Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe's smallest countries, and shares a border with Austria, Croatia, Italy and Hungary. It has a tiny stretch of coastline along which you'll find two picturesque Venetian-influenced cities, Piran and Koper, some protected nature reserves and a lovely stretch of beach at Portoroz.Lake Bled, Slovenia from iStock

Most people find themselves in the pretty, lakeside capital, Ljubljana, which has a lively student population and a medieval castle, and is close to the gorgeous Lake Bled. Outdoor types will enjoy the Julian Alps, which boast some of Europe's best hiking, the Soca Valley, with rafting on the River Soca, and the caves at Skocjan and Postojna. Spa breaks are also popular in Slovenia, and there are currently more than 15 natural thermal spas.

Beaches in Slovenia
With just 42 kilometres of coastline at the top of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, there aren't many choices of coastal beach. The best place to go is Portoroz, a proper seaside holiday resort with countless hotels, restaurants and a long stretch of beach to boot. Lakes Bled and Bohinj are nippy but have pleasant grass beaches around their edges on which to relax and soak up the sun.


Sightseeing in Slovenia
The most visited place in Slovenia is the pretty capital, Ljubljana, which is overlooked by an imposing 13th-century medieval castle. Climb up to the ramparts to get panoramic views over the compact city, then visit other sights including St Nicholas Cathedral, the ornate Dragon Bridge and the National Gallery and Museum of Modern Art. Relax in Tivoli Park or Preseren Square. Other cities to put on the must-see list include the culturally rich Maribor and the spectacular medieval splendour of Piran on the coast.


Triglav National Park combines Slovenia's highest mountain (Mount Triglav) with lakes, forests and alpine meadows for outdoor enthusiasts. This includes picturesque Lake Bled, an hour from Ljubljana, where you can take a boat out to the island and visit its pretty church.


The illuminated Postojna Cave is well worth a visit; resembling echoing cathedrals, it is the second-largest cave system in the world. Thrill-seekers can go white-water rafting down the Sava River, while chill-seekers should visit one of the country's many curative spas.


Family activities in Slovenia
Swimming and boating on the lakes should appeal to many children. Horse lovers will enjoy visiting Lipica, where dazzling white Lipizzaner horses are bred and put through their exacting paces.


Adventurous kids will get a thrill white-water rafting, while no less thrilling rides are on offer at Atlantis Water World. Ljubljana's zoo is also worth a day trip.


Day trips in Slovenia
In such a compact country, most places are a day trip from the capital, although such is the beauty of many of the attractions that you may find yourself wanting to stay longer. Scenic Lake Bled is only an hour from Ljubljana, in the heart of the Triglav National Park, while the mysterious Lake Cerknica, which disappears into the underground system of caves on which it rests during the summer months, is worth a visit for its sheer weirdness.


Eating out in Slovenia
The Slovenians have a penchant for Italian-style food, which is unsurprising given the proximity of the two countries, so you'll find plenty of pizza and pasta dishes on the menu. The proximity of Austria and Hungary has also had an influence and you'll find your fair share of hearty soups, stews and meaty dishes reflecting this.


On the coast, you'll be treated to fresh seafood, while in the mountains you're more likely to be tasting cured hams, sausage and stodgy doughnuts and dumplings. The local wines are also delicious.


Nightlife in Slovenia
There are around 50,000 students in the capital, so you'll always find a vibrant bar or club featuring live music there. It's also a culturally rich city, with opera, ballet and two orchestras to suit the arty crowd.


If you want a thumping beach resort, it's got to be Portoroz, Slovenia's equivalent of Benidorm, where the bars are open all hours and there's an international crowd, including an increasing number of Brits to socialise with.


Shopping in Slovenia
Appropriate souvenirs to bring back include lace, baskets, wooden utensils, ceramics and pottery, while jewellery and beeswax products make excellent gifts. There is a flea market in Ljubljana on Sunday mornings along the banks of the River Ljubljanica, but normal shops are closed from Saturday lunchtime until Monday, so if you want to go to the shops and you're only in town for the weekend, make sure you shop on Saturday morning. The exception is BTC City shopping which is open all day on Saturdays and on Sundays until 1pm.

Gozo

Measuring just nine by four miles, hilly and rural Gozo will give you a real break from the daily grind. This sleepy little place is one of a trio of islands that make up the Maltese archipelago, along with popular Malta and virtually uninhabited Comino.
Malta is the historic crossroad of the Mediterranean, with a 7,000-year history peppered by Roman, Phoenician, Byzantine, Ottoman and Arabian influences. There's also the British influence, with Malta only gaining independence in 1964. Renting a farmhouse is the ultimate in relaxation in this safe, rural idyll and there are plenty of three and four-star hotels too, as well as the impressive five-star Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort and Spa. Gozo is ideal for a short haul Med break.

Beaches in Gozo
Ramla il-Hamra is the island's largest, most unspoilt haven, with rich red sand and shallow waters.
Xlendi is a popular resort, even though is has just a small sandy beach - it's common to swim off the rocks beneath the watchtower at the mouth of the bay.
Marsalforn is Gozo's most popular summer resort with a pleasant-enough pebbly beach.
Comino has three secluded beach havens - Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay and Bejn il-Kmiemen, or the Blue Lagoon.

Sightseeing in Gozo
The hub of Gozo is Victoria, a name introduced in 1897 for Queen Victoria's Jubilee, but locals still refer to the capital as Rabat. The heart of the action is the main square, It-Tokk, a lively marketplace every morning and a gathering place by night.
Victoria's fortified citadel is aptly called the Crown of Gozo and is home to the cathedral, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum and the Natural History Museum - all of moderate interest.
The Inland Sea and the Azure Window are just some of Gozo's geologically stunning effects. The UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples at Xaghra date back to 3600BC.Family attractions in Gozo
Boat trips, old forts and ancient temples will keep the more curious minds occupied. Gozitans love children, so there's always a family-friendly atmosphere in cafes and restaurants.
Try the adventure of a jeep safari or visits to Gozo's caves, such as Calypso's Cave at Xaghra, said to be where she charmed Ulysses into staying in Gozo for seven years.
Time on Malta will be a must too, with its Toy Museum, Mediterraneo Marine Park and Splash and Fun Park at Bahar ic-Cahaq.

Day trips around Gozo
Head over to Malta to explore the ancient capital of Valetta, or in contrast, virtually uninhabited Comino is a lovely spot for boat trips and swimming.
Warm climate, clear waters, lack of tides or currents, and abundant marine life make this a great place for experienced or new divers and the Blue Hole is a world-famous dive spot. Some of the best dives are off the northwest coast, as well as at wrecks off the south coast such as MV Xlendi and MV Karwela.

Eating out in Gozo
This is a sleepy island, but there is plenty of choice in Marsalforn, wonderful seafood in Xlendi, and more familiar and international cuisine like Chinese and Indian is available in Victoria.
The local speciality of rabbits stewed in wine may not be to everyone's taste, but do try the pastizzi, little puff-pastry pockets filled with ricotta cheese or vegetables.
Order an abundant Maltese food platter with olives, capers, tomatoes, goats' cheese, Maltese bread and sun dried tomatoes, or other local specialities such as octopus stew with spaghetti. Gozo honey is delicious.

Nightlife in Gozo
Nightlife is not as prevalent as on Malta, but Victoria and Marsalforn certainly hold their own in terms of bars.
Gozo also has a wonderful secret - La Grotta. On the road between Victoria and Xlendi Bay, this summer club has been noted as one of the most beautiful in the world, with outdoor dancefloor and a bars and a restaurant in a large natural cave.

Shopping in Gozo
Victoria will suit most shopping needs. For souvenirs, Gozitans are grafters and crafters so you will see a high standard of quality about their craftworks and traditional products - from fine glassware, to lacework, silver filigree jewellery and pottery, to local wine.

Sorrento

The place of legend from where sirens sang to lure ancient mariners to meet a rocky doom, Sorrento is now a fashionable place to holiday with a picturesque clifftop location overlooking the Bay of Naples.
On southern Italy's Amalfi Coast, beautiful Sorrento boasts lovely shops, great places to eat and really lovely people. This Neapolitan Riviera town is also close to some of Italy's most famed historic sites, such as Pompeii, frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted.
Since 1997, when the area set out to market itself as a wedding destination, many British couples have come here to tie the knot - and the area has grown recently as a fave Brit hot spot.

Beaches in Sorrento
If you're looking for long stretches of talc-like sand don't come here. Sorrento does have little Punta del Capo, Positano has a little beach, as does Amalfi - get there early to secure a couple of the regimentally-arranged sun loungers.
What you will find everywhere are lots of piers extending into the water - again, space is at a premium.

Sightseeing in Sorrento
The city's walls date back to the Greeks, whilst Sorrento's Saint Francis's 14th century convent is well worth a look and the ornate interior of the town's cathedral is beautiful.
A former palace houses the gardens and museum of Correale di Terranova, stuffed with statues, antiques and Italian art.
It's well worth visiting at the end of September for the annual Sorrento wine festival.

Family attractions in Sorrento
Sorrento tends to suit couples more than families. However, if your brood love pizza, boat trips, clambering over historic ruins and winding round hairpin bends on a road-trip to remember - then bring them here for a sophisticated family holiday.

