The Top 10 Recommended European City Breaks For 2015

A guide to the top 10 destinations for a city break in 2015, including what to do and where to stay in Seville, Mons, Milan, Krakow and Málaga

1. Lyon

Given its status as the gastro capital of France, Lyon has never had the profile among British travellers which it should have done. But from next year we will have no excuses. On May 1, Eurostar (eurostar.com) starts a year-round non-stop service between London and France’s second city up to five times a week. You can be there four hours 41 minutes after leaving St Pancras, from £89 return. Even if you have been before, you may want to pay another visit. This year saw the inauguration of the the Rives de Saône - an ambitious riverside promenade along the Saône - and earlier this month saw the opening of the Musée des Confluences - a new science centre and anthropology museum.

_{Lyon is the gastro capital of France}

Stay at: Villa Florentine (0033 472 565 656; villaflorentine.com). Traditional hotel on a steep hill overlooking the Saône: £231.

Read the full review: Villa Florentine, Lyon

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2. Seville

The most complete and varied of Andalusia’s great cities, Seville has wonderful food (especially the tapas), great wines (especially the sherry), world-class sights (the cathedral and the Alcazar), great art (Museo de Bellas Artes), remarkably good shopping, and a pulsating nightlife (including the world’s best flamenco dancing). In short, it makes the perfect short-break destination - especially since British Airways (ba.com) will start direct services from Gatwick five times weekly from March 29 - by which time the temperatures should be warming up nicely.

_{Seville is the most remarkable and varied of Andalusia's great cities}

Stay at: Hotel Alfonso XIII (0080 032 545 454;luxurycollection.com/alfonsoxiii). A 1920s hotel decorated in classic Andalusian style with a pool and gardens, near the cathedral: £258.

Read the full review: Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville

3. Plzen

Tasted the beer? Try the city. Plzen, in the Czech Republic and hour or so west of Prague, is where the Pilsner lager (Pilsner Urquell) was invented in 1842 and where it is still made. In 2015 it will be basking in the attention of being one of two European Capitals of Culture. It is an attractive town in its own right: key monuments are the 13th-century St Bartholomew’s cathedral, the grand Renaissance-era city hall and, nearby, the great 19th-century Velka synagogue. Information on the programme for next year is still a little scanty, but will be published onplzen2015.cz.

_{Pilsner lager was invented in the city in 1842}

Stay at: Angelo Hotel (0042 037 801 6111; vi-hotels.com). Contemporary accommodation near the Brewery museum: £61, including breakfast.

4. Mons

Another beneficiary of City of Culture status for 2015, Mons is a beguiling Belgian town whose cobbled streets weave around a historic central square. Its strategically important hilltop location (hence the name) has guaranteed a troubled past, and this year it has been commemorating its key role at the beginning of World War One - this is where the first British soldier was killed. Next year however, it will be looking to the future, and a full schedule of exhibitions, events and festivities is at: mons2015.eu.

_{Mons is a beguiling Belgian town}

Stay at: Hotel Dream (0032 653 29720; dream-mons.be). Quirky, 57-room hotel converted from a former convent precinct: £89.

5. Catania

EasyJet’s (easyjet.com) new direct flights from Bristol to Catania in Sicily opens up lots of possibilities - Taormina and Syracuse are within easy reach of the airport, which is also a great way for exploring the whole of the island. But vibrant Catania, often overlooked by tourists, is a great destination for a short break. It has excellent restaurants and markets and a rather lovely baroque centre, rebuilt after earthquakes and a catastrophic eruption of nearby Mount Etna in the 17th century. Sicily’s mild climate is particularly appealing in May when the new twice-weekly flights begin.

_{Catania is often overlooked by tourists}

Stay at: Liberty Hotel (0039 095 311 651; libertyhotel.it). Elegant art nouveau hotel: from £95, including breakfast.

6. Bern

You don’t find many more picturesque or relaxed capital cities than Bern, whose old town straddles a narrow bluff above a sharp bend in the river Aare. This is Switzerland at its most charming - cobbled streets, glittering fountains, and wooded slopes running down to the river and views of the Bernese Alps. (From the city centre you can be at the top of the 2,830ft summit of Gurten in half an hour by tram and funicular). Einstein lived here while developing his theory of relativity, and Paul Klee was born here (there are museums dedicated to both). Now, with new daily flights from Skyworks (flyskywork.com), it is within easy reach of Southend airport.

_{Cities don't come more picturesque than Bern}

Stay at: Hotel Schweizerhof (0041 313 268 080; schweizerhof-bern.ch). Smart, city-centre hotel with spa and rooftop terrace: £271.

Read the full review: Hotel Schweizerhof, Bern

7. Milan

Two major events next year will shift the focus away from Milan’s shopping and fashion credentials onto two of the city’s other great strengths: art and food. You might not think of Expo 2015, which runs from May-October, as a tourist draw, especially with the slogan “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”. But as well as focusing on the environmental challenges facing the globe, it will also be a celebration of food cultures around the world, not least the great culinary traditions of the host city. And from April 15 to July 19, at the Palazzo Reale, Milan will also host the largest exhibition of works by Leonardo da Vinci ever held in Italy. Food for the body and soul.

