Siena still runs on medieval time—in the best way. Its centre hasn’t changed much in centuries, and that’s part of the charm. The Piazza del Campo is the heart of it all—it’s where the Palio horse race happens twice a year. Climb the Torre del Mangia for wide views across the rooftops. The cathedral’s worth the time, especially its black-and-white striped interior, detailed floor mosaics (open seasonally), and the Piccolomini Library tucked inside. Don’t skip the crypt or the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo—they’re quieter and give you a different angle on the city.

This underground museum was voted the best in Europe in 2012, and is an essential visit for anyone interested in how the island's volcanic formations came to be. Centro de Interpretação do Vulcão dos Capelinhos uses multimedia to teach visitors about the formations as well as the island's history, notably the 1957-58 eruption.

Ronneby has the beautiful Brunnspark but also a cultural treasure— Bergslagen. A real neighbourhood with buildings and street structures dating back to the Middle Ages. Here, you can stroll in cultural-historical environments along narrow winding alleys behind the Holy Cross church with its vast collection of Renaissance art. There’s also a home-built museum and art exhibitions at Ronneby Cultural Center in the area.