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Bastia, Corsica, France

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Rising from the edge of Corsica’s northeast coast, the skyline of Bastia is marked by the graceful twin towers of the Church of St. John the Baptist overlooking the yacht-filled harbor of the Vieux Port. Equally imposing is the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie in the heart of Terra Nova, the walled citadel that once protected the city’s Genoese governors. Both of these areas are filled with Baroque churches and elegant plazas that are delightful places for a stroll, as is the seaside garden that lies between the Vieux Port and Terra Nova.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

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Puerto Plata may be best known for its over 100 kilometers of beaches. Playa Dorada, named for its golden sands, invites you to relax beside turquoise water, Cabarete beckons kite surfers and windsurfers alike, and Sosua Beach is the perfect place for snorkelers, with its crystal-clear waters and rich submarine ecosystem. More adventures can be found inland by taking the teleférico, or cable car, to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for breathtaking views over the lush landscape that descends to the sea.

Rovinj, Croatia

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Italo-Slavic heritage and contemporary Croatian culture mix effortlessly in the northern Adriatic town of Rovinj. Colorful palazzos and historic buildings fill its beautiful Venetian-era Old Town, where you’ll find the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia. Climb its 60-meter-tall bell tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Istrian Peninsula and the Rovinj archipelago. Linking the older and new districts, Tito Square is the lively town center, and home to a landmark clock tower, arch and museum.

Šibenik, Croatia

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An imposing Venetian fortress guards the maritime entrance to Šibenik, heralding the historic importance of this town in the heart of the Dalmatian coast. The 500-year-old Cathedral of St. James still dominates the waterfront but today this celebrated Gothic-Renaissance UNESCO site anchors an inviting promenade lined with cafes and restaurants that fuel Šibenik’s reputation for culinary excellence.

Hamilton, Bermuda

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The abundant coral reefs encircling Bermuda transform the water into myriad shades of vibrant blue and contribute to the pink sands for which the islands are renowned. Whether you choose the famous Horseshoe Bay on Bermuda’s south side or Elbow Beach closer to town, you can easily spend an entire day lounging on pristine sands and snorkeling in the aquamarine waters. For more cultural pursuits, explore the capital of Hamilton, where you can visit the Bermuda National Gallery, the Gothic-style Bermuda Cathedral and the nearby botanical gardens.

Staniel Cay, Exumas, Bahamas

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Although the walk from one end of Staniel Cay to the other wouldn’t take much more than 40 minutes, the favorite way to travel for visitors and locals is via golf cart. With so few roads, it will be nearly impossible to get lost as you set out in search of the island’s four gorgeous beaches. You won’t need transportation at all if you choose to spend the day swimming in the crystalline waters that lap at the powdery sands of Town Beach. Enjoy a meal overlooking the sea at one of the island’s only restaurants, conveniently located next to the beach.

San Salvador, Bahamas

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Sailing into San Salvador is an experience to remember, as the island is actually the exposed peak of a submerged mountain that rises 15,000 feet from the ocean floor. You can easily lose a happy afternoon here on a secluded beach, but there is so much more to this idyllic island than meets the eye. Several monuments, ruins and shipwrecks commemorate San Salvador’s profound history dating back to the 1400s, which has sculpted its rich culture.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

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The standard mode of transportation for visitors and locals alike, a golf cart is the best way to get around Harbour Island, which is just over three miles from end to end. Make your way to one of the island’s renowned restaurants for exquisite cuisine, exceptional wines and fantastic views of the azure seas. The former Bahamian capital has colonial architecture painted in lovely pastels and framed by towering palm trees begging to be photographed.

Clarence Town, Long Island, Bahamas

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The capital of Long Island, Clarence Town is home to just under 100 people, so on any given day, visitors may outnumber the locals. One main road traverses the island, which is over 70 miles long, and two different worlds unfold on either side. The eastern edge is the wild side, where Atlantic winds rustle the palm trees that frame secluded coastline, coves and caves. Explore Hamilton Cave, where Lucayan Indians lived centuries ago, and peer into Dean’s Blue Hole, one of the world’s deepest blue holes at over 660 feet.

Sandy Ground, Anguilla

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With some of the most celebrated beaches in the Caribbean, Anguilla has the added bonus of being off the beaten path, with plenty of room to relax on the soft sands of Sandy Ground. The protected cove offers tranquil, crystalline waters and a long stretch of beach, where you can spend the day swimming, lounging in the sun and sipping the island’s famous rum punch. It won’t take much more than 20 minutes to get to the tiny island’s other main attractions, from the luxury resorts and golf courses to the Wallblake House, Anguilla’s only remaining plantation home.