Best Greek island for: Culture and off-season cachet.
On Syros, capital of the Cyclades, you won’t find sugar-cube villages and whitewashed lanes. The colourful 19th-century city of Ermoupoli is built on twin peaks – one Orthodox, the other Catholic, the heritage of a long Venetian occupation. There’s still a strong Italian flavour in Ermoupoli’s marble piazzas, princely mansions, and miniature replica of La Scala, the showpiece of a year-round cultural scene.
The French Alps are a paradise of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and charming alpine villages. While the region is famous for its world-class ski resorts, it is also home to some of the most beautiful towns in France, offering breathtaking scenery, rich history, and a warm mountain culture.