Regions:
France, Italy, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia

What can I do?
Savour octopus and ripe olives in a Greek harbour. Gamble in the casinos of Monaco, evocative of pre-war glitz. Hike to the ruins of the Emperor Tiberius' villa on Capri, then wander the island's craggy, lush slopes and bijou boutiques.

What can I see?
Watch a cobra dance in Morocco's souk and lava flare on Stromboli during a night time boat excursion. Olive groves shade Roman ruins in this ancient land, graced with fishing villages and medieval fortified hill towns.

What can I try?
Slalom through Corfu's fishing villages and olive groves on a moped. Water-ski along the 30-kilometer beach in Losinj, Croatia. Divers rave about the Blenheim Bomber, a WWII wreck in Malta, epicentre of the Mediterranean scuba scene.

What are the highlights?
Savour the scent of lavender in Hvar, Croatia, once a haven for medieval pirates. Glide in a Venetian gondola or drive the sea cliffs of Italy's Amalfi Coast. Wander the alleys of Rome at sunset, then stop for an aperitif at the Capitoline Museum's cafe, gazing at the Forum, Saint Peter's dome and the Eternal City's splendour.

What are the options?
Explore the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace in Granada. Meet Europe's only wild monkeys at the Rock of Gibraltar's "ape" preserve, then hike its labyrinthine tunnels. Scare yourself at the Monster Park – a sort of a sixteenth-century theme park – near Civitavecchia, Italy.

When's the best time to go?
Late spring and early summer

What's it really like?
Cosmopolitan and carefree

Who wouldn't enjoy it?
People who want action all the time. Some travellers may find the relaxed pace frustrating.