Founded in 1565 by the Order of St John as a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades, Valletta is now the capital of Malta and a piece of living history. With an unsurpassed collection of original Baroque architecture, fortified city walls overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and the spectacular Co-Cathedral of St John, which features intricately carved stone vaults and a famed painting by Caravaggio, it is no wonder that this smallest of European capital cities is a world heritage site.

One of the three principal islands of the Maltese archipelago, the island of Malta is the largest of the chain. Its capital Valletta, a lively, bustling city with many buildings dating back to the 16th century, teems with cathedrals, palaces and forts. The impressive Grand Harbour offers a dramatic arrival. The top archaeological attraction is the UNESCO-designated Hypogeum temple ruins, a macabre, 5400-square-foot underground necropolis and the world's only underground prehistoric temple.

Perched on a hilltop in northern Malta, laid-back Mellieħa has a more local feel than many of the island's more developed southern resort towns. You'll find Malta's longest beach here, the white-sand Mellieħa (or Għadira) Bay.

Italian families have been coming to Santa Teresa di Gallura’s lovely beach, Rena Bianca, for years, but only recently have travelers from outside Italy discovered this gem of a destination. Enjoy swimming in deep-blue water, playing in the sand, and, of course, enjoying fantastic fresh seafood in a beachside restaurant.

Boasting Medieval fortresses, Roman aqueducts, Mediterranean coastline, endless vineyards and expansive national parks, a visitor could spend a lifetime exploring sunny Languedoc-Rousillon. Sitting on the geographic divide between the Iberian peninsula and mainland Europe, the regions towns and cities, including beautiful Carcassonne, Nimes and Montpellier, are connected by paths both ancient and new. Hike Via Domitia, a Roman road, or rent a barge for a trip down the Canal du Midi.

Aswan is more idyllic than other cities in Egypt—located in southern Egypt, it’s a great place to explore that country’s epic history far away from the chaos of Cairo. Take a traditional wooden felucca around Elephantine Island and explore the ruins of the Temple of Khnum. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)

Caleta de Fuste (also known as El Castillo) is a rollicking tourist destination with wide beaches and outdoor sports, including sailing, diving, and windsurfing. Travelers enjoy sharing the blue waters with the  turtles and dolphins, as well as hitting the greens at the luxurious Fuerteventura Golf Club.  If you're looking for equal parts adventurous-trip and relaxation-central, you'll find it here with a day of snorkeling or trike riding followed by lounging on the serene sand beaches.