THE DALMATION COAST – ATHENS TO VENICE

Greece’s first capital remains the escape of choice for Athenians, who weekend here to indulge in the town’s gorgeous seaside setting. One of the country’s most romantic towns, the warm color palette and tempting, island-sprinkled waters, pull on plenty of heartstrings. With perfect beaches, crystal clear waters for swimming, and evocative fortress-capped mountains, Nafplion is a sun-soaked Greek beauty. Head into the warren of an old town, which is full of narrow streets, neoclassical architecture and pink-flowered trees drooping over walls. Located on the hill that towers over Nafplion, Palamidi Fortress is a Venetian castle built in 1714, and its steep walls flow dramatically down the slope.

Welcome to Crete, Greece’s largest island, and explore the sun-soaked charms of this fascinating land of legends, landscapes and luxuries. Packed with beautiful beaches and rich maritime history, enjoy the treasures of Crete’s many well-stocked museums, rich archaeological sites, and charming Venetian fishing towns. Soak up some Mediterranean sunshine by heading straight to one of the luxurious white sand beaches – where you can recline to a soundtrack of fizzing waves and dine with sparkling sea views stretching out before you. Explore olive groves producing golden oil, and savor the deep, fruity flavors. The island’s renowned wineries, also invite you to sample lovingly crafted Vilana grape wines.

Loggerhead turtles patrol the clear, calm waters of Cephalonia island, which rises majestically out of the Ionian’s emerald green haze. Cephalonia is a heavenly mirage of idyllic beaches. Wander the shorefront of Argostoli – along the bustling harbor – and keep an eye out for fishermen lobbing their rejected haul back into the waves. Chances are this daily ritual will summon the loggerhead turtles who cruise these waters and gather to enjoy the free feast. Take a long, undisturbed swim in the warm waters, surrounded by flashing fish life and huge, loosely scattered rocks. A refreshing tossed Greek salad awaits on the shore.

This sickle-shaped island of Mediterranean bliss flaunts its sun-kissed sophistication with effortless grace – having cherry-picked the best influences from Venetian, French and British occupiers. With over 3,000 years of history, The Grand Lady of the Ionian has played a starring role in Greek history and mythology, and legendary tales swirl around you, as you explore sparkling beaches, mountains splashed with wildflowers, and historical, perched fortresses.

Embedded into the slopes of the steep Lovćen mountain, and overlooking the deep blue Adriatic, the fortified town of Kotor boasts a spectacular, imposing staging that few can match. Squeezing in through the tight Bay of Kotor is a daunting and impressive approach in itself, as you arrive via the waterway of Europe’s most southerly fjord. A pearl of Montenegro and the Adriatic, Kotor’s warren-like streets drip with history and authenticity. Under Venetian influence for four centuries, the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site old town invites you to wander amid atmospheric stone-clad streets, overlooked by a sea of terracotta roofs and the double towers of the cathedral.

Croatia’s crowning glory rears up vertically from the tranquil waters of the Adriatic, and Dubrovnik’s daunting fortresses town is a truly imposing sight to behold. Encircled by chunky stone walls so thick and dramatic they could have been purpose-built as a film set, this city’s unmatched old town is the setting for countless films and shows – from Star Wars to Robin Hood, Game of Thrones and every production in-between seeking a truly authentic medieval flavor. The stone streets of the city take you through a beautiful mosaic of architectural splendor, baroque churches and splashing fountains. Tapering alleys rocket up from the central boulevard of Stradun, offering spectacular views down, but you’ll need to walk the city walls to appreciate the fortress city’s full scale.

Bathing in the Dalmatian Coast’s generous sunshine, and overlooking sparkling, island-studded waters, Split is a city of romantic beauty, built around an extraordinary – still beating – historical heart. The setting may be spectacular, but it’s the Diocletian’s Palace – a Roman remain of incredible scale and detail that is truly bewitching. While immensely historic, Split hasn’t been afraid to move with the times, and the stone walls encasing the streets are alive with buzzy bars and quiet nooks, where bottles of red wine are uncorked and delicious meals devoured. With a natural backdrop of dramatic limestone mountains, and Croatia’s trademark scenic wonders all around, Split is a true heavyweight of the Adriatic. To enter Split’s Diocletian’s Palace is to step into a beautiful time warp. Head first to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, where a hollow bell tower rockets up, puncturing the sky.

Feel the strong Italian influence as soon as you step into this city, known as Croatia’s ’Little Venice’. A gorgeous artwork of a port, you can revel in seafront promenade strolls, waterside drinks, and the tangled beauty of an immensely atmospheric old town. Nearby, islands sparkle and beaches call out, while working fishing boats add authentic everyday charm. Tiny streets and squares are lined with little souvenir shops, bars, gelato stalls and restaurants serving up delicious dishes laced with Istria’s elusive white truffles.

Losing none of its allure over the years, this floating city of canals, bridges and masks is a place of eternal beauty and enduring elegance. The lagoon of more than 100 islands is a heavenly sight, transporting visitors on a journey through time – from its Roman inception, through centuries of trade to the modern face we see today. Spend more time here, or other parts of Italy.