A fire at a popular ski resort hotel in Turkey has killed at least 76 people, Turkey‘s interior minister said.

At least two people died after trying to jump to safety, with images on social media showing linen hanging from windows which was used by those trying to escape the burning building.

Ali Yerlikaya said at least 51 other people were injured in the disaster. Nine people, including the owner, have been arrested.

“We are in deep pain. We have unfortunately lost 66 lives in the fire that broke out at this hotel,” Mr Yerlikaya told reporters after inspecting the site.

Health minister Kemal Memisoglu said at least one of the injured was in a serious condition.

The fire broke out at around 3.30am in the restaurant of the 12-storey Grand Kartal hotel in the resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu province, officials and reports said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Witnesses describe fire as an ‘apocalypse'

Witnesses who saw the blaze tear through the 12-storey Grand Kartal Hotel have described the mayhem and chaos that led to the deaths of at least 66 people.

“It was like the apocalypse. The flames engulfed the hotel immediately, like in half an hour,” said Mevlut Ozer, who witnessed the incident at the Kartalkaya ski resort in northwest Turkey.

In their attempts to flee, several people jumped from windows or attempted to use bed linens to lower themselves to the ground.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 21:00

Death toll rises to 76

The death toll from a fire that raged through a hotel at a ski resort in northwestern Turkey on Tuesday has risen to 76, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said. Yerlikaya said 45 of the dead have been identified while efforts to identify the other victims were continuing. The minister said authorities have detained nine people as part of an investigation into the disaster.

Alex Ross21 January 2025 20:45

Day of national mourning announced by Turkish president

A day of national mourning has been declared on Wednesday after at least 66 people died in a fire at a popular ski resort in Turkey.

In a post on social media site X, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said: “A one-day national mourning was declared in order to share the grief of the relatives of our brothers who lost their lives in a fire that broke out in a hotel in Bolu Kartalkaya.

“On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, our flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset in our country and in our foreign missions. In any case, those who caused such a disaster to occur, those who were negligent and at fault will be held accountable before the law.

“Today is not a day for politics; it is a day for solidarity, for being one and together. I would like to express that we expect all actors, including politics, media and local administrators, to respect the suffering of our citizens.

“Once again, I pray to God to have mercy on our deceased citizens and grant patience to their families; I convey my condolences and get well wishes to our nation. May God protect our country and our nation from such painful events.”

Holly Evans21 January 2025 20:00

Fire crews could only tackle blaze from the front and sides

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said there were 238 guests at the hotel situated at the base of several ski slopes and which smouldered until the afternoon.

“I would like to share this pain, which is impossible to describe,” he said at the resort in offering condolences and announcing that the fire was extinguished.

“Since the back of the hotel is on a slope, fire extinguishing efforts could only be carried out from the front and side facades,” he said, adding crews began battling the mountaintop blaze about 45 minutes after the first call.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 19:00

Survivor recalls frantic escape from deadly Turkey ski resort hotel

Holly Evans21 January 2025 18:30

Watch: Huge flames engulf popular Turkey ski resort hotel

Huge flames engulf popular ski resort hotel in Turkey as deadly fire kills 10

Huge flames engulfed a popular ski resort hotel in Turkey in a blaze that has killed at least 10 people and injured dozens more. The fire broke out at around 3:30am local time on Tuesday (21 January) in the restaurant of the 12-storey Grand Kartal hotel in the resort of Kartalkaya in Bolu province, officials said. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Reports say 234 guests staying at the hotel. Footage shows the roof and top floors of the hotel on fire. The 161-room hotel is on the side of a cliff, hampering efforts to combat the flames, local media reported. Officials confirmed 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances have been sent to the site.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 18:00

Guests trapped in hotel ‘screaming for help'

Barış Salgür, an employee at a neighboring hotel, told Turkish media that he was resting in his room when he heard cries for help coming from the windows of the burning hotel.

“We were in a state of panic,” Salgür told state-run Anadolu Agency.

“We could see smoke billowing from the upper sections of the building. We hurriedly gathered ropes, pillows and quilts. People were screaming for help as we waited for the fire brigade. It took about two hours. By the time the fire trucks arrived, the upper floors were fully engulfed.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 17:30

Hotel is one of the most recognisable buildings at ski resort

The Grand Kartal Hotel, the location of the fire, is recognised as of the most iconic and historically significant establishments in the tourist hub of Kartalkaya which is popular for its skiing.

Originally conceived as a successor to the Kartal Hotel, which was founded in 1978, the Grand Kartal Hotel opened to the public in 1998.

Boasting 161 rooms and a capacity of 350 beds, the hotel underwent renovations in 2015. The cost of a three-night stay at the establishment reportedly ranges from 99,000 to 148,500 Turkish Liras.

The hotel was last inspected in 2024, and the tourism minister said there had been no concerns regarding the hotel’s fire safety prior to the disaster.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 17:00

Ursula von der Leyen pays tribute to victims

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the EU Commission, has paid tribute to the victims of the fire and praised the “incredible courage” of firefighters.

In a post on X, she wrote: “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families as a devastating fire engulfs the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu.

“We honor the incredible courage of the first responders battling the flames.

“Europe stands united with Türkiye and its people in this tragedy, dear @RTErdogan.”

Holly Evans21 January 2025 16:25

Father heard yelling ‘I will throw my child or he will burn'

Several fire engines and ambulances later surrounded the charred, wood-fronted building, with white bed sheets tied together and dangling from at least three upper-floor windows where people tried to flee.

“People all started to jump with panic. One friend jumped from the 11th floor - may God have mercy on him,” said Omer Sakrak, another witness and employee of a neighbouring hotel.

“They tried to climb down using bedsheets. The bedsheets ripped as one friend tried ... and he unfortunately fell on his head,” he told Reuters. “One father was yelling about his one year-old child: ‘I will throw my child or he will burn’.”

Hotel guests told TV broadcasters they fled through smoke-filled corridors and heard no alarms.

Holly Evans21 January 2025 15:58

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Sometimes you just know you’re going to love a place. It’s an unconscious certainty, formed slowly, through the passive banking of anecdotes, good movies and the occasional connection to your past lives. Iceland, Lebanon and Japan are on the list. I thought I’d love them and I did. Romania’s always been a contender. Especially Transylvania, with its wildflower meadows, pretty villages and folkloric fangs. It’s a bit of me.

So when The Slow Cyclist invited me on their inaugural bike and hike along a section of Romania’s box-fresh Via Transilvanica (VT), I felt the same sort of excitement a philatelist might on bagging a fancy stamp.

Dubbed “The Camino of the East”, the VT is a tethering of ancient trade and transhumance trails that now stretches 1,400km across the country. Beginning in northerly Bucovina, near the Ukrainian border, it scribbles at a slant over Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains, ending at a village in spitting distance of Serbia.

The first project of its kind in Eastern Europe, the VT is the brainchild of environmentalist Alin Ușeriu and his brother Tiberiu, who run Tășuleasa Social, a non-governmental organisation. Tiberiu’s redemption arc – imprisoned for armed robbery; now a celeb ultra-marathon runner – adds to the project’s colourful origin story.

Together they defied a litany of odds, shunning “corrupt” state money while getting buy-in from groups spanning local communities to logging companies. Four-and-a-half years later, a trail emerged that unites seven regions and over 100 administrative “units”, giving people like me and you an excuse to deep dive into Romania’s mesmeric arcadia.