Day trips in Sorrento
Positano's sweetie-coloured houses cascade down to the sea, while climbing wistful Amalfi's intricate little streets reveals wonderful boutiques and the Duomo, the town's heart-aching 10th century church.
Peaceful Ravello is perched even higher than Amalfi, so the views are more spectacular still or get the hydrofoil to Naples - Italy's third most-populated city and home to the brilliant Archaeological Museum.
Boat trips from Sorrento's harbour leave for the islands of Capri, with its famed Blue Grotto, and lush Ischia, with pretty coastal and hillside villages, thermal springs and great seafood.
Go on a wine-tasting tour of the surrounding Campania region, or walkers will love the Amalfi Coast's most scenic walk, Sentieri dei Degli, or 'Path of the Gods'.
Visit the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both frozen in AD79 when ash and lava erupting from Mount Vesuvius encased the Roman towns forever.

Eating in Sorrento
Delicious Italian food served on wonderful terrace restaurants or simple trattorias and pizzerias - pizza was invented at nearby Naples - you can't go wrong.
Sorrentine cuisine is famous for seafood, buffalo mozzarella, red peppers, olives and lemons grown in abundance here. Gnocchi all Sorrentina is a waist-busting dish with a delicious tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella.
Try the white Falanghina wine or the red Taurasi, or Lacrima Christi, (Tears of Christ), one of the most famous red and white wines produced in Campania.
Polish off the meal with a local limoncello liqueur - Sorrento is famous for this - grab ice cream at a local gelateria or try local Sorrentine 'cream horns', a decadent treat.

Nightlife in Sorrento
Sorrento won't disappoint anyone looking for 'the sweet life', la dolce vita. Corso Italia and Piazza Tasso is the area to head after dark as young locals zip around on their Vespas.
Sorrento has become very popular with British tourists so don't be surprised if you see your neighbour enjoying a drink at one of the 'English' bars or restaurants. Go down the 'Drains' an area that's a maze of medieval backstreet bars and restaurants. For somewhere quieter, stay at the nearby village of Sant-Agata.
Sorrento has a wonderful July season of classical concerts, or book up for a concert or a ballet at Teatro San Carlo in Naples, one of the country's most beautiful theatres.

Shopping in Sorrento
Sorrento offers the best shopping along the Amalfi Coast, from Via San Cesareo's quaint shops to Corso Italia's boutiques. There's a weekly Tuesday market.
Local goodies include embroidery, lace, cameos and of course - limoncello.

Sardinia

A sophisticated Mediterranean island, Sardinia offers more than merely sensational beaches and transluscent, turqouise seas. Add fantastic cuisine, historical attractions, numerous activities and stunning scenery to its alluring mix.
While Costa Smeralda steals the limelight thanks to its pinky-white beaches and upmarket hotels, bars and restaurants, Sardinia has plenty of alternative and affordable resorts elsewhere. Consider the quieter Costa Verde or Costa Rei beaches instead.
Whether you're seeking a spa break, sailing adventure, or a family holiday, Sardinia will more than fit the bill.

Beaches in Sardinia
Named after its dazzling emerald-coloured seas, the Costa Smeralda is the country's most celebrated stretch of coastline. Stretching for 55km, it boasts more than 80 bays, coves and beaches on the island's north-east coast. A cluster of hotels means this region is the most developed on the island.
Toursits also flock to bustling Alghero on the north west coast, which has a five kilometre long white sandy beach, port and a marina. Chia in the south is renowned for its white sand dunes while Costa Rei on the south east coast is considered to be among Italy's finest beaches.

Sightseeing in Sardinia
Cagliari is the island's capital and gateway to the south coast. Sandwiched between the sea and the mountains, the city is distinguished by its medieval walled town called Castello, which offers museums, an impressive cathedral, city hall and Belgrano Palace.
Nora in the south features well-preserved Roman ruins including a bath house and amphitheatre.
Picturesque Alghero has many Catalan influences. Wander along its ancient ramparts, look out towers and nearby vineyards. Below the old town's fortifications, modern yachts, pleasure craft and traditional fishing vessels jostle for position in the harbour.
La Cinta beach, one of the wildest and most unspoilt on the island, lies close to Stagno di San Teodoro, a marshland area which is also a wildlife habitat.Family attractions in Sardinia
Cala Gonone on the dramatic east coast is great for boat trips to nearby coves, grottos, rock pools and isoloated beaches. Inland lies mountains, lakes and waterfalls.
There's a natural marine shelter and sea turtle rescue centre at Nora Lagoon.
Enjoy a ride on the Green Train which billows through breathtaking scenery from forests and lakes past coastlines and historical attractions. Three scenic routes are available - from Palau to Tempio in the north, Bosa to Macomer in the centre and Arbatax to Mandas in the east.
The untouched Marmilla table-top mountain, which is home to wild horses, offers easy walking routes for families and children.

Day trips in Sardinia
From Alghero, visit Neptune's Grotto featuring stalactites, stalagmites and an underground lake. They can be seen on a boat or on foot from Capo Caccia but this involves a 654 step descent. History lovers will discover several Nuraghic sites in the area. These stone conical towers date back to the Bronze Age civilisation.
Enjoy a boat trip from Palau to the La Maddalena archipelago where you may be lucky to spot frolicking dolphins en route. Once there, you can go horse-riding, play golf or indulge in watersports.Day trips are also possible to the French island of Corsica.
Enjoy a bumpy jeep safari from the dramatic cliffs at Villasimius to Costa Rei for stunning sea views. Or visit the Timi Aama salt water lake where you may spot pink flamingos.

Eating out in Sardinia
Dining options range from cheap and cheerful pizzerias to sophisticated restaurants. Specialiaties include fish and seafood such as sea urchins and shell fish, as well as wild game. Tuck into local dishes such as sausages, ham, cheese, spit-roasted suckling pig, pancakes drizzled with honey and wash it down with local wine. Wine and limoncello spirit are popular.
In Alghero, due to the Catalan influence, Spanish tapas features heavily on many menus. Saridian pastries are mouth-watering - try seadas, which is a hot fritter filled with fresh cheese and grated lemon and dusted with sugar or honey. Another speciality is a nutty nougat mixed with local honey.
Cagliari's Castello and Via Sardinia districts teem with restaurants and trattorias.

Nightlife in Sardinia
The jet set flock to the Costa Smeralda's chilled out piano bars in Port Cervo, or the Billionaire Club. Bards and discos are also in plentiful supply in resorts like Baia Sardinia, Poltu Quattu and Porto Rotundo.
Alghero is a lively resort, with numerous watering holes around the old town and by the scenic marina. The action is more laid back on the Costa Rei.

Shopping in Sardinia
For designer ware, head to Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda offering brands such as Armani,Gucci, Prada and Versace, or Porto Redondo's quayside. Traditional villages across the island are known for their cheeses, wines and handicrafts.
Alghero's old town has elegant boutique and a nighttime seafront crafts market during the summer. If you're staying on the south coast, visit Pula, a pretty town which has a number of shops.

Florence

Standing on the famous Ponte Vecchio, over the River Arno, you could feel a little overwhelmed by the artistic and cultural riches around you. After all, Florence is the Italian city most closely associated with the Renaissance. If you're looking for a classy or romantic city break, you won't be disappointed with this Tuscan gem.
From world-class galleries like the Uffizi to the breath-taking Duomo cathedral, Florence offers a a heavenly collection of treasures, but there's more to the city than merely art. Enjoy its fantastic shops, restaurants and nightlife too.

Sightseeing in Florence
The open-air Piazza della Signoria, with its famous Fountain of Neptune, is a key attraction but in fact, it's the Piazza del Duomo which draws the most visitors. The cathedral, known locally as the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the city's iconic landmark - its facades is in many ways more jaw-dropping than its interiors.
Art lovers should check out the city's main galleries, namely the Uffizi, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, the Bargello and the Accademia, which houses work by Michelangelo. It's worth booking tickets to one or all of the "big three" in advance in order to avoid the queques.There are numerous churches to visit - just take your pick.
To relax, take a walk to the ancient and beautiful Ponte Vecchio.Family attractions in Florence
Children will love the Parco di Pinocchio, the theme park dedicated to Pinocchio. Author Carlo Lorenzini was born in Florence in 1826 and the park includes a number of games and attractions.
Local families often head to the Parco delle Cascine, and it's easy to see why. You get 118 hectares of park, an open-air swimming pool, and an amphitheatre. Another popular attraction is the Zoo di Pistoia in Verginina. Your family will love the pine trees, lakes and superb zoo.

Day trips around Florence
Head to Viareggio on the train or bus for a walk along the promenade or a swim along the beach. It hosts a rollicking carnival in late January or early February with dozens of colourful floats.
Join an excursion to the rolling hills outside Florence. They're dotted with Tuscan vineyards, olive groves, castles and pretty farmhouses. Tour the Chianti wine-growing region or visit nearby Pisa with its Leaning Tower, the elegant city of Lucca or the medieval cities of Siena and San Gimignano. Even day trips to Rome and Venice are possible from Florence.

Eating out in Florence
The city is crammed with traditional trattorias, restaurants and pizzerias. Many of the delicacies come from all over Tuscany, including onions from Certaldo or bread from Mugello. The cheeses include provologne, seasonal pecorino and stracchino. Expect soups, grilled chicken, salamis, fresh fruit and vegetables accompanied by famous wines include Chianti and Morellino. The region also produces its own sweet dessert wine, Grappa.
If you want great views of the Ponte Vecchio, book a table at the riverside San Jacopa restaurant.

Nightlife in Florence
Nightlife here is more laid back than other Italian cities, but head to Piazzas Santo Spirito and Santa Croce where most of the action can be found.
If you are after a fairly wild night head to Oltarno, south of the river, where a lot of students hang out. If you're after a quieter night then the Piazza della Signoria is for you.
In the summer, the city comes alive with outdoor music performances.

Shopping in Florence
Designer brands are clustered around Via Roma and Via Tornabuoni, but bear in mind you can enjoy bargain prices if you go to the out-of-town factory shops such as the Prada outlet and The Mall housing names such as Gucci and YSL
Ponte Vecchio is lined with gold and jewellery shops but other gifts worth looking out for include leather and perfume.

Ayia Napa

Set on the sunny south-east coast of Cyprus, Ayia Napa has earned itself a reputation as a place to party, spawning a host of headlines and compilation CDs based on its drinking and dance scene.
Around 250,000 clubbers head to Ayia Napa every summer, but it's also a sun-kissed place for relaxation and lays claim to some of the best beaches in Cyprus. As well as having a beautiful monastery at its heart, you can stroll along Ayia Napa's jazzed up harbourfront, or feast on a Cypriot meze meal in one of many restaurants.

Ayia Napa beaches
Its three miles of sandy beaches are without doubt one of Ayia Napa's best attractions. Most have been awarded the EU's 'blue flag', for cleanliness and facilities.
The main stretch is Grecian Bay, Nissi Beach has beach bars and DJs playing all day, while Protaras is much more suited to families. Just five minutes from Ayia Napa it boasts wonderful Fig Tree Bay. Beyond that, quieter Makronissos Beach is worth a look, too.

Ayia Napa sightseeing
Ayia Napa is not the most interesting place in Cyprus for sights and history, but it does have a really pretty 16th-century Venetian monastery - a popular spot for British wedding couples.
Continuing on the more sophisticated tip, the 23rd Ayia Napa International Festival takes place in September 2007 with a celebration of the arts, music and local culture. The Museum of Marine Life is quite impressive and is the first museum of its kind in Cyprus.

Ayia Napa family attractions
Ayia Napa is popular with families too and the Cypriots adore children. There are many great quality hotels in Ayia Napa with excellent kids' clubs, big swimming pools and safe beaches, as well as self-catering apartments.
WaterWorld in Ayia Napa is immense with around 21 slides, rides and drops. It's Europe's largest themed water park and Greece is the word here. Along Nissi Avenue, families can muck around at crazy golf courses and play areas.Ayia day trips
Step back in time to the Makronissos Tombs, an ancient burial site west of Ayia Napa village.
The city of Larnaca, 25 miles along the coast, is also worth some time, while jeep safaris are a great way to get out and see more of the island for the day.

Ayia Napa eating
A tasty Cypriot meal is likely to kick off with a meze - the table fills with plentiful little dishes with anything from hummus, Cypriot sausage, or vine leaves with rice and herbs. Fish or meat-themed meze is also likely to be on the menu.
Fear not if Cypriot meatballs or moussaka don't appeal, as there are endless familiar options in Ayia Napa from Japanese to Italian, and plenty of places where chips are served with everything. The restaurants of the harbour offer a great alternative to the busy central square.

Ayia Napa nightlife
From cocktails and karaoke in Bedrock, or 70s retro at Starsky's, to four rooms of house music at Castle, or chill out parties until sunrise at River Reggae, Ayia Napa deserves an Oscar for nightlife.
Ayia Napa has around 250 bars and clubs and a good place for party people to start is the main square, where bars fill up from 11pm . If you panic at the thought of missing a match, head to Linekars, one of a chain of Brit-friendly pubs across the Med, where the wearing of red and white seems positively essential.

Ayia Napa shopping
Shops are everywhere and likely to open until 11pm to catch after-dinner meanderers - designer goods, sunglasses, watches, can all be as much as 30% cheaper than at home.
For a local souvenir, it has to be a bit of embroidered Lefkara lace, pottery, silver jewellery, or a high-quality leather bag or belt.

Croatia

This spectacularly beautiful and historic country boasts nearly 6,000km of coastline and over 1,000 islands draped along the sparkling Adriatic Sea, not to mention medieval cities and beautiful national parks full of wildlife rarely seen in other parts of western Europe.
The people are friendly and welcoming, the food an enticing mix of Mediterranean cuisine on the coasts and hearty meat stews with dumplings inland, and there are countless outdoor activities from sailing to hiking. Croatia is definitely a rising star on the beach break map.

Beaches in Croatia
On the whole, the beaches tend to be pebbly rather than sand, lending an incredible clarity to the aqua-coloured seas. There is a wealth of coastal spots to choose from ranging from the Istrian Peninsula in the north to the Dalmatian Coast in the south.
On the Istrian Peninsula, Rabac beach is considered to be one of the best and is ideal for windsurfers, while Cape Kamenjak offers coves, camp sites, diving and biking. Porec and Pula are key resorts here. The Kvarner region is good for families - head for Crikvenica or Paradise beach.
The Dalmatian coastline is studded with beatiful islands such as Bracm, home to the country's most famous beach, Bol, Zlatni Rat, which is akin to Turkey's Olu Deniz in its beauty; Hvar; Vis and Korcula. Split's Riva Beach is also a tourist honeypot.
Other excellent beaches include Baska on the popular island of Krk, where there's a beautiful stretch of sand backed by a scenic mountain range. Or for the ultimate in sandy beach, visit the tiny island of Susak.

Sightseeing in Croatia
The medieval, walled city of Dubrovnik with its cobbled streets, red tiled roofs and lively summer festival is a must. Visit the Rector's Palace and the churches on either side, Pile and Ploce Gates, St Blaise's with its original statue of the town's patron saint and finally walk around the city walls. It's around two kilometres and the views of the city and sea beyond are spectacular.
Zagreb, the country's riverside capital, is fantastic for culture lovers. Visit its atmospheric medieval centre, monuments, museums and art galleries.
There are eight national parks in Croatia offering a wide variety of outdoor activities from hiking and rock climbing to biking, fishing and simply wildlife watching. Two of the best parks are Plitvice, renowned for its lakes, and Paklenica on the coast offering huge grottoes and stalactite and stalagmite-filled caves.
Finally, history lovers can visit the Istrian Peninsula's Roman sites. Pula has a stunning Roman amphitheatre where gladiators once fought, as well as the Historical Museum of Istria, Augustus Temple and a magnificent Golden Gate. Porec's Basilica of St Euphrasius has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Split further south has a Roman palace at its heart.

Family attractions in Croatia
From Zagreb, visit the 13th century Gothic Trakoscan castle which has been turned into a living musuem exhibiting life in the medieval ages. Visit its dungeons before taking a stroll in its surrounding parks.
From Split, take a trip to Makarsa 30 miles away. Overlooked by a mountain, it flaunts a stunning natural harbour, secluded beaches, palaces and churches.Day trips around Croatia
If you are staying anywhere along the coast there should be an island within a short distance which you can visit for the day. Popular islands include Brac, Hvar and Vis on the central Dalmatian coast and the Elaphite Islands, Mjlet and Korcula off the southern coast.
If you're staying in Dubrovnik, enjoy sea kayaking exursions to the islands of Kolocep or Cavtat which also incorporate swimming and snorkelling. Or visit car-free Lopud island strewn with pretty buildings and flowers.

Eating out in Croatia
Croatia's renowned for its excellent, fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Juicy tomatoes, olive oils, garlic and herbs with pizza and pasta feature heavily on the coast.
If you are visiting Zagreb and north-western Croatia you can expect hearty meaty dishes like spit-roasted lamb or pork, Hungarian-style goulashes and thick soups followed by cheese dumplings.

Nightlife in Croatia
Dubrovnik's Old Town is the best place to go for nightlife action in the city. Visit the clifftop Buza Bar for sunset views, Hemingway for cocktails or the Troubadur for jazz. Zrce Beach on Pag is Croatia's version of Ibiza and promises round the clock drinking, while the open air Faces club in Bol, Brac Island, attracts around 2,000 revellers.
Look out for summer festivals too in places such as Rabac and Lovran which offer everything from modern to classical music and performances.

Shopping in Croatia
Embroidered fabrics and delicate laces are a couple of the specialities of Croatia. Go to the island of Pag where laces are traditionally made or head to the island of Hvar where you can pick up all manner of lavender goods and take pictures of the beautiful, fragrant lavender fields that bloom here in summer. Brac specialises in stone goods and you can always pick up some olive oils or other foods in markets throughout the country.

Bulgaria

More than 200 miles of golden beaches, dramatic mountain ranges and bags of history make this ancient Baltic state an excellent package holiday destination. It's still a bargain too, making it popular with budget holidaymakers.
But this might not be for long as Belgium is about to join the EU, which will push prices up.
Despite this, the calm seas and wide beaches of resorts like Golden Sands and Sunny Beach are a hit with families, while the neo-classical and Byzantine churches, wide, leafy boulevards and ancient history of capital Sofia make it an excellent city break destination. Skiers are also flocking to cheap winter resorts such as Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo.

Beaches in Bulgaria
There is 230 miles of coastline along the Black Sea, boasting excellent golden beaches around which numerous holiday resorts have been built. By far the most popular package holiday destination is Sunny Beach, which has a huge, wide beach lapped by gentle waves. It gets very busy during summer months and is popular with families and couples. The second-largest resort is Golden Sands, which has a lovely long beach edged by pine-covered hills.This resort is a hit with families as the beaches are safe and there's some great children's entertainment. Plus it is cheap.
The beach at Nessebur is also lovely, although its big draw is the quaint fishing village itself, which has World Heritage Status. On the downside, the historic buildings have been mostly converted into souvenir shops, bars or restaurants so it can be hard to spot the underlying beauty. Other beach resorts include quieter St Konstantin, which, with its picturesque park and mineral springs attracts a more mature crowd and Elenite.

Sightseeing in Bulgaria
Stick to the centre of capital Sofia to avoid the Soviet concrete towers that crowd the suburbs. Visit the cavernous neo-Byzantine Alexander Nevski Memorial Church, Church of St George, which dates back to the 4th century and the spectacular domed Sveta Nedelya Cathedral. Museums include the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museums. The Borisova Gradina Park is nice for a bit of greenery and Mineral Baths are great for relaxing and admiring the ornate architecture. 8km from the centre is Boyana, home to the National Museum of History and the 13th century Boyana Church - it's definitely worth a detour.
On the Black Sea, there are many thermal spas with mineral pools and curative mud treatments. They include Golden Sands, St Konstantin, Elena, Varna and Albena. Visit the Baltata Nature Reserve near Albena and the well preserved Roman baths in Varna. South of Sofia, the Pirin National Park has some excellent walking trails, while in Bulgaria's centre, Rusenski Lom National Park features some lovely churches.

Family attractions in Bulgaria
In Sofia, take the kids to Sofia Land, a new theme park between Yuzhen Park and Borisova Gradina, or visit the Sofia Zoo. There's also Mega Xtreme Bowling for rainy days.
On the Black Sea, take them to Ropotamo Nature Reserve, which has rolling sand dunes, a number of short walking trails and a boat ride along the river through marsh land. There are around 200 species of bird to look out for too. Strandzha Nature Park has a very unspoilt beach and the Naval Museum at Varna has submarines and torpedos on display. In Golden Sands, the 13th century catacombs under Aladzha Monastery might be spooky enough to scare/entertain older kids. Watersports, tennis and horse riding are available too.

Day trips around Bulgaria
South of Sofia is Mount Vitosha where you can ski in winter or hike in summer. You may even want to venture as far as the former capital Veliko Tarnovo, 150 miles from Sofia, which is a breathtakingly beautiful city where houses perch precariously on the sides of cliffs overlooking the Yantra River Gorge.
From Golden Sands take a walk through 1,320 acre Golden Sands Nature Park full of shady forested trails - you might even make it to the monastery beyond. If you're staying on the north coast, Balchik is worth a day out, the town is quite charming and untouristy, and it has a fine, if small, palace within a 35-hectare collection of gardens and water ways.

Eating out in Bulgaria
National dishes tend to be spicy, hearty and very tasty. Many meals include meat, potatoes and cheese. Fruit is juicy and sweet and, like most food in Bulgaria, cheap all year round. Most restaurants will have some non-threatening Western dishes to go alongside the alien local cuisine for those with an unadventurous palate.
Some local specialities include tarator (cold soup with cucumber, walnuts and yogurt), kavarma (casserole made from pork or veal, onions and mushrooms) and shishkebab (stuffed vine leaves and moussaka).

Nightlife in Bulgaria
The local beer and wine is ridiculously cheap, ensuring all evenings get off to a good start. Black Sea resorts with a good selection of bars include Sunny Beach and Golden Sands and while they might be primarily family-oriented resorts there are plenty of nightclubs and 24-hour bars to choose from. Varna has a theatre which puts on concerts and shows.
Many of the hotels have some kind of evening entertainment although much of this is tired and can be a bit embarrassing.

Shopping in Bulgaria
There are countless stalls selling a variety of local arts and crafts, souvenirs and general tat of varying quality. Many line the promenades behind the beaches of the Black Sea resorts. Bourgas and Varna both have a wide selection of shops where you can buy clothes and browse the electrical goods.
Sofia's main shopping area is around Vitosha Boulevard where you can stock up on cheap handicrafts, wines, spirits and chocolates. Pay a visit to TZUM department store, its austere exterior harks back to the communist era.

Belgium

Small is beautiful for this European country, bordered by France, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands and the North Sea. Easily reachable by Eurostar, it's a place that historians, beer drinkers, chocoholics and weekend adventurers will love.
From the forests and villages of the Ardennes hills and the castles of Wallonia in the south to the historic battlefields and diamond district of Flanders and Antwerp in the north, Belgium has huge amounts to offer.
Brussels, the capital of the country and capital of the European Union in the centre, is an art nouveau paradise where chips, beer, waffles and chocolate are staple dishes fuelling a nightlife of rock concerts, bars and casinos throughout the city.

Sightseeing in Belgium
Starting in Brussels head to the Grand Place in the Lower Town and have a coffee or Belgian beer in the company of ornate guildhouses surrounding a beautiful square. The bronze 'Manneken-Pis', the 15th century townhall and the Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts are all worth seeing. As is a visit to the chocolate museum and a glance around the hundreds of art nouveau buildings as you move across the capital.
Outside of Brussels, take a boat ride down the scenic canals of quiet Bruges and visit the Memling Museum and Groeninge Musuem to sample some Belgian art. Similarly Ghent's canals, churches and historic houses will delight anyone visiting the Flander's region in the north. St Bavo Cathedral and Grevensteen Castle with its crypt and dungeon are pretty impressive.
In the south of the country, castles and beautiful villages abound. Wallonia - or the Ardennes as this area is also known, is ideal for nature lovers. Bouillon Castle, Chimay Castle and the Citadel of Dinart over the Meuse river are all spectacular.
Hire a car and drive through the villages of Aubechies, Celles and Lompret to take in the rustic charms of South Belgium. Particularly worth seeing is the town of Spa, its healing waters have attracted visitors, including Tzar Peter the Great of Russia, since the 18th century.

Family attractions in Belgium
Pirateneiland in northern Antwerp is full of fun as Belgium's largest indoor playground and the play area is based on a pirate's ship.
In Brussels in the Bruparck there is a fun village, home to the Oceadium Water Park, the Kinepolis cinema, the Atomium (the steel spheres monument) and Mini Europe, with famous landmarks including Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower recreated in miniature. Also in Brussels is the Kindermuseum, ideal for those aged 4 to 12, with various interactive exhibitions designed to help children learn more about themselves and others.

Day trips around Belgium
A visit to Ypres will prove fascinating for historical reasons. Here in Flanders are sites where several battles of the first world war were fought, including the Battle of Passchendaele. The Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery is reputed to be the largest cemetery for Commonwealth forces in the world and a memorial to those who went missing in the great war. At the memorial arches of the Menin gate, the Last Post is played at 8pm every evening.
Take a brewery tour to sample some of Belgium's vast range of beers. Wheat beers, fruit beers and trappist beers made by monks are all worth a sup. The Bieres de Chimay brewery in Bailleux is just one of a few trappist breweries open to the public, and is well worth visiting.
Towards the west in the province of Liege, amid the Ardennes, is Spa, a town whose hot springs and mineral waters also make for an ideal relaxing excursion.

Eating out in Belgium
With France as it's neighbour, eating out in Belgium is an experience not to be missed.
The cuisine is similar to France and there are a huge number of Michelin star restaurants here. The vibrant cafe culture throughout the towns and villages of the country means that fast food restaurants aren't as popular as in other areas of Europe. But with popular dishes including mussels, chips, Ardennes sausages, chocolate and waffles you won't be disappointed.
The Chocolate and Cocoa Musuem in the Grand Place in Brussels is a delight to visit and with over 400 beers brewed in the country, including Leffe, Stella Artois and Hoegaarden, beer drinkers won't be disappointed.

Nightlife in Belgium
Brussels alone has more than 80 bars to discover but across the country there is a late night cafe culture where licensing laws are lenient and the party and nightlife doesn't usually get going until around 11pm.
The Place St Gery in downtown Brussels is the place to kick your night into gear. This is regarded as the trendy district with bars including Zebra, Mapa Mundo and Le Roi Des Belges. For more traditional venues try some of these places: La Mort Subite (where fruit beer is a speciality), La Fleur A Papier Dore (a meeting place for Belgian surrealists in the 1920s) or the beautiful art deco Falstaff pub in Rue Henri Maus.
There are a variety of live music venues across the city and jazz festivals seem to abound in the spring and summer months around the country including the Blue Note Jazz festival in Ghent, the Cactus festival in Bruges and the Brussels Jazz Marathon.

Shopping in Belgium
Lace, diamonds, chocolate and tapestries are the gifts to take home.
In Brussels head along the Rue Antoine Dansaert Straat and the Avenue Louise for fashion outlets and designer goodies. Antique markets are also popular, especially the weekend antique market at Place du Grand Sablon.
For lace take a trip to Bruges and visit the Kantcentrum (Lace Centre). Antwerp's diamond district is the place to pick up sparkling gems, with the city estimated to handle upto 80 percent of the world's rough diamonds. Enjoy a visit to Diamondland where diamond polishers and goldsmiths set about their craft.

Hammamet

Hammamet is a busy, popular beach resort on the North African coast in the up and coming destination of Tunisia. It is packed with plenty of shops and restaurants and has lovely, long golden beaches.
Expect huge, well-equipped hotel complexes with all the facilities you might imagine from a Spanish or Greek destination at affordable prices. Culture and history lovers won't be disappointed either.

Hammamet beaches
Hammamet's 10 kilometre long shoreline is said to be the gem of theTunisian Riviera. Colourful fishing boats dot the coast.
There are plenty of watersports options from water skiing to snorkelling and boat trips to view dolphins.

Hammamet sightseeing
You will probably want to visit the ancient medina, the walled old city and shopping district. If you prefer to explore with a guide, arrange one in advance at your hotel.
Otherwise, it's easy to wander around on your own. Browse the colourful stalls or relax in a café for a sip of rich,dark coffee and watch the world go by.Hammamet family attractions
The children will enjoy a trip to Yasmine Hammamet, the new resort just out of town, which has lots of new restaurants, a marina with loads of boats bobbing away, and a walled market.
There's an ice skating rink and an amusement park. Teach the kids to haggle in the markets - they'll be impressed if you manage to knock a few pounds off your bargains.

Hammamet day trips
For a day out choose between the vibrant capital city of Tunis, or the ancient Roman city of Dougga, where you can visit the temple of Minerva. Dougga is about two hours drive away. You can take a taxi - hiring one with a driver is not usually very expensive.
If you want to drive yourself, you could hire a car for the day. Also in easy reach are the Commonwealth War Cemeteries at Medjez El Bab, where the graves of soldiers who died in the North Africa campaign of 1943 are buried.

Hammamet eating
You can find a mixture of international food and traditional Tunisian dishes at the restaurants around Hammamet. Tunisian specialities include tagine, a slow-cooked meat stew with a rich gravy and couscous, a pile of a grainy semolina, nicer than it sounds, served with a veggie or meat sauces.
Lots of the hotel complexes have a choice of restaurants. Yasmine Hammamet is a good area where you can wander around cafes before choosing one. You can even find cafes serving BBQs on the beach. Waiters often speak English.

Hammamet nightlife
Hammamet has plenty of nightlife, with clubs and bars opening until 2am, so if you are in a party mood there's plenty of choice, from Latin music to Arabic to disco, the choice is yours.
Alternatively chill out with a glass of mint tea in an open-air café close to the Medina.

Hammamet shopping
Leather goods and jewellery are good finds. Expect to haggle for anything, and see it is as part of the fun. Try to find a stall in the Medina selling herbs and spices and pick up some good strong spices. It's also worth looking out for lovely carved wooden bowls and excellent bottles of olive oil, much cheaper than at home. At Cap Bon, the souks (old markets) have lots of vibrant pottery and tiles.

Ljubljana

The picturesque Slovenian capital has now become a short-break favourite and it's no wonder as it's full of old-world charm. This is thanks, in no small part, to its fairytale castle perched high on the hill.
The people are welcoming and friendly, the food, drink and accommodation is very cheap and there are enough exciting sights to keep you occupied for the weekend. It does attract its fair share of stag and hen parties, but don't let that put you off - you could always go mid-week.

Sightseeing in Ljubljana
There's only one place to start, so get hiking or take the mini train up to the dramatic thirteenth-century Ljubljana Castle and Museum. The panoramic views mean it's a great place to get your bearings. Other nice pieces of architecture worth seeing include St Nicholas Cathedral, the ornate Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge and Cobbler Bridge.
Art lovers will enjoy the National Gallery and Museum of Modern Art and Preseren Square is the heart of Ljubljana, and full of street entertainers. If you want a bit of green space, head to Park Tivoli.

Family activities in Ljubljana
Although they'll love the castle and the whole fairytale look of the place, Ljubljana isn't really a top destination for kids. It tends to be better for couples, although there is one great family distraction. A huge new Water Park is also available.
It's divided into four sections including Sauna Land with steam baths in an underground cave, and there's also a thermal spa section with massage beds. Another section is strictly for children.
If you're all good at in-line skating and are there in the summer or autumn, join the fun through the city's streets.

Day trips from Ljubljana
Slovenia is very compact, so if you want to see more of the country than just the capital, it's very straightforward. Beautiful Lake Bled is about an hour away and you can hire a boat in order to reach the island castle in the middle.
Or, about 50km away, hop on the electric train and travel through the illuminated caverns of Postojna Caves, the world's second largest cave system.
If you're all a bit adveturous why not head to the Savia River near the town of Medvode. Its rapids are only a few miles away from the city.

Eating in Ljubljana
The Slovenians love Italian food, so you're never far from a decent pizza or pasta dish. You'll also notice plenty of German influences and warming soups and stews, slabs of roast pork and roast potatoes are on the menus of most local establishments.
You'll find McDonald's if you need a fast-food fix, or you could sample the local version and indulge in burek, a heavy weighty cheese pasty. Those of a slightly squeamish nature should be warned that Slovenians eat horse and foal. You'll see it on many menus and there's even a fast food place called Hot Horse.

Nightlife in Ljubljana
The city's not really cutting-edge when it comes to nightlife but there are enough clubs and bars, particularly in the old town, to keep visiting party animals fairly happy. There's a selection of jazz and folk venues too.
Ljubljana does have a thriving cafe culture though and in the summer, every square is full to bursting. Enjoy some good local lager and a bite to eat before hitting the clubs. Those who enjoy a more cultured evening should check out what's on at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Shopping in Ljubljana
This isn't the place to go on a shopping splurge but it's not bad for souvenirs and the odd trinket. The pretty old centre's your best bet, where you'll find a good selection of shops selling silver filigree jewellery, crystal and lots of handicrafts.
Centromerkur, an old-style department store is a good place to stock up on souvenirs and local products such as Slovenian honey, cured meats and cakes, which are all delicious.

Larnaca

Cyprus is a popular beach holiday destination but many will arrive at Larnaca International Airport and give little thought to the town of Larnaca itself. However, it's an interesting place to visit in its own right - and has 25km of its own beautiful beaches. It's also the third most important town in Cyprus - and its oldest.
Mosques and monasteries are evidence of a history stretching back 6,000 years and its six museums and archaeological sites are in the centre of the city and close enough to walk to. Visitors also enjoy the vibrant nightlife, the huge range of tavernas and restaurants and the fact it's easy to get to the rest of Cyprus from the town.

Beaches in Larnaca
The town has a man-made beach parallel to the promenade but the two most popular beaches are McKenzie and Dhekelia. McKenzie is on the outskirts of town, while Dhekelia stretches for miles, forming the backdrop to many of the area's apartments and four and five-star hotels.
If you travel one hour to the east, you'll discover the beach resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras.

Sightseeing in Larnaca
A poke around inside the eclectic Pierides Museum, with its wealth of fascinating relics from across the island, is a good place to start sightseeing.
Step further back in time at Kition, the ancient site where Larnaca first took shape. Most of Kition is buried beneath the modern city, but there are still remnants from different eras scattered around.
Larnaca is home to the 9th-century church of St. Lazarus, undoubtedly one of the island's most cherished sites. There's also the immensely pretty 18th-century Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, which is an important Muslim shrine.
The city has an ancient fort which even served as a prison in the days when the island was British. It's now home to the annual Larnaca Festival every July.
Stroll along the palm-lined and recently renovated Finikoudes promenade. And, if you're here in winter, look out for flamingos nesting on the salt lake.

Family attractions in Larnaca
The Museum of Palaeontology is a great place for kids to learn about ancient fossils. Go-karts, bowling, quad biking, windsurfing and sailing in Larnaca and its surrounds will be good for more active kids.
Take a trip to Camel Park, near the village of Mazotos, about 15 minutes from Larnaca. Kids can try camel rides then cool off in the pool.
WaterWorld, Europe's largest themed water park, is about an hour away in Ayia Napa.

Day trips in Larnaca
The village of Lefkara is 25 miles away and worth a look if you fancy buying its famous and exquisite handmade lace.
If you want an awesome view of the island, make your way up to Stavrovouni, the oldest monastery in Cyprus - but only if you're a man. Women are not allowed to enter the monastery

Eating out in Larnaca
A tasty Cypriot meal is likely to kick off with a 'meze', when the table fills with a number of little dishes or other essentials including souvlakia, Cypriot kebabs, or halloumi, the local cheese made from goat's or sheep's milk
There are plenty of restaurants and English-style pubs along Larnaca's promenade too. During the day, beach restaurants at McKenzie and Dhekelia offer simple, fresh seafood and Cypriot cuisine.

Nightlife in Larnaca
Nightlife is focused around and along the promenade area, or visitors can take a15-20 minute-taxi ride east to the area around the Larnaca-Dhekelia road.
Ayia Napa, one of Europe's hottest clubbing resorts, is about an hour's drive from Larnaca.

Shopping in Larnaca
Zinonos Kitios is the main shopping hub and leads to a busy market. Silver and copper goods - the island is known for its skills in copper pots, saucepans and planters - are best buys. Larnaca's also said to be a good place for discounted spectacles and lens.
If you fancy going potty, make a short side trip to Kornos, known as a centre for good quality ceramics.

Puerto Rico

Laid-back Puerto Rico has everything you'd expect of a Caribbean island and plenty more besides. The white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and buzzing nightlife are all there, but there's also the vibrant capital, San Juan, lush rainforest and a mountainous interior to explore.
With African, Spanish and North American influences it's an intriguing place with interesting cuisine and a wide range of good quality accommodation. Scuba divers and those who enjoy their outdoor pursuits will be in their element and it's a fabulous destination for a long-haul winter break.

Beaches in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has miles of fabulous beaches backed with swaying coconut palms. The seas are beautifully clear and there are lots of waters sports to tempt you off your sun lounger. Among the best sandy stretches is Luquillo, on the north east coast, which is very popular with families. The view from the beach is spectacular as you can see the misty mountains and rainforest in the distance. Boqueron, on the west coast, is popular with nature lovers as it's near to a nature reserve. You can often see many species of bird life hopping along the sand.
One excellent beach in Puerto Rico is found on the island of Culebra. Flamenco beach is regularly voted one of America's best. It's totally laid back without the crowds found on many other beaches. It's nestled in a marine reserve, so jet skis and motor boats aren't allowed, meaning you can kick back and unwind in truly peaceful surroundings.

Sightseeing in Puerto Rico
San Juan, the capital city, is perfect for some serious sightseeing. The gorgeous old town is home to two impressive fortresses and lots of stunning Spanish colonial architecture. Visit Casa Blanca, the ancestral home of the descendants of the explorer Ponce de Leon, and relax in the gardens after touring the house itself. There's also a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour of Old San Juan which is free of charge.
On the south coast, Ponce is certainly worth a visit. Its historic district has more than 1,000 19th-century buildings, including an attractive theatre and a good art museum.

