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.

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.

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.

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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, in the beautiful Macedonian region, is the second biggest city in Greece, and one of the oldest cities in Europe. It's a thriving commercial city, a busy port and a gateway to much of the Balkans. It offers a beach holiday with a city twist.
You'll find a wide range of hotels to choose from, many are of high quality thanks to the city's prosperity. With its typically mild Mediterranean climate, expect mild winters and sunny, cool summers. Most visitors flock there from May to June and again from September to October.

Thessaloniki beaches
There are any number of gorgeous beaches - including Epanamoi, Agia Triada, Aretsou, Perea, Nei Epivates, Nea Mihaniona, Asprovalta and also the nearby beaches of Halkidki - from developed Kassandra to the slightly less developed Sithonia. There are a range of large, sandy beaches and any number of tiny coves too. Expect watersports, taverns and a busy vibe.

Thessalonoki sightseeing
It's got a wealth of archaeological and historical sights - including the White Tower, which was commissioned in the 15th century by Suleyman the Magnificent and is built on the site of a Byzantine structure. Visit its museum for its collection of sculptures, frescoes and mosaics.
There's also the Haqua Sophia Church, built during the Byzantine era, which has superb mosaics and intricate designs. Also visit the Arch of Galerius from Roman times and Hippodrome Square, a remnant of Ancient Greece. There are Roman Baths and a Roman Market and Theatre.

Family attractions in Thessaloniki
Aside from all the glorious beaches, you can also visit theme park Waterland, with its 150 acres of pools and gardens, wave pools and slides or Thessaloniki Zoo. Many of the hotels will offer children's clubs to keep the little ones entertained.

Day trips from Thessaloniki
Head to the three peninsulas of Halkidiki, for their glorious beaches or if you want something a bit more remote for smaller coves like Spathies and Elia. You'll love the pine forests and the bee hives.
Or you could head to the vineyards of Central Halkidiki. Join an organised tour of any number of local wineries and try the local Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Ask at a local hotel's reception about how to join a tour.

Eating out in Thessaloniki
Most of the hotels will serve a buffet style breakfast, and give you the option of a full English as well. Otherwise head to the city centre, Athonos Square and Ladadika for fresh grilled fish and meat. Macedonian specialities include tripe and soutzoukakia (meatballs cooked in garlic and tomato).
One of the biggest pleasures is the local wine - there are at least five wineries in Macedonia and both the whites and reds are a treat.

Thessaloniki nightlife
The nightlife is vibrant and you have any number of clubs and pubs and bouzoukia's (specialising in Greek music played on bouzoukis) to choose from. They keep going to the early hours too so be prepared to party hard. A lot of people head to Mylos, an old converted windmill, that houses restaurants and clubs.
During the summer many of the venues reopen along the airport road towards the beaches. There are also lots of theatres and cinemas and the Thessaloniki Film Festival between October and November is getting bigger every year.

Shopping in Thessaloniki
There are any number of trendy boutiques where you can buy great jewellery and designer gear - and you'll have a choice of classy Italian fashions and leather goods. Most shops open until about 9pm at night and sometimes even later. For keepsakes think about hand-woven textiles, embroidered cloth, jewellery and olive wood goods. Head to Tsimiski Street, with its wide range of shops, as it's central.
Nearby Agias Sofias has more upmarket boutiques. You don't have to go designer and can head to the market between Aristotelous and Ionos Dragoumi for superb fresh goods. If you like malls then Mediterranean Cosmos will be for you. Just outside the airport, it's a vast space where you can shop, catch a movie or have your lunch.

Peloponnese

Separated from the southernmost section of mainland Greece by the Corinth Canal, the Peloponnese, a large peninsula, has everything a dream destination should offer, from snow-crested mountains to great beaches and valleys of citrus groves.
The south is better known for its beaches and beautiful scenery while the north has well-known archaeological sites. Those seeking a quieter time will enjoy the warm seas in September and the hot and dry climate in late spring. Partygoers should head to Patras during carnival season at the start of the year.