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Having been blackmailed into attending an in-law’s wedding, I was late to the adventure and caught up with my group, on day three (of five), outside a 16th-century painted monastery in Vatra Moldovitei. Crumpled nuns admonished us for... well, I’m not sure what as we ogled its immaculate murals, one of which takes you back to the Siege of Constantinople in 626 AD. Divine intervention and Christian resilience in effulgent blue and golden hues.

Read more: A weekend trip to this Bucharest wellness retreat costs the same as a day pass to a London spa

Resilience was already a buzzword in my muddied group: their first two days had been made rather more challenging by Storm Boris. Fortuitously, it had passed by the time I arrived. The air, now, was all petrichor and pine sap – optimum stuff for type-two fun.

I was teased for my obnoxiously clean trainers before we set off on foot up into hills cinematically swaddled in God’s-own dry-ice machine. The topography here looks a little Swiss, with its lawn-like pastures cut into dense conifers. The twee peal of cow bells bolsters the comparison, though they weren’t being worn by heifers, but the hulking Bucovina shepherd dogs that guard the herd from wolves, bears and Rab-clad tourists.

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“Stay in the pack or they'll think they've separated you!” warned our guide, Sergiu. The hounds slowly approached with baritone barks, but Sergiu soon mollified them with a ready bag of treats. Few are better placed to chaperone groups through Romania’s hinterland than Sergiu: besides being a champion mountain biker, he was personally selected by the brothers to map the VT from a cyclist’s perspective.

As part of the recce, he rode all 1,400km with a friend, powered by pluck and plum brandy. “If you don’t know the trail you can die,” he said. “There are some very steep hills.” The VT is the first in the Slow Cyclist’s (SC) “Expedition Series”, aimed at younger/fitter riders – rather different to the eponymous pootles it’s known for.

Read more: This Eastern European city was once known as ‘little Paris’ – but prices are a fraction of the French capital

Certain touch points remain the same, though, including SC’s commitment to meals of locally grown, homemade food. My first lunch of cold cuts, the reddest tomatoes and challenging cheeses helped to ground me in the environment as our full-suspension e-bikes were being prepared in our host’s garden.

“We’re about to go uphill, would anybody like a sugar hit?” said Sergiu, as we finished up. We chewed down on the nutty bars before pedalling up to a rudimentary ski station with another almighty view. I’d not ridden an e-bike before and, well, the power-assist button quickly became more addictive than a hospital morphine clicker.

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Sergiu could see my busy thumb and shouted: “Be true to yourself – only use ‘turbo’ if you have to!” Spiriting words; sage, too: running out of battery in these hills wouldn’t be much fun. We spent the afternoon moving at a leisurely clip through scenes more bucolic than a Constable canvas.

Our wooden lodgings that night were another nod to the Swiss theme (google La Moara and you’ll see what I mean) and dinner was hearty enough to replace those pedalled calories. I couldn’t get enough of the găluște (semolina dumpling) broth, made aromatic with fistfuls of dill. The afinată blueberry liqueur slipped down pretty easily, too.

We started the next day wending over meadows variegated by horror-movie haystacks before plunging into an ancient forest – home, Sergiu told us, to bears, deer and even the odd lynx. This was my first taste of single-track riding and I deliberately waited back from the gang, so I could bomb downhill, tongue wagging, to catch them up.

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For every kilometre of the trail there’s a 250kg anthracite stone waymarker, with a bright orange “T” on it. Each of them has been uniquely sculpted by a different artist. “It’s the world’s longest art gallery,” said Iancu, our second guide. I asked him whether the VT was a bellwether for prosperity in Romania. “Well, it was built by volunteers – people who’ve dedicated their spare time to a higher cause,” he said. “I think that reflects positively…”

Part of the Via’s MO is to reverse the leaching effect of urbanisation, to give people a reason to stay in or return to the countryside. With Iancu’s help, I spoke with our lunch host that day; she told me that the number of guests she receives a year has risen 600 per cent since the VT was launched. It dawned on me that so far we’d seen a total of three other visitors on the trail.

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“The numbers are still small,” she admitted, “but things are going in the right direction and my daughter is now planning to return from the city to work with us.”

The final day was spent tracing the Rodnei Mountains and proved another masterclass in pastoral porn. We stopped to natter with a local farmer’s wife, who was following her free-roaming cows around with a milk bucket. Lunch was made memorable with my new favourite snack: raw spring onion, dipped in salt, chased with a big bottle of Harghita beer.

As we hit the afternoon run, up a vertiginous ski slope, the varying fitness levels of the group became more obvious. “It’s a bloody bootcamp!” sputtered someone at the back. Lots of stopping and starting risks stymying more active cyclists’ fun, so I’d advise checking, before you book, whether others in the group are at your level.

Read more: Tokyo on two wheels - why you should experience Japan’s busiest city by bike

Dinner was a more level affair: we snarfed chicken paprikash and a huge pile of baked polenta, mixed with punchy unpasteurised cheese from our hosts’ own flock. It’s the sort of salubrious food that makes you feel better in real time. “Farm-to-table eating isn’t a reversion here,” said Iancu, earnestly, “it’s a way of life that’s not changed.”

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We finished dinner and were treated to a live performance of melancholic music and traditional dancing. Sated, pleasantly tired and half-cut on brandy, I ruminated on Iancu’s words. They were confirmation that this part of the world – how it looks and tastes and does things – agreed with me. Like feeling longing for the life you’ve never had. I thought I’d love it. And I did.

How to do it

The Slow Cyclist (01865 410 356) offers a five-night Bucovina Expedition from £1,750 per person based on travelling as a group of 12, either as part of a scheduled trip, or in a private group. This includes group airport transfers, a support vehicle and luggage transfers, two English-speaking local guides, support vehicle, five nights’ accommodation, all meals, snacks and drinks, all activities, electric bicycle and helmet hire. A 1 per cent donation to local causes aligned with The Slow Cyclist’s values is also included. International flights, personal costs, tips and travel insurance are not included.

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London — 

Hundreds of Londoners headed down to the Underground on Sunday afternoon, stripped down to their underwear and travelled around a bit, trying to look as though nothing unusual was going on.

As if.

This was the Official No Trousers Tube Ride, an annual event with no point other than injecting a little levity into the bleak midwinter. No deep meaning, no bigger motive. The only goal was to be silly, if but for one afternoon.

"There's so much bad, so much not fun going on,” said ringleader Dave Selkirk, a 40-year-old personal trainer. "It's nice to do something just for the sake of it."

After gathering at the entrance to Chinatown, dozens of clothing anarchists trooped through the icy streets to the Piccadilly Circus Underground station in central London where they boarded their first train. The only hiccup was that the cars were so crowded some people couldn't shed their trousers.

Selfies were taken. Grins were exchanged. The tourists looked puzzled.

The first stunt in this vein was held in New York in 2002, the brainchild of local comedian Charlie Todd. His idea was this: Wouldn't it be funny if someone walked onto a subway train in the middle of winter wearing a hat, gloves, scarf — everything but pants? Or trousers as they're known in London, pants being synonymous with underpants in Britain.

"It would be unusual in New York, although you can see anything on our subway system, but what would really be funny is if at the next stop, a couple of minutes later, when the doors open and additional persons got on, not wearing trousers as well," Todd told the BBC. "And they act like they don't know each other, and they act like … it's no big deal and they just forgot their trousers.''

The idea took off, and no pants days have been held all over: in Berlin, Prague, Jerusalem, Warsaw and Washington, D.C., among other cities.

