Amalfi Coast, Italian Riviera & Corsica

Alicante's splendid Paeso Maritimo stretches northeast from the harbour, bristling with pleasure boats, to the expansive beach of Playa del Postiguet. The Rambla de Mendez Nunez leads to a lively market, while the Cathedral de San Nicolas de Bar is dedicated to the patron saint of Alicante. Most famous city landmark, the 3rd century Castillo de Santa Barbara, perched above the city on Mount Benecantil, affords marvellous city panoramas.

Alicante's splendid Paeso Maritimo stretches northeast from the harbour, bristling with pleasure boats, to the expansive beach of Playa del Postiguet. The Rambla de Mendez Nunez leads to a lively market, while the Cathedral de San Nicolas de Bar is dedicated to the patron saint of Alicante. Most famous city landmark, the 3rd century Castillo de Santa Barbara, perched above the city on Mount Benecantil, affords marvellous city panoramas.

The second of Spain's four Balearic Islands, Menorca has an engaging charm perfectly embodied in the easily explored capital of Mahon with its attractive shops, outdoor market and the traditional buildings of its hilly old quarter. One of Europe's best natural harbours - where the 18th century British fleet sheltered when Menorca was ruled from London (Admiral Nelson's visits are commemorated still by the local Nelson Gin!)

The dramatic maquis-covered landscapes of Corsica - ruled by the Genoese for centuries and often seemingly more Italian than French - span 650 square miles of fretted, beach-fringed coastline, alp-like mountains that soar to 9,00ft, cool pine and chestnut forests, sunburst vineyards and olive groves. From the little resort of Propriano by the sands of the Gulf of Valinco you can explore the capital, Ajaccio (birthplace of Napoleon), and the unspoilt scenery of Corsica's wild interior.

Situated between two of Italy’s most beautiful and best-known destinations, the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, the lively city of Salerno is – perhaps unsurprisingly, but not justifiably – overlooked by many visitors to, and explorers of, the gorgeous Campania region. However, the loss of the ‘over lookers’ is certainly the gain of those who do take the time to visit and explore Salerno; there are centuries of rich history – influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byzantines – to delve into here, landmarks, monuments and museums and aplenty awaiting discovery, and authentic local life to immerse yourself in. Whether you choose to see the medieval churches and capture the gritty elegance of the neighbourhood trattorias; sample traditional cuisine at the finest restaurants, or people watch at one of the cafés over a proper Italian espresso; or take a stroll along the picturesque, tree-lined promenade, Salerno is sure to get under your skin.

Situated between two of Italy’s most beautiful and best-known destinations, the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, the lively city of Salerno is – perhaps unsurprisingly, but not justifiably – overlooked by many visitors to, and explorers of, the gorgeous Campania region. However, the loss of the ‘over lookers’ is certainly the gain of those who do take the time to visit and explore Salerno; there are centuries of rich history – influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byzantines – to delve into here, landmarks, monuments and museums and aplenty awaiting discovery, and authentic local life to immerse yourself in. Whether you choose to see the medieval churches and capture the gritty elegance of the neighbourhood trattorias; sample traditional cuisine at the finest restaurants, or people watch at one of the cafés over a proper Italian espresso; or take a stroll along the picturesque, tree-lined promenade, Salerno is sure to get under your skin.

Strategically situated midway between Sicily and North Africa, Malta is in every sense a Mediterranean crossroads - a tiny island with an epic and heroic history in which invasion and siege have seen the influence Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and, of course, Britain all leave an enduring mark upon its cultural heritage. The16th century walled capital of Valletta with its Grand Harbour is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture, its narrow streets a tempting honeycomb of colourful shops and stalls.