april-2010

¡VIVA 

VALENCIA! 

SPORTY SPRING 

FASHION AT 

THE FUTURISTIC 

PALAU DE 

LES ARTS 

SWISS 

REGGAE 

WHO KNEW 

YOU COULD 

STIR IT UP 

IN ZURICH? 

APRIL 2010 

*YOUR FREE COPY TO 

TAKE AWAY WITH YOU 

TRAVELLER 

FLORAL 

FIESTA 

THE TOP 10 

GARDENS 

TO SEE THIS 

SEASON

Renting a car with us for the fi rst time? 

Europcar guarantees you great car rental deals. 

Visit the Europcar desk or book @ easyJet.com

PHOTO © PHILIP VOLKERS | COVER ILLUSTRATION © NICK RADFORD/FOLIOART.CO.UK 

APRIL 2010 

CONTENTS 

Bistro & Boutique 

Feb - April 2010 

See page 25 for Terms 

& Conditions 

Boutique_feb10_CH.indd 1 14/01/2010 12:30 

WORK 

AND 

PLAY! 

In this month’s 

issue of 

Boutique & 

Bistro we’re 

offering 

excellent 

prices on 

the latest 

fragrances 

and gadgets, 

including the 

new Nintendo 

DSi. For the 

fi rst time 

onboard you 

will be able to 

hire a Sony 

PSP to play 

games, or 

to watch a 

movie or your 

favourite TV 

programme 

(only available 

on selected 

fl ights). Don’t 

miss your 

chance to buy 

a limitededition 

white 

Gulliver Bear 

and his new 

outfi ts. You 

can also buy 

onward travel 

tickets from 

the comfort of 

your seat 

to save time 

and money. 

FEATURES 

38 Weekenders 

Have an art-fi lled 

stay in Málaga or an 

adrenaline-fuelled 

break in Split 

48 Business 

Odyssey 

Take your partner 

along and mix 

business with 

pleasure next time 

you travel for work 

54 Valencia 

Fashion 

Clean lines and 

sporty chic meet 

slick architecture in 

Calatrava’s city 

62 Spring 

Gardens 

Our guide to the 

best places to see 

Europe and north 

Africa in bloom 

68 Swiss 

Reggae 

Stir it up, Zürich 

style, as you plug 

into the city’s 

Jamaican nightlife 

74 Slovenia’s 

Wine Regions 

Discover the bestkept 

foodie secret 

in central Europe 

80 Manchester 

Bodyfl ying 

Flying without wings 

in a wind tunnel 

LAST WORD 

178 Passenger 

Information 

180 España 

181 Italia 

182 Suisse/ 

Schweiz 

183 Deutschland 

184 France 

185 UK 

186 Gulliver Bear 

190 Where We Fly 

192 Route Map 

194 Eco Credentials 

TRAVELLER 

LOCATION 

View from the roof 

terrace of the 

Barceló Valencia 

SHE WEARS 

Fitted shirt dress (£118) 

from Paul & Joe Sister at 

my-wardrobe.com 

APRIL 10 | TRAVELLER | 3

13 

THE BUZZ 

8 Word of 

Mouth 

News from across 

the network 

11 Calendar 

Catch Cirque du 

Soleil in Sheffi eld, 

plus festivals in 

Murcia, Madeira 

and Innsbruck 

18 Insider’s 

Guide 

A typography artist 

shows us around 

Amsterdam 

21 Travel News 

A sleek new bar in 

Jerusalem, plus 

new shops and spas 

across Europe 

24 Coming Up 

Munich Opera’s 

portable Pavilion 21 

27 Tastebuds 

Pink oysters and 

Sicilian caponata 

30 Made 

in Paris 

Shopping for 

French style 

18 

32 Three of 

the Best 

Easter traditions 

34 New Route 

Crete (Chania) 

PROPERTY 

& BUSINESS 

88 Big Debate 

Should governments 

stop pushing 

paternity leave? 

92 Lanzarote 

Property 

Head off the beaten 

track to fi nd the 

island’s stylish buys 

99 Eco Business 

From fi rehose to 

fashion accessory 

105 Destination 

Guides 

Updated monthly! 

EDITORIAL & ART 

Acting Editor Michael Keating 

Art Director Neil Smith 

Deputy Editor Claire Martin 

Sub-Editor Marie Cleland 

Destinations Editor Amy Dennis 

Destinations Sub-Editor Julie Alpine 

Picture Editor Lisa Jacobs 

Production Manager Antonia Ferraro 

Online Director Sal Lababidi 

easyJet Brand Livery Executive 

(General contact for magazine) Natalie Yeung 

Flight Bookings easyJet.com 

ADVERTISING 

Group Publishing Director Phil Castle 

Associate Publisher Tara Brady 

European Sales Team Nishan Gumani, 

Darren Paternoster, Massimiliano 

Mazzer, James Lister, Joshua Arnold 

Paris Offi ce (Advertising) IMM 

Tel: +33 (0)140 130 030 

INK 

CEO Jeffrey O’Rourke 

Executive Creative Director Michael Keating 

Deputy Editorial Director Andrew Humphreys 

Design Director Jonny Clark 

Chief Operating Offi cer Hugh Godsal 

Publishing Director Simon Leslie 

easyJet TRAVELLER is published on 

behalf of easyJet by Ink Publishing 

141–143 Shoreditch High Street 

London, E1 6JE 

Advertising Tel: +44 (0)20 7613 8795, 

+44 (0)20 7613 8776 

Editorial Tel: +44 (0)20 7613 6947 

Info@ink-publishing.com 

ink-publishing.com 

goferslogistics.com 

© Ink All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. 

No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part 

without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. All 

prices and data are correct at the time of publication. Opinions 

expressed in easyJet Traveller are not necessarily those of easyJet, 

and easyJet does not accept responsibility for advertising content. 

Any pictures or transparencies supplied are at the owner’s risk. 

Any mention of easyJet or use of the easyJet logo by any advertiser 

in this publication does not imply endorsement of that company, 

or its products or services by easyJet Airline Company. 

This magazine is printed 

on 100% recycled paper 

minus 

52% 

CO2 TRAVELLER

13 

THE BUZZ 

8 Word of 

Mouth 

News from across 

the network 

11 Calendar 

Catch Cirque du 

Soleil in Sheffi eld, 

plus festivals in 

Murcia, Madeira 

and Innsbruck 

18 Insider’s 

Guide 

A typography artist 

shows us around 

Amsterdam 

21 Travel News 

A sleek new bar in 

Jerusalem, plus 

new shops and spas 

across Europe 

24 Coming Up 

Munich Opera’s 

portable Pavilion 21 

27 Tastebuds 

Pink oysters and 

Sicilian caponata 

30 Made 

in Paris 

Shopping for 

French style 

18 

32 Three of 

the Best 

Easter traditions 

34 New Route 

Crete (Chania) 

PROPERTY 

& BUSINESS 

88 Big Debate 

Should governments 

stop pushing 

paternity leave? 

92 Lanzarote 

Property 

Head off the beaten 

track to fi nd the 

island’s stylish buys 

99 Eco Business 

From fi rehose to 

fashion accessory 

105 Destination 

Guides 

Updated monthly! 

EDITORIAL & ART 

Acting Editor Michael Keating 

Art Director Neil Smith 

Deputy Editor Claire Martin 

Sub-Editor Marie Cleland 

Destinations Editor Amy Dennis 

Destinations Sub-Editor Julie Alpine 

Picture Editor Lisa Jacobs 

Production Manager Antonia Ferraro 

Online Director Sal Lababidi 

easyJet Brand Livery Executive 

(General contact for magazine) Natalie Yeung 

Flight Bookings easyJet.com 

ADVERTISING 

Group Publishing Director Phil Castle 

Associate Publisher Tara Brady 

European Sales Team Nishan Gumani, 

Darren Paternoster, Massimiliano 

Mazzer, James Lister, Joshua Arnold 

Paris Offi ce (Advertising) IMM 

Tel: +33 (0)140 130 030 

INK 

CEO Jeffrey O’Rourke 

Executive Creative Director Michael Keating 

Deputy Editorial Director Andrew Humphreys 

Design Director Jonny Clark 

Chief Operating Offi cer Hugh Godsal 

Publishing Director Simon Leslie 

easyJet TRAVELLER is published on 

behalf of easyJet by Ink Publishing 

141–143 Shoreditch High Street 

London, E1 6JE 

Advertising Tel: +44 (0)20 7613 8795, 

+44 (0)20 7613 8776 

Editorial Tel: +44 (0)20 7613 6947 

Info@ink-publishing.com 

ink-publishing.com 

goferslogistics.com 

© Ink All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. 

No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part 

without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. All 

prices and data are correct at the time of publication. Opinions 

expressed in easyJet Traveller are not necessarily those of easyJet, 

and easyJet does not accept responsibility for advertising content. 

Any pictures or transparencies supplied are at the owner’s risk. 

Any mention of easyJet or use of the easyJet logo by any advertiser 

in this publication does not imply endorsement of that company, 

or its products or services by easyJet Airline Company. 

This magazine is printed 

on 100% recycled paper 

minus 

52% 

CO2 TRAVELLER

GREETINGS | ENJOY THE FLIGHT 

Welcome /Bienvenido/Bonjour 

Benvenuto/Willkommen 

MOST PEOPLE ARE surprised when I tell 

them that easyJet has nearly 200 aircraft 

and now offers 500 routes. We have come a 

long way from our launch 15 years ago with 

just two aircraft fl ying a couple of routes 

between London and Scotland. Our success 

is based on offering “the lowest prices to the 

most convenient airports”. This means that 

unlike some other low-cost airlines, we take 

passengers to where they want to go rather 

than to an airfi eld two hours’ bus ride from 

town. We fl y on 45 of Europe’s top 100 routes 

– more than any other airline. This means 

that easyJet is now Europe’s number-one 

air transport network, with 300 million 

Europeans living within an hour’s drive of 

an easyJet fl ight. 

We shall continue to grow by 10% in 

2010 which means that we are constantly 

opening up new routes. This month we will 

launch new routes from Geneva, Manchester 

and Milan to provide much needed low-fare 

services to destinations such as Bordeaux, 

Brindisi, Sharm El Sheikh and Zürich. 

In addition, we are introducing a new 

airport to our network – with services from 

Doncaster Sheffi eld Airport to Barcelona, 

Amsterdam, Faro, Majorca and Prague, 

providing greater access at lower fares to the 

Yorkshire region. 

We thank you for fl ying easyJet and look 

forward to being of service again. Happy fl ying! 

Mucha gente se sorprende cuando 

les digo que easyJet cuenta con casi 

200 aviones y 500 rutas. Ya ha pasado 

mucho tiempo desde que, 15 años atrás, 

empezamos con sólo dos aviones y un par de 

rutas entre Londres y Escocia. Nuestro éxito se 

basa en ofrecer “los precios más bajos en los 

aeropuertos más cómodos”. El resultado es que, 

al contrario que otras aerolíneas de bajo coste, 

llevamos a nuestros pasajeros hasta el lugar 

donde quieren ir, y no a un aeropuerto apartado 

a 2 horas en autobús. Volamos en 45 de las 100 

principales rutas de Europa, más que ninguna 

otra aerolínea. Esto signifi ca que, con más de 

300 millones de europeos viviendo a menos 

de una hora en coche de un vuelo de easyJet, 

somos la red de transporte aéreo número 1 de 

Europa. ¡Feliz viaje! 

Molti sono sorpresi di sapere che 

easyJet dispone attualmente di quasi 

200 velivoli ed è in grado di offrire 500 

rotte diverse. Abbiamo fatto molta strada da 15 

anni a questa parte, quando easyJet disponeva 

di soli due aerei e offriva un paio di collegamenti 

tra Londra e la Scozia. Il nostro successo si basa 

sull’offerta dei “voli più economici in assoluto 

verso gli aeroporti più facilmente raggiungibili”. 

Infatti, a differenza di altre compagnie “low 

cost”, i nostri passeggeri hanno la certezza di 

arrivare esattamente dove si aspettano, senza 

ritrovarsi in aeroporti a due ore di autobus dalla 

città. Operiamo 45 delle 100 rotte più gettonate 

d’Europa - un numero molto maggiore rispetto a 

qualsiasi altra compagnia. Per questo, easyJet vanta 

la prima rete per il trasporto aereo in Europa, e 300 

milioni di passeggeri europei possono raggiungere 

un volo easyJet con solo un’ora di viaggio dalla 

propria città. Buon volo! 

Die meisten Leute sind überrascht, wenn 

ich ihnen erzähle, dass easyJet über fast 

200 Flugzeuge verfügt und jetzt 500 

Strecken bedient. Wir haben seit unseren Anfängen 

vor 15 Jahren, als nur zwei Maschinen zwei Strecken 

zwischen London und Schottland fl ogen, eine Menge 

erreicht. Unser Erfolg basiert auf dem Prinzip, „die 

niedrigsten Preise zu den am günstigsten gelegenen 

Flughäfen“ anzubieten. Das heißt, wir bringen 

unsere Passagiere dahin, wo sie hin möchten und 

nicht zu einem Flugplatz, der eine zweistündige 

Busfahrt von der Innenstadt entfernt ist, wie einige 

andere Niedrigpreis-Fluglinien es praktizieren. Wir 

fl iegen 45 der Top 100-Strecken Europas – mehr 

als jede andere Fluggesellschaft. Das heißt, easyJet 

ist jetzt Transportnetz Nr. 1 in Europa: 300 Millionen 

Europäer leben nur eine Stunde Fahrt von einem 

Flug mit easyJet entfernt. Guten Flug! 

La plupart des gens paraissent surpris 

d’apprendre qu’easyJet opère presque 200 

avions et plus de 500 lignes. Depuis notre 

lancement il y a 15 ans, avec simplement deux avions 

assurant quelques vols entre Londres et l’Écosse, 

nous avons beaucoup avancé. La clé de notre succès 

est d’offrir « les plus bas prix vers les aéroports les 

plus pratiques ». Effectivement, et contrairement 

à d‘autres compagnies aériennes low-cost, nous 

acheminons nos passagers où ils souhaitent se 

rendre, plutôt que vers un aérodrome à 2 heures de 

bus du centre-ville. Nous opérons sur 45 des 100 

principales lignes d’Europe – plus que toute autre 

compagnie aérienne. Ce qui fait d’easyJet le réseau 

de transport aérien n°1 en Europe, avec 300 millions 

d’Européens vivant à seulement une heure de route 

d’un vol easyJet.Bon vol ! 

Andy Harrison 

easyJet Chief Executive 

If you have any thoughts or suggestions, 

email us at andy@easyJet.com 

For any queries or further 

information, visit easyJet.com 

Turn to pages 178–186 for the latest easyJet 

news, an onboard guide and to fi nd out how 

we’re improving your fl ying experience 


THE BUZZ | GOSSIP 

Glasgow 

A bus that can travel on roads and on 

water, called amfi bus, could replace the 

500-year-old ferry service on the River 

Clyde – despite technical problems during 

trials in February, which left it stranded 

in the water. The Dutch-built bus, worth 

£700,000 (€775,000) runs like a bus on 

the road, but uses a hull to fl oat and is 

powered by twin jets. It can carry up to 

50 passengers and move at a speed of 

eight knots. Caryn Walker 

8 | TRAVELLER | APRIL 10 

WORDOF 

MOUTH 

1 2 3 

1 

Berlin 

It’s been 20 years since the fall of the 

Berlin Wall, but city offi cials are keen to 

preserve what’s left of it. The largest intact 

section is now covered in street art and 

constitutes the East Side Gallery. Special 

restorers, expert engineers and concrete 

specialists have been called on to restore 

a portion of the gallery, parts of which are 

crumbling and fragile. They have a budget 

of around €450,000 to make the wall 

stable and durable. Lucian McMillan 

2 

3 

Milan 

George Clooney is selling his luxurious 

villa on Lake Como, believed to be worth 

€20m. The A-list Hollywood star, who 

shared the house with his Italian girlfriend, 

says their privacy was shattered as 

paparazzi and persistent fans camped 

outside his beautiful 18th-century home. 

Rumour has it that he doesn’t want to fl ee 

Italy just yet – he’s said to be looking to 

purchase somewhere more remote on the 

island of Sardinia. Ricardo Lizzano

PHOTOS © GETTY, REX 

Paris 

The quintessential French bistro serving 

simple, wholesome fare with its relaxed 

yet buzzing community atmosphere 

is a winning formula that has been 

successfully exported throughout the 

world – you can eat in a French-style 

bistro just about anywhere. But, sadly, 

this type of restaurant is dying out in 

France, with only around 35,000 left in the 

entire country, as opposed to 200,000 in 

the 1960s. Remi Bounder 

4 5 

4 5 6 

6 

Sheffi eld 

Sheffi eld has made it to the fi nal four to 

become the UK’s fi rst City of Culture in 

2013. Alongside Norwich, Birmingham and 

Londonderry, Sheffi eld now has until 28 

May to develop its bid, before the winner is 

announced this summer. The city has the 

support of the Hollywood actor and local 

boy Sean Bean, and the announcement 

rides on the coat-tails of Sheffi eld being 

named a Candidate Host City for England’s 

2018 World Cup Bid. Clare Johnson 

OUR EUROPEAN 

CORRESPONDENTS 

GIVE US THE 

LOWDOWN ON 

WHAT’S HAPPENING 

IN AND AROUND 

THEIR CITIES 

THE BUZZ | GOSSIP 

Bucharest 

The Romanian Government has decided 

to put forward a bill that will impose a 

tax on junk food in an attempt to cut the 

country’s obesity problem. Statistics show 

that one in two Romanians are overweight. 

It is hoped that a tax on dishes high in 

calories, such as burgers and chips, and 

on items such as sweets, will generate 

around one billion euros a year, and will 

help to educate the nation about eating 

healthily. Andy Potter 


The most beautiful spring garden in 

the world invites you! 

Welcome to Keukenhof, where spring bursts into bloom. In addition to being 

unique and world-famous, the park has also been one of the most popular 

attractions in the Netherlands for years. Keukenhof is the most colourful and 

fragrant place you can visit, with over 7 million flowers forming a beautiful 

setting for the most fabulous photos. 

Come to Keukenhof and enjoy the ultimate spring feeling. Curious? 

You can get a sneak preview at www.keukenhof.nl. 

Open 18 March – 16 May 2010 

www.keukenhof.nl 

The ultimate 

Day Trip! 

Only 30 minutes from 

Amsterdam. 

Bus line 58 will transport 

you in 15 minutes from 

Schiphol Airport 

to Keukenhof.

THE BUZZ 

SHEFFIELD 

The fantastically 

popular Cirque du 

Soleil started life 

as an unassuming 

collection of 

passionate street 

performers known 

as the Club des 

Talons Hauts (the 

High Heels Club) in 

Quebec, Canada, 

some 20 years 

ago. The group’s 

popularity was 

immediate, and it 

has taken the world 

by storm with its 

dramatic and deathdefying 

acrobatics 

and theatrics. 

Saltimbanco (from 

the Italian phrase “to 

jump on a bench” 

– although you 

can be confi dent 

you’ll witness a 

few more thrilling 

performances than 

that) is Cirque du 

Soleil’s longest 

running signature 

performance, 

debuting in 1992. 

This latest UK tour, 

which starts on 20 

CALENDAR 

TRAVEL NEWS 

TASTEBUDS 

MADE IN... 

OUT OF TOWN 

BOOK AHEAD: 20–23 MAY 

Cirque du Soleil 

May in Sheffi eld and 

calls at Liverpool, 

Glasgow, London and 

Newcastle among 

others, will feature 

50 performers 

from 20 countries. 

Watch as the cast of 

high-calibre artists 

display technical 

expertise with acts 

such as the Chinese 

Poles, Russian 

Swing, tricks on the 

towering trapeze 

and bicycle stunts 

you must see to 

believe. Not only are 

the performances 

dazzling, but so 

are the performers’ 

outfi ts and props 

that adorn the 

stage. The costume 

department uses 

20km of fabric 

each year. For a 

whirlwind of colour, 

visual spectacles, 

and unfathomable 

stunts, you’ll be 

hard pushed to fi nd 

anything that can 

beat the sensational 

Cirque du Soleil. 

cirquedusoleil.com 


THE BUZZ | CALENDAR 

17–18 APRIL 

Madeira Flower Festival 

MADEIRA 

The sub-tropical 

island of Madeira 

is known for many 

things – wine, honey 

cake, Cristiano 

Ronaldo – and it’s 

fi ercely proud of 

all its exports. But 

come spring, its 

temperate climate 

comes into its 

SIGHTS 


own, awakening a 

patchwork of exotic 

fl ora. So it’s no 

surprise the island’s 

fl ower festival is 

one of the key dates 

on the Funchal 

calendar. For one 

weekend in April, 

the streets of the 

capital are fi lled with 

bursting blooms, 

plant stalls and a 

vibrant procession 

involving most of 

the community. 

The festival kicks 

off with local 

children building 

a “wall of hope” 

with thousands of 

fl owers in the Praça 

do Munícipio, before 

fl oral fl oats process 

through the city’s 

main streets. 

madeira.travel 

THROUGHOUT APRIL 

The State of 

Things: Design 

and the 21st Century 

TEL AVIV 

Israeli Ron Arad’s 

iconic and ambitious 

Design Museum 

Holon opened 

last month after 

much anticipation. 

An intricate red 

sculpture, it stands 

out like a beautiful, 

angry red thumb, 

and is visible from 

many vantage 

points in Tel Aviv. 

Inside is a web of 

gallery spaces, this 

month hosting its 

inaugural exhibition, 

The State of Things: 

30 APRIL 

Beltane Fire Festival 

EDINBURGH 

This month, join the 

throngs of more 

than 13,000 lively 

locals celebrating 

the coming of 

summer with the 

Beltane Festival on 

Edinburgh’s Calton 

Hill. Although its 

roots can be traced 

to an ancient Celtic 

fertility festival, 

the current event 

dates back to 

the 1980s. It has, 

however, fi rmly 

established itself 

as a must-see 

event, with a huge 

bonfi re, around 380 

performers, brightly 

dressed and painted 

torchbearers and 

ceremonial rituals. 

A spectacular 

Design and the 21st 

Century. More than 

100 objects that 

deal with the impact 

of contemporary 

design are 

grouped into eight 

categories. Works 

include Maarten 

Bass’ The Chankley 

Bore furniture 

collection, which 

mixes 1960s pop-art 

styling with alien life 

forms, and a fi lm of 

Max Lamb making 

a pewter stool while 

describing the 

process. dmh.org.il 

procession led by 

the May Queen is 

the highlight of the 

evening, with the 

queen “awakening” 

the elements of fi re, 

air, water and earth 

so that spring may 

begin. Once the 

season has offi cially 

started, a party 

continues into the 

night. beltane.org

30 APRIL–1 MAY 

SOS 4.8 Festival 

MURCIA 

The Murcia SOS 

Festival has to be 

one of the bestvalue 

urban music 

events this year, with 

tickets to this twoday 

event costing 

from £34.99 (€40). 

Don’t go thinking 

the low price means 

the organisers have 

skimped on the 

SOUNDS 

29 APRIL 

Mika 

NANTES 

London-based eclectic 

popstar Mika burst 

onto the scene in 2007 

with his career-defi ning 

song Grace Kelly, 

which sold three million 

copies worldwide, and 

caused many of us to 

spontaneously burst 

into song for months. 

His debut album, Life 

in Cartoon Motion, 

garnered him the title 

of British Breakthrough 

Act at the 2008 Brit 

Awards. Mika (real 

name Michael Holbrook 

Penniman) was a 

classically trained 

singer, which any music 

lover with a keen ear 

can hear from his wide 

vocal range. He’ll be 

performing hits from 

his most recent album, 

The Boy Who Knew 

Too Much, and more 

on his tour, which takes 

in destinations across 

Europe, including 

Lisbon (16 April), Milan 

(21st), Marseille (23rd) 

and Nantes on the 

29th. mikasounds.com 

talent – big name 

bands gracing the 

stage include The 

Horrors (pictured), 

Franz Ferdinand 

and The Magic 

Numbers, plus a 

host of local acts, 

such as folk singer 

Lidia Damunt and 

hot new Barcelonan 

singer Joe 

Crepúsculo. If you 

want to escape from 

the music for a while 

(though why would 

you?), then there’s 

also a selection of 

contemporary art 

on show throughout 

the two days. 

This year’s theme 

is Bizarre, so 

expect some rather 

interesting work on 

display. sos48.com 

5–10 APRIL 

Snowbombing 

INNSBRUCK 

Spring may be upon 

us, but if you’re 

not ready to pack 

away your ski kit 

and you fancy a 

fi nal drink (or two) 

of schnapps and 

glühwein, then the 

Snowbombing snow 

and music festival 

is the perfect outlet. 

Celebrate the end of 

the season in style 

in the picturesque 

Alpine resort of 

Mayrhofen (less 

than an hour from 

Innsbruck). It’s the 

perfect backdrop 

for wobbling 

and swaying in 

ski boots to an 


impressive lineup 

of acts, including 

DJ extraordinaire 

Fatboy Slim, indie 

rockers The Enemy 

and Friendly Fires, 

hip-hop legends 

De La Soul and 

the popular 

Belgian dance act 

2manyDJs. Visitors 

can choose from 

a range of events, 

including parties 

in the forest or in 

a giant igloo, and 

there are fancy- 

dress competitions 

for those keen on 

some quirky fun. 

Tickets start at 

£279 (€320). 

snowbombing.com 



10 APRIL 

The Grand 

National 

LIVERPOOL 

If you’ve ever 

fancied having a 

fl utter, there’s no 

better race in the 

world to place a 

bet on than The 

Grand National. 

The prestigious 

race dates back 

to 1939, when a 

plucky young horse 

called Lottery took 

the trophy. It’s still 

held at Aintree, 

near Liverpool, 

but the stakes are 

certainly higher than 

in the event’s early 

days – this year, a 

record-breaking 

£925,000 (€1.05m) 

SPORTS 


is up for grabs. 

Tricky Trickster is 

already tipped as 

the favourite, but 

the six-year-old 

has some stiff 

competition sure to 

give him a run for 

his money over the 

course’s 30 fences. 

Three former Grand 

National winners 

are back to see 

if they can once 

again claim the 

title, including Mon 

Mome (2009’s 

winner), Comply Or 

Die (2008’s winner) 

and Silver Birch 

(2007’s winner). 

aintree.co.uk 

2–10 APRIL 

Marathon des Sables 

MARRAKECH 

Regarded as the 

most gruelling race 

and biggest test of 

endurance in the 

world, the Marathon 

des Sables (French 

for Marathon of 

the Sands) brings 

together around 

800 (slightly 

unhinged?) runners 

from around 32 

countries to tackle a 

254km run over six 

days in the Sahara 

Desert, in blistering 

temperatures 

(take that back 

– completely 

unhinged!). 

Competitors have 

to tackle a variety of 

terrain, from steep 

dunes to sandy 

tracks, and they 

must carry their own 

supplies – including 

17 APRIL 

Swedish Floorball 

STOCKHOLM 

Floorball is a fastpaced, 

frenetic 

indoor sport similar 

to hockey. It was 

developed in the 

early 1970s and is 

particularly popular 

in Scandinavian 

countries, especially 

Finland and Sweden, 

where they have 

a minimum of 2,000 

calories per day, 

plus water. Not 

only this, they have 

to keep focused 

to avoid potential 

dangers that include 

scorpions, snakes, 

spiders, heat stroke 

and exhaustion, 

crippling blisters and 

stomach problems. 

darbaroud.com 

professional 

leagues (Finland’s 

Salibandyliiga and 

Sweden’s Svenska 

Superligan). 

Floorball is the 

largest indoor sport 

in Sweden, and the 

season fi nals are 

one of the most 

eagerly anticipated 

sporting events of 

the year; the match 

is shown live on 

TV and attracts 

400,000 viewers 

for the men’s fi nal. 

The event, held 

at the Stockholm 

Globe, is bound to 

be a sell-out, so 

book your ticket 

early to catch the 

fun. globearenas.se 

PHOTO © REX


SCREENSHOTS 


BEHIND 

THE 

SCENES 

A-list actresses 

may be good 

at delivering 

authentic accents, 

but serving up 

screen-stealing 

performances in 

foreign-language 

fi lms? No problem 

for the likes of 

multi-talented 

Tilda Swinton. 

The striking lead, 

best known for 

more mainstream 

roles such as The 

White Witch in 

The Chronicles 

of Narnia or 

opposite Leonardo 

DiCaprio in The 

Beach, is utterly 

mesmerising in the 

Italian melodrama 

that is I Am Love. 

In a role that 

demands both 

Russian and Italian 

dialogue (neither 

of which Swinton 

ONE TO WATCH THIS MONTH 

Cemetery Junction 

Ricky Gervais and 

Stephen Merchant 

once again join 

forces to deliver a 

comedy drama that 

critics are calling 

a cross between 

The Offi ce and Mad 

Men. The comingof-age 

story takes 

place in 1970s 

I Am Love 

Reading – Gervais’ 

hometown – and 

focuses on three 

young upstart 

professionals. 

Just 65km west 

of London, Reading 

is synonymous with 

students, music 

festivals and canals 

(the town is at the 

knew beforehand), 

the Oscar-winning 

actress leads a 

talented cast of 

Italian thespians 

through a 

sensitively realised 

tale of repression, 

passion and 

unconditional love. 

The beautiful 

northern Italian city 

of Milan, on the eve 

of the Millennium, 

provides the 

backdrop for this 

articulate drama. 

The action focuses 

on the trials 

and tribulations 

of a wealthy 

industrialist family 

as relationships 

intertwine and 

interchange 

amid the opulent 

surrounds of a 

sprawling art deco 

Milanese villa. 

Fans of more 

traditional Italian 

buildings would do 

well to pay a visit to 

the hugely iconic 

confl uence of the 

River Thames and 

River Kennet). An 

unlikely setting 

perhaps for this 

“period piece”, but 

with Gervais both 

behind and in front 

of the camera and 

with the likes of 

Oscar-nominated 

Milan Cathedral 

– equally wellknown 

as Duomo 

di Milano. The 

stunning tribute to 

Gothic architecture 

took fi ve centuries 

to complete and is 

the fourth-largest 

cathedral in 

the world. 

For a glimpse 

of the authentic 

Milanese middle 

class, be sure to 

take an afternoon 

strolling through 

Galleria Vittorio 

Emanuele II, 

just off the main 

Piazza del Duomo. 

The Galleria is 

a 130-year-old, 

glass-ceilinged 

shopping arcade 

with four fl oors of 

high end boutiques, 

shops and cafés 

favoured by Milan’s 

chattering classes. 

actors Ralph 

Fiennes and Emily 

Watson playing 

supporting roles, 

we’re sure this 

awkward but 

heart-warming 

comedy will strike 

the right note with 

Gervais’ legions 

of fans.

WORDS STEVE O’ROURKE 

GUIDE TO TURIN FILM 

The National 

Cinema Museum is 

situated inside the 

Mole Antonelliana, 

once the tallest 

masonry structure 

in Europe at over 

165m. The tower 

is synonymous 

with Turin, but 

inside, the museum 

takes on a life of 

its own. Spread 

COMING SOON 

12–23 MAY 

Cannes International 

Film Festival 

In a case of life 

imitating art, 

the Cannes 

International Film 

Festival is such a 

visual extravaganza 

it often threatens 

to overshadow its 

raison d’être of 

celebrating cinema’s 

best. Now in its 63rd 

year, it’s one of the 

best-known of all 

fi lm festivals and 

takes place 35km 

from Nice Airport. 

WHERE TO 

WATCH 

THE FILMS 

The good news: 

with 35,000 fi lm 

over fi ve fl oors 

there’s a wealth 

of memorabilia, 

continuously 

playing movies and 

shorts, substantial 

collections focusing 

on pre-cinema and 

early photography 

and masses of 

costumes, props, 

archived documents 

and books. Be sure 

professionals and 

4,000 members 

of the media, this 

is the largest, 

most infl uential 

fi lm festival on the 

planet. The bad 

news: in terms 

of getting to see 

the fi lms, if your 

name’s not on the 

door, you won’t get 

in. The majority 

of screenings are 

by invitation only, 

though there’s also 

the Marché du Film 

on at the same 

time – the largest 

international fi lm 

market where over 

10,000 participants 

to check out the 

in-depth look at 

the iconographic 

variants which have 

characterised the 

fi gure of Christ in 

the history of fi lm; 

a hugely thought- 

provoking exhibition 

that runs until 

6 June. 

museonazionale 

delcinema.it 

from over 90 

countries watch, buy 

and sell movies. 

WHERE TO 

WATCH 

THE STARS 

Cannes is the 

epicentre for A-list 

celebrities. Every 

evening, gala 

screenings are held 

at the Grand Théâtre 

Lumière at 7pm and 

10pm. Expect red- 

carpet glamour and 

a paparazzi scrum. 

During the day, 

stroll along the 

Croisette, past its 

star-factor hotels 

and restaurants. 

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THE BUZZ | AMSTERDAM 

INSIDER’S 

GUIDE 

“WALKING THE 

streets of 

Amsterdam is like 

walking through 

history. All you need 

to travel in time, 

back to the era of 

the Dutch Masters, 

is the city’s 17thcentury 

décor and 

your imagination.” 

Artist Michiel van der 

Born is inspired by 

the craftsmanship 

of his predecessors 

and mixes their 

techniques 

with his take on 

typography – the 

art of arranging 

type. His exhibition 

26 Characters, 

held this month at 

the GO Gallery (64 

Prinsengracht), 

features a series of 

paintings, sculptures 

and drawings in 

which Michiel 

transforms letters 

into lively characters. 

He invited us to his 

studio to share his 

favourite places in 

Amsterdam. 

WHEN I’M 

HUNGRY 

I go crazy for apple 

pie, especially the 

freshly baked ones 

at Winkel 43 (43 

Noordermarkt, 

tel: +31 (0)20 

623 0223). For 

great value-formoney 

meals in an 

inspiring scene, hit 

TYPOGRAPHY ARTIST 

Michiel van 

der Born 

gives us the lowdown 

on his favourite 

places to hang out in 

AMSTERDAM 


Noorderlicht (33 

TT Neveritaweg) on 

the NDSM territory, 

a former shipyard 

turned creative hub. 

The view of the city 

skyline with its eyepopping 

sunsets is 

hard to beat. 

WHEN I’M 

THIRSTY 

Since I work from 

my studio at home, 

I like to get out and 

grab a coffee at the 

Coffee Company 

(32 Middenweg). It 

has big communal 

tables where I sit and 

read a magazine to 

revitalise and bring 

home fresh ideas. 

Café Maxwell (27 

Beukenplein) at the 

corner of my street 

is the extension of 

my living room and 

my favourite place 

for a beer or two. 

WHEN I’M 

LOOKING FOR 

INSPIRATION 

The Amsterdam 

Historical Museum 

(357 Nieuwezijds 

Voorburgwal) and 

Rijksmuseum (42 

Stadhouderskade) 

both exhibit works 

by Dutch Masters. 

I also like to head 

to the Amsterdam 

Zoo, Artis (38 

Plantage Kerklaan). 

I studied the fur 

of the monkeys 

there for one of 

my typography 

characters. 

WHEN I WANT 

TO RELAX 

As soon as 

spring kicks in, 

the Oosterpark 

becomes my 

backyard. This is 

the place where 

my friends and I 

come together for 

an urban picnic. It is 

the most colourful 

park in Amsterdam, 

bringing together 

different cultures. 

WHEN I WANT 

TO SHOP 

I regularly hit The 

American Book 

Center (2 Spui). As 

the name suggests, 

this shop sells hardto-fi 

nd books and 

magazines from 

the US. My top 

buy is Juxtapoz, a 

magazine on pop 

surrealism. When 

I fancy something 

sweet to tickle my 

tastebuds, I go to 

Puccini Bomboni 

(17 Staalstraat). 

We’re talking about 

a whole new level 

of chocolate here 

– and I’m proud to 

say I’m an addict. 

INTERVIEW AND PHOTO ROOS SMIT

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TRAVEL 

NEWS 

Mirror Bar, Jerusalem 

TEL AVIV 

Jerusalem is 

dazzlingly rich in 

history, spirituality, 

literature and art. 

But when it comes to 

contemporary design, 

international cuisine 

and a sophisticated 

nightlife scene, its 

funky, coastal cousin 

Tel Aviv (which is only 

65km away) wins 

hands down. When 

Spanish architect 

Santiago Calatrava 

unveiled his harp-like 

Bridge of Strings in 

2008 for the city’s 

new light-rail system, 

Jerusalemites began 

to nurture a taste 

for modernity and 

have started fl ocking 

to the new sleek 

Mirror Bar at the 

Mamilla Hotel. Italian 

design maven Piero 

Lissoni has created 

an intimate space 

with moody lighting 

and a minimalist 

aesthetic and chef 

Roi Antebi cooks 

up delicious dishes 

from Asia, France, 

Italy and Israel to 

complement the 

international cocktail 

list. Next door there’s 

a separate, enclosed 

Cigar Lounge and 

Winery, which stocks 

one of the largest 

THE BUZZ | HOT SPOTS 

selections of Israeli 

kosher wines in the 

country. Upstairs, 

the Mamilla Rooftop 

brasserie (opening 

this month) serves 

Italian food and 

boasts breathtaking 

views of the Old 

City walls, the Tower 

of David and Jaffa 

Gate. And for those 

wanting an ultrahealthy 

hangout, the 

Earth lounge and bar 

has a range of raw 

dishes and juices. 

mamillahotel.com/ 

mirrorbar 

Jeroen Bergmans 


THE BUZZ | HOT SPOTS 

Nottingham 

Contemporary 

DONCASTER/ 

SHEFFIELD 

It’s been 10 years 

in the planning, 

but the 3,000m 2 , 

super-futuristic 

Nottingham 

Contemporary 

art museum has 

fi nally opened. The 

striking green and 

gold building by 

British architects 

Caruso St John 

features embossed 

lace patterns on 

its exterior, which 

reference the local 

The Merchant’s Yard 

LONDON 

Good quality Russian food was hard to fi nd 

in London until The Merchant’s Yard opened 

in February. The store, whose shelves 

are stacked with food fi t for a Tzar, is in 

Knightsbridge (of course, darling), and is 

your one-stop-shop for delicacies such as 

Russian sweets, bubliks (similar to bagels), 

raznosoly (pickled vegetables) and plenty 

of vodka, naturally. themerchantsyard.co.uk 

Claire Martin 


TRAVEL 

NEWS 

area’s history as 

a centre of lace 

production. Imbued 

with history, the land 

that the museum 

now sits on has at 

different times been 

the site of a Saxon 

fort, a medieval town 

hall and a Victorian 

railway station. 

Now, a sleek new 

venue with four 

exhibition rooms 

and a performance 

space will feature 

international 

works, as well as 

showcasing local, 

undiscovered artists. 

This month, check 

out Star City (until 

17 April), which 

illustrates how the 

future was imagined 

under communism. 

Entrance to the 

museum is free. 

nottingham 

contemporary.org 

Amy Dennis 

Pestana Chelsea 

Bridge Hotel and Spa 

LONDON 

The fabulous, four-star Pestana 

Chelsea Bridge Hotel and Spa is 

ideally located, close to Battersea 

Park and just a stone’s throw from the 

trendy shops and restaurants of King’s 

Road. All 216 rooms feature stateof-the-art 

technology and marblefi 

nished bathrooms, with some even 

boasting splash-proof TVs. Book at 

hotels.easyJet.com Claire Martin 

Spa Clarins 

LA ROCHELLE 

Tourists have 

fl ocked to the 

picturesque island 

of Île de Ré for 

decades to feast on 

delicious oysters, 

fi ne local wines and 

aged Cognacs. Now 

you can combine 

its epicurean 

delights with a 

spot of pampering 

thanks to the brand 

new spa at posh 

boutique hotel Le 

Clos Saint-Martin. 

Its “route des 

plantes” botanical 

treatments range 

from €95 for the 

Sweet Ocean fullbody 

detox wrap 

to the three-hour 

Ocean Sprays 

therapeutic 

wrap with body 

treatment, facial 

and fl ower tea ritual, 

which will set you 

back €260. For 

those on a budget, 

€15 gets you access 

to the sensorial 

shower, goldentiled 

hamam and 

relaxation room with 

complimentary hot 

herbal teas. 

le-clos-saintmartin.com 

Jeroen Bergmans

Valmann Bar 

& Club 

ZURICH 

Architects Riccardo 

Salvi and Luca 

Rossire, the brains 

behind the seriously 

stylish Home 

restaurant in Milan, 

have pulled it out of 

the bag once again, 

masterminding 

the revamp of the 

Valmann Bar & 

Club, located in the 

heart of Zürich’s 

city centre. Their 

brief was to create 

a multi-functional 

space so that the 

bar could exist as a 

chilled-out drinking 

spot during the 

early evening, and 

then transform into 

a funky dance club 

from 10pm until 

closing time. Small, 

leather coffee tables 

are pushed together 

to become long 

cylindrical sofas 

that line the walls 

to make space for 

a dancefl oor. The 

dark-green, resin 

fl oor tiling creates a 

sleek and upmarket 

feel, and the black 

leather circles on 

the wall with bold 

LED back-lighting 

set the tone for this 

sultry nightspot. 

valmann.ch 

Claire Martin 

Geox at the 

Breathing Building 

MILAN 

Fancy Italian footwear brand Geox made 

its name and fortune from rubbersoled, 

waterproof shoes that “breathe” 

through micro-holes, keeping your feet 

dry and fragrant. So it’s no surprise that 

when the brand decided to open a new 

fl agship store in Milan, it overhauled an 

existing palazzo and re-christened it the 

Breathing Building. The store opened on 

Via Torino during last month’s fashion 

week and includes two fl oors’ worth 

of shop window displays, plus 800m 2 

of shop fl oor dedicated to showcasing 

Geox’s footwear and fashion ranges for 

men, women and kids. Architect Dante 

Benini clad the rest of the building 

with hundreds of thin, stainless-steel, 

perforated plates in gold, bronze and 

copper. Opened and closed via a 

computerised movement system similar 

to the ones used in airplane fl aps, the 

plates shimmer and act like a beacon for 

the brand in Italy’s fashion capital. 

geox.com Jeroen Bergmans

THE BUZZ | MUNICH 

24 | TRAVELLER | APRIL 10

COMING 

UP 

Pavilion 21 MINI 

Opera Space 

MUNICH 

It’s not often that 

an opera house can 

be taken apart and 

stored in a shipping 

container, but this 

year’s venue for 

the Munich Opera 

Festival (24 June to 

31 July) is unique 

in more ways than 

one. The Pavilion 

21 will take just two 

months to construct 

on the city’s central 

Marstallplatz, where 

it will become the 

temporary home of 

the Bavarian State 

Opera. During the 

summer, up to 

300 spectators 

at a time will take 

their seats in the 

€2.1m creation. 

Architects Coop 

Himmelb(l)au 

created a form to 

“materialise music 

into architecture”. 

They selected 

songs, including 

Jimi Hendrix’s 

Purple Haze, and 

analysed the 

frequencies of the 

sounds, linking them 

to a 3D computergenerated 

model. 

The original image 

of the 21m-long 

building was 

transformed from 

THE BUZZ | MUNICH 

a plain shell into 

the fi nal pyramid 

shapes that 

represent the 

soundwaves of the 

music. Placed as it is 

in a city centre busy 

with passing traffi c, 

the ambient noise 

was a worry for 

festival organisers. 

It proved technically 

impossible to create 

the absolute “zone 

of silence” the 

designers would 

have liked, but only 

helicopters, sirens, 

and low-fl ying 

planes will interrupt 

performances. 

Although 

it follows the 

contemporary 

trend of “pop-up” 

bars, shops and 

restaurants, the 

design was inspired 

by the traditional 

practice of music 

and theatre groups 

travelling from town 

to town. After its 

brief life as an opera 

house, Pavilion 

21 could become 

a lecture hall or 

theatre anywhere 

in Europe. In the 

meantime, it will 

be stored in pieces. 

coop-himmelblau.at 

Julia Reid 


TASTE 

BUDS 

REGIONAL DISH 

Caponata 

THIS HEALTHY 

and fi lling Sicilian 

stew is packed with 

vegetables and 

typically served as 

antipasti or a side 

dish. Arguably the 

southern Italian 

island’s best-known 

fare, at the heart 

of the recipe is 

aubergine, which is 

succulently sweet 

thanks to months 

of Mediterranean 

sunshine – perfect 

for this sweet and 

sour dish. 

Sicily has 

belonged to many 

different countries 

throughout history, 

including France, 

Greece, Spain and 

Tunisia, and these 

infl uences pervade 

its cuisine. Caponata 

is distinctly north 

African in fl avour 

with the addition 

of raisins and 

pine kernels. 

The dish is 

easy to make and 

incredibly versatile. 

Follow Antonio 

Carluccio’s recipe 

in his book Simple 

Cooking (£20/ 

€23), published 

by Quadrille. 

Or, try it at one 

of these three great 

restaurants: 

CAPONATA 

LONDON 

This aptly named 

restaurant in 

bohemian Camden 

serves its caponata 

as a starter with 

freshly baked olive 

bread. 3–7 Delancey 

Street, NW1, tel: +44 

(0)20 7387 5959 

CIN CIN 

PALERMO 

For a helping of the 

real deal, you’ve got 

to order caponata 

in its place of origin: 

Sicily. Cin Cin is one 

of Palermo’s best 

restaurants and 

serves its caponata 

THE BUZZ | SICILIAN STEW 

as antipasti with 

octopus, almonds 

and cacao – heaven. 

22 Via Manin, tel: 

+39 091 612 4095 

AL VINO AL VINO 

ROME 

Rome is home to the 

best Italian cuisine, 

with restaurants 

offering dishes 

from Piedmont in 

the north, to Sicily 

and Puglia in the 

south. Al Vino al Vino 

serves caponata 

on small pieces of 

bread. 19 Via dei 

Serpentini, tel: +39 

06 485 803 

Claire Martin 


THE BUZZ | PINK OYSTERS 

SALON DE GOURMETS 12–15 APRIL 

MADRID 

This month sees 

the 24th Salón 

de Gourmets 

international fair. 

Since its humble 

inaugural event 

in 1987, where it 

attracted 8,000 

visitors and 73 

exhibitors, it’s gone 

from strength to 

strength, becoming 

one of Europe’s 

largest and most 

Pearl of the Med 

The sought-after Pink Diamond is a 

succulent new variety of oyster grown 

with green energy and extra sunshine 


prestigious 

gatherings for 

gastronomic 

professionals, and 

non-professionals 

with a passion 

for good food. 

Last year, the fair 

brought together 

almost 80,000 

visitors across the 

four-day event, 

and it’s expected 

that this year will 

be bigger and 

better than ever. 

Exhibitors from 

16 countries will 

display a variety 

of ingredients and 

produce, including 

oil, cold-cut meats, 

vegetables, cheese, 

coffee, wine, cakes 

and chocolate. 

Specifi c events 

throughout the 

festival include the 

expert ham carving 

competition, 

the Gourmets 

Wine Awards, the 

oyster-opening 

competition and 

plenty of tastings 

of everything from 

wine to chorizo and 

every type of olive 

imaginable. Salón 

de Gourmets will be 

held at the IFEMA 

Exhibition Center 

in Madrid. 

gourmets.net 

Claire Martin 

TASTE 

BUDS 

LANGUEDOC- 

Roussillon, a 

beautiful region in 

the south of France, 

has long played 

second fi ddle to its 

glittering cousin 

the Côte d’Azur. 

However, this more 

rural area has 

retained its roots 

in a way that the 

celeb-strewn resorts 

of Cannes and St 

Tropez have not. 

This isn’t just 

evident in the 

cobbled streets 

of the region’s 

medieval towns and 

quaint harbours but 

in the swathes of 

vineyards that cover 

the countryside and 

the rustic food still 

served everywhere 

from Michelinstarred 

restaurants 

to local bistros. 

Chief among 

local delicacies is 

seafood and the 

king of the platter is 

the oyster. Though 

not exactly known 

for its looks, the 

oyster has captured 

a special place 

in the hearts of 

foodies the world 

over. It’s believed to 

have aphrodisiac 

qualities and, as one 

of the most costly 

foods available, it 

has also acquired 

an association 

with wealth. 

HOWEVER, 

now you can have 

molluscs that not 

only taste good but 

look good too. The 

Pink Diamond is a 

new style of locally 

produced oyster 

with a pink shell, 

coloured by the 

rays of the sun. This 

variety is unique 

to the Languedoc 

and only one 

farmer currently 

produces it, making 

it both sought 

after and twice 

as expensive as 

standard products. 

Then again, twice 

the effort goes into 

growing it, with a 

system that makes 

innovative use of 

green energy. 

“We modernised 

our facility to

ecreate the tidal 

aspects of the sea,” 

says Frédéric Garcia 

of Tarbouriech 

Oysters, a family 

fi rm that has been 

farming oysters 

since the 1960s. 

“We created a 

solar-powered 

mechanism by 

which the oyster 

frames could be 

lifted from the water 

and held in the sun. 

This replicates the 

natural tidal nature 

of the sea, where 

oysters are forced 

out of the water 

at low tide. Such 

interaction with the 

air and sun makes 

the product better 

and causes the 

shells to generate 

their special colour.” 

THE TARBOURIECH 

operation lies in the 

Bassin de Thau, 

a tideless lagoon 

near Bouzigues. 

By artifi cially 

recreating tides, 

Frédéric claims 

oysters grown on 

his frames and 

lifted repeatedly 

from the water have 

to “struggle” to 

survive. “This forces 

them to produce 

higher levels of 

glycogen, a kind of 

sugar, making them 

grow a more dense 

muscle structure, 

which gives a better 

taste and texture.” 

Tarbouriech also 

farms oysters in the 

traditional way, with 

the Pink Diamonds 

FOOD FOR 

THOUGHT 

Casanova, the 

famous 18thcentury 

lover, 

was said to eat 

50 oysters for 

breakfast every day. 

accounting for 

around 20% of 

production. Interest 

is growing thanks 

to the work of 

Sud de France, a 

consortium set 

up to promote 

regional delicacies. 

Renowned French 

chef Alain Ducasse 

has heaped praise 

on Pink Diamonds 

and they are also 

in demand in select 

restaurants across 

the Continent. 

“The Sud 

de France pink 

oysters are quite 

exceptional, an 

authentic product 

of amazing quality,” 

says local chef 

Pierre-Olivier 

Prouhèze. “They’re 

larger than other 

oysters raised in 

this part of France 

and have a subtle, 

nutty taste.” 

Locals tend to 

eat them around 

New Year, partnered 

with local Limoux 

sparkling wine. 

Otherwise, they are 

popular through 

spring and summer 

when various 

festivals in the 

region promote 

local seafood. 

According to 

experts, the best 

way of eating 

oysters is raw and 

they should be 

chewed rather 

than swallowed 

whole. “I prefer to 

keep things simple, 

otherwise you 

spoil the delicate 

fl avours,” says 

Pierre-Olivier. 

“I present Pink 

Diamond oysters 

with just a squeeze 

of lemon juice, 

and maybe some 

slices of brown 

bread and salted 

Normandy butter.” 

Laura Latham 

WHERE TO 

FIND SUD 

DE FRANCE 

PINK DIAMOND 

OYSTERS 

PROUHEZE 

SAVEURS 

MONTPELLIER 

Star chef Pierre- 

Olivier Prouhèze 

celebrates the best 

of the Languedoc’s 

produce and 

seafood in his chic 

bistro. 728 Avenue 

de la Pompignane, 

tel: +33 (0)4 6779 

4334 

QUINZI & 

GABRIELI 

ROME 

Offering “a taste 

of the sea in the 

heart of Rome”, this 

stylish restaurant 

serves up fresh 

fi sh and seafood 

alongside quality 

Mediterranean fare. 

5 Via delle Coppelle, 

tel: +39 (0)6 687 

9389 

DA VITTORIO 

MILAN 

This Relais & 

Chateau restaurant 

and hotel is located 

in a beautiful villa 

near Bergamo 

and specialises in 

Lombardy cuisine 

and seafood. 17 

Via Cantalupa, 

Brusaporto, tel: 

+39 (0)35 681 024 

BRINGING GOODS 

INTO THE UK? 

PLAN AHEAD: 

KNOW YOUR 

ALLOWANCES 200 cigarettes; OR 

100 cigarillos; OR 

50 cigars; OR 

250g tobacco 

From within the EU: 

You can bring in 

as much duty paid 

alcohol and tobacco 

as you like, as long 

as it is for your own 

use and transported 

by you. 

From outside the EU: 

The allowances 

listed here apply free 

of UK duty or tax, as 

long as goods are for 

your own use and are 

transported by you. 

The allowances 

are only available 

to those aged 17 

and over. 

If we have reason 

to suspect that 

goods are not for 

your own use, you 

may be stopped and 

questioned by a 

UK Border Agency 

officer and your 

goods may be siezed. 

TOBACCO 

ALCOHOL 

16 litres of beer 

4 litres of still 

table wine 

1 litre of spirits or 

strong liqueurs over 

22% volume; OR 

2 litres of fortified 

wine (such as port 

or sherry), sparkling 

wine or other liqueurs 

OTHER GOODS 

£390 worth of all 

other goods including 

gifts and souvenirs 

SECURING OUR BORDER 

CONTROLLING MIGRATION 

Full allowance details are available online at 

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/allowances

THE BUZZ | SHOPPING 

MADE IN 

Paris 

Take home a 

memento of your 

Parisian sojourn 

1 2 3 4 5 

Feather Duster 

€10 

Practice your Moulin 

Rouge moves while you 

do your chores with 

this luxe ostrich-feather 

duster from Perigot. It 

comes in three sizes, 

though the smallest 

is best for popping in 

your hand luggage. 

Mixing decadence 

with practicality, it will 

remind you of Parisian 

frivolity every time you 

do the dusting. 

Perigot, 

Carrousel de Louvre, 

99 Rue de Rivoli, 

perigot.fr 


1 

Metal Postcard 

€6 

Cartexpo specialises 

in vintage advertising 

on metal plates and 

you’ll be hard pressed 

to get your hands on 

a more iconic image 

of Paris than this 

retro Eiffel Tower. 

You’ll fi nd it alongside 

other pictorial gems 

at the Marché aux 

Puces, which is the 

capital’s most famous 

fl eamarket. Also look 

out for vintage travel 

posters, postcards 

and magazines. 

Marché aux Puces, 

Saint-Ouen, 

les-puces.com 

4 

Macarons 

€11.50 FOR A BOX 

OF SEVEN 

As synonymous with 

Paris as the Eiffel 

Tower and the Mona 

Lisa, the macaron is 

a delectable pastry 

made from egg whites, 

almond paste and 

sugar. Buy a box from 

the historic Angelina 

teashop near the 

Place de la Concorde, 

which displays its 

jewel-like macarons in 

a glass cabinet in the 

entranceway. 

226 Rue de Rivoli, 

groupe-bertrand.com 

Paper Vase 

€8.90 

Designophiles have 

been fl ocking to Merci 

concept store since 

it opened last year. 

Combining new pieces 

with one-off vintage 

fi nds, Merci caters to 

a hip clientele after 

the latest in boho-chic. 

The appeal of this 

vase is in its visual 

trickery – fl owers 

don’t sit directly inside 

the paper frame 

(which folds away for 

transporting), but in a 

glass tube concealed 

within. 111 Boulevard 

Beaumarchais, 

merci-merci.com 

2 

Photography 

Book 

€49 

The iconic Musée 

D’Orsay in Paris was 

the fi rst fi ne arts 

museum in France to 

hold regular exhibitions 

of photography. 

Today it has over 

50,000 prints and 

this lavish anthology 

of the collection 

covers photography in 

France from 1839 to 

1925, including some 

stunning portraiture. 

Musée D’Orsay shop, 

62 Rue de Lille, 

musee-orsay.fr 

3 

5 

WORDS MARIE CLELAND

THE BUZZ | EASTER TRADITIONS 

Hopping Good Fun 

From elaborate parades to pagan games, Easter 

celebrations in Europe are full of surprises 

Easter Eggstravaganza 

at Chatsworth House 

DONCASTER/ 

SHEFFIELD 

The famous 

country house 

of Chatsworth, 

nestled among the 

rolling hills of the 

Peak District, is only 

30 minutes from 

Sheffi eld, and the 

perfect destination 

for Easter egg 


hunting on a 

bright spring day 

(fi ngers crossed 

the weather holds). 

The beautiful 16thcentury 

manor 

house, easily 

recognisable as 

the setting for 

fi lms such as The 

Duchess and Pride 

and Prejudice, 

offers an itinerary 

of Easter-themed 

activities for 

all the family. 

Highlights include 

face painting, egg 

painting, a parade 

and, of course, 

the egg hunt. 

Thousands of eggs 

are dotted around 

the grand estate 

3 

OF THE 

BEST 

and after being led 

in procession by a 

giant Easter bunny, 

families get stuck in 

searching the fi elds 

and landscaped 

gardens for 

chocolate treats. 

The hunt takes 

place four times 

daily from 1–5 April. 

chatsworth.org 

Semana Santa 

MALAGA 

Holy week is the 

most important 

religious event 

in Spain. While 

Málaga’s 

celebrations are not 

as sombre as those 

in other cities, the 

public still pays its 

respects to scenes 

of the Passion of 

Christ displayed on 

fl oats during the 

Pomlázkas 

PRAGUE 

One of the more 

unusual Easter 

customs takes 

place in the Czech 

Republic on Easter 

Monday. Boys gather 

up willow branches 

(pomlázkas) and go 

from house to house 

lightly whipping girls 

on their legs. It may 

sound barbaric, 

but the whipping is 

elaborate Easter 

parades. As part of 

the processions, 

candle bearers dress 

in white robes and 

hoods (capirote) 

and large fl oats 

(weighing up to fi ve 

tonnes) make their 

way through the 

city, after which a 

jubilant fi esta rounds 

off the weekend. 

malagaturismo.com 

meant to be more 

a symbolic gesture 

than a punishment. 

The custom dates 

back to pagan times 

and is supposed to 

chase away illness 

and bad spirits, as 

well as bestowing 

beauty, health and 

vivacity. In return, 

girls give the boys 

beautifully painted 

eggs or chocolate. 

WORDS AMY DENNIS

THE BUZZ | EASTER TRADITIONS 

Hopping Good Fun 

From elaborate parades to pagan games, Easter 

celebrations in Europe are full of surprises 

Easter Eggstravaganza 

at Chatsworth House 

DONCASTER/ 

SHEFFIELD 

The famous 

country house 

of Chatsworth, 

nestled among the 

rolling hills of the 

Peak District, is only 


Sheffi eld, and the 

perfect destination 

for Easter egg 


hunting on a 

bright spring day 

(fi ngers crossed 

the weather holds). 

The beautiful 16thcentury 

manor 

house, easily 

recognisable as 

the setting for 

fi lms such as The 

Duchess and Pride 

and Prejudice, 

offers an itinerary 

of Easter-themed 

activities for 

all the family. 

Highlights include 

face painting, egg 

painting, a parade 

and, of course, 

the egg hunt. 

Thousands of eggs 

are dotted around 

the grand estate 

3 

OF THE 

BEST 

and after being led 

in procession by a 

giant Easter bunny, 

families get stuck in 

searching the fi elds 

and landscaped 

gardens for 

chocolate treats. 

The hunt takes 

place four times 

daily from 1–5 April. 

chatsworth.org 

Semana Santa 

MALAGA 

Holy week is the 

most important 

religious event 

in Spain. While 

Málaga’s 

celebrations are not 

as sombre as those 

in other cities, the 

public still pays its 

respects to scenes 

of the Passion of 

Christ displayed on 

fl oats during the 

Pomlázkas 

PRAGUE 

One of the more 

unusual Easter 

customs takes 

place in the Czech 

Republic on Easter 

Monday. Boys gather 

up willow branches 

(pomlázkas) and go 

from house to house 

lightly whipping girls 

on their legs. It may 

sound barbaric, 

but the whipping is 

elaborate Easter 

parades. As part of 

the processions, 

candle bearers dress 

in white robes and 

hoods (capirote) 

and large fl oats 

(weighing up to fi ve 

tonnes) make their 


city, after which a 

jubilant fi esta rounds 

off the weekend. 

malagaturismo.com 

meant to be more 

a symbolic gesture 

than a punishment. 

The custom dates 

back to pagan times 

and is supposed to 

chase away illness 

and bad spirits, as 

well as bestowing 

beauty, health and 

vivacity. In return, 

girls give the boys 

beautifully painted 

eggs or chocolate. 

WORDS AMY DENNIS

THE BUZZ | CRETE 


NEW 

ROUTE 

Samaria Gorge 

CRETE (CHANIA) 

The largest of the 

Greek islands, 

Crete boasts 

striking mountains 

– if you’re lucky, 

still with a dusting 

of snow in April 

– olive groves, 

pine forests, a 

dramatic coastline 

and the azure 

Mediterranean 

Sea. It’s the perfect 

destination for 

getting away from 

it all. Chania, one 

of our newest 

destinations, on 

the west coast 

is an ideal base 

for exploring the 

island’s varied and 

beautiful terrain. 

The most popular 

excursion from 

Chania is the 

Samaria Gorge, 

which cuts its 


Lefka Ori (White 

Mountains). At 

16km, it’s one 

of the longest 

gorges in Europe, 

with pine- and 

wildfl ower-clad 

peaks towering 

above on both 

sides. The park 

opens on 1 May. 

Flights from 

London Gatwick 

to Crete (Chania) 

start on 23 May. 

Claire Martin 

THE BUZZ | CRETE 


PHOTO © CORBIS 

OUT OF 

TOWN 

Maeght Foundation 

NICE 

A picturesque 

medieval village 20 

minutes from Nice 

seems an unlikely 

spot for a modernist 

masterpiece. But 

in the 1960s, Saint 

Paul de Vence was 

a magnet for the 

glitterati, from 

artists Joan Miró 

and Marc Chagall 

to movie stars 

Yves Montand and 

Roger Moore. Two 

landmarks still bear 

witness to those 

heady times: the 

elegant Colombe 

d’Or Hotel, and the 

Fondation Maeght. 

On the outskirts 

of town, the 

museum was 

founded in 1964 

by Parisian art 

dealers Aimé and 

Marguerite Maeght. 

Their mission was 

to create France’s 

fi rst privately 

funded, purposebuilt 

art space to 

showcase the work 

of their artists and 

friends, including 

Miró, Alexander 

THE BUZZ | SAINT PAUL DE VENCE 

Calder and Alberto 

Giacometti. The 

Barcelona-born 

architect Josep 

Lluís Sert designed 

a museum that 

would complement 

the Maeght 

collection, while 

blending with the 

local environment. 

The result is an 

intimate example 

of modernism, an 

elegant synergy 

between exhibition 

spaces, artworks 

and a charming 

garden setting. The 

museum, which 

re-opens this month 

after a spruce-up, 

holds a regular 

programme of 

exhibitions from the 

Maeght collection 

as well as work 

by contemporary 

artists. Regardless 

of who is showing, 

we recommend 

exploring Miró’s 

fantastic Labyrinth 

and taking a 

stroll through the 

gardens studded 

with sculptures 

by Giacometti, 

Calder, Chagall and 

Georges Braques. 

fondation-maeght. 

com Rachael Antony 


WEEKENDER | MALAGA 

CULTURAL 

WEEKEND IN 

MALAGA 

ADVENTURE 

WEEKEND IN 

SPLIT 

There’s more to Málaga than 

its airport – this relaxed Med 

city has Moorish architecture, 

modern art and gastronomic 

gems waiting to be discovered 

FRIDAY 

Dismissed as the portal to the Costas, 

Málaga is Andalucía’s forgotten city 

– a surprising cultural destination with 

excellent museums, historic ramparts, 

exquisite Andalucían houses and an iconic 

cathedral. You can explore all the city has to 


offer by foot, so reserve a room at the central 

Petit Palace Plaza Hotel (from €101, book at 

hotels.easyJet.com) tucked just off buzzing, 

pedestrianised Calle Larios. 

Start your break by ascending to Castillo 

de Gibralfaro, for magnifi cent views of 

Málaga and the golden sands of the Costa 

del Sol. Walk around the red-brick ramparts 

of this 14th-century Moorish fortress, then 

dine at the adjacent Parador de Málaga 

Gibralfaro Hotel (tel: +34 952 221 902), 

where you can feast on typical Andalucían 

cuisine with a refi ned edge – dishes such 

as hake with pil pil sauce, mejilla de cerdo 

(pork cheeks) and almond ice cream. 

Back in the Old Town, visit Málaga’s 

resplendent Catedral de la Encarnación. 

Unusually, it only has one tower. In 1782, 

the head of one of Málaga’s wealthiest 

families, Bernardo de Gálvez (founder 

of Galveston in Texas) took the money 

allocated for the second tower to America 

to help fund the War of Independence. The 

city couldn’t afford to fi nish the cathedral, 

affectionately nicknaming it La Manquita 

(the one-armed lady). Inside are 42 ornate 

sculptures, and two magnifi cent 18thcentury 

organs, each with 4,000 pipes. 

Take a siesta back at the hotel before 

enjoying a drink in one of Málaga’s narrow,

PHOTOS © BLEDAY ROSA/MUSEO, PICASSO MALAGA 

winding streets. Sip on a San Miguel (this is 

the beer’s hometown) and nibble some tapas 

at La Pajuana (1 Calle Angel). Book a table 

at eccentric Vino Mio (11 Calle Álamos, tel: 

+34 952 609 093), where unusual art and 

outlandish décor adorn the walls. Order 

the bolsitas crujientes (king prawns in fi lo 

pastry), duck with strawberry and whisky 

compôte or, if you dare, crocodile served 

with apples and lychees. 

SATURDAY 

After breakfast, delve into the life of 

Málaga’s prodigal son, Pablo Picasso. 

The famous artist wanted a foundation 

devoted to his work in Málaga, where 

he was born – but insisted that certain 

conditions be adhered to before a museum 

could open. The glorious 16th-century 

Palacio de Buenavista was considered a 

perfect location for the Museo Picasso (8 

Calle Agustín), and the museum opened 

in 2003: an event which kick-started 

Málaga’s cultural Renaissance. On display 

are 155 of Picasso’s paintings, ceramics and 

sculptures, donated by his daughter-inlaw 

and grandson. The collection includes 

pieces from Picasso aged 15, artwork from 

his erotic and Cubist periods, and some of 

his last creations, made at the age of 91. 


Next door to the museum is Málaga’s 

Alcazaba, an impressive 11th-century 

Arabian palace set on a hill. It’s the 

best-preserved Moorish fortress in Spain, 

and features patios, mosaics and baths. 

Just below the Alcazaba lies the Roman 

Theatre, discovered in 1951 and dating 

back to the 1st century. If you haven’t had 

enough Picasso for one day, you can visit his 

birthplace (Picasso Foundation; 15 Plaza de 

la Merced) and see how young Pablo and his 

family lived in the fi rst 10 years of his life. 

