Take a 1-hour journey to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and step into his surreal masterpiece — the Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself. Constructed to replace an old theatre that burnt down during the Spanish Civil War, the building is a work of surrealist art, topped with giant eggs and crowned by a geodesic dome. Inside, it holds the world’s largest collection of Dalí’s works, from early impressionist pieces like Port Alguer (1924) to later marvels like Galatea of the Spheres (1952). Don’t miss the Mae West room, an upside-down bathtub fixed to the ceiling, or the glittering jewellery collection. The artist himself is buried in a crypt below the stage, adding a layer of solemnity to the whimsy. Book tickets online to avoid long queues, and allow at least half a day to fully absorb the labyrinthine galleries, optical illusions, and the sheer audacity of Dalí’s vision.

Artis–Naples is Southwest Florida’s premier cultural hub, home to the Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum. This vibrant campus hosts over 800 events annually, including concerts, Broadway shows, ballet, opera, and visual art exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy performances in the stunning Hayes Hall or explore dynamic exhibits in The Baker Museum, featuring contemporary and classic works. Be sure to check the calendar when you're in town.

By crossing the city bridges over the Onyar River, you can see the pastel-coloured houses that line the bank on the site of the old city walls. Pont de les Peixateries Velles, an iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, offers stunning views of the city's trademark façade, the quintessential Girona experience.

On the large island of Basse-Terre, about half an hour from Pointe-a-Pitre, is the beautiful Guadeloupe National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The park has over 300 kilometers of hiking trails through lush vegetation, imposing mountains and volcanoes, and a wide array of flora and fauna, including 100 species of orchid and 11 different kinds of bats.