London hosted its first big reveal in 2009.

"You know, it's meant to be a bit of harmless fun,” Todd said. "Certainly, we are living in a climate where, you know, people like to have culture war fights. My rule in New York was always the goal of this event is to amuse other people, to give people a laugh. It's not to be provocative, it's not to irritate someone. So hopefully the spirit of that continues."

Basil Long, a lawyer, showed up at the meeting point in a down coat and hat on a freezing winter afternoon. But after his journey underground in the warm tunnels of the Tube, he had been transformed, wearing only a white shirt with bold rainbow stripes, pink underwear and Underground-themed socks.

"I just saw it online and I just thought, why not? It's always a question, isn't it?” he said. "When someone is asked why they climbed Everest, they were just like, why not?"

But Miriam Correa had a purpose. The 43-year-old chef wanted to come because she had seen pictures of previous no trouser rides that featured lots of thin, scantily clad women.

"I am a real woman,'' she said, adding that there was no reason to be ashamed of her shape. "All bodies are perfect."

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After the hotel boom of recent years, Copenhagen is awash with beautiful hotels. But how to find the best ones? Location is important, of course. The very best are in locations that are close to key attractions, including the restaurant scene, but offer peace and privacy too. Even in this tiny city, a couple of streets makes the difference between a chic stay and one where you’re kept up all night.

Flashy mod cons are not a feature of this city, where equality is important and boasting is looked down on, and you won’t find many hotels with a pool or hotels with oversized bedrooms. Instead, the best of the best introduce the city’s style and design heritage, make you feel part of it, and make you wonder if you should move to the city, too.

In this pick of the best hotels list, expect beautiful mid-century modern Danish design, sleek, uncomplicated and minimalist decor, excellent but unobtrusive service and an overwhelming feeling of comfort. They offer a chance to indulge in the city’s distinctive vibe, which is by turns design-led, chic, laid back and obsessed with hygge.

The best hotels in Copenhagen

1. Kong Arthur

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In a hidden courtyard a few streets from Copenhagen’s lovely Torvehallerne food market, Kong Arthur bills itself as a ‘live like a local’ experience, but it’s so much more than that. From the welcoming lobby-lounge to the array of calm neutral-toned bedrooms, it’s packed with Danish style treats, beautiful artwork and great service. Smaller bedrooms are good value – you might even on occasion find one under £150 per night, which is a miracle in this pricey city – while the larger suites with lofted sleeping areas and lounges will make you want to move in and never move out. All in all, it’s a great experience; modern Danish heritage furniture, parquet floors and a location near the chi-chi lakes makes it a stand out option.

Address: Nørre Søgade 11, Copenhagen

Read more: I took a family of four on a Copenhagen city break for under £1,000 – here’s how we managed it

2. Nimb Hotel

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This iconic five-star hotel opens on to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s historic theme park (and number one attraction), where peacocks strut about like they own the place. Staying here will make you feel like you do, too. Nimb guests can ride roller coasters without having to queue before and after hours, in just one of the many VIP perks available. Its exquisite 38 rooms and suites are the height of luxury, decorated with antiques and sumptuous fabrics, Danish design lighting and four poster beds, and its service level is exceptional throughout. The hotel has a fantastic concierge service as well as an afternoon tea lounge, champagne bar, rooftop pool – oh, and an incredible subterranean spa too. If money is no object, look no further.

Address: Bernstorffsgade 5, Copenhagen

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3. Hotel Sanders

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The city’s most divine boutique hotel is all about comfort. Set on a side street near the city centre, local celebs come to meet friends in the lounge bar while serious cocktail lovers flock to Tata, the hotel’s theatrically-designed bar, in the evening. There’s an exclusive air to the hotel, whose 54 luxurious rooms are decked out in muted browns, golds and creams with rattan and bamboo touches, and were inspired by the golden age of train travel. The hotel is owned by a former ballet dancer, Alexander Kølpin, and it’s renowned as one of the classiest joints in town.

Address: Tordenskjoldsgade 15, Copenhagen

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4. 25Hours Hotel Paper Island

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This playful design hotel opened in 2024 and has become an instant hit. 25Hours is renowned for its attention to design – the group has another hotel in the city near the Round Tower – and this one is no different. Styled like a Danish summer house, it is packed with nautical touches and original touches, with all sorts of fun and quirky styling like fishing floats, bright nets and driftwood-style decor. The hotel is right on the harbour near a great bakery, Hart, and across a bridge from the central Nyhavn area. It’s probably the best located hotel in the city. Up top in its boat-like bar, Victory, you can enjoy incredible harbour views and sink a pint of Guinness at the same time; there’s also an oriental restaurant on the ground floor.

Address: 25 Papirøen, Christianshavn

Read more: Best cheap hotels in Copenhagen – where to stay on a budget

5. Grand Joanne

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Grand Joanne has upended the typically cheap and nasty station hotel trope and created a charming spot in the city for a weekender away. The hotel has a real warmth and cosiness to it, with bedrooms laid out with buttery yellow walls, white linen and tactile features like rattan and wicker. It’s light and airy, with a welcoming lobby-lounge area and a little secret entrance to a classic Danish bodega (pub), Pinden, on the ground floor. There’s a rooftop bar with DJs in the summer too. Close to restaurant-packed Vesterbro, it’s only a short walk down the street from Tivoli Gardens; with the main station next door, it’s prime location in this city and has an abundance of charm.

Address: Vesterbrogade 9, Vesterbro

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6. Kaj Hotel

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Copenhagen has quite a number of one-room hotels, and Kaj is one of the best. A modern houseboat hotel floating in the harbour in the north of the city, it is entirely made of reclaimed materials and has the super sleek minimalist style you would expect from Copenhagen. A stone’s throw from many of the city’s key attractions, including Nyhavn and up and coming district Refshaleøen, it’s in a great location for a calming stay where you’ll be woken by seagulls and lulled to sleep by waves. Breakfast, designer pyjamas and kayak rental is included; it sleeps up to four.

Address: Danneskiold-Samsøes Allé 69

Price: From £288

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7. Central Hotel & Cafe

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If you can get a room at this iconic one-room hotel, the city’s original one-room hotel, consider yourself very lucky. Set on one of the best streets in town, steps from the French-style street Værnedamsvej, it has florists, bakeries, cafés and a lovely bookshop on the doorstep, and is packed with thoughtful, handcrafted details. It is compact, there’s no getting around it, with a vintage feel, and just sleeps two. Enjoy the handpicked mini bar and as many coffees as you like from the cafe underneath. It’s a full Copenhagen experience from start to finish.

Address: Tullinsgade 1, Vesterbro

Price: From £277

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8. Nobis Hotel Copenhagen

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There’s a distinct air of grandeur as you enter Nobis Copenhagen, the city’s former music academy, and walk up its sweeping staircase. Restored by the Nobis hotel group, who specialise in bringing historic buildings back to life, it’s not a museum to the past but a celebration of heritage and culture, with rooms filled with handpicked design furniture, buttery leather sofas and grand marble bathrooms. Apartments on the upper floor have views of Tivoli Gardens. A small spa in the basement offers a cold water plunge and a sauna, and the courtyard garden hosts summer drinks events. The vast breakfast buffet is one of the best in town.