Refuel at traditional bodega El Pimpi 

(62 Calle Granada, tel: +34 952 228 990), 

an emblematic dining spot that started 



life as a monastery. Pick a table in one of 

the warrens of rooms, with plants entwined 

around beams, a bright indoor patio, and 

Málagueñean azulejos (Arabian-style blue 

and white tiles) punctuating the fl oor. 

Large wine barrels bear the signatures of 

famous visitors, and their photos adorn the 

walls – everyone from Malagueño A-lister 

Antonio Banderas to Paloma Picasso and 

Tony Blair. Tuck into tortilla (Spanish 

omelette), salads and ligeritos (sandwiches), 

and fi nish off your meal with a glass of 

honeyed Málaga wine. 

The Museo del Vidrio y Cristal (the glass 

and crystal museum; 2 Plazuela Santísimo 

Cristo de la Sangre) is a labour of love, run 

by Gonzalo Fernandez-Prieto, a passionate 

man who has been collecting glass since 

the age of nine. Set in a beautifully restored 

building, his outstanding personal collection 

of glass – dating back 2,700 years – includes 

English stained-glass windows, Roman 

drinking vessels and medieval pieces. 

Saturday is a big night out in Málaga, 

and the locals like to start late. Familyrun 

and utterly charming Esparteros (4 

Calle Espartero) is the place to try tapas. 


Clockwise from right, 

Botanical Gardens; El Pimpi; 

Catedral de la Encarnación; 

Picasso Museum; jamón at 

Rescoldo’s; previous page, 

Picasso Museum 

Order Málaga’s famous fried fi sh – fritura 

malagueña – gambas (prawns), aubergine 

served with a dark, sticky honey, and paella 

for your main, all for just €18 per person. 

Afterwards, join the throng of Málagueños 

at the recently opened Sala Gold (5 Luis de 

Velázquez), one of the best clubs in town, 

playing a mix of house, Spanish pop and 

dance music. 

SUNDAY 

Start the day at a leisurely pace and head up 

into the hills to see the city’s hidden gem, the 

Botanical Gardens. Amalia Heredia and her 

husband Jorge Loring created the gardens 

in 1857 with seeds brought back from 

ships travelling from exotic and far-fl ung 

locations. Today, there are 100 different 

palm varieties providing dappled shade, and 

1,000 tropical and subtropical species. To 

get to the gardens, either take the municipal 

bus line 61, or take the Málaga Sightseeing 

Bus green line from the main bus station. 

Before lunch, squeeze in a little more 

art at the CAC (Contemporary Art Centre; 

Calle de Alemania). Its wide, open space 

and central display hall is dedicated to bold, 

modern works of art and houses large-scale 

exhibitions by esteemed artists. This month 

you can see Jack Freak Pictures, one of Brit 

duo Gilbert and George’s most ambitious 

series of artworks. 

Finish off a jam-packed weekend at 

Rescoldo’s, just off Calle Larios. The 

extensive menu includes jamón (ham), the 

Rescoldo kebab with succulent steak on a 

skewer, and the grilled tuna fi llet served 

with chunks of fried garlic. Claire Martin 

easyJet flies to... 

Málaga from 14 destinations. 

See our insider guide on page 153. 

Book online at easyJet.com 

PHOTOS © ALEX MARTIN, PHOTOLIBRARY

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PHOTOS © GETTY 

Split is a popular destination 

for a relaxing stop on the 

Croatian Coast, but it’s also the 

perfect starting point for an 

action-packed break in the sun 

FRIDAY 

From the airport, take the 30-minute bus 

ride into Split, where you’ll be dropped 

off at the palm-lined seafront promenade. 

Check in to B&B Hotel Villa Kastel 1700 

(from €88, book at hotels.easyJet.com). It’s 

in the pedestrian-only Old Town, which 

lies within the sturdy Roman walls of 

Diocletian’s Palace, dating from 295 AD 

and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Begin your stay with a late-afternoon 

swim at Bac˘vice Bay, just a 10-minute 

walk east of the centre. There’s a small 

sand-and-pebble beach and a bathing area 

with easy access to the water, plus showers. 

Join locals in a round of picigin, a bizarre 

ball game unique to Split. Five or six 

players stand in a circle in knee-high water 

and strike a ball from one to another, in 

random order. The aim of the game is not 

to catch the ball, but to keep it from falling 

into the sea. 

WEEKENDER | SPLIT 

ADVENTURE 

WEEKEND IN 

SPLIT 

For dinner, try Restoran Jugo (12 

Tonciceva, tel: +385 (0)21 398 900) above 

the ACI Marina, and feast on risot sa 

skampima (shrimp risotto) and a bottle of 

local vugava white wine. Afterwards you 

might like a nightcap at Ghetto Club (10 

Dosud), an arty bar with outdoor seating 

in a lovely candlelit courtyard garden, just 

a stone’s throw from your hotel. 

SATURDAY 

After breakfast, pack a swimming 

costume, a towel, and an extra set of dry 

clothes into a rucksack and set off for Omi˘s 

(25 km southeast of Split) at the mouth 


WEEKENDER | SPLIT 

of the River Cetina. Cutting a high-sided 

canyon between two mountains and 

fl owing over a series of light-to-moderate 

rapids, the Cetina is a popular venue for 

rafting, which can be arranged through 

Adventure Dalmatia (tel: +385 (0)21 540 

642, adventuredalmatia.com). Upon 

arrival you’ll be given an oar, lifejacket 

and helmet, and allocated a raft carrying 

up to eight persons under the auspices of 

an experienced guide. The three-hour trip 

runs twice a day at 9am and 2pm and costs 

HRK200 (€27). End your trip with lunch 

at Radmanove Mlinice (tel: +385 (0)21 862 

073), a 19th-century watermill serving 

fresh trout and spit-roast lamb at wooden 

tables under the trees by the river. 

If you’re still up for a challenge, return 

to Omi˘s on the coast and spend the 

remainder of the afternoon windsurfi ng 

with Active Holidays (tel: +385 (0)21 861 

829, activeholidays-croatia.com). Or, if 

you feel like chilling out with a few hours of 

peaceful swimming and sunbathing, head 

for Ruskamen (7km southeast of Omi˘s), 

where you’ll fi nd a lovely pebble beach 

backed by pines, with a section for nudists. 


In the early evening, transfer to the 

pretty coastal village of Bas˘ka Voda (33 km 

southeast of Omi˘s), where you can dine at 

the highly regarded Restaurant King (tel: 

+385 (0)21 620 640) indulging in fresh fi sh 

and another bottle of Dalmatian wine. 

SUNDAY 

Rise bright and early and head down 

the coast to Makarska, 9km southeast of 

Bas˘ka Voda. This cheerful seaside resort is 

backed by the awe-inspiring rocky heights 

of Biokovo Mountain. Biokovo Active 

Holidays (tel: +385 (0)21 679 655, biokovo. 

net) arrange hiking trips for HRK310 (€42) 

up the mountain’s sunny seaward slopes. 

Clockwise from left, 

Diocletian’s Palace; Makarska 

seaside resort; windsurfi ng 

off Omiš Beach; hiking up 

Biokovo Mountain; rafting 

on the River Cetina; previous 

page, Omiš Beach 

As you make the four-hour ascent to Vosac 

(1,422m), the karst landscape becomes 

increasingly barren, with bare limestone 

rocks and scanty pastures supporting 

chamois goats and moufl on sheep. From 

Vosac, you’ll be transported to the highest 

peak, Sveti Jure (1,760m), where you’ll 

have a picnic lunch with panoramic views 

– on a clear day it’s possible to see across 

the Adriatic Sea to Italy, and inland to the 

mountains of Bosnia Herzegovina. 

Travel back up the coast to Split. Here, 

head for Fife (11 Trumbiceva Obala, tel: 

+385 (0)21 345 223) and join an eclectic 

mix of local fi shermen and visitors for a 

drink or supper overlooking Matejuska 

Harbour. It’s down-to-earth and serves 

hearty Dalmatian favourites such as 

pas˘ticada s njokima (beef stewed in sweet 

wine, with gnocchi), which goes down a 

treat with the red house wine, plavac. Just 

don’t miss the plane home! Jane Foster 


Split from 10 destinations. 



PHOTOS © PHOTOLIBRARY

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the space age TEMPUR 

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TEMPUR is used and 

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THE KINGDOM WITHIN a kingdom, the 

Isle of Man is truly one of the UK’s bestkept 

secrets. Under an hour’s fl ight from 

most British airports – and particularly 

accessible from the northwest, thanks to 

a new easyJet fl ight from Liverpool – the 

self-governing Island is a natural holiday 

destination for anyone craving serenity and 

communion with nature. 

From wildlife to watersports, there is so 

much to see and do on the Isle of Man that 

it’s hard to know where to start. With a 

100-mile coastline, the Island is deceptively 

large, and sea-related activities often take 

centre stage. Sailing, diving, fi shing and 

sea-kayaking all are popular pastimes; 

and the opportunity to observe bottle 

nose dolphins, killer whales and basking 

sharks (chiefl y between the months of June 

and September) is a major lure for marine 

life enthusiasts. 

For those more comfortable on terra 

fi rma, quad-biking, bird-watching, golf 

and motor racing are just a few of the ‘dry’ 

pursuits on offer. For golfers, there are nine 

courses spread across the Island, eight of 

them being 18-hole courses and none more 

than 45 minutes from the others by car. For 

those interested in seeing the Isle of Man’s 

beauty up close with a lovely walk or bike 

ride, there are miles and miles of coastal 

and inland paths there to be enjoyed. And 

as for motor racing, the world-famous TT 

Races, held annually in May and June, 

bring a real buzz to the Island, with some 

40,000 visitors and 12,000 motorcycles 

from 30 countries attending the event. 

NO TRIP TO the Isle of Man is complete 

without sampling some of the delicious 

local food and drink. There are awardwinning 

rich, creamy local cheeses, luxury 

JEWEL OF 

THE IRISH SEA 

The Isle of Man has much 

to offer visitors, particularly in the 

spring and summer months 

dairy ice cream and, naturally, many 

delicacies from the sea, such as tasty 

smoked kippers and Queenies – small 

sweet queen scallops. 

Also not to be missed is the famous 

and tender Manx Loaghtan lamb, which 

comes from the Island’s unique breed of 

four-horned sheep. To wash all this down, 

there is a fantastic selection of local beers 

and spirits – which are an important aspect 

of the social experience on the Island. The 

Manx Spirit is a form of clear whisky that’s 

popular with many, while the Isle of Man’s 

two main breweries, Bushy’s and Okells, 

produce several excellent beers, including 

one brewed specially for the TT Races. 

Another exciting aspect of visiting 

the Island is getting to understand its 

distinctive Manx heritage embodied by the 

famous tailless Manx cats – who, legend 

has it, were the last to board Noah’s ark and 

lost their tails as the door slammed shut. 

The Manx national emblem dates back to 

the 13th century, and Manx heritage can 

be glimpsed through iconic sites like the 

world’s largest working water wheel and the 

House of Manannan. Or why not follow 

the Story of Mann trail, which will lead 

you around 13 of the Island’s iconic 

heritage sites? 

The Isle of Man has so much to offer 

that it’s no wonder A-list celebrities – like 

Johnny Depp, John Malkovich, Penelope 

Cruz and Renee Zellweger – have all been 

spotted visiting the Island. And with an 

extensive range of quality accommodation 

to suit every budget – from fi ne hotels to 

self-catering properties – there really is 

something for everyone here. 

For more information about planning 

a trip to the Isle of Man call the 

Welcome Centre, tel: +44 (0)1624 

686 801, or visit visitisleofman.com

Clockwise from far left, seals are regularly spotted in the 

shores surrounding the Isle of Man; Bradda Head from 

Port Erin Beach; pony trekking across the beautiful Manx 

countryside; a typical seaside scene – Punch and Judy 

on the beach at Peel; the Steam Railway which connects 

Douglas and the south of the island 

ADVERTISING PROMOTION 

★ ISLE OF MAN 

EVENTS 2010 

★ TT Festival 

29th May–11th June 

Motor bike enthusiasts from all over the 

world descend for two weeks of races. 

★ Isle of Man Walking Festival 

13th–18th June 

Guided walks that are perfect for exploring 

the amazing history of the island. 

★ Isle of Man Adventure Week 

19th–27th June 

Dinghy sailing, rock climbing, expedition 

camping, paragliding, diving and 

snorkelling. 

★ IOM Queenie Festival 

9th–11th July 

A marine food festival celebrating the local 

delicacy of the Manx Queen Scallop. 

★ Crown Green Bowls Festival 

6th–10th September 

Recognised as the best festival in the 

crown green bowling calendar.

WORK AND PLAY 

BUSINESS 

ODYSSEY 

ILLUSTRATIONS ADRIAN VALENCIA 

Next time you have business meetings abroad, combine them with a mini 

break with your partner, and make the most of our connecting fl ights between 

cities. Rather than returning home, start with one meeting, have the weekend 

in another destination and then fl y on to your fi nal stop feeling refreshed 


MILAN 

Impress your colleagues or clients 

with a lunchtime meeting at Home, 

from €45 per person 

Discuss the fi ner points of a tricky 

deal over delicious dishes created with 

organic ingredients from the Slow Food 

Foundation. 12 Via Tortona, tel: +39 02 

835 6706 

Hotel Stay at the Meliá Milano from €159. 

Book at hotels.easyJet.com 

Drink Bar Straf is ultra-sleek with a list 

of stylish cocktails to choose from. Happy 

hour is from 6–9pm. 3 Via San Raffaele 

MILAN | PORTO | LYON | EDINBURGH 

Culture Getting tickets to the opera at 

La Scala can be a tricky business, but 

not if you’ve got the right contacts or you 

plan ahead. Watch Alban Berg’s Lulu this 

month, in a space known for its worldclass 

acoustics. 2 Via Filodrammatici, 

teatroallascala.org 



PORTO 

Spend a leisurely afternoon at the 

Serralves Museum park for €5 

The Serralves Foundation boasts a 

contemporary art museum, an excellent 

restaurant, and a spacious, landscaped 

park with beautiful gardens. This is the 


perfect place to take some time out and 

relax. 210 Rua Dom João de Castro 

Route We fl y from Milan Malpensa to 

Porto once on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 

Saturday and Sunday. 

Hotel Stay at the Eurostars das Artes from 

€58. Book at hotels.easyJet.com 

Dinner Book a table at the hip Don Tonho 

and feast on gourmet cuisine while sitting 

shoulder to shoulder with celebs. 13–15 

Cais da Ribeira, tel: +351 22 200 4307 

Shop MUUDA is a trendy concept store 

with fashion, art and home accessories by 

Portuguese designers. 294 Rua do Rosário

LYON 

Sip on a cocktail at Le Boudoir, 

Lyon’s trendiest bar 

This chic cocktail bar is the perfect spot 

to see and be seen. Jazz lovers take note: 

live sultry jazz is played on Wednesday 

evenings. 13 Place Jules Ferry 

Route We fl y from Porto to Lyon once 

on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 

and Sunday. 

Hotel Stay at the Boscolo Grand Hotel 

from €120. Book at hotels.easyJet.com 

Chocolate Treat yourself to some 

utterly indulgent chocolates at Lyon’s 


fi nest chocolatier, Bernachon. Try the 

connoisseur’s choice – Le Palet d’Or. 

42 Cours Franklin Roosevelt 

Bike For a fun way to explore the city, pick 

up a bike at one of the 350 Vélo’v stands 

throughout the city. The fi rst 30 minutes is 

free. velov.grandlyon.com 



EDINBURGH 

Play golf at Gullane’s championship 

course from £65 (€71) per person 

The picturesque Gullane Golf Course, 

just 40 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh, 

is reputed to be the best course in East 

Lothian. Instead of scheduling those 


business meetings in an offi ce, take your 

clients for a round of golf to clinch that 

deal. gullanegolfclub.com 

Route We fl y from Lyon to Edinburgh 

once on Wednesday and twice on Saturday, 

and from Edinburgh to Milan Malpensa 

once a day. 

MARTIN 

CLAIRE WORDS | 

Hotel Stay at the Caledonian Hilton from VALENCIA/EASTWING.CO.UK 


Shop Look sharp in a bespoke suit from ADRIAN © 

Peter Johnston – one of the city’s most 

exclusive tailors. 40 Queen Street 

Drink Sip on a gin and tonic at the awardwinning 

56 North. 2 West Crosscauseway ILLUSTRATIONS

DINE AROUND 

THE WORLD 

IN EIGHT 

DAYS 

Soho Square brings 

a planet of mouthwatering 

food to Sharm El Sheikh 

AT SOHO SQUARE you can go on a 

round-the-world culinary tour and enjoy a 

different cuisine every night of the week. 

SOHO Square Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt 

tel: +20 (0) 69 360 2500, 

tel: +20 (0) 10 160 9544, soho-sharm.com 

DAY 3 Just over the border in China, 

chef Chan brings his vast experience of 

Cantonese cuisine to the Zen Restaurant. As 

is the case with all the restaurants at Soho 

Square, the ingredients are the best available 

– selected from suppliers worldwide. 

DAY 6 For a piece of Paris in the Sinai 

peninsula, visit L’Entrecote Steak House, a 

French-style restaurant offering the fi nest 

cuts of meat from the UK, Ireland, Australia 

and Japan. For a special occasion, the wagyu 

steak is the most tender dish on the menu. 

DAY 1 Start your culinary world tour in Asia 

with an evening at Mai Thai. With a skilled 

chef from Thailand running the show, the 

newest restaurant at Soho Square offers 

authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in a chic, 

comfortable environment. 

DAY 4 Next door at Bombay, chef Tilakraj 

demonstrates his mastery of northern Indian 

cuisine. With a clay tandoor oven and spices 

imported from India at his disposal, Tilakraj 

cooks Egypt’s best karachi gosht and 

tandoori chicken. 

DAY 7 Next door to L’Entrecote, you can 

enjoy the theatrical excitement of the 

teppanyaki experience. With clattering 

knives, the expert chefs prepare a wide range 

of meat and seafood to perfection right in 

front of your eyes. 


DAY 2 The following evening, make the short 

hop to Japan with a trip to the Sushi Bar. 

Sharm El Sheikh’s only conveyor-belt sushi 

bar boasts an ever-changing selection of fresh 

sushi, nigiri and sashimi. Just grab whatever 

takes your fancy as the plates pass you by. 

DAY 5 As you head west, you’ll want to stop 

over in the Middle East, and Soho Square’s 

Saffron restaurant offers dishes from Syria, 

Lebanon, Morocco, the Gulf, and of course, 

Egypt. Go easy on the mezze, dips and bread 

– the kebabs are fantastic. 

DAY 8 Caligula in the neighbouring Savoy 

Hotel offers something completely different 

– Hot Rock dining. Here, you cook your own 

meat on a piece of heated volcanic rock, 

ensuring your beef, veal, lamb, fi sh or seafood 

is served piping hot and super-fresh.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT 

VALENCIA’S ICONIC CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 

SETS THE SCENE FOR SPRING’S NEUTRAL PALETTE, 

CLEAN LINES AND SPORTY STYLES 

PHILIP VOLKERS

XXX | XXX 

LOCATION 

City of Arts 

and Sciences 

SHE WEARS 

Dress (£125) from 

Banana Republic; 

shoes (£85) 

from Dune 


LOCATION 

Hemisphèric, City of 

Arts and Sciences 

THIS PAGE 

Nylon jacket (£33) 

and tri-blend scarf (£12), 

both from American 

Apparel; chinos (£65) 

from Dockers; belt (£3) 

from H&M 

OPPOSITE 

Cutout mini dress (£24) 

and knee-high unisex 

socks (£8), both from 

American Apparel; 

shoes (£60) from Faith; 

cuff (£3) from H&M

LOCATION 

Science Museum 

entrance (right); steps to 

the Umbracle (opposite), 

City of Arts and Sciences 

THIS PAGE 

Cotton spandex bodysuit 

(£22) from American 

Apparel; button leggings 

(£130) from Paul & Joe 

Sister; shoes (£45) 

from Dune 

OPPOSITE 

Zip-detail cotton parka 

(£299) from Jaeger; polo 

shirt (£92) from John 

Smedley; cut-off shorts 

(£28) and canvas shoes 

(£35), both from 

Topman; knee-high 

unisex socks (£8) from 

American Apparel

LOCATION 

Science Museum, City 

of Arts and Sciences 

(here); Palau de les Arts 

Reina Sofía (opposite) 

THIS PAGE 

SHE WEARS 

Dress (£170) from Paul 

& Joe; shoes (£60) from 

Faith; cuff (stylist’s own) 

HE WEARS 

Top (£270) from Paul 

& Joe; chinos (£70) from 

Tommy Hilfi ger; canvas 

shoes (£35) from Topman 

OPPOSITE 

Jersey and linen knitback 

polo top (£175) 

from 3.1 Phillip Lim and 

slim-fi t jeans (£185) 

from Marc by Marc 

Jacobs, both available 

at my-wardrobe.com 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Philip Volkers 

STYLING 

Wendy Tee 

HAIR & MAKE-UP 

Victoria Clarke 

ART DIRECTION 

Neil Smith 

PRODUCTION 

Jeroen Bergmans 

MODELS 

Etienne Samuel 

premiermodel 

management.com 

Tonia Molyavko 

fmmodelagency.com 

CONTACTS 

americanapparel.co.uk 

bananarepublic.gap.eu 

dockers.com 

dune.co.uk 

faith.co.uk 

hm.com 

jaeger.co.uk 

johnsmedley.com 

my-wardrobe.com 

paulandjoe.com 

tommyhilfi ger.co.uk 

topman.com 

SPECIAL THANKS 

Lucía Martínez Dalmau 

Cristina Carrera Negro 

Gatwick Express 

£1 = €1.10

A QUICK 

GUIDE TO 

VALENCIA 

THE 

MAGNIFICENT 

GOTHIC 

cathedral and the lavish mercantile 

hall La Lonja de la Seda in 

Valencia’s Old Town are testament 

to its heyday in the 15th century 

when it was one of Europe’s major 

cultural and economic centres. 

In 1957, disaster struck when 

the River Túria burst its banks, 

almost destroying the city’s 

grand, architectural heritage. 

When the huge restoration project 

got under way, the local council 

came up with an ingenious plan 

to prevent more fl ooding, which 

ultimately led to Valencia’s second 

wave of vernacular architecture 

– large-scale futuristic designs. 

The river was diverted and its 

dried-out riverbed converted into 

Jardines del Túria, a lush ribbon 

of parkland designed by several 

landscape architects into zones 

dedicated to football, tennis, 

athletics and volleyball. The jewel 

in the crown of this radical, urban 

planning project was offered to 

Valencia’s most high-profi le native, 

the internationally acclaimed 

architect Santiago Calatrava. 

At the mouth of the river he has 

created La Ciudad de las Artes 

y las Ciencias (the City of Arts 

and Sciences, cac.es), a cluster 

of futuristic buildings offering 

attractions and educational 

entertainment for all the family. 

L’Oceanogràfi c is the largest 

aquarium in Europe with 500 

species of sharks, seals, stingrays 

and water birds, crowned by two 

Jetsons-style buildings resembling 

giant waterlilies. The Príncipe 

Felipe Science Museum forms the 

spine of the complex and hosts 

interactive and tactile exhibitions 

designed for children. Its 

extraordinary façade is inspired by 

the skeletons of dinosaurs and at 

the back, a cascade of glass mimics 

a waterfall. Opposite is l’Umbracle, 

a landscaped promenade and 

sculpture park enclosed by a cagelike 

roof which hosts parties in the 

summer months (umbracleterraza. 

com). The Hemisfèric building 

seems to fl oat in the centre of a 

7,300m 2 ornamental pool and at 

night the refl ection of its ovoid 

roof and the sphere that houses its 

IMAX cinema and planetarium 

resemble a giant eye. The Palau de 

les Arts Reina Sofía opera house 

is the most iconic structure of all, 

presiding over its neighbours like 

an aerodynamic helmet from cult 

virtual-reality fi lm Tron. 

comunitatvalenciana.com 

BARCELO VALENCIA 

Located just across the road 

from La Ciudad de las Artes y las 

Ciencias, the four-star Barceló 

Valencia is the perfect base for 

exploring this extraordinary 

complex. Some of the 187 rooms 

and the rooftop terrace (a popular 

venue for wedding receptions and 

parties) look straight out onto 

the spectacular opera house, and 

sleek interiors reference Calatrava’s 

space-aged hub. Make the most of 

the excellent buffet breakfast and 

feast on local and Mediterranean 

dishes in El Senyoret restaurant or 

El Gotet lobby bar. Then work off 

those calories on the treadmills in 

the fi tness room while lapping up 

the amazing views, followed by a 

relaxing massage, sauna or soak 

in the Jacuzzi. Doubles from €96, 

book at hotels.easyJet.com JB 


SPRING 

HAS SPRUNG 

WORDS ALEX MITCHELL 

MARVEL AT THE LABURNUM BLOSSOMS 

AT BODNANT, THE RIOT OF 

COLOUR AT KEUKENHOF AND OUR OTHER 

FAVOURITE FLORAL FIESTAS

SPRING GARDENS | TOP TEN 

IT’S SPRING 

AND FROM 

Milan to 

Manchester, Europe is changing colour, 

shedding its washed-out browns and 

greens for reds, yellows and creamy 

whites. Tulips burst into life, magnolias 

shamelessly thrust their cup-like blooms to 

the sky and laburnum blossoms drip like 

melting butter. Spring is the perfect time 

for some post-winter colour therapy. 

From medieval walled pleasure gardens 

to rolling estates and municipal parks, the 

continent’s gardens have woken up. But 

how do you pick your way through the 

dizzying lists of famous gardens and, just 

as importantly, how do you know when 

is the best time to visit? No one wants to 

turn up only to fi nd the wisteria is past its 

peak, the roses are being deadheaded and 

the bulbs are nothing more than limp leaves 

fl opping on the grass. 

Our insider’s guide to the most 

spectacular spring gardens in Europe 

and north Africa will ensure you get your 

timing just right. Then all that’s left is to 

discover for yourself these breathtaking 

gardens, taking time to sit back and smell 

the fl owers. 

HIMALAYAS WITHOUT 

TRAVEL JABS 

BODNANT GARDEN, WALES 

» Fly to Liverpool 

» Perfect for rugged outdoor types 

“Have you ever been to the Himalayas?” 

the late British industrialist Lord 

Aberconway was once asked. “No,” he 

replied, glancing out of the window at 

his 30 hectares of soaring conifers and 

gigantic rhododendrons. “There has never 

seemed much point.” With stunning views 

of Snowdon above a hillside bursting 

with magnolia, azalea and rhododendron 

blossoms, this Welsh wonderland is about 

epic landscapes, tinkling brooks and 

enchanting walks in the dell. You half expect 

Frodo Baggins to appear round the corner. 

Visit in March and April to see 

magnolias, camellias and spring bulbs. 

From early April to the middle of May the 

rhododendrons are magnifi cent, while 

late May is showtime for the azaleas. But 

perhaps the most stunning sight of all is in 

early June, when you can wander through 

a 55m-long tunnel dripping with golden 

laburnum blossoms. bodnantgarden.co.uk 

Stay at Craig-Ard Hotel, doubles from €85. 

Book at hotels.easyJet.com 


Here, Monet created 

Giverny’s Japanese 

Water Garden as the 

ultimate inspiration 

for his painting; right, 

Jacques Majorelle’s 

Marrakech garden; 

previous spread, 

Bodnant Garden, Wales 

LILY PADS AND 

SKETCHPADS 

GIVERNY, FRANCE 

» Fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle 

» Perfect for art lovers 

When Monet sat painting his now 

legendary lily pond, he didn’t put in the 

gardeners he employed to scoop algae from 

the water, pick up fl oating willow branches 

and wipe the lily pads clean every day. Nor 

did he include the roadworkers he paid to 

tar the road next door so dust from passing 

traffi c wouldn’t spoil the refl ection in the 

deep, blue water. Getting his Japanese 

water garden to look this good didn’t come 

without effort. 

“Apart from painting and gardening, 

I’m not good at anything,” Monet was 

fond of saying. They couldn’t have been 

more compatible passions. He created this 

garden in 1883 and recreated it again and 

again on canvases right up to his death 

in 1926. No wonder visitors coming to 

Giverny feel a real sense of déjà vu. And yet, 

somehow, it lives up to all expectations. 

The best time to visit is in May, when 

the fl ower garden just outside the house is a 

riot of irises, poppies, wallfl owers, peonies 

and roses and the Japanese bridge across 

the pond is draped in mauve and white 

wisteria, a vine planted by Monet himself. 

giverny.org 

Stay at Domaine de la Corniche, doubles 

from €70. Book at hotels.easyJet.com 

A BOLD, BLUE 

DESERT BOLTHOLE 

JARDIN MAJORELLE, 

MOROCCO 

» Fly to Marrakech 

» Perfect for people needing a bit 

of colour in their lives 

Morocco is a stone’s throw from Europe, 

making it easily accessible for those 

wanting a refreshing spring break in an 

exotic location. In the tropical atmosphere 

of Marrakech, French artist Jacques 

Majorelle splashed a vibrant palette 

over his garden, painting its walls a rich, 

deep blue inspired by local tiles. One of 

those bohemian Europeans attracted 

to the sexually liberated atmosphere of 

1920s Morocco, Majorelle stuffed the 

gardens with cacti, succulents and over 

400 varieties of palm, all of which still 

dominate the space. When he died in 1962, 

the place went wild, but was saved almost 

20 years later when bought and restored 

by the French fashion designer Yves Saint 


JACQUES 

MAJORELLE 

SPLASHED 

A VIBRANT 

PALETTE OVER 

HIS GARDEN 

Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. 

It’s the antithesis of the naturalistic 

English style, an unashamedly fl ashy 

setting for showcasing cacti and exotic 

palms against bright yellow window 

frames, apple-green doors and red paths. 

But it’s the cobalt blue of the walls and 

fountains that really dominates, perfectly 

offsetting the shady foliage and lily pond. 

Go on a hot spring day when you can 

wander around the shady courtyard to the 

sound of tinkling fountains. 

jardinmajorelle.com 

Stay at Mont Gueliz Hotel, doubles from 




THE TIGHTLY 

CLIPPED 

YEW HEDGES 

SYMBOLISE THE 

TRIUMPH OF 

CIVILISATION 

TULIP FEVER 

KEUKENHOF, NETHERLANDS 

» Fly to Amsterdam 

» Perfect for a family day out 

Ever wondered what St Basil’s Cathedral 

in Moscow’s Red Square would look like as 

a fl ower display? Go no further than Lisse, 

half an hour from Amsterdam, where the 

iconic building has been recreated using 

65,000 bulbs in response to this year’s 

Russian theme at the annual Keukenhof 

bulb bonanza. 

Even when it’s not undertaking fl oral 

feats of engineering, this 30-hectare park 

is pretty spectacular. Bursting with seven 

million bulbs, it’s planting as painting. 


Here, the yew parterre 

at Villa Lante, an Italian 

Renaissance garden; 

left, at Keukenhof, bulbs 

paint the landscape 

Every spring, visitors pile in – 43 million 

since the park opened in 1949 – to ooh 

and aah at the crazy numbers of tulips 

and daffodils and the blue stream of grape 

hyacinths coursing down to the lake. 

Visit from March to May, with the 

best time being the end of April to the 

beginning of May. Spend an hour or so at 

the park and then hire a bike and picnic on 

bread, cheese and Amstel beer by the sides 

of the bulb fi elds around Keukenhof. But 

don’t get too sentimental about the fl owers 

– it’s their bulbs that are most prized, so 

once they’ve fl owered for a week, a big 

machine crawls across the fi elds munching 

off the fl owers in order to get the bulbs 

ready for sale. keukenhof.nl 

Stay at Estherea, deluxe room for two 

adults and a child from €220. Book at 

hotels.easyJet.com 

ROMANCE FOR 

WATER LOVERS 

VILLA LANTE, ITALY 

» Fly to Rome 

» Perfect for couples 

Algae-shouldered sea gods lounge each 

side of a waterfall, Pegasus spouts nobly 

in a serene pool and water trickles down 

stone steps that wend their way up and 

down the hillside. Turn up to this garden 

ALL PHOTOS © PHOTOLIBRARY, 4CORNERS

thirsty and you may soon regret it. But 

come looking for romance and this shady, 

meditative hillside idyll has all you could 

ever wish for. 

Probably the best-preserved garden of 

the Italian Renaissance, Villa Lante is all 

about water, gushing from the mouths of 

beasts, between urns and even through 

the centre of a giant stone table where 

cardinals apparently used to cool their 

wine. Created in the 1560s, the design is all 

very symbolic, with a climbing succession 

of spectacular fountains and sculptures 

representing man’s journey from the 

wilderness to civilisation. Rationalism, 

represented by the stone, is contrasted with 

the rough, wild nature of the water and it 

all ends in a clipped yew parterre at the 

bottom – the triumph of civilisation. You 

don’t have to be literate in Rennaissance 

symbolism to enjoy some time here on a 

hot afternoon, hearing the trickle of water 

and resting in the shade. infoviterbo. 

it/villa_lante_bagnaia_eng.htm 

Stay at B&B dei Papi Charme & 

Design, doubles from €110. Book at 



All these destinations from many 

cities. Our insider guides start on 

page 105. Book online at easyJet.com 


BEST OF 

THE REST 

CHATEAU DE VILLANDRY, FRANCE 

PARIS ORLY 

Anyone who didn’t think a cabbage could 

be beautiful, can’t have been to this 

chateau near Tours (pictured), which is 

known for its vegetable displays – perfect 

inspiration for allotment holders. 

chateauvillandry.com 

PATIOS OF CORDOBA, SPAIN 

MALAGA 

During the May festival, the streets 

of Córdoba are bejewelled as potted 

geraniums are elevated to an artform. 

patiosdecordoba.net 

SISSINGHURST, UK 

GATWICK 

Stroll through spring bulbs down the lime 

walk in April and drink in the climbing 

roses in Vita Sackville-West’s Kentish 

creation from May to June. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst 

ISOLA BELLA, ITALY 

MILAN 

A ship of fl owers sets sail in Lake 

Maggiore – this colourful, sophisticated 

island being particularly lovely and 

dramatic in spring when its camellias, 

azaleas and rhododendrons are in full 

blossom. lagomaggiore.net 

LEVENS HALL, CUMBRIA 

MANCHESTER 

Fans of Alice in Wonderland will love 

Levens Hall, which boasts the fi nest 

topiary garden in the world, a fantastical 

place where yew and box is coaxed into 

brave bulges and beasts. levenshall.co.uk 


SWISS 

ROLL 

WITH 

JAMMIN 

YOU MIGHT THINK 

SWISS MUSIC IS ALL 

ABOUT THE YODELLING, 

BUT VISIT ZURICH 

AND YOU’LL 

DISCOVER REGGAE 

BEATS ECHOING 

ACROSS THE SWISS ALPS 

WORDS 

CELESTE NEILL DUVOISIN 

PHOTOS 

ELISABETH REAL

SWISS REGGAE | ZURICH 


MOST PEOPLE 

ASSOCIATE 

REGGAE MUSIC 

with Bob Marley and a Jamaican tropical 

idyll of palm trees and sandy beaches. 

While a reggae tune occasionally storms 

the European music charts – usually in 

summer when we’re dreaming of hot 

weather and holidays (think the annoyingly 

catchy Who Let the Dogs Out?) – the genre 

is not considered mainstream outside of 

the West Indies. And yet, reggae has lately 

gained a strong following in the cool climes 

of Switzerland. Not imported reggae, but a 

homegrown version that is fast becoming 

the biggest sound on Swiss dancefl oors. 

Reggae took off in Jamaica in the 1970s 

with such legends as Bob Marley and Lee 

“Scratch” Perry. An Afrocentric form of 

Clockwise from here, 

Jaba; a reggae fan at 

the All Killer No Filler 

club night; Junior 

Tshaka, winner of last 

year’s European Reggae 

Contest; Phenomden 

and the Scrucialists 

music, it became the voice of the struggling 

lower classes at a time of political and 

economic strife, when Jamaica was 

attempting to stand on its own feet after 

gaining independence from the UK in 

the late 50s. So what relevance does this 

have to Switzerland, an almost entirely 

white society and one of the world’s 

wealthiest countries? 

FINDING COMMON GROUND between a 

country famous for welcoming wealthy tax 

exiles and a genre synonymous with the 

poor and dispossessed of the Caribbean 

isn’t such a stretch, says Swiss reggae star 

Junior Tshaka. The winner of the 2009 

European Reggae Contest says today’s 

Swiss youth also have grievances to air, 

and they’ve started using reggae as a 

platform for this. Junior uses it to vocalise

his opinions on human rights issues and 

global injustices – themes so often left 

out of many modern and mainstream 

pop songs. 

“Many young Swiss that would 

usually be attracted to rap music are 

now drawn to reggae music. They feel it’s 

still rebellious, but more open. It’s about 

relaxation and meditation, and a lot of 

young people really like its message,” says 

Junior. “Reggae has always been very 

much the voice of the voiceless.” 

Junior also believes that the 

picturesque landscapes of Switzerland 

and Jamaica, though very different, both 

provide strong inspiration. “To be close 

to nature is normal in Switzerland and 

reggae music has always had a strong 

connection with nature too. There are a 

lot of songs in reggae which talk about 

“SWISS 

YOUTH ARE 

STARTING TO 

USE REGGAE 

AS A PLATFORM 

TO AIR THEIR 

GRIEVANCES” 

the respect for nature and for Mother 

Earth, which is something we Swiss 

can also relate to.” 

Junior hails from the tiny town of 

Neuchâtel, the epicentre of Switzerland’s 

reggae scene. The town is home to the 

recording studios of Damp Productions, 

where most of Switzerland’s reggae stars 

start out. Damp Productions, which 

started in 1997, has produced albums 

for local reggae artists such as Junior, 

as well as established singers from 

the Caribbean. One such artist is the 

legendary Lee “Scratch” Perry, who now 

lives in Zürich. 

REGGAE WAS LARGELY unknown in 

Switzerland before the 1980s, limited 

to the odd Bob Marley record played in 

bars and clubs. Then DJs such as Roots 


GET DOWN TO DE 

RIDDIMS IN ZURICH 

KANZLEI 

This buzzing nightclub in the Kreis 4 

district boasts the coolest names in 

Zürich reggae. KOS Crew performs 

at Jamaica’s Finest on Tuesdays, and 

Sound Haunted spins reggae styles on 

weekends. 56 Kanzleistrasse, kanzlei.ch 

STALL 6 

This old theatre attracts a laidback 

but trendy crowd for nights such as 

Caribbeana and Cool Ruler. The Level 

The Vibe night every Monday is the 

quintessential Swiss reggae experience, 

with the latest rhythms selected by Boss 

Hi-Fi. 8 Gessnerallee, stall6.ch 

HARTEREI 

Home to the All Killer No Filler night with 

the famous Zürich reggae DJ Ali Baba 

Sound, Harterei also hosts live concerts. 

219 Hardstrasse, haerterei-club.ch 

ROTE FABRIK 

Zürich’s most vibrant venue is also home 

to the regular Enter the Dancehall club 

night. It attracts international stars, with 

previous guests including Sly & Robbie 

and David Rodigan. This month sees 

Junior Kelly and Warrior King perform on 

the 17th. 395 Seestrasse, rotefabrik.ch 

16 TONS (PICTURED) 

This retro record store specialises in 

reggae, world music and soul. It’s a great 

place for picking up collectable rare vinyl 

and fl yers for all the coolest club nights in 

town. 25 Anwandstrasse, 16tons.ch 



“IT’S GREAT 

THAT THE 

REGGAE CLUB 

CROWD IS SO 

MIXED HERE 

– IT’S A HUGE 

SCENE” 


Operator became popular, and Ganglords, 

who played across Europe and Jamaica. 

It wasn’t until Damp Productions and 

Zürich-based label One Ton started 

bringing reggae artists to the forefront of 

the airwaves in the late 90s that the genre 

really gained a foothold and became a part 

of mainstream Swiss music. 

Six years ago, a new law ensured Swiss 

reggae artists would get their fair share 

of airtime. Until 2004, contemporary 

Swiss artists, especially those singing in 

Swiss languages, were rarely heard on 

mainstream radio. However, on realising 

that local music was in danger of dying 

out, the Swiss Government ruled that all 

radio stations must play a daily quota of 

Swiss artists and songs in Swiss languages. 

This move was a huge success, and there 

has subsequently been a rise in interest in 

all types of Swiss music. 


the crowd at the All Killer 

No Filler club night; 

chilling out at Level the 

Vibes; a clubber at All 

Killer No Filler 

IN THE GERMAN side of the country, the 

dialect varies from city to city, but reggae 

has helped unify many young people 

who were looking for an outlet for their 

frustrations and unease directed at society. 

Zürich-based Phenomden, Switzerland’s 

most popular and successful reggae singer, 

has embodied this sentiment. His third 

album, Gangdalang (slang for “walk this 

way”), stayed in the Swiss album charts 

for 37 weeks, and was nominated for 

2009’s Best Urban Album by the Swiss 

Music Awards. 

The 29-year-old Phenomden, with his 

backing band The Scrucialists, sings in 

mundart (a German word that defi nes the 

Swiss-German language). He has become 

so popular with the youth that he’s often 

asked to perform at schools where children 

are eager to hear contemporary music in 

their own language.

And clubbers dig Phenomden’s music 

too. “It’s great that the reggae club crowd is 

so mixed here, as Zürich has become a very 

open society – it’s changed a lot in the past 

10 years,” he says. “Nearly every evening 

you can fi nd a reggae club or concert on. 

It’s a huge scene and there are all kinds 

of people at the parties. You don’t have to 

dress or think a certain way – there are 

guys in suits, ladies who are very dressed 

up, guys with dreadlocks, those who are 

more politically motivated by the music 

and some who are just there to dance.” 

IT’S NOT JUST Zürich that offers a daily 

diet of reggae clubs, gigs and artists, 

either. According to Jaba, the lead singer 

of eclectic band Moonraisers and founder 

of the website reggae.ch, reggae is now 

widespread throughout the country. 

“Geneva has a huge scene – every night 

there is a sound system or a group playing, 

and all over Switzerland there are many 

nights and events.” Jaba’s latest album, Do 

the Right Step, has been selling well in both 

Switzerland and France. “What has helped 

it become popular is that the reggae nights 

are hosted in all the clubs and there isn’t 

really one venue devoted to reggae. It’s in 

all the main places that everyone goes to.” 

Jaba feels that alongside the radio exposure 

and the high production quality of Swiss 

musicians, the scene is fi nally on its way 

to becoming as fashionable as the rap or 

house music scenes: “Reggae is rebellious, 

but also respectful, so it’s a soft style of 

revolution that is happening.” 


Zürich from London Gatwick & Luton 

and Manchester. See our guide on 


WHERE 

TO STAY 

IN ZURICH 

UNDER €100 

HOTEL FOYER 

HOTTINGEN 

Comfortable and 

welcoming, this intimate 

hotel boasts a superb 

location in Zürich’s Old 

Town, close to the action. 

Doubles from €85, book 

at hotels.easyJet.com 

UNDER €150 

X-TRA HOTEL 

This seriously cool 

hotel has spacious 

rooms, plus a lively bar 

and lounge, and boasts 

one of the best clubs 

in town. Doubles 

from €108, book at 


UNDER €200 

SORELL HOTEL RUTLI 

For a truly trendy 

break, stay in one of 12 

über-stylish rooms with 

walls bearing artwork 

by graffi ti artists, right in 

the centre of Zürich. 


at hotels.easyJet.com

EASTERN 

EUROPE’S 

GRAPE 

ESCAPE 

WORDS MARIE CLELAND 

VISIT SLOVENIA’S WINE REGIONS IN 

SPRING WHEN THE LANDSCAPE IS WAKING 

UP TO SUMMER AND THE LOCALS 

ARE WAITING TO SHOW YOU AROUND

WINE TRAIL | SLOVENIA 

A QUIET 

REVOLUTION 

HAS BEEN 

going on in 

Slovenia since it gained independence 

from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. 

It’s a peaceful, exciting revolution in 

winemaking that could play a big part 

in putting this little country of just two 

million people on the tourist map. 

“Slovenia doesn’t get as much attention 

as it’s due – a lot of people don’t know 

where it is for a start, and because it’s 

small, there’s not a lot of wine leaving the 

country,” says winemaker Nick Gee. A 

New Zealander who married a Slovene and 

now works out of the Zlati Grič cellars in 

the north-east of the country, Nick knows 

fi rst-hand the potential of Slovenia’s wine 

and the fact that as a wine destination, the 

country is hugely underrated. 

“It sounds exotic, but actually the 

wine on offer in Slovenia is serious and 

traditional,” says Aleks Simčič, who 

produces wine in Brda Valley in the west, 

a stone’s throw from Italy’s Friuli region. 

WHILE SLOVENIA IS producing some 

excellent wines right now after an evolution 

in winemaking that started 20 years ago, 

most of the wine isn’t exported, so the 

best place to experience it is in the country 

itself, among stunning, rolling hills dotted 

with characterful villages. After fl ying into 

Ljubljana, you can drive around Slovenia’s 

three wine regions – Prodavje (north-east), 

Posavje (south-east) and Primorska (west) 

– in a week. Salt-of-the-earth locals will 

make your stay feel authentic and special, 

and locally sourced, natural and organic 

food will keep tempting your tastebuds 

long after you’ve returned home. 

In the Prodavje region, 90 minutes’ 

drive from Ljubljana on the border with 

Hungary, Zlati Grič winery (zlati-gric.si) is 

at the forefront of Slovenia’s next generation 

of winemaking. Its new, contemporary 

cellar nestles into a 100-hectare vineyard 

at the heart of the village of Slovenske 

Konjice. The cellar’s ultra-modern façade is 

aimed at attracting discerning tourists, and 

its high-tech machinery allows winemaker 

Nick Gee to produce top-quality wines. 

The complex’s low-lying form also plays 

a vital part in preserving the cultural 

heritage of the vineyard, which features an 

unusual geometric confi guration of vines, 

and is dotted with historic manor houses 

built by wealthy Austrian landowners. 


“OUR GOAL 

IS TO MAKE 

ZLATI GRIC 

WINERY A MINI 

DESTINATION” 

Clockwise from above, the 

cellar at Zlati Grič; one of the 

winery’s historic manor houses; 

and the golf course that runs 

through the middle of the vines


TAKE FIVE TOP 

WINE BARS AND 

RESTAURANTS 

VINOTEKA VIPAVA 

This is the perfect place for an overview 

of the wines of the Vipava Valley. It offers 

tastings from a range of over 150 wines 

from 43 winemakers. 1 Glavni Trg, Vipava, 

vipavska-dolina.si 

PRI LOJZETU 

This superb restaurant offers slow-food 

feasts out of the stately ambience of 

Zemono manor house. Wines from the 

Vipava Valley, nearby Gorisˇka Brda and 

the Karst complement chef Tomazˇ 

Srsˇen’s seasonal dishes. 8 Zemono, 

Vipava, tel: +386 (0)5 368 7007 

HISA POSEBNE SORTA (PICTURED) 

Locavores will salivate at the delicious 

menu at this chic, farmhouse restaurant. 

All the produce comes from the family’s 

farm or the local village, from apricot 

jam to apple brandy, cheese to muscat 

dessert wine. 15 Kodreti, Štanjel, tel: 

+386 (0)5 769 0000, sorta.si 

ENOTEKA GRAD STANJEL 

Below is a 1,000-year-old cellar, above 

is a modern restaurant for sampling 

the best of Karst wines and cuisine. 1A 

Štanjel, tel: +386 (0)5 769 0118 

VINOTEKA MOVIA 

This vinoteka serves wines from all over 

Slovenia, as well as from Movia winery. In 

a cosy space with the feel of a traditional 

cellar, it offers tastings accompanied by 

appetisers. 1 Mestni Trg, Ljubljana 



“The goal for the future is to make the 

entire complex a kind of mini destination 

for visitors,” says general manager Janez 

Lesˇnik. Already on offer is apartment 

accommodation in an historic house, a 

nine-hole golf course among the vines, a 

restaurant, and tours of the wine cellar. 

Visitors to Zlati Grič can sample its 

increasingly complex, aromatic wines, 

as well as traditional blueberry brandy 

and natural apple juice. In this haven of 

pristine landscapes and tranquillity, there’s 

a renowned health spa close by – Terme 

Zreče (terme-zrece.eu) – as well as walking 

trails in the local countryside. 

It’s not just Zlati Grič with its 

contemporary cellar and blossoming 

vintages that is championing Slovenia’s 

wine tourism. The wineries on the other 

side of the country in the Primorska region 

are some of the best-known Slovenian 



Zlati Grič’s vines are 

planted in an unusual 

geometric confi guration; 

visionary winemaker 

Alesˇ Kristančič; view 

of the Brda Valley from 

Movia winery; Valvas’or’s 

contemporary interior 

wine producers in terms of international 

exposure and pushing the boundaries 

of winemaking. Austrian, German and 

Italian tourists already visit the region, 

and now Brits are discovering it too. 

ONE SUCH CLUSTER of top producers 

is situated in the idyllic Brda Valley. 

Straddling the border between Slovenia 

and Italy, Brda blooms in spring, the valley 

speckled with fl owering cherry trees. One 

of the best vantage points for standing in 

awe at the view is above the vineyard of 

Edi Simčič (edisimcic.si), on the balcony of 

the winery’s new guesthouse. 

Like many Slovenians, Aleks Simčič 

(Edi’s son) grew up drinking wine from 

his family’s vines, though it’s only in the 

past two decades that a fully functioning 

vineyard has been developed. Visitors 

to the winery can expect a tour of the 

cellars and the vineyard, wine tastings 

and a chance to sample home-grown 

olive oil, fruit such as kiwi and citrus, and 

prosciutto from the farm’s pigs. Aleks’ 

wife Martina cooks up seasonal dishes 

that satisfy all the senses. In April, these 

include herb-infused recipes such as 

frittata, and sweet delights such as jamfi 

lled gnocchi. “We are used to eating good 

quality food,” says Martina. 

No stay in the Brda Valley would be 

complete without a visit to Movia winery 

(movia.si). Possibly Slovenia’s bestknown 

wine producer, it’s no coincidence 

overseas dignitaries, from princes to prime 

ministers, are often shown around Movia 

on offi cial visits. Charismatic winemaker 

Alěs Kristančič is innovative, passionate 

and a visionary, all of which is evident 

in the superb wines he creates. Onsite is 

a vinoteka for sampling Movia’s wines,

“SLOVENIA 

DOESN’T GET 

AS MUCH 

ATTENTION 

AS IT’S DUE” 

and larger groups can enjoy a meal on the 

balcony looking out over the Brda Valley. 

LIKE MANY VINEYARDS in Slovenia, 

Movia is based on natural principles. It’s 

biodynamic, though not certifi ed. Organic 

and biodynamic methods have traditionally 

played a part in Slovenian winemaking, not 

because they’re trendy, but because people 

believe it makes sense to respect nature. In 

the Vipava Valley, a 40-minute drive from 

Brda, Miha Batič’s family winery (batic. 

si) uses growing techniques based on an 

ancient system developed for that valley and 

its microclimate. Miha likes it when visitors 

come to the winery and tour the vineyard, 

because they can get a sense, quite literally, 

of the roots of his family’s wine. 

Back in Ljubljana, and chic locals 

gather at Restaurant Valvas’or (7 Stari 

Trg, tel: +386 (0)1 425 0455) to dine on 

contemporary cuisine complemented by 

Slovenian wines. In this trendy setting, 

cutting-edge design meets the classical 

architecture of the Old Town, while on 

the menu, fusion cuisine more commonly 

associated with the Pacifi c Rim adds a 

touch of the exotic to local dishes and 

ingredients. It’s a combination of history 

and modernity, foreign infl uence and 

local fl avour that applies as much to this 

restaurant as it does to Slovenia’s wine 

industry. And there’s no better place to 

sit back with a glass of Movia’s Puro rose, 

indulge in Adriatic seafood, and refl ect on 

the unexpected delights that await visitors 

to this rare treat on the European map. 


Ljubljana from London Stansted. 



WHERE 

TO STAY IN 

SLOVENIA 

UNDER €100 

BED AND BREAKFAST 

FLUMEN 

This cosy bolthole on 

the Italian border is 

the perfect base for 

exploring the Brda 

Valley and its vineyards. 



UNDER €150 

CITY HOTEL 

A 10-minute stroll from 

this four-star brings 

you to the centre 

of Ljubljana, and to 

Valvas’or restaurant for 

top-notch food and wine. 



UNDER €200 

HOTEL DONAT 

Visit Zlati Grič winery 

in Slovenske Konjice 

and then relax at this 

renowned spa hotel 

close by in the town of 

Rogaška Slatina. Doubles 


hotels.easyJet.com

BODYFLYING | MANCHESTER

BODYFLYING | MANCHESTER 

WHOOSH 

YOU 

WERE 

HERE? 

WORDS IRMA HEGER | PHOTOS DAN KENYON 

HEAD TO MANCHESTER’S NEWEST 

THRILL-SEEKING ATTRACTION 

AND FIND OUT WHAT IT FEELS LIKE 

TO FLY WITHOUT WINGS



“IT’S A 

TOTALLY 

REALISTIC 

FREEFALL 

– WITHOUT 

THE FEAR”

IT’S SKYDIVING 

IN REVERSE 

– you’re 

blasted upwards instead of down. It’s 

also without the sky, the plane and the 

parachute. With indoor skydiving, or 

bodyfl ying as it’s also known, you get the 

sensation of freefalling, without the fall. 

And the best place to try it is Airkix in 

Manchester, which has just opened what it 

claims is the UK’s largest wind tunnel. 

Adrenaline junkies from around the 

world love bodyfl ying. Anyone from age 

four to 104, regardless of sporting ability 

or experience, can safely have a go. As long 

as you weigh less than 115kg, that is. And 

you’re not pregnant, don’t have a dodgy 

heart or a previously dislocated shoulder. 

Airkix, which started in Milton Keynes 

in 2005 and expanded to Manchester this 

year, sees fl yers of all plumage fl ocking 

through its doors. Santa, a double amputee, 

a fl ightless bird, dogs, nudists, even a 

baby have managed to stay afl oat in the 

zero-gravity, 190kmph airfl ow of the wind 

tunnel. One woman used a bodyfl ight 

to celebrate her divorce, and a couple got 

engaged mid-air. The Beckhams once hired 

out the Milton Keynes centre for their 

family’s private use. 

Now, I’ve joined their ranks. Too scared 

to skydive, but having previously enjoyed 

gliding, helicopter rides and fl ying lessons, 

I thought I might like fl ying without wings 

for a change. The idea of indoor fl ying 

– pioneered by the US army in the 1960s 

– appealed. Who hasn’t dreamt of being 

free as a bird? 

THE NEW £4.4M (€5m) Airkix base, a 20mhigh 

venue with a futuristic look, is the 

place to head if you’re similarly inclined. 

Close to the M60 motorway, it’s a stone’s 

throw from shopping mecca The Trafford 

Centre and next to indoor ski slope the 

Chill Factor e . There’s a bar and café, a 

viewing area open to anyone, and lots of 

friendly staff milling around the place. 

The tunnel in which you fl y is 4.28m in 

diameter, and seasoned skydivers – who 

frequently practise here – can fl y up to the 

maximum height of 11.9m. Thankfully, 

beginners fl y much closer to the ground. 

On arrival, fi rst-time fl iers are shown 

a short instructional DVD, meet their 

instructor, and are kitted out with helmets, 

goggles and all-in-one suits. Plus ear plugs. 

Flying in a wind tunnel that’s fi t for testing 

the aerodynamics of a Formula One racing 

car is not a serene affair. More like sticking 

your head out of the window of a speeding 

car on the motorway. Hence the need for 

learning hand signals that the instructor 

will use to tell you to “straighten your legs”; 

“bend your legs”; “chin up” and “relaaaaax” 

– all vital adjustments to your fl ying 

(dis)position. You’re also told to bend your 

arms at the elbows and arch your back. You 

may soon be fl ying around Superman-style, 

but the posture is slightly less rigid. Sudden 

movements are discouraged, as is horseplay 

– purposely fl ying into walls and the like. 

AS OUR PARTY of four lined up on the 

bench outside the glass tunnel to take our 

turns, nerves crept in. It all seemed safe 

enough – the fl oor through which the air 

blasts up is made of bouncy cable netting, 

we’d only be fl ying at head height, so well 

away from the ceiling and we’d have an 

instructor at our side at all times. Still, I 

decided to let everyone fl y before me. 

My friend Nichola fl oated around 

gracefully with a big grin on her face, 

while my husband, by his own admission, 

looked like “a shot spider” with a helmet 

on, but loved it. Our friend Wesley jokingly 

repeated the mantra, “adapt, overcome and 

improvise”, from his old army days before a 

commendable performance. 

As for me, I took his other old army 

mantra of “ignore the fear” to heart as 

I leant forward through the door and 

let the wind blast me off my feet. Arms 

outstretched in front of me, chin up, legs 

Top, “Nervous – who me?”; 

above, a bodyfl yer doing a 

great impersonation of a “shot 

spider”; opposite, the writer 

gets her 60 seconds of air time 

TAKE FIVE 

MANCHESTER 

ADVENTURES 

GO APE! 

Take part in a “high-wire forest 

adventure” with a series of giant obstacle 

courses up in the trees, including ladders, 

bridges and tunnels. Prices from £20 

(€22); Rivington Lane, Horwich, tel: +44 

(0)845 643 9215, goape.co.uk 

THE WHEEL OF MANCHESTER 

This graceful giant takes you on a 13minute 

ride with spectacular 360° views 

day or night. A VIP capsule offers optional 

champagne. Family ticket £18; Exchange 

Square, tel: +44 (0)161 831 9918, 

worldtouristattractions.co.uk 

DAYTONA MANCHESTER 

This heated indoor stadium offers 

go-karting year-round on a challenging, 

450m circuit. Prices from £25; Circle 

South, Wharfside Way, Trafford Park, tel: 

+44 (0)845 644 5505, daytona.co.uk 

CHILL FACTORE (PICTURED) 

The largest indoor “real” snow slope in 

the country offers skiing, snowboarding, 

tubing and luging (hurtling down a 60m 

long ice slide on a special mat). Prices 

from £15, Trafford Quays Leisure Village, 

tel: +44 (0)161 749 2222, chillfactore.com 

MANCHESTER CLIMBING CENTRE 

This centre has one of the largest 

climbing walls in Europe. Suitable for 

novices to rock legends. Prices from 

£5.50; St Benedict’s Church, Bennett 

Street, tel: +44 (0)161 230 7006, 

manchesterclimbingcentre.com 



shoulder-width apart and slightly bent, I 

had soon adapted a passable belly-to-earth 

fl ying position. The hurricane-strength 

wind blowing about my body made making 

adjustments to my position diffi cult, but 

I was airborne for more than a minute 

(which is longer than the average skydive). 

Despite telling myself off for my mistakes 

mid-air, and not dazzling my fellow-fl yers 

with my airborne antics, I felt elated. 

After our second fl ight of a minute or so, 

we shakily peeled off the fl ying suits – the 

adrenaline pumping through our bodies, 

conversation buzzing, big smiles on our 

faces. It took all four of us a lot longer to 

“come down” from our experience than it 

had taken us to actually fl y. 

“It’s a totally realistic freefall simulator,” 

Airkix boss Simon Ward assured me 

afterwards. He should know, with more 


than 4,000 skydives to his name. “It’s 

freefall without the fear,” says Simon, who 

likes to call his centres “smile factories” for 

their ability to upturn the corners of even 

the grumpiest of mouths. 

Clutching our certifi cates and basking in 

our new statuses as “pro fl yers”, we watched 

the DVD of our performances. It’s fair to 

say that the four of us aren’t expecting any 

calls to join the Airkix staff or skydiving 

teams (though Wesley might hold out secret 

hopes), but we all agreed – what a blast! 

Prices from £29.99 (€34); Trafford 

Quays Leisure Village, 9 Trafford Way, tel: 

+44 (0)845 331 6549, airkix.com 


Manchester from 19 destinations. 



WHERE 

TO STAY IN 

MANCHESTER 

UNDER €50 

LUTHER KING HOUSE 

Save your pennies 

for Manchester’s 

adrenaline-fuelled 

offerings by staying at 

this comfortable threestar 

in the suburbs. 



UNDER €100 

COPTHORNE HOTEL 

In a picturesque spot 

on the waterfront, close 

to the city centre, the 

Copthorne is the perfect 

place to unwind after 

your bodyfl ying session. 



UNDER €150 

BACHERS OF 

MANCHESTER 

Explore central 

Manchester or 

just enjoy relaxing 

in contemporary 

surrounds. Apartments 


hotels.easyJet.com

Unforgettable Moments 

Where short breaks become big occasions! 

Experience fantastic moments in Germany’s biggest 

theme park! With more than 100 breathtaking rides 

and spectacular shows – embedded into 13 European 

themed areas – action, fun and unforgettable 

moments are guaranteed. Each season is waiting 

for you with new surprises. Beautiful decoration 

and themed festivals guarantee plenty of variety all 

year round. After an eventful day, you can relax at 

one of the world’s leading theme parks 

Info-Line +49 (0) 18 05/77 66 88 (14 cent/min.*) · www.europa-park.co.uk · Motorway A5 Karlsruhe - Basel · Exit 57b Europa-Park 

Open daily from 27.03. – 07.11.10 from 9.00 am – 6.00 pm (longer opening hours during main season) and from 27.11.10 – 09.01.11 (except 24./25.12.10) 

*for calls from the German landline network, prices for mobile and international calls may differ 

Europa-Park’s 4-star hotel resort, in cosy log-cabins or 

at the camp resort. Whatever you wish for – Europa-Park 

guarantees unforget table moments. 

With easyJet to Europa-Park! 

Book your flight to “Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg”! Bus 

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BIG DEBATE | PATERNITY LEAVE 

YES 

SAYS ROSIE CARR 

SHOULD 

GOVERNMENTS 

STOP PUSHING 

PATERNITY 

LEAVE? 

ALL KIDS NEED their dads, but the only 

person a newborn needs is its mother. 

Maternity leave is crucial for the baby 

and helps the mother too – she’s just 

been through the equivalent of running a 

marathon and her body is in serious need of 

rest. But as for the dad, apart from a small 

effort some nine months earlier, what has 

he done to deserve six months off work? 

According to equality champions, who 

can’t abide the notion that men and women 

are different, the father has just as much 

right to be at home nurturing and rearing 

his young child. But the difference between 

men and women does matter: fathers can’t 

breastfeed, for a start. 

Dads are far more useful later on when 

children are physically active and need help 


and encouragement to explore different 

interests. This is why in households where 

the father earns less than the mother, it’s 

often he who stays home with the kids. 

It’s absurd to imply that a new mother 

doesn’t need maternity leave and that she 

should allow her partner to use it instead. 

One German dad, taking advantage of 

Germany’s Elterngeld system, which 

allows parents to take 14 months off 

between them, explained in an interview 

how he had stayed at home to look after 

his infant daughter, but admitted to taking 

the child into his wife’s workplace twice a 

day for feeding. 

There is no evidence to suggest that a 

newborn looked after by its dad is better 

off than one reared by its mum. Nor is 

there evidence to suggest that a higher 

uptake of paternity leave will lead to better 

career progression for women. The fact is 

that most mothers want a good work-life 

balance, not to climb to the top and work 

even longer hours. And paternity leave 

won’t help dads’ careers either. 

I asked six men (all dads) in my offi ce if 

they would choose to take paternity leave 

and send their partners back to work. 

One complained that although he’d taken 

two weeks off following the birth of his 

child, he’d felt “pretty useless” most of the 

time. “I couldn’t feed her when she was 

hungry, and frankly, I fi nd babies under 

the age of two boring.” The others agreed, 

with comments such as: “I haven’t got the 

right equipment.” And the women I asked 

complained that dads tended to treat leave 

linked to children as an excuse to lounge 

around and watch TV. 

EQUALITY ZEALOTS ARE adamant that 

fathers have a huge appetite for spending 

more time with their children. However, in 

Sweden, which offers generous paternity 

leave, dads don’t take large amounts of 

time off. So if paternity leave isn’t essential 

for a baby’s development, and dads aren’t 

too keen on taking it, who does it benefi t? 

Employers? Quite the opposite. It’s 

disruptive, costly and means tonnes more 

paperwork. It’s a pity that some of the 

money being lavished by the PC brigade 

on persuading dads that they should 

participate more actively in infant care 

doesn’t stretch to changing male attitudes 

to housework. 

Rosie Carr is deputy editor of Investors 

Chronicle magazine

ILLUSTRATION © ALEX GREEN/FOLIOART.CO.UK 

NO 

SAYS IAN WYLIE 

IT’S NOT THE prettiest sight in your local 

Starbucks or Costa: a dad in sick-stained 

shirt awkwardly trying to balance a crying 

baby in one hand and a latte in the other 

as he watches the clock, willing his partner 

to get home from work. But the UK 

Government’s announcement that from 

April 2011 British dads will be entitled to 

three months of paid paternity leave if their 

partners return to work is just the latest 

sign that European lawmakers recognise 

the importance of fathers spending more 

time with their young children. 

If you’re a dad in, say, Germany the law 

is fl exible enough to allow you to work half 

time on your parental leave. Paid leave in 

Sweden allows fathers to enjoy 16 months 

with their children from when they are 

newborns – two months are set aside 

for each parent and the rest can be 

used by either. 

As a hands-on father of three, I know 

from experience that looking after a 

baby all day is no picnic. I’d take offi ce 

work every time, given the chance. But 

the research is also clear: the greater the 

involvement of fathers in childcare at the 

very beginning, the greater the wellbeing 

of those children as they grow up. 

We’ve known for years that children 

need their fathers’ input. A study published 

by Lancaster University a decade ago 

found that where fathers were involved 

with their babies’ care, there was more 

likelihood that the mother would fi nd 

the process of breast-feeding a bit easier, 

that the child would be more successful at 

examinations as a high-school student, and 

less likely to have a criminal record by the 

age of 21. 

LOOKING AFTER A baby while your 

partner is at work can be lonely and 

isolating. But with every dirty nappy you 

change and with every cuddle you give, 

you’re investing in your child’s wellbeing 

and future happiness. There are precious 

BIG DEBATE | PATERNITY LEAVE 

few opportunities beyond weekends and 

holidays to spend signifi cant amounts of 

time bonding with our children. A month 

or two of paternity leave with a newborn 

may be a father’s last chance at anything 

like it. There’s an issue of equality too. Why 

shouldn’t men have the same parental 

rights as women? Aside from the recovery 

time a mother needs to get over the birth, 

leave is just as relevant for fathers, who 

are equally capable of looking after their 

kids. Mothers don’t have a monopoly on 

good parenting, just as dads don’t have a 

monopoly on being the “breadwinner”. 

So you’re worried about the cost of these 

measures? That you’ll end up covering 

the workload of a colleague who’s on 

paternity leave? That’s called sharing the 

burden. Just as I, and my children, will 

gladly share the burden of working to pay 

taxes so that everyone can benefi t from 

healthcare, infrastructure, policing and so 

on. Of course, not every father will take up 

the offer. But we shouldn’t deny this right 

to those who understand that the time 

they can carry their baby in their arms is 

relatively short – but infi nitely important. 

