Pula is a busy commercial port on the Istrian coast, best known for its impressive Roman remains. The imposing Roman amphitheatre in the centre of town is impossible to miss, and the Habsburg emperors also contributed some handsome architecture during the 19th century.

We never fail to be moved when we see the terracotta roofs and honey-golden walls of Dubrovnik, and a stroll around the perfectly preserved old town is a highlight of any visit to the Dalmatian coast. Make sure you take the time to walk around the walls and soak up the marvellous sea views.

Durrës is Albania’s largest sea port, and has an interesting history stretching back to the Ancient Greeks, who founded a colony here in 627 BC. These days the seafront is overdeveloped and not particularly enticing, so we would instead recommend an excursion to Albania’s fascinating capital, Tirana, about an hour’s drive inland.

Corfu, known as Kerkyra in Greek, is a beautiful island of verdant hills and rocky coves, and away from the more crowded resorts it remains a sleepy and idyllic place. Don’t miss the picturesque Venetian architecture of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Busy, noisy and a little bit scruffy, Catania is Sicily’s second city, poised perilously in the shadow of Mount Etna. In recent years gentrification has taken hold, and the city’s many beautiful palazzi and baroque churches have been restored to their former glory. Eating out here is also a real treat.

The lovely town of Sorrento, draped across rugged cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, has been charming visitors since the days of the Grand Tour. The Renaissance palaces and many craft shops make Sorrento an attractive destination in its own right, and it’s also a jumping off point for Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.