THE A-Z OF ALTERNATIVE BREAKS

Rimini

The birthplace of film director Federico Fellini has become a bucket-and-spade mecca for Italian families, but neighbouring Riccione is the clubbing capital of Italy, attracting ravers from as far as Rome. Pack your most fabulous outfit (the Italians are a well-turned-out crowd, even on the dance floor) and head straight for Paradiso on the Friday night. Byblos, a Mediterranean-style villa in the hills which offers a Latin vibe, is your best bet for Saturday night.

We recommend a Stay at Sixty Hotel, a suitably trendy establishment (it's owned by Miss Sixty) with artist-designed rooms. Get there with from Luton.

Rotterdam

Flattened during the second world war, Rotterdam has risen from the rubble phoenix-like to become a Blade Runner-style iconic city for innovative, contemporary architecture. In fact, it's been dubbed City of Architecture for 2007. The city's more iconic bridges and skyscrapers are brought to life via podcasts (see rotterdam2007.nl) and the National Photography Museum (nederlandsfotomuseum.nl) opens in a new location with an architectural theme in April.

We recommend a Stay at Stroom Hotel. Fly from Stansted to Rotterdam.

Split

The vast palace of Roman emperor Diocletian stands at the heart of the Dalmatian capital, but rather like the city itself, it has been reinvented as a thriving hub full of shops, offices and buzzing bars. As Split is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, the handful of sites including the gallery and former home of sculptor Ivan Mestrovic play second fiddle to the simple pleasures of catching some rays, tucking into fresh fish and enjoying an evening passeggiata. The best nightlife can be found on Bacvice beach, where you'll find the fine restaurant Stellon owned by local football star Goran Vucevic who played for Barcelona and Cologne. After dinner, follow the trendy crowd on to the Tropic Club Equador.

We recommend a Stay at Hotel Park. Fly from Birmingham or Fly from London Luton.

Stockholm

If you trek to Tate Modern at every opportunity, why not spend a little more and indulge your passion for modern art in the city that has a museum housing one of the largest collections of 20th-century works in Europe. The Moderna Museet also has an excellent collection of Nordic sculpture and if you're craving more, head for the Millesgarden sculpture park. Carl Milles' fantastical bronzes grace fountains and seem to fly off tall pedestals, while spectacular views of the city make for an impressive backdrop. After your arty excursions, tuck into the delicious grazing menu at Camera Club right in the heart of town.

We recommend a Stay at super-central Hotel Esplanade. Get there with from Edinburgh and London.

Thessaloniki

Greece's second largest city has a handful of great museums and a good selection of shops and boutiques, but the nightlife is the major attraction. Modiano Market is packed with trendy bars and restaurants, and the former industrial area of Ladadika is a hot spot for the club scene. Ask around to get the low-down on the hottest venue of the moment as they find (and fall from) favour at an alarming rate in this town.

We recommend a Stay at Daios Hotel. Get there from Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, Luton, Newcastle, Manchester and Nottingham.