Ian Wylie writes for The Financial 

Times and the Guardian 


, 

 

: 

. 

@. 

 

,, 

 

: 

. 

@.

Come home to a..... 

STATELY 

DIRECTORY | PROPERTY 

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PROPERTY | LANZAROTE 

This carefully 

designed house by 

César Manrique 

incorporates the 

local volcanic 

environment to 

stunning effect 

ISLAND 

SUBLIME 

WORDS ZOE DARE HALL 

Head off the beaten track 

in Lanzarote to fi nd a 

stylish investment away 

from the main resorts 

WHEN BORGE JENSEN wanted to build a 

house like no other on Lanzarote, he called 

on friend César Manrique, the revered 

local artist and architect whose blueprint 

for Lanzarote’s urban planning has 

ensured the island has remained low-rise, 

whitewashed and sensitively developed. 

“I have always been fascinated by 

Lanzarote’s lava fi elds, which feel 

as though you are entering another 

dimension, so when Manrique and I found 

this plot in Tahiche, a village in the hills 

behind Arrieta in the north, we knew it 

was perfect,” says Børge, a Danish designer 

whose house sits on a lava bubble, where 

a volcanic eruption left an air pocket in 

the molten liquid. 

“My lava bubble forms part of my living 

room and is similar to one that Manrique 

had in his house that was open to the 

elements. When it rained, you could lie 

on the sofa and look up and it was as if 

WE’RE HERE TO TAKE CARE OF ‘FIRST TIME’ BUSINESS. 

diamonds were falling from the sky,” 

Børge says of his house, Casa Teiga 

(casateiga.com), which is now on the 

market for €1.2m through K2 Properties 

(k2lanzarote.com). 

Houses like Casa Teiga are also seeing 

good year-round rental returns from 

tourists who want to explore Lanzarote’s 

wilder side, with its distinctive, dramatic 

volcanic landscapes. “People love the 

feeling of being completely disconnected 

from the world here,” Børge says. 

While most tourists make a beeline for 

the resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa 

Blanca and Costa Teguise, Heidi Wigmore, 

who runs Lanzarote-based interior design 

company Buy Design, encourages more 

visitors to appreciate natural attractions 

such as the lagoon at El Golfo or tiny La 

Graciosa Island, 2km off the north coast. 

“We don’t want hoards of tourists to 

start trampling through small fi shing 

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villages such as Arrieta or Punta Mujeres, 

but we do want to show people the ‘nice 

side’ of Lanzarote beyond the mainstream 

resorts,” says Heidi, who moved there from 

Essex 13 years ago and lives in Conil, near 

Puerto del Carmen, with her husband 

Mark and their three children. 

“You can fi nd everything from studios 

to out-of-this-world villas that are set in 

amazing surroundings and whose owners 

really make an effort to be eco-friendly 

with features such as solar heating and 

low-energy bulbs,” she explains. “People 

don’t think of Lanzarote as a rural place 

and we’re trying to change that.” 

Most second-home buyers choose 

holiday apartments or villas in towns such 

as Playa Blanca, where rental potential is 

good, but competition is fi erce. Due to an 

over-supply of new-build properties, prices 

in the resorts have also dropped by about 

30% since the market’s 2007 peak. 

Price falls have been less dramatic 

in rural areas due to a lack of supply of 

properties for sale. For those preferring 

a slice of alternative Lanzarote, look in 

northern villages such as Punta Mujeres, 

Maguez or Tabayesco for old properties 

with traditional Canarian charm. 

Philipp Imhof, a 43-year-old former 

Swiss banker who now enjoys a quieter 

life in Lanzarote, owns the dramatically 

located property El Mar Y Tu (elmarytu. 

com), set on the rocks overlooking the 

ocean in Arrieta. “Lanzarote has two 

faces,” says Philipp. “There’s the mass 

tourism side, where everyone stays in the 

mainstream complexes, and there’s the 

high-quality tourism, with chic rural villas 

for people who like walking and exploring 

the inside of a volcano, deserted beaches or 

gorgeous natural pools.” 

And it seems, at last, that more people 

are starting to appreciate that more 

authentic side. “People’s perceptions of 

Lanzarote are gradually changing,” says 

Heidi Wigmore, “and it’s bringing a more 

positive type of tourist.” Just not too many, 

she hopes, so at least some of those tracks 

can remain unbeaten. 


Lanzarote from London, Madrid and 

Liverpool. See our insider guide on 


PROPERTY | LANZAROTE 

CHIC CANARIAN LIVING FOR LESS 

UNDER €200,000 

This ruin in the village of Tiagua in 

northern Lanzarote has 10 rooms set 

around a courtyard with a traditional 

aljibe (water tank) that could be 

converted into a plunge pool. The 

property would make a perfect B&B, 

with the nearby Caleta de Famara 

fi shing village and its beach popular with 

surfers, kitesurfers and hang-gliders. The 

property is also a stone’s throw away 

from the sports complex that hosts the 

annual Iron Man competition. Available 

for €178,000 through K2 Properties, tel: 

+34 928 529 152, k2lanzarote.com 

AROUND €300,000 

This large house in Tabayesco, in the 

rural Haría region of northern Lanzarote 

has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two 

living rooms and sits on 1,500m 2 of land. 

There is also a 100m 2 patio overlooking 

mature gardens. The house dates back 

to the 1890s and the owners have been 

renovating and adding to it for the past 

fi ve years, so little needs to be done. 

It’s just a fi ve-minute walk to the beach, 

making it a fantastic rental property. 

Available for €300,000 through 

Freedom4sale, tel: +34 928 346 754, 

freedom4sale.com 

UNDER €450,000 

A rare opportunity to purchase a 

bungalow right on the beach in the 

surfers’ paradise of Famara, set in a 

national park with stunning beach views. 

The bungalow consists of four bedrooms 

and three bathrooms, one of which is 

independent from the house. There is 

also a living room, kitchen, large terrace, 

1,000m 2 private garden with views 

across to the island of La Graciosa, and 

a double garage. The old town of Teguise 

is a 10-minute drive away. Available for 

€425,000 through Freedom4sale, tel: 

+34 928 346 754, freedom4sale.com


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FIREHOSE 

TO FASHION 

SHOWS 

WORDS MARIE CLELAND 

You can’t make a silk 

purse out of a sow’s ear, 

but you can make it 

from industrial waste if 

you’re an eco warrior 

with a creative touch 

THE CROWD BUZZES around artworks 

on white plinths. Champagne bubbles 

fi zz in glass fl utes, buyers eye up potential 

purchases, and spotlights beam down on 

geometric shapes and insect-inspired forms. 

But this is no art gallery, nor are these 

straight artworks. It’s the launch party for 

the eco-fashion ranges at London Fashion 

Week (LFW), and the pieces that the crowd 

is oohing and aahing over are in fact luxury 

bags. But there’s an added dimension: these 

bags are made out of old fi rehoses. 

It’s a groundbreaking idea, born out of an 

unusual collaboration. An arts agency that 

specialises in environmental projects teams 

up with a company that reuses industrial 

waste material, and they commission 

artists to create a range of well-crafted, 

beautiful bags that will appeal to the fashion 

market. The bags are a practical solution 

to a waste problem, a vehicle for educating 

a new audience, and an affordable option 

for art fans. “Rather than paying £20,000 

(€22,000), you’re paying £300 for a major 

artwork,” says Isabella Macpherson of Arts 

Co (arts-co.com), the “Arts” part of the 

project’s brand name, Elvis & Kresse Arts. 

Since the pre-launch of the bags at 

Sotheby’s auction house in January, 

collectors of multi-disciplined artist Simon 

Periton have already snapped up his Elvis 

& Kresse Arts Beelzebag. And the company 

has had “a crazy amount of orders” for 

the other designs too, by artists Olivier 

Millagou, Paul Morrison and Lothar Gotz. 

With the display at LFW in February a 

resounding success, and the launch this 

month at Selfridges department store in 

London, the Elvis & Kresse Arts project has 

certainly got off to a promising start. 

THIS KIND OF venture doesn’t happen 

overnight. For Kresse Wesling, one-half of 

Elvis & Kresse (elvisandkresse.com), the 

company behind the reclaimed fi rehoses, it’s 

been a long road getting to this point. After 

studying politics, Canadian-born Kresse 

BUSINESS | ECO FASHION 

The Beelzebag by artist 

Simon Periton for Elvis & 

Kresse Arts is made from 

recycled fi rehose and 

saddle-leather offcuts 

harnessed her passion for the environment 

and her business acumen to start her fi rst 

green company. She met her partner James 

“Elvis” Henrit and followed him to the UK, 

continuing to focus on green causes. 

Then fate stepped in. At an environmental 

conference, Kresse sat next to a fi reman who 

told her about fi rehose as a waste stream. 

The average fi rehose can be used for up to 

30 years, but in the line of duty, quickly gets 

dragged through debris, fl ames and broken 

glass. Fire stations devote a lot of manhours 

to fi xing fi rehoses, but inevitably, 


BUSINESS | ECO FASHION 

punctures render the hoses useless, and they 

end up in landfi ll. 

“The initial reaction I had was that I 

just couldn’t see the material go to waste,” 

says Kresse. Hose started piling up in the 

couple’s back garden while Kresse tried to 

fi gure out what to do with it, but after a 

lot of elbow grease, the pair had created a 

usable textile. “The amount of work that 

goes into cleaning it is pretty crazy,” says 

Kresse. “You name it, we tried it. I even 

strapped some to my waist once and went 

running down the beach.” 

Now what to do with it? First came 

belts – simple forms that suited the durable 

material. The couple were halfway through 

constructing a prototype in 2007 when the 

merchandiser for the climate action event 

Live Earth London contacted them and put 

in an order for 500, all of which sold out. 

Says Kresse: “I think the belts were well 

suited to the type of crowd that was there 

– they were made in London from a London 

waste stream. You can’t really get more low 

carbon than that.” They also made guitar 

straps, since seen on the likes of Leonard 

Cohen and Phoenix Rose. Sarah Brown, 

wife of UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, 

was lately spotted out and about wearing 

one of Elvis and Kresse’s belts and Cameron 

Diaz fl ashed one on the opening spread of 

an American Vogue shoot last year. 

And so, Elvis & Kresse Organisation, or 

EaKo, was born. Once they added more core 

items to the range, they started to attract 

more consumers, and the business began 

to pay off. In their fi rst year, they made a 

turnover of £15,000, in their second, that 


leaped to £200,000. This year, profi ts are 

expected to almost double on last year’s 

fi gure. But it’s not just about profi ts. 

“We’re a social enterprise and our targets 

are volumes of waste and how much money 

we’re able to give back,” says Kresse. “We 

give 50% of our profi ts to charity on a lineby-line 

basis. And in the past 12 months, we 

have collected 80 tonnes of waste.” 

In the same year that Elvis & Kresse 

set up EaKo, Sigrid Wilkinson and 

Isabella Macpherson were also starting a 

new business – Arts Co – an agency that 

brings artists and their potential clients 

together. Arts Co projects have included 

wildlife habitats and eco artworks, with 

clients ranging from eco warrior David de 

Rothschild to philanthropist Pia Getty, the 

Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and the 

London Underground. 

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It was the V&A project that brought Arts 

Co and Elvis & Kresse together. Isabella and 

Sigrid saw huge potential for the fi rehose 

products to appeal to a new audience: the 

fashion world. For Elvis & Kresse, this 

would be a chance to address the lack of 

sustainability in an industry known for its 

throwaway culture and dodgy ethics. “Last 

year, the WWF analysed the luxury sector 

in terms of ethical and environmental 

performance, and none of the brands scored 

above a C+,” says Kresse. “We just thought: 

this could be done so much better.” 

Kresse believes luxury eco fashion can 

educate a wider audience about caring for 

the earth. “It’s certainly an industry where 

there’s huge potential for change. And we’ll 

be as big a part of that debate as we can.” 

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FIVE OF THE BEST 

WI-FI CAFES 

Bedford and Strand (pictured) LONDON 

Open from noon till midnight, this buzzy 

café/bar is in the heart of the West End. 

Head here post-meeting for a glass of 

wine and a bowl of crispy calamari from 

the deli counter, and email colleagues 

with the latest developments. 1A Bedford 

Street, tel: + 44 (0)20 7836 3033 

Arccafé BARCELONA 

For free Wi-Fi, delicious food, good music 

and a selection of newspapers, Arccafé 

is ideal. Grab a quick bite to eat while 

fi nalising work – the house speciality 

is Thai curry for ¤9.80. 19 Carrer d’en 

Carabassa, tel: +34 933 025 204 

Tapa Coffeehouse GLASGOW 

Recently hailed as one of the best coffee 

shops in the UK by The Independent 

newspaper, Tapa is the place for an 

inspiring caffeine fi x. The menu includes 

fresh roasts from Brazil, Guatemala, 

Ethiopia and Peru, served with organic 

Scottish milk. 721 Pollokshaws Rd, 

Strathbungo, tel: +44 (0)141 423 9494 

Café Victor COPENHAGEN 

This prestigious bistro-café has been 

open for almost 30 years, yet it’s still 

the place in town to be seen. Order a 

cappuccino, sit amid the cool arty crowd, 

and check emails at your leisure. 8 Ny 

Østergade, tel: +45 3313 3613 

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PLANNING YOUR TRIP 

INSURANCE easyJet Travel Insurance 

has been given a fi ve-star rating by the 

independent research body Defaqto based on 

our quality of cover. We offer both Single Trip and 

Annual Multi Trip products, so log onto easyJet.com 

before your next trip and get yourself covered. 

TRAVEL MONEY Order your foreign currency 

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SPEEDY BOARDING For dedicated check-in 

desks and priority boarding, add Speedy 

Boarding to your booking or at myeasyJet before 

you fl y. For a free annual membership with exclusive 

easyJet offers, visit easyJetplus.com 

PLANNING YOUR STAY 

HOTEL easyJet has partnered with 

LateRooms.com to offer an expansive selection 

of accommodation, with discounts of up to 70% off. 

VILLAS easyJet now offers 30,000 holiday 

homes in partnership with Interhome. Book 

online at easyJet.com 

SKI Welcome to a world of ski with 

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passes, ski and boot hire and much more in one 

location at ski.easyJet.com 

GETTING TO THE AIRPORT 

CAR RENTAL Europcar offers one-way 

rentals with exclusive discounts and Lowest 

Price Guarantee. Book online at easyJet.com 

AIRPORT TRANSFERS Pre-book and prepay 

to get direct to your destination without 

any queuing or waiting. Book online at easyJet.com 

to take advantage of our discounted rates. 

PARKING Pre-book and save up to 60% 

with Holiday Extras. 

DURING YOUR FLIGHT 

AIRPORT TRANSFERS Save time and 

money on walk-up prices – buy onboard for 

exclusive infl ight discounts. 

AT DESTINATION 

CAR RENTAL Europcar guarantees easyJet 

passengers exclusive discounts. Book now at 

easyJet.com or visit the Europcar desk on arrival. 

easyJet Airline Company Limited is an Appointed 

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Services Authority (FSA). easyJet FSA registration number 

is 481114. Mondial Assistance FSA registration number 

is 311909. FSA authorisation can be checked on the FSA 

register at fsa.gov.uk/pages/register 

OUR 

GUIDES 

ARE ALL 

UPDATED 

MONTHLY 

DESTINATION GUIDES A-Z 

Aberdeen UK 106 

Agadir Morocco 

Alicante Spain 

Almería Spain 108 

Amsterdam 

Netherlands 

NEW Antalya 110 

Turkey 

Asturias Spain 

Athens Greece 112 

Barcelona Spain 

Bari Italy 114 

Basel/Mulhouse/ 

Freiburg Switzerland 

Belfast UK 115 

Berlin Germany 116 

Biarritz France 

Bilbao Spain 118 

Birmingham UK 

Bodrum Turkey 

Bordeaux France 120 

Bournemouth UK 

Brindisi Italy 

Bristol UK 121 

Brussels Belgium 

Bucharest 122 

Romania 

Budapest Hungary 

Cagliari Italy 124 

Casablanca Morocco 

Catania Italy 

Cologne Germany 126 

Copenhagen Denmark 

Corfu Greece 127 

Corsica (Ajaccio) 

France 

Corsica (Bastia) France 

NEW Crete 128 

(Chania) Greece 

Crete (Heraklion) Greece 

Cyprus (Larnaca) 

Cyprus 

Cyprus (Paphos) 129 

Cyprus 

Dalaman Turkey 

Doncaster Sheffi eld UK 

Dortmund Germany 131 

Dubrovnik Croatia 

Düsseldorf Germany 

Edinburgh UK 133 

Faro Portugal 

Fuerteventura 134 

Spain 

Geneva Switzerland 

Gibraltar 135 

UK Territory 

Glasgow UK 

Gran Canaria Spain 136 

Grenoble France 

Hamburg Germany 138 

DESTINATION GUIDES | A–Z 

Helsinki Finland 

Hurghada Egypt 

Innsbruck Austria 140 

Inverness UK 

Istanbul Turkey 

Jersey UK 141 

Krakow Poland 

NEW Kos Greece 142 

Lamezia Italy 

Lanzarote Spain 

Lisbon Portugal 144 

Liverpool UK 

Ljubljana Slovenia 146 

London UK 

Lyon France 149 

Madeira Portugal 

Madrid Spain 

Majorca Spain 150 

Málaga Spain 153 

Malta Malta 

Manchester UK 155 

Marrakech Morocco 

Marseille France 156 

Milan Italy 

Montpellier France 157 

Munich Germany 

Murcia Spain 158 

Mykonos Greece 

Nantes France 

Naples Italy 161 

Mykonos, Greece 

Newcastle UK 

Nice France 

Olbia Italy 162 

Palermo Italy 

Paris France 163 

Pisa Italy 164 

Porto Portugal 

Prague 166 

Czech Republic 

Rhodes Greece 

Rome Italy 168 

Salzburg Austria 169 

Santorini Greece 

Sharm El Sheikh Egypt 

Sofi a Bulgaria 170 

Split Croatia 

Stockholm Sweden 

Tallinn Estonia 171 

Tangier Morocco 

Tel Aviv Israel 

Tenerife South 172 

Spain 

Thessaloniki Greece 

Toulouse France 174 

Turin Italy 

Valencia Spain 175 

Venice Italy 

Vienna Austria 176 

NEW Zante Greece 

Zürich Switzerland 


106 | DESTINATION GUIDES 

Aberdeen 

UK 

DIALLING CODE +44 

CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI Pre-book your taxi 

at easyJet.com. A 

local taxi costs about £15. 

Up to three buses 

an hour go to the 

city centre from 5.05am 

–11.39pm Monday– 

Saturday and 10.05am– 

9.49pm on Sunday. 

Tickets: from £1.40. 

Visit the Europcar 

desk for special 

easyJet rates. 

01224 497 867) A fi rm 

favourite with students, 

The Bobbin is a 

traditional pub that also 

serves up excellent 

food, including steak 

and ale pie and full 

Scottish breakfasts. 

LATE & LIVELY Dusk 

(51 Langstane Place, 

tel: 01224 594 430) 

Dusk cocktail bar offers 

a unique drinking 

experience – try the 

pink cloud cocktail, 

which consists of 

vanilla vodka, fresh 

strawberries and Baileys 

Irish cream – lush. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Finnies is 

Scotland’s largest 

jewellers of diamonds, 

wedding and 

engagement rings, 

watches, clocks and gifts. 

This family-run business 

has been going for more 

than 40 years and is 

renowned for its friendly 

and personal service 

(219–223 George Street, 

tel: 01224 636 632). 

SEE Connie Fisher 

returns as Maria in 

the world’s best-loved 

musical, The Sound of 

Music. Until 17 April, 

sing your heart out 

to some of the most 

memorable songs, 

including My Favourite 

Things, Do-Re-Mi and 

Climb Ev’ry Mountain 

(His Majesty’s Theatre, 

tel: 0845 270 8200). 

NO WAY! 

Sir David Gill, who, 

in 1868, took the 

fi rst photograph of 

the moon, was born 

in Aberdeen. 

Beverley Tricker 

Agadir 

Morocco 


CURRENCY MAD 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

Pre-book your taxi 


local taxi costs MAD200. 

Route 22 to 

Inezgane runs 

every 40 minutes. 

Tickets: MAD4. From 

there take a bus to Agadir. 




LATE & LIVELY O 

De L’Ha (12 Complexe 

Tawada, Rue Tawada) 

This well-decorated 

bar doubles as a disco, 

providing a chic setting 

for an evening of house 

and salsa music. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Zara has arrived 

in Agadir, and though 

you can fi nd the chain 

all over the world, you 

may not fi nd similar 

prices. Shop to your 

heart’s content, safe in 

the knowledge 

that you’re getting 

a bargain (Marina). 

SEE Watch 4x4 jeeps 

thunder by as they vie 

to win the Argan Trophy. 

The event takes place 

from 10–11 April with 

a circuit through the 

Anti-Atlas mountains 

(argantrophy.com). 

TAXI TAXI TAXI 

BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 The 

Nawaabs (33 Summer 

Street, tel: 01224 621 

800) Specialising in 

Indian and Bangladeshi 

cuisine, the diverse menu 

serves as a culinary tour 

of the vast subcontinent, 

from lamb dansak to 

chicken bhuna. 

EXCLUSIVE The 

Square (1 Golden 

Square, tel: 01224 646 

362) Whether you’re 

celebrating a special 

occasion, grabbing 

a bite to eat before the 

theatre or treating your 

loved one to a romantic 

meal, The Square 

won’t disappoint. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY The Bobbin 

(500 King Street, tel: 

BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 L’Assiette 

du Marché (Immeuble 

Ifrane III, Avenue Hassan 

II) A delightful French 

restaurant nestled in the 

Battoir area. Excellent 

cuisine is prepared with 

a hint of the exotic. 

EXCLUSIVE Jean 

Cocteau (Shem’s 

Casino, Boulevard 

Mohammed V, tel: 0528 

821 111) Jean Cocteau 

offers a menu blending 

French and Moroccan 

cuisine, and overlooks 

the gaming room. It may 

be a lucky place to dine! 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Captain 

Tapas Bar (Marina) In 

an idyllic setting on the 

waterfront, settle in with 

a cool beer and some 

tasty tapas and watch 

the yachts come and go. 

NO WAY! 

Agadir has the world’s 

biggest sardine-fi shing 

port. Why not top up 

your Omega-3 levels? 

Anne Imisliou 

ATLANTIC 

PALACE 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

This sumptuous 

Moroccan-style hotel 

offers the opportunity 

to relax in its thalasso 

and spa centre. 

Breakfast included. 

From €116, book at 

holidays.easyJet.com. 

Alicante 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 



local taxi costs €15–€20. 

A direct service 

to Benidorm runs 

hourly. Tickets: €8. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Ray’s 

Fish & Chips 

(Calle Derramador, 

Benidorm) A homely 

long-established venue, 

redolent of the aromas 

of frying cod and 

halibut and hot sizzling 

chips. Take away or 

eat on the premises, 

kitsch salt and vinegar 

shakers and ketchup 

supplied. The service 

is always very friendly 

and wine or beer can 

be served with your 

meal, or a good old 

cup of tea. 

UP TO €30 Molí Dos 

(Avenida de Benidorm, 

Finestrat Pueblo) 

You’ll fi nd a bubbling 

babble of expats in 

every corner of this 

welcoming, family-run 

bar and restaurant, 

which is known locally 

for its home cooking 

and friendly service. 

UP TO €50 Oustau 

(5 Calle Mayor, Altea 

Old Town, tel: 96 584 

2078) International 

cuisine with a French 

sparkle and a fi ne wine 

cellar make this venue 

one of the top spots 

around. The chef’s 

pâtés are renowned, 

drawing a clientèle 

made up of a crosssection 

of the lively 

in-crowd and in-theknow 

oldies. Even 

the waiters are cool 

and chic. 

EXCLUSIVE Casa 

Juan-La Fonda 

del Recuerdo (251 

Carretera Moraira- 

Calpe, tel: 96 574 

8649) With an 

atmosphere similar 

to that of an ancient 

Spanish inn, you 

wouldn’t be surprised 

to see Don Quijote 

here, snoozing in a 

corner with his rotund 

sidekick, Sancho 

Panza. Exceptional 

paellas and charcoalgrilled 

meats are 

dished up by the 

talented owner, Juan, 

who will also treat 

you to a few Spanish 

classics on his guitar to 

round off the evening. 

Booking is essential. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Penelope’s 

(Levante Beach, 

Benidorm) Overlooking 

the long sandy beaches 

of Levante, this is a 

cool place to enjoy a 

glass of wine or beer 

while considering your 

nightlife options. 

LIVE MUSIC Café 

Maracaibo (Avenida 

País Valenciano,


Alicante 

Spain 

Benissa, tel: 96 573 

0287) The live jazz jam 

session with guitar, 

drums and piano 

kicks off at 9.30pm. 

After listening for a 

while, musicians in the 

audience with itchy 

feet are welcome to 

take to the stage. 

Don’t forget your 

clarinet to show them 

how it’s done. 

LATE & LIVELY 

J Cavanagh’s Irish 

Pub (5 Calle Bollerín, 

Santiago de la Ribera) 

Lively Irish bands 

perform here till late. 

Enjoy the ballads and 

popular traditional 

music from 10pm, 

then stick around for 

a few beers afterwards. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Every Friday is 

market day in Alfaz del 

Pi. You’ll fi nd it on the 

road into town from 

the Albir junction on 

the N-332. Grab 

a cab if need be – you 

won’t regret making 

the journey. Expect to 

fi nd everything from 

clothing to local fresh 

produce, all at brilliant 

bargain prices. 

SEE Catholic tradition 

in Spain sees that 

the fi rst four days 

of this month end 

the Holy Week, and 

are celebrated by 

processions with fl oats 

borne by masked 

penitents. For all 

that, it’s a joyful and 

colourful occasion 

that takes place in 

every village and 

town all over the 

south of Spain. 

ESCAPE Head up 

into the mountains 

behind Benidorm and 

explore the nature 

reserve of the Puig 

Campana, which 

boasts the secondhighest 

peak 

in the province. It’s 

only a 25-minute 

journey out to the park 

and you’ll fi nd plenty of 

plant and insect 

life indigenous to the 

area, with wild orchids 

and other exotic 

fl owers in abundance. 

NO WAY! 

In keeping with the 

Latin lover stereotype, 

Spanish men don’t 

marry on average until 

33.6 years of age. 

Danny Collins 

ALTEA OLD 

TOWN 

GO The ancient town 

is topped by a stately 

18th-century church 

square and thronged 

with restaurants 

serving fi ne food. Take 

a few snaps of the 

sunset over the lush 

blue Mediterranean. 

Almería 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 


at easyJet.com. 

A local taxi costs €13. 

Route 20 goes 

to the centre. 

Tickets: €0.70. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Martín 

Fierro (Carretera de 

Ronda, tel: 95 027 6853) 

Situated in the old train 

station, this Argentinean 

restaurant is a meatlover’s 

paradise. Beef 

is the order of the day 

– and the steaks are 

second to none. 

EXCLUSIVE Mi Casa 

Hotel (511 Carretera 

N-340, Antas, tel: 95 045 

3048) Within this wellknown, 

friendly hotel 

the divine venue serves 

up great Mediterranean 

cuisine, including a fi ne 

selection of tasty fi sh 

dishes, accompanied 

by fruity wines. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Clasijazz 

(275 Plaza Puerto Pino) 

The local jazz association 

puts on concerts every 

Friday and Saturday 

evenings at this intimate 

club which they call 

home. Entry price 

includes a drink, and 

a whole lot of fun. 

LATE & LIVELY Klimt 

(23 Calle Canónigo 

Molina Alonso) This 

funky nightclub is 

named after the great 

Austrian painter, with 

copies of his works 

placed in prominent 

positions. This isn’t 

your raucous sort of 

club, it plays chilledout 

music and has 

a relaxed atmosphere. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Pull and Bear is a 

great Spanish classic, in 

a similar line to Bershka 

and Zara, but it’s not as 

commonly known in the 

UK. Head down for some 

stylish threads, without 

worrying that everyone 

at home will have the 

same outfi t as you 

(5 Paseo de Almería, 

tel: 95 025 9466). 

SEE If you’re in 

southern Spain at 

this time of year, it 

would be diffi cult not 

to notice the great 

Easter processions and 

general hubbub in the 

cities. Almería is a fi ne 

example of the fi estas, 

and you can see the 

religious parades at the 

beginning of the month. 

NO WAY! 

The coastal hamlet 

of San Pedro, in the 

Cabo de Gata, was 

abandoned by its 

inhabitants in the 

1960s. The tumbledown 

houses are now 

lived in by a transient 

population of hippies. 

David Jones 

Amsterdam 

Netherlands 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 



local taxi costs €40. 

There are seven 

trains an hour 

to Centraal station. 

Tickets: €3.80 single; 

€6.40 same-day return. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Sal Meijer 

(45 Scheldestraat, tel: 

020 673 1313) Having 

served the civilised folk 

of the Rivierenbuurt 

district for decades, this 

kosher deli is perfect for 

salt beef sandwiches, a 

morning coffee or just 

watching the world go by. 

UP TO €30 Helden 

(42 Van der Helststraat, 

tel: 020 673 332) A chic 

but surprisingly cheap 

café and bar in the heart 

of the trendy De Pijp 

district, Helden does 

a rather excellent cod 

platter with chips served 

Amsterdam snackbarstyle 

in a paper funnel. 

UP TO €50 

Witteween (256–260 

Ceintuurbaan, tel: 020 

344 6406) From the 

people behind some 

of Amsterdam’s most 

Spains Fastest Growing Property Portal 

www.costafreeads.com 

stylish eateries and bars 

(Nevy and Vyne), this 

old-school brasserie 

has been extensively 

remodelled. Along with 

a marvellous Caesar 

salad, it has the longest 

Chesterfi eld sofa around 

and a glass-fronted 

children’s play area. 

EXCLUSIVE Bo 

Cinq (53–59 Lange 

Leidsedwaarstraat, tel: 

020 622 0682) Centrally 

located near the famous 

Leidseplein, but discreet 

enough to go unnoticed, 

this bar and restaurant is 

fast becoming the place 

for Amsterdammers 

in the know. The crisp, 

white tablecloths, lobster 

and impeccable service 

will tempt you to stay 

for hours. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Café de Sluyswacht 

(1 Jodenbreestraat, tel: 

020 625 7611) Built into 

a dinky bridge opposite 

the Rembrandt House 

Museum, this tiny pub is 

picture-postcard perfect. 

Sit outside with a beer 

and watch the canal 

boats drift by or, if you’re 

feeling brave, head inside 

to witness the Friday 

night drinking games of 

the local fraternities. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Delicatessen (32 

Sumatrastraat) The 

newest and possibly the 

smallest music venue 

in Amsterdam, with a 

teeny capacity of 70, this 

vibrant little restaurant 

has been enlivening 

the cultural scene in 

the modern residential 

district of Zeeburg for 

a few months now.

Combine a 

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www.holmesplace.com one life. live it well.


Amsterdam 

Netherlands 

Here you’ll fi nd low-key 

singer songwriters and 

Amsterdam’s lessshouty 

pop hopefuls. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Lola’s (23 Kerkstraat, 

tel: 020 3204336) 

Open until 4am on 

Saturdays (that’s 

rare for Amsterdam), 

Lola’s thrives on being 

adaptable to all, well, 

for the beautiful at 

least. A subterranean 

bar and restaurant 

in the early evenings, 

this place transforms 

showgirl-style into a 

throbbing house club 

come sundown. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Nestled in a back 

street in the trendy De 

Pijp area, Charlie+Mary 

is a concept store 

everyone can get 

onboard with. Browse 

the quirky casual wear 

before heading to a cosy 

table at the back for 

cake and cookies! 

(84 Gerard Doustraat). 

SEE Don’t miss the 

amazing blockbuster 

art show From 

Matisse to Malevich 

at Amsterdam’s 

new branch of the 

Hermitage Museum. 

The massive collection 

incorporates 

outstanding works 

by Matisse, Picasso 

plus Dutch favourites 

such as Van Dongen 

(hermitage.nl). 

GO In the north-east of 

the city, Amsterdam’s 

Artis Zoo (the oldest 

in the Netherlands) 

comprises some 14 

hectares of happy 

critters and sea beasts. 

One of the prettiest 

parks in town, it’s also 

a lovely place to buy an 

ice cream (artis.nl). 

ESCAPE Get on your 

bike and cycle the scenic 

40-minute journey to 

Weesp, a charming town 

complete with three 

windmills that’s home 

to the famous Van 

Houten chocolate 

brand, distinctive 

Weesper porcelain and 

delicious Weesper Mop 

almond cookies. 

NO WAY! 

Amsterdam becomes 

a sea of orange on 29 

April, when thousands 

of decked-out revellers 

descend on the city to 

celebrate Queen’s Day. 

Mark Smith 

HOTEL 

ARENA 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

This hotel boasts a 

sharp design and 

unique atmosphere, 

with warm touches. 

It feels like home 

away from home. 


hotels.easyJet.com. 

Antalya 

Turkey 


CURRENCY Lira (YTL) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 



local taxi costs YTL42. 

Havas Bus runs 

a service to 

the centre every 30 

minutes. Tickets: YTL9. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Big Man 

Lara (Eski Lara Yolu, 

Falezler Uzeri, tel: 0242 

316 138) Wow-factor 

and stunning views 

across the sea to the 

Beydagı Mountains are 

served up here, along 

with fresh and varied 

international fare. It’s 

well-worth allowing 

enough time to chill and 

take in the vistas. 

EXCLUSIVE Marina 

Restaurant (15 

Mermerli Sokak, tel: 

0242 247 5490) 

Gourmet dining set in 

the Kaleiçi area with 

Turkish specialities and 

a large, international 

menu, including caviar 

and Champagne for 

a special evening. Try 

the quail, and follow 

with a beef fi llet and 

a glass of good wine 

by the poolside. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Lounge 

Bar (Hillside Su Hotel, 

Konyaaltı, tel: 0242 

249 0700) In chic, 

modern surroundings, 

DJs create a romantic 

mood. There’s also live 

sax three days a week. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Jolly Joker Pub (10B 

Lider Plaza, tel: 0242 

316 7515) Within this 

crowded, excitable 

atmosphere, soft rock 

is blasted out live every 

night. The lively crowd 

stay around until 3am. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Yenigün, 

makes fi ne and very 

interesting local jams 

and preserves: jars of 

aubergine, bergamot, 

watermelon and rose 

jam sit beside more 

common favourites such 

as strawberry, grapefruit 

and orange marmalade 

(5 Cumhuriyet Caddesi, 

Antalya Merkez, tel: 

0242 241 1343). 

GO Visit the Suna-Inan 

Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum 

or the Yivli Minaret and 

Ulu Mosque, or the 

Iskele Mescidi near the 

harbour, in the Old City 

of Kaleiçi within Antalya. 

Fishermen offer boat 

trips to view waterfalls 

and other features along 

the beautiful coast. 

NO WAY! 

The city walls that 

surrounded Old Antalya, 

the Kaleiçi, survived 

until the 1930s, when 

they were demolished 

to allow better air 

circulation during 

summer months. 

Jon Stigner 

Asturias 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 



A local taxi to Oviedo 

costs about €53, Gijón 

€45 and Avilés €23. 

The Express bus 

runs hourly from 

6am–10pm to Oviedo 

and Gijón. Tickets: 

€6.15. There are less 

frequent buses to Avilés 

(alsa.es). Tickets: €1.30. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Llambar 

(30 Galiana, tel: 984 

832 348) Try delicious 

fusion cuisine tapas in 

this smart new bistro 

in the atmospheric old 

part of town, just off 

the Plaza Mayor. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Las Carolinas (Edifi cio 

Talasoponiente, Playa 

de Poniente, tel: 984 

491 348) Relax over 

a calming sea view in 

this modern restaurant 

housed in Gijón’s spa. 

Paella and rice dishes 

are the specialities, 

although there’s 

lobster and crab for 

those wanting to push 

the boat out a little on 

a special occasion. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Danny’s 

Jazz Café (11–13 Calle 

de la Luna, Oviedo) 

The jazz may not be 

live but it’s still good, 

and there’s a cosy 

atmosphere and fun 

crowd in this central bar. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Kavala Pub (2 Jacobo 

Olañeta) Rub shoulders 

with the locals in this 

new downtown club 

just off the beach. 

A happy-go-lucky 

fruity cocktail-drinking 

crew dance until the 

early hours. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP A small, stylish 

shop near the harbour, 

Astvres displays 

Asturian craft products 

with panache. Pottery, 

jewellery and leather 

goods are all on sale 

(8 Trinidad, Gijón, tel: 

984 295 106). 

SEE Don’t miss the 

Easter processions in 

the region’s three main 

cities. Easter Monday 

in Avilés is especially 

fun with its Fiesta del 

Bollu, which sees the 

locals eating their bollu 

(Easter buns) alfresco 

as the processions 

fl o a t s g o by. 

NO WAY! 

Asturias is home 

to the endangered 

urogallo bird, part of 

the grouse family. The 

species is in decline 

not only because of 

deforestation: ironically, 

despite a powerful 

take-off, they are not 

good fl iers and often die 

fl ying into tree trunks. 

Karen Thomas

• 

• 

• 

BANK ACCOUNT 

IN SHANGHAI 

TAX EFFICIENT 

DISCRETE 

INVEST DIRECTLY IN 

CHINESE CURRENCY 

OR BONDS 

For more information: 

Anil@stargroup.net.cn • Tel: +44 7740 874815


Athens 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The E95 express 

bus leaves every 

15–50 minutes, making 

a number of stops on 

the way to the centre. 


Proastiako and 

Metro line trains 

service the city. Tickets: 

€6 single; €10 return. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Ilisos 

(52 Michalakopoulou 

Street, Ilisia, tel: 210 

724 4545) A friendly 

24-hour eatery, newly 

arrived in Athens, with 

a varied and reasonably 

priced menu that also 

includes grilled 

meats and soups. 

UP TO €30 Dafni 

(86 M Alexandrou, 

Bournazi, tel: 210 577 

3721) This taverna 

puts a modern twist 

on tradition and is 

always busy, so book 

in advance or be 

prepared to wait. 

UP TO €50 Baccara 

(56 Agiou Konstantinou 

Street, Maroussi, tel: 

210 651 5521) The 

main attraction here 

is the live band that 

spices up the evening 

with up-tempo jazz 

pieces wowing the 

guests. The menu is 

a little limited, revolving 

mainly around pasta 

and risotto. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Funky Gourmet 

(13 Paramythias 

Street & Salaminos, 

Keramikos, tel: 210 

524 2727) Chefs 

Georgianna Hiliadaki 

and Nikos Roussos 

set up their ultraexclusive 

restaurant 

in 2008, choosing a 

charming neoclassical 

townhouse in 

Keramikos. They 

provide guests with 

private cheffi ng events 

based on the most 

advanced culinary 

techniques, specially 

designed for each 

evening or occasion. 

Varoulko (80 Piraios 

Street, Keramikos, 

tel: 210 522 8400) 

Michelin-starred 

chef Lefteris Lazarou 

performs culinary 

miracles, unlocking the 

secrets of foodstuffs 

often overlooked by 

high gastronomy. His 

restaurant remains 

well-appointed but 

relaxed in tone and now 

also features a rooftop 

terrace with a view of 

the Acropolis. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Yades 

(Attiko Alsos Park, 

Galatsi, tel: 210 647 

0936) A great setting 

for a coffee or a light 

bite, with huge plate- 

glass windows that 

look out onto the Attiko 

Alsos Park and offer 

sweeping views 

of Mount Hymettus 

and east Athens. 

LIVE MUSIC An Club 

(13–15 Solomou Street, 

Exarhia, tel: 210 330 

5056) This place is 

underground, literally 

and metaphorically. 

The more-thanlegendary 

club hosts 

mainly alternative and 

indie rock bands. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Frog (240 Mesogeion 

Avenue, Holargos, tel: 

210 654 9582) An 

all-day venue that also 

opens for coffee and 

lunch but then picks 

up the tempo in the 

evening to become 

one of the city’s 

liveliest nightclubs 

with a great selection 

of cocktails. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Combine a 

shopping trip with 

a seaside promenade 

by visiting the upmarket 

coastal suburb 

of Glyfada, which 

boasts some of the 

city’s smartest and 

most varied shopping 

high streets, catering 

to the well-heeled 

suburbanites of southeast 

Athens. 

SEE The Herakleidon 

Experience in Visual 

Arts Museum is hosting 

an exhibition featuring 

the entire range of 

74 bronze sculptures 

created by Edgar 

Degas in The Complete 

Sculptures of Edgar 

Degas exhibit until 25 

April (16 Herakleidon 

Street, Thissio, 

tel: 210 346 1981). 

GO Give yourself a 

major adrenaline boost 

by visiting Allou Fun 

Park, Athens’ largest 

amusement and theme 

park. New rides include 

the Star Flyer, that 

takes things onto a 

whole new level for all 

the family, while old 

favourites include Free 

Fall, Crazy Mouse or 

the more sedate Ferris 

Wheel, which gives 

you splendid views of 

the city. The park is 

situated in Rendi, 

an Athens district 

near Piraeus, on 

a block between 

the Athens-Lamia 

national highway, 

Petrou Ralli Street and 

Thivon Avenue. 

ESCAPE April is a 

great time of year to 

visit the highlands of 

Corinth, which include 

villages such as Trikala 

and the countryside 

around Lake Stymfalia 

and Lake Feneos. The 

area is just a couple 

of hours drive from 

Athens, in the northern 

Peloponnese, and is 

ravishing during spring. 

TAXI TAXI 

NO WAY! 

The Parthenon, 

considered the 

crowning achievement 

of ancient Greek 

architecture, has hardly 

any straight lines in 

the entire building. 

The architects wanted 

the building to appear 

graceful, and corrected 

optical illusions so 

most of its lines are 

concave or convex. 

Eva Webster 

Barcelona 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



A local taxi costs 

around €20–€30. 

The Aerobus 

heads to Plaça 

Catalunya. Tickets: €5. 

Trains service the 

Sants Estació. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Bó del 

B (14 Fusteria) It may 

look like a run-of-themill 

shawarma joint, 

but order instead 

a bin lid-sized plate 

of grilled chicken, 

salad and rice and 

you’ll still have a few 

coppers left over from 

your €5 note. 

UP TO €50 Dans 

le Noir (10 Passieg 

Picasso, tel: 93 268 

7017) A branch of this 

popular restaurant 

has now opened in 

Barcelona. Dining 

on duck breast and 

asparagus chips in 

the pitch dark is an 

awesome experience, 

so book one of the 

twice-nightly sittings 

well in advance. 

EXCLUSIVE Bravo 

24 (1 Placa de la Rosa 

dels Vents, tel: 93 295 

2636) This gourmet 

restaurant at the 

stunning W Hotel is 

yet another venture 

from the city’s top chef, 

Carles Abellán. Don’t 

come expecting gastro 

trickery; the emphasis 

here is on market-fresh 

cuisine and traditional 

Mediterranean 

methods – dishes that 

any Spanish mother 

would be proud to 

call her own. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY El Jabali 

de Ronda (15 Ronda 

Sant Pau, tel: 93 441 

1082) If succulent 

Serrano ham is your 

thing, head to this 

neigbourhood bar, 

which only serves the 

best. You’ll also fi nd 

a good selection 

of local wines and 

simple tapas. 

LIVE MUSIC 

L’Auditori (150 Lepant, 

tel: 93 247 9300) 

UP TO 

€30 

Komomoto (25 

Princesa, tel: 93 

315 2504) You may 

never have heard of 

Japanese-Peruvian 

cuisine, but try it in this 

new eatery and you’ll 

be hooked on the 

zingy lemon fl avours.

A microcosm 

of endless choices... 

A 5-star deluxe and luxurious resort complex located 

on a private peninsula and surrounded by a luscious 

Botanical Garden of 167.000m2 captivates your senses 

with its majestic Aegean views. 

For those who seek to combine the beauty of the 

Greek Islands with the utmost of luxury, this resort 

complex offers 4 different hotels/concepts with various 

types of accommodation, from family bungalows to 

private pool-villas. 

Another world for our young guests is revealed inside 

the resort. The Capsis Minoan Amusement Park, the 

only one in Greece, features games 

and activities based on the Greek 

myths and combines fun and 

education with interactive 

games. 

Aghia Pelaghia, 71500 Heraklion 

Crete - Greece 

Reservations: T +30 210 6149563 

E reservation@capsis.gr 

Τake 

advantage 

of our 

SPECIAL 

OFFERS


Barcelona 

Spain 

Barcelona’s premier 

live music venue has 

faultless acoustics 

and a diverse range 

of acts, from jazz to 

fl amenco and classical. 

The fi nest Spanish and 

international singers 

grace the stage, so 

book ahead for a night 

you won’t forget. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Stinger (338 Còrsega) 

This old-school 

ballroom has seen 

many functions over 

the decades and 

seems to have come 

the full tilt with this 

new cocktail bar that 

attracts the coolerthan-cool 

set from 

neighbouring Gràcia. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP With sunny 

days appearing at last, 

grab some picnic fare 

at Sant Carles grocery 

store before heading 

to Barceloneta beach. 

This scrummy shop 

sells gourmet products, 

deli delights and homecooked 

dishes to take 

away (13 Sant Carles, 

tel: 93 221 9581). 

SEE The celebration 

of Sant Jordi, on 23 

April, is the most 

magical day in 

Barcelona. Catalonia’s 

patron saint is 

honoured by the 

Tel +49 761 387 87-0 

www.roter-baeren.de 

setting up of rose stalls 

and book stalls all over 

the city. Each man buys 

a red rose for the 

woman in his life – and 

the woman returns the 

gesture with a book. 

GO What better time 

than spring to visit 

the city’s parks? The 

Parc del Castell de 

l’Oreneta is great for 

children, with donkey 

and miniature train 

rides, picnic facilities 

and wide expanses 

of pine forest. Take 

bus 66 from central 

Plaça Catalunya. 

ESCAPE One of 

Catalonia’s most 

charming architectural 

oddities lies a short 

distance south of 

Barcelona, at Garraf. 

A long row of pretty 

green and white beach 

shacks paint a slice of 

the Riviera in Spain. 

Trains run every half 

an hour from Sants 

station, and the journey 

takes around 45 

minutes. It’s defi nitely 

worth a day trip and 

will make you feel like 

you’re miles away. 

NO WAY! 

Everyone knows 

about modernist 

masterpieces La 

Sagrada Familia 

and the Palau de la 

Música, but modernist 

works pop up in more 

surprising locations, 

too. Check out the 

cemeteries in Montjuïc 

and Poblenou, where 

elaborate tombs 

and sepulchres were 

built by renowned 

architects. 

Suzanne Wales 

Bari 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 



A local taxi costs €25. 

Route 16 goes 






BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Pizzeria 

Bari Napoli (187 Via 

Piccinni, tel: 080 990 

5452) A truly top-rate 

pizzeria, act all Italiano 

by taking your time as 

you eat. It would be hard 

not to fi nd something to 

your liking here. 

HOTEL 

SALSELLO 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Located by the sea in 

the pleasant town of 

Bisceglie, this hotel has 

its own private beach 

and an outdoor pool. 




EXCLUSIVE Rococò 

(18 Vico Ciaia, tel: 080 

4834 754) This hotel 

is set inside a beautiful 

old building and the 

restaurant is superb. 

After dinner retire to the 

piano bar for a cocktail. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Mudù (55 

Vittorio Emanuele II) 

Small and intimate, this 

bar is on one of Bari’s 

oldest roads and is the 

place to stop for an icy 

cold soft drink. 

LATE & LIVELY Mavù 

Club (Strada Provinciale 

Da Locorotondo, Verso 

Cisternino) Dance around 

the lemon trees or chill 

out on the sofas upstairs. 

It can often be found 

hosting big-name DJs. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Go to the Borgo 

Murattiano – this old 

building is one of the 

best places to shop in 

Bari and hosts many of 

the best brands on offer 

in Italy (Via Argiro). 

GO Foggia, 90 minutes 

from Bari, celebrates 

the feast of Saint George 

and has an exciting ox 

and cart race. The town 

erupts into celebration 

on 23 April. 

NO WAY! 

Bari was the only city to 

suffer chemical warfare 

during World War II. 

An Allied ship carrying 

mustard gas was 

bombed in the harbour 

causing many deaths. 

Max Keep 

DOMINA HOTEL BARI 

SEE OUR ADVERT ON PAGE 106 

Basel/ 

Mulhouse/ 

Freiburg 

Switzerland 


CURRENCY CHF 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 



The fare to Basel is 

about CHF40 and 

Mulhouse €40. 

Route 50 takes 

you to Basel’s 

main train station. 

Tickets: CHF3.80. 

In France, shuttles 

go to the station in 

Saint-Louis for trains to 

Mulhouse. Tickets: €1. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Damas 

Café (23 Steinenberg, 

Basel, tel: 06 1281 

5181) This Palestinian 

place, across from the 

Stadtcasino, outshines 

all the other Middle 

Eastern restaurants on 

the same street. Don’t 

miss the terrifi cally 

tasty baba ghanoush 

(aubergine dip). 

UP TO €30 

Winstub la Petite 

Venise (4 Rue de la 

Poissonnerie, Colmar, 

tel: 03 8941 7259) 

The only downside at 

this tiny gem – where 

you can sample some 

great Alsatian wines 

and delicious food 

in Colmar’s “Little 

Venice” – is that it’s 

diffi cult to get a table 

without a reservation. 

UP TO €50 Zum 

Sauwadala (13 Rue de 

I’Arsenal, Mulhouse, 

tel: 03 8945 1819) 

Traditional cuisine 

at its best. Try the 

Alsatian foie gras 

or braised rabbit 

washed down with 

a local white wine. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Schloss Binningen 

(5 Schlossgasse, 

Binningen, tel: 06 1425 

6000) This romantic 

restaurant is housed 

in a small castle 

on the outskirts of 

Basel. Enjoy expertly 

prepared French 

cuisine and select 

wines in sophisticated, 

wood-panelled dining 

rooms. If the weather 

is fi ne you can dine 

on the terrace 

surrounded by 

greenery. Open 

Tuesdays–Saturdays. 

Reservations 

recommended. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Dom du 

Murphy’s (48 Grand 

Rue, Colmar, tel: 03 

8949 3061) An Irish 

pub on the outside 

but with a distinct 

French feeling on the 

inside, Murphy’s is 

a great place to stop 

for a pint on the way 

from the Old Town to 

Petite Venise. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Kaserne (1B 

Klybeckstrasse, 

tel: 06 1666 6000) 

OLDEST INN IN GERMANY 

SINCE 1120 

Our hotel is right in the heart of Freiburg’s idyllic 

historic centre. With its well known romantic 

restaurant overlooking the Schwabentor and the 

famous cathedral, you couldn’t ask for more…

Hear some of the 

best alternative and 

indie bands from 

Switzerland and 

further afi eld at this 

great venue, whose 

packed programme 

also boasts theatre 

and dance events. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Bar du Nord (200 

Schwarzwaldallee, 

Basel, tel: 06 1683 

1313) Eclectic 

surroundings give 

this bar the edge on 

other local nightspots. 

Housed in the old 

buffet canteen at the 

German train station, 

it still has many of the 

original fi ttings, which 

locals dance around till 

the early hours. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The Basel 

Fine Art Museum’s 

recently expanded 

shop sells not only the 

city’s best collection 

of art books, but also 

lots of hip gifts, games 

and jewellery to 

take home (16 St 

Alban Graben). 

SEE The 

Kunstmuseum’s 

exhibition of Mexico’s 

leading contemporary 

artist, Gabriel Orozco, 

opens on 18 April 

and will display 

installations, welldefi 

ned sculptures, 

photographs and 

paintings by the artist. 

Look out for 

the Citroën DS that 

has been sliced 

lengthwise down 

the middle and 

reassembled as a 

one-seater (kunst 

museumbasel.ch). 

driver, S. Loeb 

SEE The 

Puppenhausmuseum 

has great exhibits 

throughout the month 

of toys, dolls, teddy 

bears and intricate 

toy houses. It’s fun 

for the whole family 

– little kids, big kids 

and collectors are 

all sure to have a 

fantastic time (1 

Steinenvorstadt, 

tel: 06 1225 9595). 

GO The best views 

of Basel’s Old Town 

are to be had only 

by the brave souls 

willing to climb the 

narrow, winding stairs 

up Basel’s cathedral 

towers. The current 

14th-century building 

stands on the site 

of the earlier one 

destroyed in the 

massive 1356 Basel 

earthquake. 

ESCAPE Less than 

two hours from Basel, 

set on Lake Geneva, 

Lausanne is the 

world’s offi cial Olympic 

Capital, and the site of 

the headquarters 

of the IOC as well as 

the Olympic Museum. 

For non-sporting 

types, the spectacular 

setting and the nearby 

wine region defi nitely 

make the area well 

worth a visit. 

NO WAY! 

In 1356, up to 40 

medieval castles 

around Basel were 

destroyed by the 

strongest earthquake 

to strike central 

Europe in recorded 

history. The city itself 

was destroyed by fi re. 

Richard Harvell 

D. Szuster 

Belfast 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

BELFAST INT. 

TAXI 



local taxi costs £25. 

Translink run an 

Airbus service to 

the centre. Tickets: £7 

single; £10 return. 




CITY AIRPORT 

TAXI 



A local taxi costs £8. 

Translink runs an 

Airbus service to 

the city centre. Tickets: 

£2 single; £3 return. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Ooodles 

(46 Botanic Avenue) 

Located on bustling 

Botanic Avenue, this 

quick and easy noodle 

bar is the perfect spot 

for an inexpensive 

lunch or dinner. The 

food is delicious and 

the service effi cient 

– you’ll be in and out 

within an hour. 

UP TO €30 

Apartment 

(2 Donegall Square 

West, tel: 028 9050 

9777) Its stunning 

views of the City Hall 

and fantastic food 

combine to make 

Apartment one of 

the busiest and best 

restaurants in Belfast. 

UP TO €50 Ivory 

(3rd Floor, House Of 

Fraser, Victoria Square 

Shopping Centre, 

tel: 028 9032 4577) 

Housed on the top 

fl oor of this 

department store, 

Ivory boasts fantastic 

views of the city from 

its roof terrace. The 

food is delicious and 

perfect for either 

lunch or dinner with 

someone special. 

EXCLUSIVE Deanes 

at Queen’s (1 College 

Gardens, tel: 028 

9038 2111) Owned by 

celebrity chef Michael 

Deane, this former 

university common 

room is now one of 

the best restaurants 

in town. Enjoy a long 

dinner and then 

meander round the 

corner to take in a play 

at the Lyric Theatre. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY White’s 

Tavern (2–4 Winecellar 

Entry, tel: 028 9024 

3080) White’s is one 

of the oldest bars 

in Belfast and is a 

fantastic place for a 

contemplative beer. 

It serves a great pint 

of Guinness and also 

has regular thigh 

slapping Irish 

music sessions. 

LIVE MUSIC John 

Hewitt Bar (51 

Donegall Street, tel: 

028 9023 3768) Widely 

DESTINATION GUIDES | 115 

regarded as one of 

the best pubs around, 

The John Hewitt has 

a great selection of 

international beers 

and live music at 

the weekend. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Rain (10–14 Tomb 

Street, tel: 028 9032 

7308) Situated next to 

the main Post Offi ce 

sorting offi ce, this club 

has been one of the 

busiest in town since 

getting a makeover 

a year or so ago. You 

may have to queue at 

weekends but once 

you get inside the 

atmosphere will more 

than make up for it. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP If you are in 

the market for a 

unique Irish-made gift 

with a quirky twist, 

then look no further 

than Space Craft. 

This shop showcases 

the work of some of 

Northern Ireland’s top 

artists and designers, 

something different 

PARK INN 

BELFAST 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Perfectly situated with 

a swish restaurant 

and bar, the Park Inn 

is the ideal base for 

a break in Belfast. 




Southern Alsace Tourist Board - FRANCE, bordering CH & D 

WWW.TOURISME68.COM 

to take the folks back 

home (9B The Fountain 

Centre, College Street). 

SEE Belfast Film 

Festival hits town 

from 15–30 April. With 

hundreds of great fi lms 

in dozens of venues, 

it’s well worth checking 

out the programme 

(belfastfi lm 

festival.org). 

GO On a warm 

spring day one of the 

best places to be is 

Botanic Avenue, where 

you’ll fi nd several 

cafés with outside 

seating – perfect for 

people-watching. Café 

Clements and Café 

Renoir are particular 

favourites of the 

locals who head here 

for a stroll. 

ESCAPE Londonderry, 

Northern Ireland’s 

second city, has really 

got its act together 

over the last few years 

and is now one of 

the must-see tourist 

destinations for this 

part of the country. Go 

for a walk along the 

city walls and then 

check out the 

magnifi cent Guild Hall. 

NO WAY! 

The Nobel Prize has 

been won by two Belfast 

residents – one is the 

poet Seamus Heaney, 

the other is David 

Trimble, the ex-leader 

of the Ulster Unionist 

Party, who shared the 

Nobel Peace Prize with 

John Hume. 

Chris Sherry/ 

Ulster Tatler 

Social Magazine 

ALL ABOUT CARS in MULHOUSE - ALSACE! 

Automobile Festival 1-4 July 

World Rally Championship 1-3 October


Berlin 

Germany 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Express route 

SXF1 runs from 

Terminal A to Berlin 

Südkreuz. Tickets: €6. 

The S-Bahn train 

leaves from the 

airport. Tickets: €2.80. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Maria 

Peligro (81 Skalitzer 

Strasse) Open since 

January, this little 

café-bar mixes a Berlin 

underground vibe with 

some real-deal Mexican 

grub – one-of-a-kind 

in Berlin, if not Europe. 

A bonus: cold Mexican 

beers served with lime. 

UP TO €30 Die 

Ständige Vertretung 

(8 Schiffbauerdamm, 

tel: 030 282 3965) 

This busy outpost 

of Rhineland culture 

moved to these 

premises with the 

German Parliament 

a decade ago, and 

continues to be popular 

with power brokers. 

Dig into delicious 

Flammkuchen, 

a German pizza with 

toppings as varied 

as apple and black 

pudding. Try a smooth 

Kölsch beer with it. 

UP TO €50 Tin Tin 

(39–40 Paul-Linke- 

Ufer, tel: 030 4882 

6894) Stark, grey 

interior design, stylish 

lighting, minimal beats 

on the sound system 

– this restaurant on 

the Landwehrkanal 

has close ties to the 

famous techno club 

Berghain. The strippeddown 

menu highlights 

simple, well-made 

dishes with a Turkish- 

Mediterranean touch 

and a dash of creativity. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Borchardt (47 

Französische Strasse, 

tel: 030 8188 6262) 

It’s impossible to 

dine in this spacious, 

classy brasserie 

without bumping into 

one German celeb or 

another. Impeccable 

service, great 

continental cuisine and 

an always animated 

social scene, make this 

venue unforgettable. 

Grill Royal (105B 

Friedrichstrasse, Mitte, 

tel: 030 2887 9288) 

Founded by an art 

dealer, the up-market 

steakhouse Grill Royal 

is the place for Berlin’s 

arty elite to be seen. 

The design is exquisite, 

the diners enviably 

attractive and the 

steaks divine. Bookings 

are essential. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Cream 

(6 Schlesische Strasse, 

tel: 030 610 74980) 

Smack in the middle 

of one of Berlin’s most 

happening nightlife 

strips, the expansive 

Cream is nice for a 

mellow evening coffee 

or cocktail before 

moving on to one of 

the area’s many clubs. 

LIVE MUSIC 

West Germany 

(133 Skalitzer Strasse) 

This scrappy little 

venue in the heart 

of Kreuzberg hosts 

all sorts of indie, 

underground bands 

and other assorted live 

acts – for a taste of the 

über-trendy Berlin you 

came in search of. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Kleine Reise 

(8 Spreewaldplatz) 

A charming old 

bathhouse turned 

bar by day, basement 

nightclub by night. 

The Irish-run club 

aims to be a haven 

for eclectic electronic 

music lovers looking 

for a relaxed and 

fun-loving houseparty 

atmosphere. 

THIS MONTH 

SEE The Treasures of 

the Aga Khan Museum 

exhibition brings an 

amazing collection of 

Islamic art to Germany 

for the fi rst time. About 

200 masterpieces 

document 1000 years 

of Persian, Arab and 

Central Asian culture. 

Held throughout the 

month in the Martin- 

Gropius-Bau Museum (7 

Niederkirchnerstrasse, 

Kreuzberg, berliner 

festspiele.de). 

GO Savignyplatz is 

one of west Berlin’s 

more pleasant squares, 

which is lined with 

restaurants, cafés 

and shops – mostly 

catering to an older, 

more upscale clientèle 

than you’ll fi nd in 

the eastern parts 

of the city. 

ESCAPE Germany’s 

second largest city, 

Hamburg, is just 90 

minutes outside of 

Berlin by high-speed 

rail. The lively port has 

plenty of shopping, 

culture and raucous 

nightlife to spend a full 

day there and stay over 

in a trendy hotel. Check 

out the new harbour 

redevelopment at 

HafenCity. 

TAXI TAXI 

THE MOST FAMOUS 

IRISH PUB IN BERLIN 

DIALOGUE 

BOOKSHOP 

SHOP This new store 

nestled in The T Room 

café offers an intimate 

take on Englishlanguage 

literature in 

Berlin, with a handpicked 

selection 

and regular events 

(27 Christinenstrasse). 

NO WAY! 

According to urban 

legend, the red marble 

in the Mohrenstrasse 

underground station 

near Potsdamer Platz 

was taken from 

the ruins of Hitler’s 

destroyed former 

chancellery when 

the war ended. 

exberliner.com 

Biarritz 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The STAB runs 

hourly from 

7.30am–7.30pm. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Le 

Bistrot des Halles 

(1 Rue du Centre, 

tel: 05 5924 2122) A 

popular restaurant 

serving simple local 

dishes made with fresh 

produce. Specialities 

include prawns, sea bass 

and succulent steaks. 

EXCLUSIVE L’Instant 

(4 Rue du Port Vieux, 

tel: 05 5924 8465) A 

classy restaurant with 

minimalist décor, where 

the menu changes every 

month but the quality is 

guaranteed. Traditional 

dishes with a modern 

touch are served by 

English-speaking 

waiters, happy to guide 

you through the menu. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Côte 

Vestiaire (27 Rue 

Gambetta, tel: 05 4764 

8214) An unpretentious 

spit-and-sawdust bar 

where the walls are 

adorned with rugby 

memorabilia and 

there’s always a lively 

local crowd. 

LATE & LIVELY The 

Come Back (4 Rue 

Helder, tel: 05 5924 

2605) Tucked away 

near Place Georges- 

Clemenceau, The Come 

Back is one of Biarritz’s 

most popular gay and 

lesbian bars, and boy 

does it know how to 

throw a party. Open 

every night till 3am. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP L’Artisan du 

Savon is a delightful 

little shop selling a 

range of exquisite 

handmade soaps at 

affordable prices that 

would make great 

presents for the folks 

back home (12 Rue 

de Mazagran). 

GO Now that the sun 

is shining, it’s time to 

get your body looking 

summer-tastic with a 

pampering session at 

one of the town’s spas. 

The most luxurious 

is the Hotel du Palais’ 

prize-winning fi ve-fl oor 

spa (hotel-du-palais. 

com). Or there’s the 

more basic, but hugely 

indulgent, Thermes 

Marins, where a half-day 

pass costs less than 

€20 (Rue de Madrid). 

NO WAY! 

In the Middle Ages, 

Biarritz’s history was 

a whale of a tale: it 

was a major port for 

whaling ships. 

Steve Bilsborough

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Bilbao 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Buses go to the 

city every 30 

minutes. Tickets: €1.25. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 El Hogar 

del Pescador (Puerto 

Pesquero, Santurce, 

tel: 94 461 0211) This 

rustic fi sh restaurant, 

famous for its sardines, 

overlooks the harbour 

in Santurce. It’s a 

20-minute metro ride 

from the city centre, but 

the fl avours and views 

will make it well worth 

your while. 

EXCLUSIVE Ama 

Lurre (1 Calle Máximo 

Aguirre, tel: 94 423 

7150) Here, at what 

is undoubtedly one of 

the city’s top seafood 

eateries, diners can 

choose the lobster they 

want from the tank and 

then wait patiently as 

the chef cooks it 

to perfection. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Café 

Medieval Alquimia (27 

Calle José Maria Escuza, 

tel: 94 441 7730) A 

spacious bar with a 

medieval theme and 

a friendly atmosphere. 

One of the house 

speciality cocktails 

will get your night off 

to a good start. 

LATE & LIVELY Café 

Bar Solube (11 Calle 

Barrenkale, tel: 94 415 

0873) After-dark, this 

quiet café transforms 

into a busy late-night 

bar. Expect a vivacious 

party atmosphere and 

lively music until late. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Pastelería 

Jauregui is a delightful 

little cake shop selling 

homemade pastries 

and jams. Great 

for a sweet treat in 

between sightseeing (9 

Zabalgune Enparantza, 

tel: 94 423 0884). 

GO All aboard the 

funicular railway to 

the top of Mount 

Artxanda. The threeminute 

trip is great fun, 

and offers spectacular 

views across Bilbao and 

the Bay of Biscay. Stop 

for a drink or snack 

at one of the many 

bars and restaurants 

at the top before you 

make your descent. 

Trains leave from the 

Plaza Funicular. 

NO WAY! 

Bilbao is going to be 

one of the fi rst cities in 

Spain to have doubledecker 

buses on its 

streets, following years 

of battles about Spain’s 

height regulations 

for vehicles. 

Katherine Bilsborough 

Birmingham 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Trains leave every 

10 minutes for the 

centre. Tickets: £3.10 

single; £6.20 return. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Oriental 

Bar Restaurant (128– 

130 Wharfside Street, 

The Mailbox, tel: 0121 

633 9988) This Asian 

restaurant with its canal 

views boasts a lengthy 

menu of Chinese, Malay 

and Thai food. The beef 

rendang comes highly 

recommended. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Simpsons (20 Highfi eld 

Road, Edgbaston) Diners 

at this Michelin-starred 

venue are treated to a 

refi ned menu featuring 

turbot and suckling pig. 

In keeping with the food, 

the wine list and service 

are excellent. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Anchor Inn 

(308 Bradford Street, 

Digbeth, tel: 0121 622 

4516) This old-style 

boozer is a great place 

for a drink. Its traditional 

décor is complemented 

by an impressive range 

of beers and ales. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Poppy Red (Arcadian 

Centre, Hurst Street, 

tel: 0121 687 1200) This 

trendy nightspot keeps 

the music pumping until 

2am every night. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Pick up a unique 

piece of jewellery or 

commission your own 

design at one of the 

many shops in the 

Jewellery Quarter. 

SEE Award-winning 

musical Les Misérables’ 

touring production 

graces the Hippodrome 

stage until 17 April 

(birmingham 

hippodrome.com). 


