Málaga, Spain

Tall hotels rise up from the golden beaches in Málaga, the historic enclave on the Costa del Sol. While the Mediterranean bathes its coastline, Málaga's mountains back the city to form a cocoon that ensures mild weather. Málaga is among the world's oldest cities, founded 2,800 years ago and settled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Visigoths and Christians. Looming over the skyline are the citadels Alcazaba and Castle of Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. Málaga was revitalized in recent years, now featuring some 30 museums and an edgy urban art community. Picasso's hometown naturally has a museum dedicated to him, as well as the Centre Pompidou and Museo Carmen Thyssen. Málaga also boasts a chic cuisine scene – but a simple bowl of traditional porra antequerana soup is never hard to find. A must-see in the hills surrounding Málaga are the pueblos blancos, white villages bursting with Andalusian charm.