The white contour of a church on a hilltop, the narrow streets of the old fishermen and tradesmen quarter, the presence of the sea and the immense beach known as Praia da Rocha identify the character of Portimao. The old town is dominated by the architecture of the late 19th and 20th centuries: houses boasting wrought-iron balconies, ornate stonework around the windows and doors, balustrades of stone and tile-covered ceramics and walls. This southern Portuguese port is the gateway to many historic towns of the Algarve region. The town offers a rich heritage of historical monuments and the eternal natural beauty of the Ria de Alvor. Portimao is also known for its extraordinary Portuguese cuisine. To savour the spirit of Portimao, there is nothing better than to sit in the shade of the trees in the gardens of Manuel Bivar, to watch the fishing boats sail by and to walk through streets and squares that exude the ambience of an active, hard-working town.

Veiled in myth, Morocco's enigmatic port, Tangier, reveals history at every turn. The legend goes that the Greek god Hercules rested from his labors here – for certain, it was a Phoenician colony that could date from as early as the 10th century BCE. Pick out travelers' treasures to take home in the labyrinthine alleyways of the city's Medina, within the walls of a 15th-century Portuguese fortress.

European and Moroccan traditions intertwine in everything from the beguiling blend of medieval and modernist architecture to the food in Melilla, Spain's North African outpost. This cultural crossroads has religious buildings for each of the Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu faiths. Explore Old Melilla, with its beautifully preserved fortress on a rock jutting out into the Mediterranean, and stroll past ornate buildings designed by Enrique Nieto, a student of Antoni Gaudí. And when you need more sustenance than this visual feast provides, tuck into everything from tapas to dishes laced with Moroccan spices.

Bathed in the warm waters of the southern Mediterranean, Tunis is a blend of Maghreb flair and French style. Visit the magnificent Az-Zaytunah mosque, the most sacred religious site in the country. Take a dip in the hot baths, built by the Romans. Or experience the sights and sounds of one of the exotic souks (bazaars).

Cagliari, capital of Sardinia, sprawls across the hills promising awe-inspiring views for those who venture to Monte Urpinu Park. At its heart lies the historic Castello district, where a Roman amphitheater, medieval towers built by the Pisans, and a 13th-century cathedral with an intricately carved crypt sit beside the monolithic architecture of the Mussolini era. Down by the harbor, the eateries and bars in the Marina buzz with life. In Via Sardegna and Via Cavour taste local flavors such as the peppery salami mustela, salty pecorino cheese, and carta musica, a wafer-thin flatbread said to sound like music when it snaps. They all go well with a glass of cannonau or vernaccia, the island's robust wines.

Charming town on the French island of Corsica with a rich history dating back to Napoleon Bonaparte. Home to the Maison Bonaparte, the residence-turned-museum bearing the general's name, this once fortified town founded by the Genoese in 1492 today boasts a Côte d'Azur flair along its trendy waterfront promenade. Nestled between sea and mountains, its magnificent UNESCO-designated Golfe de Porto is part of Corsica's Regional National Park, renowned for its geologic and ecologic natural value.

Marseille is France's oldest city and one of the Mediterranean's premier ports. Amid the big-city bustle, the old port is a quaint landscape of historic charm: colorful fishing boats sail past the imposing Fort Saint-Jean, narrow streets wander among ancient churches and cobbled squares, while the venerable Basilica overlooks the scene from the hilltop above.

Dating back to the 13th century, Palamos is one of Spain's most beautiful coastal towns, retaining much of its historical architecture and charm while embracing modern times with gusto. Life in this fishing village revolves around water. Swimming, sailing, and windsurfing are among the most popular daytime activities, along with sunbathing and some of the best people-watching in Europe. When the sun sets, the city pulsates with a hopping bar and nightclub scene. For foodies, Palamos is famous for its delectable, giant-sized prawns, hauled in by the boatload by local fishermen.