Even if archaeology doesn't particularly excite you, this Chios museum certainly will - the skillfully arranged exposition tells a fascinating story of the island's glory days and boasts a striking collection of ancient jewelry. Exhibits date back to the 8th and 9th centuries.

There are several ferries and (in summer) hydrofoils between Chios and the neighbouring islands of Samos and Mytilini. Try the local Muscat wine in the former and ouzo in the latter for an authentic island taste.

The centrepiece of La Palma's incredible National Park is Caldera de Taburiente, a 10-kilometre wide crater, whose walls tower up to 2,000 metres over the caldera floor. An extended period of erosion caused the soil to sink, creating an enormous pit in place of a once-existing mountain. The park itself contains scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, forests, and is characterised by its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Grotta Mangiapane is the biggest cave of the group Scurati's Caverns. Scurati is a little village with very ancient origins, as the numerous finds happened here can demonstrate. The cave takes its name from the family Mangiapane, who lived here for more than a century, indeed it hosts a very peculiar rural agglomeration composed of little squared houses. Totally different epochs merge together in this unique place. During Christmas period, Grotta Mangiapane hosts a big event called “Living Nativity”, an event where the agro-pastoral life comes alive with some 160 performers, including artists and craftsmen from all over Sicily.