While the northeast of the island has been nicknamed
“Kensington-on-sea”, booze-soaked Kavos in the south has earned

Corfu an equally unappealing reputation. But beyond these
enclaves of prep school chat and cheap hedonism, you’ll find a
rural, sleepy islet that is as rustic as it is (relatively) crowd
free. One of the greenest of the Greek islands, lush landscapes are
met by sandy coves lapped by cobalt-blue waters; the naff souvenir
shop is replaced by local bakeries while moustached men
chain-smoking Camels spill out onto the street. Traditional Greek
life is thriving here – you just need to know where to find it.

With more than five million tourists visiting each year,
Tenerife
is the largest and most popular of the seven Canary Islands with a
“something for everyone” dynamic – you can travel from subtropical
rainforest to volcanic terrain in just over an hour – drawing the
crowds. But beyond the package resorts, you’ll find a diversified
island comprising of 70 beaches, one volcano and some excellent
hotels. Tenerife is also emerging as a wine destination, while the
past few years have seen a resurgence in local cuisine with
restaurants in turning their back on tourist-catered food offerings
in favour of traditional regional fare.

Turkey‘s tourism industry is making a slow but steady recovery
following years of political instability, terrorist attacks and an
earthquake. Situated on the southeast coast, the beach town of
Bodrum in particular is enjoying a renaissance, with an EDITION hotel joining the likes
of a Six Senses, Mandarin Oriental and Amanruya this year. The best time to visit is actually
the shoulder seasons at the beginning and end of summer (June
and September)
when temperatures are in the mid to late 20s and you’ll sidestep
the masses. From the town’s pretty castle and ancient ruins to the
glitzy new marina and winding backstreets, it’s no surprise that
Bodrum is billed as Turkey’s answer to St Tropez.

Flying the flag for all-inclusive holidays in the 1970s, mention

Lanzarote to a friend and you’re likely to be met with a
derisive snort. Another Canary Island turning its reputation on its
head, beyond the high-rise architecture (there is actually only one
multi-storey building) you’ll find verdant wineries, simmering
volcanoes and a burgeoning surf scene. Far from sipping an
umbrella-adorned tequila sunrise on a plastic sun-lounger, with
picturesque villages nestled in sweeping valleys and dramatic
volcanic backdrops, this is a place for adventure – and a new
generation of open-minded travellers are putting not-so-grotty
Lanzarote on the top of their list.

Spanish costas get a bad rep but the Costa Brava, which
stretches from the town of Blanes (northeast of Barcelona) to the
French border, is due for review. Covering a lot of ground – and a
lot of grade-A sand beaches to squish your toes into – we’re
firstly headed for Calella de Palafrugell and then straight to El
Canadell beach. Awash with arched beach-facing buildings and a sea
of rainbow-hued parasols populating the shore, it’s summer holiday
nostalgia circa 1999 (or perhaps 1954). As fishing villages go,
Cadaqués is high up on our list. This enchanting town attracted
many notable artists in its day, including Marcel Duchamp, Pablo
Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Dalí’s house museum in Port Lligat is
truly surreal and well worth the short stroll from Cadaqués town
centre. For foodies, the coast is equally appealing, given that the
region is home to the highest concentration of Michelin-starred
restaurants in Spain. El Celler de Can Roca (which was
twice ranked as the best restaurant in the world) in Girona, books
out fast.

Not unlike Palermo in feel, Malta is plotted just 50 miles south
of Sicily. A two-hour flight from most European capitals, this tiny
Mediterranean island is a big “yes” on our list of places to
revisit. You certainly won’t be the first to have conquered the
islet. Malta has been colonised time and time again – the Romans,
Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, the French and the British have all
left their mark. Claiming its independence in 1964, it’s an
eclectic blend of its former occupiers. Its seafood-focused cuisine
is dominated with aromatic spice, yet its national dish is a hearty
stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stewed in broth). A contradiction in
kind, Valletta is certainly multifaceted. Laid-back and modest at
its peripheries (with ample sandy spots on which to chill out and
do nothing) its old town centre is a cacophony of reference points
and styles. Get your fill of narrow streets, baroque churches and
Moorish facades before heading for the shore – dotted with hidden
coves and blue lagoons. Plunge into Sliema’s Ballutta Bay for an
afternoon dip and, if time allows, head to the nearby island of
Gozo.

Biarritz reached peak “cool” in the 1950s when California surf
culture was thrown up on Europe’s sandy beaches. Surfing here is
still superb and the French resort town’s hedonistic reputation
hasn’t dampened much either. With a recharged dining scene –
spanning everything from French patisserie to Spanish tapas – and a
stack of trendy boutiques championing predominantly local brands,
you’ve some reacquainting to do. When drafting up that to-do list,
make room for art galleries, like City Ocean, and coastal landmarks
such as the Phare de Biarritz. The white lighthouse on the town’s
northernmost cliff offers prime views of Plage Miramar. Time your
evening walk along the beach to end at sunset for maximum effect.
After which, make strides for the Hôtel du Palais – a renowned
vintage, luxury coastal hotel.