Advice

A one-hour drive north of Milan, Lake Como is the most glamorous of Italy’s lakes, hemmed in by the snow-capped Alps with picture-perfect villages on the water. Milanesi pop here for the day for a breath of fresh air and to soak up the fabulous vistas, while international visitors – the Clooneys, the Kennedys –

The Easter holidays are underway across the country and with it the perennial problem of what to do with the children when the weather turns bad.  If the forecast does forfeit adventures in the great outdoors, it’s worth checking out some of the best indoor attractions around the country. From discovering the tricks of the

If there’s one thing the Tenerifians know how to do well, it’s party. Enjoying life is a genetic disposition, evident if you venture into one of the many bars and nightclubs frequented by locals – and there are many. Check out the vibrant student scene in La Laguna, test your stamina in the bop-till-breakfast clubs

Through the ages Sicily has been a crossroads and crucible of Mediterranean culture. The island today is a fascinating palimpsest, its history and abundant natural wonders ensuring that there’s something for everyone: the historic cities of Palermo, Catania and Siracusa; the Etna region with its volcanic landscapes, fertile wine country and picture-perfect Taormina; Ragusa, Modica

Yes, there are a million and one beaches (well, 72 listed on the tourist board website at least) on which to stretch out, switch off and toast into a nice shade of bronze. But to do just that is nothing short of a crime on such a multi-faceted island. Up, down, inside, outside: everywhere you

With its world-famous archeological sites, including the Curium near Limassol and the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, luxury thalassotherapy centres and spas, water activities, and mountains dotted with vineyards and nature trails, Cyprus offers an endless variety of things to do during your holiday. You can try your hand at snorkelling, or diving if

Cyprus is often referred to as being at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – and as such their time-served influences can be seen on the menus of countless tavernas across the island. But, don’t go thinking Cyprus is set in its ways. In fact, this forward-thinking island has embraced grand

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a great choice if you want to laze on the beach and top up the tan. With its sub-tropical climate that translates into endless days of summer sunshine, and beaches and bays – some quiet and unspoilt; others bustling with activities – the island is an unbeatable holiday destination. Here,

Like Majorca and Ibiza before it, Tenerife is finally succeeding in shedding its tacky chrysalis, and morphing into a sophisticated destination happy to hold its own in the company of high spenders, gastronomes and choosy golfers. That’s not to say the ‘old Tenerife’ has met its maker, it just self-perpetuates in the background while Michelin

Long gone are the times when Tenerife tourism was only associated with familiar fodder listed on laminated menus. That food is still available for those looking for home comforts, but tastes in Tenerife have changed, and so has the quality on offer. These days creative Canarian is the dish of the day, with no less

Although renowned for its high-end shopping and cutting-edge design, Milan offers many more things to do: its museums harbour some of the country’s finest works of art, and there’s no shortage of churches adorned with wonderful frescoes, a number from the school of Leonardo Da Vinci. Steps away from the Gothic-style Duomo is La Scala,

Italy has welcomed visitors since time immemorial. But not all of Italy: some regions have remained impervious to the Grand Tourists of the past and the Instagrammers of today. Who, for example, visits Abruzzo, a region east of Rome and south of the Marche? Very few is the answer – but why so secret? Poverty, for

Variety is the spice of life on the largest Greek island. Crete, home of the Minotaur legend and birthplace of Europe’s first evolved society, is a vivid and sensual mosaic of contrasts: from lofty mountains and pink-sand beaches, to buzzing nightlife and traditional kafeneions (coffeehouses). Standing at the crossroads of three continents, the atoll described by Homer

Welcome to Bangkok – a sprawling, humid metropolis of more than 10 million souls that rose along the eastern banks of the Chao Phraya river a little more than 200 years ago. Today, the Thai capital brims with interesting historic sites, stylish hotels, incredible culinary adventures, and fantastic shopping, and none of this need break

Every day of the week, 24-hours a day, there’s always something going on in the city that never sleeps. From big-name museums to meander through, architectural wonders to gawk at, galleries to see, and neighbourhoods to explore, you’d have to live seven lives to experience all the best things to do in New York. Below

Our rich and noble forebears flocked south to the Riviera capital, for the sun, unbounded friskiness and the sensuous curve of the Bay of Angels. Queen Victoria befriended Sarah Bernhardt there. And, when dying in Britain, she – the queen – allegedly gasped: “If only I were in Nice, I’d get better.” I’ve no doubt

The challenge when visiting Rome is deciding what not to do: there are so many churches, archaeological sites, piazzas and paintings to see that a lifetime is hardly enough. Don’t try to cram too much in; Rome moves at a slower pace than many northern Italian cities, and to enjoy it you should take time out

Zante is renowned for raucous nightlife, but there’s a far more authentic side to the Venetians ‘Fiore di Levante’ (flower of the Levante). For such a small island, scenery is extremely varied: the southern coastline – home to Laganas’ notorious nightlife strip – also encompasses the pristine beaches of Zakynthos Marine Park, where loggerhead sea turtle come to

A marvellous medieval centre, piles of perfect pasta and a thriving university, which is Europe’s oldest, dating from 1088. Bologna ticks all the boxes for a memorable stay combining good food with cultural curiosities. There are treasures to be discovered include a peppering of medieval towers, miles of porticoes and monumental statues with intriguing stories

Little Bruges, the perfect pocket-sized medieval city, was a Sleeping Beauty. Laced with canals, it was one of the great North European trading ports in late medieval times. The magnificently detailed paintings of its artists, such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, record its wealth in clothing, jewellery and ornament. Then it fell rapidly