Peloponnese beaches
The best beaches are along the western coast. Sun worshippers consider them among the best in Greece as they are undeveloped, clean and very pretty. There's a six kilometre stretch of sand bordered by pine forests at Kalogria, close to Patras, while along the Gulf of Corinth are beaches with picture postcard views of the opposite shore.
Head a bit further away from Cornith to find sand rather than pebbles on the shore. Resorts such as Porto Heli are popular with waterskiing and jetski enthusiasts.

Peloponnese sightseeing
There are more classical ruins in the northern Peloponnese than anywhere else in the world. Ancient Corinth, Ancient Nemea, Mycenae, Argos, Tiryns and Edipauros are all within easy reach, close to Nafplio, the first capital of Modern Greece and one of the most beautiful towns on the island. Head to the old hill towns in the heartland such as Karytena, Stemnitsa and Dhimitsana or experience a classic Greek railway trip with the journey inland from the north coast at Dhiakofto to Kalavryta.
The Peloponnese is still a fairly conservative area, so save your skimpy bikini for the beach. Many churches have signs at the entrance asking visitors to dress modestly.

Peloponnese family attractions
With a Mediterranean climate, many families love to head to the sandy beaches of Stoupa in the south or enjoy the mineral springs at Kyllini. There are masses of places to explore and lots of holiday clubs for the children. Those who enjoy activities will love learning to sail and windsurf on these warm waters.

Peloponnese day trips
There are magnificent ruins in the ancient city of Olympia, where you can see the Temple of Zeus and the remains of the Olympic stadium where the Games were first held almost three millennia ago. In the south, spend a day touring the ruined buildings and colourful frescoes of the Byzantine city of Mystras and Ancient Messene, which dates back to the 4th century.

Peloponnese eating
You'll find British favourites in resorts but eating is virtually a national pastime with masses of local tavernas and simple restaurants serving lots of Greek home cooking and fresh fish with favourites such as avgolemono soup (chicken, egg and lemon), Stifado (beef with onion), arni psito (lamb on the spit) midia saganaki (mussels in tomato sauce), octopus and thick, creamy yoghurt.
The ham here is excellent too, and Greek food is ideal for vegetarians with plenty of tomatoes, aubergines, zucchini fritters and tzatziki (the dip made with yoghurt, cucumbers, dill and garlic). Wash it all down with a glass or two of retsina.

Peloponnese nightlife
With evening meals typically eaten at around 10pm, nights are typically social affairs with masses of people heading out to eat and bar hop until the early hours. The seaside city of Patras is full of life, with excellent bars and clubs, restaurants and street entertainers.

Peloponnese shopping
There are absolutely masses of souvenir shops around offering everything from T-shirts to replica antique woodcarvings and museum reproductions. Look out for hand woven and naturally dyed woollens, cotton and silks, brightly coloured rugs, deep blue glassware and beautiful jewellery.

Barcelona

Fiercely proud of its Catalan heritage, yet still exuding a free-spirited exuberance thanks to its quirky architecture and vibrant nightlife, it's easy to see why Barcelona is one of Europe's most popular city-breaks.
With an abundance of bustling markets, shops, eateries and bars, a myriad of museums, and the eccentric constructs of world-famous Modernist Antoni Gaudi dominating the skyline, there are no shortage of quality sights. And even if you do tire of the city, you can easily decamp to the nearby coast or mountains.

Beaches in Barcelona
Barcelona has several beaches and while they may not be the best in the Mediterranean, they're decent enough. Nova Icaria is the closest to the Olympic marina, so it's also the busiest.
Barceloneta is wide and long with a stretch of wooden decking dotted with pizzerias and bars. Mar Bella is great for watersports and you can hire sail boards, hobie cats and kayaks. Bogatell is very long and backed with a long concrete walkway for joggers, rollerbladers and cyclists.

