Given the region's strong associations with the drink, it's no surprise that Bordeaux locals love to while away an evening at a wine bar. There are plenty to choose from – head to one of the chic options in the city centre and try some of the local varieties.

Take a leisurely stroll around the Jardin Public, the public gardens of Bordeaux. The park was designed for locals as a green getaway from the inner city. Why not pack a picnic, hire a bike and make a day of it?

Walk or cycle a section of the famous Camino de Santiago, the well-trodden path followed by pilgrims for over 1000 years. San Sebastián is near the start of the Camino del Norte route, a 25km walk from Irún and 22km from Zarautz.

In the old town, you can hike up Monte Urgull to the 12th-century Castillo de la Mota (or Motako Gaztelua in Basque). Inside the castle you'll find the Casa de la Historia (Historiaren Etxea) museum, and you can enjoy unspoilt views of San Sebastián's perfect bay.

Many of San Sebastián's most beautiful buildings are in narrow streets and squares of La Parte Vieja, the old town. Two must-visit spots are San Vicente, the city's oldest church, and the Museo San Telmo, a museum made up of a 16th-century convent and an innovative, airy modern wing. Several of the city's best pintxos bars and high-end restaurants are in this district, too.

Based on the former Spanish Royal Collection, the Museo del Prado is Spain's foremost national art museum, which displays European art from the 12th to the early 20th centuries. Here you'll find a sizeable collection of works by Spanish luminaries like Velásquez and Goya, as well as Titian, Ruebens, El Greco and Bosch – among a great many others.

Visit the famous Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and discover centuries' worth of exquisite paintings, furniture and armour.

Visit one (or all) of the galleries that make up Madrid's 'Golden Triangle': the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, each of which houses some of the most world's most prestigious artworks.

Board the sunshine-yellow Ascensor da Glória up to the small landscaped terrace viewpoint of Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. Enjoy a glass or two overlooking the spectacular panoramic views across the city.

Explore Faro's walled Old Town with cobbled streets and stunning sea views. Don't miss the Bishop’s Palace and the 13th-century cathedral which, after climbing to the top of the tower, has the best bird’s-eye-view of the city.

Take a boat tour of Algarve's coastline and its pristine sandbar islands. Explore Ria Formosa National Park, a natural lagoon on the coast surrounded by protective barrier islands. Look out for resident birds like the white stork, little egret and spoonbill.

This large expanse of endless white sand is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and it's widely considered one of the best beaches in the Algarve. You can only get here by boat and there are also pine forests and sand dunes to explore along with plenty of native wildlife to spot.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Alcázar palace, where you'll find the Ambassadors’ Hall and the Patio of the Maidens. Book onto a tour to learn about this fascinating building in more depth.

Journey back in time at the Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla (Archeological museum) and discover Roman relics and mosaics.

Explore the world's largest wooden structure, the Metropol Parasol, via its labyrinthine walkways and stunning views over the city. Just one glance at its undulating canopy will explain its local nickname – Las Setas de Sevilla, or 'The Mushrooms of Seville'.

Overlooking Barcelona, Montjüic is a hilltop vantage point a world away from the labyrinthine streets of the city below. Explore the castle and botanic gardens, and see the grand Olympic Stadium originally built for the 1929 Olympics and refurbished for the 1992 Games.

Explore the diminutive but diverse collection of erotica from across history at Barcelona's Museu de l'Erotica. From pictures of lithe Kama Sutra bodies to the voluptuousness of Japanese Shunga drawings, this museum opens a door into the history of desire and sexual expression.

There are a number of beaches in and within easy reach of the city. Barceloneta is the closest to the city centre and both the most famous and most popular. There's plenty of beach volleyball and ping pong on offer, as well as places to find fresh seafood. Head to Nova Icaria if you're after something a little more sedate, with the same range of beach activities on offer on a smaller scale. For something altogether quieter, make your way north to Platja d'Ocata, a pristine, tranquil stretch of beautiful golden sand.

Uncover Nîmes' rich history at the interractive Musée de la Romanité. In stark contrast to the Roman Amphitheatre standing just opposite, the Musée de la Romanité is housed in a striking futuristic glass and steel structure designed by Elizabeth de Portzamparc, showcasing artefacts and exhibitions exploring the life of local people over the course of 25 centuries. 

Visit Les Arènes, a twin-tiered amphitheatre which is the best preserved of its kind in France. Over 2000 years old, the arena once seated 24,000 spectators. Grab an audio guide to provide you with context as you explore the arena before viewing replicas of gladiators' armour in the museum.

Take a stroll around the Jardins de la Fontaine, grand 18th-century gardens located around the water source where ancient Nîmes was first founded. Discover the Roman monuments and statues here at one of Europe's first public parks.