Family attractions in Puerto Rico
Away from the beaches Puerto Rico is a wonderful destination for families. You can visit the Luis A Ferre Parque de Ciencias, a 42-acre science park in San Juan, which is home to a planetarium and aerospace museum. You'll also find the world's largest radio telescope on the island near Arecibo. The observatory opens at weekends from 9am to 4pm and Weds-Fri noon to 4pm. It even featured in the sci-fi film Contact.
If you're a family of wildlife lovers then a whale-watching trip is a must. The best place to go is off the west coast from mid-January to mid-April and trips leave daily during this period from Puerto Real. There are lots of nature reserves on the island and Las Cabezas, which has guided tours and two miles of trails and boardwalks, is one of the best.

Day trips in Puerto Rico
If you enjoy a good ramble, it's worth taking a day or two to explore some of the top hiking trails inland. Trek surrounded by spectacular mountain and rainforest scenery, full of waterfalls and interesting wildlife. El Yunque, a national rainforest with a 3,496 ft mountain at its heart, is an extremely popular spot, but if you fancy exploring the most rugged countryside on the island, then head for the wild Reserva Forestal Toro Negro.
If you don't fancy hiking, you can also drive across the Ruta Panoramica - a 165-mile network of scenic roads with mountain towns and villages and spectacular canyons. In the north west interior, explore the Cavernas del Rio Camuy, the world's third largest cave system.

Shopping in Puerto Rico
You'll find lots of craft centers and studios around the island where you can pop in and occasionally see local goods being produced before you buy them. Island lace (mundillo), decorative masks like those worn in island festivals, pottery, ceramics, woven hammocks and mountain-grown coffee are all excellent buys. The local rum is also a good purchase for when you want to relive those holiday cocktail moments back in Blighty.
For more contemporary shopping, visit the Plaza Las Americas in San Juan. It's the island's largest shopping centre with over 300 stores.

Eating out in Puerto Rico
The local cuisine is delicious and specialities include mallorca - a sweet pastry drenched in powdered sugar which is enjoyed at breakfast time, empanadilla, a pocket of plantain (one of the island's staple foods) or yucca dough filled with meat, and pionono, deep-fried plantain cones stuffed with meat or cheese. Main meals include asopao de pollo, a spicy chicken stew and most meat dishes come with an accompaniment of rice and beans.
There's a big American influence on the island and this is true of the cuisine as well. So if you're missing a bit of comfort food, you'll find plenty of burger bars and chain restaurants like Denny's. On the drinks front, rum is the national tipple and the coffee's superb.

Nightlife in the Puerto Rico
San Juan is the nightlife hub of the island and many of the most popular bars and clubs are found in the San Sebastian area. The Condado-Isla Verde strip is less bustling, but full of chic drinking dens. You'll also find plenty of places to hone your salsa dancing skills in the city, and if you're a gambling man, the hotel casinos are always busy. For those in search of more cultural pursuits, the performing arts centre known as Bellas Artes has a 1,800-seater concert hall and stages opera, ballet and classical concerts.
In Ponce, the boardwalk is the place to go in the evening. Covering around half a mile around the pretty harbour, it's great for bars, restaurants, salsa music and people-watching. Away from the main island, you'll also find plenty of live jazz venues on Vieques.

Male

Male ("Maa-lay") is the island capital of the Republic of Maldives. Surrounded by azure waters and blue skies, this was a sleepy backwater until about 50 years ago when tourism took hold and it became the gateway for luxury beach and spa holidays.
Today, Male is the world's most densely populated city where every available piece of space is taken up on an island just over a mile long by less than a mile wide and home to around a third of the country's 350,000 people.
The 'Friday Mosque', a museum, shopping, the colourful fish market and soaking up some Maldivian life will be the main reasons for visiting Male. It's also the jumping off point to other resorts within the island chain.

Beaches around Male
Male has no beaches of its own - land is too precious for such frivolities. There are, however, 1,190 palm-fringed islands in the archipelago, of which 88 have been turned into upmarket holiday resorts with powder-white beaches, elegant spa facilities and much more.
Maldives operates a 'one-island, one-resort' policy so that's what you'll find - quite literally there will be a resort on your island and nothing else.

Sightseeing in Male
The quaint National Museum is housed in a former sultan's palace and has a treasure trove of ceremonial clothing, headgear and relics.
The Huskuru Miskiiy, or Friday Mosque, with its coral carvings and filigree work, is the nation's pride and joy and has been a place of worship for more than 400 years.
While bikinis may be the order of the day in the resorts, this is an Islamic country, so it's respectful in Male to cover up.

Family attractions in Male
The museum and the markets will be fun for more enlightened little people, but there is not a great deal for children to experience in Male.
The resorts hold plenty of attractions and kid's clubs and warm shallow waters are perfect for little sea goers.

Day trips from Male
Male tends to be a day trip in itself from the tourist islands, but if your resort is a seaplane ride away, it may be impractical and expensive to do this.
Flight-seeing by seaplane is a great but expensive experience, same with fishing trips and diving.
Visits to 'local' islands are possible, organised by your resort. If you wish to travel independently outside Male and the islands of the government-created 'tourism zone', an Inter Atoll Travel Permit is required.

Restaurants in Male
Spicy Maldivian food reflects the influence of early settlers from nearby Sri Lanka and southern India, although 'Western' food is widely served in resorts. As you would expect from an island nation, fish is the staple.
Tea-shops are the usual way of eating in Male. You will be viewed with curiosity but expect to budge up and share your table nonetheless. Workers pop in for a range of 'short eats' - local sweets and savouries - washed down by tea. At dinner, these turn to spicy local curries.
As a Muslim country, alcohol is unavailable in the capital - but is on offer in all resorts.

Nightlife in Male
Nightlife is not the reason people come to Maldives. The Nasandhura Palace Hotel in Male is where many ex-pats tend to gather.
In the resorts, night fishing and beach BBQs are a common activity, while performances of Bodu Beru - a dance to drums - are lively and intoxicating.

Shopping in Male
This is no Oxford Street, but there are some bits and bobs to be found on and around Majeedhee Magu and Chaandhanee Magu, although it's mostly imports from nearby Asian countries.
For something traditional, take home woven mats, models of traditional dhoni boats, or lacquer work. Have a look at the fish market on the northern waterfront, a hive of activity when the fishermen bring in their catch at the end of the day.
Avoid any "sea jewellery" you see for sale, such as coral, mother-of-pearl, black coral, seashell and turtleshell as these are all endangered species.
As it's cooler at night, many shops will be open until 11pm, but they close five times a day for 15-minute prayer times.

El Gouna

Upmarket El Gouna is Egypt's newest purpose-built beach resort on the Red Sea Riviera. Boasting 15 man-made lagoons swirling around an area the size of central London, this desert oasis has 15 hotels draped along a 10 kilometre-long beach.
Other facilities include a 18-hole golf course, a glittering marina with a second planned, 85 restaurants and bars, a casino, a spa centre and 200 shops.
Calling itself the Little Venice of the Red Sea, it offers a more sophisticated, hassle-free and laid-back alternative to party-mad Sharm. It's ideal for couples and families seeking a summer or wintersun holiday. Holidaymakers on a budget can also choose from affordable three-star hotels and self-catering apartments.

El Gouna beaches
El Gouna's 10km beachfront is narrow and stony in places. Although it's not the most attractive strip of coastline on the Red Sea, it is lapped by ankle-deep, iron-flat, aquamarine waters. You have to venture out quite far to enjoy a real plunge.
Zeytuna Beach is on its own island surrounded by the sea and lagoons. You can reach it via a shuttle boat from the Downtown area or by crossing a bridge. A 400m jetty extending into the sea provides access to a coral reef plateau.
Sports-lovers can enjoy kite surfing (the best spot for this is Mangroovy Beach), windsurfing, water-skiing, soccer and beach volleyball as well as rides on a sea-go (like a jet-ski but slower). There are also 40diving and snorkelling sites.

El Gouna sightseeing
There are no cultural sights in El Gouna but if it's your first trip to Egypt, you should consider a day or overnight trip to Cairowhere you'll have time to tour the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and visit local markets.
Excursions are also offered to Luxor where you can see the best of the West and East Banks of the Nile with stops at the Valley of the Kings, Ramses Temple, Memnon Colossi, the Alabaster Workshop and Karnak Temple.
Guided tours via bus or plane to both cities can be booked at your hotel or at one of the resort's travel agencies.

El Gouna's family attractions
Take a one-hour boat trip around El Gouna's man-made lagoons - it's a great way to get a feel for the place. You'll have a chance to ogle everything from big five hotel complexes to Nubian-style (traditional Egyptian) luxury villas.
Thrill-seekers should also do the hair-raising, canyon quad biking safari where you can ride at break-neck speeds amid towering desert mountains, meet local Bedouins and smoke a sheesha pipe before watching a spectacular desert sunset.

El Gouna day trips
Boat charters offer regular day trips to Gobal Island, 2.5 hours away from the resort. Once you reach the uninhabited, rocky island with its deserted white sand beaches, you can swim or snorkel to shore where a BBQ lunch will be prepared packed with kebabs, salad, fish , pasta and fresh fruit. This excursion is great for families and divers.

El Gouna eating
The resort offers a Dine Around programme which ensures that, unlike most package breaks, you're not confined to your hotel at meal times. It enables full and half-board guests to feast on everything from Thai to French and Italian in several participating hotels. The seafood buffet at the Sheraton Miramar Resort in particular makes this worth splurging out for. Cheaper cafes and restaurants are dotted around Abu Tig Marina and the Downtown area.
If you want to try Egyptian fare, meat kofta and kebabs are popular. Seafood and fish dishes are excellent while vegetarians will have plenty to choose from with dishes like ta'amiyya (falafel), hummus and baba ghanoug (eggplant and tahina). Egyptian bakeries are wonderful, with numerous breads and sweet honeyed pastries.