Sightseeing in Barcelona
Get your bearings on the city's most famous parade, La Rambla. Take in the market stalls, street artists and tapas bars there before making your way to the scenic Barri Gotic, home to the city's main cathedral as well as many other beautiful churches.
Gaudi's most famous work, and a must-see in Barcelona, is the Sagrada Familia Catholic basilica – still under construction. There are several other examples of his artistry on display as you stroll around – his lavish garden complex, Park Guell, in the suburbs, is particularly worth a visit. There's plenty for art lovers, too, with museums dedicated to the works of Picasso and Miro.

Shopping in Barcelona
For pure indulgence, head to one of the city's many chocolaterias for a huge cup of hot chocolate and a chocolate-filled pastry. The best shopping is in the designer boutiques of Eixample and Passeig de Gracia.
El Corte Ingles is a mammoth department store in the Plaza Catalunya with a wide selection of goods and there are also some great markets – foodies shouldn't miss the wonderful La Boqueria.

Eating out in Barcelona
The best way to sample a wide variety of the local cuisine is to experiment with some tapas - small portions of usually savoury local nibbles that can vary from simple delights like meat balls to more adventurous concoctions such as baked onion stuffed with goat's cheese and ham.
If you're snacking during a busy day of sightseeing, try fast-food Barcelona-style and buy a spicy sausage or Spanish omelette from one of the many hole-in-the-wall eateries. Barcelona is close to the sea and the seafood is also excellent. Remember, though, that the locals rarely eat before 9pm.

Nightlife in Barcelona
First, get a copy of Barcelona's entertainment guide Guia del Ocio, which comes out every Thursday. Second, bear in mind that bars only begin to fill up after 11pm, while the clubs usually don't start hopping until 2am.
For continental-style outdoor lounging, you'll be spoilt for choice in the quaint Plaza del Sol in Gracia area. When you're ready for a bop, City Hall nightclub off Placa Catalunya is huge, with two music areas and a large outside chill-out area. If you fancy trying some salsa (the dance, not the dip) try Agua de Luna or Buenavista.

Family attractions in Barcelona
The Barcelona Aquarium, on Moll d'Espanya del Port Vell, is worth a visit, especially for the huge shark tank, and Barcelona Zoo has a fantastic dolphinarium and a penguin enclosure.
The Mirador Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower at Tibidabo has amazing views from its viewing gallery 288 metres up, reached by an external glass lift. All the family will love the bustling Rambla, but keep a close eye on your little ones, as it gets awfully crowded.

Day trips in Barcelona
The lively but pretty coastal town of Sitges on the Costa Daurada, south of Barcelona, is a hugely popular haven from the city. Surrounded by Barcelona's green belt, the Parc del Garraf, and boasting 17 sandy beaches, it's sometimes referred to as the St Tropez of Spain. To the north of Barcelona, the Costa Brava still retains many unspoilt small towns, best discovered by car. You can even take in some culture at the Dali Museum in Figueras.
Inland, the spectacularly-located monastery at Monsterrat is easily accessible by rail, while you can sample the breathtaking beauty of the Pyrenees mountains by taking a train to the pictueresque area of Vall de Nuria.

Crete

Crete, or Kriti as it's called by locals, is the largest Greek island and with a lush, mountainous interior, shimmering olive groves and plenty of gorgeous sandy beaches, is one of its most picturesque.
Resorts like Chania and Rethymno are packed with archaeological treasures, while beach resorts like Malia and Hersonissos are heaving with loud bars and clubs attracting a young, energetic crowd.
There are plenty of resorts for families and activity holidays focus on walking, water sports and some sailing. Literary fans can visit Spinalonga, the tiny island off Plaka, which was the setting for Victoria Hislop's bestselling novel The Island.

Beaches in Crete
There are numerous beaches in Crete and although most are packed in peak summer months, there is the odd gem to discover. In general, the harder they are to get to, the fewer tourists you'll find.
Package favourites include Rethymno, which has a glorious, sandy beach where you might even spot a turtle if you're lucky; Malia, which has a busy main beach and another quieter, more family-oriented one on the eastern end near the Palace of Malia and Hersonissos, which has a lively side but also some more upmarket hotels for families.
Off the beaten track beaches where tourists are more likely to be Greek or Spanish include Ierapetra, Kissamos and Sitia. Elounda has retained its charm despite its many tourists.

