Esfahan, Iran
This is the most glorious of Persian cities (‘half of the world’ says the old proverb). It is relaxed, welcoming and urbane – all those things that you are led to believe Iran is not. (MJ)
French Island, Victoria, Australia
This has the wildest landscape in Western Port Bay, due south of Melbourne, as well as Australia’s most prolific colony of koalas. (TA)
Gjirokastër, Albania
Brooding Ottoman mansions tumbling down a hillside overlooked by an ominous fortress, this is the hometown of the inaugural Man Booker International Prize-winning author Ismail Kadare and of dictator Enver Hoxha. One day somebody will write My Year in Gjirokastër and the place will take off in a big way. (TW)
Greve, Italy
A Chianti town without being part of Chianti-shire. It offers lovely Renaissance architecture, as well as being grounded and agricultural. (MJ)
Hanoi, Vietnam
The last Asian city that still feels like being in a Graham Greene novel – a perfect blend of French colonial elegance, exotic Asian mystery, street life, opera, local bars and intriguing shadows. (CC)
Hastings, East Sussex, England
Once a noble Victorian seaside resort before neglect took its toll, Hastings is enjoying a renaissance. It will never be slick, but that’s its charm. There’s fine Regency architecture in neighbouring St Leonards-on-Sea, a thriving Old Town with fishermen’s huts and pints of prawns, and antiques shops on Courthouse Street to rival Portobello. Check in to Swan House (swanhousehastings.co.uk) for an exhilarating, salty weekend. (KS)
Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland, Australia
A big, mountainous island with dense forests, beautiful rock pools and waterfalls, extensive mangroves and, along the coast, the Thorsborne Trail, one of the finest short walks in Australia. (TW)
Holderness Coast, Yorkshire, England
While the coast has resorts – Bridlington, Withernsea – and caravan parks aplenty, its mysterious and crumbly aspect means that it isn’t a tourist destination per se. (WS)
Imlil, High Atlas Mountains, Morocco
The Berber tribes have been custodians of this arid mountain range for centuries, and the remote villagers still live a traditional existence. But they’re also welcoming and friendly to strangers. Catch a bus from Marrakech to Imlil, where local guides can organise treks. (JK)
Koh Samui, Thailand
Firmly in the category of Just Developed Enough: a happy resort for luxe-seekers, backpackers and locals alike. (MJ)
Here, everyone spends their time drinking the world’s best caipirinhas and unpasteurised beer in authentic street bars or strolling on the stunning beach. Why not join them? (HM/PI)
Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
A thriving cultural city where locals play pavement chess, people thank the bus driver (and the bus driver calls them ‘luv’) and where the tourist can experience a different way of living in a city. (HG)
Lewes, West Sussex, England
This town has immensely strong ties with its past and history. You only need stroll through the high street to witness the well-preserved architecture. The sense of community here is pronounced – it is a place that understands its identity. The famous Bonfire Night celebrations in November symbolise this sense of integrity and independence. (MJ)
