Italy

Loved by Italian urbanites yet little known outside Rome, this insider escape on the Monte Argentario peninsula is a harbor of bobbing megayachts and restaurants that rival the mainland. Steep cliffs tumble into crystalline seas and secret coves, all presided over by the 17th-century Spanish-built Fortezza Spagnola. Venture out to explore Argentario’s hidden bays and headlands, looking for Roman-built villas as you take in the view to islands in the distance, the start of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

Lipari, the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands, tempts with simple pleasures: a sun-soaked afternoon at Ponente Beach channeling the country’s famous dolce far niente, or a stroll along the harborfront, gelato in hand. Settled since 5,000 BC for its gleaming black obsidian, it later became a Carthaginian naval base, fell to the Romans in 252 BC, and then withstood centuries of pirate raids that left the acropolis crowned with towering walls.

Nestled on the eastern edge of the beautiful Amalfi Coast, the town of Salerno offers a blend of rich history and modern Italian charms. The historic city center is a maze of cobbled streets, vibrant piazzas and landmarks like the 11th-century Salerno Cathedral, a pilgrimage site believed to house relics of Saint Matthew in its elaborate crypt adorned in brilliant frescoes. The palm-lined waterfront promenade of Lungomare Trieste invites a seaside stroll, while the hilltop Castello di Arechi provides sweeping views from above.

Sitting on the edge of Europe, Palermo is a glorious mish-mash of Baroque churches, Arabesque domes, souk-like marketplaces and Gothic palaces. You’ll find yourself gazing at glittering mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, sampling cheeses at the bustling Mercato di Ballarò, viewing the largest collection of ancient anchors in the world at the Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas, wandering serene subtropical gardens at the Orto Botanico or watching world-class opera at the Art Nouveau Teatro Massimo.

With its sun-dappled Piazza del Duomo, winding alleyways, Byzantine-influenced cathedral and pretty little beach, the town of Amalfi embodies Italian charm. Neighboring Atrani is also well worth a visit, as it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. With its ancient churches and whitewashed alleyways, it’s a lovely place to spend a relaxing day away from the crowds. Alternatively, make your way to the magical Grotta dello Smeraldo, which is named because of the gorgeous emerald color that emanates from the water.

With its blend of Italian and Catalan influences, Alghero’s Old Town is breathtakingly beautiful and refreshingly unpretentious. You’ll find Gothic and Catalan architecture around every corner of this authentic centro storico. Pull up a chair in a café in the shadow of one of the city’s 16th century towers and sip a morning coffee before strolling along the pedestrianized Sea Walls, which run all the way from the Piazza Sulis to the marina. The views over to Capo Caccia on the horizon are amazing.

Impressive Neoclassical buildings, boulevards and piazzas are everywhere you look in this elegant port city. The best way to start your day in Trieste is with a coffee. The city is said to have the finest coffee in the whole of Italy and sampling a cup or two in its beautiful Belle Époque cafes is an absolute delight. After your coffee take a walk along the Canal Grande, or head to the superbly decadent Miramare Castle – a vanity project of the Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg.