Situated north of Tunisia and south of Corsica, Sardinia ranks as the Med’s
second-largest isle. One of the quieter Italian destinations, what this place lacks in
swarms of selfie sticks, it more than makes up for with its
therapeutic landscape. Being blessed with a diverse variety of
ecosystems, it is home to dramatic mountain ranges, wild woodland
areas, rocky coastlines and stretches of golden sand. We’re heading
to the vibrant city of Cagliari, a charming enclave brimming with
ancient ruins, chocolate-box churches and towering Pisan-Romanesque
palazzi. Start your day by visiting the Museo Archeologico
Nazionale di Cagliari, which tells of the city’s history by way of
statues, goldsmithery and jewels. Come sunset, skip to the walled
citadel of Castello to find free-spirited dancing and drinking in
quirky bars.

Where to stay: Hotel
Miramare Cagliari

Often overlooked in pursuit of Marrakech’s heady souks and Fez’s
stellar food stalls, the ancient city of Tangier oozes with
creativity. A favourite destination among tortured writers
searching for inspiration (Allen Ginsberg and Truman Capote were
regulars here), this place has a magnetic energy threaded
throughout its dusty, sun-scorched streets. Spend days flitting
between craft stores and independent boutiques, before slipping
into one of the vibrant bars tucked inside crumbling art deco
buildings – El
Morocco Club is our favourite for top-notch spirits and a
chilled-out setting.

Where to stay: La Maison de
Tanger

Perched on Malta’s southeastern edge, the magical Marsaskala is
home to a harbour lined by a happy mish-mash of yellow and apricot
villas and a coastline dotted with deserted caves lapped by piercingly blue waters. Less
than a 30-minute drive from the capital, Valletta, the town has
long been prime territory for long-weekending city types, but its
tranquil trails are fast gaining an international following among
those in the know. Foodies should make a beeline for Bongo Nyah, where a
tapas menu fuses flavours from four different continents. Party
people, however, should gather their gang and head to Zion for the
ultimate sundowner. The boho beach shack is loved for its
palm-fringed courtyard, experimental cocktails and a banging house
music playlist.

Where to stay: Talbot & Bons

Nicknamed “the Pearl of France”, Menton is located near the
Franco-Italian border between Provence and Genoa: picture a
colourful streetscape decorated with belle époque palaces, ruby-red
villas and pops of marigold at every turn. Compact and bijou, this
is a place best explored on foot. Stroll sun-drenched avenues, hop
between serene beaches – Plage Rondelli is one of the loveliest –
and taste your way through the area’s delicious culinary
specialities. Must-tries include bouillabaisse and fluffy lemon
desserts (this being the centre of France’s lemon industry). Make
Villa
Genesis your base, partly for its huge, palm-flanked swimming
pool, but mainly for its super-comfortable beds.

Where to stay: Villa
Genesis

Spain’s oldest university city and the eastern gateway to
Madrid, Salamanca is one of our favourite spots for a long, lazy
weekend. Narrow cobblestone passageways lead to cathedrals,
centuries-old churches, monasteries and libraries that are all
built in peach-coloured sandstone. To best appreciate all its
visual splendour, we suggest taking an early-morning wander through
the iconic Plaza Mayor. When it comes to fine dining, you’re spoilt
for choice. Our top picks are El Monje, where a candle-strewn courtyard is
the backdrop to fresh-from-the-ocean seafood platters, and El Mesón de
Gonzalo, where succulent cured meats and local wines make for a
romantic evening.

Where to stay: Palacio de San Esteban