Address: Niels Brocks Gade 1, Copenhagen

Read more: Aalborg travel guide – best things to do and where to stay in Denmark’s rejuvenated northern city

9. Audo Copenhagen

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Perhaps the most romantic bolthole in the city, Audo has a series of suites and double rooms on top of its furniture and design showroom in Nordhavn. Everything is thought through and beautiful, from the terracotta paint on the walls to the marbled furniture. It’s tasteful, romantic, and retreat-like. While there’s no concierge, restaurant or facilities beyond the room, you can rent bikes and there’s a cafe on the ground floor. It’s a cocooning experience for design lovers, with coffee table books to browse and a well curated city guide on offer to inspire the best art and culture experiences during your stay.

Address: Århusgade 130, Copenhagen

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10. Hotel Bella Grande

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This classic boutique hotel in the heart of the city, steps from Town Hall Square, is a little different from the rest. Stepping through the doors and into the large internal courtyard, it transports you to a sunny part of Italy, with its terracotta and white chessboard tiles on the floor and marble tables. It’s an uplifting spot, with a crimson-hued fashion-pack beloved restaurant, Donna, on the ground floor too. Bedrooms are light and breezy with creamy walls and designer tiles in the bathrooms; if you’re coming in summer, bag an apartment with a little roof garden to get some sun.

Address: Vester Voldgade 25

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11. Coco Hotel

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Vesterbro is one of the hippest areas of Copenhagen, with small restaurants, vintage boutiques and some of the city’s best bars. Stay in the heart of it at Coco and experience it in the most authentic way: here, rooms are decked out with a vintage flair and include a discount to some of the neighbourhood’s restaurants. Rooms are a bit quirky in size and shape – this is a historic building after all – and that’s all part of the charm. The downstairs bar and cafe hosts DJs at the weekend and has a French feel.

Address: Vesterbrogade 41, Vesterbro

Read more: How to make the most of your trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast

12. Hotel Ottilia

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In Carlsberg Byen, one of the city’s newest areas, Hotel Ottilia stands out for its pure chic factor. In the lounge bar, a fire flickers and comfortable armchairs beckon; in its super minimalist rooms, bare concrete walls and ceilings draw your attention to the round windows and views of the area built by the brewery. The hotel is situated next to Aire Baths, an underground spa, and down the street from two of the city’s big food and drink hitters: Gasoline Grill and Home of Carlsberg, the chic beer visitor attraction. Part of Copenhagen’s Brøchner Hotel chain, the focus is fully on design.

Address: 4 Pasteursvej, Carlsberg Byen

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Cyprus continues to grow as a year-round tourist destination, having consolidated its reputation as an island nation with amazing weather, delightful coastal resorts and fascinating historic sites.

This island combines Mediterranean culture and cuisine with a distinctly laid-back way of life, offering tourists the ideal holiday blend of pristine beaches, characterful resorts and lively nightlife.

The capital, Nicosia, is the cultural epicentre of the country, while Paphos is its ancient historic centre, with ruins dating back centuries. You’ll find plenty of delightful beaches there too.

The Troodos Mountains offer an escape into the wilderness with picturesque villages, hiking trails and even ski slopes, while Limassol and Larnaca provide a relaxed beach resort alternative away from the party-centric town of Ayia Napa.

There are plenty of accommodation options available in all six of our Cyprus hot spots, or you can always visit on a day trip as the island is small enough to get across easily in just a few hours. Read on to find the best places to visit during your trip.

Read more: The best Greek island hotels

Paphos

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Paphos remains one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, with sparkling year-round weather allowing you to make the most of its Mediterranean promenade and beaches like Aphrodite’s Rock, Coral Bay or the Blue Lagoon.

The city itself comprises a charming old town (filled with colourful architecture, alfresco restaurants and great harbour views), a host of surrounding ancient ruins, a lively nightlife scene and great options for day trips such as vineyard tours or visits to other nearby towns.

Tourist highlights include the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park and its many ruins – which range from villas and mosaics to a 4th-century acropolis and the Odeon, an outdoor theatre – as well as the Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery and the Harbour Castle.

Where to stay

The Alexander the Great Hotel is an elegant beachfront property located minutes from Paphos harbour. It combines old-fashioned luxury with contemporary touches – from the opulent decor to the modern spa and five dining options – and features four swimming pools, a fitness centre and a terrace that is among the best sunset viewing spots in town.

Read more: The Agora Hotel, Cyprus hotel review

Nicosia

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The capital is a magnificent showcase of Cypriot history, where Venetian, Ottoman and Byzantine architecture attests to the city’s complicated past. The skyline is dominated by russet-tiled roofs and walls of white and honey, with an old town surrounded by 16th-century Venetian city walls, delightful squares such as the recently redesigned Plateia Eleftherias and quaint neighbourhoods like the Chrysaliniotissa Quarter or Laïki Geitona.

Cyprus is divided into two parts by the UN-administered Green Line, which runs right through the country’s capital. The north and south of the city are separated into the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, and the immediate area around the line is a good place to learn about recent Cypriot history.

Parts of Ottoman and Byzantine life remain today in the city’s many churches, mosques and the Hamam Omerye bathhouse. Archangelos Michail and Agios Ioannis are the main churches, while the Omeriye Mosque stands out as a working mosque that non-Muslims can visit. For the best views of both sides of the city, ascend the Shacolas Tower Observatory.

Where to stay

Choose the Djumba Hotel and Cafe for a boutique hotel stay in Europe’s last divided capital. It combines traditional Cypriot architecture and hospitality with a touch of the Mediterranean, and offers cosy and modern rooms, a courtyard and terrace and a lovely local food options.

Read more: The best spas in Eastern Europe for an affordable, yet luxurious, break

Limassol

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Limassol is a busier, more cosmopolitan alternative to Paphos or Larnaca. It is the second-largest city on the island, with a picturesque marina and beaches including Lady’s Mile, Dasoudi Beach and Governor’s Beach that offer safe swimming.

Stretching back from the waterfront, the city itself is a collection of white-washed buildings that line cobbled limestone streets, with a mix of high-rise buildings and preserved heritage sites. Older historic sites include Limassol Castle, Kolossi Castle and the 2,000-year-old ruins at Amathus, while you can also day-trip to the ancient ruins of Kourion, once one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms.

Where to stay

The S Paul City Hotel benefits from a seaside location that is also within the city’s historic centre, meaning guests can pair beach visits with easy strolls through the old town. Interiors here fuse the modern with the traditional in a series of 22 minimalist rooms housed within an 19th-century stone building, and guests can enjoy easy access to the bar and its two restaurants.

Read more: How to make the most of your trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast

Larnaca

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Larnaca lies along the southern coast of Cyprus, just east of Paphos and Limassol, so benefits from much of the same great weather and superb beaches. Standouts are Makenzy, Finikoudes, Kastella and Dhekelia.

Larnaca is probably less glamorous than its resort town neighbours, but has a solid tourist infrastructure and enough sites to keep you occupied over a long weekend (if you decide you want to leave the beach). The Leoforos Athinon is the main thoroughfare, linking the marina with Larnaka Fort – it’s lined with plenty of hotels and restaurants. Many of the city’s main sites are close by, including the Agios Lazaros (a 9th-century church), the museums of natural history and archaeology and the site of Ancient Kition, an ancient Greek city-kingdom.

Half a day can also be spent exploring areas like the Turkish Quarter, or experiencing the phenomenal scuba diving on the Zenobia, one of the best wrecks in the world. The towns of Protaras and Ayia Napa are also both within easy reach.

Where to stay

The Lokàl provides a boutique hotel stay in the heart of Larnaca, just minutes away from the city’s main attractions. A family-run hotel with a distinctly homely feel, it lies just 300 metres from Foinikoudes Beach and offers its own rooftop terrace pool, along with a bar and modern Mediterranean bistro.