GETTING AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND? 

ENJOY THE FREEDOM OF RENTAL! 

NO WAY! 

If all of the Cadbury 

Creme Eggs produced 

in a year were stacked 

high, the pile would be 

ten times higher than 

Mount Everest. 

Jenny McKelvie 

RADISSON SAS 

BIRMINGHAM 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

A fashionable abode, 

enjoy laidback dining 

in this hotel’s bistro, 

which has a tasty 

Mediterranean menu. 




Bodrum 

Turkey 



FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




HAVAS operates a 

service to the city 

centre. Tickets: YTL15. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Orfoz 

Restaurant (177B 

Cumhuriyet Caddesi, 

tel: 0252 316 4285) Run 

by the friendly Cagri 

and Caglar brothers, 

Orfoz serves some of 

the best seafood around 

– including fabulously 

fresh octopus, mussels 

and fi sh. 

EXCLUSIVE Küba 

(62 Neyzen Tevfi k 

Caddesi, tel: 0252 313 

4450) This old-style 

Turkish house has been 

beautifully renovated 

and decorated all in 

white. Küba serves 

as a restaurant 

and a nightclub 

– and it excels at 

Mediterranean cuisine. 

Order the grouper for 

your main course. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Zazu 

(144A Neyzen Tevfi k 

Caddesi, tel: 0252 313 

3645) A casual café 

and restaurant, Zazu 

is open daily from 

8.30am–2am and 

offers light food such as 

sandwiches and salads. 

A great spot at any time 

of the day for good fun. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Campanella 

(Cumhuriyet Caddesi, 

tel: 0252 316 5302) 

A heady combination 

of chic clientèle and 

the hottest hits gives 

Campanella a deserved 

reputation as the 

trendiest club in town. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Bodrum Safran 

sells many types of 

handmade olive oil 

soaps, natural bath 

products, candles, 

homemade jams and 

more besides. An 

amazing collection of 

pashminas make 

a lovely gift (1 Yeni 

Çarsı, Sokak, tel. 0252 

316 2746). 

GO The Bodrum 

Castle and Underwater 

Museum, one of the 

world’s fi nest dedicated 

to underwater 

archaeology, is housed 

in a superb 15thcentury 

castle built by 

the Knights of St John 

of Rhodes (bodrummuseum.com). 

NO WAY! 

According to legend, 

nearby Bardakçı Bay is 

also known as the bay 

of Salmacis, the place 

where the son of the 

god Hermes and the 

goddess Aphrodite fell in 

love with a sea nymph. 

Sol Fernandez 





or book at 

easyJet.com


Bordeaux 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




A bus goes to Gare 

St Jean station. 

Tickets: €7. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Ibaia Café 

(Quai de Chartrons, tel: 

05 5600 4535) A sunny 

April morning is the 

perfect time for a coffee 

overlooking the quays. 

Later in the day a range 

of tapas, drinks, and 

larger meals is available. 

EXCLUSIVE Gravelier 

(114 Cours de Verdun, tel: 

05 5648 1715) A small 

and rightfully renowned 

restaurant set over two 

fl oors in the heart of the 

Chartrons district. Chef 

Yves Gravelier makes 

imaginative, fresh and 

delicious food. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Brasserie 

du Passage (14–15 

Place Canteloup, Saint 

Michel, tel: 05 5691 

2036) A laidback 

watering hole, complete 

with a long marbletopped 

bar, big mirrors, 

and a great selection of 

wines and beers. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Max Bordeaux 

is an excellent wine 

boutique that doubles 

as a tasting gallery, with 

a range of top chateaux 

wines available to try (14 

Cours de l’Intendance, 

maxbordeaux.com). 

SEE From 

10–11 April, more than 

95 winemakers from 

the Premières Côtes 

de Blaye appellation 

will hold an Open Doors 

weekend. There will be 

various other events 

including some at the 

beautiful 14th-century 

Citadelle de Blaye 

fortress (aoc-blaye.com). 

NO WAY! 

Bordeaux was a central 

hub for the Roman 

Empire. The remains of 

an amphitheatre dating 

back to the third century 

and known as the Pallais 

Gallien, are tucked 

among the city streets. 

Jane Anson 

Bournemouth 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The A1 shuttle 

bus runs to the 

main square until 

6.30pm. Tickets: £4. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Hot 

Rocks Restaurant 

(Pier Approach, tel: 

01202 555 559) 

Boasting great views 

over the pier and 

beach, this surfthemed 

restaurant 

serves chillis, chargrills, 

ribs and burgers, 

plus reasonably priced 

delicious cocktails. 

EXCLUSIVE The 

Edge (2 Studland 

Road, Alum Chine, 

tel: 01202 757 

007) On the fourth 

fl oor of a modern 

apartment block 

this contemporary 

restaurant has 

fantastic coastal 

views and an outside 

terrace. Try a sharing 

platter of sushi or a 

more substantial main 

course, such as halibut 

or guinea fowl. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Urban 

Beach Bistro (23 Argyll 

Road, Boscombe, tel: 

01202 301 509) A lively 

but laidback bistro 

with log fi res and an 

outside deck, serving 

great cocktails and 

toe-tapping live music 

on Thursdays. If the 

music’s not too loud 

you should be able to 

hear the crashing waves 

of the nearby sea. 

LATE & LIVELY Lava 

& Ignite (Firvale Road, 

tel: 01202 311 178) 

Bournemouth’s largest 

nightclub features 

music of all styles 

including R’n’B, disco, 

garage, soul and retro. 

Feeling outrageous? 

There’s a hot tub to 

check out, too. 


LATE & 

LIVELY 

Ice Room (Hangar 

19, Quai de Bacalan) 

You’ll be provided 

with coat and gloves 

to go in to the corner 

room kept at -10ºC, 

where the bar, chairs 

and glasses are all 

sculpted from ice. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The original 

branch of Lush, the 

quirky cosmetics and 

fragrances shop, still 

smells as good as ever, 

with its wide array 

of homemade soaps 

and toiletries (29 High 

Street, Poole). 

SEE Hunt for dragons’ 

eggs this Easter at 

Lulworth Castle, where 

you’ll also fi nd storytellers, 

quizzes, treasure 

trails and Sir Cool the 

Knight. This year you’ll 

have to get there early 

as Easter falls on the 

fi rst weekend of the 

month (lulworth.com). 

NO WAY! 

The Bournemouth 

suburb of Boscombe 

is home to Europe’s 

fi rst artifi cial surf reef. 

Matthew Hancock 

Brindisi 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Local STP buses 

leave every 30 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Casa San 

Giacamo (Via Bixio 

Continelli, Ostuni) This 

restaurant is certainly 

one of the best in Ostuni 

and is a favourite with 

many locals. Wonderful 

service, great décor, 

good wines and 

excellent food are all to 

be expected, creating 

a perfect evening. 

EXCLUSIVE Osteria 

Gia Sotto L’Arco (72 

Corso Vittorio Emanuelle, 

Carovigno, tel: 0831 

996 286) This elegant 

family-run joint is one 

of Puglia’s most elegant 

restaurants. The menu is 

an excellent showcase for 

local fl avours, including 

delicious burrata 

mozzarella – heavenly. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Birra Gruit 

(120 Via Carmine, tel: 

0831 562 780) If you 

want some friendly faces 

and a bite to eat over 

a beer, then this is the 

place. Make sure you try 

the ancient beer recipe 

that the monks used to 

brew on this very site 

hundreds of years ago. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Disco Te Papa (Strada 

per San Marzano di San 

Giuseppe) Opening late 

and fi nishing even later, 

don’t even think about 

going before midnight, 

but once you get there 

you’ll fi nd a typically 

southern Italian club. 

It’s full of gorgeous 

people, a little bit 

cheesy, but lots of fun. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Easter is taken 

more seriously here 

than in the UK and 

as a result the main 

high streets heave 

with gift ideas. Go 

for a walk down the 

Corso Umberto and 

have a browse. 

GO Visit Lecce during 

Easter week. There 

is a holiday spirit in 

the air, the shops and 

bars are bustling, and 

every day around every 

corner there seems to 

be a market or trade 

fair of some sort. It’s 

an excellent time to 

visit one of the south’s 

favourite cities. 

NO WAY! 

The name Brindisi 

derives from the 

Messapian name 

Brention meaning 

deer’s head, which most 

probably refers to the 

shape of the natural 

harbour there. 

Max Keep

Bristol 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The Bristol 

International Flyer 

goes to Temple Meads 

train station, Bristol Bus 

Station and Clifton, with 

stops around the city. 

Tickets: £6–£7 single. 




BON APPETIT 


Village Pottery (70 

Princess Victoria 

Street, Clifton, tel: 0117 

973 4343) A quirky 

mix of a studio, gallery 

and coffee bar, run by 

potter Jen Hamilton. 

Pop in for a cup of 

Fairtrade tea or coffee 

and a slice of cake. 

UP TO €30 Las 

Iguanas (Whiteladies 

Road, Anchor Square, 

tel: 0117 927 6233) 

Tickle your taste 

buds with signature 

dish xinxim, Brazilian 

lime chicken, which 

combines Latin, 

African and fi ery 

Portuguese fl avours. 


Rockfi sh Grill and 

Seafood Market (128 

Whiteladies Road, 

tel: 0117 973 7384) 

This place is all about 

seriously fresh fi sh: 

the catch of the day 

is delivered daily and 

served up straight. The 

speciality is grilled fi sh 

and steaks cooked over 

a charcoal fi re. 

EXCLUSIVE 

The Orangery at 

Tortworth Court 

(Wotton-Under-Edge, 

South Gloucestershire, 

tel: 01454 263 000) 

The Orangery is 

committed to serving 

locally sourced 

produce, with much 

of it coming from the 

Tortworth Estate. 

Seasonal menus refl ect 

the best of modern 

British cuisine and are 

complemented by an 

accessible wine list. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Watershed 

Café-Bar (Watershed 

Media Centre, 1 Canons 

Road, Harbourside, tel: 

0117 927 6444) Relax 

with a quiet drink or 

hang out with friends at 

this harbourside media 

venue that’s popular 

with locals. Enjoy wines 

and lagers from around 

the world, light bites 

and free Wi-Fi. 

LIVE MUSIC O2 

Academy Bristol 

(Frogmore Street, tel: 

0117 927 9227) A great 

music venue that hosts 

club nights and gigs from 

a variety of bands. There 

is a weekly Ramshackle 

event on Friday nights 

and in April, The Wonder 

Stuff (18th) and Reef 

(21st) are among those 

who take to the stage. 

LATE & LIVELY The 

Woods (1 Park Street 

Avenue, tel: 0117 925 

0890) A popular and 

eclectic-looking bar 

set within an elegant 

Victorian building, The 

Woods has a fi ne whisky 

collection and a guitardriven 

music policy. 

Oceana (South 

Building, Harbourside, 

tel: 0845 293 2860) 

With seven themed 

venues, including 

fi ve bars and two 

nightclubs, Oceana 

offers something to 

suit everyone. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The Mall has all 

the best things about 

high street shopping 

in the comfort of an 

exciting, indoor, twolevel 

centre. Around 

135 top-name stores 

and 17 cafés and 

restaurants can all be 

found under one roof 

(Cribbs Causeway, tel: 

0117 915 5555). 

SHOP Bristol Blue 

Glass is a glass-blowing 

factory where skilled 

glassmakers continue 

a time-honoured 

Bristol tradition making 

striking blown glass by 

hand. Select a souvenir 

from the widest 

selection of blue glass 

to buy in the south 

west (Unit 7, Whitby 

Road, Brislington, tel: 

0117 972 0818). 

SEE The legendary 

Riverdance continues 

its Farewell Tour across 

the UK at Bristol’s 

Hippodrome from 

5–10 April. Of all the 

performances to 

emerge from Ireland 

in the past decade, 

nothing has matched 

the energy and the 

spectacle of this 

phenomenon (St 

Augustine’s Parade, 

tel: 0117 302 3333). 

GO Located in the 

south of the city is 

Southville, where you’ll 

fi nd the trendy North 

Street. Here you can 

enjoy a relaxing drink 

and great food in one 

of the many bars and 

cafés. There’s also a 

weekly farmers’ market 

at The Tobacco Factory. 

ESCAPE Cheddar is 

home to the famous 

cheese. Visit the 

cathedral-like caves 

and Britain’s biggest 

gorge when you’re 

there, or try something 

more adventurous, 

like abseiling. 

TAXI TAXI 

 

 

 

 

 

THE BRISTOL 

HOTEL 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

On the edge of the 

Floating Harbour, this 

hotel is encircled with 

rich maritime heritage 

and a short walk from 

the Old Town. From 

€90, book at hotels. 

easyJet.com. 

NO WAY! 

Massive Attack originate 

from Bristol and met as 

members of the Wild 

Bunch in the 1980s. 

Chris Savage, 

Destination Bristol 


Brussels 

Belgium 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Every 20 minutes, 

routes 12 and 21 

go to Schuman metro 

station. Tickets: €3 (€5 

on the bus). 

Trains depart every 

15 minutes. Tickets: 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Shere- 

E-Punjab (2 Rue 

de l’Artichaut, tel: 

02 280 4802) Find 

affordable prices 

and friendly service, 

plus fl owers on each 

table, in this reliable 

Indian restaurant near 

the European Union 

Institutions. 

UP TO €30 Les 

Petits Pères (149 Rue 

des Carmélites, tel: 02 

345 6671) As spring 

is coming and the 

days get longer, have 

lunch in the pretty 

wisteria garden of this 

reputed restaurant. 

The set menu with 

wine and coffee is a 

great deal to savour 

while enjoying the 

fl owers and the lovely 

fresh spring air. 

UP TO €50 Notos 

(154 Rue de Livourne, 

tel: 02 513 2959) Chef 

Constantin Erinkoglou 

prides himself on 

sourcing his ingredients 

from Greek suppliers, 

with the aim of offering 

the most authentic 

Greek food in Brussels. 

He has succeeded, with 

this being one of the 

top Greek venues 

in the city. 

EXCLUSIVE Café 

Wiltcher’s (Conrad 

Brussels Hotel, 71 

Avenue Louise, Ixelles, 

tel: 02 542 4850) The 

prestigious Conrad 

Brussels Hotel hosts 

this chic restaurant, 

with huge doors, 

stained glass on the 

ceiling and a stunning 

black piano. The stylish 

atmosphere extends 

to the menu, which 

includes a succulent 

Aberdeen Angus fi llet 

with shallots. 

Le Vignoble de 

Margot (368 Avenue 

de Tervuren, Woluwe- 

Saint-Pierre, tel: 02 

779 2323) Chef Claude 

Noaillon cooks up 

his famous roasted 

turbot in this 

restaurant surrounded 

by beautiful ponds 

and vineyards. Save 

a little room for the 

carpaccio of exotic 

fruits from this rural 

retreat, minutes away 

by car from the city. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Le 

Fontainas (91 Rue 

Marché aux Charbons, 

tel: 02 503 3112) From


Brussels 

Belgium 

young students to 

mature executives, 

all kinds of people 

try to get a table on 

the terrace of this 

centrally located pub, 

which is set away 

from the traffi c on 

a pedestrian street. 

LIVE MUSIC Sazz ‘N 

Jazz (241 Rue Royale) 

Sazz ‘N Jazz brings 

a range of cultures 

together through its 

musical programme, 

with jazz and world 

music gigs taking place 

almost every day. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Duke’s (2 Rue de 

l’Homme Chrétien, 

tel: 02 639 1400) 

A middle-aged and 

nostalgic crowd can 

be found lounging in 

the luxurious Duke’s, 

where the DJ is adored 

for his 1980s and 

1990s musical choices. 

Be warned: the dress 

code is smart, not retro 

fancy dress. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Every weekend, 

antiques lovers head 

to the Place du Grand 

Sablon for the Antiques 

Market. As well as being 

a very pleasant stroll, 

there are plenty of 

experts to chat to. 

SHOP Atipic is a 

real Ali Baba’s cave, 

with everything from 

Chinese Manga dolls 

and fi gurines to bird 

tables, unusual mugs 

and other knick knacks 

(170A Chaussée de 

Charleroi, Saint-Gilles). 

SEE The Centre de 

la Culture Judéo- 

Marocaine offers 

a window into a 

fascinating culture, 

with typical clothes, 

spices, odours and 

paintings showcasing 

Jewish life in Morocco 

through history 

(19 Place Vander Elst). 

GO Since the early 

17th century, a bronze 

fountain has been 


iconic symbols of 

Brussels. Hilarious 

for many travellers, 

the Manneken Pis, 

the young boy 

urinating, can be seen 

at the junction of 

Rue de l’Etuve and 

Rue du Chêne. 

ESCAPE At just 

50km from Brussels, 

Antwerp has more 

than enough going 

on to make a fun day 

trip. Take some great 

photos of old Flemish 

architecture as you 

browse through the 

shops. Finally, if you’ve 

any energy left, visit 

one of the oldest and 

most famous zoos in 

the world. 

NO WAY! 

Herman Van Rompuy, 

the permanent 

President of the 

European Council, was 

born in Brussels, where 

he studied Ancient 

Greek and Latin. 

Fadil Kebsi 

Bucharest 

Romania 


CURRENCY Leu (RON) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs RON100. 

Bus 783 leaves 


Tickets: RON8. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 St George 

(44 Strada Franceza, 

tel: 021 317 1087) Great 

Hungarian food is served 

up in the Old Town: go 

for the mutton stew 

with dumplings. There’s 

also live music from a 

wandering gypsy band. 

EXCLUSIVE Escargot 

Bistro (101 Strada 

Toamnei) Easily the 

best French restaurant 

in Bucharest. The potroasted 

duck is as tender 

as anything you would 

have ever tasted, the 

staff are ebullient, and 

the whole experience 

is one big, happy, 

gastronomic adventure. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Divan (46– 

48 Strada Franceza, tel: 

021 312 3034) Currently 

the trendiest café in 

the Old Town, this place 

is usually packed with 

young locals drinking 

coffee and cocktails 

and smoking hookah 

pipes from the comfort 

of some very funky 

armchairs. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Deja-vu (25 B-dul 

Nicolae Balcescu, tel: 

021 311 2322) Still the 

most outrageous club in 

Bucharest. An eclectic 

mix of music and a crazy 

crowd of nonconformists 

guarantee a memorable 

evening of fun. 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Mihaela Glavan 

is Romania’s top shoe 

designer. Costing from 

around RON600 a pair, 

this bespoke luxury 

doesn’t come cheap (24 

Intrarea Tudor Stefan). 

NO WAY! 

Romanian Orthodox 

Easter falls both this 

year and next at the 

same time as Western 

Easter. After that the 

two will not coincide 

again until 2014. 

Craig Turp 

RUSSIAN 

CHURCH 

SEE With its golden 

domes, this is the 

city’s most impressive 

church. Built with 

money from the 

Russian Tsar 

Alexander II, it is a 

copy of the Cathedral 

in Moscow’s Kremlin. 

 

 

 

Budapest 

Hungary 


CURRENCY Forint (HUF) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



A local taxi costs 

HUF3,500–HUF4,800. 

Trains leave 

Terminal 1 for 

Western station. 

Tickets: HUF300. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Hyppolit 

(125 Attila utca, I, tel: 201 

7707) Good quality and 

satisfying Hungarian 

cuisine is dished up 

in a retro atmosphere 

not far from Moszkva 

Square. Catfi sh stew is 

a favourite coupled with 

any of the domestic 

beers or wines. 

EXCLUSIVE Ráspi 

Budapest (53 Király 

utca, VII, tel: 297 

2348) The renowned 

maker of organic wine 

has just opened his 

second restaurant in 

Hungary, in the heart 

of Budapest. The 

owner’s philosophy is 

to use local seasonal 

ingredients and to keep 

the menu small, but 

of high quality with 

many hand-picked 

raw ingredients. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Sugar! (48 

Paulay Ede utca, VII, tel: 

321 6672) You’ll fi nd a 

spectacular array of 

desserts in every shape, 

size and colour here, 

with varying weekly 

specials. If that’s not 

enough to satisfy your 

sweet tooth, there’s an 

endless selection of 

chocolates, too. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Kupplung (46 Király 

utca, VI, tel: 755 3527) 

This huge super-club 

plays everything from 

crowd-pleasing pop 

to indie and rock and 

the doors stay open 

till dawn. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Front will 

provide you with a 

different defi nition of 

souvenir. Pick up unique, 

made-in-Hungary gifts 

for the young or youngat-heart, 

including 

clocks, notebooks, 

jewellery and clothing 

(5 Múzeum Korut, V, tel: 

787 7503). 

SEE The Museum 

of Fine Arts shines 

this month with 

Degas to Picasso: 

French Masterpieces 

from the Pushkin 

Museum, a stunning, 

55-piece exhibition on 

loan from the Moscow 

museum. Until 25 April 

(museum.hu). 

NO WAY! 

Budapest has stood in 

for a long list of other 

cities, including Rome, 

Paris, London, Berlin and 

Buenos Aires, in fi lms 

over the last 20 years. 

Deborah Marshall

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Cagliari 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




ARST buses to the 

city centre leave 






AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Caffè 

Svizzero (6 Largo Carlo 

Felice, tel: 070 653 784) 

A classic café in the 

pulsating heart of the 

city, where locals enjoy 

real Italian coffee on 

the glass pavilion while 

watching the world go by. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Dulcis (14 Viale Regina 

Margherita, tel: 070 684 

719) This jam-packed 

club caters to your every 

whim, with sushi on the 

menu, the best cocktails 

in town and regular DJs 

to keep the crowds on 

the dancefl oor happy. 

Casablanca 

Morocco 


CURRENCY MAD 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Trains depart 

every hour to 

Casa Voyageur. Tickets: 

MAD35–MAD50. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Paul 

(Boulevard d’Anfa, 

Racine, tel: 0522 366 

000) Founded in 1889, 

Paul’s French bakery has 

spread world-over. With 

the warm weather, enjoy 

salads and sandwiches 

on the terrace. 

EXCLUSIVE Ostréa 

(Port de Pêche, tel: 

0522 441 390) Famous 

for its home-grown 

oysters, this is one 

of Casablanca’s best 

seafood restaurants. 

If oysters aren’t your 

thing, try the seafood 

gratin or the lobster. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY The Irish 

Pub (10 Avenue Hassan 

Souktani, tel: 0522 200 

210) Unwind with a beer 

amid a familiar ambience 

in Casa’s newest pub. 

There’s live music, too. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Angel (Hotel Azur, 

41 Boulevard de la 

Corniche, tel: 0522 

797 493) This is a good 

place for late-night 

drinking and dancing 

with heavenly bodies to 

the latest techno beats. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Fauchon, the 

French gourmet store, 

specialises in sweet and 

savoury delicacies. Stock 

up on some brand-name 

groceries from teas to 

caviar or confectionaries 

(21 Boulevard Moulay). 

GO A hive of activity 

surrounds the Marche 

Centrale, and inside 

you’ll fi nd all kinds of 

stalls. Select fresh fi sh 

and have it prepared on 

site – totally divine! 


BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Taverna 

Su Milese (32–34 Via 

Barcellona, tel: 070 

451 3086) This typical 

Italian trattoria is famed 

for its high-quality food 

and excellent prices. 

The cuisine, which is 

almost entirely based on 

fresh products from the 

region, is a great way to 

sample some authentic 

Sardinian fl avours. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Ristorante 51 (51 Via 

Santa Croce, tel: 070 

858 6629) Dine in style 

in this new and very 

fashionable restaurant 

in the heart of the 

beautiful Old Town. The 

progressive cuisine 

creates little works of 

art, each one tastier 

than the last – and just 

when you think you can 

eat no more, there’s the 

chocolate cake. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Sardegna in 

Tavola offers a wide 

selection of Sardinia’s 

fi nest specialities: 

wine, liquor, Sardinian 

sweets and handmade 

treasures such as 

porcelain and ceramics 

(62 Via Baylle). 

SEE The Sagra degli 

Agrumi is a colourful 

celebration of the 

harvest time of the 

citrus fruits that grow 

in the area. People 

dress up in traditional 

Sardinian costumes and 

you can try as many 

tangy oranges as you 

like. Catch it from 16–18 

April in the nearby 

village of Muravera. 

NO WAY! 

According to local legend 

the martyr Sant’Efi sio 

saved the city from a 

terrible plague in the 

mid-17th century, even 

though the saint had 

passed away long before 

in the fourth century. 

Dario Henke 

NO WAY! 

Berbers were the 

original people of 

Morocco and about 

75% of Moroccans now 

are pure Berber or of 

Berber origin. 

Cara Warkentin 

HOTEL 

GITE NADIA 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Romantic canopy 

beds and Tadelakt 

walls will transport you 

right back to the heart 

of the Old Medina. 




Catania 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Route 457 leaves 

every 20 minutes, 

stopping in the centre. 

Tickets: €1 (machine); 

€1.30 (on board). 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 La 

Cucina dei Colori (9 

Via San Michele, tel: 

095 315 546) This 

small tavern proposes 

natural, organic and 

vegan food within an 

organic traditional 

setting. Carnivores can 

breathe a sigh of relief, 

specialities also include 

pasta and roasted meat. 

EXCLUSIVE Romano 

Palace Luxury Hotel 

(28 Viale Kennedy, tel: 

095 376 400) Close to 

the sea and surrounded 

by a lush garden, this 

restaurant deserves 

its fi ve stars. À la carte 

or vegetarian menus 

are all available to 

enjoy in the opulent 

atmosphere, served by 

attentive waiters and 

accompanied by an 

international wine list. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Fiaschetteria Biscari 

(8 Via Museo Biscari, 

tel: 095 093 2761) A 

cool wine bar located in 

the historic city centre, 

here you can enjoy a 

good glass of wine or 

a fresh dessert. 

LATE & LIVELY Casa 

Brasil (704 Via Etnea, 

tel: 095 441 990) At this 

venue there’s a carnival 

atmosphere all year 

round. The vibrancy, 

colours, music and 

food from Brazil can 

all be found here 

where you can dance 

samba, pagode and 

axe until late. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP I Portali is 

the newest shopping 

centre to hit Catania 

and it is already one of 

the most visited thanks 

to its wide variety of 

shops and restaurants 

(Polo commerciale San 

Giovanni La Punta). 

SEE Catania Jazz 

has organised three 

exciting music 

concerts: the Japanese 

N’Guyen Le Saiyuki 

Trio play on 8 April, 

the American Ben 

Sidran Quartet (20th) 

and the Italian group 

Radiodervish (28th). All 

the recitals are held in 

the magnifi cent Teatro 

Metropolitan di Catania 

(21 Via Sant’Euplio). 

NO WAY! 

Sicily has a high 

number of UFO 

sightings – up to 

800 a year. 

Alessandro Di Maio/ 

laspecula.com


Cologne 

Germany 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



The fare to Cologne is 

€30 and €40 to Bonn. 

Trains leave for 

Cologne every 10 


The bus for Bonn, 

leaves every 30 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 

Haus Töller (96 

Weyerstrasse, Cologne, 

tel: 0221 258 9316) 

Haus Töller is one of 

the oldest Brauhäuser 

in Cologne – it’s dark 

and very traditional. Try 

the famous sauerkraft 

and mash or the 

reibekuchen (rosti). 

EXCLUSIVE Altes 

Treppchen (308 

Endenicher Strasse, 

Bonn, tel: 0228 625 

004) When Bonn was 

Germany’s capital this 

was where the politicians 

and diplomats dined, 

and today it still serves 

up delicious food in 

a charming and 

traditional setting. Try 

the mustard roast with 

potatoes and salad. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Bonner 

Brasserie (5 

Remigiusplatz, Bonn, 

tel: 0228 655 559) This 

is one of Bonn’s most 

popular meeting places. 

Make like a local and 

sit on the large outdoor 

terrace to enjoy the 

views over the busy, 

colourful fl ower market. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Comedia Gastronomie 

(4–8 Vondelstrasse, 

Cologne, tel: 0221 3555 

8910) Tucked away in a 

back street in Cologne’s 

Südstadt, this bar is part 

of the Comedia chain 

and is a great place for 

drinks, snacks or a meal. 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP For the best 

Italian produce check 

out Rewe Stranda, 

which stocks a variety 

of Italian coffees, fresh 

meat, fi sh and a cheese 

selection (70 Breite 

Strasse, Cologne). 

SEE The Museum 

König in Bonn presents 

Dinosaurier, an 

exhibition featuring 

the bones of the 

Argentinosaurus rebuilt 

as the mammal once 

was – 40 metres long 

and eight metres high 

(160 Adenauerallee). 

NO WAY! 

During World War II, 

bombs destroyed more 

than 90% of the city and 

reduced the population 

from 800,000 to 

40,000. There was so 

little left of Cologne, a 

suggestion was made to 

rebuild it elsewhere. 

Gaby Pinkner/ 

rhinemagazine.com 

Copenhagen 

Denmark 


CURRENCY Krone (DKK) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs DKK180. 

Underground 

trains go to 

Nørreport station from 

Terminal 3. Tickets: 

DKK31.50. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 42° 

Raw (32 Pilestraede, 

tel: 3212 3210) 

Copenhagen’s fi rst 

raw food restaurant 

serves delicious salads, 

smoothies and juices 

perfect for the healthconscious 

visitor, with 

not a grungy hippie 

in sight! 

UP TO €30 Atlas Bar 

(18 Larsbjornsstraede, 

tel: 3315 0352) A cosy 

central restaurant 

tucked away in 

a basement with 

a laidback feel. The 

menu boasts European, 

Mexican and Asian food 

at great prices. 

UP TO €50 Aamanns 

Establishment (12 

Oster Farimagsgade, 

tel: 3555 3310) A 

favourite with locals, 

this relaxed restaurant 

serves delicious 

Danish classics such 

as bulging, open 

sandwiches and stews 

made from seasonal 

and mainly organic 

ingredients. Wash one 

of these great creations 

down with a wine from 

the list of biodynamic 

reds and whites. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Restaurant 

D’Angleterre (34 

Kongens Nytorv, tel: 

3337 0645) Join the 

long list of luminaries 

– including Churchill, 

Grace Kelly and Sean 

Penn – who have eaten 

at the city’s fi nest 

fi ve-star hotel. Frenchinspired 

dishes such as 

foie gras and oysters 

are served at tables 

that offer views across 

a grand square. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Underwood Ink 

(30A Ryesgade, tel: 

3535 5553) Named 

after Hemingway’s 

preferred typewriter 

brand, this hip café, 

which doubles as 

a bookshop and 

an art exhibition 

space, is a must for 

lovers of Danish and 

English underground 

literature. While away 

hours as you browse 

the collection and have 

a coffee or juice. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Blågårds Apotek Café 

(20 Blågårdsgade, tel: 

3537 2442) An intimate 

bar in the Latin Quarter 

of Nørrebro, this 

place is popular with 

students, who come 

for the live blues, rock 

and jazz acts almost 

every night of the week. 

Prepare to get hot and 

steamy, as the crowd 

here loves to dance. 

LATE & LIVELY 1105 

(4 Kristen Bernikows 

Gade, tel: 3393 1105) 

Hidden down a side 

street, this small, 

sophisticated bar 

serves exceptional 

cocktails mixed by 

one of the city’s most 

famed bartenders, 

Gromit Eduardsen. DJs 

play at the weekend 

and drown out the 

sounds of the übertrendy 

trying to get 

the bartender’s 

attention to order 

a fruity delight. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Fashion-savvy 

girls in search of 

vintage Scandinavian 

fashion should head to 

Tiger-Lily. Founded by 

two stylists, the shop 

sells dresses from the 

1950s–1970s, as well 

as bespoke pieces 

(8 Enghave Plads). 

IMPERIAL 

HOTEL 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

This opulent hotel 

has classical 

Danish design and 

striking modernist 

architecture. It’s the 

perfect place to relax. 



SEE Denmark’s 

biggest fi lm festival, 

CPH PIX, returns in 

April for its second 

year with a programme 

that boasts up to 170 

international feature 

fi lms, as well as 

concerts and special 

events throughout 

the city (15–25 April, 

cphpix.dk). 

GO Start at the Royal 

Danish Playhouse and 

walk along Larsens 

Plads by the waterfront 

to Amalienborg Palace 

Square. To the east 

is the Opera House, 

and to the west, 

Frederick’s Church, 

while immediately 

surrounding the square 

are the four buildings 

of the Royal Palace. 

Be warned: on 16 April 

fl ag-waving Danes 

will fi ll the square to 

celebrate the Queen’s 

70th birthday. 

ESCAPE The small 

fi shing hamlet of 

Dragoer may only be 

30 minutes on the 

number 35 bus from 

Copenhagen, but it 

feels like a different 

world. Meander around 

its cobbled streets, 

traditional, brightly 

painted houses, 

unique shops, cosy 

restaurants and 

picturesque harbour 

(visitdragoer.dk). 

NO WAY! 

The 519,000 residents 

of Copenhagen own 

560,000 bicycles 

between them, 

meaning, amazingly, 

that there are more 

bikes than inhabitants! 

Cathy Strongman

Corfu 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 



local taxi costs €10–€12. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Harry’s 

Taverna (New Perithia) 

Twenty years on and 

Harry’s still mixes 

homely dishes – such 

as rolos (roast pork 

belly), kleftiko (cheese 

and spinach pastry) 

and moussaka – with 

sophisticated tastes. Try 

the mafi oso spaghetti. 

EXCLUSIVE Rex 

Restaurant (66 Ioannis 

Kapodistrias Street, tel: 

2661 039 649) Behind 

the famous Liston, Rex is 

a favourite with Corfu’s 

bourgeoisie. An extensive 

menu presents local 

and Greek classics, plus 

nouveau dishes such as 

chicken with kumquat 

sauce, enjoyed amid 

retro décor in this fi ne 

Venetian building. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Ilias Bar 

(Avliotes) Famed for 

the quality of its Greek 

coffee, Ilias is a local’s 

bar with a great warm 

welcome for visitors. 

Its pergola-shaded 

setting on the village 

square is stunning. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Privilege Disco 

Club (Mandouki 

Entertainment Centre, 

Corfu Town) Dress up to 

rub shoulders with the 

wealthy clubbing set at 

this busy dance venue, 

converted from an old 

factory. Music is mainly 

pop with gusto. 

THIS MONTH 

GO Join locals and 

celebrate spring by 

heading out into the 

country for a picnic (or 

have lunch in a taverna), 

and gather some of the 

abundant wild fl owers 

to decorate your villa or 

hotel room with. 

NO WAY! 

Introduced by the then 

British rulers, cricket 

has been played in 

Corfu since 1823, and 

the island now boasts 

13 teams. 

Hilary Paipeti 

BOOK 

STORE 

SHOP Ask at 

Tourmousoglou for 

the latest in travel 

literature. The shop is 

the island’s best for 

guidebooks, maps 

and foreign-language 

novels (47 Nikiforous 

Theotoki Street). 

Corsica 

(Ajaccio) 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Route 8 buses go 

to the centre, daily 

from 5.55am–11.15pm. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Le 

Cabano (4 Boulevard 

Daniel Casanova, tel: 

04 9522 5590) The 

only restaurant in 

Ajaccio owned by a local 

fi sherman offers just 

the catch of the day, 

cooked impeccably 

using top-quality local 

ingredients. You will be 

thrilled with your meal. 

EXCLUSIVE Sofi tel 

Porticcio (Route de 

Porticcio, tel: 04 9529 

4040) This hotel has 

its very own peninsula, 

and perched right out at 

the end is the seawater 

pool and fi ne-dining 

restaurant. Lunch 

specials are imaginative 

and delicious, but save 

room for dessert – the 

three-chocolate mousse 

and infused mangoes 

are out of this world. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Casa 

Rossa (Bastelicaccia, 

tel: 06 1285 9887) 

Enjoy good music, 

food and drinks while 

lounging on funky 

mismatched furniture 

on Casa Rossa’s large 

terrace with its excellent 

sunset view. 

LATE & LIVELY 

L’Aparte (2 Rue Général 

Sébastiani, tel: 04 9550 

1458) This tiny barbrasserie 

manages to 

squeeze in a bandstand 

to showcase the best 

jazz in town. A local 

favourite, it’s always 

hopping on weekends. 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Just 15 minutes’ 

south of Ajaccio on 

the main highway is 

the beautiful winery 

Clos Ornasca, which 

offers tours and sells 

award-winning wines. 

Particularly good is the 

2009 Muscat, which 

received a gold medal 

at a recent trade fair 

(tel: 04 9525 0907, 

closornasca.com). 

SEE Take part in one 

of the many activities 

organised by the city 

of Ajaccio to celebrate 

spring: guided walks, 

kayak trips, activity 

parks, rock climbing, and 

village tours are among 

the adventures on offer 

(ajaccio-tourisme.com). 

NO WAY! 

In 1492, while Columbus 

was crossing the 

ocean discovering 

the Americas, a 

Genoese explorer 

discovered Ajaccio. 

Olivia Kany 

 

 

 

 


Corsica 

(Bastia) 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Catch the bus to 

the Préfecture. 





BON APPETIT 


Voûte (6 Rue Luce de 

Casabianca, tel: 04 9532 

4711) Good food and 

friendly service under 

traditional vaulted stone 

ceilings. The menu is 

very reasonable and 

boasts pizza, pasta, fi sh, 

meat and salads. 

EXCLUSIVE Chez 

Huguette (Rue de la 

Marine, tel: 04 9531 

3760) One of Bastia’s 

best addresses and with 

a stunning view over the 

old port, the feast is not 

just for the eyes here 

with lobster, crayfi sh, 

oysters and other locally 

caught seafood on the 

menu. End your meal 

with a croustillant de 

mascarpone au caramel. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Corsica 

Bar (2 Rue Marine, tel: 

04 9531 1939) A typical 

Corsican bar where the 

guitars are not just for 

decoration, and barely 

stay on the walls fi ve 

minutes on a busy 

night. Locals sit and sing 

the night away while 

enjoying a drink or three. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Petrabugno Bar (10 

Hameau Guaïtella, Villedi-Pietrabugno, 

tel: 04 

9532 7551) Overlooking 

Bastia, come here to 

dance the night away 

and meet a friendly 

twentysomething 

crowd. Open till 5am. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Corsica’s 

gastronomical delights 

make ideal souvenirs 

and at Noi, you can 

choose from a selection 

of top-quality olive oil, 

honey, chocolates, 

nougat, traditional 

canistrelli (biscuits) and 

cheeses (45 Boulevard 

Paoli, tel: 04 9532 4719). 

SEE The annual Bd à 

Bastia exhibition takes 

place from 8–11 April. 

Discover classic comics 

from around the world 

and meet their famous 

authors. Russia is this 

year’s special guest 

and the theme is 

comics and sound 

(Arcades du Théâtre, 

Rue César Campinchi, 

tel: 04 9532 1281). 

NO WAY! 

The paghjella, a Corsican 

male singing tradition, 

has been inscribed on 

the list of Intangible 

Cultural Heritage in Need 

of Urgent Safeguarding 

by UNESCO. 

Stacy Jouve


Crete 

(Chania) 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 




Buses run six 

times a day to the 

centre between 6am– 

8pm. Tickets: €2.10. 




BON APPETIT 

EXCLUSIVE Safran 

(30 Akti Tompazi, Old 

Harbour, tel: 2821 056 

333) Based in a beautiful 

neo-classical building on 

Chania Harbour, Safran 

serves excellent food 

with an emphasis on 

fi sh and seafood, and 

a good wine list to boot. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Koukouvagia Café 

(Profi t Ilias, Sody) A 

popular café on the 

hillside of the Akrotiri 

Peninsula with fantastic 

views of the coastline. 

Famed for its gooey 

chocolate cake, so leave 

room after dinner. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Baccara Club 

(22–24 Ikarou Avenue, 

Heraklion) This lively 

club features live Greek 

music by the best 

musicians on the island. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Take a stroll 

down Skridlof Street, 

which is also known as 

“leather lane” due to the 

large amount of leather 

stores along there. Pick 

up bargain boots, shoes, 

belts and handbags. 

GO The Greek Easter 

midnight church 

ceremony on 3 April is 

an impressive event. 

Join in at any church as 

the whole congregation 

moves outdoors to light 

candles on the stroke 

of midnight, followed 

by fi rework displays 

and bonfi res. 

NO WAY! 

At Greek Easter, in a 

Cretan tradition, children 

make an effi gy of Judas 

which they hang over 

a bonfi re outside their 

village church. They 

then burn him after 

the midnight Easter 

Saturday church service. 

Carol Palioudakis 

UP TO 

€30 

Monastiri Taverna 

(12 Akti Tompazi, Old 

Harbour, tel: 2821 055 

527) Delicious Cretan 

dishes are offered here, 

some with intriguing 

names such as The 

Nun’s Mistake – order 

it to fi nd out what it is. 

Crete 

(Heraklion) 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Buses run every 10 

minutes to the city 

centre. Tickets: €1.10. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Ouzerie 

Terzaki (17 L Marinelli 

Street, Heraklion Port, 

tel: 2810 221 444) 

Recently renovated and 

refurnished, this is an 

old Cretan favourite. 

Specialising in mezedes 

(hors d’oeuvres), order 

as many as you can 

eat, or choose from 

main courses such as 

smoked salmon pasta. 

EXCLUSIVE Elia & 

Diosmos (Skalani) 

Stylish dining is on offer 

at the Elia & Diosmos 

(Olive & Mint) restaurant. 

Chef Argiro combines 

Cretan traditional food 

with a modern touch. 

Try the baked lamb roll 

stuffed with spinach and 

cheese – delicious. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Café 

Veneto (9 Epimenidou 


645) Enjoy a drink 

with a view on Café 

Veneto’s open-air 

terrace, which overlooks 

the old Venetian fort 

and harbour. 

LATE & LIVELY Ice 

Factory (Pagopoieon) 

(Agios Titos Square, 

tel: 2810 346 028) As 

the name suggests, 

the building is an old, 

converted ice factory, 

now a popular bar and 

restaurant at the heart 

of Heraklion’s nightlife. 

The lively late-night 

venue often features 

live bands playing jazz, 

rock and Greek music at 

the weekend. 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The street 

market on central 1866 

Street has an impressive 

array of Cretan products 

for sale, including 

olive oil, cheeses, 

honey, herbs, clothes, 

shoes and jewellery 

(Monday–Saturday). 

GO Korais Street and 

the adjoining Agios Titos 

Square are at the centre 

of the buzzing Heraklion 

social scene. Explore a 

plethora of pavement 

cafés, restaurants and 

bars, most of which are 

open all day and late 

into the night. 

NO WAY! 

The skull of St Titus, the 

Patron Saint of Crete, 

is kept in the church of 

St Titus. When the town 

fell to the Turks in 1669, 

the saint’s skull was 

transported to Venice, 

before being returned to 

Heraklion in 1966. 

Carol Palioudakis 

Cyprus 

(Larnaca) 

Cyprus 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 







BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Ganga 

(1 Selinis Street, tel: 

24 824 949) A longestablished 

Indian 

restaurant that offers 

elegant dining and an 

extensive menu. The 

seafood curries are 

hugely popular. 

EXCLUSIVE Krateon 

(21 Kimonos Street, 

tel: 24 622 062) If you 

want sophisticated, 

unhurried dining, 

this renovated 

grand townhouse 

with neo-classic 

interiors provides the 

perfect setting. A fi ne 

international menu is 

served including trout 

amandine in butter 

and lemon sauce with 

capers and parsley. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Seagull 

(Piale Pasha, 

Mackenzie) Welcoming, 

friendly, and much 

frequented by ex pats, 

If you want to continue to read this magazine 

and cannot take it with you, visit 

‰infl ight.com/emag 

‰ 

Seagull is open seven 

days a week and is 

ideal for a relaxing 

coffee or long drink. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Limits Bar (Dhekelia 

Road) Over soothing 

R’n’B tunes spun by 

the resident DJ, chill 

out in the homely 

atmosphere over a 

sheesha pipe. Later 

on the venue livens 

up and twenty to 

thirtysomethings party 

the night away. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Tofarides 

Art supplies store 

has books, Easter 

decorations and cards 

and plenty of craft 

tidbits to keep the kids 

entertained, making 

bonnets and painting 

eggs while you’re 

away (45–47 Zenonos 

Kiteos Street). 

SEE Throughout 

the month (6–30 

April) Larnaca hosts 

the Festival of 

Classical Music with 

excellent soloists, 

choirs, ensembles 

and orchestras from 

Cyprus and further 

afi eld making an 

appearance and 

producing fascinating 

performances (Larnaca 

Municipal Theatre, 

Leonida Kioupi Street, 

tel: 24 665 795). 

NO WAY! 

St Lazarus Church has 

a Protestant side 

of the cemetery, where 

a number of graves 

of English Consuls 

and American 

missionaries are laid. 

Bev Orton Jennings 

00000 EasyJet WEBSITE NEW.indd 1 18/3/10 09:41:25

Cyprus 

(Paphos) 

Cyprus 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 







BON APPETIT 


Deck (Poseidonos 

Avenue, tel: 26 964 

104) The stylish Deck 

café offers stunning 

panoramic views over 

the town. Located 

in a palm tree-lined 

cove, the venue has an 

extensive European 

menu and drinks list. 

EXCLUSIVE Gold 

Sakura Japanese 

Dining (15–16 

Poseiodonos Avenue, 

tel: 26 947 492) Ideal 

for a special occasion, 

quality Japanese cuisine 

is served in chic Oriental 

surroundings. The menu 

has something for 

everyone – try the duck 

or a little sushi dish. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Café Pariz 

(Kennedy Square) 

A coffee, sandwich and 

cake place by day and 

a wine bar by night, 

centrally located Café 

 

Pariz is a pleasant, 

casual family café. 

LATE & LIVELY Faces 

(Aliathon Plaza) 

An elegant nightclub 

with good music, drinks 

selection and resident 

DJ. Dress code is smartcasual 

with clientèle 

aged 20 and upwards. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Aphrodite 

Delights has truly 

Cypriot treats. At this 

traditional sweet shop 

you’ll fi nd the original 

sugared almonds (57 

Archbishop Makarios 

III Street). 

SEE Easter is the most 

important festival in 

the Orthodox calendar, 

this year it falls at the 

start of April. Join in 

the celebrations taking 

place around Paphos. 

NO WAY! 

The goddess of love and 

beauty, Aphrodite, was 

born a few kilometres 

east of Paphos at Petra 

tou Romiou. 

Lucie Robson/lintv.eu 

APHRODITE 

HILLS RESORT 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Set on a sloping 

hillside with beautiful 

sea views and 

gorgeous, crystal-clear 

swimming-pools, the 

Hills Resort is totally 

idyllic. From €115, book 

at hotels.easyJet.com. 

Dalaman 

Turkey 



FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 







BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Akhisar 

Kofte Salonu (Ataturk 

Cad, Hafi zoglu Otel Alti, 

tel: 0252 692 4358) This 

excellent new eatery 

uses an authentic woodburning 

stove, which 

emits a lovely smell 

through the restaurant. 

Try a delicious kebab 

and a stunning 

homemade dessert. 

EXCLUSIVE Leyley 

Restaurant (Ortaca 

Ile Dalyan Arasinda, tel: 

0252 284 4669) Don’t 

be surprised if a stork 

wanders past your table 

at this charming outdoor 

restaurant. Leyley 

is Turkish for stork, 

and nesting birds are 

encouraged to roost and 

wander by the diners. 

Devour exquisite food in 

a truly delightful setting. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Marti Cafeteria 

(24 Cumhuriet Cad, tel: 

0252 692 2093) Stop by 

this character-laden little 

bar for a cappuccino, 

or perhaps a beer and 

shish kebab. You’ll fi nd 

many a friend there 

willing to chat with you. 

LATE & LIVELY 

M and S Club (Main 

Street, Sarigerme, tel: 

0252 286 8366) Join 

DJ Ismail at this small 

disco-club playing the 

latest in dance music 

till 5am. Don’t miss the 

spectacular parties on 

weekend nights. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Ask Cuneyt, the 

helpful owner, to assist 

you in selecting that 

special Easter gift for 

your loved one at this 

unique, well-established 

jewellery outlet, a 

favourite with the 

world’s rich and famous 

(Baget Jewellery, B3 

Iskele Meydani, Gocek, 

tel: 0252 645 2499). 

GO Don’t fancy a dip in 

the sea? Then visit the 

natural thermal pool at 

Fevziye, where the water 

is a constant 27ºC, and 

is said to cure everything 

from psoraisis to 

sciatica (Gurukardi Mah, 

Kukurtlu Sü, Fevziye, tel: 

0252 285 8219). 

NO WAY! 

Where you see the 

Alexandria rail station 

and a few road-tonowhere 

tracks, spare 

a thought for the poor 

Khedive of Egypt, who 

instructed his architects 

to build the station 

in Egypt in 1906. The 

architects reversed the 

plans and built a station 

in Dalaman instead! 

Rod Harrison 

 

 

 


Doncaster 

Sheffield 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 


from easyJet.com. 

The fare to Doncaster is 

£14 and £42 to Sheffi eld. 

The 707 shuttle 

bus runs a service 

to Doncaster. Tickets: 

£3.50 single, £5 return. 

National Express 

runs services from 

Doncaster to Sheffi eld. 

From there take the 

shuttle bus. Tickets: 

£3.90 single. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Wig & 

Pen (Paradise Square, 

tel: 0114 276 3988) For 

a tasty treat in a local 

venue get yourself to 

the Wig & Pen, where 

the pies come highly 

recommended. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY The 

Bohemian (53 

Chesterfi eld Road, 

tel: 0114 255 7797) 

Offering locally sourced 

and organic coffee, 

The Bohemian has a 

tempting menu that 

includes not only food 

and drink but also 

relaxing holistic therapy 

treatments upstairs. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Harley Bar (334 

Glossop Road, tel: 0114 

275 2288) Famous for 

its Irish kitchen and 

late-night parties, Harley 

Bar draws in all the best 

bands, including the 

Arctic Monkeys. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The Dram Shop 

is worth a visit if you’re 

a real ale fan or want 

a decent bottle of whisky. 

The welcoming staff 

can help you choose 

(21 Commonside, tel: 

0114 268 3117). 

SEE Re-live Bolero and 

other classics with Jane 

Torvill and Christopher 

Dean’s Dancing On Ice, 

the Live Tour (8–11 April, 

Sheffi eld Arena). 

NO WAY! 

Sheffi eld is home 

of Europe’s largest 

outdoor artifi cial ski 

resort – The Ski Village 

(sheffieldskivillage.co.uk). 

Gina Davies 

EXCLUSIVE 

RESTAURANT 

The Old Vicarage 

(Ridgeway Village, 

tel: 0114 247 5814) 

This Michelin-starred 

traditional vicarage 

is home to TV chef 

Tessa Bramley and 

her innovative take 

on British cooking.

THE APPRENTICESHIP CHALLENGE QUIZ 

Although there are many plus points of going to uni to get a degree there’s pretty much nothing that you 

can’t achieve by doing an apprenticeship instead. This quiz is brought to you by notgoingtouni.co.uk the UK’s 

leading website dedicated to helping school and college leavers understand the great range of opportunities 

that exist outside of the usual university route. Fingers on buzzers teams... 

ROUND ONE 

YOUR STARTER FOR TEN 

1) How many apprenticeships were 

started last year? 

a) over 23,000 b) over 230,000 

c) over 2.3 million 

2) How old do you have to be to do 

an apprenticeship? 

a) 14-22 b) 16 plus c) 18-30 

3) How long does an 

apprenticeship last? 

a) one to ten years b) between one and 

four years c) exactly two years 

4) What is an advanced apprenticeship 

equivalent to? 

a) 5 GCSEs b) 5 GCSEs and a cycling 

profi ciency c) two A-Level passes 

5) What are the course fees for 

an apprenticeship? 

a) free b) £10k payable on completion of 

the course c)£3k signing-on fee 

ROUND TWO 

AN APPRENTICE OR 

NOT AN APPRENTICE? 

People tend to think of an 

apprenticeship as being available only 

for wannabe plumbers or hairdressers, 

but over 100,000 employers offer 

apprenticeships in thousands of 

different areas now and that’s growing 

all the time. We’ve put together a list 

of jobs and all you have to do is work 

out which ones an apprenticeship can 

help you get into. 

1. Accountant 

2. Gamekeeper 

3. Photographer 

4. Quantity surveyor 

5. Special effects expert 

6. Veterinary nurse 

7. Marketing assistant 

8. Web designer 

9. Athlete 

10. Band manager 

ROUND THREE 

SHOW ME THE MONEY! 

THE APPRENTICESHIPS 

EARNINGS ROUND 

1) Average weekly earnings for 

an apprentice are: 

a) Apprentices don’t earn money 

b) £100 c) £170 

2) Complete this fact: 

“If you do an apprenticeship over 

the course of your lifetime you 

will make...” 

a) £100 more than someone unqualifi ed 

b) £1000 more than someone unqualifi ed 

c) £100,000 more than someone 

unqualifi ed 

3) What percentage of current 

apprentices say that they wouldn’t be 

earning their salary level without their 

apprenticeship? 

a) less than 10% b) more than 75% 

c) exactly 100% 

Visit notgoingtouni.co.uk to see a great range of jobs, 

courses, foundation degrees, advice, case studies and more! 

4) What percentage of employers think 

apprentices make their 

business better? 

a) 80% b) 10% c) 72.1% 

5) Put these fi ve industry sectors 

in order of the highest paid 

apprenticeships: 

a) Electro-technical 

b) Hospitality 

c) Customer Service 

d) Construction 

e) Engineering 

Manufacturing 

ANSWERS 

Round One: 1b, 2b 

(although Young 

Apprenticeships are 

offered for 14-16 

year olds) 3b, 

4c, 5a. Round 

Two: The answer 

is there are 

apprenticeships 

that prepare you 

for all of these careers, 

surprise! Round Three: 1c, 

2c, 3b, 4 a, 5 a/e/c/b/d

Dortmund 

Germany 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The Airport 

Express bus leaves 

every hour. Tickets: €6. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Ti Zé (2 

Altonaer Strasse, tel: 

0231 728 1628) Fresh 

fi sh and veal, good wines 

and football on TV – Ti 

Zé is a typical family-run 

Portuguese eatery with 

good home cooking in 

a no-frills atmosphere. 

EXCLUSIVE L’Oliva 

(1D An der Buschmühle, 

tel: 0231 10860) The 

candlelit Mediterranean 

restaurant inside the 

Hilton Hotel is ideal for 

special occasions, and is 

well-known for its fresh 

fi sh dishes. The wine 

selection is excellent, too. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY El Mundo 

(48 Neuer Graben, 

Kreuzviertel, tel: 0231 

7213474) Relax on the 

terrace or sit inside, 

below the big map of 

the world, while sipping 

on a quick coffee or 

eating the great-value 

tapas and soups. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Barrock (87 

Kreuzstrasse, 

Kreuzviertel, tel: 0231 

206 322) Throughout 

the football season 

everyone in town crams 

in to this bar to enjoy 

the party atmosphere. 

But even on quiet days 

the good selection of 

breakfast, lunch and 

dinner (served till at 

least 11pm) make it 

worth a visit. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Fulfi ll all your 

choccie cravings at Pott 

au Chocolat, where the 

edible artworks range 

from beautifully crafted 

pralines to bars that are 

sourced from across the 

world, and choc cigars 

(99 Hansastrasse, 

tel: 0231 4278 6678, 

pottauchocolat.de). 

GO The 12th-century 

moated Haus Dellwig 

castle is home to a 

museum showing 

how people lived and 

worked in the early 

20th century. It houses 

a complete kitchen, 

bakery, hair salon, 

saddle makers and 

more (Heimatmuseum 

Lütgendortmund, 

130 Dellwiger Strasse, 

museum-luedo.de). 

NO WAY! 

Dortmund’s airport has 

seen incredible growth. 

From 1998 to 2008, the 

number of passengers 

increased nearly 

fourfold from 610,000 

to 2.3 million per year. 

Jeroen van Marle/ 

In Your Pocket 

Dubrovnik 

Croatia 


CURRENCY Kuna (HRK) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs HRK200. 

Shuttle buses run 

from the airport 

to the centre. Tickets: 

HRK35 single. 




dance till dawn, this 

space in a former paint 

factory is open from 

10pm–4am with DJs 

and a variety of parties. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Buy a gift at Art 

Go’Den, an exclusive 

Croatian accessories 

brand known for its 

great leather bags, chic 

silk scarves and ties 

(34 Iva Dulcica). 

SEE Tošo Dabac’s 

Scenes from the Street 

exhibition, from 3 

April at Dubrovnik Art 

Gallery, captures the 

spirit of the street life 

of the 1920s–1930s in 

Dubrovnik and other 

cities (23 Frana Supila). 


BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Komin 

(136 Iva Dulcica, tel: 

020 435 636) A good 

spot to try juicy meat 

cooked ispod peke 

– under an iron bell 

heaped with glowing 

embers. It’s a traditional 

restaurant with a 

roaring open fi replace. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Buza 

(South of Main Street) 

There’s nothing quite 

like enjoying a drink here 

with an uninterrupted 

view of the open sea 

and islands. This bar 

hugs the rocks on the 

southern fringe of the 

Old Town peninsula: you 

might have to hunt a bit 

to fi nd it but it’s worth it. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Factory (3 Vukovarska) 

One of the few places 

in town where you can 

NO WAY! 

Lazareti is the name 

of an artists’ complex 

on Frana Supila, but 

did you know that this 

lazareti is one of the last 

quarantine houses still 

standing in Europe from 

the time of the plague? 

Nataly Anderson/ 

In Your Pocket 

EXCLUSIVE 

RESTAURANT 

Nautika (3 Brsalje, tel: 

020 442 526) To say 

the service at Nautika 

goes the extra mile is 

an understatement: 

you will feel as if you 

have landed in the lap 

of luxury. Defi nitely the 

place to celebrate. 

For all your golfi ng needs 

book Gullane Golf Club 

Tel: +44 (0) 1620 842 255 

www.gullanegolfclub.com 


Düsseldorf 

Germany 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Trains to 

Düsseldorf 

Hauptbahnhof leave 






BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 

Belgo Belga (1 

Esperantostrase, tel: 

0211 4299 9383) For 

the best of Belgium in 

Düsseldorf, try this cosy 

little bistro. The menu 

offers 13 types of Belgian 

beer, traditional bistro 

dishes and mussels. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Tiefenbachers Herzog 

von Burgund 

(88 Erftstrasse, tel: 

0213 123 552) This 

charming, art nouveaustyle 

gourmet palace is 

the perfect place for a 

romantic meal. Try the 

rack of lamb with bean, 

pepper & chilli ragout 

– a real treat. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Lido im 

Medienhafen (15 Am 

Handelshafen, tel: 0211 

April offers available. Visitors welcome. 

40 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. 

1576 8730) This 

cube-shaped bar and 

restaurant in trendy 

Medianhafen has 

an unrivalled view of 

the river. If the sun is 

shining, grab a table on 

the outside terrace and 

enjoy your drink while 

people-watching. 

LATE & LIVELY Ufer 

8 (8 Rathausufer, tel: 

0211 200 5676) Ufer 8 

is a versatile club. The 

outside terrace is the 

perfect spot for chilling 

in the sun, or, after dark, 

star-gazing to some 

cool lounge beats. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP If you have a 

sweet tooth, don’t miss 

Snoepjes. This Dutch- 

German shop sells sticks 

of rock cut into pieces 

and sold in bags of 100 

– you may need to book 

a dentist’s appointment 

shortly afterwards 

(42 Hoffeldstrasse, 

snoepjes.com). 

SEE You can see a 

major retrospective of 

Robert Mapplethorpe’s 

photographs at 

the NRW-Forum in 

Düsseldorf throughout 

the month. There’s an 

English-speaking tour 

on Friday evenings, 

too (2 Ehrenhof, nrwforum.de). 

NO WAY! 

Düsseldorf’s Altstadt is 

often referred to as the 

longest bar in the world, 

due to its 300 plus bars 

and clubs. In the evening, 

the streets are fi lled with 

revellers making the 

most of them. 

Gaby Pinkner/ 

rhinemagazine.com


Edinburgh 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The Airlink 100 

service goes to 

the centre. Tickets: £6. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Mamma’s 

Pizza Company (30 

Grassmarket, Old 

Town, tel: 0131 225 

6464) Traditional 

American pizza and 

panzerotti with an 

excellent variety of 

toppings and fast, 

friendly service. Good 

for smaller groups 

with a speedy takeaway 

counter for meals 

on the go. 

UP TO €30 Fishers 

Bistro (1 The Shore, 

Leith, tel: 0131 554 

5666) An exceptional 

fi sh bistro situated in 

a 17th-century signal 

tower on the edge 

of old Leith harbour. 

There’s a cosy dining 

area with the option of 

eating in the bar, but 

the big draw is the fi sh 

menu which changes 

according to the 

previous day’s catch. 

UP TO €50 Maison 

Bleue (36–38 Victoria 

Street, Old Town, tel: 

0131 226 1900) This 

French restaurant has 

strong North African 

infl uences in its menu 

and makes stylish and 

surprisingly light use 

of the stone arching of 

its Old Town interiors. 

Local sourcing gives a 

fresh Scottish twist to 

the spicy and succulent 

Mediterranean dishes. 

EXCLUSIVE Forth 

Floor Restaurant 

(Harvey Nichols, 30 

St Andrew Square, 

New Town, tel: 0131 

524 8350) While the 

backdrop of rooftop 

views to the Firth of 

Forth and the Castle 

from Harvey Nics’ 

in-house restaurant 

is expansive, it boasts 

a small but perfectly 

formed menu of light 

and expertly created 

dishes. Discrete and 

attentive waiting staff 

add to an ambience 

of exclusivity. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

The Cask & Barrel 

(115 Broughton Street, 

New Town, tel: 0131 

556 3132) A spacious 

and convivial real ale 

pub with a traditional 

island bar, basic 

food and several big 

screens. It’s also a 

popular pre-match 

meeting-point for 

football and rugbymad 

fans. 

LIVE MUSIC Jazz 

Bar (1A Chambers 

Street, Old Town, 

tel: 0131 220 4298) 

Excellent, intimate and 

über-cool sum up this 

basement venue with 

live bands and DJs 

playing all kinds of jazzinfl 

uenced music late 

in to the night. Get 

there early – there’s 

a small door-charge 

after 8.30pm. 

LATE & LIVELY 

The Bongo Club 

(Moray House, 37 

Holyrood Road, Old 

Town, tel: 0131 558 

7604) Alternative club 

and live music venue 

which attracts the 

kind of arty, studentorientated 

crowd which 

knows it’s living life 

on the cutting edge 

of cool. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Unique 

designer one-offs 

created from cut-up 

and cut-out vintage 

clothing and other 

weird and wonderful 

materials by Joey-D 

on the premises. If it 

doesn’t fi t, he’ll keeping 

on altering it until 

it does (Joey-D, 54 

Broughton Street, tel: 

0131 557 6672). 

SEE A spectacular 

outdoor exhibition is 

displayed in St Andrew 

Square by awardwinning 

photographer 

Steve Bloom. Running 

for the whole month, 

it is the big event of 

this year’s Science 

Festival. Elsewhere, 

220 events run in 35 

venues around the 

city from 3–17 April. 

(sciencefestival.co.uk). 

GO Looming over 

Edinburgh, Arthur’s 

Seat provides a quick 

escape into the wilds. 

A gentle amble up 

Salisbury Crags gives 

a fantastic perspective 

on the sweep of the Old 

Town from the castle 

down to Holyrood 

– although the effort of 

climbing to the summit 

is rewarded with much 

further views. 

ESCAPE Melrose, 

the home of Rugby-7s 

on the River Tweed, is 

an hour’s drive to the 

south of Edinburgh. A 

good start or end point 

for a day walking and 

exploring the Scottish 

Borders, the town is a 

magnet for cashmere 

wool fans. 

TAXI TAXI 

 

 

FRASER 

SUITES 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

A new boutique 

hotel housed within 

an historic building, 

with fi ne touches 

such as specially 

commissioned art. 



NO WAY! 

First estimates for 

building Scotland’s 

new parliament at 

Holyrood were put at 

£50 million in 1998 

when Enric Miralles, 

the Spanish architect, 

was appointed. A fi gure 

which rose to £414 

million by the time it 

was opened in 2004. 

Thom Dibdin 

Faro 

Portugal 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI Pre-book your 

taxi at easyJet. 

com. The fare to Faro is 

about €10, Vilamoura 

€25, and Albufeira and 

Tavira €40. 

Eva buses go to 

various cities. 

Tickets to Faro: €2. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 DAC Cafe 

(Autodromo do Algarve, 

near Portimao) With 

traditional dishes of 

the day, great salads 

and sandwiches, and 

the chance of bumping 

into international 

motor-racing teams, 

this is the perfect 

pit-stop for ravenous 

petrol-heads. 

UP TO €30 

3 Wonders (Alto do 

Relogio, Loulé, tel: 289 

462 838) Austrian 

patisserie by day, 

international cuisine in 

the evening, and tapas 

anytime. It’s hard to 

decide which is the 

trump card here: the 

panoramic terrace or 

the Kaiserschmarren 

dessert with apple 

sauce – yum. 

UP TO €50 Mar a 

Vista (Praia da Mareta, 

Sagres, tel: 282 624 

247) Great sea views 

complement Mar 

a Vista’s excellent 

fi sh and shellfi sh 

specialities, which 

include lobster pasta, 

crab, and locally caught 

barnacles and turbot. 

The wine list is 

pretty good, too. 

EXCLUSIVE Casa do 

Lago (Quinta do Lago, 

Almancil, tel: 289 394 

911) Former Conran 

chef John Nolan has 

put his own stamp 

on this refurbished 

lakeside venue with 

Pacifi c Rim specialities 

such as oysters with 

wasabi, fi sh roe and 

steamed crayfi sh in 

chilli and coriander. 

Couleur France (Vale 

de Eguas, Almancil, tel: 

289 399 515) Modern, 

bright and minimalist, 

Couleur France serves 

some of the best food 

to hit the Algarve in 

years. The eclectic 

and satisfying evening 

menu keeps repeat 

business high and you 

can enjoy the outside 

terrace on warm 

evenings. Try the rack 

of lamb stuffed with 

foie gras. There’s 

a great wine list, too. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY A Rosa 

dos Ventos (Praça 

da Republica, Sagres, 

tel: 282 624 480) This 

friendly bar in the main 

square attracts an 

international crowd, 

and is the perfect 

starting point for 

a night on the town.

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Faro 

Portugal 

LIVE MUSIC Mitic 

(Avenida Comandante 

Matoso, Sagres) 

Nocturnal surf dudes 

pack into this cocktail 

bar year-round to be 

entertained by top DJs 

and live local bands. In 

a sublime setting enjoy 

stunning sea views and 

crashing waves – if you 

can hear them over the 

drums, that is. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Topas Disco (Sitio 

da Botelha, Sagres) 

Round off the night 

with some thumping 

music and an extensive 

drinks selection. If 

you’re staying at the 

campsite, it’s only a 

short stagger home. 

