torremolinos is a modern city preserving the great charms of the Andalusian tradition. Here visitors enjoy more than 300 sunny days every year, comfortable temperatures (avg. 19ºC/66ºF) and 7km of beaches along the sparkling Mediterranean. Away from the sea and sand, travelers can explore the old fisherman’s district of “La Carihuela,” or sample the city’s cuisine – including regional favorite Pescalto Frito (fried fish) – in hundreds of restaurants and bars.

When 13th-century Portuguese Queen Isabel passed through Obidos and marveled at its beauty, her husband King Denis I simply gave it to her. For centuries after, the kings of Portugal followed suit, presenting the picturesque little town to their queens as a wedding gift. With its white buildings shining as brightly now as then, the walled city of Obidos is very popular with tourists, its hillside location offering amazing views of the Estremadura area. The medieval castle is a main attraction.

The caves of Plettenberg Bay are wrinkles in time, lined with ancient artifacts that date to the Middle Stone Age. Under the sun, Robberg, Central and Lookout beaches are pristine stretches of white sand, magnets for tourists, seagulls and dolphins, who bob playfully just off shore. Wildlife lovers will delight at the Birds of Eden aviary and Monkeyland. (How can you not have fun in a place called Monkeyland?)