Read more: Forget summer holidays – this popular European capital is so much better in winter

Protaras

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Protaras offers more of a laid-back, family-friendly alternative to the well-known party atmosphere of Ayia Napa. It is smaller too, stretching from Fig Tree Bay in the south to Trinity Bay in the north (just over 10 minutes’ drive up the coast). There are plenty of other bits of attractive coastline too, including the blue glag beaches of Konnos Bay and Pernera.

Many of the activities in Protaras are aimed at families, with mini-golf courses, amusement arcades and the Ocean Aquarium all within easy reach. The Konnos Nature Trail offers opportunities for hiking, while Cape Greco is the place to go for the best coastal views. The Church of Profitis Ilias, perched on a hill overlooking the coast, offers one of the most scenic views in town.

Where to stay

Sunrise Jade is an adults-only oasis on the beachfront in Protaras. It is centred around its two large outdoor pools and the accompanying elegant terrace. Rooms are minimal with muted tones, and some come with direct access to their own small private pool.

Read more: 26 of the best beaches in Spain

Troodos Mountains

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This mountain range shows a different side to Cyprus, with quiet mountain villages surrounded by dense pine forest and medieval churches sitting alongside historic monasteries. Cooler temperatures allow for summer hiking and, in the winter months, you can even go skiing on the slopes of Mount Olympus, Cyprus’s tallest peak.

The main settlement here is Troodos village, which sits just under Mount Olympus, and this is the best base for tourists. Some of the most desirable villages to visit include Fikardou, Pedoulas and Agros, all of which are well-preserved and filled with churches and russet-roofed buildings that hug the verdant hills. Hiking trails in the area to check out include the Caledonia, Millomeris and Artemis.

Where to stay

The Troodos Mountains are full of traditional villages and accompanying hotels, but the Casale Panayiotis combines a picturesque mountain setting with modern amenities and traditional Cypriot touches. It is located in the town of Kalapanayiotis, and is set in a series of traditional houses that contain contemporary rooms with period features. The Byzantino restaurant serves traditional cuisine, while guests can enjoy use of a spa, swimming pool and large courtyard.

Read more: The best hotels in Santorini for luxury suites and sea views

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NEW YORK — 

Say hello to the latest dog in the American Kennel Club's lineup of recognized breeds. Or you might say "hej."

The Danish-Swedish farmdog — yep, that's the official name — joined the pack Thursday. The designation makes the breed eligible to compete for many best in show trophies, and it likely augurs more widespread interest in the small, sprightly dogs. The prospect both gladdens and concerns their biggest fans.

"We're excited about it. We're looking forward to it," said Carey Segebart, one of the people who worked to get Danish-Swedish farmdogs recognized by the AKC. She proudly plans to debut one of her own at a dog show this month near her Iowa home.

Still, she thinks increased exposure is "a double-edged sword" for the fleet, versatile pups.

"We don't want the breed to just explode too quickly," she said.

Called the farmdog or DSF for short, the breed goes back centuries in parts of what are now Denmark, southern Sweden and some other European countries, according to the Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America.

"They're interesting, fun little dogs," said Segebart, who has owned them since 2011 and is the club's incoming president. "They're essentially up for anything. They succeed at most everything."

In their original homelands, the dogs' main job was rodent patrol, but they also would herd a bit, act as watchdogs and play with farmers' children. Some even performed in circuses, according to the club.

After Denmark and Sweden became more urban and suburban in the 20th century, farmdog fanciers set out to secure the breed's place in both nations (where "hej" translates to the English "hello"). Kennel clubs there began registering farmdogs in 1987.

In the U.S., many of the just about 350 farmdogs nationwide compete in agility, obedience or other canine sports that are open to all dogs, including mixed breeds.

But until now, farmdogs couldn't enter the traditional breed-by-breed judging that leads to best in show prizes at events including the prominent Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York. The entry deadline has passed for February's Westminster show, so farmdogs will have to wait for 2026 there, but they may well appear later this year at two other major, televised shows, the National Dog Show and AKC National Championship.

The Danish-Swedish farmdog is the AKC's 202nd breed and "a wonderful addition to a family that is able to provide it with the exercise and mental stimulation that it needs," said the club's Gina DiNardo.

Too popular for its own good?

The AKC is the United States' oldest purebred dog registry and essentially a league for many dog competitions. Registration is voluntary, and requirements for breed recognition include at least 300 pedigreed dogs spread through at least 20 states. Some breeds are in other kennel clubs or none at all.

Danish-Swedish farmdog fanciers deliberated for several years before pursuing AKC recognition and the attention that's likely to come with it, Segebart said. The number of farmdog puppy-seekers has grown substantially over the last decade; each of the few breeders receives multiple inquiries a week, and the typical wait for a puppy is a year or more, she said.

Farmdog folk fear that their appealing, relatively easy-care breed could quickly become too popular for its own good. They're not the first to worry: Much fur has flown in dogdom over the rise of the French bulldog, which the AKC now ranks as the most popular breed in the country.

Some animal rights activists echo those concerns to argue against dog breeding in general. They say purebred popularity trends divert people from adopting shelter animals, fuel puppy mills and prize dogs' appearance over their health.

The AKC says it promotes responsibly "breeding for type and function" to produce dogs with at least somewhat predictable traits, whether as basic as size or as specialized as bomb-sniffing skills. The club says it has given over $35 million since 1995 to its canine health research charity.

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With property prices in the UK out of reach for many first-time buyers, and homeowners dreaming of a second pad in the sun, the idea of snapping up an Italian casa for 86p is intoxicating.

Several small Italian towns have hit the headlines for selling off vacant houses for €1 a pop in the past couple of years.

But how does the scheme work, and who is eligible to snap up one of these bargain villas in the sun?

Why is Italy selling houses for €1?

As young Italians increasingly migrate to the city and choose cosmopolitan jobs over rural and community vocations, many of Italy’s prettiest remote villages are becoming abandoned, with tiny, ageing populations that are beginning to die off.

Some elderly Italians have found themselves with no one to leave their house to, bequeathing it instead to the local authorities, who have to decide what to do with it, while some younger citizens have inherited properties in areas they have no intention of moving to.

Read more: What’s it really like to buy a house through Italy’s one euro homes scheme?

Having a second home in Italy means paying taxes, so selling these unused houses off cheaply can be more lucrative than keeping them.

That’s why around 25 Italian municipalities are making prospective homeowners an offer they can’t refuse - a house for the symbolic price of €1.

The idea is, having these homes improved and occupied in the next few years is worth more to the towns than selling them off at full price.

“We do not need new constructions and new overbuilding. The strategy to improve the housing environment and reclaim our cultural identity is to revive the small abandoned centres or to redevelop buildings in a state of abandonment, with a story that is our history,” reads a statement by the team at 1eurohouses.com.

Local authorities in areas such as Emilia-Romagna, Abruzzo and Campania also hope an influx of new homeowners will stimulate the economy, as they buy local produce, employ local construction workers, pour money into local venues and attractions, and even boost tourism by creating boutique hotels or B&Bs.

What’s the catch?

You’re not buying a shiny new villa - houses selected for the scheme are often dilapidated and require major structural improvements. You’re investing in a fixer-upper, not acquiring a ready-to-move-in home.

However, the cost of renovations is still relatively low compared to other countries - in the region of €20,000–50,000 depending on the size of the property.