Sightseeing in Crete
Archaeology fans can metaphorically gorge themselves on the wealth of history in Crete. The ancient Minoan palace at Knossos was painstakingly uncovered and reconstructed over many years by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and there are plenty of colourful frescos, pillars and sophisticated plumbing to explore. Other Minoan sites include Phaistos and Gortys.
Chania and Rethymno were both occupied by the Venetians and they shares some similar characteristics. Rethymno's main attraction is the maze of cobbled streets dotted with ornate Venetian monuments in the Venetian-Ottoman part of the old town. There's a 16th century fort and historic lighthouse. Chania's Venetian Harbour and surrounds has been beautifully restored and although it gets quite crowded in the summer, is worth exploring.
Natural sights include the spectacular Samaria Gorge in the scenic White Mountains. The best time of year to visit is spring as summer can see as many as 3,000 visitors a day which might detract from your enjoyment somewhat.

Family activities in Crete
There are two water parks in Crete where you can let the kids lose on a variety of rides, slides and fake waves. The first, Aquaplus, is just outside Hersonissos and spreads over 57 acres and includes giant slides, a lazy river, space bowl, a giant adventure pool and special area for smaller children. The other, Limnoupolis, is eight kilometres from Chania and also has a lazy river, slides and relaxing, shady areas.
Kids might enjoy the Diktean Cave, near Psychro, which has a collection of different-sized caves some with stalactites and stalagmites decorating the floor and ceiling.

Day trips in Crete
Outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking around the lush Lasithi Plateau on the eastern side of the island. It's a network of fertile farmland growing anything from apples and pears to olives and lettuce. It's also part of the Mount Dikti mountain range which includes Mount Spathi (2,148m), Mount Afentis (2,141m) and Mount Lazaros (2,085m) so serious climbers can enjoy some great ascents.
For a complete get-away-from-it-all experience, get up early and take the four-hour boat trip from Paleohora to Gavdos Island, Europe's most southerly spot. There are numerous deserted beaches and a few tavernas in which to grab a bite of fresh seafood. If that sounds like too much effort, head to the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga off Plaka in eastern Crete.

Eating out in Crete
Crete has rich fertile soils producing delicious fruit and vegetables, which together with a range of tasty cheeses and honey make up the staple traditional diet. There are some excellent local wines to wash down mezedes (like tapas) such as dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), feta, tzatziki (yogurt with cucumber and garlic), fresh grilled fish and olives.
Choose from different styles of restaurants including the popular traditional taverna (simple, local cuisine), psistarias (spit roasts with lots of meat) and estiatorio (proper restaurants). Of course you're never far from a traditional British dinner if that's what you prefer, especially in popular tourist resorts.

Nightlife in Crete
The liveliest resorts are Malia and Hersonissos where you'll find wall-to-wall bars lining the seafront promenades and main streets. These bars blast loud music out till the early hours while young British visitors neck as much booze as possible and party the night away.
For a more authentic Cretan experience, visit the island during one of its many festivals and party with the locals. You'll still sink plenty of booze and dance a lot but it's more likely to be ouzo and local wine that you're drinking instead of beer and alcopops. Festivals include Apokries (around Easter), Flower Day (May 1) and Assumption Day (August 15).

Shopping in Crete
Chania has a great selection of shops overflowing with souvenirs and must-buy jewellery. There are numerous chic harbourfront boutiques in Aghios Nikolaos, while in the roads further back you'll find jewellery stores and traditional handicrafts. The same goes for Elounda which can be a better option, as it's not as crowded as Ag Nik. The main road of Hersonissos has plenty of shops selling tourist tat. Traditional souvenirs include ceramics, pottery, leather goods, rugs, linens and jewellery.

