Ronne (Bornholm), Denmark

Bornholm is Denmark’s easternmost island, a rocky outpost in the Baltic Sea located 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Copenhagen, and its sunny climate and exceptional light have drawn generations of artists as well as holidaymakers. The craggy granite shoreline is home to picturesque fishing villages, and the capital, Rønne, is known for half-timbered houses dating to the 16th century. Fringed by white-sand beaches, the improbably magical island also has beautiful places to hike or bike, craftspeople making glass and ceramics and a well-developed local culinary scene. Bornholm's specialty, wood-smoked herring, is a must-try, as is the local blue cheese. If your tastes run to New Nordic cuisine, there is even a Michelin-starred restaurant on the island.Across Bornholm, visitors will find four rundkirke—historic whitewashed round churches constructed in the 12th century, as well as the medieval fortress of Hammershus, the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe. In the fishing villages, notably Gudhjem and Svaneke, generations of mariners haul in herring, mackerel and salmon to be smoked or cured in traditional smokehouses.