T Clube (Buganvilia 

Plaza, Quinta do Lago, 

tel: 289 396 751) Piano 

bar, Japanese restaurant, 

lounge garden and latenight 

disco that draws 

a crowd spanning the 

age spectrum. Top DJs 

grace the turntables 

at one of the Algarve’s 

hippest places. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP There’s a wide 

variety of paintings 

and photographs from 

Algarve-based artists 

of all nationalities on 

sale at Londot Gallery in 

Almancil, including work 

by Joao Viegas, Jessica 

Dunn, John Lamonby 

and Meinke Flesseman 

(tel: 289 397340). 

SHOP Indulge your 

Easter egg cravings 

at the bijoux Praliné 

Chocolateria. It sells 

selection boxes, hot 

chocolate and even 

chocolate-scented 

bath products (12A 

Urbanización Quinta 

de Betunes, Jardins 

de Loulé). 

SEE Witness an unusual 

ceremony in São Bras 

de Alportel on Easter 

Sunday, when locals 

with decorated torches 

run through the streets 

before laying fl owers on 

the church fl oor. This 

year the celebration falls 

on 4 April. 

GO The historic border 

town of Alcoutim has 

seen the Phoenicians, 

Greeks, Romans and 

Moors come and go. 

Take a cruise along 

the Guadiana river or 

just admire the views 

across into Spain. 

ESCAPE Get a 

bird’s-eye view of the 

spectacular Algarve 

coast with a helicopter 

trip courtesy of Algarve 

Helicopters – you can 

even take the controls 

if your nerve holds 

(Aerodromo Municipal 

de Portimão, tel: 282 

496 770). 

NO WAY! 

Portuguese Liberation 

Day falls on 25 April and 

celebrates the Carnation 

Revolution. A peaceful 

protest, it got its name 

after women put the 

fl owers in soldiers’ rifl es. 

Paul Rouse/ 

inspirationsalgarve.com 

Quality Products 

at the Best Prices Online 

Delivered throughout the Algarve 

BED LINEN • TOWELS • BATH ROBES 

Fuerteventura 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



The fare to Corralejo is 

€60, Caleta de Fuste €15 

and Costa Calma €90. 

Route 3 goes to 

Caleta de Fuste. 

Tickets: €1.40. Route 6 

buses to Corralejo run 

every hour. Tickets: €4. 




BON APPETIT 


Factoria (3 Paseo 

Maritimo, Corralejo, 

tel: 92 853 5726) A 

seafront café serving a 

wide variety of dishes, 

from English breakfasts 

to traditional Canarian 

cuisine. Fresh pasta is 

a speciality and there’s 

a range of vegetarian 

options, too. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Restaurant Yamatori 

(Bahia Real Hotel, 

Avenida Grandes 

Playas, Corralejo, tel: 

92 853 6444) Located 

in a fi ve-star hotel, this 

excellent Japanese 

restaurant has a sushi 

bar and a teppanyaki 

area, where the food is 

prepared and cooked on 

a table-size hotplate. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Blue 

Rock (Calle Iglesia, 

Corralejo) Popular with 

residents and tourists 

alike, and overlooking 

the old square, this is 

a great place to catch 

the last rays before 

heading off for a night 

of clubbing. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Bubbles (Lower Floor, 

Centro Comercial 

Atlántico, Corralejo) 

A popular gay bar that 

welcomes all and is not 

to be missed. It has 

quirky theme nights, 

including fancy dress, 

and the parties usually 

last till 4am. 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Visit the local 

market in Caleta de 

Fuste every Saturday 

morning, where you 

can rummage among 

great local crafts, 

fashions and fantastic 

leather goods. 

SEE During Easter 

week various local 

processions are held in 

the major towns. Visit 

Tiscamaita (Tuineje) 

on Sunday 25 April, 

when the fi esta de 

San Marcos takes 

place. Expect tasty 

local cuisine and lively 

entertainment. 

NO WAY! 

Puerto de Cabra was 

the former name of 

the capital, Puerto de 

Rosario. The name was 

changed in 1956, but 

no-one really knows 

why as the goat (cabra) 

remains the offi cial 

symbol of the island. 

Penny Melville 

Geneva 

Switzerland 


CURRENCY CHF 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs CHF50. 

Trains go to 

Cornavin station. 

Tickets: CHF7. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 

Boulangerie Eric 

Emery (42 Rue 

de Moillebeau, tel: 

022 733 4265) This 

bakery comes highly 

recommended by 

those in the know. 

Its beautifully baked, 

traditional-style 

breads are perfect 

for a leisurely Sunday 

breakfast. Try the fi g 

bread, or something 

a little sweeter if 

you’re feeling naughty. 

UP TO €30 

Café de la Mairie 

(48 Ancienne-Route, 

tel: 022 798 0727) 

This pretty, modern 

bistro set in a 

converted old house 

serves up a French 

menu with a tasty 

touch of Italian. Its 

risotto of foie gras and 

courgette is a dish well 

worth sampling. 

UP TO €50 Café des 

Bains (26 Rue des 

Bains, tel: 022 321 

5798) Popular with 

the media crowd, this 


serves seasonal Asian- 

Mediterranean fusion 

food. The menu varies 

according to where the 

owner has travelled 

recently and what 

has inspired her while 

globetrotting. 

EXCLUSIVE Les 

Fourneaux du 

Manège (127 Route de 

Chancy, tel: 022 870 

0390) Located just 

outside of town in 

leafy Onex, the 

restaurant of 19thcentury 

estate La 

Maison Rochette 

boasts local 

specialities, with an 

emphasis on delicious 

freshwater fi sh from 

the neighbouring lake. 

Arabesque (47 Quai 

Wilson, tel: 022 906 

6666) A regular 

in the Gault Millau 

guide, this restaurant 

more than lives up to 

CHALET 

DOCTORS 

If you just can’t get 

enough of the Alps 

and you’re looking 

to buy a house out 

here, call on the 

Chalet Doctors to see 

if they can help you 

fi nd the perfect place 

(chaletdoctors.com). 

www.linen-etc.com 

Portugal: +351 282 697 791 

UK: +44 845 862 0443 

BEDSPREADS • THROWS & CURTAINS

its reputation, with 

delicious Lebanese 

food and some of the 

best lake views in town. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Les Salons 

des Théophile (13 

Rue de la Cité, tel: 

022 310 3023) While 

wandering around the 

Old Town, pop into this 

wine and cocktail bar. 

A popular starting 

point for a night out, 

it also offers tasty early 

evening tapas, too. 

LIVE MUSIC The 

Palladium (3 Rue du 

Stand, tel: 022 329 

7129) Specialising 

in Latino music 

and concerts, the 

Palladium’s dancefl oor 

is always packed and 

there is a friendly 

welcome for all. Get 

those hips moving to 

some Cuban salsa. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Le Chic (3 Rue de 

Fribourg, tel: 022 732 

0430) Quirky new 

lounge-bar in the hip 

Paquis district. Expect 

DJs on the electro tip 

plus the occasional 

cabaret or live jazz 

show, too. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Geneva has its 

own chocolate-making 

dynasty. Auer has 

been making chocolate 

since 1820, and is 

famed for its almond 

slabs and handmade 

fresh truffl es. Be sure 

to pick up a box of 

Pavé Glacé of 

Geneva, a chocolate 

created by Henri Auer 

way back in 1940 

(chocolat-auer.ch). 

SHOP Jump on 

the bus to Balexert, 

a magnifi cent mall 

packed with stores and 

boutiques, restaurants 

and bars, and even a 

multi-screen cinema (27 

Avenue Louis Casai). 

SEE The Exhibition of 

Inventions is the world’s 

largest marketplace 

for inventors, with 

more than 600 

exhibitors. Each year 

1,000 completely new 

inventions are revealed 

to the public. Catch 

it at Palexpo from 

21–25 April (inventionsgeneva.ch). 

GO Jardin Botanique is 

a great place to escape 

to for a long springtime 

stroll through 

the lush gardens, or a 

little light lunch in its 

terraced café, which 

is always popular with 

the local UN workers 

(prospecierara.ch). 

ESCAPE Lausanne 

is home to the 

International Olympic 

Committee, whose 

museum displays 

highlights of the games 

over the years. Wander 

along the charming 

Ouchy waterfront for 

a coffee and crêpe or 

head to the hip Flon 

area, which is packed 

with cool bars and 

shops – it’s all just 


Geneva’s main station. 

NO WAY! 

Geneva’s landmark, 

the jet d’eau, projects 

half a cubic metre of 

water per second in 

spurts that reach up 

to 140 metres high! 

Celeste Neill-Duvoisin 

Gibraltar 

UK Territory 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Routes 3, 9 and 

10 run every 10 

minutes. Tickets: £0.90. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 

Gatsby’s (Phase One, 

Watergardens, tel: 

200 76291) This 

down-to-earth 

restaurant specialises 

in Italian dishes, 

including pasta and 

risotto, fi sh and meat 

choices. The outside 

terrace is pleasant on 

a warm spring evening. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Kamakura (Carretera 

de Cádiz 127, San 

Roque, tel: 95 661 

3030) Top-end 

dining choices are 

unfortunately quite 

limited on the Rock, so 

consider taking a short 

drive to this excellent 

Japanese restaurant 

at the San Roque Golf 

Club. The hibachi-style 

cuisine includes such 

specialities as chicken 

teriyaki, sashimi and, 

of course, sushi. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Barbary 

Bar (The Rock Hotel, 

3 Europa Road, tel: 

200 73000) On a 

warm evening, this 

bar’s appropriately 

named Wisteria Terrace 

provides one of the 

most stunning settings 

on the Rock, with 

views of Africa across 

the straits and palms, 

plants and rich purple 

wisteria, of course. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Portobello (107 Gabriel 

Miro, La Linea de la 

Concepción, tel: 95 

678 4138) If you fancy 

a proper disco, then 

pop over the border to 

this local institution in 

La Linea, which boasts 

a big capacity and a 

healthy mix of Latin and 

contemporary beats. 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The Rock’s 

latest marina 

development, 

Ocean Village, has a 

sophisticated strut 

of shops, as well as 

plenty of tempting bars 

and restaurants. 

GO Gibraltar’s second 

International Boat 

Show (8–11 April) will 

take place at the Ocean 

Village marina. As 

well as the impressive 

display of boats, there 

will be a classic car 

exhibit, fashion shows, 

live music and a bouncy 

castle for the kids. 

NO WAY! 

The Rock is home to 

over 200 macaques, 

the only primates living 

in the wild in Europe. 

Josephine Quintero 


Glasgow 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Arriva Glasgow 

Flyer Bus leaves 


Tickets: £4.20 single; 

£6.50 open return. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 All Bar 

One (56–72 St Vincent 


6060) This is a great 

venue for drinking, 

dining, and above all, 

relaxing. There’s a 

FRASER 

SUITES 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

This luxury hotel, 

with its renovated 

Victorian façade and 

elegant ambience, is 

located at the heart 

of Merchant City. 



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simple and stylish food 

menu, a good wine 

list, beer selection and 

range of long drinks 

and spirits. It provides 

a welcome break from 

shopping or sightseeing 

and boasts a superb 

central location. 

UP TO €30 Guy’s 

Restaurant & Bar (24 

Candleriggs, Merchant 

City, tel: 0141 552 1114) 

A really lovely place to 

have a meal, offering 

a wonderful variety of 

food, from Italian to 

Scottish dishes, plus 

great sushi. Live jazz 

at the weekend 

completes the picture. 

UP TO €50 Red 

Onion (257 West 

Campbell Street, tel: 

0141 221 6000) A smart 

restaurant with a relaxed 

and friendly atmosphere, 

and contemporarycasual 

dining with 

something for everyone. 

Open seven days a week 

from 11am. 

EXCLUSIVE Michael 

Caines at Abode 

(129 Bath Street, tel: 

0141 221 6789) This 

chic, award-winning 

restaurant is one of 

Glasgow’s premier 

eateries. Enjoy 

sensational food, 

impeccable service and 

a fantastic, reasonably 

priced wine list. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Drum & 

Monkey (93 St Vincent 


6636) A comfortably 

furnished bar with 

intimate booths, this 

is the perfect place 

to unwind after a 

hectic day’s shopping 

Security 

Discretion 

Very good quality of life


Glasgow 

UK 

on nearby bustling 

Buchanan Street. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Barrowlands (244 

Gallowgate, tel: 0141 552 

4601) The world-famous 

Barrowlands has had 

some of the most 

famous acts onstage 

– the legendary venue 

just oozes charisma. 

April sees Charlie and 

the Boys (2nd), Dropkick 

Murphys (12th) and 

Black Rebel Motorcycle 

Club (16th) treading 

the boards. 

LATE & LIVELY 

The Buff Club (142 

Bath Lane, tel: 0141 

248 1777) Clubbing 

afi cionados will love the 

vintage disco, funk and 

soul hits spinning on the 

decks here. Open from 

10.30pm–3am at the 

weekend – go on, let 

your hair down! 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Fat Buddha is a 

funky shop that is more 

art gallery than high 

street. Rails of trendy 

clothes stand alongside 

unusual toys and a 

terrifi c book collection. 

It’s a really cool place to 

check out and there’s 

even coffee served onsite 

(21 Bath Street, tel: 

0141 332 2208). 

SEE Glasgow 

International Festival of 

Visual Arts takes place 

every other year, and 

comprises dynamic, 

groundbreaking 

presentations in 

contemporary visual 

art practice, across 

a range of exhibitions, 

public projects, talks, 

performances and 

screenings by both 

local and international 

artists. This year the 

event takes place 

from 16 April–3 May 

(tel: 0141 287 

8994, glasgow 

international.org). 

GO Trongate and 

around King Street are 

more commonly known 

as the Glasgow Cross 

– the area is crammed 

with contemporary 

art galleries, comic 

shops, studios, model 

shops, cafés and 

eateries. Also nearby 

and unmissable are the 

famous Barrowland fl ea 

market, Tron Theatre 

and Glasgow Green. 

ESCAPE Visit the 

cottage in Alloway 

where Scotland’s 

best-loved poet, Robert 

Burns, was born. Walk 

across the Brig O’Doon 

and see the world’s 

most important Burns 

collection at 

the Robert Burns 

National Heritage Park, 

only a few miles from 

the bustling seaside 

town of Ayr (tel: 01292 

443 700, burnsheritage 

park.com). 

NO WAY! 

The world famous 

Glasgow Green became 

Europe’s fi rst public 

park way back in 1814. 

Evelyn McKechnie 

Gran Canaria 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Route 60 runs 

to Parque Santa 

Catalina and Parque San 

Telmo. Tickets: €2.50. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Hooters 

(Centro Comercial Anexo 

II, Playa del Inglés, tel: 

928 763 008) Have fun 

at Hooters Americanstyle 

diner, try the buffalo 

chicken wings, tasty 

burgers or quesadillas, 

washed down with an ice 

cold beer and served by 

some of the sexiest girls 

on the island. 

EXCLUSIVE La Toja 

(Avenida Tirajana, Playa 

del Inglés, tel: 928 

761 196) For special 

occasions this is one of 

the fi nest restaurants 

around. Beautifully 

decorated, with attentive 

staff, it boasts a mouthwatering 

menu. Sample 

the spiny lobster salad, 

then savour the famous 

oven-roasted spring 

lamb and fi nish with 

fl ambéed strawberries 

and Drambuie. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 007 

Cocktail Bar (2nd 

Floor, Centro Comercial 

Puerto Rico, Main 

Square) Have the fi rst 

drink of the night in a 

laidback atmosphere 

with friendly staff and 

reasonably priced, 

tasty cocktails. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Disco Jokers (Puerto 

Rico Shopping Centre) 

Dance until dawn in 

one of the wildest 

discos in Puerto Rico 

with top international 

DJs in a cosmopolitan 

atmosphere with 

elegant surroundings. 

Here, every night is 

party night! 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Visanta in 

the Yumbo Shopping 

Center, is where you 

should head if you are 

looking to replace your 

camera or mp3 player. 

The vast electronic 

store has a wide 

selection of stock and 

all at the cheapest euro 

prices (Playa del Inglés). 

SEE For a cheesy affair 

head to Santa Maria de 

Guia’s annual cheese 

festival. This year the 

event falls on 23 April 

and there will be lots of 

dancing, local wines and 

of course, the star of the 

show... cheese. 

NO WAY! 

Gran Canaria was 

populated by the 

Guanches from 3000 

BC, who called it 

Tamarán, but was 

claimed by Spain in 

the 15th century. 

Jan Cooney 

TREAT YOUR FAMILY TO THE FREEDOM OF RENTAL. 

Grenoble 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Catch the Altitude 

line bus to the 

centre. Tickets: €12.50. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Le Petit 

Paris (2 Cours Jean 

Jaures, tel: 04 7646 

0051) Esteve Sylvain’s 

gorgeous cuisine may 

look too pretty to eat, but 

one bite of the braised 

lamb or almond nougat 

will change your mind. 

RESIDHOTEL 

GRENETTE 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

This hotel is perfectly 

located near one of 

Grenoble’s liveliest 

squares and at the 

foot of the Chartreuse 

Mountains. From 

€81, book at holidays. 

easyJet.com. 

EXCLUSIVE Le 

Fantin Latour (1 Rue 

du Général de Beylié, 

tel: 04 7601 0097) 

Tucked behind a grand 

architectural exterior 

lies the colourful world 

of chef Stéphane 

Froidevaux. Inspired 

by nature, his playful 

creations include 

saffron-infused shellfi sh 

with blue cheese. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY La Boîte à 

Sardines (1 Place de 

Claveyson, tel: 04 7644 

2784) It’s nearly warm 

enough for cocktails on 

the patio at this chilledout 

bar. The former 

dairy’s bay windows 

are still intact. 

LATE & LIVELY 

K Doc (29 Rue Pierre 

Sembard, tel: 04 7649 

9555) This cool but 

pricey club is frequented 

by students and young 

professionals. With its 

Moroccan mosaic walls 

and regularly changing 

line-up, it’s no wonder 

the dancefl oor’s heaving. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP A cross between 

a record shop and 

comic book store, Harry 

Morgan’s is a great place 

to spend an afternoon 

browsing (10 Rue Millet, 

tel: 04 7656 2666). 

GO Wander through 

Grenoble’s Antiques 

Quarter, starting at 

the astounding Place 

Verdun, browsing all the 

antique shops. 

NO WAY! 

Grenoble is the hydroelectric 

centre of France. 

Anya Pope 





or book at 

easyJet.com


Hamburg 

Germany 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




S1 S-Bahn trains 

run frequently 

until just after midnight. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Vlet 

(23–24 Am Sandtorkai, 

tel: 040 3347 53750) 

The city’s neo-Gothic 

warehouse district is 

now home to Vlet, a 

rousing ode to north 

German cuisine 

helmed by famous chef 

Thomas Sampl. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Schlachterbörse (42 

Kampstrasse, tel: 040 

436 543) This nostalgic 

1930s-era haunt is 

popular with celebrities 

and carnivores who 

come for heaping oldschool 

portions such as 

the perfectly prepared 

200g-rump steak. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Bedford 

Café (72 Schulterblatt, 

tel: 040 4318 8432) 

Join students and the 

after-work crowd on 

the outdoor benches or 

amid the old interior of 

this popular corner-side 

Schanzenviertel bar. 

LATE & LIVELY Love 

(4 Grosse Freiheit) 

Bathed in a burgundy 

red and juxtaposed 

with timeless brick, 

the rollicking Hamburg 

outpost of the Love 

nightclubs features 

everything from funk and 

electro to urban hip hop. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Hamburg’s 

admittedly modest 

answer to Savile 

Row tailors consist 

of a trio of bespoke 

purveyors with stores 

dotted around the 

city, including Lewin 

(lewin-hamburg. 

de), Herr von Eden 

(herrvoneden.com) and 

Dolzer (dolzer.de), who 

have been furnishing 

the sartorially clued-up 

since 1963. 

GO Fresh off a recent 

facelift, the city’s 

waterfront boulevard, 

Jungfernstieg, with its 

rows of silver linden 

trees and granite 

seating areas has been 

restored to its pre-war 

glory. Dating back to 

1235, the promenade 

is also where visitors 

can purchase tickets 

for Alsterschippern: the 

popular canal boat trips. 

NO WAY! 

Crossing the 

innumerable tributaries 

and canals that 

interlace the city are 

more than 2,400 

bridges – that’s 

more than Berlin, 

Amsterdam or Venice. 

Farhad Heydari 

Helsinki 

Finland 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Route 615 runs 

to Rautatientori. 





turbot and pigeons are 

all on the menu. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Ahjo 

(Klaus K Hotel, 2–4 

Bulevardi, tel: 020 770 

4711) Extremely stylish 

Ahjo is situated inside 

the Klaus K designer 

hotel and is the perfect 

place for a cocktail 

sundowner. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Kaarle XII (40 

Kasarmikatu, tel: 020 

770 1470) This huge 

and very popular 

nightclub is a must if 

you’re in to European 

chart tunes or want to 

hear what Finnish pop 

music sounds like. 


BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Zetor 

(3–5 Mannerheimintie, 

tel: 010 766 4450) 

This restaurant 

bizarrely claimed to 

be the offi cial sponsor 

of tractor men and 

women since 1991. 

It’s decorated with 

tractors and even has 

tractorman’s steak on 

the menu. Locals argue 

that the place has a lot 

of character and you’ll 

soon be in agreement. 


Dominique (4 

Rikhardinkatu, tel: 09 

612 7393) Minimalist 

Chez Dominique is one 

of the best restaurants 

in town and the place 

not to be missed if you 

want to splash the cash 

on a beyond-ordinary 

mix of Nordic and French 

cuisine. Quail eggs, 

duck liver, lobster tails, 

scallops, king crabs, 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The 

Akateeminen 

Kirjakauppa inside 

Stockmann department 

store was designed by 

cult Finnish architect 

Alvar Aalto. With 100,000 

books on sale, it’s one of 

the largest bookstores in 

the world (1 Keskuskatu 

akateeminen.com). 

GO The beautiful green 

park Esplanadi, fringed 

with two magnifi cent 

streets is Helsinki’s 

Champs-Elysées and 

is packed with cafés 

and restaurants. The 

place also serves as 

the centre of Helsinki’s 

cultural life. 

NO WAY! 

Little Harrin Nakki fastfood 

booth is famous in 

Helsinki, and the locals 

swear Finnish president 

Tarja Halonen is its 

regular customer. 

Evgenia Ivanova 

Hurghada 

Egypt 


CURRENCY EGP 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



The fare to Sakalla is 

EGP15, El Dahar EGP20, 

and further afi eld EGP30. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 

L’Imperatore 

(Hurghada Marina) 

A great Italian eatery, 

which serves pizzas with 

a view of the marina. 

EXCLUSIVE Upstairs 

(El Gouna, tel: 012 661 

0867) Stylish interiors, 

and a superb selection 

THE EIFFEL 

HOTEL 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

From this lovely hotel 

you can wander along 

to the best beaches 

around, or just stay 

on the sun loungers 

and relax by the pool. 



Are you interested in advertising to 

4.5m passengers per month? 

Please contact our advertising sales team 

on 0044 (0) 207 613 8795 

of dishes from 

Scandinavian chefs are 

all on the menu here. 

Fish dishes are excellent, 

as are the desserts. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Shade 

Bar & Grill (Hurghada 

International Marina) 

An ultra-modern set up 

where you can enjoy 

marina views from your 

bean bag. Boasts a full 

bar and tasty snacks. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Cacao Bar (El Dahar, 

tel: 012 618 4861) As 

addictive as chocolate, 

Cacao Bar is open late 

every evening. It has drink 

discounts to lure in the 

crowds and friendly staff. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP From cosmetics, 

to accessories, shoes, 

sportswear, souvenirs, 

fast food and designer 

teas – Senzo Mall has 

it all. Plus, it’s open 

from 10am–1am. 

SEE The Sham El- 

Nessim festival signifying 

the arrival of spring is 

a uniquely Egyptian 

tradition practised since 

the days of the Pharaohs. 

Everyone celebrates the 

warm weather and break 

from work with family 

trips to the parks and 

beaches. This year it falls 

on 5–6 April. 

NO WAY! 

Some 20,000–30,000 

people helped to 

construct the Great 

Pyramid at Giza for the 

Pharaoh Khufu. 

Denise Fletcher 

00000 EasyJet Sales 4.5mil Banne1 1 18/3/10 09:41:53

Discover how relaxing living in Berlin can be. 

Located at the junction of Alexanderplatz and Friedrichstraße and on the border 

between Mitte and Kreuzberg, Spittelmarkt Square is the new premier address 

for people in search of a relaxing lifestyle in the heart of Berlin. Construction has 

already begun on three elegant tenements with an underground car park and 

a total of 53 freehold flats with living areas measuring between 100 and 250 m 2 

and comfortable fittings that truly live up to the first-class flair of the location. 

To find out more: 

Visit our sales office at Neue Grünstraße 9, 10179 Berlin. We’re there for you 

Thursday to Friday from 12 to 7 p. m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 6 p. m., 

or you can make an appointment by calling +49 (0) 3088094445 or emailing 

us at info@wohnen-am-spittelmarkt.de 

www.wohnen-am-spittelmarkt.de 

WITH EVERYTHING 

YOU NEED IN 

CLOSE PROXIMITY: 

YOUR NEW HOME 

IN THE CENTRE 

OF BERLIN.


Innsbruck 

Austria 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Bus F runs to 

the city every 15 





crowd and a cheerful, 

laidback atmosphere. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Get the Easter 

delicacies at Zotter 

– the famous Austrian 

chocolate brand. The 

products are made 

of exclusively organic 

ingredients and include 

eccentric mixes such 

as dark bitter chocolate 

with olives (56A 

Amraser See Strasse). 

SEE Have a look at 

the exhibition by Rudi 

Wach, the Tyrolean 

painter and sculptor, 

at the Ferdinandeum 

Museum. The exhibition 

comprises of his early 

graphic works, and 

runs until 25 April (15 

Museumstrasse). 

Inverness 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs £14–£19. 

Jet buses run to 

Nairns and 

Inverness (thejet.co.uk). 




BON APPETIT 


Loch Ness Inn 

(West Lewiston, 

Drumnadrochit, tel: 

01456 450 991) 

Step inside this cosy, 

country eatery and 

enjoy the best local 

produce including 

freshly caught fi sh, 

local venison, handdived 

scallops and 

west-coast mussels. 

Luxury cuisine at 

great prices is to be 

expected here. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Lochardil House 

Hotel (Stratherrick 

Road, tel: 01463 235 

995) Chef Iain Maxwell 

takes simple, classic 

dishes that everyone 

loves and adds a 

modern twist. The 

menu features the 

rich bounty of the 

Highland larder, from 

the land and sea. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY The 

Gunsmiths (30 Union 

Street, tel: 01463 250 

116) The Gunsmiths is 

a great local pub, with 

real ale, quiz nights 

and karaoke on 

Friday evenings. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Mavericks (5–9 Young 

Street, tel: 01463 

243 342) Open till 

2am every evening, 

Mavericks is known for 

hosting some of the 

best parties in town. 

Enjoy a cocktail or two, 

let your hair down and 

dance the night away. 


BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 AlDente 

(7 Meraner Strasse, tel: 

0512 584 947) Pasta 

is the key word at this 

Italian eatery: whether 

it’s lasagna, macaroni 

or spaghetti – it’s all 

homemade à la mama. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Weinhaus Joergele 

(13 Herzog Friedrich 

Strasse, tel: 0512 582 

217) Austrian specialities 

prepared with local, 

organic ingredients and 

an impressive wine list 

is what you can expect 

here. Treat yourself with 

a deer goulash and 

sweet cheese dumplings 

as dessert. 

AFTER DARK 

LATE & LIVELY Kir 

Royal (11 Sillgasse, tel: 

0512 585 859) This 

is defi nitely the best 

cocktail bar in town, 

with a slightly older 

NO WAY! 

Rulers of Innsbruck 

have indeed had funny 

nicknames in the past 

– Friedrich III was given 

the name “Frederic of 

the empty pockets” by 

his political opponents. 

Jovana Urosevic 

LOW 

KEY 

Magistrat (18 Maria 

Theresien Strasse) 

Perfect for relaxing 

on a Friday evening, 

enjoy the Italian 

atmosphere with a 

glass of prosecco and 

delicious tramezzini 

(club sandwich). 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Arts and 

crafts galore, Hobby 

Haven stocks all the 

crafty things you’ll 

ever need to be 

creative and it’s all 

under one roof – from 

sewing and knitting 

kits to paper craft 

(6 Queensgate Arcade, 

tel: 01463 717 234). 

GO St Andrew’s 

Cathedral was 

designed by Alexander 

Ross and built between 

1866–1869. Beyond 

the sanctuary of the 

impressive cathedral 

stands the boys’ 

school building, which 

is now used as a tea 

room where visitors 

can enjoy home 

baking and freshly 

made tea or coffee 

(15 Ardross Street). 

NO WAY! 

Loch Ness is the largest 

body of fresh water in 

Britain. No wonder 

no-one can fi nd Nessie! 

Beverley Tricker 

Istanbul 

Turkey 



FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



A local taxi costs YTL35. 

E3 buses run 

hourly to 4 Levent 

(Tickets: YTL4.50), from 

where the metro goes 

to Taksim Square. Havas 

buses meet fl ights and 

run to Taksim Square 

(Tickets: YTL12). 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Avlu 

(32 Yeni Carsi Caddesi, 

Galatasaray, tel: 0212 

244 9725) A swish 

new take on an 

old style meyhane 

drinking den. There’s 

a fi xed bar menu and 

à la carte Turkish 

specialities such as 

the beautiful oregano 

grilled chicken. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Hakkasan (Kanyon, 

Büyükdere Caddesi, 

Levent, tel: 0212 319 

8888) This is the local 

branch of the famous 

London fusion eatery 

– expect exquisite 

Chinese cuisine with a 

twist. Don’t even think 

about arriving without 

a booking though. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Balkon (Sixth Floor, 

5 Sehbender Sokak, 

Beyoglu, tel: 0212 293 

2052) A friendly topfl 

oor bar with fantastic 

views over the city 

from the lovely 

terrace, where a DJ 

plays top tunes. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Cambaz (2 Haci 

Ahmet Sok, Beyoglu, 

tel: 0212 243 5473) 

Party on the roof till 

4am with Istanbul’s 

young, wild and free 

at this happening, 

modern club. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP IKSV Tasarim 

is a newly opened 

design-concept store 

offering gifts and 

ornaments inspired 

by Turkish and 

international artists. 

They make special 

gifts to take home 

(5 Sadi Konuralp 

Caddesi, Sishane). 

SEE Not seen enough 

movies lately? The 

28th Istanbul 

International Film 

Festival from 3–18 April 

offers 500 screenings 

of 200 fi lms from all 

over the world, at seven 

cinemas around the 

city (iksv.org). 

NO WAY! 

Each day two million 

cubic metres of water 

runs through the 

city, but throughout 

the year a total of 118 

million cubic metres 

is wasted due to 

pipe leakage – three 

month’s worth of water. 

David O’Byrne 

Experience the Thalasso & Spa Therapy in the most limpid sea water of the world... 

Hotel 4/ 5 

FROM 60 

H/B per person / per night 

Delphina Hotels Resorts – Sardinia – Italy Tel: +39 0789 790018 – Fax: +39 0789 790058 E-mail: info@delphina.it 

Nearest Airports: Olbia (Costa Smeralda) and main Sardinian Airports 

un Amico in Sardegna 

www.delphina.it

Jersey 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 







BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 El Tico (St 

Ouen’s Bay, tel: 01534 

482 009) More than 

just a beach café, El 

Tico offers a full dining 

experience overlooking 

the surf at St Ouen. Try 

the east African curry, 

Lebanese bread, or the 

meaty king prawns. 

EXCLUSIVE Suma’s 

(Gorey Hill, St Martin, 

tel: 01534 853 291) 

This modern gourmet 

restaurant close to Gorey 

Castle has a new look 

and a new menu. Start 

with Jersey scallops with 

chive beurre blanc, then 

pan-fried Jersey brill with 

pumpkin and thyme 

risotto, rounding it all off 

with the lemon tarte. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Blush (36 

King Street, St Helier, 

tel: 01534 759 420) A 

welcoming bar in the 

heart of St Helier, Blush 

is a good place to start 

a night out on the town. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Mayfair Hotel (St 

Saviour’s Road, St Helier, 

tel: 01534 888 822) 

There’s a wide variety 

of live entertainment on 

every night of the week 

at this central hotel. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Jersey Pearl 

on the Five Mile Road 

is celebrating its 25th 

anniversary as a leading 

specialist in pearls. In 

that time it has sold 

20 million pearls to 

7.5 million visitors. 

SEE The island will be 

full of cyclists taking 

part in one leg of 

the gruelling Tour de 

Bretagne from 25–26 

April. The cyclists will 

be accompanied by 

the French president’s 

Garde Republicaine 

motorcyclists. 

TAXI TAXI 

NO WAY! 

St Matthew’s Church is 

also known as “the glass 

church” due to glasswork 

by René Lalique. 

Peter Body 

THE INN 

BOUTIQUE 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Kitsch yet cosy rooms 

can be found at 

Jersey’s new hotel. The 

restaurant is just the 

place for a casual bite. 




Krakow 

Poland 


CURRENCY Zloty (PLN) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs PLN80. 

Trains leave every 

30 minutes for 

Krakow’s main station 

from 4.24am-00.15am. 

Tickets: PLN6. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 

Kwadrans Lunch Bar 

(32 Ulica Grodzka, tel: 

012 294 2222) Slap 

bang in the centre of 

town, Kwadrans serves 

up tasty two-course 

lunches for less than 

PLN15, a bargain in 

anyone’s eyes. 

UP TO €30 

Marchewka z 

Groszkiem (2 Ulica 

Mostowa, tel: 012 430 

0795) This eatery’s 

name translates to 

“carrots with peas” but 

thankfully serves much 

more than just that. 

Tucked away down a 

Kazimierz backstreet, 

this pleasant pitstop 

rustles up trusty 

Polish favourites to 

a loyal crowd. 

UP TO €50 Avocado 

(1 Ulica Bozego Ciala, 

tel: 012 422 0486) 

Another Kazimierz 

haunt, Avocado 

boasts an ace chef 

who delivers exquisite 

international dishes. 

Now that we’re into 

April, you may strike 

it lucky and be able to 

eat alfresco. 

EXCLUSIVE Pod 

Roza (14 Ulica 

Florianska, tel: 

012 424 3381) 

Businessmen looking 

for a professional 

place to cut a deal 

may fi nd this elegant 

glass-roofed space 

in the hotel Pod Roza 

to be just the ticket. 

Superb international 

cuisine is on the menu. 

Meanwhile, Amarone, 

the sister restaurant 

on the same fl oor, 

offers a more romantic 

ambience, for those in 

the mood for love. 

Wierzynek (17 Rynek 

Glowny, tel: 012 424 

9600) A favourite 

haunt of Kings and 

celebrities, Wierzynek 

retains its regal 

approach. Thankfully, 

the highest class of 

Polish food is available 

to us commoners, too! 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Wodka 

(5 Ulica Mikolajska, 

tel: 012 422 3214) This 

is a chill-out haunt, 

a tiny, romantic café 

that’s ideal for fi rst 

dates. However, the 

epic arsenal of Polish 

vodkas behind the 

bar indicates that 

things can go up 

a gear or fi ve if 

you’re in the 

right company. 


LIVE MUSIC 

Drukarnia (1 Ulica 

Nadwislanka, tel: 012 

656 6560) Many don’t 

make the move over 

the river to Podgorze, 

but it’s Krakow’s 

most up-and-coming 

district. Drukarnia’s 

downstairs den – with 

jazz and rock on offer 

– is one great reason 

to head off the 

beaten track. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Krzysztofory (2 Ulica 

Szczepanska, tel: 012 

421 3602) According 

to legend, a Cinderellatype 

waif was 

imprisoned in these 

cellars by her mean 

sister. These days 

you’ll fi nd charged up 

hipsters mashing it 

up to drum ’n’ bass, 

dubstep and hip hop. 

Pauza Klub (18 Ulica 

Florianska, tel: 012 

422 1619) Teetering on 

the edge of the dance 

music avant-garde is 

hip cellar-club Pauza 

where the beats 

are fresh but highly 

danceable. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Travellers 

curious about 

Krakow’s Jewish past 

might drop into the 

excellent Austeria 

bookshop, housed in 

Kazimierz’s large and 

bold High Synagogue 

(38 Ulica Jozefa). 

SHOP Your friends 

will surely be green 

with envy when you 

return home with a 

fantastic new dress or 

handbag from Yoshe. 

Original womenswear 

rules at this trendy, 

sophisticated boutique 

on the Royal Way (45 

Ulica Grodzka, tel: 

012 421 2657). 

SEE Cinephiles have 

a treat in store this 

month, as the fresh 

new Off Plus Camera 

festival, now in its third 

year, will be presenting 

independent feature 

fi lms from across the 

globe from 16–24 April 

(offpluscamera.pl). 

GO Once an 

independent city in its 

own right, Kazimierz 

ultimately became 


important centres 

of Jewish culture 

in Central Europe. 

Now the subject of 

intensive investment, 

the district is one of 

the most evocative 

parts of Krakow, 

now fi rmly established 

as trendy among 

students and 

café loungers. 

ESCAPE Rent a 

bike and ride along 

the river to Tyniec, a 

magnifi cent medieval 

monastery that also 

boasts an excellent 

restaurant, café and 

delicatessen. If you 

want to save your 

energy, there are 

regular buses from 

Rynek Dobnicki. By 

bus the journey takes 

about an hour. 

NO WAY! 

Plenty of scholars 

claim that the bagel 

originated right here 

in Krakow’s Kazimierz, 

way back in the 

17th century. 

Nick Hodge/ 

cracow-life.com


Kos 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 



Taxis cost €25–€30 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Ambeli 

(Coast Road, Tingaki) 

Ambeli is as authentic 

as it gets in Kos, the 

long-standing owner 

and chef serve Greek’s 

fi nest fare in their 

sea-facing restaurant. 

Ambeli means vineyard 

in Greek, so it will come 

as no surprise that they 

serve their home-grown 

wine to accompany the 

fantastic meals. 

EXCLUSIVE Petrino 

(Ioannou Square, 

Theologou, tel: 22420 

27251) This beautifully 

restored, former private 

residence is popular with 

royalty and famed for its 

traditional Greek cuisine 

and wines. Lobster and 

other western delicacies 

are also served for those 

who have overdone the 

local food. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Dolce 

Mare (Harbour Road, 

Mastihari Village, tel: 

22420 59089) More like 

a Greek mama’s large 

living room than a café, 

this is a great spot for 

relaxing and reading 

day or night. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Fashion Club (2 Kanari 

Street, Dolphins Square) 

Here the surroundings 

and the clientèle are 

as glamorous as they 

come. Fashionistas 

aplenty in this cafénightclub 

with an 

impressive light and 

laser show wowing the 

large crowds. Happy 

“hour” draws in the 

crowds every night 

from 7pm–10.30pm. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The Old Town 

is a great place to start 

your shopping. Meander 

around and you will 

fi nd all your holiday 

needs catered for, plus 

souvenirs and great 

local delicacies, such as 

honey. Most shops are 

open until 10pm, and 

after sundown there is 

a lovely atmosphere in 

this part of the city. 

GO Bubble Beach, near 

Kos Town, is a must-visit 

during your stay. Aptly 

named due to the 

streams of bubbles 

running through the 

water – a natural 

phenomena, thanks 

to the nearby volcanic 

activity. It’s the warmest 

water in all of Kos. 

NO WAY! 

The south-western 

part of Kos was blown 

in to the air by a huge 

volcanic eruption nearly 

140,000 years ago. 

Deborah Hatch 

Lamezia 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Routes 4 and 5 

go to the centre. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Il 

Semaforo (14 Via Emilia, 

Catanzaro, tel: 0961 

61260) Sitting on the 

corner of the traffi c light, 

this restaurant serves 

primi and secondi dishes 

featuring both meat and 

seafood, as well as a wide 

variety of pizzas. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Abbruzzino (Località 

S Janni, Catanzaro, tel: 

0961 799 008) This 

restaurant, owned by 

Calabrian-born chef, 

Antonio Abbruzzino, 

is one of the most 

opulent restaurants in 

Catanzaro. Choose the 

fi ve, six or seven-course 

tasting menu and watch 

the chef perform behind 

the transparent glass. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Bar Ariston 

(Piazza Ercole, Tropea, 

tel: 0963 62820) For 

more than 60 years 

locals have enjoyed the 

delicious Sicilian granita, 

and tartufo di Pizzo, 

an indulgent chocolate 

ice-cream dessert. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Glamour Disco Club 

(77 Via Italia, Catanzaro, 

tel: 0961 720 856) 

Glamour Disco Club 

lives up to its name as 

one of the trendiest 

nightclubs around. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Stop by Eterni 

Sapori di Calabria for 

a wide selection of 

Calabrian specialities 

such as liquorice and 

other tasty treats (Via 

Moderata Durant, eterni 

saporidicalabria.com). 

TAXI TAXI 

NO WAY! 

La dolce vita (the sweet 

life) originated in Sibari 

(near Cosenza), where 

the citizens quickly 

acquired great wealth 

from the richness of their 

lands with little effort. 

Cherrye Moore/ 

my-bellavita.com 

EASTER 

CELEBRATIONS 

During the fi rst week 

of April, notably in 

Catanzaro and in 

Badolato there are 

huge parades. On 

25 April Corigliano 

Calabro celebrates 

the Festival of San 

Francesco di Paola. 

Lanzarote 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




On routes 22 and 

23, buses stop at 

Playa del Reducto and 

Arrecife’s bus station, 

from 7am–10.25pm. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Jasmine 

Chinese Restaurant 

(23 Avenida Papagayo, 

Playa Blanca) The 

friendly staff at this 

Chinese restaurant 

will make you feel very 

welcome indeed. Try the 

crispy aromatic duck or 

sizzling beef. 

EXCLUSIVE Amura 

(Edifi cio Antiguo 

Varadero, Puerto Calero, 

tel: 928 510 850) 

Located in the landmark 

neo-colonial building 

at the Puerto Calero 

marina, this Michelin 

guide-recommended 

restaurant serves 

superb modern dishes in 

an outstanding setting. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY La Cantina 

(Calle El Correillo, Playa 

Blanca) Start off your 

evening here for a real 

traditional Spanish 

experience – this is one 

of the very few bars in 

Lanzarote that actually 

offers a free tapa with 

your beer. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Heineken Bar (Avenida 

del Varadero, Puerto del 

Carmen) Enjoy a mix of 

classic hits and up-todate 

dance tunes with 

the young crowd in this 

popular bar in Puerto 

del Carmen’s Old Town. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP If you enjoy 

a fi ne cigar, why not 

try one of the local 

Canarian varieties 

on sale at Tabaquería 

La Vegueta, an oldfashioned 

Spanish 

tobacconist (23 Calle 

Leon y Castillo, Arrecife). 

GO Although the recent 

redevelopment of Puerto 

del Carmen’s beachfront 

has not been without 

controversy, there 

is no doubt that the 

work has made a huge 

improvement. With more 

than 2km of continuous 

shops, restaurants and 

bars, there is plenty to 

keep you occupied. 

NO WAY! 

The local potatoes 

quinegua and arranbana 

are actually King Edward 

and Arran Banner 

spuds. When they were 

fi rst introduced to the 

islands from Britain and 

Ireland a century ago, 

the locals simply wrote 

the names down as they 

heard them. 

Ashley Wootton/ 

DiscoverLanzarote.com

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Lisbon 

Portugal 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 




The Aerobus 

leaves every 20 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 

Churrasco da Graça 

(43 Largo da Graça, 

Graça, tel: 21 886 

0547) Near the 28 tram 

stop, this is a simple 

eatery where you’ll get 

a good basic meal of 

fi sh, fowl or meat at 

reasonable prices. 

UP TO €50 Tasca 

da Esquina (41C Rua 

Domingos Sequeira, 

tel: 21 099 3939) 

Recently opened, this 

new dining concept by 

renowned Portuguese 

chef Vitor Sobral seems 

to be working, as he 

offers gourmet food 

at affordable prices in 

simple surroundings. 

Book ahead for a table. 

EXCLUSIVE O Largo 

(10A Rua Serpa Pinto, 

tel: 21 347 7225) A new 

restaurant round the 

corner from the opera 

house that has got 

a buzz about it. With 

an inventive menu 

based on traditional 

Portuguese cuisine, it 

boasts dishes such as 

marinated sea bass 

and scallops with 

chicory and saffron. 

Cipriani (Lapa Palace 

Hotel, 4 Rua do Pau 

de Bandeira, tel: 21 

394 9401) This luxury 

hotel-restaurant 

offers Italian-inspired 

haute cuisine at the 

inspired hands of 

chef Giorgio Damasio. 

The converted 

mansion stands in 

luxuriant gardens with 

marvellous views. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Casa 

do Alentejo bar 

(58 Portas de Santo 

Antão, tel: 21 340 

5140) This small bar 

on the fi rst fl oor of this 

amazing 19th-century 

Moorish revival building 

is good for an early 

evening drink. 

LIVE MUSIC Bartô 

no Chapitô (1–7 Costa 

do Castelo, tel: 21 885 

5550) Perched on the 

castle hill with terrifi c 

river views, the bar of 

the circus school has 

fado (Lisbon blues) 

every Tuesday, but 

there’s a chance of 

catching live music on 

other nights, too. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Belém Bar Café 

(BBC) (Avenida 

Brasília, Belém, 

tel: 21 395 0665) 

This upmarket bar, 

restaurant and disco 

on the waterfront is still 

one of the best places 

to see and be seen, 

even after years of 

service to Lisbon’s 

cool customers. 

A Lontra (155–157 

Rua de São Bento, tel: 

21 396 1083) This is 

one of Lisbon’s bestknown 

African clubs 

with great rhythms, 

both live and recorded. 

Open from 11pm–4am. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Whether you’re 

looking for a panama, 

a fedora or a beret 

– head down to 

Chapelaria Azevedo 

Rua, a wonderful old 

shop on the Rossio, 

which is bound to 

satisfy your hatting 

needs (73 Praça 

Dom Pedro IV, tel: 

21 342 7511). 

SEE Tokio Hotel are 

playing at the Atlantic 

Pavilion on 7 April 

(pavilhaoatlantico.pt) 

and Mozart’s Marriage 

of Figaro opens at 

the São Carlos Opera 

House on the 24th, both 

will be great events 

(tel: 21 325 3045). 

UP TO 

€30 

Café Nicola (24 Praça 

Dom Pedro IV, tel: 21 

346 0579) This old 

café in Rossio Square 

boasts a marvellous 

art deco interior. At the 

back there’s an oldfashioned 

dining room 

serving authentic food. 

GO Parque das Nações, 

or Expo as it’s still 

known, is a complete 

and perhaps welcome 

contrast to the Old City. 

A postmodern citywithin-the-city, 

it hasn’t 

acquired much soul 

yet but there are some 

architectural highlights 

such as Calatrava’s 

railway station and lots 

to do, including the 

Oceanarium, the Casino 

and a dance venue, the 

Camões Theatre. 

GO The historic 

waterfront 

neighbourhood of 

Belém has plenty to 

keep you busy, with its 

vast cultural centre, 

Jeronímos Monastery, 

botanical garden, 

Museu da Electricidade 

(electricity museum) 

and much more. Get 

there by tram from 

Praça do Comércio. 

ESCAPE Óbidos is 

a lovely white-walled 

town about an hour 

and a half’s drive from 

Lisbon. A bit of a tourist 

trap perhaps, but still 

a delight perched on 

its hill with views west 

over the ocean. There’s 

certainly lots to see, 

eat, drink and do there. 

NO WAY! 

On 25 April, buy 

a red carnation and 

parade down the 

Avenida da Liberdade. 

The Portuguese 

will be marking the 

anniversary of the 

peaceful revolution 

that ended a long 

dictatorship and 

brought independence 

for its colonies. 

Jonathan Weightman 

Liverpool 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 




The 500 departs 

every 30 minutes 

for the city centre. 

Tickets: £2.60. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Bistro 

Franc (Church House, 

1 Hanover Street, 

tel: 0151 708 9993) 

Shoppers pack this 

central place out for 

the Lunch Rapide 

– three courses from 

a basic, but hearty 

brasserie menu, giving 

them enough fuel to 

carry on the bargain 

hunt for a good few 

hours longer. 

UP TO €30 Etsu 

(25 The Strand, tel: 

0151 236 7530) This 

small, vibrant Japanese 

restaurant in the 

commercial district 

offers thoughtful 

service and authentic, 

expertly prepared 

dishes to its thronging 

line of visitors. Service 

is speedy, but you 

may have to wait 

a while for your table. 

UP TO €50 Puschka 

(16 Rodney Street, tel: 

0151 708 9772) Stylish 

and relaxed, Puschka is 

set among handsome 

Georgian terraces with 

consistently good food 

using local, organic and 

free-range ingredients, 

pleasing even the 

healthiest of visitors. 

EXCLUSIVE Fraiche 

(11 Rose Mount, Wirral, 

tel: 0151 652 2914) 

Careful sourcing of 

ingredients and chef 

Marc Wilkinson’s 

inventive ways with 

modern French cuisine 

have combined to 

produce Merseyside’s 

fi rst Michelin star. A 

fi ve-minute drive is all 

it takes to experience 

opulent surroundings 

and beautiful dining. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Doctor 

Duncan’s (St John’s 

Lane, tel: 0151 709 

5100) A wide range 

of real ales makes this 

charming, traditional 

pub with a welcoming 

atmosphere popular 

with beer lovers. 

Food is available 

at lunchtimes to 

accompany your 

perfect pint. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Zanzibar Club 

(43 Seel Street, tel: 

0151 707 0633) One 

of the city’s longest 

established live 

music venues, this 

is a good place to 

catch up-and-coming 

bands in easygoing 

surroundings. It’s 

grungy and it’s 

loud but it’s bound 

to please.

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Liverpool 

UK 

The Hotel California 

(2 New Chester Road, 

Birkenhead, tel: 0151 

666 1688) Safe, 

friendly live venue for 

classic rock, punk, 

metal and indie music, 

plus tribute bands 

and DJs, fi ve minutes 

from Liverpool city 

centre, near the Mersey 

Tunnel entrance. 

LATE & LIVELY Bar 

Hannah (2 Leece 


5959) This New 

York-style bar with hot 

food serves every kind 

of cocktail you can 

imagine, and some 

you can’t, which are 

prepared by friendly, 

helpful staff. The bar is 

open throughout the 

day, but night time is 

when it really shines. 

From the second fl oor’s 

glass roof you can sip 

your Singapore Sling 

under the stars! 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP For an 

alternative to the 

high street, try Grand 

Central Hall, with more 

than 30 independent 

outlets on three fl oors 

of the impressive 

former Methodist 

church. Clothing ranges 

from superb vintage 

fi nds to racy clubbing 

costumes, and almost 

everything in between 

(35 Renshaw Street, 

tel: 0151 709 2074). 

SEE The Grand 

National race meeting 

includes fashion highs 

on Ladies’ Day and 

culminates in the 163rd 

running of perhaps the 

world’s greatest horse 

racing spectacle. This 

year the event is from 

8–10 April (Aintree 

Racecourse, Ormskirk 

Road, aintree.co.uk). 

GO From St John’s 

Gardens, you are 

less than 100 metres 

from three cultural 

treasures: the 

World Museum, the 

prestigious Walker 

Art Gallery, and St 

George’s Hall, one 

of the world’s fi nest 

neo-classical buildings. 

Saunter around the 

sites for visual and 

intellectual stimulation. 

ESCAPE A 75-minute 

drive out of the city 

rewards you with 

spectacular views, 

hundreds of acres of 

woods and moors, 

and wildlife aplenty at 

Beacon Fell Country 

Park. For walking trails 

and other activities 

check out the Bowland 

Visitor Centre fi rst 

(Carwags, Preston, 

tel: 01995 640 557). 

NO WAY! 

The world’s fi rst port 

radar system, allowing 

the monitoring of 

all shipping in the 

River Mersey and 

approaching channels, 

was installed at 

Liverpool’s Gladstone 

Dock in 1948. 

Gerry Corner 

Ljubljana 

Slovenia 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 




Buses leave every 

hour till 8pm. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Cutty 

Sark (1 Knalev Perhod, 

tel: 01 425 1477) 

Unpretentious fun is 

on offer at this British 

theme pub in the city 

centre. They serve up 

excellent value pizzas 

and other snacks, too. 

TRNOVO 

GO Head just south of 

the centre for a taste 

of bohemian Ljubljana 

in Trnovo. The haunt of 

romantic poet France 

Prešeren, you can chill 

out in the canalside 

cafés before reclining 

by the riverside. 


Eric (3 Mestni Trg, tel: 

01 251 2839) France 

meets Slovenia in a 

perfect marriage of 

restaurant table and 

wine list. Expect smooth 

service and creamlaced 

dishes brimming 

with local produce. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Plato (1 

Ajdovscina, tel: 01 230 

8480) As cafés go 

this one is a lot of fun. 

You can feel equally at 

home here ordering a 

big milky coffee as a 

gorgeous local beer – 

both very Ljubljana. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Bachus (3 Kongresni 

Trg, tel: 01 241 8242) 

With a brace of peoplefi 

lled dancefl oors, a 

restaurant and pool 

tables, it is worth 

battling past the 

bouncers at this 

popular venue. Look out 

for big-name DJs and 

some great local talent. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Slovenia revels 

in the great outdoors, 

but if you have not 

brought your own gear 

or want to grab hold 

of some more then 

make a beeline for Pro 

Montana, a city-centre 

adventure temple 

(58 Poljanski Nasip, 

tel: 01 280 0590). 

NO WAY! 

Local legend has it that 

the dragons’ tails on the 

city’s striking Dragon 

Bridge wave when 

a virgin walks over it. 

Robin McKelvie/ 

robinmckelvie.com 

London 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

LUTON 

TAXI 



local taxi costs £100 to 

central London. 


tickets can be 

bought onboard. 

Tickets: £14 single; £19 

return. Ask your cabin 

crew for details 




easyBus, in 

conjunction with 

Greenline, runs a 

24-hour coach service 

to London Victoria. 

Tickets: from £2 single 

online (easyJet.com). 

Trains from Luton 

Airport Parkway 

go to London St Pancras. 

Tickets: £12 single 

(fi rstcapital 

connect.co.uk). 

GATWICK 

TAXI 



A local taxi costs £100 

to central London. 

As part of a 

redevelopment 

plan the inter-terminal 

transit train has 

been replaced by a 

bus service between 

the south and north 

terminals. Passengers 

should allow plenty 

of time to travel 

between terminals. 




easyBus runs a 

minibus service to 

London Victoria. Tickets 

from £2 single online 

(easyJet.com). 

The Gatwick 

Express to London 

Victoria runs every 15 

minutes from 4.35am– 

1.35am. Exclusive 

easyJet discounted 

fares available when you 

buy onboard. Ask your 

cabin crew for details. 

STANSTED 

TAXI 



A local taxi costs £120 

to central London. 


runs a bus service 

to London Victoria. 

Tickets: £17 return. 




easyBus runs a 

frequent minibus 

service to Baker Street 

Underground Station 

and London Victoria. 

Tickets: from £2 single 

online (easyJet.com). 

The Stansted 

Express runs 

every 15–30 minutes 

until 00.30am. 

Exclusive easyJet 

discounted fares 

available when you buy 

onboard. Ask your cabin 

crew for details. 

BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 

Carluccio’s 

(27 Spital Square, E1, 

tel: 020 7392 7662) 

This delectable Italian

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London 

UK 

restaurant offers 

fantastic food to eat in 

or take away, and it’s 

an ideal spot if you’re 

in Spitalfi elds Market or 

nearby Brick Lane. 

If you like what you 

order, there is also a 

shop selling pasta, 

sauces, coffee and 

other Italian treats 

for you to take home. 

Round off a pasta, 

panini or salad with 

their super, authentic 

Italian tiramisu. 

UP TO €30 

Wagamama 

(11 Jamestown Road, 

NW1, tel: 020 7428 

0800) Serving tasty 

pan-Asian cuisine, 

Wagamama’s has 

become synonymous 

with good, fast, 

reliable dining across 

the country. It’s the 

perfect place for an 

introduction to Oriental 

cuisine – and how to 

try your hand at using 

chopsticks. The gyoza 

dumplings are 

a delicious option for 

a starter, then try any 

of the wide selection of 

noodle or rice dishes, 

with a reasonable 

amount of veggie 

options – all washed 

down with an ice 

cold Tiger beer. If you 

order the noodle soup 

remember to ask for 

a couple of extra 

napkins – it’s messy 

business, but totally 

worth it. 

UP TO €50 Colony 

(7–9 Paddington 

Street, W1, tel: 020 

7935 3353) This brand 

new restaurant is 

ideally located close 

to Madame Tussauds, 

and is perfect for those 

who love a bit of spice 

thrown in to their luxury 

dining. Successful 

restaurateur Carlo 

Spetale has brought 

in Michelin-starred 

chef, Atul Kochhar to 

create the fi nest Indian 

street-style cuisine. The 

outcome is fantastic 

– curries served up 

tapas-style and diners 

share and pass round 

small plates of unique 

creations. Particularly 

noteworthy are the 

lamb and monkfi sh 

options, and the 

delicious black lentils. 

Choose a bottle of wine 

from the extensive list 

and you’re set for a 

sublime evening. 

EXCLUSIVE Aqua 

Kyoto (Fifth Floor, 240 

Regent Street, W1, tel: 

020 7478 0540) Hong 

Kong’s Aqua group 

has opened a sexy 

and secluded 

rooftop Japanese 

restaurant and bar 

opposite London’s 

Palladium. Dark 

mirrored elevators 

whisk diners to the top 

fl oor, giving it a private 

members feel. Décorwise 

think opulent black 

and red interiors, with 

intimate booths and 

a dressed-up crowd. 

The cocktails are truly 

memorable; unusually 

blended ingredients and 

not too sweet. There 

are lots of excellent 

vegetarian options 

such as spinach rolls 

with toasted sesame 

dressing, vegetable 

sushi rolls with mango 

sauce and deep-fried 

agedashi tofu. Or opt 

for seared beef on the 

charcoal sumibiyaki grill, 

braised Iberico pork 

cheek with noodles or 

sea bass with shiitake 

mushrooms and a truffl e 

and garlic dressing. With 

such a wide choice, it’s 

hard to go wrong. 

OXO Tower Restaurant 

(Barge House Street, 

South Bank, SE1, tel: 

020 7803 3888) Dine 

in one of London’s 

landmark buildings and 

take in views along the 

River Thames. The OXO 

Tower stands proudly 

on London’s South 

Bank and is enviably 

one of the fi nest 

restaurants with a view 

in the city. Watch boats 

come and go along the 

MINI COOPER 

TOURS 

Explore London 

stylishly in a Mini 

Cooper. The smallcar 

BIGCITY tours ensure 

you see all of London’s 

best sights effectively, 

giving you more time 

to spare (smallcar 

bigcity.com). 

river as you sip a drink 

in the bar before being 

seated. The food is à la 

carte, and although a 

little pricey, well worth 

it for the delicious 

cuisine coupled with 

stunning vistas of 

London’s skyline. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Harvey 

Nichols Fifth 

Floor Bar (109–125 

Knightsbridge, SW1, 

tel: 020 7235 5250) A 

few drinks on the top 

fl oor of Harvey Nichols 

in Knightsbridge will 

certainly set you up 

for a top night out. 

Once a Champagne 

bar and restaurant, 

Harvey Nic’s has 

developed this 

desirable space with 

a charming roof terrace. 

If the weather is good, 

order a delicious rum 

cocktail and sip it 

while overlooking the 

bustling high street 

and the rooftops 

of one of London’s 

most glamorous 

boroughs. If you prefer 

a Champagne pick-meup, 

then the bright and 

beautiful lounge-bar is a 

lovely setting for a glass 

or two of Perrier-Jouët. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Underworld (174 

Camden High Street, 

NW1, tel: 020 7482 

1932) Join London’s 

on-the-pulse youngsters 

at Underworld in grungy 

Camden, where bands 

fl ock to perform, and 

the parties last until 

late. The likes of the 

Black Rebel Motorcycle 

Club, Radiohead and 

Placebo have all graced 

DISCOVER ENGLAND 

Gentle Cycling, Walking and 

Boating Tours of the Cotswolds, 

Devon, London, Kent & the Thames 

the stage here, and the 

venue is legendary for 

its cool gigs and wild 

nights. April sees the not 

well known but fantastic 

live band Russian Circles 

(13th) and Lionheart on 

the 19th. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Queen of Hoxton 

(1 Curtain Road, EC2, 

tel: 020 7422 0958) 

Achingly cool, the 

Queen of Hoxton is set 

in trendy Shoreditch 

among a popular 

throng of bars. This 

may be the East End of 

London, but you won’t 

fi nd a spit and sawdust 

atmosphere here. 

Expect over-the-top 

fashionistas and pricey, 

but delicious drinks. 

The DJ spins all sorts of 

sounds from tunes that 

are guaranteed to get 

you on the dancefl oor, 

to songs you’ve never 

heard, but will soon 

learn to love. Even a trip 

to the toilet is intriguing 

– there’s enough graffi ti 

in there to keep you 

entertained all night! 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Do you have a 

fun fancy-dress party 

planned? Or maybe you 

just feel like wearing 

something a little 

unusual on a night out? 

London’s best-known 

fancy dress shop, 

Angels, is conveniently 

placed on Shaftesbury 

Avenue, and it has a 

whole host of costumes 

set over four fl oors. It’s 

the largest costume 

supplier in the UK, 

so you’re sure to fi nd 

whatever you’re looking 

for, be it elaborate 

dresses from the 

Elizabethan era, cowboy 

get-up Wild Wild Weststyle 

or something out 

of a fairytale story (119 

Shaftesbury Avenue, 

WC2, fancydress.com). 

SEE From 23 April, 

Somerset House plays 

host to the Pick Me 

Up contemporary 

graphic art fair, a fresh 

and exciting collection 

of works that even if 

you can’t pull together 

enough funds to ctually 

buy a piece, will give 

you an insight in to 

some of the hottest 

new movements and 

up-and-coming artists 

around (somerset 

house.org.uk). 

ESCAPE An hour 

and a half from London, 

Dover Castle is steeped 

in history with secret 

wartime tunnels, 

a Roman tower and 

medieval Great Tower. 

Wander through the 

battlements and see 

if you can spot France 

across the Channel, 

over the famous 

White Cliffs (englishheritage.org.uk). 

NO WAY! 

Although London is 

a pretty pricey location 

to fi lm, East London is 

the most popular part 

of the city to shoot 

a movie, playing host to 

everything from Oliver! 

to A Clockwork Orange. 

The naval buildings of 

Greenwich even stood 

in for Washington in 

Patriot Games, too. 

Amy Dennis 

GENERATOR HOSTELS 


www.capital-sport.co.uk CAPITAL SPORT +44 (0) 1296 631671

Lyon 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Catch the 

Satobus which 

connects with the metro. 

Tickets: €8.40 single. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Les 

Loupiotes (4 Rue du 

Petit David) Inspired 

by local and far fl ung 

fl avours, this jem serves 

up sublime gastronomic 

delights including 

spiced-duck risotto. 

EXCLUSIVE 

La Pyramide 

(14 Boulevard Fernand- 

Point, tel: 04 7453 8194) 

After savouring the jazz 

festival, spoil yourself at 

one of France’s oldest 

and best-known venues. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Vi’n&Ko 

(1 Quai Claude Bernard, 

tel: 04 3765 0971) Enjoy 

a glass of red under the 

terrace next to the river 

– a great spot to map out 

the evening ahead. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Q Boat (17 Quai 

Augagneur, tel: 04 

7284 9898) Cocktails 

to suit all tastes and 

trendsetters get this 

plush river boat rocking 

until the early hours. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Passage 

Thiaffait offers locally 

designed clothing for 

all tastes. Don’t miss 

out on the tiny streets 

sloping down to Place 

des Terreaux where 

you’ll stumble across 

street level workshops 

(Rue René Leynaud). 

SEE The Guignols 

(Punch and Judy’s 

ancestors) are 

celebrated with an 

exhibition at La Maison 

de Guignol throughout 

the month (2 Montée 

du Gourguillon) while 

popstars Rihanna (20th) 

and Mika (24th) rock 

the Halle Tony Garnier 

(halle-tony-garnier.fr). 

NO WAY! 

Since 1536 Lyon has 

been considered the silk 

capital of the world. 

John Brown 

Madeira 

Portugal 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The Aerobus goes 

to the main hotel 

area, with 12 services 

daily. Tickets: €5. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 

Armazem do Sal (135 

Rua da Alfandega, 

Funchal, tel: 291 241 

285) An atmospheric, 

former salt warehouse 

which now serves 

traditional cuisine with 

a modern twist such as 

the delicious risotto in 

octopus ink or wild boar. 

EXCLUSIVE The 

Dining Room (Reid’s 

Palace, 139 Estrada 

Monumental, Funchal, 

tel: 291 717) Dine in 

Edwardian splendour 

in a room known as 

the House of Lords; 

lobster and sautéed 

calves liver usually 

hits the spot. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Apolo 

(21 Rua Dr J António 

Almeida, tel: 291 

2200) This central 

bar-restaurant on 

a pedestrianised 

stretch is the perfect 

place to people watch 

over a local Coral beer 

or Madeira wine. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Jam (60 Avenida Sá 

Carneiro, Funchal, tel: 

291 234 800) Part of 

the Vespas nightclub 

complex by the 

harbour, Jam attracts 

a goodtime crowd 

with retro classics by 

the likes of Abba and 

the Bee Gees. If it’s 

cheesey pop you’re 

after, this is where 

you’ll fi nd it. 


HOTEL DES 

CONGRES 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Set amid the bustling 

business district, the 

refurbished Hôtel Des 

Congrès offers a cosy 

base with a relaxed 

atmosphere. From 


easyJet.com. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Madeira’s 

outdoors comes into 

its own in spring and 

Moda Desportiva is the 

fi rst point of call for 

fresh-air enthusiasts, 

selling good-quality 

walking boots, canes, 

T-shirts and sports 

equipment (16–18 Rua 

5 Outubro, Funchal, tel: 

291 211 850). 

SEE The Festa da Flor 

(festival of the fl owers) 

is held over two days 

(17–18 April) and 

embellishes central 

Funchal in a riot of 

colour, with various 

events culminating in 

a grand parade. 

NO WAY! 

Madeira’s sister island 

Porto Santo boasts 

one of Europe’s best 

golf courses; partdesigned 

by Severiano 

Ballesteros, and it 

hosts the Madeira 

Island Open this year 

from 7–11 April. 

Matthew Hancock 


Madrid 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The number 200 

bus leaves on the 

hour. Tickets: €1. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Pans & 

Co (30 Gran Via, tel: 

91 531 4818) Pans & 

Company does doorwedge 

size baguettes, 

which are stuffed with 

fi llings ranging from a 

gut-busting Spanish 

omelette and peppers, 

to a healthier option of 

olives and cheese. 

