Salmon, saunas and sopranos: Finland’s opera festival with a difference
Each July Savonlinna’s 15th-century fortress rings with song as music fans descend on this beautiful, lake-filled corner of south-east Finland
Young at heart: Poland’s party city of Lublin
This year’s European youth capital is having a ball, with great food and nightlife part of the vibrant, multicultural scene – plus a stunning old town
Smoke on the water, and music in the air: the magic of Montreux, Switzerland
The town’s fabled music festival is just one side of a place that is framed by natural beauty to hike through – and wine heritage you can savour
‘My favourite place in Europe’: 17 travel writers on the country that feels like home
Grand old Viennese coffee houses, blazing Algarve sunsets, steamboats in Stockholm, schnapps in Slovenia … and a dozen more reasons why we love Europe
I’ve come to love Chișinău: my home city in Moldova deserves the spotlight
European leaders visiting the Moldovan capital for a political summit will see a city rich in cultural influences and wine-making history
10 of the best free festivals in the UK
From family-friendly jamborees to tall ships races: as festival season kicks off, we highlight great events that don’t cost anything
Grand Torino: why the ‘cacophonous and intoxicating’ Italian city is a must-see
Roman ruins, art nouveau and industrial heritage add a patina of reality to underrated Turin, which feels more worn in than worn out
‘Astonishing, luminous beauty’: readers’ cultural highlights in Europe
The secrets to ancient Greek innovations, art in its rightful place, and gorgeous statues and views from Dublin to Albania
Missed out on Vermeer? Try these arty gems across Europe instead
With the Amsterdam blockbuster all sold out, our writer picks 10 alternative arty must-sees in Europe – all reachable by train
‘The music moved me to tears’: falling in love with Albania
After visiting 17 countries for his latest book, our writer leaves his heart in Albania – ‘a country of knotty history, boundless hospitality and infinite surprises’
Pole to Pole: 10 brilliant things to do in Poland
Buzzy cities offer museums of vodka, croissants or codebreaking, plus there are mountains, lakes and beaches – and piles of glorious food
‘The cycling was a breeze’: following the Seine through Normandy
The Seine à Vélo cycle route follows minor roads to major attractions, including a medieval chateau, Monet’s garden and Rouen cathedral
A local’s guide to Brno, Czech Republic: ‘How do you like your pilsner poured?’
Actor Ondřej Kokorský shows us around the country’s second city, taking in traditional beer halls, up-and-coming neighbourhoods and a pink theatre that offers English subtitles
‘Your tastebuds will go on their own journey’: readers’ tips on undiscovered Italy
Our tipsters pick cute and quiet towns, captivating views and food to melt your heart
Switzerland unplugged: a hike in the off-grid Bavona valley
Using paths surrounded by terraced chestnut groves, walkers can encounter a traditional corner of Europe untouched by mains electricity