Some places are so beautiful that they leave you speechless. The Beguinage is just such a place. This is where the beguines — emancipated women who lived pious and chaste lives without taking holy orders — once lived together in harmony. This walled oasis of religious peace, with its delightful inner garden, wind-twisted trees and white-painted gables, can charm even the most cynical of souls with its deafening silence.

Previously known as Bass River Lighthouse, the tower was built in 1853 atop a large keeper's house and represents one of the first examples of "Cape Cod style" lighthouses. Whit its range of 12 miles and a white light flash every 6 seconds, it has been operating constantly for almost half a century since it was constructed. Now is the venue of a seasonal hotel called At the Lighthouse Inn.

The White Tower is the most iconic symbol of the city. The tower was constructed by the Ottomans sometime in the early 15th century and once guarded the eastern end of the city's sea walls. In the 19th century, this tower was used as a notorious prison. Nowadays, it is a welcoming museum of art and local history. The museum offers a rapid lesson in the history of the city. Ideally, you'll take in this well-dosed overview before continuing to the more specialised museums and archaeological sites. For best results, grab the free audio guide at the entrance. The last floor of the tower gives you a wonderful view of the city.

Built in 1962 but newly refurbished, this museum provides numerous updated exhibitions. You can easily spend hours here, losing yourself in magical Macedonian gold artefacts and antique treasures.