While most houses are humble village homes or cottages, some stately homes are also on sale, with a much higher price tag attached. The sellers of this former monastery outside Bologna estimate essential renovations could cost €1.5m.

Legal fees for buying a house abroad can add up to €3,000 on top of this, and some municipalities also ask for a “guarantee fee” (from €1,000 to €10,000 depending on the town and the cost of the renovation project) to prove you’re committed to improving the property.

On the upside, Italy does provide a ‘superbonus’ tax exemption for buyers that covers 110 per cent of qualifying building expenditures.

You won’t be able to make vague promises about refurbishing your new pad sometime in the future, either - new owners are required to submit details of a renovation project within two to 12 months of purchase (depending on the location), start work within one year, and complete it within the next three.

It’s also worth noting that not every property ends up being sold for just a euro. Popular houses have become the subject of a bidding war, with several going for €5,000 or even €20,000.

So this is a scheme for people who have some savings stored up beyond the initial euro.

Who can buy a one euro house?

“Is it true or is it a joke?” reads a section of the website case1euro.it, which lists €1 properties currently for sale in Mussomeli, 60 miles south of Palermo, Sicily.

It is not a joke. Rules differ from town to town, but in the case of Mussomeli, buyers must have the financial and practical wherewithal to:

In Mussomeli, you can do whatever you like with the interior of the property, but must keep the facade looking as it did originally.

Small print goes on to say that you are entitled to renovate the property yourself, or with your choice of workers.

This is the route that French buyer Morgane Guihot and her husband took, telling CNN in 2019: “As we’re both artisans and renovators we did most of the work ourselves, which was minimal, and it was great seeing our two-room house come to life again.”

Most towns who have set up a €1 house scheme have similar financial requirements - you’ll have to check the specific requirements of the town you want to buy in. Some require you to live in the house after renovations, while others allow you to buy it with a view to using it as a holiday home or as a small business such as a B&B.

Buyers who don’t have Italian residency or don’t speak Italian may run into more hurdles when it comes to organising work and being able to make use of their property.

Has Brexit affected Brits being able to buy the houses?

People living outside of the EU can still buy properties in Italy, but only as “non residents”. This means you pay higher taxes than locals, and can spend up to 180 days per year at your Italian house, but not more than 90 out of every 180 days.

To visit more regularly, you would have to apply for Italian residency, which includes proving you have sufficient funds to support yourself without employment in Italy.

I’m still interested. How do I get started?

You’ll find €1 houses for sale on websites such as 1eurohouses.com, case1euro.it and property-in-sicily.estate as well as on individual local government websites such as the Comune of Sambuca’s or Citta de Troina’s in Sicily.

Auctions2Italy also lists some €2 properties in the country, and you’ll find case studies and ‘How we did it’ guides on Europe.properties.

American buyer Rubia Daniels, who purchased and renovated a €1 home in Sicily, told Travel + Leisure in 2022 that going and viewing potential houses in person is a must; as is examining the foundations and state of the walls.

“Definitely don’t try to do it online — you need to be there to see it and experience the process to make sure you’re making a mindful decision,” said Daniels. “I wouldn’t do anything through the internet.”

“You don’t want to get anything where the walls are buckled because that indicates a foundation issue,” she advises.

Areas running €1 house schemes

Emilia-Romagna

The slice of northern Italy around Bologna has houses for sale in towns such as verdant, ancient-ruin-speckled Modigliana (where you can buy the aforementioned dilapidated monastery).

Abruzzo

The region hugging the coast to the east of Rome. Towns raffling off their vacant homes include Casoli, Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Pratola Peligna.

Campania

The dramatic, volcanic slice of coastline around Naples, close to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast has some €1 properties for sale in places like near-abandoned Pietramelara, which recently has been home to just 15 families.

Sicily

Sicily is a hotbed of €1 house schemes. As well as sleepy Mussomeli, the towns of Calatafimi Segesta, Augusta, Sambuca and Caltagirone are all selling off unwanted or unclaimed houses.

Read more: Best hotels in Sicily

Piedmont

This northern region near Switzerland is offering homes in towns like Borgomezzavalle and Albugnano, close to renowned wine producing regions and the outdoorsy, wooded Antrona Valley.

Le Marche

The medieval town of Cantiano - a 40-minute drive from the seaside - has €1 homes for sale near white-pebble Adriatic beaches and truffle-hunting spots.

Liguria

Triora and Pignone are two of the areas in this region, famous for the colourful fishing villages of Cinque Terre as well as pesto and foccacia.

Puglia

With 195,024 inhabitants, Puglia’s provincial capital of Tarento is one of the first bigger-scale towns to start up a 1 Euro Case scheme - putting buyers in touch with its maritime history and great seafood.

Sardinia

The towns of Romana and Nulvi sit in the island’s Sassari province outside of Alghero, and have both joined the scheme to sell off €1 homes.

Tuscany

Montieri, Grosseto, Lucca and Vergemoli are some of the participating towns in Italy’s hallowed wine and villa haven.

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Renowned for its striking architecture, award-winning museums, mountains and sea, Oslo is a dream city-break destination for those seeking a blast of culture with a side order of nature. From the striking white marble and granite Opera House, to the engaging Nobel Peace Centre and innovative contemporary art museum, the city is jam-packed with impressive architecture and green space. There’s even an entire island devoted to museums – there’s even an entire island devoted to one. The fjord is clean enough to swim in and dotted with saunas for when it’s time to warm up. Excellent and green public transport makes getting out into nature easy, whether it’s to the superb Ekebergparken Sculpture Park or taking a boat out to explore the beaches and hiking trails of the islands. This is a fantastic city shaped by the gentle qualities of its citizens.

The good stuff doesn’t come cheap, however, and it’s renowned for being one of the world’s most expensive cities. Stringent licensing laws can mean it can be both difficult and eye-wateringly expensive to buy alcohol – and food isn’t inexpensive, either. But don’t let this put you off. Pack a few Pot Noodles in your luggage and a bottle of wine and soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.

1. Amerikalinjen

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Dating back to 1919, Amerikalinjen was once the headquarters of the Norwegian American Line, a major cruise and freight company that transported cargo and people between Norway and America. It’s a heritage they’re proud of, with memorabilia harking back to its nautical past scattered throughout the hotel, from framed vintage menus and photographs, travelling luggage trunks repurposed as low tables and sculptures of sea creatures above the main entrance. Richly decorated in a neo-Baroque style over seven floors, the feel is luxe, with velvet furnishings, architectural lighting, colourful artwork by Shepard Fairey and Julian Opie, and giant windows from which to watch the world go by.

Despite being situated opposite the central station on bustling Jernbanetorget Square, double-glazing means you’ll have no problem dropping off at night. Bedrooms have parquet floors, mosaic tiles, velvet sofas and packed mini-bars to indulge in. In a nod to its links with the Big Apple, the hotel is also home to a basement jazz club, named after Amerikalinjen’s founder, Gustav. With the exception of July and January, weekly live sessions take place each Friday and Saturday. The comprehensive breakfasts are impressive, as is the service, which is impeccable throughout.

Address: Jernbanetorget 2, 0154 Oslo, Norway

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2. Citybox Oslo

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This small chain of European budget hotels is a great choice in this notoriously expensive city. Housed in a pretty 19th-century building, Citybox Oslo offers an elevated hostel experience for travellers seeking a city centre base. After booking, guests receive a unique code which is entered at the self-service kiosk upon arrival and which automatically issues a room key card. Rooms are clean, simple and comfortable, in warm shades and neutrals, with private en suite and free wifi. Travellers wanting to mingle are spoiled for choice with several large, plant-filled social areas to relax, prepare and eat food, watch TV and play table tennis.

