Some of the major attractions of coastal Hammamet are its beaches, extending miles upon miles north and south of town. While some areas may belong to resorts, there are plenty of spots along the shore that are open to the public. Water sport enthusiasts will find rentals dotted along the coast.

Saint Anastasia Island, the only inhabited island in Bulgaria’s Black Sea, lies 6 kilometres from Burgas and is steeped in history and legend. Once a monastery and later a prison, it now features a lighthouse, a couple of small museums, and the 15th-century Church of the Assumption with its 1802 wooden iconostasis. You can explore the island’s rocky shores, enjoy sea cuisine at the restaurant, or try herbal potions at the monastery. Regular catamaran services from Burgas make it an accessible and intriguing day trip.

Plaça de la Independència is the elegant neoclassical heart of Girona, designed by Martí Sureda in the 19th century on the site of a former Augustine convent. Its porticoed arches frame a lively scene of locals and visitors dining or sipping coffee under the shade. The square’s name honours Girona’s defenders during the 1808–1809 siege by Napoleonic forces, a struggle memorialised by Antoni Parera’s central monument in 1894. By day, it’s a prime spot for people-watching; by night, the terraces fill with revellers enjoying tapas and evening drinks. An essential stop for both history and atmosphere.