THE A-Z OF ALTERNATIVE BREAKS

Alghero

Small, but perfectly preserved, Alghero is wealthy enough to have retained its ancient charm and Sardinian flavour without resorting to the over-development of the island's better-known beach destination, the Costa Smeralda. In its medieval, car-free citadel, traditional bars and restaurants retain that relaxed Mediterranean buzz.

Beyond the marina the relatively unspoilt coastline is a haven for the sun-seeker and water-sports fan, the pine forests beyond are heaven for the nature-lover and aspiring oenologists can make a pilgrimage to the Sella & Mosca vineyard.

We recommend a Stay at Hotel Villa Las Tronas, which sits on its own peninsula. Get there with Freedomtravelholidays.com fly from Birmingham or Stansted.

Almeria

The south-eastern corner of Andalucia was best known in years past as a film location for spaghetti westerns such as A Fistful of Dollars. But thanks to the stunning, unspoilt beauty of the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata it's become the haunt of the country's trendy creative set. Cabo de Gata, 30 miles east of Almeria, has the most pristine beaches and dramatic landscape and is dotted with yoga retreats.

We recommend a Stay at Hotel. Get there with Freedomtravelholidays.com by flying from either Gatwick or Stansted.

Antwerp

Posh frocks with a twist from the Antwerp Six, who include Ann Demeulemeester and Dries van Noten, have put this Belgian city on the fashion map. But the local haute couture isn't the only draw here for the fashionista. The ModeNatie building (Nationalestraat 28) is home to the Flanders Fashion Institute and new fashion museum Momu. For cut-price outfits by up-and-coming designers, head for the Walter shop.

We recommend a Stay at stylish B&B Slapen Enzo . Get there with Freedomtravelholidays.com from London City.

Belgrade

The house music scene exploded in the Serbian capital in the Nineties and despite the Nato bombings that shook the city, the clubs went underground and the beat went on. Head for the nightspots underneath Kalemegdan Castle or ask around at trendy bar Manhattan (Palmoticeva 27) for the latest happening venue. The myriad museums and eclectic architecture betray a past moulded by the clashing superpowers of yesteryear, namely the Austro-Hungarians and the Ottomans.

We recommend a Stay at the Admiral Club. Fly to Belgrade from London Heathrow.

Budapest

The Hungarians know a thing or two about staying fresh-faced and trim as they've had a sophisticated spa culture for hundreds of years. The capital is full of magnificent baths with bags of history and a jovial atmosphere that's a million miles from the scented candles, whale music and hefty price-tags we're used to in the UK. Head for the famous Gellert Baths and Spa, where the entrance is a mere £8.50 with massages starting at £6; for a more antique experience, there's the 16th-century Ottoman Kiraly baths; and to join the locals abluting, swimming and playing chess in steaming pools, go to Szechenyi Medicinal Spa and Swimming Pool.

We recommend a Stay at the Zara Boutique. Fly to Budapest from London Gatwick and Luton.