Anzio (Rome), Italy

This seaside resort town of 2,748,109 residents is hardly the tranquil escape many imagine. Anzio's strategic location on the Tyrrhenian Sea has made it a site of constant military conflict, from the Roman era to World War II. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town only receiving official municipal status in 1885. And while the beaches and seafood draw visitors, the encroaching sea and occasional violent storms are a constant threat. Anzio may appeal to history buffs seeking a glimpse of ancient Roman villas, but for most, the hassles outweigh the charms.