UP TO €30 Kitchen 

Stories (3 Calle de 

los Cuchilleros, 

tel: 91 366 9771) 

Modern interiors, a 

cosmopolitan menu 

and a surprisingly 

affordable price tag 

are on offer here. 

Breaking ranks from 

the traditional offerings 

around the Plaza 

Mayor, don’t leave this 

refreshing alternative 

without trying the 

fabulous New York 

cheesecake with 

a wicked twist. 

UP TO €50 El 

Caldero (15 Calle 

Huertas, tel: 91 429 

5044) Spain is famed 

for its paella, but the 

king of the varieties 

is rice served with 

lobster. Try it out at El 

Caldero, in the central 

Huertas district – it 

won’t disappoint. 

EXCLUSIVE Le 

Garage (7 Calle 

Valenzuela, Retiro, 

tel: 91 522 6197) 

This ultra-hip and 


boasts a bar area with 

neon chandeliers; 

then there’s the sushi 

bar, complete with a 

native Japanese chef; 

and, fi nally, the open 

kitchen, sporting a 

huge wine rack of reds 

for you to choose from. 

Ramsés (4 Plaza de la 

Independencia, Serrano, 

tel: 91 435 9566) A 

top-notch design job 

from Philippe Starck, 

reassuringly expensive 

cocktails and highquality 

Mediterranean 

cuisine are all on offer 

at Ramsés, one of the 

city’s hottest tickets. Go 

Spanish celeb spotting 

in this great venue. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Museo 

Chicote (12 Gran Via, 

tel: 91 532 6737) Pop 

by during the day, 

and you can enjoy 

a relaxed breakfast or 

lunch, and contemplate 

the famous stars who 

have dined here, all 

immortalised in photos 

adorning the walls. 

Swing by at night to 

hear some of the city’s 

best DJs at the decks.


Madrid 

Spain 

LIVE MUSIC Siroco 

(3 Calle San Dimas, 

Noviciado) A lively 

programme of local 

funk and rock bands 

is on offer at Siroco, 

which opens its doors 

early for gigs, and 

then turns into a top 

nightclub, which the 

city’s young, cool 

twentysomethings 

head to for fun. 

LATE & LIVELY 

El Perro de la Parte 

Atrás del Coche (13 

Calle Puebla, Callao) 

Everyone loves a night 

at this club – its name 

means the dog – with 

host and DJ Jamie 

spinning everything 

from cheesy pop to 

banging fl oor-fi llers. 

This place is a mustvisit 

on your nocturnal 

wanderings of the city. 

Twist (Sala Wind, 

Plaza del Carmen) 

Drum ’n’ bass is very 

popular with the 

dreadlocked, pierced 

and tattooed teens and 

twentysomethings who 

frequent this place. 

Check them out at 

Twist on Thursday, the 

city’s primo night for 

the genre. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Calle Barquillo 

should be perfect for a 

couple to explore, given 

that it is fi lled with 

stereo and audio-visual 

stores for him, as well 

as endless fashion 

boutiques for her. 

SEE They might not 

be as impressive as in 

southern cities such as 

Cádiz, but the Easter 

processions in Madrid 

are still worth a look. 

From Easter Thursday 

until Sunday, hooded 

penitents will take to 

the streets, lending 

Madrid a spooky air. 

GO A wander round 

Plaza Mayor, the city’s 

main square, reveals 

countless cafés, a 

Ben & Jerry’s parlour 

tucked away in the 

corner and plenty of 

top souvenir shops. 

Do like the locals 

do and grab a 

delicious, bulging 

calamari baguette. 

ESCAPE Buitrago 

del Lozoya is a 

beautiful medieval 

town on the edge of 

the mountain range 

with 12th-century city 

walls and castle ruins 

from the 1400s. Be 

sure to pay the tiny 

Picasso museum a 

visit, too. By car the 

journey takes over 

two hours, but there 

are also trains, taking 

you past Soria to this 

beautiful town. 

NO WAY! 

The excavation project 

for the new train 

station in Madrid’s 

Puerta de Sol created 

a cavern so huge that 

a 60-fl oor skyscraper 

laid on its side could 

have fi tted in there. 

Simon Hunter 

Majorca 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 





central Palma. 

Tickets: €2. For Arenal 

take the number 21 bus. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Diablito 

(Locale 41 Puerto 

Portals & Porto Pi, 

tel: 971 679 400) A 

wide variety of pizzas, 

fresh pasta dishes 

and salads, as well as 

moreish nachos and 

Tex-Mex meats with 

spicy sauces are on the 

menu at Diablito. 

UP TO €30 Meson 

Ca’n Pedro (4 & 14 

Carrer Rector Vives, 

Génova, tel: 971 702 

162) Run by the Esteban 

family since 1976, 

the two chefs at Ca’n 

Pedro have created 

something of 

a local institution, 

serving typical Majorcan 

cuisine, such as rabbit 

and suckling pig. 

UP TO €50 El Pato 

(Golf Club Son Vida, 

tel: 971 791 500) The 

terrace offers superb 

views of the expansive 

course while you 

dine on specialities 

such as salad with 

chanterelles, bacon 

and saddle of 

stag with a tasty 

Armagnac sauce. 

EXCLUSIVE Can 

Furiós (11 Cami Vell 

Binibona, Binibona, 

Caimari, tel: 971 515 

751) Dine in style on 

the garden terrace of 

this delightful rural 

hotel. The cuisine is 

modern Mediterranean 

using fresh local 

produce with a menu 

that changes daily. 

Bookings are essential. 

Reads Hotel (Santa 

Maria del Cami, 

tel: 971 140 261) 

Legendary for its 

exquisite Michelinstarred 

dining, with 

arguably the best food 

and service on the 

island. Inspired dishes 

include braised Iberian 

pork with pumpkin, 

and delicious desserts 

such as caramelised 

pineapple and ginger 

lasagne – strange 

but delicious. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY L’Espresso 

(Paseo del Borne) 

A café-cocktail bar 

on one of the island’s 

busiest shopping 

streets, it’s the perfect 

place for a quiet 

drink after a hard day 

on the tourist trail. 

Enjoy overlooking the 

non-stop bustle of the 

street as you relax. 

LIVE MUSIC Sala 

Assaig (16 Gremi 

Porgadors, tel: 971 431 

344) If you like your 

music loud and heavy, 

this venue regularly 

hosts local and 

international rock and 

punk bands. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Kaelum (Via 

Argentina) This club 

caters for a trendy set 

of thirtysomethings 

with dance music 

from the late 1980s– 

1990s. Open from 

8pm on Wednesday 

for the weekly afterwork 

parties and 

11pm till late other 

nights of the week. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP El Corte Ingles 

is a Spanish institution, 

where you’ll fi nd 

everything from 

clothes, household 

goods, electronics and 

perfumes. Palma is 

lucky enough to have 

two of the gargantuan 

stores at 15 Jaime III 

and 12–16 Avenida 

Alexandre Rosselló. 

SHOP Natural 

Mente specialises 

in sculptures made 

HOTEL 

MARINA LUZ 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

The Marina Luz is an 

exclusive residence, 

with a friendly vibe 

and great views of 

the Bay of Palma. 




from natural products. 

The shop also sells 

everything a budding 

jeweller can ask for, 

including beautiful 

beads and stones 

(3 Carre Palau Reial, 

tel: 971 425 453). 

SEE The fabulous 

Teatre Principal de 

Palma holds a whole 

host of fantastic 

events each month, 

and this year, the 

theatre has promised 

to deliver superb opera 

at fantastic prices. 

Rally round to support 

the local theatre and 

enjoy an evening of 

culture within these 

beautiful surrounds 

(La Plaça Major 

i Jaume III). 

GO Genova is a quaint 

village perched high in 

the hills behind Bellver 

Castle. Thanks to its 

great location, just 10 

minutes away from the 

city and with glorious 

views, it also attracts 

Majorcans and tourists 

wanting to sample the 

excellent restaurants. 

ESCAPE Near Söller 

lies the picturepostcard 

village of 

Fornalutx. Nestled 

among the mountains, 

it’s a popular 

destination for walkers 

and hikers. Enjoy a long 

day out hiking here. 

NO WAY! 

Until the elections of 

2007, Valldemossa’s 

mayor was the only 

one in the democratic 

Kingdom of Spain to 

remain in offi ce from 

the times of Franco’s 

dictatorship. 

David Anderson

Málaga 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Buses go to 

Málaga, with links 

to all the coastal resorts. 


There is a train 

linking the airport 

with Málaga and the 

Costa del Sol resorts, 

including Fuengirola 

and Torremolinos. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 

Bar Los Pueblos 

(Calle Ataranzas) The 

place to come if you 

are seeking a local 

bar-restaurant serving 

superb traditional 

food. Expect 

malagueño fodder 

for a great price. 

UP TO €30 

Lechuga (1 Plaza de 

la Merced) Named 

after the humble 

lettuce, this is a 

great central place 

for tapas and tasty 

light eats, including a 

carrot-based hummus 

and a tasty carpaccio 

pancake. Don’t worry 

there’s everything but 

rabbits’ food on the 

vast menu. 

UP TO €50 Parador 

Gibralfaro (Monte 

Gibralfaro, tel: 952 

221 902) Enjoy 

spectacular city and 

coastal views as you 

dine on traditional 

dishes, such as oxtail 

and paella. Kickstart 

your meal with a glass 

of cold fi n o (dry sherry) 

on the terrace, for an 

enjoyable aperitif. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Polo House (11 

Bulevard Principe 

Alfonso Hohenlohe, 

Marbella, tel: 952 

900 380) Owned by 

James Hewitt, this 

sophisticated venue 


for an elegant and 

relaxed night out. 

Enjoy a tantalising mix 

of international and 

British cuisine with 

a focus on seasonal 

and national produce, 

such as prime Galician 

beef, which is superb. 

Café de Paris (8 Calle 

Vélez Málaga, tel: 

952 225 043) One of 

Málaga’s time-tested 

top restaurants, the 

cuisine has a city-slick 

sophistication while 

the cosy red and 

mahogany interior is 

ideal for a romantic 

dinner. Try the solomillo 

de buey Café de Paris 

(beef fi llet with herbbutter 

sauce). 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Bodega 

Quitapenas (Cuesta 

del Tajo, Torremolinos, 

tel: 952 386 244) 

Halfway down the 

steps leading from 

central Torremolinos 

to the sands and sea of 

the fabulous coastline, 

this old-fashioned 

bar makes a killer 

Champagne cocktail 

to set your night 

off in style. 

LIVE MUSIC Vista 

Andalucía (29 Avenida 

de Los Guindos, tel: 

952 231 157) Check 

out this place for some 

lively, castanet-clicking 

fl amenco. It’s more 

authentic than the 

Costa polka-dot 

scene, that’s why 

reservations are 

essential, and locals 

pack out the place. 

LATE & LIVELY 

London Pub (Paseo 

Marítimo, Fuengirola) 

A casual yet buzzy 

Brit-run pub among 

a slew of similar bars 

and clubs near the 

port, with dancing 

space and thumping 

DJ sounds at 

weekends, giving you 

a taste of home on 

the golden coastline 

of the Costa del Sol. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP For some real 

bargains, especially 

in beachwear, bags, 

shoes and leatherware, 

head for the strip of 

shops facing the La 

Carihuela beach in 

Torremolinos. There 

are plenty of bars 

here, for enjoying 

a little respite time 

in between the 

retail therapy. 

GO This is the 

perfect time of year 

to visit Málaga’s 

lovely botanical 

gardens, situated 

east of the centre. 

The Jardín Botaníco 

La Concepcíon dates 

from the 19th century 

and is a lush tropical 

oasis, complete with 

fountains, statues 

and lots of rare trees 

and plants to wander 

through lazily. 

ESCAPE A swift 65km 

south-east of Marbella, 

Castellar de la Frontera 

is a striking village 

enclosed within the 

walls of a 13th-century 

castle. Residents here 

are an eclectic mix of 

grey ponytails, young 

Spaniards and elderly 

locals, well worth an 

afternoon’s people 

watching. And there are 

several places to eat 

and drink, too. 

TAXI TAXI 

SEMANA 

SANTA 

SEE The south of 

Spain is renowned for 

its Easter weekend 

parades (1–5 April). 

Expect lots of people, 

lots of food and drink, 

and costumes too. 

It’s a momentous 

occasion to see. 

NO WAY! 

The enormous fl oats 

that you see during 

the Easter week 

parades can weigh 

more than 3100kgs, 

and it typically takes 

between 40–50 men 

to lift each one! 



Malta 

Malta 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Route 8 services 

Valletta (and 

the island’s main 

bus station). 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Tal 

Kaptan (Qawra Coast 

Road, Qawra, tel: 2157 

7101) Loved by locals 

for its varied menu 

and huge portions, Tal 

Kaptan is one of your 

best bets if you’re in 

the mood for pizza. 

The calzone, which is 

stuffed with delicious 

local ingredients, is 

loved by many. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Risorante Venezia 

(Casino di Venezia, The 

Waterfront, Vittoriosa, 

tel: 2180 5580) Set 

within Malta’s chic 

casino and specialising 

in delicious fi sh 

dishes, Ristorante 

Venezia ticks all the 

boxes for scrummy 

food, great service 

and striking views of 

the surrounding marina 

and poker players. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Portside 

Lounge (71 The Strand, 

Sliema, tel: 2133 3653) 

Fun and friendly, this 

sports bar is the spot to 

catch live games on one 

of the 16 big-screens 

adorning the walls here. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Klozet (Ball Street, 

Paceville) The islands’ 

premiere gay and lesbian 

club is open on Friday 

and Saturday nights 

offering a glittering 

good time to all. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The Marsaxlokk 

market in the south 

is held every Sunday 

morning. It’s the best 

place to buy fresh 

fi sh and produce, and 

the charming boats 

bobbing on the bay 

provide a chocolatebox 

backdrop. 

GO The islands are 

famous for their 

fi reworks and the Malta 

International Fireworks 

festival takes place on 

29 and 30 April, set 

against the backdrop 

of the island’s famous 

Grand Harbour. If you’re 

into this sort of thing, 

you could also check out 

the Floriana display of 

fi reworks and Catherine 

wheels on the 24th. 

NO WAY! 

Holy Week in Malta will 

run until 4 April. Statues 

are solemnly carried 

through the streets by 

folk dressed as biblical 

characters, and people 

“in penitence” carry a 

cross or drag chains to 

repent for their sins. 

Jo Caruana

Málaga 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Buses go to 

Málaga, with links 

to all the coastal resorts. 


There is a train 

linking the airport 

with Málaga and the 

Costa del Sol resorts, 

including Fuengirola 

and Torremolinos. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 

Bar Los Pueblos 

(Calle Ataranzas) The 

place to come if you 

are seeking a local 

bar-restaurant serving 

superb traditional 

food. Expect 

malagueño fodder 

for a great price. 

UP TO €30 

Lechuga (1 Plaza de 

la Merced) Named 

after the humble 

lettuce, this is a 

great central place 

for tapas and tasty 

light eats, including a 

carrot-based hummus 

and a tasty carpaccio 

pancake. Don’t worry 

there’s everything but 

rabbits’ food on the 

vast menu. 

UP TO €50 Parador 

Gibralfaro (Monte 

Gibralfaro, tel: 952 

221 902) Enjoy 

spectacular city and 

coastal views as you 

dine on traditional 

dishes, such as oxtail 

and paella. Kickstart 

your meal with a glass 

of cold fi n o (dry sherry) 

on the terrace, for an 

enjoyable aperitif. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Polo House (11 

Bulevard Principe 

Alfonso Hohenlohe, 

Marbella, tel: 952 

900 380) Owned by 

James Hewitt, this 

sophisticated venue 


for an elegant and 

relaxed night out. 

Enjoy a tantalising mix 

of international and 

British cuisine with 

a focus on seasonal 

and national produce, 

such as prime Galician 

beef, which is superb. 

Café de Paris (8 Calle 

Vélez Málaga, tel: 

952 225 043) One of 

Málaga’s time-tested 

top restaurants, the 

cuisine has a city-slick 

sophistication while 

the cosy red and 

mahogany interior is 

ideal for a romantic 

dinner. Try the solomillo 

de buey Café de Paris 

(beef fi llet with herbbutter 

sauce). 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Bodega 

Quitapenas (Cuesta 

del Tajo, Torremolinos, 

tel: 952 386 244) 

Halfway down the 

steps leading from 

central Torremolinos 

to the sands and sea of 

the fabulous coastline, 

this old-fashioned 

bar makes a killer 

Champagne cocktail 

to set your night 

off in style. 

LIVE MUSIC Vista 

Andalucía (29 Avenida 

de Los Guindos, tel: 

952 231 157) Check 

out this place for some 

lively, castanet-clicking 

fl amenco. It’s more 

authentic than the 

Costa polka-dot 

scene, that’s why 

reservations are 

essential, and locals 

pack out the place. 

LATE & LIVELY 

London Pub (Paseo 

Marítimo, Fuengirola) 

A casual yet buzzy 

Brit-run pub among 

a slew of similar bars 

and clubs near the 

port, with dancing 

space and thumping 

DJ sounds at 

weekends, giving you 

a taste of home on 

the golden coastline 

of the Costa del Sol. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP For some real 

bargains, especially 

in beachwear, bags, 

shoes and leatherware, 

head for the strip of 

shops facing the La 

Carihuela beach in 

Torremolinos. There 

are plenty of bars 

here, for enjoying 

a little respite time 

in between the 

retail therapy. 

GO This is the 

perfect time of year 

to visit Málaga’s 

lovely botanical 

gardens, situated 

east of the centre. 

The Jardín Botaníco 

La Concepcíon dates 

from the 19th century 

and is a lush tropical 

oasis, complete with 

fountains, statues 

and lots of rare trees 

and plants to wander 

through lazily. 

ESCAPE A swift 65km 

south-east of Marbella, 

Castellar de la Frontera 

is a striking village 

enclosed within the 

walls of a 13th-century 

castle. Residents here 

are an eclectic mix of 

grey ponytails, young 

Spaniards and elderly 

locals, well worth an 

afternoon’s people 

watching. And there are 

several places to eat 

and drink, too. 

TAXI TAXI 

SEMANA 

SANTA 

SEE The south of 

Spain is renowned for 

its Easter weekend 

parades (1–5 April). 

Expect lots of people, 

lots of food and drink, 

and costumes too. 

It’s a momentous 

occasion to see. 

NO WAY! 

The enormous fl oats 

that you see during 

the Easter week 

parades can weigh 

more than 3100kgs, 

and it typically takes 

between 40–50 men 

to lift each one! 



Malta 

Malta 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Route 8 services 

Valletta (and 

the island’s main 

bus station). 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Tal 

Kaptan (Qawra Coast 

Road, Qawra, tel: 2157 

7101) Loved by locals 

for its varied menu 

and huge portions, Tal 

Kaptan is one of your 

best bets if you’re in 

the mood for pizza. 

The calzone, which is 

stuffed with delicious 

local ingredients, is 

loved by many. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Risorante Venezia 

(Casino di Venezia, The 

Waterfront, Vittoriosa, 

tel: 2180 5580) Set 

within Malta’s chic 

casino and specialising 

in delicious fi sh 

dishes, Ristorante 

Venezia ticks all the 

boxes for scrummy 

food, great service 

and striking views of 

the surrounding marina 

and poker players. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Portside 

Lounge (71 The Strand, 

Sliema, tel: 2133 3653) 

Fun and friendly, this 

sports bar is the spot to 

catch live games on one 

of the 16 big-screens 

adorning the walls here. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Klozet (Ball Street, 

Paceville) The islands’ 

premiere gay and lesbian 

club is open on Friday 

and Saturday nights 

offering a glittering 

good time to all. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The Marsaxlokk 

market in the south 

is held every Sunday 

morning. It’s the best 

place to buy fresh 

fi sh and produce, and 

the charming boats 

bobbing on the bay 

provide a chocolatebox 

backdrop. 

GO The islands are 

famous for their 

fi reworks and the Malta 

International Fireworks 

festival takes place on 

29 and 30 April, set 

against the backdrop 

of the island’s famous 

Grand Harbour. If you’re 

into this sort of thing, 

you could also check out 

the Floriana display of 

fi reworks and Catherine 

wheels on the 24th. 

NO WAY! 

Holy Week in Malta will 

run until 4 April. Statues 

are solemnly carried 

through the streets by 

folk dressed as biblical 

characters, and people 

“in penitence” carry a 

cross or drag chains to 

repent for their sins. 

Jo Caruana

Manchester 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Trains depart for 

the city centre 


Tickets: £5.40 single. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Koffee 

Pot (21 Hilton Street, 

tel: 0161 228 1484) 

This funky café dishes 

up lunchtime grub to 

fashionable shoppers. 

Tuck in to lasagne, fat 

chips, tea and all day 

breakfasts, at fantastic 

take-out prices. 

UP TO €30 Ning 

(92–94 Oldham 


9088) In bold pink and 

black surrounds, try 

the steamed sea bass 

with ginger, basil pad 

prik or satay chicken 

from Ning’s modern 

Malaysian menu. 

UP TO €50 Albert’s 

Shed (2 Castle Street, 

Castlefi eld, tel: 0161 

839 9818) This relaxed 

pub-come-restaurant 

by the canal serves 

up local produce with 

an Italian kick. Dishes 

such as venison with 

berry jus are typical, the 

chef’s take on classic 

puddings are the right 

side of imaginative and 

there’s a great wine list 

to sample, too. 

EXCLUSIVE 

The River Bar And 

Restaurant (Lowry 

Hotel, Dearman’s Place, 

Salford, tel: 0161 827 

4000) This minimal 

restaurant is home to 

modern British fare, 

two AA rosettes and 

any number of famous 

football players. Start 

with pumpkin soup 

followed by Welsh salt 

marsh lamb and a 

glass or two from the 

French-leaning wine list 

on the side. To fi nish, 

the Earl Grey parfait 

is a memorable affair, 

accompanied by a 

steaming pot of coffee. 

Ramsons (18 Market 

Place, Ramsbottom, 

tel: 01706 825 070) 

Although it lies outside 

city limits, Ramsons 

is well worth the 

short drive. In simple, 

tasteful surrounds, 

owner Chris Johnson 

will guide you through 

the Italian creations 

and pair menu choices 

with options from his 

award-winning cellar. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Space 

(11 New Wakefi eld 

Street, tel: 0161 

236 4899) This 

aptly-named bar and 


Mediterranean snacks, 

drinks and relaxed 

sounds away from the 

hustle and bustle of 

Oxford Road. If you 

fancy a bit of fresh 

air, there’s a luscious 

garden on the roof, too. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Manchester 

Academy (Oxford 

Road, tel: 0161 275 

2930) The university’s 

student’s union is 

home to some of 

the country’s fi nest 

minds and a haven for 

up-and-coming bands, 

too. Across four live 

venues, guests in April 

include Alphabeat and 

Reef, who both play on 

the 24th. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Electriks (559 

Wilbraham Road, 

Northern Quarter, 

tel: 0161 881 3315) 

Run by DJ duo 

the Unabombers, 

this suburban bar 

specialises in coffee, 

real ales, snacks and 

classic tunes. Inspired 

by a 1970s front 

room, it’s fi lled with 

pot plants, standard 

lamps, and guest 

spinners such as 

Andrew Weatherall. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Home to a 

bouquet of quirky and 

kitsch outlets, Affl ecks 

Palace is an alternative 

department store 

fi lled with everything 

fun. Vintage fashions, 

collectables, posters, 

pop art, jewellery and 

bags are all mustbuys, 

and there are 

barbers and beauty 

salons to sample, too 

(52 Church Street, 

affl ecks.com). 

SEE Walls are Talking 

is a new exhibition 

showcasing radical 

wallpaper throughout 

the month at the 

Whitworth Art Gallery. 

With contributions 

from Damian Hirst, 

Andy Warhol and rising 

stars such as Thomas 

Demand and Zineb 

Sedira, home décor 

may never be the same 

again (Whitworth Art 

Gallery, Oxford Road). 

GO Watery Salford 

Quays is home to 

a clutch of cultural 

attractions. The café at 

the Lowry Arts Centre 

offers exceptional 

views over the old 

ship canal and the 

imposing Imperial 

War Museum, while 

shoppers will enjoy the 

Lowry Outlet Mall’s 

designer boutiques 

offering a wide range 

of fantastic products 

at bargain prices. 

ESCAPE Macclesfi eld 

nestles in the hills, 

at the fringe of the 

Peak District. Home to 

Paradise Mill and The 

Silk Museum Heritage 

Centre, tour the 

Victorian-era looms 

and halls of the old 

silk factory before 

heading into town to 

check out the chic 

shops and gastro 

pubs (macclesfi eld. 

silk.museum). 

TAXI TAXI 

NO WAY! 

Manchester was a 

small unheard of 

rustic town before 

becoming an 

international player 

in the cotton trade in 

the 19th century. Now 

it’s one of England’s 

biggest cities. 

Ruth Allan 


Marrakech 

Morocco 


CURRENCY MAD 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The hourly L19 

bus goes to 

the Jemaa el Fna. 

Tickets: MAD20 single. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Kozybar 

(47 Place des Ferblantier, 

tel: 0524 380 324) 

Sink into white sofas 

on the roof terrace, and 

tuck into salads, sushi 

or something more 

traditional. Nesting 

LOW 

KEY 

Kssour Agafay (52 

Sabar Grawa, tel: 0524 

427 000) A beautiful 

private members’ 

club, this 15th-century 

riad is also open to 

non-members. Enjoy 

a drink on the open-air 

patio or roof terrace. 

storks nearby offer 

gentle entertainment. 

EXCLUSIVE Riad 

Lotus Privilege 

(9 Derb Sidi Ali Ben 

Hamdouche, Medina 

North, tel: 0524 387 

318) An excellent choice 

for an utterly romantic 

evening, this venue is 

great for gourmets. 

Offering only a sevencourse 

tasting menu, go 

with a healthy appetite 

and a large wallet. 

AFTER DARK 

LATE & LIVELY 

White Room (Hotel 

Royal Mirage, Rue de 

Paris, Hivernage, tel: 

0524 448 998) The 

White Room offers 

celebrity DJs within 

a great interior of 

utter elegance. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP El Badi has only 

the most authentic 

antiques in town. Here 

you can fi nd a glittering 

display of ancient 

treasures arranged over 

two fl oors (54 Boulevard 

Moulay Rachid, Gueliz). 

SEE Cadi Ayyad 

University is where the 

party’s at from 20–23 

April, with hundreds 

of young musicians 

coming to town for the 

annual International 

University Music 

Festival of Marrakech 

(511 Avenue Prince). 

NO WAY! 

Fans of the Sex and the 

City movie rejoice; the 

girls fi lmed a segment 

of the sequel in Jemaa 

el Fna, Marrakech’s 

main square. 

Nick Clarke/Hg2.com 

Exceptional country retreat in the Luberon 

Just over an hour north of Marseille airport lies this exceptional holiday property. Comfortably 

sleeping 14, this farmhouse comes with a fantastic pool and tennis court and is set amongst 

the rolling woodlands of the Luberon, close to Forcalquier, a bustling medieval market town. 

Private catering, babysitting, yoga, massage, manicure/pedicure and tennis tuition available on request. 

Visit www.lejasdescannebieres.com 

or phone +447977 537 510 to book your piece of Provence heaven


Marseille 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 




A shuttle bus runs 

to Marseille’s 

Gare St Charles. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 L’Argentin 

Grill (2 Rue du Rouet, 

tel: 04 9178 9565) South 

America meets the 

Mediterranean at this 

restaurant known for its 

quality meat. Carnivores 

will appreciate the wide 

selection of meat dishes. 

EXCLUSIVE Une 

Table au Sud (2 Quai 

du Port, tel: 04 9190 

6353) Lionel Levy never 

fails to disappoint his 

diners with specialities 

that include pieds et 

paquets (lamb parcels), 

or the decidedly fi shy 

macaroni poutargue 

(pasta with fi sh eggs). 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY L’Agachon 

(20 Cours Julien, tel: 06 

8342 7907) A laidback 

café lightens up the 

inner-city Cours Julien. 

Linger over a long coffee. 

LATE & LIVELY 

L’Art Haché (14 

Rue de l’Olivier, tel: 

0496124589) This late 

night/early morning 

watering hole stays 

open until 6am. 

Favoured by a young 

crowd keen to party 

after the bars have shut. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Pick up a bargain 

from La Marotte, a 

vintage boutique dealing 

in recycled designer 

clothes, handbags and 

shoes (207 Rue Paradis). 

SEE Get your 

running gear on and 

join the Marseille 

Marathon which 

takes in all the city’s 

great sights (18 April, 

marseillemarathon.fr). 

NO WAY! 

Marseille’s climate and 

friendly people were 

praised in a recent 

tourist board survey, 

but the city’s lack of 

cleanliness and traffi c 

drew criticism. 

Adrienne Bourgeon 

NEW HOTEL 

BOMPARD 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Above the cliff 

road, the New Hotel 

Bompard is an 

oasis of calm with 

its inviting pool. 




Milan 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

LINATE 

TAXI 




ATM’s route 73 

connects with the 

metro at San Babila. 

Tickets: €1. The Starfl y 

goes to Centrale station. 





MALPENSA 

TAXI 




The Malpensa 

Shuttle departs 

for Centrale station. 


The Malpensa 

Express departs 

from Terminal 1 for 

Cadorna station. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Bar 

Magenta (13 Via 

Carducci) This ornate 

bar makes a good port 

of call for a beer and 

a sandwich – the range 

of mouthwatering 

fi llings includes wild 

boar, for the brave. 

UP TO €30 Le Vent 

du Nord (18 Via Sannio, 

tel: 02 5518 9027) This 

Belgian brasserie has 

been a success from 

the start in the city, with 

its sausages and meat 

dishes served up with 

rich sauces and mash, 

plus the compulsory 

mussels and chips. 

There’s a good 

selection of Belgian 

lagers on tap and by 

the bottle, too. 

UP TO €50 

Sant’Eustorgio 

(6 Piazza 

Sant’Eustorgio, tel: 

02 5810 1396) This 

traditional eatery in 

the shadow of one 

of Milan’s historic 

churches – Basilica 

di Sant’Eustorgio – is 

great for a lively group, 

and there’s plenty of 

choice among the 

pizza, risotto, pasta, 

meat and fi sh dishes 

on the menu. 

Salumeria del Vino 

(30 Via Cadore, tel: 

02 5518 4931) 

A classic wine bar 

offering a good 

selection of red, white 

and sparkling wines 

at honest prices plus 

a delicious array of 

salami and other 

cooked meats. There’s 

an outside area with 

a veranda if the early 

summer sun is shining. 

EXCLUSIVE Yacout 

(25 Via Cadore, tel: 02 

546 2230) Yacout is 

a real theme park 

for the senses with 

an exotic menu of 

Moroccan cuisine 

including couscous, 

tagines, soups and 

kebabs. Set menus, 

exotic drinks and 

belly dancers are all 

included in the top 

notch prices. 

Joia (18 Via Panfi lo 

Castaldi, tel: 02 

2952 2124) This 

upmarket hautecuisine 

vegetarian 

was founded by Swiss 

chef Pietro Leemann 

and though there’s 

no meat on the menu 

there’s a big selection 

of cheeses, and 

wines. This place will 

convince even the 

staunchest carnivores 

that an all-veg 

selection can taste 

delicious, too. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 56 

(56 Via Tucidide) This 

old industrial space 

with post-modern 

décor is worth the bus 

ride from the centre 

alone. A great place 

to meet up for 

a cocktail and savour 

the displays of 

painting and sculpture 

for a few hours as you 

plan your next move. 

LIVE MUSIC Lo 

Stacco (10 Via Noto, 

tel: 02 3705 2223) 

This unusual hideaway 

combines Caribbean 

cooking with live Latin 

music at weekends. 

A welcome change 

from the predictable 

Milanese discobar-club 

format. Enjoy watching 

the sexy experts dance, 

and try a few steps 

yourself, if you dare! 

LATE & LIVELY 

Quinte Club (61 Via 

Cosenz, tel: 02 4507 

1042) A big club on 

the west side of the 

city with commercial 

tracks on Friday nights 

and Saturdays devoted 

to electronica and 

hip hop. Doors open 

from 11pm onwards, 

and no one thinks of 

going home till well 

after 3am. 

Crazy Jungle 

(26 Via Cavriana, 

tel: 02 7000 9831) 

This old farmhouse 

just outside the city 

has something for 

all tastes with its 

restaurant, discobar, 

Latin American 

cocktails and 

commercial music 

on weekends. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The latest 

arrival on Milan’s 

boutique scene is M 

Missoni, where you 

can browse the latest 

women’s creations 

by Angela Missoni in 

a striking new space. 

Prepare to splash 

the cash though, 

everything carries a 

hefty price tag here 

(2 Corso Venezia). 

SHOP Try traditional 

Sicilian pastries 

(cannoli and cassate) 

at Fratelli Freni, a little 

pasticceria just around 

the corner from the 

Duomo. Buy the cute 

coloured fruits made 

from marzipan as well 

as Easter delicacies 

to take home to the 

family (3 Via Beccaria, 

tel: 02 7631 8070). 

SEE The hottest 

event on the European 

design calendar is the 

Salone Internazionale 

del Mobile and 

showcases furniture,

kitchens, bathrooms 

and accessories from 

cutting-edge creators. 

Drawing thousands 

of visitors to Milan 

every year, the Salone 

has also become 

famous for its fringe 

events and parties. 

Running from 14–19 

April, it’s held at 

the Fiera Milano 

exhibition area (tel: 

02 725 941, cosmit.it). 

GO The Quadrilatero 

d’Oro, or the Golden 

Triangle, is the area 

that forms Milan’s 

famous fashion 

district. Armani’s 

latest venture is to 

open a café in the 

boutique with a 

new look, high-class 

food, cocktails and 

brunch on Sundays 

(31 Via Manzoni, tel: 

02 6231 2680). The 

Armani store is at 

the northern end of 

the shopping area 

centering around Via 

Monte Napoleone, Via 

Sant’Andrea and Via 

della Spiga. 

GO The historic 

quarter of Isola 

Garibaldi has a 

youthful, multicultural 

vibe thanks to its 

specialist boutiques, 

antiques shops, 

restaurants and bars. 

The area extends 

north from Garibaldi 

train station, while 

to the south there 

is Corso Como, one 

of the city’s busiest 

nightlife streets and 

home to the famous 

Hollywood Club. 

ESCAPE The largest 

and most impressive 

of the northern Italian 

lakes is Lake Maggiore, 

100km outside of 

Milan, and it’s easily 

reachable by train 

or motorway. The 

lakeside towns of 

Stresa, Verbania 

and Baveno are 

picturesque places to 

stay or stop for a meal, 

while the views of the 

Alps from the lake 

shore are magnifi cent 

in clear weather. 

There are three small 

islands in the lake, 

all with individual 

charms. Isola Madre 

has botanic gardens 

and a 16th-century 

palace; Isola Bella has 

terraced gardens and 

a palace dating from 

the 17th century, and 

Isola dei Pescatori 

still preserves its 

small island fi shing 

community. 

ESCAPE Lago 

d’Iseo is the least 

well known and least 

spoilt of the northern 

Italian lakes. This 

picturesque area is 

not far from Bergamo, 

north-east of Milan, 

and has a refreshingly 

authentic, untouristy 

atmosphere. Eat with 

the locals in their 

lakeside restaurants 

serving the day’s 

catch, then take 

a walk and admire 

the stunning 

mountain scenery. 

NO WAY! 

For greater powers of 

deduction, surnames 

in Milan and northern 

Italy mostly end in “i” 

whereas in the south, 

they mostly end in “o”. 

Charles Searson 

Montpellier 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Take the bus to 

Place de l’Europe. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Kinoa (6 

Rue des Soeurs Noires, 

tel: 04 6715 3438) Dine 

among sleek, modern 

décor featuring a scarlet 

chandelier. The cuisine 

is modern French, with 

nouvelle leanings. 

EXCLUSIVE Le Mas 

des Brousses (Rue 

du Mas-des-Brousses, 

Odysseum, tel: 04 6764 

1891) Sublime cuisine 

is expertly served by 

attentive staff, within 

this venue’s classy 

décor. Try the carpaccio 

of truffl es, in what must 

be one of Montpellier’s 

best-kept foodie secrets. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Le Rebuffy 

(2 Rue Rebuffy) Good 

ales and stouts, free 

board games and a 

young, funky crowd 

make this a great place 

to make new friends. 

LATE & LIVELY Le 

Circus (3 Rue Collot, tel: 

04 6760 4205) A New 

York-style ambience has 

hit southern France at Le 

Circus. Dress to impress 

or you won’t get in. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Montpellier is 

proud to boast the only 

Apple store outside of 

Paris. Naturally it is in the 

fantastically-wonderful, 

brand-new Odysseum 

shopping centre (tel: 04 

6713 9900). 

GO La Place de la 

Comédie is the true 

heart of Montpellier, 

complete with cafés, 

bars, cinema, theatres, 

fountains and buskers. 

TAXI TAXI 

NO WAY! 

Montpellier is an 

ambassador for 

recycling – the council 

even collects fridges and 

freezers, so if you see 

one while you’re walking 

along the road, don’t 

worry, someone will be 

along to pick it up soon. 

Samantha David 

MY SUITE 

INN 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

This city apartment 

hotel is a luxury 

residence combining 

character, a modern 

feel and design with 

a cosy atmosphere. 




Munich 

Germany 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Buses leave for 

the centre every 

20 minutes. Tickets: 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Mongo’s 

(28 Oberanger, tel: 089 

2322 5800) Choose 

your ingredients, then 

cook your own meal, 

Mongolian barbecuestyle. 

It’s also worth 

asking about the allyou-can 

eat specials. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Zauberberg (14 

Hedwigstrasse, tel: 089 

1899 9178) The food at 

this swish little modern 

European restaurant 

is invariably top notch. 

Choose as many 

courses as you wish 

from a limited, daily 

changing menu. Pay a 

little extra and you can 

enjoy matching wines 

for each dish. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Baal (26 

Kreittmayrstrasse, tel: 

089 1870 3836) Tucked 

down a back street of 

Munich’s Neuhausen 

district, this bar is styled 

like a cosy living room 

and has a very relaxed 

feel about it. Nibble 

tapas and sip wine amid 

bulging bookcases and 

comfy armchairs. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Zum Jennerwein (27 

Belgradstrasse, tel: 089 

308 7221) This slightly 

insconspicuous bar is 

always heaving with 

partygoers grooving 

to the latest sounds. 

Although it’s cramped 

and sweaty, it’s still 

one of Munich’s 

cult nightspots. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Looking for 

an Easter treat with a 

difference? Head to 

Stolberg Schokolade 

– Munich’s chocolate 

boutique – for 

beautiful edible gifts 

from top chocolatiers 

(10 Ledererstrasse, 

Marienplatz). 

SEE It may not be on 

quite the same scale as 

the Oktoberfest, but the 

great beer festival’s little 

sister – the Frühlingsfest 

– still attracts its share 

of beer lovers. The 

event takes place on 

the Theresienwiese from 

17 April–3 May. 

NO WAY! 

One of the biggest 

attractions near 

Munich, Schloss 

Neuschwanstein, was 

the inspiration for the 

palace in Disney’s Magic 

Kingdom, as well as the 

location for the fi lming of 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

Jill Henne


Murcia 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi to Murcia costs 

€45 and €35 Torrevieja. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 

Balastar (10 Plaza de 

los Apóstoles, tel: 968 

220 924) This Basque 

restaurant offers the 

dishes that have made 

the region’s cookery 

famous. The Biscay cod 

is delicious. 

EXCLUSIVE El 

Mesón de la Costa 

(23 Calle Ramon y 

Cajal, Torrevieja, tel: 

966 703 598) Generally 

accepted as one of the 

best restaurants in the 

region, the Mesón is a 

seafood lover’s dream. 

Just inside the entrance 

examples of the catchof-the-day 

are laid out in 

an iced showcase. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Los Soportales (6 Calle 

Azucaque) A tapas bar 

in the heart of the city, 

which serves a selection 

of snacks with an earlyevening 

coffee or aperitif. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Monroe’s Rock Cafe 

(71 Calle Caballero de 

Rodas, Torrevieja, tel: 

966 705 325) If you like 

it heavy, then Monroe’s 

is the place. The genial 

British owners will play 

pretty much anything on 

request – as long as the 

songs are hard and fast. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Torrevieja’s 

bustling Friday morning 

market is a good place to 

pick up some bargains 

and gifts to take home. 

GO The fi rst day of the 

fantastic SOS festival 

is 30 April. This year 

the 48-hour non-stop 

event is hosting Franz 

Ferdinand, Madness and 

Orbital (sos48.com). 

NO WAY! 

The huge fl oats which 

are carried around the 

streets in the Easter 

processions were carved 

by Murcia’s famous son 

Francisco Salzillo, the 

18th-century sculptor. 

David Jones 

Mykonos 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Catch the bus to 

Fabrika on the 

outskirts of Mykonos. 

Tickets: €1 single. 




AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Galleraki 

Bar (Little Venice, 

Mykonos Town) The 

place to come for a 

mellow sunset aperitif, 

Galleraki is much-loved 

by moneyed Greeks. 

You’ll fi nd it by the 

water’s edge. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Scandinavian Bar 

(Ioannis Avenue, tel: 

2289 022 669) Here 

you’ll fi nd a street-level 

cocktail bar and a 

dancefl oor hosting 

guest DJs, which start 

late and fi nish even 

later. Cheap drinks and 

a young clientèle make 

this spot a crowded one. 


HOTEL 

NELVA 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Wander round the lush 

green gardens, relax 

on the sunny terrace 

or sample the cuisine 

at the Mediterranean 

restaurant. From 


easyJet.com. 

BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 

Alexis Snack Bar 

(Evagelistraki, Mykonos 

Town, tel: 2289 027 

494) An informal 

taverna serving local 

favourites such as fried 

squid, barbecued meats 

and Greek salads. Grab 

a spot on the terrace, 

with views of the sunset 

setting over the town. 

EXCLUSIVE La 

Maison de Catherine 

(Gerasimou & Nikou, 

tel: 2289 022 169) 

On the go since 1971, 

this elegant candlelit 

restaurant serves 

exquisite Frenchinspired 

dishes such 

as souffl é and fi shy 

bouillabaisse, plus 

there’s local seafood 

including lobster. Oliver 

Stone and Sting have 

dined here, so you’ll be 

in good company. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Greeks celebrate 

Easter by indulging in 

a big feast on Easter 

Sunday. If you are going 

to prepare a big meal, 

buy a bottle of Mastiha 

liquor to aid digestion, 

it’s a local delicacy 

(Mastiha Shop, 11 

Kouzi Georgouli Street, 

tel: 2289 027 320, 

mastihashop.com). 

SEE Greek Orthodox 

Easter is celebrated on 

4 April this year. Good 

Friday sees a candlelit 

street procession, 

followed by fi reworks 

at midnight on the 

Saturday leading into 

Easter Sunday. 

NO WAY! 

In 1958, a wounded 

pelican was washed up 

on Mykonos. He was 

nursed back to health 

by a local fi sherman and 

has been the island’s 

mascot ever since. 

Jane Foster 

Nantes 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The Tan bus runs 

to Nantes South 

train station and the city 

centre. Tickets: €7. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 La Petite 

Epicerie (14 Rue du 

Chateau) This is one of 

the most intimate and 

romantic restaurants 

in the city. With good 

food, delicious wine and 

a fascinating tobacco 

store attached to the 

restaurant, it’s a great 

place to soak up culture. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Brasserie La Cigale 

(4 Place Graslin, tel: 02 

5184 9494) Dine on 

delicious food, at this 

local institution – the 

Michelin guide has 

given this restaurant 

a listing. It’s an 

architectural gem and 

boasts fresco ceilings 

and 18th-century 

French paintings 

within its opulent 

surrounds. Rounding 

off the exquisite French 

experience is a great 

seasonal menu and 

local Loire wines. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY La 

Comédie des Vins 

(4 Rue Suffren, tel: 

02 4073 1168) This bar 

specialises in wines 

from near and far. If 

the weather is good 

enjoy your Burgundy 

on the terrace. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Hangar à Bananes 

(21 Quai des Antilles) 

The banana warehouse 

encompasses a range 

of bars, galleries, and a 

fantastic nightclub. The 

club has R’n’B, Europop, 

and electronic nights 

where you can dance 

until the sun comes up. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Le Marché de 

Talensac in Viarme is 

a traditional farmers’ 

market, where you 

can stock up on local 

jams, wine, and crafts 

in the pleasant French 

atmosphere of this 

bustling bargain-hunters 

paradise. Open everyday 

except Monday. 

GO The Chateaux des 

Ducs de Bretagne, is 

close by the cathedral 

and medieval quarter. 

It’s an historic castle, 

palace, and public area 

combined in to one. You 

can enjoy the building, 

as well as boutiques and 

a museum. 

NO WAY! 

When a new wine is 

ready to be drunk, every 

bar in Nantes celebrates 

by placing a vine branch 

on its door. 

Victoria Poole

mykonos island - greece 

If you prefer a more private bijou location, Apanema Resort 

is a retreat from the island’s vibrant lifestyle. A very homely 

and casual place Apanema is a small hotel with just 17 rooms/ 

suites offering an intimate, friendly and relaxed surrounding. 

It is located right on the waterfront with a dreaming 

sunset view of Delos island and the Aegean Sea, in the famous 

Tagoo area, which is right next to Mykonos town at 

barely 10 minutes walk from the centre of Mykonos Town. 

www.apanemaresort.com

Naples 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The Alibus shuttle 

stops at the 

train station and Piazza 

Municipio. Tickets: €4. Or 

catch bus 3S to the train 

station. Tickets: €1.50. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 

Un Sorriso Integrale 

(6 Vico San Pietro 

a Majella, tel: 081 455 

026) Enjoy communal 

dining at this mellow 

venue, featuring 

Mediterranean-style 

vegetarian dishes to 

eat-in, as well as health 

food products to 

go, leaving you with 

plenty to snack on 

through the day. 

EXCLUSIVE Il Gallo 

Nero (466 Via Torquato 

Tasso, tel: 081 643 012) 

The elegant service, 

piano bar, and antique 

décor at this hilltop villa 

create a charmingly 

old-fashioned and 

romantic night out. The 

traditional Neapolitan 

fare is served with 

obvious pride. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Berevino 

(62 Via San 

Sebastiano, tel: 081 

290 313) This cosy 

wine bar offers a wide 

selection of fantastic 

regional wines with 

a tasty assortment 

of snacks to wash 

it all down. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Kinky Bar (45 Via 

Cisterna Dell’Olio) 

Despite the potentially 

misleading name, this 

is Naples’ premier 

reggae nightclub, with 

no naughtiness going 

on whatsoever. Open 

9pm–3am. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Since 1865, the 

Tramontano’s have 

created high quality 

leather goods from 

natural materials. 

Famous patrons have 

included Pavarotti, 

Woody Allen and Tom 

Cruise, and the fatherson 

duo will even 

create items to order 

(149E Via Chiaia, tel: 

081 414 758). 

SEE Comicon is 

Naples’ annual 

comic festival. This 

year, it runs from 30 

April–2 May, at Castel 

Sant’Elmo, 10am–8pm 

daily. You may not 

understand all the 

jokes, but the general 

joviality will keep you 

entranced (comicon.it). 

NO WAY! 

Few hotels have a 

room number 17 in 

Naples, since it’s 

considered an unlucky 

number here. 

Tui Cameron 

Newcastle 

UK 


CURRENCY £ 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Buses depart 

from the airport 

entrance. Tickets: £1.90. 

The Metro goes 

to the city centre. 

Tickets: £2.70. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Ask (The 

Gate, Newgate Street, 

tel: 0191 230 4530) 

An Italian restaurant 

that simply oozes class 

without any pretensions. 

There’s an impressive 

array of dishes in this 

modern venue. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Matfen Hall, Library 

Restaurant (Matfen, 

Northumberland, 

tel: 01661 886 500) 

Expect award-winning 

contemporary dishes 

here, in the sumptuous 

surroundings of a grand 

library overlooking a 

spectacular golf course. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Yates’ Wine 

Lodge (30 Grainger 


5989) Yates’ guarantees 

one thing whatever time 

or day you go in – happy 

hour prices. You can 

party with the locals here 

or just fi nd a quiet corner 

and have a coffee. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Newcastle Carling 

Academy (Westgate 

Road, tel: 0191 260 

2020) This concert 

venue has played host 

to some of the country’s 

biggest music acts, such 

as the Arctic Monkeys 

and Kasabian, as well as 

running after-gig indie 

dance nights, too. 


THIS MONTH 

SHOP Fashion and 

technology headline 

a new £100m 

development at Eldon 

Square shopping 

centre. Apple has 

opened a store in the St 

Andrew’s Way extension 

alongside US clothing 

brand Hollister (eldonsquare.co.uk). 

SEE Beatles to Bowie: 

The 1960s Exposed is 

an exhibition with 150 

photographs of stars 

who helped create 

the swinging 1960s. 

Music and fashion 

memorabilia of the 

time is also on display 

at Laing Art Gallery 

(New Bridge Street, 

twmuseums.org.uk). 

NO WAY! 

Newcastle United is 

famous for its distinctive 

black and white striped 

shirts, but when originally 

formed as Newcastle 

East End in the 1800s 

the players wore red and 

white – the colour of arch 

rivals Sunderland. 

Michelle Ord 


Nice 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Bus 98 stops at 

Nice’s Old Town 

and the Gare Routière. 

Bus 99 heads to the 

Gare SNCF. Tickets: 

€4 (valid on most Côte 

d’Azur buses). 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 

Fenocchio (2 Place 

Rossetti, tel: 04 9380 

7252) Fifty-nine 

fl avours of ice cream 

LOW KEY 

Vinivore (32 Avenue 

de la République, 

tel: 04 9326 9017) 

Paradise for wine 

fans – take your pick 

from the bottles 

on display, most 

from little-known, 

local producers. 

and 35 sorbets: 

Fenocchio has an 

endless array for those 

who count ices as an 

essential food group. 

UP TO €30 

La Merenda (4 Rue 

Raoul Bosio) Squeeze 

into Nice’s diminutive 

but long-reigning 

favourite for a plate 

of springtime petits 

farcis – tiny, tasty 

stuffed vegetables. 

Drop by the restaurant 

to book your table. 

UP TO €50 

Sapore (19 Rue 

Bonaparte, tel: 04 

9204 2209) Chef 

Anthony Riou serves 

up Mediterranean 

tapas, think tiny 

scampi kebabs or 

artichoke bruschetta, 

against the sleek 

backdrop of Sapore’s 

silver-chic steel décor. 

EXCLUSIVE La 

Mère Germaine (Quai 

Courbet, Villefranchesur-Mer, 

tel: 04 9301 

7139) With views over 

exclusive Cap Ferrat, 

La Mère Germaine 

has been serving 

up both classic and 

creative seafood 

– think scallop 

carpaccio with truffl e 

oil, or shrimp tempura 

– since Germaine 

herself provided 

the US Navy with 

sustenance way back 

in the 1950s. 

Le Figuier de Saint 

Esprit (14 Rue Saint 

Esprit, Antibes, tel: 04 

9334 5012) Christian 

Morisset left his 

Michelin stars behind 

when he opened Le 

Figuier in 2007. But 

order his €55 prix fi xe


Nice 

France 

menu on the fi g-shaded 

terrace and you can still 

taste perfection. 

AFTER DARK 

LIVE MUSIC Akathor 

(32 Cours Saleya, 

tel: 04 9362 4990) 

Enjoy alfresco acoustic 

guitar during happy 

hour (from 6pm). Live 

rock kicks off upstairs 

between 9–10pm. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Stars’N’Bars (6 Quai 

Antoine 1er, Monaco, 

tel: +377 9797 9595) 

This American-themed 

bar on Monaco’s port 

has been home to 

many a celebrity-fi lled 

party night since its 

inception more than 

15 years ago. See 

who you spot over a 

Champagne cocktail. 

Le Shadow Bar 

(14 Rue Benoît Bunico, 

tel: 04 9385 1468) 

A petite dancefl oor, 

killer cocktails and 

daily DJs make 

Shadow a buzzing 

weekend spot. Look for 

the discreet sign, then 

knock to get in. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP From elusive 

French cookbooks to 

ancient Italian recipes, 

Scripta Manent stocks 

top-notch gifts for the 

discerning food lover 

(Le Patio Palace, 41 

Avenue Hector Otto, 

Monaco, tel: +377 97 77 

03 93, scriptamanentmonaco.com). 

SHOP Pick up the 

season’s fi rst fresh 

goat’s cheese at 

Libération market. 

There’s not a tourist 

in sight. Closed 

on Monday (Place 

Général de Gaulle). 

SEE This year marks 

Nice’s 10th annual 

Short Film Festival 

(20–25 April). Winners 

of the 2009 event 

included quirky 

submissions from 

Denmark, Romania 

and the UK (Festival du 

Court Métrage, nicefi 

lmfest.com). 

GO The Promenade 

des Arts is Nice’s 

architectural 

wonderland. Wander 

past the Théâtre 

National, MAMAC 

art museum and 

municipal library, 

complete with Sasha 

Sosno’s giant tête au 

carré (square headshaped 

building). 

ESCAPE When 

Nice’s seafront gets 

too packed, head to 

the island of Île Sainte- 

Marguerite, a 15-minute 

ferry ride from Cannes. 

Cars are banned and 

beaches are bountiful 

(trans-cote-azur.com). 

NO WAY! 

Villefranche-sur-Mer 

formed the backdrop 

for several classic 

movies, including Dirty 

Rotten Scoundrels, 

Ronin and Never Say 

Never Again. 

Kathryn Tomasetti 

Olbia 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The Linea Urbana 

bus goes to Olbia 






BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Su 

Terrabinu (Porto 

Rotondo, Strada Rudalza, 

tel: 0789 32844) Rustic 

and Sardinian, here the 

menu is packed out with 

locally sourced, seasonal 

products from both the 

land and the sea. 

EXCLUSIVE Luna 

Lughente (Localita 

Pittulongu, tel: 0789 

57521) A sophisticated 

resort on Olbia’s bay 

offering panoramic 

views and delightful 

gardens to wander 

around – and even eat in 

– if the weather is nice. 

Enjoy fresh clams and 

mussels, followed by 

delicious desserts. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Lu Aldareddu (Lu 

Aldareddu, tel: 0789 

68579) Relax in 

a restored 18th-century 

farmhouse on a hill 

dotted with olive trees, 

while sipping slowly 

on an Italian wine. Lu 

Aldareddu is about 

10km north of Olbia. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Edone Cafe (224 Aldo 

Moro, tel: 0789 28650) 

Conveniently situated in 

the heart of the nightlife 

district, this revamped 

club hosts a tremendous 

show, especially at 

weekends, when famous 

Italian singers are 

known to make special 

guest appearances. 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The beginning 

of April sees the orange 

take to the stage in 

festivals across the 

island. Celebrating 

the origins of orange 

cultivation in the region, 

head to the Golfo Aranci 

and go citrus crazy 

with all the fruit stores 

dotted around there (Via 

Libertà, Golfo Aranci). 

SEE Olbia’s very 

own Archaeological 

Museum is located 

right on the bay where 

Corso Umberto ends. 

It’s the one major 

museum in Olbia so, as 

a result, it showcases 

the major openings and 

concerts in town as well 

as its displays 

of ancient artifacts. 

NO WAY! 

Many of Sardinia’s 

inhabitants live to be 

over 100 years old – this 

longevity phenomena is 

part of ongoing research 

at the CNR’s Molecular 

Genetics Institute. 

Christine Kessler 

Palermo 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The Prestia e 

Comandé coach 

stops at all central 

stations. Tickets: €5.60 

The Trinacria 

Express goes 

to the central station. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Baciamo 

Le Mani (178 Corso 

Vittorio Emanuele, 

tel: 091 611 9781) 

ERICE 

ESCAPE Erice is 

a hilltop village with 

breathtaking views 

over land and sea. 

Enjoy the mouthwatering 

sweets 

at Maria Grammatico’s 

pastry shop on Via 

Vittorio Emanuele. 

Bordering the Kalsa 

district, this eatery is 

open all day, serving 

early-morning 

breakfasts, quick 

lunches and aperitifs 

accompanied by 

lounge music. 

UP TO €30 Hostaria 

Da Ciccio (6 Via 

Firenze, tel: 091 602 

3259) Not far from 

the central station, a 

good, hearty meal can 

be enjoyed here, be it 

a pasta dish such as 

spaghetti with fried 

broccoli, or a mixed 

platter of Palermitanstyle 

meats. 

UP TO €50 Cotto A 

Legna (104 Via Sciuti, 

tel: 091 625 9931) 

Legna means wood in 

Italian, and here all the 

cuisine is prepared in 

wood-burning ovens, 

and the variety from 

which to choose is 

endless – from pizzas 

to local Sicilian staples 

to delicacies arriving 

from the far corners of 

the globe. A wine cellar 

containing more than 

150 brands of wine 

and the convivial 

atmosphere guarantee 

a truly memorable 

experience for all. 

EXCLUSIVE Cin Cin 

(22 Via Manin, tel: 091 

612 4095) Centuriesold 

Sicilian fi sh dishes 

are prepared from 

recipes handed down 

from the cooks of 

aristocrats – and some 

Cajun-style cooking 

is thrown in for good 

measure, in honour 

of the Louisiana-born 

chef. Formidable wine 

list and impeccable 

service, too.

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Gianfl ò 

(129 Via E Amari) Just 

behind the Politeama, 

this is where the 

cognoscenti go for 

late-night coffee or 

a sweet snack. The 

club-goers often come 

here after dancing to 

enjoy a hot croissant 

and cappuccino. 

LIVE MUSIC Ai 

Candelai (65 Via dei 

Candela) In the heart of 

the student-bohemian 

area, cover bands 

and famous acts alike 

play at this music 

institution. Once a 

week however, you can 

dance the Argentine 

tango, or even take 

lessons if you’re 

a complete novice. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Berlin Café (21 Via 

Isidoro La Lumia, tel: 

091 584 897) A longstanding 

favourite and 

often crowded joint, 

the Berlin Café kicks 

off the evening with 

cocktails and ends 

with pumping DJ sets 

well into the early 

hours of the morning. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP SUD carries 

the line of Sicilian- 

American designer 

Joh Sarda, who 

brilliantly blends 

cutting-edge styles 

and traditional folklore 

in to his creations 

(148 Via G Pitre, 

johsarda.com). 

SEE The Genius of 

Leonardo da Vinci 

features prototypes 

of 70 machines that 

the Renaissance 

man designed – fully 

functioning and on 

a real-life scale. They 

demonstrate how the 

ideas and precision he 

conceived centuries 

ago are still used 

today. The exhibition 

runs till 15 April at 

The Sea Museum 

of Palermo (134 Via 

dell’Arsenale). 

GO One of the handful 

of places to have 

some respite from the 

city, the Foro Italico 

Umberto I is a long 

stretch of green space 

nestled between the 

sea and fabulous old 

palazzos. Come here 

for a picnic, a jog, 

or just go for a long 

walk along the coast. 

There’s playspace 

for dogs, too: parts 

of the park are 

designated for dogs to 

mingle and exercise. 

ESCAPE Mothia is 

the lagoon island and 

natural oasis that 

once belonged to the 

Marsala wine-moguls 

Whitakers. It is dense 

with Carthaginian 

history and artifacts, 

giving the visitor a 

glimpse of what daily 

life was like for this 

population. Boats 

awaiting to take you 

there can be caught 

at several jetties 

in Marsala. 

NO WAY! 

Given that Palermo 

faces east, the 

north-westerly Aeolian 

islands stretching as 

far as Salina can be 

seen from any high 

elevation in the city 

on a clear day. 

Conchita Vecchio 

Paris 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

ORLY 

TAXI 




The Orly bus 

stops at Place 

Denfert-Rochereau. 


The RER B4 

travels from 

Orly to Châtelet. Trains 

run from 6am–11pm. 

Tickets: €9.85. The 

C2 line takes you to 

Invalides. Tickets: €7.60. 




ROISSY-CHARLES 

DE GAULLE 

TAXI 




The Roissy Bus 

stops at Opéra. 


Take the RER B3 

to Gare du Nord. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 

Le Baron Rouge 

(1 Rue Théophile 

Roussel, tel: 01 4343 

1432) Just off the 

Place d’Aligre, this 

traditional wine 

bar welcomes the 

shoppers and stall 

holders of the nearby 

Marché d’Aligre, 

especially on Sunday 

afternoons when 

the friendly crowd 

spills out onto the 

pavement with glasses 

of wine and platters of 

charcuterie in hand. 

UP TO €30 Little 

Italy Caffé (92 Rue 

Montorgueil, tel: 01 

4236 3625) They don’t 

take reservations at 

this low-key Italian 

trattoria on the 

bustling Montorgueil 

pedestrian street, so 

get there early to line 

up on the wooden 

benches, elbow to 

elbow, for authentic 

Italian dishes. Save 

room for dessert. 

UP TO €50 Kok Ping 

(4 Rue de Balzac, 

tel: 01 4225 2885) 

A chic, yet reasonablypriced 

Thai restaurant 

just off the Champs- 

Elysées, specialising 

in fi sh dishes, with 

many vegetarian 

options. The clientèle 

are a mix of wellheeled 

locals and 

those lucky enough 

to fi nd the virtually 

hidden entrance. 

Chez Vong (10 

Rue de la Grande- 

Truanderie, 1st, tel: 01 

4026 0936) Tucked 

down a pedestrian 

sidestreet near Les 

Halles, this intimate 

restaurant decorated 

with Buddha statues 

is one of the city’s 

top locations for 

Cantonese and 

Vietnamese cuisine. 


EXCLUSIVE Le 

Laurent (41 Avenue 

Gabriel, tel: 01 

4225 0039) Dine 

on contemporary 

French cuisine in an 

historic 18th-century 

hunting lodge nestled 

in the gardens of the 

Champs Elysées. The 

peach and cream 

exterior with its 

majestic columns 

houses a classically 

decorated dining room 

in pale tones with large 

windows for enjoying 

the spring blossoms. 

Dishes include spider 

crab in jellied juices, 

or crispy langoustines 

and basil. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY La 

Conserverie (37 bis 

Rue du Sentier, tel: 01 

4026 1494) There’s 

nothing else open 

after dark on this 

long street between 

the busy Grands 

Boulevards and the 

trendy Montorgueil 

district, but this 

COURCELLES 

ETOILE HOTEL 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

You’re sure to have a 

kitsch and colourful 

stay at this hotel with 

individual touches and 

unusual details, just off 

the Champs Elysées. 



unique Parisian bar 

is worth the trek. 

Mismatched sofas and 

armchairs mix cosily in 

the retro-industrial loft 

space, and the creative 

cocktails and gourmet 

bar food such as foie 

gras make it easy to 

relax and enjoy a bit 

of pampering before a 

night out on the town. 

LIVE MUSIC Le 

Scopitone (5 Avenue 

Opera, tel: 01 4260 

6445) Former club Le 

Paris Paris has been 

given a facelift and a 

new name, and is now 

dedicated to live music 

bands, mostly indie, 

rock, electro and pop, 

from around the world. 

Entry is no longer free, 

but costs less than 

a pint if you buy your 

tickets in advance. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Le Baron (8 Avenue 

Marceau, 8th) In 

a former hostess bar, 

Le Baron is one of the 

most exclusive lounge 

bars in Paris, where 

the young jetset 

dance to live DJs on 

a tiny dancefl oor. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP One of the 

best-kept secrets of 

Paris is the whimsical 

Aurore-Capucine, 

a pastry shop in 

a relatively un-chic 

part of town with 

a loyal following for 

its old-fashioned violet 

macarons, lavender 

cookies, and rosepetal 

cakes (3 Rue 

de Rochechouart, 

tel: 01 4878 1620). 

SEE The opening day 

for the annual Foire


Paris 

France 

du Trone is 3 April, the 

funfair dating back to 

the 12th-century on 

the edge of the Bois 

de Vincennes opens 

up for spring. Carnival 

rides, regional food 

stands, and games to 

win prizes. Open daily 

from noon through 

midnight until June. 

(Pélouse de Reuilly, 

foiredutrone.com). 

GO Oberkampf 

is an area of east 

Paris, known for its 

lively nightlife, artist 

studios, multi-ethnic 

food stands, and 

edgy street fashion 

boutiques. Most of 

the after-dark 

action can be found 

between the Metro 

Ménilmontant and 

the Metro Parmentier, 

along Rue Oberkampf, 

Rue JP Timbaud, and 

Rue Moret. 

GO The Fifth 

Arrondissement, along 

the Seine, features the 

scenic gardens of the 

Jardin des Plantes, 

panoramic views from 

the rooftop terrace of 

the Institut du Monde 

Arabe, and dancing 

under the stars every 

night on the Square 

Tino Rossi. 

ESCAPE A day-trip 

to Versailles isn’t 

just about the Sun 

King’s chateau. The 

town is also known 

for the Quartier Notre- 

Dame’s many antique 

and crafts shops 

(around the Passage 

de la Geôle) and 

the historic outdoor 

market, Marché Notre- 

Dame (the best day 

to go is Friday 

morning). This 

indulgent shopping 

trip is just 20 minutes 

from the Gare St- 

Lazare. Call ahead and 

the Versailles tourist 

offi ce can help you 

plan your trip to 

make the most 

of the day (tel: 01 

3924 8888). 

NO WAY! 

Public toilets in 

Paris are not only free, 

they’ve also been 

completely redesigned 

recently by a famous 

Parisian architect to 

be sleek, completely 

automated, and 

wheelchair accessible 

– take a visit. 

Heather Stimmler-Hall 

LATE & 

LIVELY 

Prescription 

Cocktail Club (23 Rue 

Mazarine) The city’s 

newest 1930s-style 

speakeasy bar has no 

sign on the door, just a 

serious doorman who 

will make sure you’re 

stylishly dressed. 

Pisa 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




CPT buses go 


Route 3 stops at Pisa 

Central. Tickets: €0.77 

(at the airport). 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Osteria 

del Tinti (27 Vicolo 

del Tinti, tel: 050 

580 240) This simple 

and unassuming 

osteria celebrates 

typical Tuscan cuisine 

in style. Enjoy your 

meal at an outdoor 

table in this narrow 

side street in 

Borgo Stretto. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Cyrano di Bergerac 

(Via di Gagno) Owner 

Massimiliano Zubboli 

dreamt of opening 

a restaurant on the 

street where he lived as 

a child. The result is an 

original menu offering 

daring nouvelle, healthy 

vegetarian and hearty 

traditional Pisan 

cuisine. Massimiliano 

must be one 

happy owner! 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Caffè 

Giordano (2 Via 

Francesco Crispi, 

tel: 050 27112) 

After a busy day 

sightseeing, relax in 

this comfortable café 

and sip a glass of 

chilled prosecco. 

LATE & LIVELY Lo 

Spaventapasseri (10 

Via La Nunziatina, tel: 

050 44067) Small 

and a little crowded, 

but with international 

beers on tap and fi lling 

up the fridges, there’s 

no holding back the 

young locals here. 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP If you love 

shopping, head for 

Borgo Stretto where 

you’ll fi nd the best 

shops in fashion and 

accessories. 