Skiathos

One of the more popular of the Sporades Islands in the Aegean, Skiathos is a family-orientated, package holiday haven popular with British and German tourists, thanks in no small part to it's 60 plus beaches.
The main harbour and town centre have a good range of shops set amongst windy back streets, overlooked by the Bourtzi Fortress, guarded by a few stray cats. Restaurants, and tavernas illuminate the quayside, whilst a 15 minute stroll out along the harbour will bring you to the island's night life strip of clubs and bars.
The main hotels and budget self-catering apartments are found towards the south and east of the island near the big beaches. The season runs from July to September, although October and May are better times to visit, with good temperatures and less crowds.

Beaches in Skiathos
Take a bus from Skiathos to Koukounaries - there are numerous beaches in-between including Megali Ammos, Vromolinos and the family oriented Agia Paraskevi. Koukounaries, with a pine forest surrounding its curved half mile expanse of white sand, has popped up in lists of 10 of the best beaches in Europe. The neighbouring Banana Beach is also a find.
Reach the north of the island and you'll find Megali Aselinos - being remote means that even in high season it can sometimes be deserted. For the truly adventurous, the beach at Kastro at the northern tip of the island is worth the trip. Other beaches - such as Llaria - again in the north of the island are stunning and secluded, accessible only by boat.

Sightseeing in Skiathos
Hire a bike or take a hike inland and discover one of the monasteries such as Kounistra or the Monastery of Evagelistra, where the Greek flag was apparently first raised towards the end of the period of Turkish occupation in the early 19th century. Close by are the ruins of Kastro Town on a rocky peninsula, commanding great views of the north of the island.
If you take a boat tour from the harbour, you will be able to see some of the more remote yet attractive beaches around the north coast.
In Skiathos town centre visit the House of Papadiamanti, the island's only museum and once the home of Greek monk and writer Alexandros Papadiamantis, or just wander the back streets.

Family attractions in Skiathos
Agia Paraskevi is a family-friendly beach, with great watersports choices like jet ski and inflatables, and it's got lots of places to eat.
While the island does not have any specific major attractions for children, it is a friendly place and great for all ages, as opposed to the more concentrated 18-30 crowd found on other Greek islands.

Day trips in Skiathos
Head down to the harbour at about 9.30am and you should be able to board one of the boats heading off on a round the island trip. Prices are usually between 10-20 euros.
Alternatively take a boat trip to neighbouring Skopelos Island. It's covered in pine trees and is a popular day excursion, ideal for walkers. The capital town is very pretty and full of pricey restaurants, with lots of small churches tucked away around the back streets.

Eating out in Skiathos
Typical Greek food including greek salads and kleftico (lamb), moussaka and stuffed tomatoes jostle for menu space with fantastic seafood including calamari and swordfish in restaurants throughout Skiathos.
Recommended restaurants include Sofia's Family Restaurant which provides great views of the old town, and the Mouragio (Ouzeri-fish tavern) whose rustic home-cooked dishes are great, knocked back with a glass of ouzo or retsina.
There are lots of places in the resorts and town, which cater for those seeking favourites like burgers and chips, kebabs and pizzas.

Nightlife in Skiathos
Enjoy a stroll along the harbour before hitting the clubs. These are mainly concentrated on the left at the north end of the new harbour and are ideal for partying until dawn, as the thumping euro club beat rules out any notion of sleep.
For something a little more sedate there are various bars and pubs around the back streets of the town centre. The Admiral Benbow Inn is ideal if you fancy a pint and possibly a slice of live rock n roll.

Shopping in Skiathos
The main street of Skiathos town centre, Papadiamantis Street has many arts and crafts shops, clothes shops and art galleries which remain open late into the evening. They are great for strolling around and browsing in at the end of the day.
Navigate your way through various alleys off the main street and discover more craft shops tucked away amongst the distinctive white painted houses around the town centre. Jewellery is also popularly sold here.

Dodecanese Islands

The Dodecanese Islands are a popular package holiday destination in Greece - the most famous of its 12 islands are Rhodes and Kos. Apart from its beaches, the islands offer plenty of historical sites and ancient temples.
Rhodes is the top package holiday destination in the group, with 300 days of sunshine a year drawing Brits to its sandy beaches and hotel complexes. Kos also has temples, shrines and mosques; restful Greek villages; and top beaches, lively nightlife and street cafes. Other islands include Nissyros - with dramatic volcanic landscapes - Kalymnos and Karpathos.

