12 of the best beach towns in southern Europe

Quiet islands, Venetian harbours, sumptuous seafood and golden sands … these seaside towns in France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Portugal are ingrained with the spirit of summer

10 of the best small UK towns for winter breaks

The historic buildings, modern restaurants, cosy pubs and independent shops of these towns banish any notions of a backwater. And they sparkle in the Christmas season – perfect for a weekend break or day trip

Abandoned places: the worlds we’ve left behind – in pictures

Kieron Connolly’s new book of photographs of more than 100 once-busy and often elegant buildings gives an eerie idea of how the world might look if humankind disappeared.

Bay of pigging out – town-hopping in Croatia’s Kvarner gulf

Touring four towns on three islands, Kevin Rushby enjoys fennel liqueur, sheep’s cheese and seafood, while teenage Maddy prefers a papal cake sugar hit