For a true taste of art deco, head to Cinematheque Tanger, an all-artist-run creative hub. The theatre is North Africa’s first arthouse cinema and has masterclasses on independent films. 

Tangier fell under the Carthaginian settlement and remnants of this past are evident at Cape Spartel. One of its biggest draws is the ornate lighthouse and nature reserve with its epic views of the sea.  

Find a moment of calm from the bustling kasbah at La Terrasse De Dar El Kasbah. This colourful 19th-century tea house is stationed in the original 1884 building, the first English telegraph line between Tangier and Gibraltar. 

Based on the former Spanish Royal Collection, the Museo del Prado is Spain's foremost national art museum, which displays European art from the 12th to the early 20th centuries. Here you'll find a sizeable collection of works by Spanish luminaries like Velásquez and Goya, as well as Titian, Ruebens, El Greco and Bosch – among a great many others.

A world-class collection of modern art with permanent displays – including the must-see Guernica by Picasso – as well as temporary exhibitions.

Take a break from exploring and spend an afternoon relaxing in Madrid's most beautiful park, El Retiro. There's a mix of formal gardens, water features and wilder, woodier areas to explore.

Just an hour or so from downtown Lisbon by train, Sintra is a kaleidoscopic fairytale of architecture and lush forests amid the cooler mountains west of the city. The whole municipality is UNESCO World Heritage-listed and is a must-see day trip from Lisbon.

Any rail enthusiasts should make time to visit Entroncamento, home to the Museu Nacional Ferroviário (National Railway Museum). You can see royal and presidential carriages at the museum, and learn more about the town's important role in the history of Portugal's railways – Entroncamento even means "junction".

Board the sunshine-yellow Ascensor da Glória up to the small landscaped terrace viewpoint of Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. Enjoy a glass or two overlooking the spectacular panoramic views across the city.

Take a fascinating tour of a working sardine factory. Pinhais & Cia is housed in one of the city’s most beautiful buildings in the Matosinhos district, 15 minutes by metro from the centre of Porto.

Featuring eight museums and exhibitions, WOW is a must-do. The Wine Experience will take you on a journey from vine to bottle, including a tasting at the end.

This 17th-century pazo (Galician country manor) has been converted into a museum and is surrounded by stunning French-style gardens. Exhibitions include paintings by Galician artists and archaeological artefacts found in the local area.

A wander round the streets of Vigo’s old town will take you back to its fishing heyday. The granite-built buildings are a higgledy-piggledy mix of tiny houses and grand townhouses.

Named the ‘Islands of the Gods’ by the Romans, the Cíes Islands are a true gem in the Vigo Estuary. Boat trips operate to a few of the islands: Rodas beach joins the islands of Monteagudo and Faro and is a highlight.

The Museo de la Evolución Humana explains the fascinating finds from the nearby Atapuerca archeological sites, which shed new light on the history of humanity. Most of the main fossils are held in the city-centre museum, but you can also visit the sites where they were found, about 15km from Burgos.

Architect Antoni Gaudí is one of Barcelona’s most famous residents and no visit here is complete without seeing at least one of his organic and imaginative buildings. Both Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) are easily spotted on a wander down Passeig de Gràcia. If you've a little more time, take the metro up to Parc Güell and wander among the colourful ceramic structures, and for full immersion into Gaudí's grandiosity and ambition, visit the still-unfinished Sagrada Família.

Explore the diminutive but diverse collection of erotica from across history at Barcelona's Museu de l'Erotica. From pictures of lithe Kama Sutra bodies to the voluptuousness of Japanese Shunga drawings, this museum opens a door into the history of desire and sexual expression.

There are a number of beaches in and within easy reach of the city. Barceloneta is the closest to the city centre and both the most famous and most popular. There's plenty of beach volleyball and ping pong on offer, as well as places to find fresh seafood. Head to Nova Icaria if you're after something a little more sedate, with the same range of beach activities on offer on a smaller scale. For something altogether quieter, make your way north to Platja d'Ocata, a pristine, tranquil stretch of beautiful golden sand.

Spend an afternoon strolling around Marseille’s Vieux Port, one of the oldest parts of the city and one of Europe’s largest regeneration areas. It's in the streets around the marina that you'll find some of the city's must-see attractions, plus fantastic shops, restaurants and food trucks. There are some great rooftop bars open in the evening, too.

Visit the city's bustling markets for a full sensory experience with colourful fruit and veg, tempting smells and plenty of fresh, delicious food. The fish market is the most famous and long-standing markets in Marseille and it's open early every morning in the old port.

While Ajaccio is primarily known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, it is also home to the Fesch Museum (Musée Fesch). This art museum houses one of the most important collections of Italian Renaissance paintings in France, amassed by Cardinal Joseph Fesch, Napoleon's uncle. Explore the museum's vast collection, the second largest art collection in the country after Paris' Louvre, which includes works by famous artists such as Botticelli, Titian, and Veronese. 

The Bastion de l'Étendard (The Fortress of the Standard), is a historic fortress that has stood since the 15th-century and is the highest bastion in France. Its strategic location atop the cliff offers panoramic views of the harbor and the city, while the landscaped gardens offer various viewpoints. Make your way underground to rooms dug into rock and an exhibition charting the history of the bastion. 

Hire a bike in Porto Vecchio, then cycle along the country lanes to Plage de Palombaggia. This stunning stretch of sand and tuquoise water is one of the island's best beaches – rent a deckchair and relax for a couple of hours before cycling back.

