Grand Cayman's splashier side is the real draw. Offering a host of experiences, from petting attention- and food-seeking stingrays at Stingray City to exploring jaw-dropping drop-offs and dive sites, Grand Cayman is a watery wonderland.

The sound of music lures fans both of classical music and of Julie Andrews to Salzburg. Most sights are within walking distance of the city center.

Glamorous Santorini, in the southern Aegean's Cyclades islands, curves round a giant lagoon, a caldera left by a volcanic eruption.

The Algarve's sunny shores offer perfect escapes for all types, from those seeking the hot nightlife of flashy, energetic Lagos to those desiring secluded stays in rambling Sagres.