Take a 1-hour journey to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and step into his surreal masterpiece — the Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself. Constructed to replace an old theatre that burnt down during the Spanish Civil War, the building is a work of surrealist art, topped with giant eggs and crowned by a geodesic dome. Inside, it holds the world’s largest collection of Dalí’s works, from early impressionist pieces like Port Alguer (1924) to later marvels like Galatea of the Spheres (1952). Don’t miss the Mae West room, an upside-down bathtub fixed to the ceiling, or the glittering jewellery collection. The artist himself is buried in a crypt below the stage, adding a layer of solemnity to the whimsy. Book tickets online to avoid long queues, and allow at least half a day to fully absorb the labyrinthine galleries, optical illusions, and the sheer audacity of Dalí’s vision.

One of La Palma's two most popular destinations, Puerto Naos is a coastal settlement boasting the island's longest beach. It's a good choice for sun-seekers, and nearby Eco Finca Platano Logico. It makes for an interesting excursion for those interested in learning about the island's sustainable eco-farming.

Founded in the 1860s by an American missionary, the lush, sprawling campus of the prestigious American University of Beirut is a pleasure to stroll around. It offers something of a journey into the city's pre-war days. There is an excellent archaeological museum on-site, along with several art galleries, and many nonchalant feline residents (cats), who famously inhabit the premises.

Daut Pasha Baths was once the largest and oldest Turkish bath in all of the Balkans. It dates from 1466 and it underwent an extensive restoration after the Second World War. Nowadays the building houses the National Art Gallery featuring many small exhibitions.