Beaches in the Dodecanese
Rhodes Town beach begins north of Mandraki harbour – it's not so crowded at its most northerly point. The best beaches are at Lindos and Pefkos, while Faliraki is popular with teens and 20-somethings, who can windsurf and jet-ski, before heading off to a club. Beaches on the western side of Rhodes are more exposed, windy and pebbly – but good for windsurfing.
On Kos, Kardamena is the liveliest beach but inevitably gets chockablock in high season. Lambi Beach can also get overcrowded, while Marmari and Tingaki beaches, eight miles from Kos Town, are slightly less packed. Along the south coast, beaches are more sandy (and oddly-named), such as Banana, Sunny and Camel. Bubble Beach is so-called because of nearby volcanic activity.

Sightseeing in the Dodecanese
You won't see the Colossus of Rhodes, despite images on t-shirts and souvenirs – it's a legendary statue but no-one knows if even existed. In Rhodes Old Town, take a guided walk within the World Heritage-listed fortifications to re-live the tales of medieval knights.
The history of Rhodes is also evident in its mosque and synagogue and it has half a dozen museums for history buffs. For great views, visit the Acropolis of Rhodes. Kos was home to the father of medicine, Hippocrates, and the island's most important ancient site is Asklepieion, a medical sanctuary. The most famous monument in Kos Town is the 14th century Castle of the Knights. Remember, many attractions will be closed on Mondays.

Family attractions in the Dodecanese
From July to September, local kids perform traditional folk dances in the Municipal Theatre of Rhodes and depending on when you visit, you could see a religious festival – even donkey racing at Agios Soulas in July. There's a water park and fun fair in Faliraki, while Pefkos and Ixia are suitable resorts for families.
On Kos, the resort of Psalidi is close enough to Kos Town for mum and dad to enjoy its nightlife but it's quieter with more kiddie-orientated hotels. Shape Water Park has slides and flumes to keep kids occupied for a day – and bars and shops for the folks. The new Lido Water Park at Mastichari is huge.

Day trips in the Dodecanese
Lindos, about 30 miles from Rhodes, has scenic 17th century houses and winding cobbled streets packed with tourist shops and cafes. The Acropolis of Lindos is a spectacular sight with great views of the island. Kos is relatively flat so cycling is easy and popular. The thermal springs at Therma Loutra offer the chance to try a natural spa, and the sunsets at the mountain village of Zia make a photogenic backdrop to specially laid-on Greek evenings for tourists.
Ferries from Rhodes and Kos take you to Nissyros, which is the only Greek island with a volcano. Kalymnos (home to famous sponge fishermen) and Pserimos can be visited together in one day, while Symi has a colourful harbour.
And of course, if you're on Kos, visit Rhodes, and vice versa. On day trips to Bodrum, try a Turkish bath.

Eating in the Dodecanese
All-day English breakfasts plus meat-and-two-veg are available in the main tourist areas but you can also find restaurants featuring Chinese, Italian, Scandinavian and German cuisine. There are plenty of tacky touristy restaurants and burger joints but in the backstreets of the Old Town of Rhodes you will find tavernas offering cheap local food such as moussaka (layers of aubergine, meat and cheese) and stifado (meat or seafood in tomato sauce), washed down with ouzo.
Meze is a selection of Greek dishes (mezedes) – a great way to try what you like without committing to a full meal. You're likely to get options such as taramasalata (fish roe), feta cheese, tzatziki (yoghurt dip), dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), keftedes (meatballs) and saganaki (deep fried goat's cheese) – all better than the versions we get in UK supermarkets. Seafood is another must-try – such as souvlaki (fish kebab), burdeta (fish with cayenne pepper) or astakos (lobster).