The demographic is with everyone from international backpackers in their early twenties, to couples in their sixties, meaning you won’t feel out of place if you’re no longer eligible for a Young Person’s Railcard. Breakfast is not included, but there is a kitchen equipped with a microwave, toasters and a kettle to rustle something up. Coffee and snacks are available from a vending machine and guests can enjoy a small discount for several local restaurants if you want someone else to do the washing up. Citybox Oslo is also dog-friendly, in the event you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Address: Prinsens gate 6, 0152 Oslo, Norway

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3. Att | Kvadraturen

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The epitome of Scandi-chic, this contemporary aparthotel is located in one of the city’s most historic areas. Home to 65 beautifully appointed rooms and apartments, there is no reception here, but a “house” around which the property is organised. Here, you can grab breakfast, sip cocktails at Revier (the rooftop bar), or even eat at the Michelin-starred Savage restaurant downstairs. Guests access the property via their mobile phone – you’ll need to check-in and download the app ahead of time, which doubles up as the front door and room key, enabling you to come and go as you please; assuming your phone has enough juice, the process is pretty seamless. There’s also a spot to leave luggage should you need it.

Rooms are the pinnacle of good taste with hardwood flooring, Jensen beds, walk-in showers, lux DS & Durga toiletries, minimalist art prints, marble sinks and a muted colour palette, while larger rooms have full kitchens and dining rooms, kitted out with everything from teabags to dishwasher tablets, enabling you to live like a local. Spacious, cool and quiet, Att | Kvadraturen is a perfect spot to rest and refuel before exploring the city.

Address: Kongens gate 5, 0153 Oslo, Norway

Read more: The best Northern Lights holidays in Norway

4. Sommerro House

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Situated in the bougie Frogner neighbourhood, the sprawling Sommerro House is something of a local landmark. Originally the headquarters of the capital’s electrical company, this Art Deco marvel still retains original artwork by the celebrated Norwegian artist Per Krohg, including a huge mural in Ekspedisjonshallen, the all-day dining spot. The “house” is packed with unique and beautiful features, including custom-made furniture, a grand double staircase, a six-storey chandelier and a restored basement swimming pool complete with a “swimming women and seals” Art Deco mosaic. There’s also a rooftop pool and sauna, with space to sunbathe.

As well as being a place for visitors to the city, Sommerro positions itself as a neighbourhood hotel and has a regular calendar of events, from jazz and soul evenings, to classic film and brunch events in their in-house cinema, so expect to sip cocktails with locals as well as international guests. Like the rest of the hotel, rooms are opulent and range from unique corridor-style boltholes, to suites with pink marble bathtubs, Murano glass chandeliers and Marshall speakers. There’s also a Nordic-Japanese rooftop restaurant, a Thai restaurant and more casual eating spots.

Address: Sommerrogata 1, 0255 Oslo, Norway

Read more: The best bars and nightlife in Bergen, Norway’s second city

5. The Thief

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The Thief has some stiff competition when it comes to art hotels in Oslo – both Sommerro House and Amerikalinjen have their own curators – but it pips them both to the post when it comes to creativity. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a cast iron figure created by Antony Gormley, while works by major artists such as Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Richard Prince and more await inside. The hotel has entered into a unique agreement with the must-visit Astrup Fearnley Museum of Contemporary Art next door, allowing it to borrow art from the museum’s collection – quite the coup.

Located fjord-side, The Thief sits on an islet that used to be a haven for “smugglers, thieves and scoundrels”, hence the name; now guests can take a dip in the cool waters before drying off in their room. Big name artists mean money, and The Thief is undeniably a place for indulgence. The luxury spa is home to a 40ft pool, steam room, sauna and treatment rooms, while a rooftop bar, restaurant and Thief bar serve cocktails and contemporary Nordic cuisine. Bedrooms have a neutral palate with flashes of gold, fluffy rugs and quality furniture by designers Jonathan Adler, Antonio Citterio and Tom Dixon; toiletries come courtesy of Balenciaga. And all rooms feature glass balconies for those brave enough to venture out and soak up the view.

Address: Landgangen 1, 0252 Oslo, Norway

Read more: Why storm watching on Norway’s west coast should be on every adrenaline junkie’s bucket list

6. The Well

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The Well claims to be Scandinavia’s biggest spa and it’s arguably its best. Surrounded by beautiful forest and home to 11 pools, 15 saunas and steam baths, more than 100 showers and waterfalls, a Japanese bathhouse, a Turkish hammam, rhassoul, various rituals, and a heated 30m outdoor swimming pool all arranged over three floors, this truly is a temple to rest and relaxation. Mobile phones are not allowed, meaning guests can properly unwind during their visit. This rule is also because most days are clothing optional – book on a Tuesday when swimwear is mandatory if you don’t fancy stripping off.

While the spa (which is adults-only) can be enjoyed with a day pass, it’s well worth staying the night to properly unwind. Bedrooms reflect the natural environment in a palette of greens, complemented by natural materials. All benefit from large windows with incredible views over the surrounding forest. Brasseriet offers delicious and healthy food to enjoy in your bathrobe, while upmarket Mori on the top floor offers a la carte and mouthwatering Asian fusion food tasting menus with views to die for. Situated a 20-minute drive from central Oslo, this is a journey you won’t regret making.

Address: Kongeveien 65, 1412 Sofiemyr, Norway

Read more: The best Norway ski resorts

7. The Continental

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One of Norway’s most beloved sons is Henrik Ibsen, whose name is synonymous with the National Theatre, which has continued to show his work almost every year since his visit for the grand opening in 1899. A statue of the great man guards the front of the building, which sits directly opposite Hotel Continental. One of the most historic hotels in the city, Continental has been owned by the same family for four generations and their commitment to top notch service is evident.

This five-star property excels in understated chic and has been long associated with actors and artists who made the adjoining Art Nouveau Theatercaféen their regular meeting place in the early 20th century. Interiors are classically contemporary, with plenty of fresh flowers and contemporary artworks, including a rare collection of 12 prints by Edvard Munch. Bedrooms are light, airy and decorated in delicate tones, with Sprekenhus toiletries and suites also have balconies. There’s also a fitness studio if you fancy getting in some reps before curtain rise. The Continental is also one of just two hotels in the entire country that boasts membership of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, testament to its good taste and top-class service.

Address: Stortingsgata 24/26, 0117 Oslo, Norway

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There’s a lot to love about a spa experience, whether you’re indulging in some much-needed self-care, taking time to rest and relax or spending time with friends or family members.

However, spa trips in the UK can easily spill into three figures, with the price of treatments sending the costs up even higher. So with a whole host of incredible (and affordable) spas to discover in Eastern European cities, it’s worth considering how you can incorporate a spa experience into your next holiday.

Prices tend to be significantly lower across Eastern Europe, with many hotels offering packages, and budget airlines running flights daily. The Hungarian capital of Budapest has proven to be particularly popular for low-cost luxe spa breaks, but there are plenty of other cities to explore across the region, whether you’re watching your spending or have a little more cash to splash.

From “beer spa” sessions to Finnish saunas, mineral soaks to luxury mud wraps, we’ve selected some of the best spas across the continent for rejuvanation and relaxation.