SEE American dance 

company Momix will 

be staging Sun Flower 

Moon from 28–30 April 

at Teatro Verdi. Dancers 

and acrobats will be 

dancing in the dark in 

fl uorescent costumes 

to the music of the 

Zen Trance Buddha 

Experience, with 

projected images 

(Via Palestro, 

teatrodipisa.pi.it). 

NO WAY! 

A new mural will 

be painted in Pisa 

in tribute to Keith 

Haring, the celebrated 

graffi ti artist who, 

in 1989, painted 

Tuttomondo, a 180m 2 

mural celebrating the 

brotherhood of man 

and world peace. 

Silvia Falsaperla 

Porto 

Portugal 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Metro trains take 

you to the centre. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Vinhas 

D’Alho (139–140 Muro 

dos Bacalhoeiros, tel: 

22 201 2874) Traditional 

Portuguese offerings 

but with a modern fl air 

in this beautiful location 

on the Porto side of 

the river. Explore the 

region’s great variety 

of wines, which come 

by the glass. 

EXCLUSIVE Kool 

Restaurante (604–610 

Avenida da Boavista, tel: 

22 609 2876) Set within 

the Casa de Música, 

this cosmopolitan 

establishment offers 

eclectic creations from 

chef Augusto Gemelli, 

with a strong Italian 

infl uence. Reservations 

recommended. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Café 

Progresso Porto (5 

Rua Actor João Guedes, 

tel: 22 332 2647) This 

place opened in 1899, 

making it one of the 

oldest cafés in the city, 

although you would 

never know from the 

hip décor. Try the strong 

Portuguese coffee and 

homemade ice cream. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Rock’s Bar (288 Rua 

Rei Ramiro, Gaia, tel: 22 

627 1124) With beautiful 

views of the river, this 

bar, housed among the 

traditional port wine 

cellars offers live salsa 

and cha-cha dance 

music. Watch aweinspired 

and then give 

the steps a try, too. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Solar do Vinho 

Porto is the place to go 

for Port wine tasting. 

Many wines are available 

for sale, as well as 

glassware and literature. 

Enjoy the beautiful view 

overlooking the river 

while sampling (220 

Rua Entre Quintas, tel: 

22 609 4749). 

SEE The Coliseu do 

Porto, a beautiful art 

deco concert hall 

presents a wide range 

of performances in April 

including musicals, 

magic shows, pop 

music and much more 

(137 Passos Manuel, 

coliseudoporto.pt). 

NO WAY! 

Port wine was invented 

by the English. 

Merchants found that 

their Douro wine was 

turning into vinegar 

during the long voyage 

north, so they added 

sugar and Port was born. 

Joseph Guerra

TAKE A 

WINTER BREAK, 

BRIGHTON 

STYLE! 

Looking for the perfect 

city break? Brighton is 

ideal all year round 

BEST VALUE 

IN PARIS 

The Hotel Taylor will delight 

both you and your wallet 

Book by visiting www.novotel.com/EJPARIS 

or by calling 0825 88 44 44 (0,15€/min) 

and mention EJPARIS 

Valid offer until 04/30/2010 

NOVOTEL PARIS EST / PARIS GARE DE LYON 

PARIS LA DÉFENSE / PARIS LES HALLES 

PARIS PONT DE SEVRES / PARIS TOUR EIFFEL 

PARIS VAUGIRARD. 

Designed for natural living 

SPECIAL 

OFFER 

Present this advert and 

you will recieve a gift at 

the reception of Hotel 

Taylor. Valid until 

1st May 2010. 

ON THE RIGHT BANK, in a peaceful, 

secluded position on a quiet one-way street 

just outside the bustling centre of Paris and 

within walking distance of Notre Dame, the 

family-run boutique Hotel Taylor is the 

perfect base from which to enjoy a romantic 

break in the City of Light. Just a short walk 

from the lively Marais district and close to 

major department stores, the Place des 

Vosges, Bastille and Canal Saint Martin, the 

hotel’s location is unbeatable. 

With a charming and cosy ambience as 

well as 37 newly refurbished, sound-proofed 


guestrooms and modern, romantic interiors, 

you’ll be tempted to stay in, as well as to go 

out. Hotel amenities include free WiFi, a 

fl at-screen TV in every bedroom and a 

sumptuous buffet breakfast. And the hotel’s 

attentive and experienced staff are always on 

hand to help with restaurant suggestions, 

taxi bookings and more. 

Last but not least, Hotel Taylor is 

outstanding value for money – with single 

rooms from just €80 and doubles from €91, 

it is the hotel of choice for savvy travellers. 

Hôtel Taylor, 6 rue Taylor, 75010 Paris, 

tel: +33 (0)1 4240 1101 

Email: contact@paristaylorhotel.com 

paristaylorhotel.com 

Restaurant Au Coin des Gourmets 

Near Place Vendome 

38 Rue du Mont Thabor 

75001 Paris 

01 42 60 79 79 

Near Notre Dame 

5 Rue Dante 

75005 Paris 

01 43 26 12 92 

“...Well-executed, home-cooked dishes from 

Cambodia and Vietnam…” Zagat 2010 

“…the vietnamese ravioli may be the best 

in town…” Where magazine 

Bring along a copy of the magazine and 

receive a free glass of champagne!


Prague 

Czech Republic 


CURRENCY CZK 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI Pre-book your 


com. A private Cedaz 

van takes you to the city 

for CZK90 per person. 

Catch bus 119 to 

Dejvicka then take 

the A metro line to the 

centre. Tickets: CZK26. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Bakeshop 

(1 Kozi, tel: 222 316 

823) The boxed Nicoise 

salad is a perfectly 

healthy to-go choice, 

but Bakeshop’s heady 

bakery aroma won’t 

allow those pies and 

cakes to go ignored. 

UP TO €30 Lokal 

(33 Dlouha, tel: 222 

316 265) Not a single 

foreign item, not 

even world-renowned 

Coca-Cola, has invaded 

the menu at hyped-up 

Lokal, where rustic 

Czech grub meets 

big-city décor. 


Finestra (13 

Platnerska, tel: 222 

325 325) A relatively 

new addition to 

Prague’s dining scene, 

La Finestra’s attentive 

service and selection 

of seasonal dishes 

and top-quality 

cuts of meat have 

made this Italian 

restaurant an instant 

hit with the locals. 

EXCLUSIVE Le 

Terroir (1 Vejvodova, 

tel: 222 220 260) 

Boasting an extensive 

wine cellar and a variety 

of luxurious tasting 

menu options, this 

elegant French cellar 

restaurant even proudly 

displays the terroir 

(earth) from which 

several of the wines on 

offer were produced. 

Kampa Park (8B 

Na Kampe, tel: 257 

532 685) Arguably 

Prague’s most elegant 

restaurant, Kampa Park 

boasts an enviable view 

of the Charles Bridge. 

Dishes such as foie gras 

with pear tatin, halibut 

with creamed potatoes, 

black truffl e and 

crispy bacon, and dark 

chocolate fondant with 

cardamom ice cream 

will have you wanting to 

come back for more. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Na Vysehrade 

(K Rotunde) Hang 

with the locals and get 

involved in a game of 

foosball at this beer 

garden within the 

historic Vysehrad park. 

Weather permitting, it’s 

a lovely place to chill 

out with a Pilsner. 

LIVE MUSIC Ungelt 

Jazz & Blues Club 

(2 Tyn, tel: 224 895 

748) Located in a 

typical Prague cellar 

space, this two-fl oor 

club hosts nightly 

concerts of jazz, blues, 

rock, funk, and fusion 

bands from the Czech 

Republic and beyond. 

LATE & LIVELY N11 

(11 Národní, tel: 222 

075 109) Stylish young 

Czechs and visitors 

alike fi ll the network 

of vaulted rooms in 

this underground club, 

where house and hip 

hop are the genres 

of choice on the 

pumping dancefl oor. 

Duplex (21 Vaclavske 

Namesti, tel: 224 

232 319) Very central 

(Wenceslas Square) 

and very late (5am), this 

massive club is where 

Mick Jagger celebrated 

his 60th birthday, so 

you’re sure to be in 

good company here. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Channel 

your inner boho at 

Globe Books where 

Prague’s international 

community converges 

to peruse the 

extensive selection 

of English language 

books and publications 

on offer (6 Pstrossova, 

tel: 224 934 203). 

SHOP Fan of art 

nouveau and exquisite 

jewellery? Stop by Art 

Décoratif, where you 

can fi nd beautiful pieces 

designed by Alphonse 

Mucha’s granddaughter, 

who recreates the 

acclaimed artist’s 

designs from the turn of 

the 20th century 

(5 Melantrichova). 

SEE Be Free! is a 

new exhibition at the 

National Museum 

which traces the fl ow 

of information within 

the era of communism 

in Czechoslovakia. 

You can even check 

out a reconstructed 

intellectual’s café 

within the exhibit (68 

Václavské námestí, tel: 

224 497 111, nm.cz). 

GO If the castle and 

beer gardens aren’t 

enough to draw you to 

Vysehrad, stop by the 

quarter’s cemetery 

where several renowned 

Czechs are buried 

including composers 

Dvorak and Smetana. 

ESCAPE The 18thcentury 

fortress town 

of Terezin (60km 

north of Prague) is a 

popular destination 

with history buffs – in 

World War II the Nazis 

transformed it into 

a Jewish ghetto. Today, 

it is teeming with 

musuems, historic 

landmarks and in 

general just has 

a lovely, country 

feel about it. 

Dana Dramowicz/ 

prague-life.com 

TAXI TAXI 

NO 

WAY! 

Don’t brush off 

the Prague Zoo for 

its small size. Its 

intimacy is said to 

have contributed 

to its impressive 

spot within the 

top 15 zoos in 

the world! 

 

Rhodes 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi to Rhodes costs 

€20, Ixia and Ialysos €18, 

Faliraki €20, Lindos €50. 

Regular buses go 

to Rhodes, Ixia and 

Ialysos. Tickets: €2.20. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Chicken 

Stories (18 Iroon 

Polytexneiou Street) 

With dozens of burgers, 

sandwiches and menus 

based on chicken, this 

restaurant promises 

instant favourites and 

devoted fans. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Hatzikelis Restaurant 

(9 Alhadef Street, tel: 

22410 27215) Hatzikelis 

is one of the most 

famous venues in 

Rhodes. Located inside 

a Medieval Town Park, 

and surrounded by high 

walls and swaying trees, 

its Greek cuisine is 

entrusted by locals and 

tourists alike. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Playcafe 

(21 Ionos Dragoumi 

Street) Playcafe is a 

fresh café specialising 

in providing its guests 

with plenty of cool 

board games to while 

the hours away with. 

Its joyful ambience and 

walls piled high with 

games, guarantees 

many hours of fun. 

LATE & LIVELY Soho 

(Ippokratous Square, 

Medieval Town) In a 

central location, Soho 

is the meeting point for 

everyone and anyone 

who fancies a late-night 

drink and boogie to 

mainstream sounds. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Labyrinthos 

Gallery sells a selection 

of original artwork and 

handmade furniture 

from local artists. You’ll 

also fi nd an array of 

original medieval crests 

and manuscripts 

(1 Theofi liskou Street, 

tel: 22410 39902). 

SEE The Fourth Rhodes 

International Piano 

Competition will take 

place from 6–13 April. 

Young pianists from 

more than 20 countries 

will gather to compete 

for the prestigious 

laurette, while side 

events and concerts will 

be open to the audience 

(arteconanima.com). 

NO WAY! 

The picturesque 

landscape of Rhodes 

is worth a pretty penny. 

Last year, a Joseph 

Mallord William Turner 

R.A watercolour of 

the view sold at 

Sotheby’s for a massive 

$140,000 (€103,000). 

Michael G. Kavuklis/ 

rhodes.com.gr

Located on the Greek island of 

Rhodes, an ideal location for family 

holidays as well as a perfect setting 

for a relaxing escape, Sheraton 

Rhodes Resort welcomes guests with 

gracious Mediterranean hospitality. 

Valid from 1st June to 31st July. 

180€ in Deluxe Sea View room Bed 

and Breakfast Basis 

205€ 

Summer 

Holidays are 

Better when 

Shared 

in Deluxe Sea View room Half 

Board Basis 

Book at Sheraton.com/Rhodes 

or call +30 22410 75000 

©2009 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved. Sheraton and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.


Rome 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

CIAMPINO 

TAXI 




Terravision buses 

leave 30 minutes 

after your fl ight lands. 





FIUMICINO 

TAXI 

Pre-book your 


com. A local taxi costs 

€40 in a City of Rome 

licensed cab and €60 in 

a Fiumicino municipality 

licensed cab. 

Terravision buses 

to Termini depart 

30 minutes after your 

fl ight lands. Tickets: €7 

The Leonardo 

Express leaves 

for Termini till 11.30pm. 


Metropolitan FM1 trains 

go to Roma Tiburtina 

until 11.27pm. Tickets: 

€5.50 single. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 L’Osteria 

della Suburra (69 Via 

Urbana, tel: 06 486 

531) A small, relaxed 

and very friendly 

restaurant near Via 

Nazionale offering 

delicious fresh pasta. 

Opt for the wonderful 

wild boar pasta and 

then fi nish off with 

a perfect creamy, 

chocolatey tiramisu. 

UP TO €30 Sahara 

(43 Viale Ippocrate, 

tel: 06 4424 2583) In 

this north Africanthemed 

restaurant, 

you can eat at a table 

if you like or if you 

prefer you can sit on 

the fl oor and imagine 

that you’ve been 

transported to the 

Moroccan desert. 

Great couscous, 

falafel and sambussa 

(Ethiopian-style 

samosas), plus very 

friendly service. 

UP TO €50 Osteria 

del Pegno (8 Vicolo 

di Montevecchio, 

tel: 06 6880 7025) 

A sumptuous 

restaurant replete 

with chandeliers, 

tucked away in a tiny 

alley. They serve their 

own delicious fresh 

breads, and for your 

primi (fi rst course) 

you could do worse 

than the giant ravioli 

fi lled with ricotta, 

spinach and covered in 

orange sauce. Then for 

secondi (mains) either 

the grilled fi sh or 

meat will defi nitely 

not disappoint. 

EXCLUSIVE Open 

Colonna (Via Milano, 

tel: 06 4782 2641) 

In the evenings the 

restaurant at the 

refurbished Palazzo 

delle Espozioni turns 

gourmet under 

the supervision 

of internationally 

renowned chef 

Antonello Colonna 

who serves traditional 

Roman fare with 

a creative twist. 

Go for the delicious 

negativo di carbonara 

(ravioli stuffed with 

carbonara on a crème 

of parmiggiano), or 

the crispy suckling 

pig accompanied 

with unbeatable but 

unusual mustard 

smoked potatoes. 

Brunello (72 Via 

Veneto, tel: 06 4890 

2867) Highly refi ned 

décor combined with 

friendly, attentive 

service helps mark 

this out from some 

of the more typical 

tourist joints of the 

Via Veneto. Chef 

Daniele Sera produces 

an array of wonderful 

dishes, from ravioli 

stuffed with tomato 

and mozzarella sauce 

to fried cod with 

parmiggiano and 

anchovy fondue. 

UP TO 

€50 

Gusto (9 Piazza 

Augusto Imperatore, 

tel: 06 322 6273) A 

buzzing venue near 

the Tiber, serving 

about 1,600 wines. 

Try the simple 

spaghetti with 

buffalo mozzarella. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Ombre 

Rosse (12 Piazza S 

Egidio, tel: 06 588 

4155) In the heart 

of the Trastevere 

district, next to the 

sadly defunct Englishlanguage 

cinema, you 

can sit outside under 

the shade of a fi g tree, 

or in the cosy interior. 

A café by day, it turns 

into a bar at night with 

an extensive cocktail 

and wine list. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Charity Café (68 

Via Pansperna, tel: 

06 4782 5881) This 

comfortable club 

hosts energetic 

live jazz Thursday– 

Saturday evenings, 

and plays soothing 

jazz records every 

other night. 

LATE & LIVELY 

BarBar (17 Via Ovidio, 

tel: 06 6830 8435) 

The site of the old 

Follia disco is now 

a modern, relaxed, 

minimalist sort of 

cocktail lounge open 

till the early hours 

with coffee, wine 

and cocktails served, 

and even a cigar 

room for the smokers 

of the party. 

Alpheus (36 Viale 

del Commercio, tel: 

06 574 7826) An 

enormous club where 

you can sample a range 

of musical genres, with 

house on the main 

dancefl oor and techno, 

hip hop, rock, world 

music, Latin, retro, 

happy trash and R’n’B 

going on elsewhere. 

There’s bound to be 

something to entertain. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The Sartoria 

Scale Quattordici 

clothes shop is largely 

supplied by goods 

from the adjoining 

workshop, which 

uses gorgeous fabrics 

to produce Orientalinspired 

designs. 

Head down and get 

some unique items 

at great prices (14 

Via della Scala, tel: 

06 588 3580). 

SHOP RoseDany 

Jeans Store is a tiny, 

family-owned clothes 

shop specialising in 

jeans and jackets, 

on the edge of 

Campo dei Fiori (128 

Via dei Baullari, tel: 

06 686 4912). 

SEE Caravaggio is 

an exhibition held 

at the former stables 

of the presidential 

palace to mark the 

400th anniversary 

of Michelangelo 

Merisi da Carvaggio’s 

death, a famous 

Italian baroque-style 

artist (Scuderie del 

Quirinale, 16 Via 

XXIV Maggio, tel: 

06 399 6750). 

GO Ambling through 

the side streets just 

off Via Nazionale you’ll 

fi nd a maze of beautiful 

sloping streets with 

all sorts of bars, 

restaurants, specialist 

shops and even an Irish 

pub with live sport. Via 

dei Serpenti lies at 

the heart of this district 

and boasts among 

other things, one 

of the city’s oldest 

Indian restaurants 

– the fabulous 

Ristorante Maharajah. 

ESCAPE Monti 

Simbruini is the 

largest park in Lazio 

and it’s just an hour 

away from Rome by 

car or public transport. 

A must for walkers 

and sightseers, its 

seven historic towns 

and mountain villages 

are medieval citadels 

clinging to rocky 

outcrops and with 

just a few hundred 

inhabitants each. Don’t 

forget your camera, 

the towns offer 

perfect photographic 

opportunities. 

ESCAPE Sabina is 

about 55 kilometres 

north of Rome and 

boasts some of the 

prettiest landscape 

in the Lazio region. 

It’s also home to 

the vast medieval 

monastery at Farfa, 

which at one time 

rivalled the Vatican 

as the centre of 

Christianity. 

NO WAY! 

If you have heard 

of a Roman nose, 

you may wonder 

what locals mean 

by a nasone or 

big nose. Far from 

being an insult, 

nasone in common 

dialect merely 

refers to the water 

fountains dotted 

throughout the city, 

where you can 

quench your thirst 

with Rome’s delicious 

clean waters and at 

the same time save 

“paying through 

the nose” for 

bottled water! 

Alan Goldwater

Salzburg 

Austria 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Trains run to the 

Hauptbahnhof 

station. Tickets: €9. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Maredo (5 

Judengasse, tel: 0662 

843 894) Enjoy a salad 

and some delicious 

meat in this steakhouse. 

Fish and poultry dishes 

are available, too. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Riedenburg (31 

Neutorstrasse, tel: 

0662 830 815) The chef 

at the helm, Richard 

Brunnauer, has been 

awarded a Michelin 

star for good reason: 

indulge in his culinary 

creations, which are a 

mix of traditional and 

international cuisine. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Afro Coffee 

(5 Buergerspitalplatz, 

tel: 0662 844 888) 

The colourful, ethnic 

interior of this café is 

ideal for relaxing in: 

order any of the coffee 

or tea specialities. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Intermezzo (11A 

Paracelsusstrasse, 

tel: 0662 877 629) 

Somewhere between 

a club, a disco and a 

restaurant, this place 

has it all: a lounge area 

and great dancing vibes. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Get your Easter 

tidbits at the Fürst 

confectionery, the only 

place you can buy the 

original Mozartkugeln 

– the famous pralines 

of nougat and marzipan 

(13 Alter Markt). 

GO Mülln is Salzburg’s 

smallest quarter. Way 

back in the middle ages 

it was a suburb located 

right before the city 

gates, and was named 

ad molendina for the 

many mills of the area. 

NO WAY! 

Salt trading began well 

before the city was 

formed as it is now, 

records date back to as 

early as 1000 AD. 

Uros Urosevic 

Santorini 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



A local taxi to Fira costs 

€10 and €25 to Oia. 

Buses run to Fira. 


From Fira, catch a 

bus to Athinios Port, 

Oia, Akrotiri, Perissa 

and Kamari. 




AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Galini 

Cafe (Firostefani, tel: 

22860 22095) Perfect 

for watching Santorini’s 

melting sunsets, this 

laidback café mixes 

great cocktails, and 

offers sweeping views 

of the caldera and 

volcanic islets. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Koo Club (North end of 

cliffside walkway, Fira, tel: 

22860 22025) Tucked 

away in the Old Town, 

this legendary nightspot 

has been drawing 

crowds for more than 20 

years – its palm-fringed 

courtyard buzzing 

with house, trance and 

techno parties. 


ROMANTIK 

ELIXHAUSEN 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

The luxury spa in this 

charming hotel enjoys 

beautiful panoramic 

views and offers 

indulgent treatments. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Blue Sky 

(Oia, tel: 22860 71179) 

This taverna in the heart 

of whitewashed Oia is 

perfect for whiling 

away an afternoon or 

evening over classic 

dishes such as grilled 

octopus, moussaka 

and house-special 

lobster spaghetti. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Ambrosia (Oia, tel: 

22860 71413) Panoramic 

views, a cliff-top setting 

and an adventurous 

take on Mediterranean 

cuisine keep gourmands 

fl ocking here year after 

year. Try starters such 

as roasted Santorini 

aubergine, and fi nish 

with beef fi llet cooked 

in local Vinsanto wine 

with truffl es. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Purchase 

tasteful replicas of 

Santorini’s famous wall 

paintings, along with 

mosaics and vases, from 

the skilled craftsmen 

at Akron Art Centre 

(Megaloxori, tel: 22860 

82002, wallpaintingsgreece.com). 

GO Zip up the tight 

hairpins by car or go 

by plodding donkey to 

ancient Thira, one of 

the highest points on 

the island. Once there 

you can explore the vast 

ruins of houses, shops 

and theatres from the 

ninth century BC. 

NO WAY! 

Don’t forget to pick 

up some Santorini 

pumice to take home. 

Once the island’s main 

economy, it was even 

used, in part, to line 

the Suez Canal. 

James Williams 


Sharm El 

Sheikh Egypt 


CURRENCY EGP 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs EGP120. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Ribs 

(Noria Resort, Na’ama 

Bay, tel: 012 930 0799) 

If you’re a meat lover, 

then head to Ribs 

where your favourite 

cut will be prepared to 

order and served with 

salad and fries. The 

charcoal-grilled ribs are 

a speciality, strictly for 

non-vegetarians. 

EXCLUSIVE La Fleur 

(Mövenpick Hotel, 

Na’ama Bay, tel: 069 

360 0100) The à la carte 

menu, with its strong 

French accent, offers 

gourmet dining in an 

elegant and luxurious 

setting. Check the 

chef’s daily specials and 

accompany your meal 

with a bottle from the 

international selection. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Champion’s Pub (Aqua 

Park Mall, Hadaba) Well 

off the tourist track, the 

prices here are fair and 

PLANNING TO DIVE IN THE RED SEA? 

Avoid Rogue Operators 

Dive only with legal diving operators on your next trip to 

Egypt’s Red Sea. All CDWS member dive operators have met ISO 

standards EN 14467 / ISO 24803 for diving to ensure your diving 

safety. For a full list of legal diving operators in Egypt visit: 

www.cdws.travel 

the bar menu tasty and 

varied. There’s also a 

pool table, live sports on 

TV, and plenty of indoor 

and outdoor seating. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Castello (Alf Leila Wa 

Leila, Hadaba, tel: 069 

366 4281) This open-air 

venue is the largest club 

in Sharm, the castlestyle 

surroundings with 

unique medieval décor 

ensure some perfectly 

quirky hardcore 

clubbing. Not to be 

missed is the weekly 

La Dolce Vita party on 

a Friday night, with 

international DJs playing 

the latest club tracks. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Isis specialises 

in authentic Egyptian 

fashion for ladies 

including beautiful handbeaded 

evening dresses 

and ornate belly-dancing 

costumes for those 

who dare! (Na’ama Bay 

Shopping Centre). 

SEE For an easy and 

fun glimpse of the 

underwater world all you 

need is a mask, snorkel 

and pair of fi ns. Many 

of the most beautiful 

Red Sea coral reefs are 

close to the surface 

and can be explored 

directly from the beach 

in front of your hotel. 

But please remember 

never touch or feed any 

of the marine life. 

NO WAY! 

The Red Sea is the 

warmest sea in the 

world with a range in 

temperature of 20°C in 

the winter to 30°C or 

more in the summer. 

Penny Orford 

www.cdws.travel


Sofia 

Bulgaria 


CURRENCY Leu (BGN) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs BGN14. 

Catch bus 84 from 

Terminal 1 or bus 

284 from Terminal 2. 

Tickets: BGN1. The 

white marshrutkas van 

number 30 goes to the 

centre. Tickets: BGN1.50. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Funky 

Kitchen (26 Stefan 

Karadzha Street) 

Unique design, nice 

background music 

and good cuisine 

can all be expected 

here, as you relax on 

the eclectic mix of 

comfortable loungers 

dotted around 

the place. 

EXCLUSIVE Sushi 

Lounge Bar (132 

Bulgaria Boulevard) 

This Japanese venue 

is the new kid on 

the block and is 

proving to be rather 

popular. There is an 

expansive menu of 

both Japanese cuisine, 

including noodles and 

soups, and fi ne, fresh 

sushi – yum! 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Beer 

House Warsteiner 

Garden (7A Gurko 

Street) What more 

could you ask for: 

cold beer in a friendly 

atmosphere and 

tasty chicken wings? 

An excellent start 

for a long night out, 

or the perfect end 

to your day. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Club Antrez 

(10 Vrabcha Street, 

tel: 988 8030) Every 

night different DJ sets, 

karaoke and warm, 

inviting people make 

this an excellent place 

to party. If you get 

a little peckish after 

all that dancing, 

there’s an in-house 

restaurant that’s open 

till late, too. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Bio food 

shop My Organic 

Market stocks 

all natural foods, 

cosmetics and clothes. 

It’s the perfect place 

for the vegan in you to 

stock up on supplies 

(3 Yantra Street). 

SEE Concha Buika, 

the black pearl of 

Spanish music, will sing 

in Sofi a on 17 April. It’s 

an occasion not to be 

missed as the señorita 

wows the crowds with 

her hit songs (National 

Palace of Culture). 

NO WAY! 

The name Sofi a means 

wisdom in ancient 

Greek and the motto of 

the city is: it grows, but 

it doesn’t grow older. 

Maya Kozareva 

Split 

Croatia 


CURRENCY Kuna (HRK) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs HRK150. 

Bus 37 goes to 

Split’s main bus 

station. Tickets: HRK15. 




feel the weight of history 

rest on your latte. There’s 

often live music, too. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Ghetto Pub (10 Dosud) 

Climb up to the littleknown 

second fl oor 

of this building, and 

you’ll fi nd this grungy, 

nefarious drinking den, 

where there will be 

dancing and revellry 

guaranteed till dawn. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP The fi sh market 

has stood on this very 

spot for as long as 

anyone can remember. If 

you are self catering, buy 

your own fi shy treats or 

check out the informal 

bar or restaurant that 

overlook the market and 

eat in (5 Obrov). 


BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Zlatna 

Vrata (7 Dioklecijanova, 

tel: 021 345 015) Recline 

within the mighty walls 

of Diocletian’s Palace 

enjoying delicious thincrust 

pizzas that any 

Italian mamma would 

be proud of. 

EXCLUSIVE Šumica 

(6 Put Firula, tel: 021 515 

911) Break away from the 

city centre throng and 

head south to this eatery 

hidden away in woodland 

by the sea. Join the local 

moneyed set eating 

top-notch seafood 

cooked to perfection as 

well as some excellent 

domestic wines. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Luxor 

(Peristil) Grab a cushion 

then recline on the 

steps of the great 

public square inside the 

Diocletian’s Palace and 

NO WAY! 

Born to a poor Dalmatian 

family, Diocletian rose 

through the ranks to 

become the Roman 

Emperor and ruled for 

more than 20 years. 

Robin McKelvie/ 

robinmckelvie.com 

MARJAN 

HILL 

GO The mighty 

Marjan Hill towers 

above the city 

– aiming for the big 

swaying Croatian fl ag 

hike up the slopes 

to enjoy remarkable 

views of the city and 

the Dalmatian islands. 

Stockholm 

Sweden 


CURRENCY Krona (SEK) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs SEK450. 

Flygbussarna 

coaches depart 

for the city centre. 

Tickets: SEK219 return. 

The Arlanda 

Express goes to 

the city centre. Tickets: 

SEK240 single. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Monarki 

(14 Kungstensgatan, 

Vasastan, tel: 08 4002 

0406) Enjoy a laidback 

vibe, pictures of the 

Swedish king in Speedos 

and pan-Asian dishes 

in this venue, which 

proudly pronounces its 

fare as crossover cuisine. 

EXCLUSIVE Lux (116 

Primusgatan, tel: 08 619 

0190) This acclaimed 

restaurant housed 

in the old Electrolux 

canteen offers artsy 

and playful gastronomy. 

The menu changes 

with the seasons – try 

the Västmanland deer 

steak with shallots, 

almond potato purée 

and green peppers, 

a real tasty treat. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY 

Le Bar Rouge (17 

Österlånggatan) The 

ambience at this bloodred, 

velvet-clad bar feels 

more Moulin Rouge 

than Stockholm. 

LATE & LIVELY 

The Lab (20 Birger 

Jarlsgatan, tel: 08 5450 

3702) This is the most 

intimate club around, 

and also the only 

nightclub in Sweden that 

stays open until 5am 

every night. Be prepared 

for lines outside and 

crowds inside. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Whyred has 

become one of Sweden’s 

hippest fashion exports. 

At the fl agship store 

you can browse the 

mod-inspired label’s 

monochrome colours, 

cool prints and 

clean lines (5 Mäster 

Samuelsgatan). 

SEE Skyview opened 

just over a month ago, 

and is Stockholm’s 

newest tourist attraction. 

Take the 16-seat glass 

gondola up to the top of 

The Stockholm Globe 

and enjoy a spectacular 

view (2 Globentorget). 

NO WAY! 

On Maundy Thursday 

(Skärstorsdag), you’ll 

see children dressed as 

witches visiting houses, 

looking for sweets (1 

April). This tradition 

predates Christianity 

when, according to 

folklore, witches fl ew to 

dance with Satan at 

a place called Blåkulla 

on this day. 

Victoria Larsson

Tallinn 

Estonia 


CURRENCY Kroon (EEK) 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs EEK150. 

Route 2 goes 


Tickets: EEK25. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Spirit 

Café (6E Mere, tel: 661 

6151) A large selection 

of salads, pasta dishes 

and sushi are doled out 

within this stylish setting 

near the Old Town. 

EXCLUSIVE Horisont 

(3 Tornimäe, tel: 624 

0000) The sophisticated 

Horisont also has a 

bar and cigar lounge, 

as well as unparalleled 

views from its 30th-fl oor 

location looking out over 

the Old Town, the city 

and the bay. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Tigu (45 

J. Vilmsi) “Snail” is like 

a cosy living room you 

want to share with your 

friends, even better in 

fact, because you don’t 

have to get up to make 

the drinks! 

LATE & LIVELY 

Korter (9 Roseni) The 

latest addition to the 

city’s night scene, this 

venue stands out for its 

alternative music and 

live bands thrown in. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Rocca al Mare 

Shopping Center is one 

of the largest in Estonia, 

and is home to 170 

stores over 54,000m 2 . 

It’s also easily reached 

from the city (102 

Paldiski, tel: 665 9100). 

SEE The Jazzkaar 

Festival is one of the 

most important cultural 

events in Estonia and the 

best jazz festival in the 

Baltics. Catch the 21st 

edition from 24 April–2 

May (jazzkaar.ee). 

NO WAY! 

The airport is just 4km 

from the city centre. So, 

if you fancy a walk, it’s 

just a 45-minute stroll. 

Where else in the world 

could you do that? 

Ain Hinsberg 

Tangier 

Morocco 


CURRENCY MAD 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 







BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Yachting 

Club (Port of Tangier) 

Dine boat-side 

Mediterranean-style 

with the salt-encrusted 

daily catch or shrimp 

cocktail. The Moroccan 

specialties are also 

a reliable choice. 

EXCLUSIVE Relais 

de Paris (Dawliz 

Complex, tel: 0539 331 

819) Candle light and 

a balcony overlooking 

the port of the city 

make the setting for 

traditional French 

cuisine, always with 

a seasonal speciality 

from the souks. Try 

a Cuban cigar for 

a smooth fi nish. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Cafe Hafa 

(Next to the Phoenician 

Tombs, Marshan) 

Located on the edge of 

Africa, literally hanging 

onto a cliff with a 

view of Spain, Hafa 

opened in 1921 and still 

welcomes musicians, 

writers and locals, 

especially at sunset. 

LATE & LIVELY Al 

Khayam/Oba Oba 

(Avenue Mohamed VI) 

Two discos located in 

the same building offer 

a variety of music. Al 

Khayam is a traditional 

Oriental-style cabaret 

with live singing, 

while Oba Oba in the 

basement is a mix 

of loud house and 

some international pop. 


UNIQUESTAY 

MIHKLI 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

This trendy hotel has 

two restaurants and 

a spa and wellness 

centre, making it the 

perfect place to stay. 




DOMINA HOTEL TALLINN 


THIS MONTH 

SHOP The Darna 

Center’s boutique 

offers funky bric-à-brac, 

hand-painted objects 

and handmade clothes 

and tapestries, all made 

by the members of 

a charity to help 

women at risk (Rue 

Jules Cot, Grand Socco, 

tel: 0539 947 065). 

GO Stroll through Fez 

Market and get 

a sampling of the 

wild fl owers of the 

region, monkeys, 

rare birds, fi sh 

and sometimes 

local truffl es and 

mushrooms. It’s 

also next to Rue de 

Mexique, a bustling 

fashion street, and the 

Mauritania cinema, 

which plays old-school 

Bollywood fi lms. 

NO WAY! 

Legend has it that 

Tangier is named for 

Tingis, the wife of 

Antaeus the giant, 

whom Hercules slayed. 

Hercules and Tingis 

then had a son, Sophox, 

who founded the city. 

Melody Nelson 


Tel Aviv 

Israel 


CURRENCY ILS 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 



local taxi costs ILS120. 

Trains go to the 

Central and 

HaShalom stations. 

Tickets: ILS13.50. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Lehamim 

(99 Hashmonaim 


8111) The Hebrew word 

“Lehamim” is the 

plural of bread, and this 

is by far the best bakery 

in Tel Aviv. Grab a few 

delicious sweet 

or savoury pastries 

with some coffee as 

a quick lunch. 

UP TO €30 Brasserie 

(70 Ibn Gvirol Street, 

tel: 03 696 7111) A 

French bistro that has 

become a well-known 

establishment, 

the menus change 

according to the time 

of day and it’s almost 

always packed out. 

UP TO €50 Onami 

(18 Ha’Arbaa Street, 

tel: 03 562 0981) 

Opened 10 years ago, 

Onami is an oasis for 

Japanese residents in 

Tel Aviv, or for fans or 

all things Japanese. 

Though it doesn’t 

come cheap, the food 

is totally worth it. 

Try the agadashi 

tofu or the teriyaki 

beef fi llet for a 

delicious explosion 

in your mouth. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Turquoise (Sea & Sun 

Complex, 6 Hertzel 

Rosenbloom Street, 

tel: 03 699 6306) 

Located in a luxury 

building north of the 

city and overlooking 

a beautiful beach, 

Turquoise offers a 

unique Mediterranean 

menu that specialises 

in seafood. The 

rich wine list is the 

perfect companion 

for the great food and 

spectacular views. 

AFTER DARK 

LIVE MUSIC 

Levontin7 (7 

Levontin Street, tel: 

03 560 5084) Right 

underneath this fun 

and lively bar lies a 

small, dark venue for 

indie rock musicians. 

Though there is no 

permanent schedule 

for the various 

concerts, the weekends 

are a relatively safe bet 

for jamming and 

rocking till late in 

to the night. 

LATE & LIVELY Lima 

Lima (42 Lilenblum 


0924) This cosy 

daytime bar morphs 

into a crowded club 

come nightfall. Usually 

you’ll hear hip hop 

music blasting out 

of the speakers,


Tel Aviv 

Israel 

but Saturday night 

is pure electro. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Carousel is 

a unique shop that 

sells furniture and 

items designed 

especially for kids. 

For décor inspiration 

for the little ones, or 

a few easy-to-takehome 

accessories, 

this is the spot (27 

Rothschild Boulevard, 

tel: 03 560 3750). 

SEE When the T- 

Market festival started 

a few years ago it was 

a small underground 

venture. Now it has 

become a huge bazaar 

dedicated entirely 

to the world’s most 

versatile piece of 

clothing, the T-shirt. 

Dozens of local 

designers sell cool 

and original T-shirts 

for around ILS100, 

while great music and 

lots of beer make this 

in to a lively event. 

This year the festival 

runs from 3–5 April 

(Barzilay Club, 13 

Harechev Street). 

GO April is the perfect 

time of the year to 

take a walk down 

the Tel Aviv boardwalk. 

It’s not too hot, you’re 

guaranteed beautiful 

sunsets, and there are 

plenty of restaurants 

in the area to sit 

down and sip 

delicious sundowners. 

ESCAPE Holon is 

just 20 minutes from 

Tel Aviv by taxi or bus. 

It is home to many 

exquisite museums, 

such as the brand 

new Design Museum 

designed by the worldfamous 

Ron Arad, the 

Children’s Museum, 

the Comics Museum 

and the Science 

Museum. Head here 

for a day of culture and 

you may not feel the 

need to visit another 

museum all year! 

(holon.muni.il). 

NO WAY! 

Dizengoff Street, 

the longest in Tel 

Aviv, is so popular 

thanks to its shops and 

cafés that during 

the 1980s it was 

even graced with 

its own slang verb 

“lehizdangef” meaning 

to amble or wander. 

Jonathan Canetti 

LOW 

KEY 

LoveEat (3 Nahalat 

Binyamin Street, tel: 

03 516 4412) This 

venue attracts young 

hip Tel Avivians. Enjoy 

light snacks with fresh 

coffee and fruit juices. 

It’s the perfect spot 

for reading. 

Tenerife 

South Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Route 487 stops at 

Los Cristianos and 

Playa de Las Americas. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Greek 

Corner (Centro 

Comercial Palm 

Beach, Playa de Las 

Americas, tel: 922 753 

788) For those bored 

with tapas why not go 

Greek at this authentic 

restaurant where 

the biftekia gemista 

(meatballs stuffed with 

feta cheese) are the 

house speciality. 

EXCLUSIVE Le 

Bistrot D’Alain 

(16 Valle Menendez, Los 

Cristianos, tel: 922 752 

336) Run by successful 

French restaurateur 

Alain Mills, this 

romantic restaurant 

offers diners a taste of 

France. Dishes 

such as duck confi t 

and lamb chaldron 

with mushrooms are 

just some of the stars 

on the menu. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Ben’s Bar 

(St Eugenio Alto, Adeje, 

tel: 922 713 314) If you 

want a venue where the 

children get as much 

entertainment as you 

do, this is the perfect 

place for all. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Shenanigans (The 

Patch, Playa de Las 

Americas) Some of the 

island’s top acts feature 

at this lively bar, with 

a happy “hour” from 

7pm–10pm. 

TAXI TAXI 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP If you like a store 

that has everything 

under one roof, El Corte 

Ingles is the place for 

you. Getting there 

requires an hour-long 

bus ride from Los 

Cristianos, but it is 

worth it to enjoy seven 

fl oors of quality goods 

(tel: 922 849 400). 

SEE From 23 April, 

towns such as Vilafl or 

and Icod de los Vinos 

celebrate the Fiesta 

del Santo Hermano 

Pedro, the patron saint 

of Tenerife. Also on 

this month, Whitney 

Houston sings live in 

Santa Cruz on the 30th 

at the Recinto Autoridad 

Portuaria de Santa Cruz 

de Tenerife. 

NO WAY! 

Tenerife may just be a 

small island off the coast 

of North Africa, but it’s 

attracted some bigname 

musicians to its 

shores. Michael Jackson, 

Rod Stewart and Elton 

John are just a few of the 

past performers. 

Natasha Laming 

Thessaloniki 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 





the city centre. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Rogoti 

(8 Venizelou, tel: 2310 

277 694) This is one of 

the oldest restaurants in 

town and an ideal spot 

for lunch. Try the famous 

rosiki salata dip and 

soutzoukakia meatballs. 

EXCLUSIVE Interni 

(6 Megalou Alexandrou 


865) This trendy 

waterfront restaurant 

and lounge bar has 

its own light and art 

installations. Enjoy the 

Asian fusion menu or 

bellini cocktails at the 

bar, as you peer out over 

the gulf of Thermikos. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Local 

Espresso Bar (17 

Germanou, Palaion 

Patron, tel: 2310 223 

307) Although it doesn’t 

sound like much, this is 

one of the city’s coolest 

hangouts. Whether it’s 

for early morning coffee 

or late-night drinks, this 

café-bar always has a 

hip crowd. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Lido Paradise (14km 

Salonica–Mihaniona 

Road, tel: 2310 471 021) 

Billed as the best dance 

club in Thessaloniki, 

Paradise hosts super 

parties and special 

events with live acts from 

Wednesday–Sunday. In 

the summer the terrace 

doesn’t close until after 

the gorgeous sunrise. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Modiano Market 

is the city’s biggest 

food market, and is 

heaving with fresh, local 

produce. Open air dining 

and nearby fl ower shops 

bring more colour and 

hubbub to this already 

buzzing area (between 

Aristotelous, Ermou, 

Vasileos Irakleiou, and 

Komninon Streets). 

SEE The Museum of 

Byzantine Culture is 

home to an impressive 

collection of historic 

art and icons. Exhibits 

are well-lit giving this 

museum the awesome 

glow of a giant treasure 

trove (2 Stratou Avenue, 

tel: 2310 838 597). 

NO WAY! 

A glass of café 

frappé – invented in 

Thessaloniki and made 

with instant coffee, 

sugar, water and ice – 

is often as strong as 

four espresso shots. 

Many cafés in Greece 

make it with two 

tablespoons of coffee! 

Deborah Hatch


Toulouse 

France 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 




The Toulouse- 

Blagnac Navette 

goes to the city centre. 

Tickets: €6 return. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Bar le 

Moderne (5 Rue du 

Rempart Villeneuve, 

tel: 05 6121 8772) This 

cosy café opposite 

the market serves up 

hearty salads and hot 

dishes at unbeatable 

prices. Sit outside on 

the terrace if there’s 

some early sun, 

otherwise grab 

a leather chair inside. 

UP TO €30 

Rose Bonbon 

(6 Bis Impasse de la 

Colombette, tel: 05 

6163 4846) You’ll fi nd 

this perfect spring 

hideaway within a little 

courtyard in the centre 

of town. Perfectly 

intimate in the 

evenings with candles 

and cosy nooks, it 

attracts many couples. 

Known for the dish 

that marries foie gras, 

with a side of beef in 

a foie gras sauce – this 

one is not for dieters. 

UP TO €50 L’Arôme 

et le Grain (4 Rue 

Isatis, Labège, tel: 05 

6247 5453) Really 

worth checking out on 

a (hopefully) sunny 

Easter weekend, this 

old farmhouse right 

by the river mixes 

Oriental, French and 

Moroccan infl uences 

into a dazzling array 

of fl avours – be sure 

to try the pigeon. 

EXCLUSIVE 

L’Amphitryon 

(Chemin de Gramont, 

Colomiers, tel: 05 6115 

5555) Just minutes 

from the city centre, 

L’Amphitryon features 

the unique creations 

of renowned chef 

Yannick Delpech. Its 

glass-roofed, dome 

terrace overlooks 

a wooded park and 

the city of Toulouse 

beyond, with a 

permanent wroughtiron 

exhibit within. 

Restaurant Michel 

Sarran (21 Boulevard 

Armand Duportal, 

tel: 05 6112 3232) 

Here you’ll fi nd refi ned 

southern cuisine 

prepared by one of 

Michelin’s brightest 

stars, Michel Sarran. 

Award-winning wines, 

traditional dishes 

and decidedly divine 

presentation await you 

in this utterly perfect 

spot. Try the egg and 

hen dressed with 

Aquitaine caviar, and 

shortbread almonds 

fl avoured with rhubarb, 

strawberry and thyme 

for dessert. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Le Van 

Gogh (21 Place 

Saint Georges, tel: 

05 6227 0449) The 

big terrace is ideal 

for people-watching 

and the atmosphere 

in this brasseriecafé-restaurant 

is so 

laidback that if you 

start the evening here, 

you just might end up 

sticking around 

all evening – very cool. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Mulligan’s (39 Grande 

Rue St Michel, tel: 05 

6114 0421) If you fancy 

a bit of Ireland, this 

pub has it all – beer, 

whiskey, quiz nights, 

student nights with 

cheesy pop, live music 

and sport on the TVs. 

All of this combined 

with a good craic too 

– what more could 

you want? 

LATE & LIVELY 

Disco Le Maximo 

(4 Rue Gabrielle-Peri, 

tel: 05 3441 1565) 

A fashionable, ultramodern 

dance venue 

catering to a welldressed 

clientèle with 

electro-house music. 

Things get started 

at 11pm and don’t 

wind down until 5am, 

from Thursday– 

Saturday nights. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Monde 

Meilleur buys and 

sells videogames, 

music and DVDs and 

has one of the widest 

selections around. It’s 

just the place to dive 

into on a rainy 

Saturday and while 

away a good few 

hours (7 Rue Lois, tel: 

05 6230 0090). 

SHOP Boutique 

Caroll caters to ladies 

who love fashion with 

traditional, elegant 

and distinctly feminine 

women’s clothes. Go 

on, you deserve it (31 

Rue Alsace Lorraine, 

tel: 05 6112 2497). 

SEE The Festival du 

Jeu features more 

board games than 

you ever dreamed 

existed all on display 

from 23–25 April in 

the Parc des Expos. 

If big gigs, rather than 

board games are more 

your cup of tea, Mika 

plays on the 30th in 

the Zenith Centre 

(tel: 05 6274 4949). 

GO Toulouse boasts 

a concentration of 

gardens in the heart of 

town. The Quartier de 

Jardins includes the 

Jardin du Grand-Rond, 

the Jardin des Plantes, 

and the Jardin Royal, 

which are all just 

coming in to bloom 

now. Plus, there are 

enough statues to fi ll 

a photo album. 

ESCAPE Albi is 

around an hour 

away by car and has 

fab architecture, 

a good market, a 

cathedral, and the 

entertaining and 

fascinating Toulouse 

Lautrec Museum. 

NO WAY! 

There are 160 parks, 

gardens, and squares 

in Toulouse – who 

knows where people 

fi nd the space to 

actually build a house. 

Samantha David 

Turin 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Buses go to the 

city. Tickets: €5.50. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Circolo 

dei Lettori (9 Via 

Gianbattista Bogino, tel: 

011 432 6828) Beautiful 

baroque Palazzo Graneri 

della Roccia hosts 

this restaurant: think 

creative regional cuisine. 

EXCLUSIVE Porta di 

Po (1E Piazza Vittorio 

Veneto, tel: 011 812 

7642) Here you’ll fi nd 

restored drawings 

adorning the walls and 

ancient tastes on the 

menu. Try the roast 

meat cooked with 

Barbera wine in this 

charming ambience. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Cabiria 

Café (20 Via Montebello, 

tel: 011 813 8560) In the 

basement of the Mole 

Antonelliana Museum 

of Cinema you’ll fi nd 

the café where you can 

sip a cup of tea while 

watching old movie clips. 

If you want to continue to read this magazine 

and cannot take it with you, visit 

‰infl ight.com/emag 

‰ 

LATE & LIVELY 

Victory Pub (32 Corso 

Francia, tel: 011 411 

8056) In this Englishstyle 

pub you’ll certainly 

be convinced by the 

range of beers and ales. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP P.A.I.S.S.A. has 

a huge selection of 

culinary products – the 

Easter eggs by Venchi 

are a pure delight (196 

Piazza San Carlo). 

GO On Via XX 

Settembre immerse 

yourself in ancient 

history. Here lie the 

remains of a Roman 

Theatre and the 

Renaissance Cathedral 

of Saint John, where the 

Holy Shroud is exposed 

from 10 April–23 May. 

NO WAY! 

Turin produces drinking 

water for International 

Space Stations. The 

water is iodinated 

for Americans, and 

disinfected with silver 

for Russians. 

Elena Pietrovichillo 

HOTEL AC 

TORINO 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Housed within an 

historic building 

dating back to 1908, 

the AC Torino makes 

for a luxurious stay. 




00000 EasyJet WEBSITE NEW.indd 1 18/3/10 09:41:25 

TAXI

Valencia 

Spain 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




Metro lines 3 and 

5 run to the city 

centre and train station. 

Tickets: €1.90 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 

Beirut King (4 Calle 

Felip María Garín, 

Mestalla, tel: 963 372 

164) Got a craving for 

hummus, falafel wraps 

and fresh kebabs? Then 

this contemporary 

Lebanese restaurant is 

the place to be. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Ca’Sento 

(17 Méndez Nuñez, 

tel: 963 301 775) One 

of Valencia’s top fi ve 

restaurants where 

classic Mediterranean 

seafood dishes are 

given Michelin-star 

treatment. Try the 

lunch set menu for 

a taste of luxury that 

won’t leave you broke. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Bianco La 

Terrazza (Edifi cio Veles 

i Vents, America’s Cup 

Port, tel: 963 448 944) 

The city’s terrazas have 

arrived with the spring 

sunshine and this one, 

in the heart of the 

renowned America’s 

Cup Port, is one of 

the best. Dress up 

and chill out. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Artico (11 Calle Arolas, 

tel: 963 910 857) Found 

hidden down one of 

the many back streets 

of Barrio Carmen, 

this stylish bar and 

restaurant buzzes 

with a mixed crowd 

of locals and intrepid 

tourists until late. 

TAXI TAXI 

A LFRIERI 

STUDIO DENTISTICO 

 

 

 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Booktique is 

the place to head for 

a dose of cuttingedge 

art and design 

literature, and one-off 

designer souvenirs (3 

Calle Mesón de Morella, 

tel: 963 920 626, 

booktiquelibreria.com). 

GO The Valencia 

region is famous for 

a sweet tigernut milk 

called horchata and 

Alboraya, 15 minutes 

from the centre of 

Valencia by metro, is 

the historic heart of 

its production. From 

Xàtiva, take line three 

in the direction of 

Rafelbunyol and go 

straight to Horchatería 

Daniel to try a long 

glass of it (46 Calle 

Milagro, Alboraya). 

NO WAY! 

Spain is famous for its 

paella, but few people 

know that Valencia is 

the culinary cradle of 

the ricey creation. 

Owain Thomas 

Venice 

Italy 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The ACTV yellow 

bus 5 runs to 

Piazzale Roma. Tickets: 

€2.50 single. 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €15 Leon 

Bianco (4153 Salizada 

San Luca, San Marco, 

tel: 041 522 1180) 

While meandering 

around the city this is 

a useful central spot 

for a drink, a hot snack 

or toasted sandwich. 

UP TO €30 

Gam-Gam (1122 

Sotoportego del Gheto 

Vechio, Cannaregio, 

tel: 041 715 284) The 

Ghetto’s only kosher 


a spread of Middle 

Eastern mezze to 

share as well as meat 

and fi sh dishes if it all 

looks too good to think 

of halving. 


Bitta (2753A Calle 

Lunga San Barnaba, 

Dorsoduro, tel: 041 

523 0531) A bistrostyle 

eatery with a little 

walled garden, which 

dishes up a short 

menu of tasty meat 

dishes and great 

local cheeses. 

Acquapazza (3808 

Campo Sant’Angelo, 

San Marco, tel: 041 

277 0688) Welcoming 

Antonio Ienacco offers 

deluxe pizzas and 

other specialities from 

his native Amalfi . 

EXCLUSIVE 

Fiaschetteria Toscana 

(5719 Salizada San 

Giovanni Grisostomo, 

Cannaregio, tel: 041 

528 5281) Despite 

its misleading 

Tuscan-sounding 

name this trattoria is 

a bastion of Venetian 

cuisine, offering such 

delicacies as schie (tiny 

prawns) and granseola 

(spider crabs). For the 

squeamish there 

are hearty dishes 

of meat and pasta 

on offer, too. 

Ai Gondolieri (366 

Ponte del Formager, 

Dorsoduro, tel: 041 

528 6396) One of the 

city’s gastronomic 

Meccas with discreet 

service to match 

(the restaurant also 

runs the café at the 

Peggy Guggenheim 

Collection across 

the canal). The 

emphasis is on meat 

and vegetables. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Angio Bar 

(2142 Riva San Biagio, 

Castello, tel: 041 277 

8555) This waterfront 

bar is the perfect 

spot to sip a glass of 

wine or traditional 

Venetian spritz al biter 

DO YOU WANT TO SAVE 50% ON 

YOUR DENTAL TREATMENT? 

Treatments at The Alfrieri clinic are up to 50% cheaper than 

most in the UK, Germany and France. 


(white wine, soda 

and Campari) while 

watching the sun set 

over the lagoon. 

LIVE MUSIC 

Chiesa San Vidal 

(2862B Campiello 

San Vidal, San 

Marco, tel: 041 277 

0593) Performances 

of mostly Italian 

classical pieces by 

the accomplished 

young Interpreti 

Veneziani ensemble 

are performed at this 

perfect venue. When 

people say Italian 

opera, this is what 

they are talking about! 

LATE & LIVELY 

Da Aldo (2710 

Fondamenta dei 

Ormesini, Cannaregio, 

tel: 041 715 834) 

A favourite nightcap 

rendezvous among the 

young and trendy of 

the city, this bar stays 

open reliably late, for 

that one last drink 

before heading off. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP For exquisite, 

SECRET 

ITINERARIES 

SEE Join this tour 

which guides through 

passageways and 

hidden chambers in 

the Doge’s Palace, 

and takes in the roof 

from which Casanova 

made a daring 

escape in 1756. 

handmade Venetian 

Easter chocolates 

look no further than 

Viziovirtù. You can 

indulge and drink 

a hot chocolate on the 

spot (2898A Calle del 

Campaniel, San Polo). 

GO Venice’s ancient 

ghetto is where the 

Jewish community 

was required to live 

from 1516 until 1797. 

The area takes its 

name from the local 

foundry (gheto) that 

was once there, and 

the term was adopted 

elsewhere. Very few 

Venetian Jews now 

live in the ghetto but 

the Lubavitch Hassidic 

sect from the US has 

recently established 

a presence there. 

ESCAPE If you fancy 

a country walk to 

enjoy the spring 

sunshine, take the 

number 13 vaporetto 

to the pleasingly 

rural market-garden 

lagoon island of 

Sant’Erasmo. If you 

don’t have time to 

pack a picnic, head for 

the Torre Massimiliano, 

an old Austrian fort, 

where you’ll fi nd the 

Tedeschi snack bar, 

a fab spot for lunch 

(tel: 041 520 3346). 

NO WAY! 

Venice ceased to 

be an island when 

the 4km-long railway 

from the mainland 

was completed in 

1846. The parallel 

road link was opened 

only in 1933. 

Roderick Conway 

Morris/roderickconway 

morris.com


Vienna 

Austria 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 




The CAT train 

goes to the centre. 





BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Gigerl (3 

Rauhensteingasse, tel: 

01 513 4431) The everpopular 

Gigerl serves 

up schnitzels and 

salads galore in a cosy, 

traditional interior. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Drei Husaren (4 

Weihburggasse, tel: 

01 5121 0920) This 

venue has been here 

since 1933. Revel in the 

luxury of a bygone age, 

complemented by well- 

prepared Austrian fare. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Café 

Prückel (24 Stubenring, 

tel: 01 512 6115) The 

elegant 1950s interior 

still feels strikingly 

contemporary, while the 

service comes in a bowtied 

fashion here. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Palffy Club (6 

Jozefplatz, tel: 01 2575 

30522) The centre of 

Vienna was short on 

clubs, but now it’s got 

a venue smack in the 

Palffy Palace. Join in the 

fun with a glammed-up 

crowd in this venue. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Austrian wine is 

under-appreciated, but 

that looks set to change. 

Drop by the 99 Wines 

store, where the owners 

will help you choose 

(11 Praterstrasse). 

GO With spring fi nally 

blooming, go for a stroll 

in the Vienna woods. 

Head for Kahlenberg hill 

for an ancient twist. 

TAXI TAXI 

NO WAY! 

Nineteenth century 

epidemics saw city 

graveyards moved to 

the outskirts. In Vienna, 

a pipeline was proposed 

to transport corpses 

to the cemeteries. 

However, the idea was 

soon rejected as a little 

too grotesque. 

Nick Hodge/ 

vienna-life.com 

NH 

ATTERSEEHAUS 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

This hotel specialises 

in self-contained 

apartments in the 

heart of Vienna. 

Enjoy breakfast on 

the hotel’s terrace. 



Zante 

Greece 


CURRENCY € 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 







BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Benikos 

Greek Gourmet 

Taverna (Planos, Tsillivi, 

tel: 269 504 4982) A 

delightful taverna serving 

fresh, hand-selected 

and local ingredients 

throughout the delicious 

menu. Favourites include 

the bursting mezze 

platters and roasted 

lamb kleftiko. 

EXCLUSIVE Tzougkri 

(Thoukididou, Kalamaki, 

tel: 210 983 6260) 

“Food is our culture” 

is the motto here, and 

once you have sampled 

the mouth-watering 

menu it would be hard to 

argue with the animated 

owners. This upmarket 

venue serves some of 

the highest quality food 

on the island. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Iris Bar 

(Alykes, tel: 269 508 

3727) As the sun sets 

over the mountains 

you can sit among the 

beautiful Mediterranean 

fl ora of the terrace 

garden and sip on a 

cocktail. With a happy 

hour, tasty children’s 

menu and the best 

selection of draughts on 

the island – Iris Bar has 

something to please all. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Rescue Club (Laganas) 

The largest club on the 

island offers hedonism 

at its best. With oldschool 

anthems, neonnights, 

underground 

rave parties, and DJs, 

Rescue is a must for all 

party animals. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Sigouros is a 

man whose passion is 

Byzantine pottery. You 

can visit his studio to 

watch the making and 

painting of the exquisite 

ceramics, or purchase 

the perfect holiday 

souvenir at his shop 

(Sigouros Pottery, Roma 

Avenue, Zante Town, tel: 

269 502 3739). 

GO Don’t miss the 

boat to Navagio Beach 

(Shipwreck Bay), 

which is considered 

to be one of the most 

stunning beaches in the 

world. With the warm 

turquoise waters of the 

Ionian lapping at its 

white sandy beaches, 

this slice of Greek 

paradise will make 

your stay on Zante 

unforgettable. 

NO WAY! 

The famous poet and 

writer of the Greek 

National Anthem, 

Dionysios Solomos 

was born on Zante. 

Victoria Poole 

Zürich 

Switzerland 


CURRENCY CHF 

FROM THE 

AIRPORT 

TAXI 



local taxi costs CHF60. 

Trains make the 

journey to the city 

centre every 15 minutes. 

Tickets: CHF6.20 




BON APPETIT 

UP TO €30 Forum 

(120 Badenerstrasse, 

tel: 043 243 8888) 

This casual but hip 

lounge bar is a great 

spot for Sunday 

brunch – order the 

tasty fry up. 

EXCLUSIVE 

Casa Aurelio (209 

Langstrasse, tel: 

044 272 7744) 

Traditional Spanish 

dishes are prepared 

on-site using the fi nest 

ingredients around. 

The extravagant 

interior and lively 

atmosphere are thanks 

to the irresistible and 

authentic hospitality 

of hosts Aurelio 

and Theresa. 

AFTER DARK 

LOW KEY Pelikanbar 

(18 Pelikanstrasse) 

Part of the famous 

Kaufl euten nightclub, 

this bright and calm 

café serves up great 

chocolate cake or 

cocktails, depending 

on your mood. 

LATE & LIVELY 

Zukunft (33 

Dienerstrasse) Its 

interior, similar to 

its music policy, is 

minimal but with a 

delectable disco twist 

on the side. 

THIS MONTH 

SHOP Freitag, a 

hip accessory label, 

has become one of 

Switzerland’s most 

famous names. The 

original courier bag, 

made out of recycled 

truck tarpaulins, is 

now a design classic 

and the fl agship 

store also stocks 

wallets, phone covers 

and even footballs 

(17 Geroldstrasse, 

freitag.ch). 

SEE Catch Global 

Design at the Design 

Museum throughout 

the month. The 

fascinating exhibition 

aims to show the 

effects that the 

globalised world 

has had on design 

since the 1970s 

(Museum für 

Gestaltung, museumgestaltung.ch). 

NO WAY! 

According to 

legend, the spooky 

Grossmunster Church 

is where the beheaded 

corpses of patron 

saints Felix and Regula 

dragged themselves 

to for their fi nal burial. 

Celeste Neill-Duvoison 

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Sicily 

Apulia 

Tuscany 

Piedmont 

Dolomites 

Amalfi Coast 

... and more 

Distinctive 

Luxury 

BW ZANTE PARK HOTELS 

Laganas, GR-29100 Zakynthos 

Tel. +30 26950 52310-4, Fax +30 26950 51949 

e-mail: zantepark@zanteparkhotels.gr 

www.zanteparkhotels.travel 

Athens Office: XT Travel Services, 1 Omirou Str., 

Nea Smyrni, GR-17121 Athens 

Tel. +30 210 9343468, Fax +30 210 9356512 

e-mail: xttravel@xttravelservices.gr 

www.xttravelservices.gr

CUSTOMER | CARE 

How to Contact Us 

Our customer 

experience team is 

available to help you, 

they are open 8am 

– 8pm Monday to 

Friday and 9am 

– 5pm Saturday 

There are so many good reasons to fly with easyJet 

and we’re not just talking about the price tag here! 

Fly through the airport 

★ Check in online up to 60 

days before you fl y. 

★ Print your own boarding card. 

Customers travelling with one 

piece of hand baggage only can 

bypass check-in and go straight 

through to security. 

★ If you’re travelling with hold 

luggage, you can drop your bags 

off at our new dedicated Bag Drop 

desks at check-in. 

No weight limit on 

hand baggage 

★ Assuming you can fi t it into the 

overhead bins without assistance, 


and Sunday 

(local times)* 

0871 244 2366 

0826 103 320 

899 234 589 

807 070070 

01805 029 292 

your hand baggage can weigh 

as much as you like. 

★ The dimensions of your hand 

baggage must not exceed 56cm x 

45cm x 25cm (including wheels, 

handles and pockets) and you can 

carry one piece only. 

Hop on an earlier fl ight for 

free if we’ve got a seat 

★ If you turn up early at the 

airport for your fl ight home, then 

you can transfer onto an earlier 

fl ight on the same day for free. 

★ Also, if you’re fl ying back to 

London then you can transfer to 

any London airport, be it Gatwick, 

Have we made you smile? 

At easyJet we strive to 

give you low fare travel 

but with a whole lot of 

care. You are always at the 

heart of everything we 

do, and giving you a great 

experience is what we’re 

aiming for. 

So if you’ve had 

a particularly good 

experience from a member 

of our crew, why not let 

them know that they’re a 

superstar? We could all do 

with a pat on the back and 

a “well done” every now 

0900 000 258 

0900 265 8020 

0703 203 025 

0900 000206 

Rest of the world 

+44 870 6 000 000 

and then. It will help us 

make sure we’re doing 

the right things to keep 

you smiling. 

If you have something 

positive to say, email 

us at thankyoucrew@ 

easyJet.com to tell us 

what was great. Please 

also include the date you 

fl ew, the fl ight number 

and if possible, the name 

of the crew member(s) 

you want to say thank you 

to. If you can’t remember 

their name(s) just give us 

* Please refer to 

easyJet.com for call 

charges. Calls may be 

recorded to improve 

your experience when 

travelling with or 

contacting us. 

Stansted or Luton. 

★ Just make your way to the 

easyJet sales desk to fi nd out more. 

Catch the next available fl ight 

for just £43 if you miss yours 

★ Don’t worry! If you have booked 

a return fl ight with us and arrive 

late at the airport for your fl ight 

home, then you may be able to 

transfer onto the next available 

fl ight for just £43. 

★ Just make your way to the 

easyJet sales desk to fi nd out if 

this is available. 

Change your fl ight 

itinerary online 

a brief description of them 

and we should be able to 

identify who you’re talking 

about and let them know 

you say thanks. 

If on the other hand 

you have comments on 

how we could improve 

your experience onboard, 

please use the help section 

on our website. Click on 

the FAQs section and 

enter ‘Feedback’ into the 

search fi eld. This will then 

give you options on how 

you can provide feedback. 

Let us know at thankyoucrew@easyJet.com 

Follow us on Twitter 

@easyJetCare 

We’re on twitter – follow 

us to receive information 

on how to make your travel 

experience better. 

★ Changing your easyJet fl ight 

itinerary online is simple 

★ Just go to My easyJet.com 

Speedy Boarding/ 

Speedy Boarding Plus! 

★ First through the gate and 

dedicated check-in (where 

available) for a small fee. 

★ Just book Speedy Boarding/ 

Speedy Boarding Plus! with your 

next easyJet fl ight/s. 

One of the world’s 

youngest fl eets 

★ With an average age of 3.4 

years, our aircraft are amongst the 

quietest and cleanest in the world.

Your Conduct Onboard 

Please consider your fellow 

passengers whilst onboard this 

fl ight and in particular the 

following information, which is 

in place in the interest of your 

safety and comfort. 

★ Smoking 

Smoking on any easyJet 

fl ight is strictly forbidden. 

★ Alcohol 

As explained in our retail 

brochure, alcoholic drinks are 

available onboard. These are 

served at the crew’s discretion to 

passengers of legal drinking age. 

Whilst onboard, you can consume 

alcoholic drinks purchased at the 

easyKiosk only. 

★ Safety Equipment 

In accordance with UK and 

international law, the captain is 

in command of the aircraft and 

every person onboard shall obey 

his or her lawful commands. In 

Quick Facts! 

★ We have 502 

routes, fl y to 117 

airports and operate 

in 28 countries! 

★ easyJet employs 

3,472* cabin crew 

across the network, 

with a further 327** 

Swiss cabin crew. 

★ We operate 183 

aircraft including 173 

Airbus and 10 Boeing 

Seating capacity 

Number of crew 

Take off speed 

Cruising speed 

Range 

fact, captains have the authority 

to take any actions they deem 

necessary to manage passengers 

who are disruptive or cause 

problems during fl ights. 

