As you glide into Cesme, you’ll be greeted by the imposing seaside Ottoman Fortress, whose foreboding walls are softened by a delicate minaret. Step even further into the past at Ephesus, one of antiquity’s most spectacular sites and home to the remarkably well-preserved Library of Celsus. In neighboring Alacati, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Greece, as the town is a delightful warren of stone and white-washed buildings housing enticing boutiques and eateries. This corner of Turkey is considered the country’s premier oenophile destination, with numerous vineyards benefitting from the excellent terroir and favorable climate. Take advantage of the perfect opportunity to sip on a bold red or a delicious white while enjoying views of the sparkling Aegean Sea.

Venture into the northernmost reaches of the Baltic Sea and discover Lulea, a peaceful town nestled on the Luleälven River, one of Sweden’s longest waterways. On the countless islands just beyond the river’s mouth, you might spot playful seals basking in the sun. Lulea is the gateway to a truly unique UNESCO World Heritage site, the Church Town of Gammelstad, a mesmerizing jumble of over 400 red-and-white painted wooden buildings surrounding a 15th-century church. In the past, the region was dotted with small, far-flung settlements, and worshippers traveled large distances to attend services at the church and stayed in the surrounding houses overnight so as not to undertake the arduous journey home until the following day.

Anchoring the north end of the Baltic Sea, Kemi is a showcase for several Finnish jewels, quite literally at one notable landmark. The Kemi Gemstone Gallery displays the model for the King of Finland’s crown, although the real version was never created, and a sparkling collection of gems and jewels including a replica of a necklace worn by Marie Antoinette. Set your inner child free at the SnowExperience365, home to incredibly detailed ice and snow sculptures, and be equally enchanted by the Kemi Church, an ornate, salmon-hued Gothic Revival building. More wide-eyed wonder awaits at Santa’s Seaside Office, an unofficial workplace for Mr. Claus that is staffed by friendly elves when the boss is away.

Hugging the estuary of the Krka River and protected by two jutting peninsulas, Sibenik may be less known that other Croatian luminaries such as Dubrovnik and Split, but its magical atmosphere nevertheless makes it stand apart. The UNESCO World Heritage site Old Town is home to an astonishing four fortresses, including the Fort of Saint Nicholas, built on a small spit of land almost entirely surrounded by the sea, and the hilltop Fort of Saint John, which offers breathtaking vistas over the red-tiled city and the myriad islands beyond. Just inland, discover sublime Krka National Park, a vast, unspoiled expanse anchored by the fabled Skradinski Buk waterfall, whose multi-tiered cascades have enthralled visitors for centuries.

This Sicilian seaside gem has become an Italian holidaymakers’ favorite for its Blue Flag beaches, the international top honor for pristine water and environmental responsibility. Rising at one end of Pietre Nere Beach, the imposing 15th-century Torre Cabrera fortress is softened by several delicate arched windows, and the lively seaside promenade offers the perfect opportunity to mingle with locals. Nearby, discover the superb historic towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa, exemplary masterpieces of late Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. For a truly unique experience, wander the stone maze at Donnafugata Castle, a stunning neo-Gothic palace. If you prefer less of a challenge, explore the castle’s ornately decorated rooms and lush gardens.

Though barely more than a smattering of cheerfully painted buildings, Maniitsoq’s privileged position near the mouths of several fjords makes it the ideal staging point for your sub-arctic exploration. Since the quaint town sits on an island, you might opt for a scenic boat tour into the pristine surrounding waterways. Nearby Eternity Fjord features several glaciers snaking through a landscape of jagged peaks and is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Greenland. Simply standing in Maniitsoq’s harbor often yields sightings of the region’s abundant whales, and several picturesque staircases built into the hills outside of town provide breathtaking views of countless islets and white-capped mountain ranges.

Gorgeous beaches graced with soft sand and gin-clear waters? Check. Mazelike, stone-paved villages adorned with vivid bougainvillea blooms? Check. A thriving culinary scene including a fascinating wine museum? Check. Samos may not have the name recognition of Mykonos or Santorini, but it nevertheless epitomizes the best of Greece. The enchanting Monastery of Panagia Spiliani invites exploration of the mysterious Cave of the Virgin Mary and offers sweeping views over the island all the way to the glittering sea. Samos’ mountainous terrain is draped in lush forests and offers ample opportunities to hike to hidden cascades, secluded coves and a cavalcade of stunning viewpoints.

This marvelous provincial gem is anchored by its elegant main square, which is ringed by an appealing array of fanciful stone and red-brick buildings adorned with gables, turrets and sculptures. Most of the city’s historic buildings date from the late 19th century, built after the most devastating fire in Sweden’s history. Relish the opportunity to explore the High Coast of Sweden, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts the world’s highest coastline at a stunning 938 feet above sea level. If all this exploration leaves you hungry, you’re in luck, as Sundsvall is a Swedish epicurean mecca. Locals might dare you to take a bite of the region’s distinctive fermented herring followed by a shot of schnapps.

Small yet cosmopolitan Vaasa is tucked away within one of the Baltic Sea’s rarely explored arms, the Gulf of Bothnia, which is shared by Sweden and Finland. This off-the-beaten-track destination is fringed by the entrancing Kvarken Archipelago, a pristine UNESCO World Heritage site composed of around 5,600 picturesque islands formed by the melting of Europe’s continental ice sheet over 10,000 years ago. Dotting the countryside around Vaasa, discover delightful wooden windmills painted in vibrant shades of red. In town, explore an array of absorbing museums and architectural gems including the 19th-century Gothic-style market, where friendly vendors offer the region’s tantalizing delicacies.