As the gateway to Costa del Sol, Torremolinos is a modern city preserving the great charms of the Andalusian tradition. Here visitors enjoy more than 300 sunny days every year, comfortable temperatures (avg. 19ºC/66ºF) and 7km of beaches along the sparkling Mediterranean. Away from the sea and sand, travellers can explore the old fisherman’s district of “La Carihuela,” or sample the city’s cuisine – including regional favourite Pescalto Frito (fried fish) – in hundreds of restaurants and bars.

Stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters perfect for windsurfing have made Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, a busy resort town. Within easy reach of the stunning Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, Hurghada has seen enormous amounts of development in the past decade—and yes, it does seem overrun with tourists at times. But it’s a relatively easy beach escape for Europeans, and some of the world's best diving and snorkeling sites are just offshore. Walk or catch a cab to explore the old quarter, El Dahar.

Nestled on the southern tip of the Gulf of Tadjoura, the seaside capital of Djibouti is a modest harbor town and a major port of trade and travel via Ethiopia and other points in Africa, especially as the terminus for the Djibouti-Addis Ababa Railway. Beaches along the eastern shore provide some respite from the blistering heat, while the chaotic central market is alive with activity throughout the day.

Mombasa, with a population of 900,000, is no sleepy seaside village. Its beachfront hotels appeal to travellers in search of sun, sand and surf, while its Arab, Indian and colonial European heritage makes for a wide variety of sights to see. Can't find a taxi? Travel by tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled auto rickshaw.

這個昔日的英屬殖民要塞見證了兩千多年的住民遺跡，從頹圮的廢墟以至維多利亞時期的建築瑰寶可見，建築風格多變且華麗。活躍熱情的節慶與生氣勃勃的藝術社區、喧嚷嘈雜的市場和人潮絡繹不絕的廟宇，雖然讓這座城市顯得髒亂，但卻又充滿無限生機。