Santorini

Best for: Couples.

Why: The supermodel of the Cyclades, Santorini is effortlessly, inescapably beautiful. Its unique appearance was formed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, leaving a C-shaped caldera, or crater, around the top of which several of the island’s prettiest small towns and villages are perched. Happily, the sun sinks right over this deep curve, leading to some of the most magnificent sunsets you’ll ever see, blazing with oranges, purples and pinks.

As a result, of course, it gets extremely crowded — Santorini is popular with honeymooners and couples, many of whom book into hotels carved into the cliffs for the best views. Beyond the sunsets, there are several other attractions, not least the capital, Fira, set high up on the crater. You can reach it either by cable car from the old port, or by donkey — still a popular choice for today’s visitors, as the 600 or so steps are slippery underfoot from hundreds of years of use. Here, among the mix of small, winding streets lined with cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops, and smart squares paved with marble slabs, you can also get to grips with some of the island’s history at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera (the old name for Santorini) or the Archeological Museum.