Visit Athens, the historic capital of Greece. Explore the Acropolis (ancient citadel with the Parthenon temple, built in the 5th century BC), wander through the Plaka district (old neighborhood with narrow streets and traditional tavernas), see artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum (one of the world's greatest museums of ancient Greek art), and watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square.
Visit Monaco, the second-smallest sovereign state in the world. Explore the Prince's Palace (official residence of the Grimaldi family with daily changing of the guard), try your luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo (iconic Belle รpoque building featured in James Bond films), and stroll through the Jardin Exotique (botanical garden perched on cliffs with over 1,000 succulent plants).
Visit Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, known for the Rock of Gibraltar and its strategic importance.
Visit Valletta, the fortified capital of Malta. Explore the Baroque masterpiece of St. John's Co-Cathedral (home to Caravaggio's painting 'The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist'), walk the historic streets of the UNESCO-listed city center, and see the Grandmaster's Palace (former seat of the Knights of St. John, now housing the Office of the President).
Visit Split, Croatia's second-largest city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient cellars and a peristyle). Walk along the Riva waterfront promenade, climb Marjan Hill for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, and explore the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (originally Diocletian's mausoleum, one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world).
Visit Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Explore the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) with St. Mark's Church (colorful tiled roof depicting medieval coats of arms) and the Lotrลกฤak Tower (19th-century cannon fired daily at noon). Stroll through the Dolac Market (one of the largest open-air markets in Europe, known for fresh produce and local crafts) and see the Museum of Broken Relationships (unique collection of personal objects and stories about failed relationships).
Visit Rhodes, the largest of Greece's Dodecanese islands. Explore the medieval Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage site with the Palace of the Grand Master), see the ancient Acropolis of Lindos (cliff-top ruins with views over St Paul's Bay), relax at Anthony Quinn Bay (a scenic cove named after the actor), and visit the Valley of the Butterflies (a natural reserve with thousands of Jersey tiger moths in summer).
Visit Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus and the world's last divided capital city. Explore the Venetian Walls (16th-century fortifications surrounding the old town), see the Selimiye Mosque (originally a Gothic cathedral converted after Ottoman conquest), and walk along the Green Line (UN buffer zone splitting the city into Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides).
Visit Budva, a historic coastal town in Montenegro. Explore the Old Town (Stari Grad) with its Venetian walls and citadel, relax on Mogren Beach (two connected sandy coves beneath cliffs), and see the Sveti Stefan island-hotel (a 15th-century fortified village turned luxury resort).
Visit Larnaca, a coastal city in Cyprus. Explore the Church of Saint Lazarus (a 9th-century Byzantine church housing the reputed tomb of Lazarus), stroll along Finikoudes Beach (a palm-lined promenade with cafes and views of the Mediterranean), and see the Hala Sultan Tekke (an important Islamic shrine on the banks of the Salt Lake, known for its historical significance).
Visit Dubrovnik, a historic coastal city in Croatia. Walk the ancient city walls (2 km long with views of the Adriatic Sea and red-tiled roofs), explore the Stradun (main limestone-paved street lined with Baroque buildings), and see the Rector's Palace (Gothic-Renaissance palace housing a cultural history museum). Take a cable car up Mount Srฤ for panoramic vistas over the Old Town and Elaphiti Islands.
Visit Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Explore the Millennium Bridge (a modern cable-stayed bridge over the Moraฤa River), see the historic Clock Tower in the Old Town, and relax in King's Park (a green space with monuments and city views).
Visit Limassol, a coastal city in Cyprus. Explore the Limassol Castle (medieval fortress where Richard the Lionheart is said to have married), stroll along the Molos Promenade (palm-lined waterfront with sculptures and sea views), and visit the Kourion archaeological site (ancient Greco-Roman ruins with a well-preserved amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean).
Visit Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. Explore the White Tower (15th-century Ottoman fortress and symbol of the city), see the Rotunda (4th-century Roman monument later converted into a church), stroll through the Aristotelous Square (grand waterfront plaza with neoclassical buildings), and sample local dishes like bougatsa (custard-filled pastry) at Modiano Market (historic covered market).
Visit Mdina, the historic fortified city and former capital of Malta. Walk through its narrow, winding streets and see landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral (built in the 17th century on the site of an earlier Norman church), the Mdina Gate (a Baroque entrance featured in Game of Thrones), and the Palazzo Falson (a medieval palace housing art and antique collections). Enjoy panoramic views of the island from the bastions and sample local pastizzi (savory pastries) at a traditional cafe.
Visit Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Explore the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos (Europe's oldest city, with labyrinthine ruins and vibrant frescoes), see the Venetian fortress of Koules guarding the old harbour, and browse the Archaeological Museum (home to the Phaistos Disc and Minoan artifacts). Sample local dishes like dakos (rusk salad) and bougatsa (custard pie) at the central market.
Visit Tirana, the capital of Albania. Explore Skanderbeg Square (central hub with the National History Museum and Et'hem Bey Mosque), take the Dajti Ekspres cable car to Mount Dajti (offering panoramic views of the city and Adriatic Sea), and see the Pyramid of Tirana (former museum turned into a cultural center).
Visit Vlorรซ, a coastal city in Albania known for its historical significance and Mediterranean charm. Explore the Independence Monument (commemorating Albania's 1912 declaration of independence), stroll along the promenade with views of the Adriatic Sea, and visit the Ethnographic Museum (showcasing traditional Albanian culture and artifacts). Nearby, discover the ancient ruins of Apollonia (an archaeological site with a well-preserved theater and monastery) and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants along the waterfront.
Visit Durrรซs, Albania's second-largest city and main port on the Adriatic Sea. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre (one of the largest in the Balkans, dating back to the 2nd century AD), see the Venetian Tower and Byzantine walls in the historic center, stroll along the Durrรซs Beach promenade, and visit the Archaeological Museum (housing artifacts from Illyrian, Greek, and Roman periods).
A Venetian Gothic town on a point of the Adriatic, with the Tartini square and salt pans nearby.
Mallorca's capital: the seafront Gothic cathedral La Seu, Arab baths and the Tramuntana mountains behind.
Slovenia's only port, a Venetian old town around Tito square on what was once an island.
A student city of the south: the Place de la Comedie, the oldest working medical school in Europe and beaches ten kilometres away.
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