A boisterous port city on the surface, this urban capital of Crete hides millennia of history beneath its modern trappings. In Heraklion, scooters zip past Minoan and medieval relics such as the seaside Koules Fortress, while Turkish fountains bubble up in the shadow of apartment blocks.

Surrounded by water on three sides, Agios Nikolaos combines the sleepy feel of a seaside resort with all the amenities of a cosmopolitan port. Villas and tavernas spill over the town’s three hills to meet a harbour dotted with both mega-yachts and fishing boats.

A world away from Crete's bustling capital, laid-back Elounda features fishing villages, uninhabited islands, and tranquil bays. There's plenty to explore in this sprawling town settlement—from luxury resorts and nature preserves to a fortress and former leprosy colony.

A large island, approximately 20 by 20 kilometres, Djerba lies just off the northeastern coast of Africa, in southeastern Tunisia, near the Libyan border. Set on the Gulf of Gabes, the island is known for an eclectic population of residents and tourists, splendid beaches and picturesque villages that feature distinctive, square, whitewashed houses. Houmt Souq is the one large town, with bustling markets and lively outdoor cafes. Djerba, which offers a pirate's castle and fortress-like mosques, is believed to have been the inspiration for Homer's Odyssey. Accessible from the south of Tunisia, a road originally built by the Romans connects the island to the mainland.

The Indian and colonial influences in this South African beach city can’t be missed, and the blend of cultures and architecture makes Durban unique in South Africa. Durban’s Golden Mile is a destination for surfers, families and fisherman, due to its blend of natural beauty and modern resort. Major-city attractions abound, making this a good destination for families and couples alike.

The village of Franschhoek (French Corner), tucked into the Cape Winelands of South Africa, is known as the country's food and wine capital. Galleries and antique shops fill the tree-lined streets, and vineyards established more than 300 years ago cascade over the hills just outside town. Local activities range from wine-tasting tours to trout fishing and hiking. The Huguenot Memorial Museum honors the town's early settlers, who fled religious persecution in France.

From flat-topped Table Mountain down to the blue waters of Table Bay, Cape Town is simply stunning, but the city doesn't thrive by its looks alone. Proudly multicultural, its flourishing arts, dining, and nightlife scenes are proof of this modern metropolis' creativity and innovative spirit.