The small city of Sitges parties big. The nightlife is thumping, the people are gorgeous and the annual Carnival festival is utterly epic. A countercultural touchstone, Sitges is lively and very LGBT friendly. Native food and beverage is sublime—you simply must sample the Malvasia wine, made from grapes descending from Ancient Greece. Don’t miss the Museu Romàntic "Can Llopis" or, if you’re in Sitges in October, the world-renowned Sitges Film Festival, a cinematic extravaganza of horror, sci-fi and fantasy.

From stylish Barcelona to sunny resort towns on the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, Catalonia offers a wealth of attractions. Barcelona attracts those who love Gaudi's architecture, hot nightlife and thrilling restaurants. Elegant Tarragona's Roman ruins and amphitheater add to its historical appeal. Beach lovers flock to Mediterranean playgrounds including pine back-dropped Cape Salou, stunning Costa de Garraf, home to gay-popular beach resort Sitges, and the 40 sandy miles of La Maresme.

A popular budget holiday destination on the Costa Brava, the former fishing village of Lloret de Mar offers an appealing climate, great scenery and wealth of competitive accommodations. Visit the narrow streets of the Old Town and sites such as Can Xardo and Can Comadran, or take to the waves in Water World or sailing, parasailing or kayaking on the Mediterranean. A handful of excellent beaches round out the offerings of this Catalonian family resort, easily reached by car from Barcelona.

Altafulla is a coastal town not far from the city of Tarragona. Over time, it has become a popular tourist resort, offering tranquillity plus a grand artistic and cultural heritage. The Vila Closa has been declared a monument of historic and artistic interest. Stroll the Seafront Promenade and explore the Botigues de Mar (the old merchants’ and fishermen’s premises). You can also enjoy sports and cultural activities year-round.

Tossa del Mar has beautiful beaches—and tourists flock to them in summer, so make sure you have a reservation if you’re planning to visit in high season. Enjoy the seafront restaurants (and, of course, fresh-caught fish specialties) and many tapas bars in this charming Catalan town.

A city full of surprises with thousands of years of civilization just waiting to be explored. Dine under the vaults of the Roman circus, lose yourself in the charming alleys of the historic quarter. Discover the true World Heritage of Tarragona, a heritage of historic monuments and locations from Roman, medieval and modern eras. But it is also a heritage made of people, of human stories, of small moments. Tarragona reveals the essence of the Mediterranean.

The soft sea breeze, the crystalline waters and the tranquility are a few of the most important traits of La Pineda Beach. Almost four kilometers of beach lines the seafront promenade of this coastal resort. La Pineda has some of the cleanest, safest and environmentally best-managed beaches, as the Blue Flags regularly awarded by the European Foundation for Environmental Education attest. A wide range of activities can be organized right on the beach.

Culture and scenery collide in Gran Canaria’s cosmopolitan capital, where baroque Spanish plazas and lively pedestrian malls are flanked by miles of urban beaches on two sides. Cruise ships, yachts, sunbathers, and surfers all congregate in the sheltered bays against a backdrop of colorful resorts.

Quebec City may be the only fortified city north of Mexico, but it welcomes visitors with open arms. Explore the Citadel, where you might catch Canadian troops staging a military ceremony. As for food, you could splurge on afternoon tea at the Chateau Frontenac, or do as the locals do and snack on poutine—french fries with gravy and cheese curds.

The smaller half of Trinidad and Tobago, the 116-square mile island is a top eco-tourism destination. Its rainforest has been protected since 1776. Kayak through mangrove swamps, mountain bike testing trails in the island's northeast, drift dive with manta rays and sharks, hike the Rainforest Reserve or take in the distinctive Tobago pursuits of goat and crab racing. Cars, taxis and "maxi taxi" minibuses make it easy to get around the island. Carnival sees this exuberant island at its most extroverted.