Wander through mazy streets of blindingly white houses dripping with bright bougainvillea, watch Stromboli’s light show, take in the scent of orange trees and almond groves, discover tiny islands and swim in crystal clear waters. Sicily is achingly charming and effortlessly photogenic. From the peak of smouldering Etna you look down on snowy slopes, bands of dark volcanic soil, lush green meadows and distant fringes of white sandy beach far below. A visit here is a series of magical moments strung together by a theme of sunshine and salty air.

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Surrounded by seven hills and seemingly carved entirely from the same pale stone, Bath is a city ageing gracefully and keeping its beauty. Sweeping crescents and tall townhouses give it a stately feel, with the ripple of the Pulteney Weir reminding you that the countryside is never far away. Boat trips on the canals can return you to town for the best gin cocktails and authentic tapas, maybe after a dip in the famous spa’s rooftop pool. The backstreets and alleys are a warren of quirky brunch cafes and boutique shops, while a short train ride takes you to picture-perfect Cotswolds villages, like the timeless Castle Combe.

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Although the capital is only half an hour away, the painted palaces and elaborate castles of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra are a striking contrast to Lisbon’s trendy vibe. The incredible colours and intricate tiling in the Moorish and Manueline architecture make just strolling the city an adventure, and the surrounding Natural Park is a craggy wilderness of dense forest split by waterfalls and rivers. You can pop over to Lisbon to lose yourself in the lively nightlife or head down to the beaches at Estoril and Cascais before coming home to the otherworldy peace of Sintra.

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