The only real village and most of the population of the Los Roques National Park archipelago reside on its largest island, El Gran Roque. Visitors typically stay in converted fisherman's homes called posadas – which include meals in their rates – while indulging in the top-notch local scuba diving. The island itself is dotted with cacti and mangroves. A lighthouse erected in the late 1800s provides gorgeous views of the three western lagoons, particularly at sunset.

A stylish beach town on France’s southwestern coast, Biarritz was once the holiday spot for nobility and is now Europe’s surfing capital. It’s experienced a tourist renaissance—summers are busy. Biarritz lacks the Riviera’s glitz, but you’ll see affluent holiday-makers in designer gear and surfers in flip-flops, and hear French, Spanish and Basque. The Grande Plage is the centre of the action. Behind it, visit the restored, Art Deco casino and wander the streets down to the old port to the west.