Oia’s the one you’ve seen in all the photos—white houses, blue domes, and narrow lanes packed with people come sunset. It sits on the edge of the caldera, about 150 metres up, with genuinely great views (if you can find a spot to stand). It’s pricey, often crowded, but still worth a visit, especially early in the morning or just after sunset when things calm down. Good for wandering, photos, and a splurge meal if you’re into that.

It was above all Archduke Ferdinand II (1529–1595) who proved to be a significant patron of the arts by converting Ambras Castle into a splendid Renaissance residence for his wife Philippine Welser. Located on a hill to the south of Innsbruck, Schloss Ambras is still home to extensive collections of art and curiosities which rank until today among Europe’s most beautiful ‘curiosity chambers’.

The Castle of Ravadinovo, often called "In Love with the Wind", is a whimsical, fairytale-like attraction near Sozopol. The castle sprung from the imagination of architect Georgi Kostadinov Tumpalov, who tirelessly laboured to bring his vision into reality since 1996, involving his family, friends, local workers and getting his own hands dirty, too. Built entirely using marble from the Strandzha Mountains, its dreamy, kitsch design features towers, fountains, and lush gardens. The castle’s enchanting atmosphere, complete with a lake and chapel, offers a surreal escape, making it a popular spot for romantics and photographers. A visit here feels like stepping into a storybook.