1. Cinque Terre, Italy
Why visit: romantic hikes and sublime seafood
Temperature: 18°C-26°C (64°F-79°F))
Average daily budget: $120-$200
Tucked along the craggy coastline of Liguria in north-western Italy, the Cinque Terre comprises five impossibly romantic hillside villages that collectively make up a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Namely, Monterosso, Vernazza — oft hailed the loveliest Cinque Terre — Corniglia, Manarola and Volastra.
Interlinked by coastal hiking paths that wind above the dazzling Ligurian Sea, it’s a ravishing region that invites romantic walks on the wild side.
Come June, the region offers lush green landscapes, blooming flowers, and clear skies, all of which enhance Cinque Terre's jaw-droppingly beautiful coastal cliffs, colorful villages and terraced vineyards.
Between following trails, you can enjoy strolling the villages, and savouring fresh seafood and local wine. Be sure to try a glass or two of Sciacchetra — a rare and highly-regarded regional variety.
Editor’s tip: Manarola is a great place to take ferries to the other villages, and spot dolphins.
Into hiking? Take the 13km trail from Riomaggiore to Portovenere. Beginning with a long ascent, it leads through pine forests to the 15th-century Sanctuary of Montenero before descending to Portovenere in dramatic style.
Where to stay: Monterosso's Hotel Porto Roca offers a panoramic cliff-top location with stunning sea views, a 5-minute walk from Monterosso centre. In good news for hikers, the Cinque Terre's Blue Trail starts nearby.
Want to stay in Vernazza? The stunning Santa Marta Rooms are set in the town's historic centre, 150 metres from the sea.