El Gouna nightlife
Apart from hotel entertainment, you could head to the smart Abu Tig Marina, which hosts a weekly Friday night street festival featuring whirling dervishes and singers.
There's also a weekly Oasis Dinner where holidaymakers are shuttled from the resort to a giant Bedouin tent in the shadown of the nearby Eastern Desert Mountains. It's a rather tacky affair featuring camel rides, belly dancers and plenty of audience participation.
Clubs, bars, a casino and even an Irish bar can be found in the Downtown area. The marina's also worth checking out for smarter watering holes. If you holiday in the off peak summer months, bear in mind that there will be fewer partygoers.

El Gouna shopping
The best bet for souvenir shopping is Downtown, where there's a cluster of boutique-style stores selling everything from carpets, ceramics and artworks to sheesha pipes, brassware, leather goods, spices and clothes. Bargaining is allowed but the hassle factor is thankfully absent.
Don't forget the outdoor Art Village featuring handicrafts and paintings. Remember that many shops may shut in the afternoon but reopen until well into the evening.

Cyprus

Cyprus has something to offer every holidaymaker. Its stunning coastline has lots of fantastic beaches and resorts for those who want little more than a week of sun, sea and sand. For history buffs, the island is also full of ancient relics and interesting ruins.
The pace of life is slow, the food is cheap and delicious and the weather's superb for most of the year. No wonder it's a favourite holiday destination for the Brits.

Beaches in Cyprus
There are some truly wonderful beaches around one of the main resorts, Paphos. In fact, six of them have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, namely Pachyammos, Vrysoudia A, Vrysoudia B, Alykes, Municipal Bath and Farros. They're all good, family friendly beaches with lots of watersports, and plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants when you fancy some lunch. Nearby Coral Bay is also attractive.
Dassoudi is the main beach in Limassol where you'll find changing rooms, a snack bar, a restaurant, a car park and again, lots of water sports.
Ayia Napa, probably the most famous resort on the island, has a lovely fine sand beach where you can try water-skiing, wind-surfing, sailing, kayaking and parasailing or hire pedalos, motor boats and speed-boats.

Sightseeing in Cyprus
Many different civilisations left their mark on Cyprus, so there's a wealth of superb historical sights. There are frescoed Byzantine churches in the Troodos mountains which are on the World Heritage list and the third century Tombs of the Kings and Roman mosaics near Paphos are certainly worth a visit.
Elsewhere, visit the ancient temples of Kition near Larnaca and the impressive castle and ancient city of Kourion near Limassol.
The capital, Lefkosia (previously Nicosia), is also very interesting. You can learn about Cypriot history at the fantastic Cyprus Museum and marvel at some more frescoes at St John's Cathedral.

Shopping in Cyprus
There are handicraft centres in most major towns. Popular souvenirs include leather goods, ceramics, lace, jewellery, spectacles and home-made honey and sweets. are all good buys.
Or you could relive drunken holiday nights back home in the UK by purchasing a couple bottles of the favourite local tipple, ouzo, the Filfar orange liquer or Cpyriot brandy.Eating out in Cyprus
Cypriot food has Middle Eastern, Turkish and Greek influences and without doubt, the best way to truly get a taste of island cuisine is to order a fish or meat meze. The local cheese, halloumi, is delicious grilled. Fish is excellent and is served grilled, fried, plain or spicy. Also sample grilled lamb or chicken known as souvla, or sausages called shieftlalies.
Traditional coffee shops are dotted all over the island. The waterfront in Paphos is a lovely spot for a romantic dinner. In the major resorts, the big hotels and several seafront cafes and restaurants will have more of an international menu, so you'll be able to find some good old English grub if you're pining for it.

Nightlife in Cyprus
If you're after top DJs and thumping beats then there's only one Cypriot destination for you - Ayia Napa on the east coast. The resort received a bad press for a few years but they've really cleaned up their act and the focus these is purely on wonderful music and pulsating clubs. Many are drawn to this resort because of its profusion of English-style restaurants, cafes and Irish pubs.
Larnaca's seafront and promenade is also a hotbed of action, following by Limassol and Paphos. There's everything from tavernas, cafes, bars and discos. If you want a complete alternative, head to Nicosia which boasts more cosmopolitan surroundings.

Family activities in Cyprus
Cyprus is a great family destination and, above all else, family is very important to Cypriots and children are welcome in cafes and restaurants at all hours. The beaches and watersports should keep most children happy, but if not, there's an aquarium in Paphos.
In Ayia Napa, there's a go-kart centre, a dolphin marine park, a bowling alley, a mini golf club and the Waterworld Park.

Day trips in Cyprus
It's definitely worth exploring the Troodos mountains during your stay. They're high enough to be capped with snow during winter and there are some breathtaking views and lovely walks too. Head for Platres surrounded by pine forests, villages, waterfalls and jaw-dropping vantage points.
From Larnaca and Limassol, boat trips can be arranged from the marina. The Zenobia shipwreck is a popular excursion among divers. From Paphos, book a trip to the Yeronisos islands for the chance to gawp at beautiful coastlines and sea caves, as well as enjoy a swim in a secluded bay.

Ionian Islands

Corfu is the best-known island in the Ionians, a package holiday hotspot since the 1960s. Despite being littered with hotels and apartment blocks, you can still find the true spirit of the island away from the beach resorts if you try. Zante has also been overrun by mass tourism but still has its charm. Kefalonia was made famous by the popular book Captain Corelli's Mandolin, but remains unspoilt.
Traditional Ithaca, the legendary kingdom of Odysseus, is simply stunning. Lefkas doesn't have the greatest beaches but is known for its walking trails and traditional mountain villages.
A history of French and British occupations show some of the reason the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece differ in character from neighbouring island groups. They also receive more rainfall, so appear greener too.

Beaches on the Ionian Islands
Corfu's west coast shoreline has its loveliest beaches. Mile-long Aghios Stefanos beach is a great one for families.
Zante's 57 miles of coastline has some incredible beaches, such as the whopping four-mile stretch at sandy Laganas, nesting grounds of Caretta-Caretta sea turtles. Watersports fans head to Agios Nikolaos.
Kefalonia is the island in the group and has some of the most beautiful spots, especially Myrtos beach. Lefkas' superb beaches include Kathisma and Athani or the hidden coves of the south coast - sailing and watersports enthusiasts love this island.
Picturesque Paxos, the smallest of the islands and only reachable by boat, has the lovely beach of Lakka.

Sightseeing on the Ionian Islands
Corfu Town is one of the best in the islands for sophistication and history with narrow streets dominated by the 16th century fortress and a mix of Venetian, Georgian and French architecture. Corfu's major beauty spot is Paleokastritsa, set around three bays and backed by dramatic lush hills, but this does mean busloads of tourists too.
On Zante, check out the Venetian castle ruins and St Mark's Square in Zante Town, or see the island's Blue Caves.
Kefalonia is the largest and most varied of the seven islands. Its charms include the village of Fiscardo - a 1953 earthquake wreaked havoc in much of the Ionian Islands, but this northern tip of Kefalonia stayed almost intact. Strict building regulations now maintain Fiscardo's elegant Venetian architecture. The island capital of Argostoli is lovely.
Ithaka is said to be the mythical home of King Odysseus and Eumaius's Cave and the Cave of the Nymphs are just two places said to be associated with this hero of Homer's tale.
Lefkas Town is a little car-free place, full of churches and bright-painted wooden houses. Lefkas is connected to Greece by a swing bridge so easy trips to the mainland are possible too.

Family attractions on the Ionian Islands
Holidaymaking British families who long more for the familiar than the exotic will love Corfu, where sandy beaches, excellent water sports and good accommodation tick all the boxes.
Corfu also has Aqualand, one of the biggest water parks in Europe.Otherwise, Zante has all you need, and boat trips to spot endangered turtles will be a lovely day trip.
On the whole, the Ionian Islands will provide an authentic Greek experience if your family's more into culture than karaoke, and Greeks are very family-orientated.Day trips on the Ionian Islands
From Zante, take a boat trip to the Keri Caves, or go one further and make it to the mainland to ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, 3,000 years ago.
If staying on popular Corfu but fancy something smaller scale, take a trip to one of the Diapondia Islands.

Eating on the Ionian Islands
Waterside fish restaurants, back street tavernas, Greek salad with crumbling feta and fat olives, moussaka, the endless little tasty dishes of a mezze - what's not to like about this nation's cuisine?
In the bigger towns on Zante, Corfu (especially in resorts such as Kavos and Ipsos) you can expect a long-established tradition of restaurants catering for British tastes.

Nightlife on the Ionian Islands
Corfu has endless bars and is home to Kavos, a resort that's achieved notoriety as a classic '18-30's' destination.
You'll find plenty of action on the big Brit favourite of Zante where the biggest resort on the island Laganas knows how to party.
Kefalonia's Argostoli has plenty of modern bars and resorts such as Sami, Fiscardo, Lixouri and Poros will also result in good nights out.
Lefkas holds its own in the shape of Nidri, with its beach bars and nightclubs, but this is more a place where couples come to chill out.

Shopping on the Ionian Islands
Corfu is the best place for anyone who likes to shop, but Kefalonia's Fiskardo and Ithaca's Vathy have charming shops too.
Typical Greek souvenirs include jewellery, pottery, arts and crafts - Corfu is known for its olive wood handicrafts, and olive oil soap while Lefkada's mountain villages specialise in embroidery.