Visit one of the city's 40 palaces – a splendid collection of grand Renaissance and Baroque buildings. We love Palazzo Reale with its stunning paintings and pretty gardens.

Marvel at the view from the rooftops of the Duomo di Milano – the largest church in Italy. No visit to the city is complete without experiencing this iconic cathedral, built over centuries in an overwhelming mix of grand Gothic styles.

Head to the outskirts of the city to visit La Vigna di Leonardo, Leonardo Da Vinci's small vineyard, which is housed in the peaceful gardens of Casa degli Atellani, a 15th-century mansion.

Visit the striking Castello Sforzesco (Sforza's Castle) and the surrounding Sempione Park for a peaceful afternoon wandering through vast castle rooms and relaxing by the lake.

Wander around the Altstadt with its web of alleys and historic architecture. You'll find everything you need in this central hub including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries.

Lace up your hiking boots or hire a bike to explore the town and surrounding countryside on the area's many trails. Check out some great routes here, and head to Outside Chur to rent an e-bike (urban and mountain bike styles available).

Visit the Roman remains in Chur, open to the public (get the key from the tourism office) and covered by a shelter.

The summer-only 10km Five Lakes Trail takes in the Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee lakes. If you fancy a quick dip, make for Grünsee or Leisee. 

For the quintessential Alpine experience, ski to Chez Vrony and enjoy cheese fondue on the terrace with a direct view of the Matterhorn. The rest of the menu is just as appealing, and they can cater to vegetarians.

Gornergrat (10,135ft/3089m) is reached from Zermatt via the gradual uphill of the open-air Gornergrat cog railway (roughly 30mins). On a sunny day, there are gorgeous views all the way up – sit on the right for the Matterhorn view – as well as from the viewing platform at the top.

Spend some time wandering round Zürich's old town, along the historic streets of Rennweg and Augustinergasse, home to pretty buildings, shops and cafés, or walk to Lindenhof for views over the river and city. Visit the Fraumünster, a former abbey famous for its stained glass windows, then finish off with a visit to Café & Conditorei 1842 for a hot chocolate (or tipple) and cake in elegant surroundings. 

Get lost in infinity or dance on the ceiling at the museum of immersive optical illusions. One of Zürich's zaniest attractions, the WOW Museum will appeal to kids of all ages (and adults young at heart). 

Visit Zurich's Opernhaus, the city's first permanent theatre opened in 1834 with Mozart's Zauberflöte and is now the main venue for opera and ballet in the city. 

Visit Jarun Lake, a recreational area located southwest of Zagreb's city centre, also known as the 'Zagreb Sea'. The lake offers numerous activities, including swimming, paddle boating, and cycling, and at night turns into a nightlife hotspot. There are also artistic and educational exhibits, alongside sports facilities, and picnic spots where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Take a stroll through the Gornji Grad (Upper Town) for delightful medieval buildings. Make sure to stop by St. Mark's Square, the Church of St. Mark, and the Museum of Naïve Art (Muzej Naivne Umjetnosti). Another highlight is the traditional lamplighter, who takes to the streets at dusk to light the authentic gas lamps. 

Discover the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, also known as Bey's mosque. Completed in the 16th-century and named after the Ottoman Governor, it is one of the most important and beautiful Ottoman mosques in the Balkans, with intricate architecture and serene interior. 

Escape the city's hustle and bustle by visiting Vrelo Bosne, a tranquil park located on the outskirts of Sarajevo at the foot of Mount Igman, at the end of the tram line. Explore the park's lush greenery, walking paths, and crystal-clear springs.

Take a walk or cycle through Tiergarten, at 210 hectares Berlin's biggest green space. Stop off at Café am Neuen See to recharge with a drink looking out over the lake.

Visit one of the most photogenic churches in Germany, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and enjoy a moment of peace beneath the spectacular blue stained-glass window.

Known as the vegan capital of Germany, Berlin place is an ideal holiday destination if you're following a plant-based diet. Highlights include vegan takes on the iconic local street food currywurst, delicious doughnuts, authentic Georgian cuisine and high-end dining – book at table at zero-waste FREA if you can, which was awarded a green star by Michelin.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a museum dedicated to Carl Jacobsen’s vast collection of art and cultural artefacts. Visit the museum to see one of the world’s largest collections of Mediterranean antiquities and 19th-century art.

A former shipyard and industrial heart of Copenhagen, Refshaleøen has been transformed into a hot new cultural destination. Along with major draws like modern art museum CC Gallery and multisensory fine dining at Alchemist restaurant, there are many other hip bars and gallery spaces to explore.

The former meatpacking district of Kødbyen, with its striking white buildngs and blue-framed windows, is now protected as a national industrial monument. It's also a hipster haven with cool bars, restaurants and urban culture, and is a great place to chill out in the evening.

Head to Stockholm's historic centre, Gamla Stan, and discover medieval churches and the baroque Palace.

Relax in the sprawling meadows of Djurgården, a former royal hunting ground that's been transformed into a public recreational park. 

Explore Stockholm's art scene at the red-brick Fotografiska. Despite being a relative newcomer (it opened its doors in 2010), Fotografiska has been quick to establish itself as one of the leading museums of photography in the world.

Immerse yourself in the heritage of Narvik at the Narvik Museum and learn about the history of farming, fishing, the construction of the Ofotbanen railway and the trans-shipment of iron ore that transformed the area. The museum also has exhibits showcasing traditional Sami culture.