Ios embodies that classic Greek island ambiance—hillside clusters of blue-roofed white buildings, an amphitheatre, golden beaches that spill into the sapphire sea. The spindly windmills of Ios are like something from a storybook, and a visit to the Tomb of Homer (yep, that Homer) is an exercise in awed contemplation. When the sun goes down, party it up at one of Ios’ many electrifying nightspots. Favourites are Astra Cocktail Bar and the (kind of insane) alt-rock scene, The Orange Bar.

Oia is carved out of the cliffs, and visitors can see houses built for Venetian sea captains as well as the more typical "cave houses" of the villagers. You’ll find the pure white buildings with colourful roofs that are typical of Greek architecture, and you’ll probably enjoy poking around the town. But don’t breeze through in an hour—you must stay for the sunset. It’s legendary. Watch from a café, or, better yet, from a boat—you’ll be spellbound.

Known as the "Island of Colours" thanks to its jewel-coloured waters and building painted in vivid primary tones, the horseshoe-shaped island of Milos floats serenely in the Aegean Sea. It was here that the world-famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered. Though she now holds court at the Louvre, Milos has other beauties to admire. There are dozens of beaches, all different colours and all different combinations of sand, stone and shell. Explore the ancient theatre, catacombs and windmills in Tripiti village, then cap off your day with a cinematic sunset.

The Greek island of Santorini is a blissful spot for a getaway, and its capital, Fira, is a vision of dramatic cliffs and pristine whitewashed buildings. The Archaeological Museum contains Minoan artifacts from Fira’s ancient foundations, while several churches and monasteries offer a glimpse into the historical and contemporary religious make up of this beautiful village. Exploring the shops and cafes along Fira’s narrow footpaths is a leisurely way to spend an afternoon.

Sunset is the best time to arrive at the 5th-century-B.C. Temple of the mythical sea God Poseidon. Perched on cliffs above Cape Sounio, the temple ruins, surrounded on three sides by sea, have stunning views out over the Aegean. It was mentioned in Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. More recently, English Romantic poet Lord Byron visited this atmospheric spot in 1811 and inscribed his name at the base of one of the temple's Doric columns.

The coastal village of Kamari features the beaches and ruins that are typical of Greek islands, but also boasts unusual attractions like an open-air cinema. Stray from the black pebble shores and head up to the site of Ancient Thira, where the stone remains of houses, markets, baths and temples will impress you with their size and structure. Sip local vintages at the Gaia Winery, then relax at an outdoor café as you watch the sun sleepily drop below the horizon, washing the sky with warm Aegean light.

Pristine white cliffs tower over this recently revitalized spa town with its Sacred Pool and calcium-rich mineral springs. The pool is set amid a gorgeous garden, and a teahouse is adjacent. Pamukkale is most pleasant once the crowds of summer have departed, but temperatures have not yet plummeted.

One of the world’s most exclusive and celebrity-packed ski resorts, Gstaad consists of five independent areas, including Glacier 3000, the only glacial area in the Berner Oberland region. For families and children, Heiti-Gsteig and Lauenen are favourites. La Braye is great for freestylers and snowboarders.

Former Viking stronghold Copenhagen is one of Europe's oldest cities. Stroll along Europe's longest pedestrian route, The Ströget, around substantial sections of the dynamic Danish capital. Skyscrapers are outlawed, keeping the city's progressive modern architecture on the same sightlines as its smorgasbord of charming canals, colourful terraced houses and impressive museums. An eclectic array of sights beckons, from funky hippy kingdom Christiana to splendid palaces. For a true taste of Copenhagen, guzzle cups of Glögg.

Malaga, Pablo Picasso's birthplace and the gateway to the Costa del Sol, is a hectic, sometimes unruly city of 550,000. An impressive number of museums and monuments, including the 11th-century Alcazaba fort and Museu Picasso Malaga, provide plenty of diversions for those who opt not to spend all their time on the coast's famed beaches and in their accompanying bars. The old city bustles with taverns and bistros. The generous Paseo del Parque offers a delightful stroll past banana trees and fountains.

You've probably heard that Guinness tastes better in Dublin (fresh from the factory), but what you may not know is that Dublin is a perfect destination for the whole family. No, we're not suggesting you let the kiddies drink a pint. Instead, take them to the Dublin Zoo, to feed the ducks in Stephen's Green or on a picnic in Phoenix Park. Scholars enjoy walking in the literary footsteps of such writers as Yeats and Joyce, while discerning shoppers have their pick of designer boutiques.

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.

If your kids are sick of the same old beach holiday you take every year, consider taking them to Lanzarote. There are great beaches, to be sure, but this UNESCO World Biosphere reserve has unique attractions and activities. We're talking camel rides on volcanoes (at Timanfaya National Park), or eating at a restaurant in a volcanic cave (at Jameos del Agua). Even the most jaded teens will be impressed.