Langkawi

You'll find pristine beaches and superb bays on this gorgeous tropical island. A honeymooners' paradise, 70% of it is covered in lush mountainous rain forests, it's also home to hundreds of species of rare wildlife and vegetation.
You'll love the scenery and if you explore the palm tree-lined northern coast you'll find some of the world's most luxurious resorts.

Beaches around Langkawi
Beach-lovers will be in heaven as there are miles and miles of untouched and stunningly beautiful stretches. One of the best is Pantai Kok, which lies on to the west of the island, close to the spectacular Telaga Tujuh Falls.
Tanjung Rhu is a secluded white sand bay on the north-eastern tip of the island. The sea's sheltered by the bay and the waters are so calm it's almost like paddling in a shallow lagoon. It's a perfect spot for peace and tranquility. Or try Pantai Batu Hampar beach, part of the Sheraton Langkawi Resort, which is bordered by rocky outcrops on each end and shaded by coconut and mangrove groves.

Sightseeing around Langkawi
Away from the stunning beaches, which are the main sights on a Langkawi stay, there's isn't a whole lot to grab your attention. It's definitely worth taking the cable car up to the top of Mt Mat Chinchang for panoramic views of the whole island.
Mahsuri's tomb is a place of pilgrimage for Malaysians and worth a look. Mahsuri was supposedly wrongly accused of adultery in the 18th century and put to death. The Telaga Tujuh Falls near Pantai Kok are also worth trip away from the beach.Family attractions in Langkawi
The Underwater World Aquarium is always a family hit, with its diverse collection of more than 5,000 freshwater and marine species in more than 100 tanks. Cast your eyes over giant arapaimas, many species of shark, rays, giant groupers and stunningly colourful corals.
If your kids are a bit older, then several companies run tree top cable adventures, so you can get an entirely new perspective on the rainforest.

Day trips from Langkawi
Divers should take the one-hour boat trip to the marine paradise of Pulau Payar where you'll discover coral reef similar to the Indian Ocean, and some rare tropical fish including horse-eyed jack, moray eel, clown fish, 2m-long groupers, black-tipped reef shark and black-spotted puffer.
For less watery wildlife visit, Pulau Dayang Bunting. Here you'll see dozens of unusual beasts, among them lizards, mousedeer, macaque eagles and hornbills plus an abundance of flora and fauna including kelubi and cycas.

Restaurants in Langkawi
The cuisine is a combination of Malaysian, Indian and Chinese and rendang coconut curries are particularly popular. As you'd expect of a group of tropical islands, the seafood is to die for. Try giant prawns, soft shell crabs, succelent mussels and even shark.
While you may not find you favourite fast-food brands (McDonalds, KFC etc), there are American and Japanese-style restaurants in Kuah and all the hotels cater for international tastes.

Nightlife in Langkawi
A favourite with honeymooners, you find most holidaymakers enjoying little more than a romantic meal and a quiet drink in the evenings. That's not to say there isn't nightlife though. You'll find bars, cafes, cocktail lounges, live music, karaoke and nightclubs in Langkawi, but it's almost entirely centered around the hotel resorts.
This is not the place to go if you're after a few wild nights, but if you like a cold beer at a laid-back beach bar with the sound of the ocean in the background, Langkawi is blissful.

Shopping in Langkawi
Kuala Lumpar's a better there but is some good shopping to be had in Langkawi. The Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall, in Kuah, is a huge building with over 100 different stores where you'll find lots of great deals on typical duty-free goods like liquor, tobacco, perfume, leather goods, sports gear and more.

Marrakech

The red city of Morocco, found below the foothills of the Atlas mountains is, for many, the first taste they will have of the African continent. Just a few hours from Europe, you'll discover a world of strange bazaars set around twisting alleyways, behind ancient city walls where mosques, riads, souks and snake charmers all entrance.
Marrakech's magical qualities are intoxicating; it's central square, the Djemma El-Fna is like a circus performance venue, home to fortune tellers and fire eaters where if you stand still long enough someone is quite likely to wrap a snake around your shoulders and expect you to pay them a few dirhams for the privilege of having your picture taken with the snake.
Fringed by endless stalls selling carpets, lamps, spices, tanjine pots and all manner of different potions, it's a microcosm of the bustle and vibrancy of the city itself and an ideal shopping hotspot.

Sightseeing in Marrakech
The Koutoubia Mosque and minaret is close to the main square and is a landmark sight, dating back to the 12th century. It is located along Avenue Mohammed V and can be viewed from the surrounding gardens.
The Sa'adian Tombs with more than 100 mosiac decorated graves, mostly for members of the Sa'adian royal family and dating back 500 years are worth a visit in Rue de la Kasbah. They have been opened to the public only since 1917 and their ornate decoration and surrounding mausoleums are beautiful.
The old city, surrounded by 13th century ramparts is great to wander around, although with such narrow streets and alleys be careful of the many motorbikes and mopeds which come zooming fast around corners. Getting lost in the backstreets can be part of the charm of Marrakech but there is always usually someone willing to guide you back to where you started from for a few dirhams.
Djemma El-Fna, which was once where the heads of criminals of the city were hung on stakes, is today much more lively and less macabre. Ideal to explore in the early evening it's the place to be entertained by endless street performers, story tellers, musicians and other enterprising individuals. Ubiquitous orange juice stands and snack stalls abound in the evening when the air is thick with smoke and smells of whatever exotic dish is being cooked up.
The Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts) is a palatial, fascinating building and contains many items of interesting jewellery and costumes worth seeing, while the Ali ben Youssef Medersa and Mosque - a religious studies school - is another building worth exploring, rich in history with endless small student rooms, situated north of the bazaar district.

Family attractions in Marrakech
To escape the city heat and for a bit of fun try an aquatic park called Oasiria along Route de Barrage. Here wave pools, a pirate ship, water toboggan runs and slides will cool the family down. A free shuttle service runs to and from Oasiria, from Djemma El-Fna.
Specialist tour operators like the Adventure Company can organise trips designed specifically for families to enjoy both Marrakech and the surrounding Atlas mountains.
In the mountains the opportunities to go mule trekking along parts of the Ourika Valley and visit remote Berber villages, like Anamer, will prove both exciting and educational. The presence of a guide will put your mind at ease that you and your family are in safe hands and getting the most out of your visit.

Day trips around Marrakech
Head out to Setti Fatma and cool off in the waterfalls above the red clay village here which lies at the end of the Ourika Valley. The 40 mile journey there and back from the city can be covered at a reasonable price by a grande taxi - but make sure you negotiate the price in advance. A guide can then take you around the waterfalls but make sure you have good footwear and a head for heights.
Essaouira is about 102 miles away from Marrakech but situated on the coast, this once strongly fortified town and fishing harbour is a real joy to wander around in, not least to escape the city heat and enjoy a more relaxed environment. It's a place for windsurfers and for long camel treks across the sandy beach.

Eating out in Marrakech
Tangines are commonplace - the choice of a meat or vegetarian type casserole dish in a tangine pot is a staple of most restaurants. Couscous, endless varieties of spices, humous, sweet mint tea and fresh orange juice are typical favourites to be found on stalls and restaurants throughout the city.
In the evening, Djemma El-Fna square comes alive with numbered food stalls selling everything from sheep heads to French Fries. Eating here is a seriously cheap alternative to the restaurants but just be careful with some of the salads and meat on offer.
Among the restaurants worth noting is the Dar-Es-Salaam close to the main square.This is one of the city's oldest restaurants and has been described as looking like something out of the Arabian Night Tales. It's where Hitchcock also filmed scenes for The Man Who Knew Too Much.
Dar Moha, along Rue Dar El Bacha is highly recommended. This riad style restaurant offers great Moroccan food in a perfect setting - just make sure you are seated outside beneath the shade of the banana palms next to the pool, and expect to get sernaded by musical lutists as you eat.
Le Yacout in Sidi Ahmed Soussi offers dinner in different settings including being beside a pool, in a cushion filled saloon or an upstairs room near the rooftop where pre dinner drinks are usually served. The food portions are vast and vegetarians are well catered for.
Cafe Argana overlooking Djemma El-Fna offers one of the best views of the city and restaurant Le Jardin along Rue Oum Rabia is also recommended.

Nightlife in Marrakech
Folk music and belly dancing are popular in many restaurants and other venues around the city. Fantasia, Chez Ali on the Safi road, just a few miles outside of the city centre is one such place where you can dine in royal tents and watch dancers and horse riding displays.
As an Islamic country, alcohol is frowned on in certain areas but for the most part, especially in many of the western style hotels it is easy to get a drink and find a dancefloor.
In terms of big name clubs, Pacha Marrakech offers decadence from its cocktails, and swimming pool to top name DJs. If casino is more of your thing, head to Es Saadi Hotel in Avenue El Qadissa where there are a number of games and other live entertainment shows on from 4pm to 4am daily.

Shopping in Marrakech
Hire a guide to take you through the many labyrinthine alleys, as each one tends to specialise in different products such as spices, carpets, jewellery, furniture or brasswork.
The main souks are located through the north sector of Jeema-el-Fna square, staring with Souk Smarine. They'll prove fascinating and colourful even if they can be a little claustrophobic at times. But among the many items here worth buying are wooden boxes and trays, belgha leather slippers, lanterns and tangine pots, spices, carpets and rugs.
Haggling is all part of the fun but try not to feel too pressured into buying items you don't really want and expect obligatory mint tea to be served as part of the charm offensive by many sellers who want you to see their products.
For craft gifts head also towards avenue Mohammed V where a small shopping centre offering goods at fixed prices indicates roughly what you should be expecting to pay back in the souks.