Nové Lázně Health Spa

Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic

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Named as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, Mariánské Lázně is renowned for its 100 mineral springs that boast high levels of carbon dioxide and iron. Famous philosophers and royalty are reported to have stayed in the historic five-star Nové Lázně, which dates from 1896. It’s arguably one of the prettiest spa hotels in the region, with its distinctive dandelion-yellow exterior and neo-Renaissance aesthetic. The spa remains fit for royalty, with beautiful tiling and marble columns in the Roman bath, which is a spa-lover’s dream. There’s also a sauna complex consisting of a Finnish sauna, steam room, plunge pool, foot rock pools and a whirlpool. And with an eye-popping range of medical and wellness treatments on offer, from oxygen therapy to mud wraps, you’re guaranteed to float out. A three-hour pass to the Roman baths costs 823 Czech Koruna (£27) without treatments.

Read more: I’ve been to A-lister favourite wellness retreat Mayrlife seven times – here’s what you can expect

Széchenyi Baths

Budapest, Hungary

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You may recognise Budapest’s Széchenyi Baths from the famous images of men playing chess in its mineral rich waters over the years, an activity that is an integral part of Hungarian culture. Thankfully, there’s plenty of room for everyone, whether you’re partial to the checkerboard or not. Built in 1913, Széchenyi has been an integral part of the city for over a hundred years and is one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. With 18 baths, including three grand outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms, a visit to Széchenyi is a highly social affair. The baths also offer a daily 45-minute Beer Spa session, in which visitors relax in wooden tubs of warm thermal water while natural beer ingredients (hops, malt and yeast) are poured in containing a whole host of positive qualities to boost the skin and circulation. Fancy something a bit livelier? The weekly Saturday evening “Sparty” combines banging tunes, top-class lasers and visuals for a party vibe with a twist. A day-entry ticket to the spa costs 11,934 Hungarian forint (£24) per person during the week, rising to 13, 581Hungarian forint (£27) on weekends. Elsewhere, tickets to the Sparty start from €59 (£49) for basic entry.

Read more: Why this Caribbean island is the perfect place for a female-focused wellness break

Therme Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania

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As the largest spa in Europe, Therme Bucharest is the daddy when it comes to wellness experiences. Opened in 2016, this spa goes big, with around 40,000 square metres of wellness, leisure and spa space set over two floors. Packed with plants, 10 pools, 10 saunas and the largest urban beach in Europe, this is a top-notch spa experience that you can enjoy with a cocktail in your hand. It’s also home to 16 water slides if you fancy an adrenalin hit before your mineral soak. A one-day, access-all-areas pass costs £29 Monday to Thursday, rising to £32 for entry Friday to Sunday, including school holidays. Read our full guide to Therme here.

Read more: This is what it’s really like on a silent meditation retreat – and it might terrify you

Gellért Thermal Bath

Budapest, Hungary

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Probably the most famous Art Nouveau baths in Hungary, Gellért dates back to 1918 and is pretty as a picture, with mosaic-covered terraces, turquoise tiling, ornate statues and marble columns and balconies. There are 10 pools in total, including an outdoor wave pool and cold plunge pool, plus several geothermal pools containing water from the mineral hot springs. Hot air chambers and steam rooms round up the main wellness offerings. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the main hall with its marble gallery and glass roof (you’ll need a cap to swim here, but these are available to purchase for £4), but if you’re not convinced, maybe the prices will do the job. Expect to pay 11,000 Hungarian forint (£22) per person for a daily ticket with locker usage (Monday to Thursday), rising to 12,500 (£25) on Fridays and weekends. A 45-minute “classic” massage costs 18,000 (£36), and there are towels, bathrobes, slippers and safes to hire. You can also hire a “cabin”, which is a small, private, lockable changing room to change and store your belongings, if you need more room.

Book now

Read more: Finding the secret to why Sardinians live to 100 – the Mediterranean island that delivers laid-back wellness

Hotel Royal Spa

Velingrad, Bulgaria

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Like to sweat? You’ve come to the right place. At Velingrad’s Hotel Royal Spa, you’ll find (deep breath) a Finnish sauna, a Himalayan salt sauna, an infrared sauna, a panoramic sauna, an aroma steam bath, a panoramic steam bath and a hamam. As Bulgaria’s biggest balneo-therapeutic (bathing in thermal and mineral waters) resort, the Hotel Royal Spa is also home to six indoor and seven outdoor pools, including Roman and Russian baths and a jacuzzi, all filled with healing waters. Their long list of treatments is an absolute steal as well, with a 45-minute full-body massage clocking in at 65 Bulgarian lev (£27.50), while a full-body seaweed mask costs 80 Bulgarian lev (£34). Known as the spa capital of the Balkans, Velingrad is located in the mountains with plentiful hiking opportunities available and national parks to explore, making it an ideal alternative destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Lukács Thermal Bath

Budapest, Hungary

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For an authentic Budapest baths experience, head to Lukács, which is a favourite amongst locals. It’s also an excellent choice for those on a budget, with weekday entrance tickets costing just 5,100 Hungarian forint (£10.28), rising to 5,500 Hungarian forint (£11) on weekends and public holidays. For that, you can bathe in two indoor thermal pools, two large outdoor pools, enjoy a “sauna world” consisting of a Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, ice hut, Himalayan salt wall, a Tepidarium, and a sun terrace for topping up your tan. Treatments include classic and premium massage, with the former costing just 11,000 Hungarian forint (£22) for 45 minutes, while hop-heads can also indulge in the Beer Spa session featured at Széchenyi Baths. Thermal baths have been enjoyed at this location as far back as the 12th-century by the Knights Hospitallers, making it a unique part of this historic city. Make sure you take your own towels, swimming cap and slippers, or you’ll have to hire them – and you’ll pay more to loan a single towel (6,000 Hungarian forint/£12) than you’ll spend on the entrance fee.

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Hotel Copernicus Spa by L’Occitane

Krakow, Poland

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Visitors to Poland’s picturesque second city of Krakow would do well to take a visit to the five-star Hotel Copernicus Spa by L’Occitane situated on one of the city’s oldest streets. Hidden in the subterranean depths of this beautiful 14th-century building, the gothic-style swimming pool and spa is small but mighty, with atmospheric vaulted ceilings and exposed brick and stone walls. In addition to the pool and sauna, guests can indulge in a series of massage treatments or facials, all using L’Occitane products. A 60-minute massage costs 350Polish złoty (£68) and includes access to the pool and sauna, while a day pass is 600 Polish złoty (£116.50), which includes a 60-minute body or face treatment, a three-course lunch with a glass of champagne and unlimited access to the swimming pool and spa. Named after the astronomer, who was a regular visitor, the property also has beautifully restored frescoes and a rooftop terrace with city views, perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif.

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Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras

Slovakia

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Outdoor enthusiasts and those with a head for heights may well be familiar with the snow-capped peaks of the High Tatras, the highest range in the Carpathian Mountains. With 26 peaks over 2,500m, plus 100 alpine lakes, this is a wilderness-lover’s dream. Rest weary bones at the five-star Grand Hotel Kempinski. Situated on the shore of the glacial mountain lake Štrbské Pleso, the views over the surrounding mountains are nothing short of spectacular. And its spa, Zion, scooped the best hotel spa award in Slovakia in the 2023 World Spa Awards. Take a dip in the pool and float under crystal chandeliers before sweating it out in one of three saunas, a caldarium and a Kneipp pool. There’s also a fitness centre if you want to clock up some miles, while treatments include massage, facials and more.

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