Nightlife in the Dodecanese
The cosmopolitan bars in Rhodes Old Town are lively – full of travellers, scuba divers, Europeans, Aussies – and Brits of course. You'll find plenty of dance clubs, pubs and live music (traditional Greek and more modern tunes). Clubbers' paradise Faliraki is famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) for its buzzing (and boozy) foam parties.
Flash the cash at the Casino of Rhodes in the Grand Hotel Summer Palace if you fancy a flutter. Kardamena is the party capital of Kos, with the best bars, karaoke and nightclubs, but you'll also find techno and garage in Kos Town, as well as English pubs with footie on big screens. If you're feeling more sedate, wander around Kos Town, up to the Castle of the Knights and take in the view of Kos harbour's fishing boats, yachts and ferries.

Shopping in the Dodecanese
In Rhodes Old Town you can buy jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs of ancient Greek remains or just browse its flea market. On Kos, the village of Siana sells locally produced honey, while Lindos and Afandou sell carpets, lace and embroidery. The main tourist areas offer plastic tat – but for cheaper jewellery and leather goods, take a day trip to Bodrum in Turkey and practise your haggling skills for a genuine fake Rolex.

Brac

Brac is Croatia's biggest island on the Dalmatian coast. Expect a fabulous combination of sunshine, good beaches, culture, history and good food. It's rapidly becoming popular with families.
Tourists can expect a friendly welcome, stunning scenery, fantastic uncrowded beaches and wonderfully preserved villages. There's a good mixture of accommodation in the most popular areas of Supetar, Pucisca and Milna. Brac is particularly loved by surfers, windsurfers, climbers, cyclists and walkers.

Brac beaches
The Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Horn, on the south side of the island at Bol, is the most famous. It's good for sunbathing and windsurfing.
A unique natural phenomenon, this long spit of sand stretches about half a kilometre into the clear Adriatic sea, its tip shifting with sea currents. It can get pretty busy on the shoreline but sea temperatures are warm until September. There are good beaches too at Dominikanski, Samostan, Murvica, Mala Lozna and Lovrecina.

Sightseeing in Brac
Get a sense of Brac's history with a visit to the Dominican monastery at Bol with its botanical garden and museum. The scenery is stunning, dominated by pine forests and limestone with numerous spectacular gullies, coves, valleys and cavities.
Look out for the quarries where the famous Brac building stone is excavated; if it looks familiar that's because it was used to build the White House.

Family attractions in Brac
Brac is a wonderful family destination for those who love messing about on the beach, relaxing in the sunshine, trying their hand at windsurfing or visiting historical sites.
Families wanting endless amusement arcades and rides or looking for high-octane excitement at theme parks will not find what they're looking for.

Day Trips around Brac
Head to the top of the island by car, bike or foot and climb Mt Vidova Gora for amazing views. It's the highest of all the island peaks in the Adriatic sea. On a clear day you can see not only the neighbouring islands of Hvar and Vis, but also spot Italy in the distance.
Nearby is the Dragon's Cave, named after the dragon which a monk chiselled on the wall in the 15th century. There are ruins of the old Christian basilica at the charming village of Povlja, while at Skrip (the oldest island settlement) is the 16th century Tower Radojkovic, which now houses a museum.

Eating in Brac
Brac is embracing the tourist trade so it's not too difficult to track down your favourite foods - but the fresh fish is particularly good so do try some - you can always have chips with them.
The speciality is lamb and Vitalac (lamb's liver) washed down with the local red wine, Plavac. The more adventurous may like to try traditional favourite, Puh (grey squirrel).Brac nightlife
Brac attracts young holidaymakers, meaning its nightlife can be pretty lively. There are tons of café bars, nightclubs and cocktail bars with dance floors in Bol, so there are plenty of places to go for late night fun.
Be sure to walk along the seafront too where you may be lucky to catch some street entertainers.

Brac shopping
Sumartin, Postira and Milna, Pucisca, Supetar, Bol and Sutivaal are the places to head if you're a keen shopper.
Stock up with excellent olive oil, cheese and sour cherries and almonds. Check the opening times though, some shops shut between noon and 4pm.