County Kildare is home to the windswept Bog of Allen, and to a leisurely section of the restored Royal Canal. There’s a masterpiece of an 8th-century High Cross in Moone. Maynooth Castle anchors the leafy university town of the same name. Kildare is also home to one of Ireland’s great driving routes. Following the course of the Gordon Bennett Cup, which saw racing daredevils whizz through Kildare, Carlow and Laois in 1903, the 104-mile circuit recalls a time when Ireland’s speed limit was just 12mph. The county is a marvellous mix of old and new, of natural landscapes and precisely manicured gardens, of horseracing competitions and stylish fashion events.

Just above Tivat, Gornja Lastva is a tiny mountain village that seems to have slipped through the cracks of time. With its old stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the Bay of Kotor, it’s one of those places that’s perfect for getting away from the crowds. There’s not much happening here, just a few visitors wandering around the churches, grabbing a coffee at a local café, or chatting with the locals.

San Juan Botanical Garden has more than 200 species of tropical and subtropical vegetation, and it is the Universidad de Puerto Rico's main attraction. Stroll around the lotus lagoon, walk along the bamboo promenade and admire the orchid and palm gardens.

One of the largest Ocean Discovery Parks in Europe, the Océanopolis has four pavilions — polar, temperate, tropical and biodiversity — that tell the story of the sea and marine life in different world climates. The park contains an impressive 7 shark species.