The picturesque regional park covers over 23,000 hectares along the coast from Viareggio to Livorno. The grounds feature estates and historic buildings and forested walking trails. You will come across organic farms, apiaries, an archeological area, the Navicelli canal and multiple natural reserves with distinct natural environments. Of course, there is a beach area to swim and cool down after a hike. You can find handy booklets and brochures at the Visitor Centre of Cascine Vecchie. The official website has an exhaustive list of attractions and their opening hours, plus a list of official guides.

Home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the castle stands as one of Bodrum's most recognisable landmarks. Constructed by the German knight-architect Heinrich Schlegelholt in 1404, it boasts a majestic presence with its impressive stone facades.

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, still stands today, albeit in remnants. Its true appearance remains a mystery to many, but it's believed that the renowned sculptor, Skopas, lent his talent to parts of its decoration — and it was undoubtedly extravagant. Nowadays, you can only gaze upon the remains of the once majestic building's walls, the rest having been claimed by earthquakes and the passage of millennia.

This spectacular urban Buddhist temple (the head temple of the Jogye Order) is a highlight on any Busan itinerary. A pleasant uphill hike through quiet nature will take you to temple grounds, with beautiful ornate pavilions, Buddhist statues and worshippers, which include both temporary visitors and monks who reside here permanently. Temple grounds tend to get busy during holidays and weekends. You can either make a few hours' trip or – for full cultural immersion – book an overnight stay that includes an introduction to monastic life, complete with joining a formal dinner and pre-dawn chanting. Stays must booked in advance via the website, and there are several different programmes available. If you opt for the full experience, do mind that the (silent!) wake-up hour is at 5am.