Please be reminded not to 

tamper with or remove any 

safety equipment onboard this 

aircraft, including the lifejackets. 

Any unauthorised actions 

may jeopardise the safety of 

other passengers and lead to 

prosecution. As explained in the 

safety announcement lifejackets 

are provided only in the event of 

passengers landing on water. 

★ Sharps Boxes 

Hypodermic 

needles are 

permitted onboard 

for medical use and 

should always be 

Hypodermic 

syringes 

disposed of in a proper sharps 

box. If you need to dispose of a 

needle please contact a member 

of the cabin crew. 

737’s. Our fl eet is one 

of the youngest in 

the world with an 

average aircraft age 

of 3.5 years! 

★ easyJet has been 

unveiled as Business 

Traveller Magazine’s 

‘Best Low Cost 

Airline’ for the 9th 

consecutive year, 

and Sunday Times 

Travel Magazine’s 

Boeing 737-700 

149 

2 pilots and 3 cabin crew 

162 mph 

530 mph 

3800 miles 

‘Favourite Budget 

Airline’ for 2009. 

★ easyJet has won the 

award for Best Airline 

Website by Travolution, 

the UK’s leading online 

multi-media travel 

industry publication. 

The highly prestigious 

awards recognised 

www.easyJet.com as 

‘straightforward and 

easy-to-use, this much 

Airbus A319 

156 


150 mph 

500 mph 

3000 miles 

★ Use of Electronic Devices 

Electronic devices, including 

mobile phones, can not be used 

whilst walking to/from the 

aircraft and must be switched off 

during take off and landing. 

However, electronic devices 

that you can use during the 

fl ight after take off and before 

landing include: 

★ Bluetooth devices excluding 

telephones. 

★ Devices that have a ‘fl ight 

mode’ or ‘fl ight safe’ setting, 

provided the fl ight safe mode 

setting is enabled before the 

aircraft doors are closed. 

★ Laptops including those with 

built-in WLAN/WiFi provided 

the WLAN/WiFi is turned off. 

★ Electronic games, MP3, DVD 

and CD players. 

If in doubt, please keep devices 

switched off for the duration 

of the fl ight as they may interfere 

with systems 

improved website 

has managed to 

integrate discreet 

use of up-selling and 

has integrated its 

partners in a smart 

way, all with some 

cutting edge user 

experience tools.’ 

*correct at 29th 

September 2009 

**correct at 31st 

August 2009 

Airbus A320 

174/180 


150 mph 

520 mph 

3050 miles 

PASSENGER | INFO 

Airbus A321 

210 


155 mph 

580 mph 

3500 miles 


NOTICIAS | ESPANA 

El otro lado de la primavera 

En primavera, hay destinos que 

realmente merecen la pena de ser 

visitados ya que embellecen con el 

calor que trae el buen tiempo para 

esta época. 

Una buena opción para esta 

primavera es volar a Marruecos 

y conocer alguna de sus ciudades 

más conocidas como Casablanca, 

Marrakech o Tánger. Este país se llena 

de turistas en verano, ahórrate los 

bullicios y el calor que hace en verano 

y recorre los bonitos zocos y medinas 

que esconden estos destinos con 

mayor tranquilidad y una temperatura 

ideal. Además, puedes hacer una 

escapada a estos destinos tan 

exóticos ya que easyJet ofrece vuelos 

desde solo 21,99€ por trayecto 

(tasas incluidas). 

Si en primavera te entran ganas 

de reencontrarte con la naturaleza, 

Edimburgo es el destino perfecto 

para hacerlo. Los verdes parajes de 

las famosas Highlands se llenan de 

vida en esta época. Visita el Castillo de 


Edimburgo, situado a lo alto de 

una colina que corona la bonita 

ciudad y desde donde se pueden 

observar unas fantásticas vistas 

de ella. Pasea por sus parques ya 

fl oridos o visita su gran jardín 

botánico. Con easyJet vuela a 

Edimburgo desde tan solo 25,99€ 

por trayecto (todo incluido). 

Además, llega el tiempo ideal para 

pasear en bicicleta. Por eso, easyJet 

te propone viajar en estos meses 

para hacer una visita a Ámsterdam. 

Coge una bicicleta, tal como hacen 

sus ciudadanos, y recorre los 

coloridos canales que atraviesan 

la ciudad. Uno de los destinos más 

bellos de Europa que es digno de 

ser visto en primavera. Vuela a 

Ámsterdam con easyJet desde 

23,99€ (tasas incluidas). 

No te lo pienses más y vuela a 

descubrir fantásticos destinos en 

primavera, la época del año que 

hace más bonitas las ciudades 

aportándoles un toque de color. 

La historia de Lisboa 

Date el lujo de hacer una escapada para visitar 

destinos encantadores que aún no has podido 

conocer y que son de visita obligada. 

Date un respiro y desconecta de la rutina volando 

a Lisboa, una ciudad con magia situada a lo alto de 

siete colinas. Recorre las calles y callejuelas que 

surcan sus bonitos barrios repletos de enigmáticos 

lugares donde relajarte tomándote un café o uno de 

los buenísimos pasteles de Belem. Otra opción para 

visitar la ciudad es darte una agradable vuelta en los 

típicos tranvías tan característicos de Lisboa. 

Como en todas las ciudades antiguas, cada 

Viajar por 

negocios, 

más fácil 

que nunca 

easyJet sabe que los viajes por 

negocios nunca son demasiado 

agradables por eso cada día procura 

que este tipo de viajes sean más 

fáciles y cómodos. 

Así, la aerolínea low cost vuela a 

centros de negocios tan importantes 

como París, Londres, Lisboa, Milán o 

Ámsterdam y aterrizando en la mayoría 

de las ocasiones en aeropuertos 

principales o muy cercanos a las 

ciudades con el fi n de que no tengas 

que perder tiempo en los trayectos y 

todo sea mucho más ágil y sencillo. 

Alguno de los muchos servicios 

que easyJet ofrece para que viajar 

por negocios sea más cómodo son 

los siguientes: 

Factura online: si sólo llevas una 

pieza de equipaje de mano ahorrarás 

también mucho tiempo, imprimiendo 

tu tarjeta de embarque y dirigiéndote 

directamente a la puerta de embarque, 

sin necesidad de hacer colas. 

Atrasa o adelanta tus vuelos: si tus 

reuniones se atrasan o se adelantan, 

no te preocupes, easyJet pone a tu 

disposición una tarifa plana de 52 

euros con la que podrás reservar un 

nuevo asiento. En el caso de que se 

adelante, podrás coger un avión antes 

de lo previsto siempre y cuando 

queden plazas libres. Si la reunión se 

retrasa, también te ofrecemos plaza 

en un nuevo vuelo si te presentas 

durante las dos horas posteriores a la 

salida de tu vuelo. 

Viajar por negocios con easyJet 

ya no es ningún problema. 

rincón y monumento guarda una apasionante 

historia. En Lisboa muchas de estas historias 

tienen que ver con el mar, con hombres valientes y 

ambiciosos reyes conquistadores que remiten a un 

pasado glorioso. Mientras que el barrio de Belem 

nos habla de la “Era de los Descubrimientos”, la vieja 

Lisboa puede apreciarse en las sinuosas calles de 

Alfama que recuerda los tiempos en que los moros 

ocuparon la ciudad. 

Conoce cada una de las historias que aguarda 

esta histórica ciudad volando a Lisboa con easyJet 

desde solo 16,99€ por trayecto (tasas incluidas).

Londra è sempre più easy 

Finalmente anche l’ultima 

neve si è sciolta ed è arrivata la 

primavera. Non c’è modo migliore 

per accoglierla che una gita ad 

Hamstead Heath, uno dei parchi 

più grandi del centro di Londra. Se 

passeggiare non ti basta potresti 

lanciarti in un tuffo in una pond 

– lago – dove i veri londoners vanno 

a nuotare tutte le mattine alle 6, con 

qualsiasi temperatura. Se decidessi 

di provare questa ebbrezza, il miglior 

modo per svegliarti in tempo è 

non andare a dormire affatto. E a 

Londra non sarà certo un problema. 

Potresti iniziare la serata in uno dei 

tanti ristoranti di Fulham Road, di 

Earls Court o - se vuoi già essere in 

centro - di Charlotte Street. Se ami 

la cucina indiana invece la tua via 

si chiama Brick Lane, ad Aldgate 

East. Per il dopo cena non ti resta 

che scegliere tra uno dei tanti club 

che affollano Old Street o le stradine 

di Soho. Se è ancora troppo presto 

per andare a ballare, non temere: in 

ogni angolo della città troverai un 

pub pronto a servirti tutte le pint che 

vorrai. Ma non esagerare: ricordati 

che devi arrivare sino all’alba. 

Pensi di non riuscirci? Il Fabric ti 

easyJet 

ti consiglia 

1 

2 

Evita le code in aeroporto! 

Fai il check-in online e vola 

subito sul tuo volo. 

Non preoccuparti del peso 

del bagaglio a mano: con 

easyJet non ci sono limiti. 

farà saltare almeno sino alle 5 del 

mattino con la musica elettronica 

dell’ultimo momento. A non farti 

sentire la stanchezza il giorno dopo 

ci penseranno, oltre al bagno nella 

pond, i mercatini di Camden Town 

e di Portobello Road. O magari una 

mostra contemporanea alla Tate 

Modern. Ti capiamo se non avrai le 

forze per andare a ballare di nuovo. 

Durante la giornata cerca di fare un 

salto a Leicester Square e prendi 

un biglietto scontato per uno dei 

tanti musical del West End. Ti farai 

senz’altro un bel regalo. E a proposito 

di regali, non sappiamo se a marzo 

compi gli anni, ma te ne vogliamo 

fare comunque uno: il volo. Da Milano 

Malpensa da 18,99€, da Roma a 

partire da 27,99€, da Napoli da 

26,99€ e da Venezia da 30,99€. 

L’Italia facile 

easyJet ti offre 5 voli al giorno da Roma 

Fiumicino a Milano Malpensa a partire da 

21.99€, 5 voli al giorno da Napoli a Malpensa da 

21,99€, 3 voli tra Catania o Palermo e Malpensa 

da 23,99€, 3 voli al giorno tra Palermo e 

Fiumicino da 21,99€. Queste sono solo alcune 

delle tratte italiane di easyJet. Tutte le altre le 

trovi su www.easyjet.com. Vola subito. 

NOTIZIE | ITALIA 

Il giro d’Italia 

si colore di arancio 

easyJet ti porta tutti i giorni in giro per 

l’Italia, da nord a sud. Nessuna bicicletta 

però: preferiamo metterti le ali ai piedi. 

Così puoi arrivare alla meta molto prima. 

Non ti resta che scegliere da dove partire. 

Magari dall’alba alla Playa di Catania, sul 

Mediterraneo più bello. La tua passeggiata 

sulla spiaggia può proseguire fi no al verde 

del Parco dell’Etna. Per l’escursione sul 

Vesuvio dovrai attendere solo un poco, 

giusto il tempo di arrivare a Napoli. E se 

la montagna ti ha stancato, sulla punta di 

Capo Posillipo ti aspetta un meraviglioso 

panorama. Forse ora non è il momento 

migliore per fare un bagno, ma puoi 

comunque farti un giro sull’acqua. O meglio, 

su una gondola, tra i canali di Venezia. Così 

non sentirai freddo, soprattutto se ti farai 

scaldare dalla tua dolce metà. E’ proprio 

un amore, non si merita un regalo? In Via 

Montenapoleone troverai sicuramente 

il gioiello giusto, basta cercare il volo 

per Milano. Se preferisci qualcosa di più 

simbolico, e soprattutto economico, fai 

una dichiarazione mettendo la mano nella 

Bocca della Verità; sarà low cost anche il 

nostro aereo per Roma. 

Tutto questo girare ti ha messo fame? 

Componi il tuo menu ideale: bucatini 

all’amatriciana nella capitale, cotoletta alla 

milanese una volta atterrato a Malpensa e 

poi via verso Napoli per sfogliatelle e babà. 

Per il vino, chiedere alle Cantine del Cugno 

Mezzano di Palermo: lì ne hanno 350 tipi. 

Il digestivo si potrebbe prendere all’Antico 

Caffè, dal 1855 il ritrovo preferito degli 

artisti a Cagliari. Purtroppo non solo la 

cena è arrivata alla conclusione, ma anche 

la giornata. Potresti festeggiarla deliziando 

le orecchie con l’opera del Teatro Massimo 

di Palermo, ballando all’Alcatraz a Milano 

o ovunque desideri. Per aiutarti a 

decidere, chiediti dove vorresti svegliarti 

domattina. Non possiamo portarti la 

colazione a letto, ma quasi: ti portiamo 

dove sogni di fare colazione. 


DERNIÈRES INFOS/NEUIGKEITEN | SUISSE/SCHWEIZ 

Envolez-vous vers de nouvelles destinations 

La ville rose, 4 vols par semaine 

Envie de voir la vie en rose ? Avec quatre 

vols par semaine à partir de 31.95 CHF 

au départ de Genève, accordez-vous une 

pause haute en couleurs dans la belle 

ville de Toulouse. Jeune, dynamique, 

cultivée, sportive, gourmande, branchée, 

historique, Toulouse fait chanter son 

accent passionnément. Une visite de la 

ville et de ses monuments s’impose, et 

devant autant de merveilles, vous aurez 

Bordeaux – Wein und „Tour de France“! 

Charmant schmiegt sich die französische 

Weinmetropole an die Garonne, bevor diese etwa 

100 Kilometer weiter in den Atlantik mündet. 

Bei einem Spaziergang durch Bordeaux mit 

seinen prachtvollen Bauten, engen Gassen und 

verwinkelten Ecken taucht man unverzüglich ein in 

vergangene Epochen. Umgeben von Weinbergen 

und den besten Weinlagen, war es der Wein, der 

Bordeaux den Reichtum brachte, welcher sich 

bis heute in der Altstadt widerspiegelt. 1810 

Hektar des großen Stadtgebietes wurde von 

der UNESCO zum Weltkulturerbe erklärt. Die 

einzigartige, historische Kulisse wird am 23. Juli 

erstmals wieder Etappenziel bei der „Tour de 

Bienvenue à Pristina, jusqu’ à 

2 fois par semaine, idéal pour 

retrouver familles et amis! 

À partir du 26 juin, easyJet vous propose 

au départ de Genève 2 vols hebdomadaires 

pour la capitale du Kosovo. Une destination 

désormais accessible à partir de 39,95 CHF 

l’aller simple que tous les Kosovars résidant 

dans la ville au jet d’eau vont apprécier. Pour 

retrouver votre famille et vos amis lors des 

vacances d’été, c’est donc le moment de 

réserver votre vol. Sans vouloir vous donner 


du mal à lâcher votre appareil photo! 

Les Abattoirs, le Théâtre National, 

les nombreux festivals, les fêtes de 

printemps et d’été, les cafés, les restos, 

les habitants… tout semble conçu ici pour 

vous faire perdre sinon la tête, du moins 

le Nord. « On dirait le Sud » comme dit la 

chanson, et ça fait du bien ! 

France“ sein. Der „Sprint Royale von Bordeaux“ 

über die Zielgerade auf den Quais, entlang 

der Garonne und ihren malerischen Fassaden 

aus dem 18. Jh. gilt als die zweitschönste und 

prestigeträchtigste Ankunft neben dem Finale auf 

der Pariser Champs-Elysees. Am Tag darauf wird 

auf der vorletzten Etappe ein Einzelzeitfahren von 

Bordeaux durch die Weinberge des Médoc nach 

Pauillac führen. Für Weinliebhaber verwandelt sich 

die Uferpromenade von Bordeaux vom 24.-27. 

Juni in ein einziges großes Weinfest. Ob zur „Tour 

de France“, Geschäfts- oder Genießerreise – wir 

fl iegen Sie bis zu viermal in der Woche ab 39,95 

CHF* nach Bordeaux. 

de conseils sur les charmes de Pristina que 

vous connaissez déjà, soyez sûr de vous 

sentir chez vous à peine le pied posé sur le 

sol. Retrouvez avec bonheur le mode de vie 

animé, les plats typiques et les traditions 

chères à votre cœur ! Pizzas, tapas et börek 

ne sont jamais aussi bons que lorsqu’ils 

sont cuisinés « maison ». Pour un vrai retour 

au pays : Pristina, nous voilà ! 

Check-in online 

à Genève 

Le check-in online disponible à partir de 60 jours 

avant le départ, c’est in ! Le principe est simple : 

vous pouvez procéder à votre enregistrement en 

ligne comme vous voulez et surtout quand vous 

voulez. Soit pour les voyageurs organisés à partir de 

60 jours avant le départ, ou pour les plus pressés, 

jusqu’à 2 heures avant l’heure prévue de décollage. 

Vous imprimez votre carte d’embarquement quand 

vous le souhaitez pendant cette période. Et le jour 

J, vous vous présentez directement au poste de 

sécurité. Et grande nouveauté cette année : le 

check-in online est possible même si vous avez des 

bagages en soute. Pas belle la vie, avec easyJet ? 

Unsere neuen 

Strecken von Basel- 

Freiburg ab Sommer! 

Wir expandieren weiter von Basel-Freiburg! 

Ihre Treue und Ihr Vertrauen in unseren Service 

ermöglichen es uns, unser Flugangebot weiter 

auszubauen und Ihnen ab Sommer gleich fünf 

neue Ziele ab Basel-Freiburg anzubieten! Buchen 

Sie früh unter easyJet.com und sichern Sie sich die 

günstigsten Preise. Fliegen Sie neu mit uns nach 

Pristina im Kosovo sowie ins französische Nantes, 

in die griechische Hafenstadt Thessaloniki, nach 

Ajaccio auf Korsika und Split an der kroatischen 

Adria. Flüge gibt es bereits ab 36,95 CHF*! 

Tägliche Flüge 

von Basel-Freiburg 

nach Madrid! 

Berühmt ist Madrid für die drei großen 

Kunstmuseen: „Prado“, „Thyssen- 

Bornmisza“ sowie „Reina Sofi a“! Am 

schönsten jedoch ist es, sich in der Stadt, die 

niemals schläft, einfach treiben zu lassen und 

im Straßencafé oder der Tapasbar am „Plaza 

de Santa Ana“ in „Huertas“, dem ehemaligen 

Dichterviertel, das Leben zu beobachten. 

Ein umfangreiches Kulturprogramm, 

Discotheken, Clubs, In-Lokale und Bars 

lassen die spanische Hauptstadt rund um die 

Uhr pulsieren! Starten Sie täglich mit uns von 

Basel-Freiburg nach Madrid ab 35,95 CHF*. 

* One-Way inkl. Steuern, Gebühren und Handgepäck, ggf. zuzüglich variabler Gebühren für aufzugebendes Gepäck und Kreditkartenzahlung. Preis nur für ausgewählte Ziele und Flüge.

Griechenland – Sommerurlaub 

im Land der Götter! 

Göttliche Sonne, blaues Meer und eine 

bezaubernde Inselwelt – in Griechenland 

wandelt man nicht nur auf Athens Akropolis 

auf den Spuren griechischer Götter und 

Philosophen! Fliegen Sie mit uns von 

Berlin nach Athen sowie von Dortmund 

und Berlin nach Thessaloniki ab 31,99 

€*! In den griechischen Städten trifft 

Tradition auf Moderne. Coole Clubs und 

Bars sind in den Ausgehvierteln Athens 

und Thessalonikis ebenso zu fi nden, wie 

traditionelle Restaurants und Tavernen. 

Die gastfreundlichen Griechen feiern gerne 

und so wird die Nacht zum Tag! Im bunten 

Markttreiben auf dem großen sonntäglichen 

Basar im Athener Stadtviertel „Monastiraki“ 

oder in Thessalonikis Marktviertel „Vatikioti“ 

werden typische Spezialitäten und allerlei 

Kurioses feilgeboten. Entspannung pur fi ndet 

man auf den griechischen Inseln in der Ägais. 

Ob Inselhüpfen, Segeltörn oder Badeurlaub 

– von Athen erreicht man über zahlreiche 

Fährverbindungen die traumhaften Inseln 

der Kykladen. Von Thessaloniki ist es nur ein 

Katzensprung auf die Halbinsel Chalkidiki 

mit ihren drei Landzungen Kassandra, 

Sithonia und Athos mit der gleichnamigen 

Mönchsrepublik. Auf Kreta, der größten und 

südlichsten Insel Griechenlands, laden kleine 

Dörfer und malerische Orte, wie Sitia oder 

Chania, in den Abendstunden zum Verweilen 

ein. Neben weitläufi gen Traumstränden hat 

Kreta spektakuläre Schluchten und eine teils 

sehr gebirgige Landschaft mit faszinierenden 

Ausblicken zu bieten! Starten Sie mit uns ab 

Berlin nach Kreta und in diesem Sommer 

neu nach Korfu ab 31,99 €*! Korfu, die 

„Grüne Insel“ im Ionischen Meer, ist geprägt 

vom saftigen Grün unzähliger Olivenbäume, 

kleinen Fischerorten im Nordosten, weißen 

Sandstränden und türkisblauem Wasser. 

Buchen Sie unter easyJet.com frühzeitig 

Ihre Sommerfl üge zum günstigsten Preis 

nach Griechenland und versäumen Sie nicht 

den Besuch im traditionellen „Kafenion“. 

Bei einem Glas Ouzo oder einem 

griechischen Kaffee, dem „kafe elliniko“, 

wird hier noch heute mit viel Temperament 

und hoher Lautstärke über Gott, Politik und 

die Welt philosophiert! 

NEUIGKEITEN | DEUTSCHLAND 

Im Frühling 

nach London! 

Entdecken Sie London zu seiner schönsten 

Jahreszeit! Picknick im Hyde Park und in der 

Frühlingssonne am Themseufer! Nutzen Sie unsere 

ausgezeichneten Tagesrandverbindungen nach 

London – morgens hin und abends zurück – für 

Ihre Geschäftsreisen nach London, einen Tagestrip 

oder länger ins frühlingshafte Greenwich oder ins 

königliche Windsor, zum Shopping in der Carnaby 

Street oder auf dem Portobello Road Market in 

Notting Hill. Mit uns starten Sie von Hamburg, 

München, Köln, Berlin, Dortmund und neu von 

Düsseldorf nach London ab 22,99 €*. Zusätzlich zu 

unserer bereits bestehenden Flugverbindung von 

Hamburg nach London Luton fl iegen wir Sie jetzt 

auch von Hamburg und Düsseldorf nach London 

Gatwick – ideal als Ausgangsort für Reisen in die 

südenglischen Grafschaften! 

Ankommen, Boarden, 

Fliegen – verlieren 

Sie keine Zeit! 

Mit unseren neuen Service-Angeboten verlieren 

Sie keine unnötige Zeit mehr am Flughafen! Ab 60 

Tagen im Voraus können Sie bei uns kostenlos mit 

Handgepäck und jetzt neu auch mit Aufgabegepäck 

online einchecken! Sie buchen Ihre Flüge über 

easyJet.com ganz bequem von unterwegs, aus dem 

Büro oder von zu Hause, im Anschluss checken 

Sie online ein und drucken einfach direkt Ihre 

Bordkarten aus. Am Flughafen geben Sie dann 

nur noch schnell Ihr Aufgabegepäck ab und gehen 

weiter zum Gate. Mit Speedy Boarding, Speedy 

Boarding Plus oder als Karteninhaber unserer 

easyJetPlus-Card vermeiden Sie zudem langes 

Anstehen in der Sicherheitskontrolle in Köln, 

Hamburg, Düsseldorf und München. Nehmen 

Sie dort einfach die „Fast-Lane“ zur schnelleren 

Abfertigung und gehen Sie mit Speedy Boarding 

ganz entspannt und als einer der Ersten an Bord! 

Roter Blitz und Feuernacht – von Berlin und Dortmund nach Mallorca! 

Mit ihrer unglaublichen Vielfalt ist Mallorca die 

beliebteste Ferieninsel im Mittelmeer! Sanft 

geschwungene Landstriche wechseln sich 

ab mit Gebirgszügen und beeindruckenden 

Gipfeln, geheimnisvolle Buchten mit weiten 

Sandstränden und idyllische Dörfer mit 

gewachsenen Städten! In der Altstadt von 

Palma gibt es wunderschöne Ecken und Plätze, 

Jugendstilbauten und Innenhöfe zu entdecken. 

Neugierige können bei einer Besichtigungstour 

einen Blick in die kleinen Oasen im Herzen 

der repräsentativen Herrenhäuser werfen! 

Bei einer Fahrt mit dem „Roten Blitz“, einer 

historischen Schmalspurbahn aus dem Jahr 

1912, welche Palma mit Sóller verbindet, 

lassen sich auf 27 km Länge auf wundervolle 

Art die Kulisse des Tramuntana-Gebirges, 

Gärten und Orangenhaine entdecken! Eine 

willkommene Abwechslung vom Strandurlaub 

auch für Kinder. Barocke Stilelemente und 

der amerikanische Kolonialismus prägen das 

Stadtbild von Sóller. Besonders sehenswert ist 

die Pfarrkirche „Sant Bartomeu“ aus dem Jahr 

1236, deren modernistische Fassade von einem 

Schüler Gaudis 1904 konzipiert wurde. Dem 

Schutzheiligen Sant Bartomeu gewidmet, ist 

auch eines der wichtigsten Feste der Stadt, die 

„Noche de Fuego“ Ende August. Fliegen Sie mit 

uns von Berlin und ganz neu ab April von Dortmund 

auf die Sonneninsel Mallorca ab 29,99 €*! 

* One-Way inkl. Steuern, Gebühren und Handgepäck, ggf. zuzüglich variabler Gebühren für aufzugebendes Gepäck und Kreditkartenzahlung. Preis nur für ausgewählte Ziele und Flüge. 


DERNIERES INFOS | FRANCE 

Désormais, partez à Toulouse 

de Roissy ou d’Orly 

Jusqu’à 7 vols par jour à partir de 37€ aller 

simple, taxes incluses. La vie à Toulouse 

est passionnante toute l’année… même 

pour des Parisiens! Diffi cile de choisir 

parmi les dizaines de manifestations 

en 2010 (cinéma, musique, théâtre, art 

moderne…). Nous avons sélectionné pour 

vous RIO LOCO : Festival International 

des musiques du monde à Toulouse 

(Juin 2010, cœur de fête du 17 au 21 - 16e 

édition). Festif et populaire, ce festival 

international des musiques du monde 

ouvre chaque année une fenêtre sur la 

création artistique d’un pays ou d’une 

région du monde avec concerts en plein air, 

spectacles jeune public, cinéma de minuit, 

arts visuels, gastronomie, artisanat , dans 

un parc en bord de Garonne. Cette 

année, Rio Loco fera s’exprimer toute 

la richesse et la créativité des cultures 

d’Afrique du Sud : Mbaquanga, marabi, 

Amateurs de sport, rendez-vous à Split! 

La Croatie est renommée pour sa grande 

densité de sportifs de haut niveau, tant en 

sport collectif que dans les sports individuels 

comme le tennis. Ce n’est pas un hasard. 

Par exemple, si vous aimez les sports 

nautiques, saviez-vous que Bol, sur l’île 

de Brac offre un des plus beaux spots de 

planche à voile sur l’Adriatique ? Partout, 

des installations de qualité et la douceur du 

climat vous permettront d’allier tourisme 

culturel et vacances actives. Des pistes 

cyclables sont à votre disposition sur tout 

le littoral. Vous pourrez aussi pratiquer des 


musiques zoulous, mais aussi reggae, 

hip-hop, électro… Entre tradition et 

modernité, l’édition 2010 nous invite à 

découvrir les différentes facettes d’Afrique 

du Sud, méconnues en France. Les 

cultures de la Nation Arc en Ciel prendront 

également leurs quartiers d’été dans toute 

la ville avec expositions, concerts, lectures, 

projections… Nous avons également 

retenu le Festival International de Théâtre 

d’enfants et de jeunes du 21 au 26 juin 

2010. Depuis 1987, ce Festival tisse des 

liens culturels entre 44 pays et 72 villes 

françaises ! Sa réputation en Europe 

n’est plus à faire. Il est un point de 

repère et un objectif sérieux pour les 

jeunes comédiens du monde entier. 

Les spectateurs viennent de très loin et 

sans cesse plus nombreux pour 

découvrir et apprécier les acteurs d’un 

théâtre innovant. 

sports extrêmes comme le canyoning, le 

canoë, le rafting et le free-climbing. Amateurs 

d’équitation, vous y trouverez vous aussi 

votre compte avec des clubs équestres 

de grande qualité et des chevaux de race 

par centaines. Pour vous reposer, vous 

retrouverez toute la richesse monumentale 

et les curiosités de la ville de Split dont la rue 

réputée la plus petite au monde surnommée 

“Laisse-moi passer” 

Nous vous laissons passer vers Split au 

départ de Paris - à réserver pendant l’été à 

partir de 43€ aller simple, taxes incluses. 

Palma de Majorque 

- allez au-delà 

des apparences! 

On ne va pas vous mentir. En été, il y a du monde! 

Mais les vrais connaisseurs qui y retournent 

volontiers sans pour autant être ni jet setters, 

ni attirés par la foule, savent que derrière les 

kilomètres d’installations balnéaires il y a des 

trésors de beauté et de dépaysement. Certains 

paysages au Nord de l’Ile sont absolument protégés 

et magnifi ques. Dans les murs même de Palma de 

Majorque, la Casco Antiguo ou vieux quartier offre 

un ensemble de ruelles extrêmement charmantes. 

On peut oublier l’espace d’une promenade les 

boîtes de nuit et clubs huppés qui ont fait la 

réputation de l’île. La Cathédrale par exemple, face 

à la mer, ou le palais de l’Almudaina contenteront 

les plus exigeants d’entre vous. Partez cet été du 

10 juillet au 26 août à partir de 52€ aller simple, 

taxes incluses au départ de Paris CDG. 

Nouveau! 

Rome au départ de Nice à partir de 28€, 

aller simple, taxes incluses 

De la French Riviera à la ville éternelle, 

pas désagréable la vie! 

PHOTOS © ALAMY

Discover the Highlights of Germany 

Germany is tipped to be one of the 

‘must visit’ destinations for the perfect 

weekend getaway in 2010. The good 

news is that we are making it easier 

and more affordable to travel to the 

country’s key cities with new routes 

from London Gatwick to Düsseldorf 

and Hamburg. To ensure you enjoy 

the best the country has to offer we 

have compiled a whirlwind guide to 

Germany’s hot spots from historic 

culture and stunning attractions to 

shopping and delicious food. 

DUSSELDORF 

Situated on the Rhine River, Düsseldorf 

is the place to visit for culture vultures. 

Famous for its artistic heritage (Paul 

Klee, Joseph Beuys and Gerhard Richter 

all studied at the city’s Academy of Fine 

Arts), Düsseldorf has plenty on offer. 

While wandering around the city, 

head to the beautiful Altstadt, also 

known as the Old Town District. The 

area is renowned for the Schlossturm 

(The Düsseldorf Castle Tower) and 

St Andreas Church. Just visiting this 

area will give you a fl avour of the history 

and splendour. 

The Rhine Tower is one of the most 

famous attractions of the city. Located 

south of the river, the views from the 

top fl oor of the tower allow you to see 

the spectacular panorama of the city. 

If you fancy some ‘high dining’, then 

return at night when the tower opens 

its own restaurant, the Günnewig 

Rheinturm. The tower gently rotates, 

giving customers a 360° view of the 

city and Rhine River. 

For shopping addicts, Düsseldorf 

is one of the most elegant shopping 

metropolises, with stylish boutiques 

and arcades located in the 

Königsallee district. 

easyJet fl ies to Düsseldorf from 

London Gatwick. Prices start from 

£30.99 single inc. taxes* 

HAMBURG 

Labelled as Europe’s greenest 

city, Hamburg is dominated by the 

160-hectare Lake Alster, which is 

surrounded by parks, promenades and 

quaint waterfront cafés. 

The city also has beautiful 

architecture, including the St Michaelis 

church, Deichstrasse and the Rathaus 

marketplace. Many of the key 

attractions at night are dramatically lit, 

transforming the city into a romantic 

haven once the sun has gone down. 

Couples can also enjoy a traditional 

steamboat ride winding through the 

city’s many canals. There are a vast array 

of boat tours which meander through the 

city to choose from – visit hamburgtourism.de 

for more information. 

easyJet fl ies to Hamburg from 

London Gatwick and London Luton. 

Prices start from £27.99 single inc. taxes* 

BERLIN 

Berlin is brimming with history and 

offers the perfect mix of the cultural and 

cosmopolitan, allowing visitors to admire 

stunning German art at the Schloss 

Charlottenburg or shop to their hearts’ 

content in the Kurfürstendamm area. 

The best way to see the city in all its 

glory is through the legendary and free 

New Berlin Tour – perfect for visitors 

on a budget. Led by passionate and 

energetic British guides, the tour will 

fascinate those who want to learn about 

German history. Starting off at the 

NEWS | UK 

beautiful Brandenburg Gate, you will see 

famous places such as the Reichstag, 

the Berlin Wall and the Old Royal 

Boulevard. Visit newberlintours.com 

for more information. 

When the sun goes down, Germans 

are renowned for their partying and the 

city is fast becoming a mecca for 

clubbers who come to the German capital 

looking for top class DJs and clubs. 

easyJet fl ies to Berlin from Bristol, 

Glasgow, Liverpool, London Gatwick and 

London Luton. Prices start from £31.99 

single inc. taxes* 

MUNICH 

In Munich the traditional happily coexists 

with the modern, as museums 

featuring artistic masterpieces and 

extravagant palaces meet with the 

world of BMWs and designer boutiques. 

For motor enthusiasts, the BMW 

Museum brings the BMW brand and 

heritage to life by merging art, history 

and design in an innovative and 

dynamic exhibition. 

Germany is famous for its love of 

beer, and the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl 

is arguably the most famous beer hall 

in the world. Located in the city centre, 

the restaurant features Bavarian dishes 

such as knuckle of pork and Weisswurst 

(white sausage) with traditional Bavarian 

music playing during regular hours. 

easyJet fl ies to Munich from 

Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London 

Stansted and Manchester. Prices start 

from £30.99 single inc. taxes* 

Book now at easyJet.com 

*Prices correct as at 16 February 2010. For travel 

1 April to 30 October 2010. Variable charges for hold 

baggage apply and some payment methods attract 

a handling fee. See website for details. 


Bear 

Necessity 

Gulliver could win his owner a pair of 

free fl ights from his travel photos. The 

intrepid bear has a hectic schedule, 

as you can see below, so the 

competition is on to get snapping. 

1 Gulliver takes to the snow in 

Switzerland. “Boarding is easy! 

You just strap your feet in and go... 

until you fall over. Ouch!” Bernese 

Oberland, Christine Bruce 

2 He might look cute, but this bear 

has a surprising secret: “It’s true, I’m 

Count Gulliver!” Dracula’s Castle, 

Bucharest, Noemí Solis Gutierrez 

3 “I’ve never been to the opening 

ceremony of the Winter Olympics 

before! When can I compete for a 

gold medal?” Vancouver, Luis 

Lagunes Hernandez 

4 “Life’s a beach! What more 

could I ask for? I’ve got sun, sea, 

sand and Spanish wine!” Tarifa, 

Alastair Sanchez 

5 “What a view! I don’t get this from 

my bedroom window.” 

Hong Kong, Charley Surfl eet 

6 “Let’s celebrate this special day 

in style in the entertainment capital 

of the world!” Las Vegas, Yan-kay 

Cheung & Adrian Sztogryn 


WIN 

FREE 

FLIGHTS 

1 

How to Win! 

Send your snaps of Gulliver on his travels to the email below and every two months, an expert panel of bear judges 

will pick out a winner. Gulliver costs £10/€12.50 onboard your fl ight. Buy the bear and then create his wardrobe. 

Current outfi ts include Pilot and Snowboarder and his latest French outfi t at £6/€7 each. He’s even got his own 

Facebook page! Email your pics to gulliverbearonhistravels@easyJet.com Winners will be notifi ed by email 

6 

5 

2 

3 

4

LUXURY 

BARGAIN 

EUROPEANS’ FAVOURITES 

FAMILY 

B&BS AND INNS 

ROMANCE 

RELAXATION & SPA 

TRENDIEST 

BEST SERVICE 

(Don’t take our word for it. Ask our 15 million members.) 

TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2010 – revealing travellers’ 

favourite hotels around the world. 

 

 

 

See all the winners 

online at TripAdvisor 

Andronis Luxury Suites, 

Oia, Greece 

“It was so beautiful, 

I felt like I was 

in another world.” 

- A TripAdvisor Member 

tripadvisor.co.uk | tripadvisor.com.br | tripadvisor.de | tripadvisor.dk 

tripadvisor.es | tripadvisor.fr | tripadvisor.ie | tripadvisor.it | tripadvisor.nl 

tripadvisor.se | tripadvisor.com.tr 

Find TripAdvisor hotel reviews at www.hotels.easyJet.com 

Ruzzine Palace Hotel, 

Venice, Italy 

“A rare gem of a hotel.” 

- A TripAdvisor Member

Take the controls! 

Enjoy the freedom of your 

own handset to watch movies 

and play games as you fly * 

– available to rent onboard. 

Unlimited use of games, movies and TV favourites 

 

Free pair of headphones for you to keep with 

every rental 

Please see your Boutique & Bistro for pricing 

*Subject to availability. Available on selected routes only, ask your cabin crew for more details. 

Movies 

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS 

Two people discover that they are 

married after a night of debauchery 

in Vegas. One of them won a huge 

jackpot with the other’s quarter 

and the pair battle for the money, 

falling in love along the way. Starring 

Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher. 

Rating 12A. Comedy. 96 mins. 

LE DIABLE S’HABILLE 

EN PRADA 

Fraîchement diplômée, Andrea 

débarque à New York et décroche le 

job de rêve. Mais en tant qu’assistante 

de la tyrannique rédactrice en chef 

d’un prestigieux magazine de mode, 

elle va vite devoir faire son choix 

entre sa carrière et sa santé mentale. 

Avec Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway. 

Rating PG. Comédie. 109 mins. 

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT 

TAKEN 

A former government operative 

comes out of retirement and uses 

his extensive training to rescue his 

estranged daughter from a slave 

trade operation. Starring Liam 

Neeson and Maggie Grace 

Rating 15. Action/Drama. 89 mins. 

VIVE LIBRE & DURO DE MATAR 

Un ataque en la vulnerable 

infraestructura de los Estados 

Unidos comienza a aislar la nación. 

La misteriosa figura detrás del 

suceso ha calculado todos los 

angulos posibles, excepto por un 

policía de la vieja vanguardia. 

Bruce Willis es John McClane. 

Clasificación 15. Acción/ 

Suspense. 121 mins 

GARFIELD 2: A TAIL 

OF TWO KITTIES 

America’s favourite feline, Garfield, 

follows his owner, Jon to England. 

There, he is mistaken for a look-a-like, 

regal cat who has inherited a castle. 

Garfield savours the royal treatment, 

but his reign is in jeopardy. Voice of 

Bill Murray and Jennifer Love Hewitt. 

Rating U. Family/Comedy. 78 mins. 

HERR UND FRAU SMITH 

Bei Herr und Frau Smith scheint 

es sich um ein typisches Ehepaar 

zu handeln, deren Ehe an Schwung 

verloren hat. Beide haben jedoch ein 

grosses Geheimnis: Beide Ehepartner 

sind hochkarätige Auftragsmörder, 

deren nächster Auftrag darin besteht, 

sich gegenseitig umzubringen. 

FSK ab 15. Action/Abenteuer. 

110 Min. 

FREE 

PAIR OF 

HEADPHONES 

FOR YOU 

TO KEEP 

WITH EVERY 

RENTAL 

X-MEN 3 – THE LAST STAND 

In the final chapter of the trilogy, a 

“cure” for mutancy is found. For the 

first time, mutants have a choice: 

retain their uniqueness, though 

it isolates and alienates them, or 

give up their powers and become 

human. Starring Hugh Jackman 

and Patrick Stewart. Rating 12A. 

Action. 104 mins. 

Brought to you by 

Part of the Travel 

Entertainment Group 

The “PS” Family logo, “PlayStation” and “PSP” 

are registered trademarks of Sony Computer 

Entertainment Inc. 

All rights reserved. Movies have been edited 

for airline use. This rating relates to the 

theatrical version of the movie. 

Games titles may vary. Subject to availability.

Games 

MI HIGH 

Children’s drama series about 

undercover agents in an inner-city 

high school. Kids. Rating U. Live 

action. 30 mins. 

GAME 1 HOT SHOT GOLF Rated: E10+ GAME 3 BUZZ! MASTER QUIZ Rated: E10+ 

GAME 2 WIPEOUT PURE Rated: E GAME 4 RACHET AND CLANK Rated: E10+ 

JOHNNY BRAVO 

El que habla como 

lo hacía Elvis Presley 

y con un ego mas 

grande que sus bíceps 

Clasificación Todos los Públicos. 

Animación para niños. 30 mins 

Please note these are US ratings which are generally conservative. 

Ratings explained: E = Everyone. E10+ = Everyone 10+. 

Hot Shots Golf is a registered trademark of 

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc 

Wipeout is a registered trademark of 

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 

TV Favourites easyJet’s TV Favourites rating is for guidance only. 

MARSUPILAMI 

Des fins fonds de la jungle, nous 

sommes heureux de vous présenter 

le seul et unique Marsupilami! 

Enfants. Divertissement. 30 mins. 

ED, EDD AND EDDY 

Pour se faire de l’argent, les garçons 

essaient d’inventer des arnaques. 

Enfants. Animation. 30 mins 

MUNDO CON ESTILO 

La serie muestra lo que se necesita 

para hacer el diseño de una nación 

único y examina cómo y porqué 

evolucionó. Clasificación N.R.M. de 

13 años. Estilo de vida. 30 mins 

DEVOTION 

‘Devotion’ looks at Michael 

Jackson’s inspirational life. 

Adult. Rating 12A. 

Music. 60 mins. 

LES MEILLEURS RÉALISATEURS 

D’HOLLYWOOD 

Un sujet de 30 minutes 

pour découvrir les coulisses 

de la créativité des meilleurs 

réalisateurs d’Hollywood. 

Adulte. Divertissement. 

30 mins. 

DESTINO ARTE 

Mostrando algunas de las 

figuras creativas mas conocidas 

del mundo del arte. 

Clasificación N.R.M. de 

13 años. Viajes. 30mins 

WIE ICH DEINE MUTTERTRAF 

Ted´s Aussichten auf seiner Suche 

nach Liebe ändern sich, als er ein Hemd 

wiederentdeckt, das seit Jahren nicht 

mehr das Tageslicht gesehen hat. 

FSK ab 12. Comedy. 30 Min. 

BUZZ! is a registered trademark of 

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 

Ratchet and Clank is a registered trademark 

of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc 

HOW TO LOOK 

GOOD NAKED 

Gok tries to give Leana 

back her style and confidence. 

Adult. Rating 12A. 

Lifestyle. 30 mins. 

BEN 10 

Quando si abbatterono nel più 

grande centro commerciale degli 

Stati Uniti, a Ben e Gwen sembrò 

di vivere il miglior momento della 

loro vita. Bambini. Consigliato: 

tutte le età. Animazione. 

30 minuti. 

POCOYO 

Una serie animada en un jardín 

infantil acerca de un niño curioso. 

Se le invita al telespectador a 

interactuar. Niños. 

Clasificación Todos 

los Públicos. 30 mins. 

DIE SIMPSONS 

Bart hat Angst, durch einen Intelligenztest 

zu fallen. Daraufhin tauscht er seine 

Prüfungsunterlagen mit Martin Prince. 

FSK ab 12. Zeichentrick. 30 Min. 

BONES 

A darkly amusing show with 

humour, heart and character. 

Adult. Rating 12A. Drama. 

60 mins. 

EXTREMETRAVELLERS 

Segui alcuni insoliti turisti 

che visitano i posti più belli 

per soddisfare la loro passione 

per l’estremo. Adulti. Consigliato: 

da 12 anni in su. Lifestyle. 

30 minuti. 

MALCOM EN EL MEDIO 

Una comedia poco convencional 

acerca de una extraña familia 

disfuncional, en el medio de la cual 

esta Malcom, un chico intelectualmente 

muy avanzado, un genio. Clasificación 

N.R.M de 13 años. Comedia. 30 mins. 

SHARK 

Sebastian Stark (James Woods) ist 

ein Strafverteidiger, der mit harten 

Bandagen für seine Mandanten kämpft. 

FSK ab 12. Drama. 60 Min.

WHERE WE FLY | NETWORK 

ABERDEEN London Luton. 

AGADIR London Gatwick, 

Milan Malpensa, Paris Charles 

De Gaulle. 

ALICANTE Basel-Mulhouse, 

Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, 

Geneva, Glasgow, Liverpool, 

London Gatwick, London Luton, 

London Stansted, 

Manchester, Newcastle. 

ALMERIA London Gatwick. 

AMSTERDAM Basel- 

Mulhouse, Belfast, Bristol, 

Doncaster Sheffi eld, Edinburgh, 

Geneva, Liverpool, London 

Gatwick, London Luton, 

London Stansted, Madrid, 

Milan Malpensa, Prague, Rome 

Fiumicino, Split. 

ANTALYA London Gatwick. 

ASTURIAS Geneva, 

London Stansted. 

ATHENS Berlin Schoenefeld, 

London Gatwick, Manchester, 

Milan Malpensa, Paris Orly, 

Rome Fiumicino. 

BARCELONA Basel- 

Mulhouse, Belfast, Berlin 

Schoenefeld, Bristol, 

Doncaster Sheffi eld, Dortmund, 



London Stansted, Lyon, Milan 

Malpensa, Newcastle. 

BARI Milan Malpensa. 

BASEL-MULHOUSE 

Alicante, Amsterdam, 

Barcelona, Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Bordeaux, Cagliari, Corsica 

(Ajaccio), Düsseldorf, 

Hamburg, I ˙ stanbul, Lisbon, 

London Gatwick, Madrid, 

Málaga, Marrakech, Nantes, 

Naples, Nice, Olbia, Rome 

Fiumicino, Porto, Pristina, Split, 

Thessaloniki. 

BELFAST Alicante, 

Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bristol, 

Edinburgh, Faro, Geneva, 

Glasgow, Ibiza, Krakow, 

Liverpool, London (Gatwick, 

Stansted), Málaga, Newcastle, 

Majorca, Nice, Paris Charles De 

Gaulle, Prague. 

BELFAST CITY 

London Luton. 

BERLIN SCHOENEFELD 

Athens, Barcelona, 

Basel-Mulhouse, Bristol, 

Brussels, Budapest, Cagliari, 

Copenhagen, Corfu, Crete 

(Heraklion), Dubrovnik, 

Geneva, Glasgow, Ibiza, Lisbon, 

Liverpool, London (Gatwick, 

Luton), Madrid, Majorca, 

Málaga, Milan Malpensa, 

Naples, Nice, Olbia, Paris Orly, 

Pisa, Rome Ciampino, Split, 

Thessaloniki, Venice. 

BIARRITZ London Gatwick, 

Lyon, Paris Charles De Gaulle. 

BILBAO Ibiza, 


BIRMINGHAM 

Geneva, Grenoble. 

BODRUM Bristol, Liverpool, 

London (Gatwick, Stansted). 

BORDEAUX Basel- 

Mulhouse, Bristol, Geneva, 

Liverpool, London Gatwick, 

Luton, Lyon, Milan Malpensa. 

BOURNEMOUTH Geneva. 

BRINDISI Geneva, 

Milan Malpensa. 

BRISTOL Alicante, 

Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, 

Berlin Schoenefeld, Bodrum, 

Bordeaux, Corfu, Corsica 

(Bastia), Crete (Heraklion), 

Cyprus (Paphos), Dalaman, 



Glasgow, Grenoble, Ibiza, 

Innsbruck, Inverness, Krakow, 

La Rochelle, Lisbon, Madeira, 

Madrid, Majorca, Málaga, 

Marseille, Menorca, Milan 

Malpensa, Murcia, Newcastle, 

Nice, Olbia, Paris Charles De 

Gaulle, Pisa, Prague, Rome 

Ciampino, Split, Tenerife, 

Toulouse. 

BRUSSELS Berlin 

Schoenefeld, Geneva, Lyon, 

Milan Malpensa, Nice. 

BUCHAREST Madrid, 


BUDAPEST Berlin 

Schoenefeld, Dortmund, 

Geneva, London Gatwick, 

London Luton, Paris Orly. 

CAGLIARI (SARDINIA) 

Basel, Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Geneva, London Stansted, 


CASABLANCA Lyon, 

Madrid, Milan Malpensa, Paris 

Charles De Gaulle. 

CATANIA (SICILY) 

Milan Malpensa, Paris 


COLOGNE/BONN 

London Gatwick. 

COPENHAGEN Berlin 

Schoenefeld, Geneva, London 

Gatwick, London Stansted, 

Manchester, Milan Malpensa. 

CORFU Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Bristol, London Gatwick, 

Manchester, Milan Malpensa. 

CORSICA (AJACCIO) 

Basel-Mulhouse, Geneva, 

London Gatwick, Paris 


CORSICA (BASTIA) 

Bristol, Geneva, London 

Gatwick, Lyon, Manchester, 

Paris Charles De Gaulle. 

CRETE (CHANIA) 


CRETE (HERAKLION) 

Berlin Schoenefeld, Bristol, 

Geneva, London Gatwick, 

Manchester, Milan Malpensa, 


CYPRUS (LARNACA) 


CYPRUS (PAPHOS) 


London Luton, Manchester. 

DALAMAN Bristol, London 


Manchester. 

DORTMUND Barcelona, 

Budapest, Krakow, London 

Luton, Majorca, Thessaloniki. 

DONCASTER 

SHEFFIELD 

Amsterdam, Barcelona, 

Faro, Majorca, Prague. 

DUBROVNIK Berlin 

Schoenefeld, Geneva, Liverpool, 

London Gatwick, Milan 

Malpensa, Paris Orly, Rome 

Fiumicino. 

DUSSELDORF Basel- 

Mulhouse, London Gatwick, 


EDINBURGH Alicante, 

Amsterdam, Belfast, Bristol, 

Geneva, Krakow, Lisbon, 

London (Gatwick, Luton, 

Stansted), Lyon, Madrid, Milan 

Malpensa, Munich, Majorca, 

Nice, Paris Charles De Gaulle. 

FARO Belfast, Bristol, 

Doncaster Sheffi eld, Geneva, 

Glasgow, Liverpool, London 


London Stansted, Newcastle, 

Paris Orly. 

FUERTEVENTURA 

Liverpool, London 

Stansted, Madrid. 

GENEVA Alicante, 

Amsterdam, Asturias, 

Barcelona, Belfast, Berlin 

Schoenefeld, Birmingham, 

Bordeaux, Bournemouth, 

Brindisi, Bristol, Brussels, 

Budapest, Cagliari, Copenhagen, 

Corsica (Ajaccio), Corsica 

(Bastia), Crete (Heraklion), 

Dubrovnik, Edinburgh, Faro, 

Glasgow, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, 

Lisbon, Liverpool, London 

(Gatwick, Luton, Stansted), 


Manchester, Marrakech, 

Nantes, Naples, Newcastle, 

Nice, Olbia, Paris Orly, Porto, 

Pristina, Rome Ciampino, 

Sharm El Sheikh, Split, 

Stockholm, Tel Aviv, Toulouse. 

GIBRALTAR 


GLASGOW Alicante, Belfast, 


Faro, Geneva, Ibiza, London 


Málaga, Majorca, Paris Charles 

De Gaulle. 

GRAN CANARIA 

Geneva, London Gatwick. 

GRENOBLE 

Birmingham, Bristol, London 

Gatwick, London Luton. 

HAMBURG Basel-Mulhouse, 

London Gatwick, London Luton. 

HELSINKI London 

Gatwick, Manchester, Paris 


HURGHADA 


IBIZA Belfast, Berlin 

Schoenefeld, Bilbao, Bristol, 

Geneva, Glasgow, Liverpool, 

London (Gatwick, Luton, 

Stansted), Lyon, Madrid, Milan 

Malpensa, Naples, Newcastle, 

Paris Charles De Gaulle, Rome 

Fiumicino, Venice. 

INNSBRUCK Bristol, 

Liverpool, London Gatwick. 

INVERNESS Bristol, London 

(Gatwick, Luton). 

ISLE OF MAN Liverpool. 

ISTANBUL Basel-Mulhouse, 

London Gatwick, London Luton. 

JERSEY Liverpool. 

KOS London Gatwick. 

KRAKOW Belfast, Bristol, 

Dortmund, Edinburgh, 


London Luton, Newcastle, Paris 


LAMEZIA Milan Malpensa, 


LANZAROTE Liverpool, 

London Gatwick, Madrid. 

LA ROCHELLE 

Bristol, London Gatwick. 

LISBON Basel-Mulhouse, 


Edinburgh, Geneva, Liverpool, 

London Gatwick, London Luton, 

Lyon, Madeira, Madrid, Milan 

Malpensa, Paris Charles de 

Gaulle, Rome Fiumicino. 

LIVERPOOL Alicante, 

Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, 

Berlin Schoenefeld, Bodrum, 

Bordeaux, Dubrovnik, Faro, 

Fuerteventura, Geneva, Ibiza, 

Innsbruck, Isle of Man, Jersey, 

Krakow, Lanzarote, Lisbon, 

Madrid, Majorca, Málaga, Malta, 

Menorca, Naples, Nice, Paris 

Charles De Gaulle, Rhodes. 

LJUBLJANA 


LONDON GATWICK 

Agadir, Alicante, Almería, 

Amsterdam, Antalya, Athens, 

Barcelona, Basel-Mulhouse, 

Bastia (Corsica), Berlin 

Schoenefeld, Belfast, Biarritz, 

Bodrum, Bordeaux, Budapest, 

Cologne/Bonn, Copenhagen, 

Corfu, Corsica (Ajaccio), Corsica 

(Bastia), Crete(Chania), Crete 

(Heraklion), Cyprus (Larnaca), 

Cyprus (Paphos), Dalaman, 

Dubrovnik, Düsseldorf, 


Gibraltar, Glasgow, Gran 

Canaria, Grenoble, Hamburg, 

Helsinki, Hurghada, Ibiza, 

Innsbruck, I ˙ stanbul, Inverness, 

Kos, Krakow, Lanzarote, La 

Rochelle, Lisbon, Lyon, Madeira, 

Madrid, Majorca, Málaga, Malta, 

Marrakech, Marseille, Menorca, 

Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, 

Montpellier, Munich, Murcia, 

Mykonos, Naples, Nice, Olbia, 

Palermo, Pisa, Porto, Prague, 

Rhodes, Rome Fiumicino, 

Salzburg, Santorini, Sharm El 

Sheikh, Sofi a, Split, Tenerife, 

Thessaloniki, Toulouse, Valencia, 

Venice, Vienna, Zante, Zürich. 

LONDON LUTON 

Aberdeen, Alicante, 

Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast 

City, Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Bordeaux, Budapest, Cyprus 

(Paphos), Dortmund, 


Glasgow, Grenoble, 

Hamburg, Ibiza, Inverness, 

˙ 

Istanbul, 

Krakow, Lisbon, 


Milan Malpensa, Menorca, 

Montpellier, Nice, Paris Charles 

De Gaulle, Pisa, Sharm El 

Sheikh, Tel Aviv, Turin, Zürich. 

LONDON STANSTED 

Alicante, Amsterdam, Asturias, 

Barcelona, Belfast, Bilbao, 

Bodrum, Cagliari (Sardinia), 

Copenhagen, Dalaman, 

Dubrovnik, Edinburgh, Faro, 

Fuerteventura, Geneva, 

Glasgow, Ibiza, Ljubljana, Lyon, 

Madeira, Majorca, Málaga, 

Munich, Naples, Newcastle, 

Nice, Prague, Split, Tallinn. 

LYON Barcelona, Biarritz, 

Bordeaux, Brussels, 

Casablanca, Corsica (Bastia), 

Edinburgh, Ibiza, Lisbon, 

London Gatwick, London 

Stansted, Madrid, Marrakech, 

Nantes, Olbia, Porto, Rome 

Ciampino, Toulouse, Venice. 

MADEIRA Bristol, Lisbon, 

London (Gatwick, Stansted). 

MADRID Amsterdam, Basel- 

Mulhouse, Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Bristol, Bucharest, Casablanca, 

Edinburgh, Fuerteventura, 

Geneva, Ibiza, Lanzarote, 


Gatwick, London Luton, Lyon, 

Marrakech, Milan Malpensa, 

Paris Charles De Gaulle, 

Rome Ciampino, Sofi a, 

Tangier, Toulouse. 

MAJORCA Belfast, 

Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Bristol, Doncaster Sheffi eld, 

Dortmund, Edinburgh, Geneva, 

Glasgow, Liverpool, London 

Gatwick, London Luton, London 

Stansted, Milan Malpensa, 

Newcastle, Paris Charles de 

Gaulle, Rome Fiumicino. 

MALAGA Basel-Mulhouse, 

Belfast, Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Bristol, Geneva, Glasgow, 


London Luton, London 

Stansted, Manchester, Milan 

Malpensa, Newcastle, Paris 

Charles de Gaulle. 

MALTA Liverpool, London 

Gatwick, Manchester, 

Newcastle, Milan Malpensa, 


MANCHESTER Alicante, 

Athens, Copenhagen, Corfu, 

Corsica (Bastia), Crete 

(Heraklion), Cyprus (Paphos), 

Dalaman, Geneva, Helsinki, 

Málaga, Malta, Marrakech, 

Menorca, Munich, Sharm El 

Sheikh, Sofi a, Tenerife, Zürich. 

MARRAKECH Basel- 

Mulhouse, Geneva, London 

Gatwick, Lyon, Madrid, 


Paris Charles De Gaulle. 

MARSEILLE Bristol, 


MENORCA Bristol, 

Liverpool, London 


Manchester, Milan 

Malpensa, Newcastle. 

MILAN LINATE London 

Gatwick, Paris Orly. 

MILAN MALPENSA 

Agadir, Amsterdam, 

Athens, Barcelona, Bari, 

Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Bordeaux, Brindisi, Bristol, 

Bucharest, Brussels, Cagliari, 

Casablanca, Catania, 

Copenhagen, Corfu, Crete 

(Heraklion), Dubrovnik, 

Edinburgh, Ibiza, Lamezia, 

Lisbon, London Gatwick, 

London Luton, Madrid, Majorca, 

Málaga, Malta, Marrakech, 

Menorca, Mykonos, Naples, 

Olbia, Palermo, Paris Charles 

De Gaulle, Porto, Prague, 

Rhodes, Rome Fiumicino, 

Santorini, Sofi a, Split, 

Stockholm, Thessaloniki. 

MONTPELLIER London 

Gatwick, London Luton 

MUNICH Edinburgh, 

London Gatwick, London 

Stansted, Manchester. 

MURCIA Bristol, London 

Gatwick, Newcastle. 

MYKONOS London Gatwick, 



NANTES Basel-Mulhouse, 

Geneva, Lyon. 

NAPLES Basel-Mulhouse, 

Berlin Schoenefeld, Geneva, 

Ibiza, Liverpool, London 


Milan Malpensa, Paris 

Orly, Venice. 

NEWCASTLE 

Alicante, Barcelona, 

Belfast, Bristol, Faro, 

Geneva, Ibiza, Krakow, 

London Stansted, Majorca, 

Málaga, Malta, Menorca, 

Murcia, Paris Charles 

De Gaulle, Prague, 

Rome Ciampino. 

NICE Basel-Mulhouse, 

Belfast, Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Bristol, Brussels, Edinburgh, 



Paris Charles De Gaulle, Paris 

Orly, Rome Fiumicino. 

OLBIA Basel-Mulhouse, 


Geneva, London Gatwick, Lyon, 

Milan Malpensa, Paris Orly. 

PALERMO London Gatwick, 



PARIS CHARLES DE 

GAULLE Agadir, Biarritz, 

Belfast, Bristol, Casablanca, 

Catania, Corsica (Ajaccio), 

Corsica (Bastia), Edinburgh, 

Glasgow, Helsinki, Ibiza, Krakow, 


Luton, Madrid, Majorca, Málaga, 

Marrakech, Milan Malpensa, 

Newcastle, Nice, Porto, Prague, 

Split, Tangier, Toulouse, Venice. 

PARIS ORLY Athens, 

Berlin Schoenefeld, Budapest, 

Dubrovnik, Faro, Geneva, Milan 

Linate, Mykonos, Naples, Nice, 

Olbia, Palermo, Pisa, Rome 

Ciampino, Toulouse, Venice. 

PISA Berlin Schoenefeld, 


London Luton, Paris Orly. 

PORTO Basel-Mulhouse, 

Geneva, London Gatwick, Lyon, 

Paris Charles De Gaulle, 


PRAGUE Amsterdam, 

Belfast, Bristol, Doncaster 

Sheffi eld, London Gatwick, 

London Stansted, Milan 

Malpensa, Newcastle, Paris 

Charles de Gaulle. 

PRISTINA Basel-Mulhouse, 

Geneva. 

RHODES Liverpool, London 

Gatwick, Milan Malpensa. 

ROME CIAMPINO 


Geneva, Lyon, Madrid, 

Newcastle, Paris Orly. 

ROME FIUMICINO 

Amsterdam, Athens, Basel- 

Mulhouse, Crete (Heraklion), 

Dubrovnik, Düsseldorf, Ibiza, 

Lamezia, Lisbon, London 

Gatwick, Majorca, Malta, Milan 

Malpensa, Mykonos, Nice, 

Palermo, Split, Venice. 

SALZBURG 


SANTORINI London 

Gatwick, Milan Malpensa. 

SHARM EL SHEIKH 

Geneva, London (Gatwick, 

Luton), Manchester. 

SOFIA Madrid, 



SPLIT Amsterdam, Berlin 

Schoenefeld, Basel-Mulhouse, 

Bristol, Geneva, London 


Milan Malpensa, Paris Charles 

de Gaulle, Rome Fiumicino. 

STOCKHOLM 

Geneva, Milan Malpensa. 

TALLINN London Stansted. 

TANGIER Madrid, Paris 


TEL AVIV Geneva, 

London Luton. 

TENERIFE Bristol, London 

Gatwick, Manchester. 

THESSALONIKI Basel- 

Mulhouse, Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Dortmund, London Gatwick, 


TOULOUSE Bristol, Geneva, 

London Gatwick, Lyon, Madrid, 

Paris Charles de Gaulle, 

Paris Orly. 

TURIN London Luton. 

VALENCIA London Gatwick. 

VENICE Berlin Schoenefeld, 

Ibiza, London Gatwick, Lyon, 

Naples, Paris Charles De Gaulle, 

Paris Orly, Rome Fiumicino. 

VIENNA London Gatwick. 

ZANTE London Gatwick. 

ZURICH London (Gatwick, 

Luton), Manchester.

Beat the Queues! 

Why not try Speedy Boarding? 

Priority boarding. 

Dedicated check-in area * . 

Choose your favourite seat. 

Sit with your group. 

Add Speedy Boarding when you book, 

check-in online, or at the Sales Desk before you fly. 

* Where available

CANARY 

ISLANDS 

Fuerteventura 

Tenerife 

South 

Gran 

Canaria 

MADEIRA 

Madeira (Funchal) 

Lanzarote 

Agadir 

Lisbon 

Porto 

Marrakech 

Faro 

PORTUGAL 

Gibraltar 

Tangier 

Casablanca 

Asturias 

MOROCCO 

Belfast City 

Edinburgh 

Glasgow 

Newcastle 

DENMARK 

Belfast Isle 

of Man Doncaster 

Liverpool 

Sheffi eld 

IRELAND 

Manchester 

NEW 

NEW 

Bilbao 

Madrid 

Málaga 

SPAIN 

Bristol Stansted 

UK 

Luton 

Gatwick 

Jersey 

Montpellier 

BELGIUM 

NETHERLANDS 

SWE 

Berlin 

Dortmund 

Düsseldorf 

GERMANY 

Paris CDG 

Paris Orly 

Munich 

Nantes 

Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg 

La Rochelle 

FRANCE 

Geneva 

Zürich 

SWITZERLAND 

Murcia 

Almería 

Valencia 

Alicante 

Birmingham 

Bournemouth 

Biarritz 

Bordeaux 

Barcelona 

Inverness 

Aberdeen 

Amsterdam 

Brussels Int 

Lyon 

Grenoble 

Toulouse 

Marseille 

Menorca 

Majorca 

Ibiza 

Nice 

Bastia 

Ajaccio 

Cologne/Bonn 

Olbia 

Cagliari 

Hamburg 

Milan MXP 

Milan LIN Venice 

Turin ITALY 

Pisa 

Rome 

Ciampino 

S 

Copen 

CZ 

In

tockholm 

DEN 

hagen 

Prague 

ECH REPUBLIC 

Vienna 

Salzburg 

AUSTRIA 

nsbruck 

SLOVENIA 

Palermo 

Malta 

CROATIA 

Split 

Rome 

Fiumicino 

Ljubljana 

Naples 

Lamezia 

POLAND 

Catania 

Krakow 

HUNGARY 

FINLAND 

Budapest 

Dubrovnik 

Bari 

Brindisi 

Helsinki 

ESTONIA 

Corfu 

Tallinn 

KOSOVO 

Zante 

NEW 

NEW 

Pristina 

ROMANIA 

BULGARIA 

Sofi a 

Thessaloniki 

GREECE 

Athens 

Bucharest 

Mykonos 

Kos NEW 

Santorini 

Heraklion 

Chania 

NEW 

TURKEY 

Istanbul 

Bodrum 

Dalaman 

Rhodes 

NEW 

Antalya 

EGYPT 

WHERE WE FLY | NETWORK 

EVERY 

DROP’S A 

HOLIDAY! 

Create your ideal 

holiday or short break to 

anywhere in our network 

with easyJet Holidays. 

easyJet.com 

– holidays made 

simple 

Paphos 

Larnaca 

Tel Aviv 

Hurghada 

ISRAEL 

Sharm 

El Sheikh

ECO | CREDENTIALS 

As part of our 

commitment to 

sustainability, 

we are proud 

to announce… 

The Copenhagen 

Communiqué on Climate 

Change is a progressive 

statement by leading global 

businesses in support of a 

new international climate 


change deal, signed ahead 

of the Climate Change 

Conference. It has already 

secured the support of 

over 500 companies, 

ranging from the world’s 

Did You Know? 

*based on the same aircraft type fl ying the same route 

**164g of CO 2 for every kilometre (car) and 95.7g of CO 2 for every passenger kilometre (fl ight) 

largest companies and best 

known brands, to small and 

medium-sized enterprises. 

You can fi nd out more 

about the Communiqué at 

copenhagencommunique.com 

Our aircraft emit 22% less CO 2 per passenger kilometre than 

a traditional airline* 

Passengers produce less CO 2 per kilometre than the average car** 

You can limit the carbon footprint of your next fl ight thanks to our carbon 

offsetting scheme 

For more details visit easyJet.com

april-2010

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