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 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.

One of the most historic sites in Spain, Girona lies in northeast Catalonia, just 99 km (62 mi) from Barcelona. Founded by Romans, the city later was taken over by Moors and Franks before finally falling under the rule of Barcelona. Influenced by different cultures and religions, the city beckons visitors with beautiful architecture. The Old and New Town offer many opportunities to pleasurably get lost and observe local life and culture.

Just a few miles west of Naples (and easily reached by train), the ancient seaside city of Pozzuoli is probably best known for its bradyseism, a raising and lowering of the Earth’s surface due to underground volcanic activity. Many sites remain from Pozzuoli’s days as an important Roman port, including the Macellum or Temple of Serapis, which for many years was submerged under water. The Flavian Amphitheater (Italy’s third-largest) and the Cathedral of Rione Terra are other popular attractions.

Unassuming Brussels is the capital of Belgium, Flanders and Europe. Medieval Grand-Place is indeed grand, with many 17th-century buildings and daily flower markets. Reopened in 2006, the Atomium, Brussels' Eiffel Tower, provides great views, both inside and out. Architecture fans should visit the Musée Horta, home of Belgian master architect Victor Horta. St Gery's clubs and bars are packed all year round. Seafood eateries abound in Ste Catherine. Exploring the narrow streets on foot is more fun than getting snarled up in traffic.

If you currently think your neighbourhood coffee shop is nice, you might want to stay out of Vienna’s coffeehouses. After you’ve gotten used to these palatial, yet welcoming cafes—and their delicious coffee and Sacher torte—your local café will pale in comparison. Between coffee breaks, visitors can explore Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace and Imperial Palace. And if you have a chance, catch a performance at the State Opera House—it’s not to be missed.

Don your most comfortable shoes for Killarney, where town trails offer history lessons and country walks traverse Ireland's first national park: 26,000 acres of woodlands, sandstone mountains and low-lying lakes. In the town centre, Killarney House and Gardens provide a break for urban explorers. Renowned Muckross House, with its 15th-century abbey ruins and massive yew tree, is just outside the town. If your feet wear out, take in Killarney National Park's legendary scenery from a boat trip from Ross Castle.