_{Milan will be celebrating its art and food in 2015}

Stay at: Bulgari hotel (0039 028 058 051; bulgarihotels.com). Flagship, city centre hotel: £569.

Read the full review: Bulgari Hotel, Milan

8. Deauville

Deauville is a vibrant seaside resort which has retained much of the smart sheen it acquired when it first became fashionable in the 19th century. Come here for excellent seafood, the race course, the beach, the casino and the golf. It is also an excellent gateway to the Normandy coast - so important in the development of the Impressionist movement (there is an excellent collection in the museum in nearby Le Harve). And some of Normandy’s most attractive towns - including Bayeaux and Rouen - are within an hour’s drive. Ryanair (ryanair.com) begins a new twice-weekly service on the short hop between Stansted and Deauville on April 3.

_{Deauville is an excellent gateway to the Normandy coast}

Stay at: Les Manoirs de Tourgeville (0033 231 144 868;lesmanoirstourgeville.com). Stylish, relaxed hotel in large, leafy grounds: £179.

9. Krakow

British Airways (ba.com) begins direct flights from Heathrow to Krakow, four times a week from next May, partly because of the demand from Polish people living or working in the UK. But it is also a great opportunity for the British to visit Poland’s second city whose splendid market square, its barbican and castle, its wonderful array of synagogues and historic churches, and grand city-centre palaces were spared destruction in the Second World War. Among the highlights are The Collegium Maius, where Copernicus studied and which is now home to Chopin’s piano.

_{Krakow is Poland's second city}

Stay at: Metropolitan Boutique Hotel (0048 124 427 500;hotelmetropolitan.pl). Recently renovated city-centre base: £169, including breakfast.

10. Málaga

Picasso’s birthplace has for a long-time slipped under the radar as a destination for a short break. It has always been a thriving city, but for more than a decade it has been riding a cultural wave of new investment which began with the opening of the Museo Picasso Málaga in 2003. Next year will see the opening of another, the Centro Pompidou de Málaga in 2015 in the revamped port area - the first branch of the great Parisian institution to open outside France. For the next five years it will display selections from its seminal collection of 20th century art.

_{Málaga is the birthplace of Picasso}

Stay at: Molina Lario (0034 952 062 002; molinalario.warwickhotels.com). Modern hotel on the seafront promenade: £89.

For the best hotels in more than 130 destinations worldwide, go totelegraph.co.uk/hotels

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The 12 Most Romantic Resorts In The Mediterranean

There’s something undeniably sexy about the Mediterranean: The sea breezes, the storied history, the beautiful architecture, the friendly people, the delicious cuisine, and — without a doubt — the sweeping views, of both city and sea, certainly don’t hurt either. We’ve made our way along the winding coast, from Spain’s Costa del Sol to the Greek island of Mykonos, and have found that the Mediterranean can certainly set the scene for romance — as can many of its luxury hotels. Here are a dozen beautiful, romantic properties in the Mediterranean that are perfect for a sexy escape.

Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Spa Center, Mykonos

Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Spa Center is a luxury hotel (it’s part of the Relais & Chateaux chain) with 70 rooms overlooking Platis Gialos. Guests seem to love the hotel’s little extras, such as juice at check-in and ice pops by the pool. Guest rooms are chic, white, and airy, and offer ocean views. The hotel has an infinity-edge outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean, Greek, and Mykonos dishes. The indoor spa offers guests a free, daily thalassotherapy session, and the hotel has a fitness center with several weight and cardio machines. Free shuttle service to the airport is available. It’s a short walk to the beautiful Platis Gialos Beach, and Mykonos Town is a 12-minute drive from the hotel.

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Mare Hotel Savona, Italian Riviera

With its beach-heavy, modern design, Mare Hotel Savona provides a tropical escape on the Mediterranean. Savona is a bit industrial, but the hotel provides a nice spot for a beach vacation and is also a good base for exploring other tourist destinations on the Italian Riviera, such as Bergeggi and Finale Ligure. The on-site restaurants are popular (though a bit pricey), which means snagging a table without a reservation can be somewhat difficult. Rooms on the south side have much better views and are quieter.

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Claris Hotel, Barcelona

A former palace, the luxurious 124-room Hotel Claris is conveniently located within walking distance to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia. The gorgeous rooms are quiet and creative with Egyptian-inspired art objects and marble bathrooms; there are several room types including chic duplex suites. The extensive array of features includes a rooftop pool, solarium, gym, and sauna. One highlight is the glass-enclosed cocktail bar and restaurant with striking city views. There is an on-site museum and interesting works of art in every hotel corner, but there is no tea or coffee in the rooms.

