Situated at the feet of the western Pyrenees near the French border, Spain's Basque Country comprises three provinces: Guipúzcoa and the popular beachfront capital of Donostia-San Sebastian; Vizcaya, where capital Bilbao houses the jaw-dropping Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum; and Alava, whose capital Vitoria-Gasteiz teems with medieval architecture. Running with the bulls at Pamplona and drinking rioja from area wineries add to the region's exotic romanticism. Travel in early summer and fall to dodge the madding crowds.

In Santander, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Playa de la Magdalena and El Sardinero, a historic city centre, and an epic planetarium, all while breathing in glorious coastal air. Of course, there are plenty of gorgeous Gothic cathedrals that will impress and inspire.

While many visitors come for the beaches, arts celebrations and fiestas, San Sebastian-Donostia is serious about its food and drink. The Old Quarter’s narrow, winding streets are full of bars and restaurants, and in the modern city, sidewalk cafes are all around. The city specialises in seafood. Just make sure you know not to expect dinner at 6 or 7 p.m.—that’s much too early in Spain. Instead, tide yourself over with tapas, and enjoy eating and drinking late into the night.

Don't let its size fool you; Spain's smallest province makes a big name for itself with enticing wines and spectacular scenery. From its healing thermal baths to its rugged mountain trails, La Rioja provides the perfect getaway to any traveler. Action junkies can find adventures skiing, biking or white-water rafting, while the more sedate will find a peaceful respite sipping wine in the region's lush vineyards, or walking the famous pilgrims' trail to Santiago.

Rich in medieval architecture, the northern city of Burgos provides a glimpse into bygone Spain. But the historic capital of Castile looks to the future, too, with its modern museums, celebrated culinary scene, and award-winning infrastructure.

With its prime vantage point atop multi-hued cliffs in Portugal's southern Algarve region, it's easy to imagine Albufeira's eighth- century Arab occupants calling the city "Castle of the Sea." Brightly painted fishing boats, stunningly white houses with Moorish flair and remnants of its old fortress provide echoes of earlier days, while lively nightlife accentuates its modern resort charms. Spend time sunbathing on the more than 20 diverse beaches that hug the coast or venture inland, where almond trees blossom and local handicrafts are abundant.

Plan to cross many bridges when in Cork. Ireland's third-largest city began life as an island and now spans both banks of the River Lee, with watery channels running beneath some of its main thoroughfares. The best way to experience this hilly southern seaport is on foot, following the signposted walking tour past St. Finn Barre's Cathedral and the riverside quadrangle of University College up the hill to red and white Shandon Church. Along the way, you'll meet plenty of the city's talkative residents.