The coastline of the Atlantic Sea cradles the elegance of the historical city of Split. Chosen by the Roman emperor Diocletian as his residence, Split accommodates his giant palace, an intricate complex of quaint alleys and squares with over 1,700 years of history, a real city within a city. While the charm of the historic sites captivates many holidaymakers who flock to Split throughout the hot Croatian summer, the unspoiled nature and crystalline waters just make them fall in love.

Known for its "Kiss-Me-Quick" hats, sticks of rock and the ubiquitous fish and chips, Blackpool has all this and more. With miles of golden sands, stunning Victorian architecture, a host of entertainment for young and old alike and the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District right at the doorstep, Blackpool enjoys a scenic setting and easily maintains its status as the unofficial entertainment capital of the North.

Where the Nissan river meets the sea lies Halmstad — a delightful mix of vibrancy and small-town charm, salty beaches and tranquil fresh waters. Several beaches, besides the well-known Tylösand, line the four-mile coast. The city centre is cosy, where small shops intermingle with a charming café and restaurant scene. Halmstad boasts a varied and rich array of events for all ages, year-round. Art is ever-present, featuring works by, among others, Milles and Picasso. Whoever you are, whatever you want to do, Halmstad has the experience for you.

Founded nearly eight centuries ago, Indonesia’s second-largest city has seen empires come and go. The founders of the Hindu Majapahit Empire arrived in the late 13th century and remained until the 17th, to be followed by Muslim rulers of Mataram, then the colonialists of the Dutch East India Company. In recent decades, Surabaya has grown into a cosmopolitan seaport and conurbation where 21st-century hotels, apartment towers, and shopping malls stand next to historic mosques and palaces.

Nestled in the corner of rural south-west France stands Pau, the capital of the Béarn province, a bastion of history and culture. The town occupies a unique geographical position in the foothills of the Pyrenées. With its awe-inspiring views of the mountain range, Pau is only a few hundred kilometres from the major towns of Bordeaux and Toulouse and even closer to Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. A springboard to sunny beaches or snow-capped mountains, Pau’s pretty streets, and excellent gastronomy are enough to ensure leaving will be difficult.