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Royal Continental Hotel, Naples

The 397-room, four-star Royal Continental Hotel bills itself as a “boutique” property, but in actuality it is the largest convention center in Naples. Located in a quiet pedestrian area by the Bay of Naples, the Royal Continental has a wide variety of facilities for business travelers, including a full theater and exhibition hall, but tourists and couples will also appreciate the location, away from Naples’ inner-city crush and surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

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Electra Palace Hotel Athens

Electra Palace Hotel Athens is a beautiful luxury property with 150 rooms in the neighborhood of Plaka. The grounds and facilities are gorgeous, featuring an outdoor garden with manicured lawns and a pavilion where guests can enjoy the free breakfast. The rooftop restaurant, pool, and surrounding deck offer stunning views of the Acropolis. The hotel has a spa with a large indoor pool and hot tub as well as a fitness center. Rooms offer classic decor with crown molding, wooden floors, and area rugs. Guests looking for more modern accommodations may want to check out the less expensive New Hotel Athens, which is nearby.

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Masseria & Spa LuciaGiovanni, Lecce

This old farmhouse has been transformed into an intimate Moroccan-themed hotel located in the southern Italian region of Salento. The beautiful, natural-looking pool and spa make LuciaGiovanni an exotic escape that’s unmatched — unless you hop a plane to Morocco. The 28 rooms have stunning details such as wood-beam ceilings and wrought iron four-poster bed frames. The property is vast and green and provides a relaxing oasis, but is only a short drive to the old part of the city.

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Petasos Beach Hotel & Spa, Mykonos

Petasos Beach Hotel & Spa is a luxury property built in the traditional Cycladic architecture style that prevails on Mykonos. It has many of the same features as its competitors (large spa, swimming pool, beach access, restaurants, and fitness center). Unlike competitors, however, the hotel doesn’t own any of the beach facilities, so expect to pay extra for a chair and umbrella on the sand. Still, those looking for more activity may prefer this location — the nearby beaches are among the island’s most popular, and there are a number of restaurants and shops nearby (most competing properties tend to be more secluded). Be aware that the views shown on the hotel’s website are mainly from private suites, and might not be available from many rooms. Mykonos Town is about two miles from the hotel, and a bus stops directly outside of the front doors.

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Precise Resort El Rompido, Costa de la Luz

The 196-room Precise Resort El Rompido is a luxury golf resort near the fishing village of El Rompido. The hotel is in a gorgeous, palm tree and tropical plant-filled setting, with many peaceful spots to sit, sun, swim, or, of course, golf. The 36-hole golf course, driving range, and golf school are the resort’s centerpiece, so much so that the front desk features large arty photographs of golf balls. Rooms upscale, contemporary decor in neutral colors.

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Mercer Hotel Barcelona

One of Barcelona‘s top-rated hotels, the 28-room Mercer Barcelona offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel and the amenities of a larger property. Add in its location — tucked away on a charming, cobblestone street in the city’s Gothic Quarter, and within walking distance to many top attractions — and the Mercer can be a win-win for travelers. Leisure travelers are the main customers here, but business travelers will likely appreciate its “business corner,” with its library and computer, and small private areas for events and meetings. The hotel also offers several cocktail and dining options, including the Le Bouchon tapas bar and Jean Luc Figueras’ Mercer Restaurant JLF, a rooftop lounge and small pool, a hanging garden, and some of the most comfortable beds around.

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Hotel Excelsior, Naples

Built in 1908 and considered one of the classic hotels of Naples, the Hotel Excelsior is adorned with crystal chandeliers, antiques, and Italian marble floors in its sumptuous public spaces. A stay here is like stepping back in time to Belle Epoque-era Italy. Set in a prime position at the southern tip of Naples, the Excelsior overlooks the Castel dell’Ovo castle, Gulf of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius. The 121 rooms are elegant and understated, and some come with superb views of the water (though dated touches, like patterned bedspreads, are present). The prime gathering spot is the rooftop terrace restaurant, with fine Mediterranean cuisine and panoramic views.

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Hotel Balcon de Europa, Costa del Sol

The Hotel Balcon de Europa is one of many four-pearl luxury hotel choices on the Málaga coast, but what sets this 108-room property apart is its prime location on the beach in the center of tourist-friendly Nerja. There’s definitely an adult vibe here thanks to the rooftop swimming pool, spa facilities, and a romantic restaurant with views of the beach through floor-to-ceiling windows.

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Classical King George Palace, Athens

The historic Classical King George Palace is one of the most luxurious and exclusive properties in Athens. Everything about this hotel is chic — from the aviator-clad doormen to the gourmet restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis. The Palace boasts every amenity one would expect from a luxury hotel — but as a boutique, some are on a smaller scale: There is a small indoor pool, an intimate spa, three glamorous meeting rooms, and a tiny fitness center. The 102 rooms are elegant, with hardwood floors, antique furniture, rich, silky curtains, and plush bedding. The dated tube TVs in some rooms seem a bit out of place. For those who can afford it, the Royal Penthouse Suite is truly decadent, with two bedrooms, a massive terrace, and an infinity pool with unobstructed views of the Acropolis.

Contributed by Jane Reynolds 

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