Euro 2016 - How to avoid the football this summer

Montenegro - The Balkans best beaches

Less overrun with tourists than its Mediterranean neighbours, Montenegro offers a peaceful escape for those wanting respite from the UEFA mayhem thanks to its combination of crystalline waters, mountainous forests and charming historical towns.

The Budva Riviera on the Adriatic coast is home to the region’s main resort, Budva, and hosts some of the country’s best beaches. Wander around the old town and you’ll encounter Venetian houses and shady piazzas, while the city’s contemporary quarters are home to one-off boutiques and independent cafes.

Further along the coast, Becici’s three kilometre long beach is a family favourite thanks to its clear waters, numerous watersports and promenade filled with bars and restaurants. Further along the beach you’ll find Rafailovici, a quaint fishing village where you’ll discover the best seafood restaurants around.

Don’t miss: An hour’s drive from buzzing Becici lies the coastal city of Kotor, a medieval UNESCO world heritage site filled with labyrinthine streets to lose yourself in. Climb the city walls and watch the yachts of the rich and famous float into the marina as the sun begins to set or simply admire the views of the beautiful black mountains surrounding the sheltered bay.

Head off the beaten track and discover it for yourself by booking one of Thomson’s holidays to Montenegro here.

Greece - Idyllic island escapes

There’s a reason why Greece is one of the world’s most popular destinations. Peppered with pretty picturesque islands each with its own distinct personality, Greece combines stunning sandy beaches with heaps of history, vibrant nightlife and a world-renowned cuisine.

The only challenge is choosing which of these idyllic islands to visit. Head to Mykonos for a glitzy Greek getaway where you’ll be rubbing shoulders with celebrities, or alluring Zante for the best beaches in the Ionian, where the spectacular scenery attracts loggerhead turtles who come every summer to nest.

Looking for something a little more lively? Try carefree Kos, an island renowned for its non-stop nightlife, or historical Rhodes, where the cultural wonders are offset with wild nights in Faliraki or more low-key evenings in Rhodes Town. Meanwhile romantic Santorini, with its charming white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches and leisurely pace of life, makes it perfect for unwinding – with not a football match in sight…

Don’t miss: A trip to Kefalonia’s poppy fields and exquisite Myrtos Beach, made famous by Hollywood blockbuster Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

To explore the Greek islands for yourself, book one of Thomson’s holidays to Greece here.

Malta - Hot history

Aside from the fact that this diminutive island gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year, there’s another very good reason to visit Malta - its history. The island has a jaw-dropping past dating back 7000 years, giving it the highest density of historical sites in the world.

The tiny Maltese town of Valletta is the smallest capital city in Europe, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in stunning sites. A UNESCO world heritage site, Valletta is dominated by beautiful Baroque architecture including the must-visit 16th century cathedral and Grandmaster’s Palace.

But aside from the history, there’s plenty more on offer in Malta including spectacular cliff-top scenery, a buzzy nightlife in St Julian’s and some of the best diving, exploring the wrecks of British war ships sunken in the crystal clear waters around the island.

Don’t miss: A trip to the ancient walled city of Mdina, the country’s former capital. Just 20 minutes from Valletta, perfectly-preserved Mdina will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time – 4000 years to be precise – to when it was originally founded. Known as ‘The Silent City’, it remains a wonderfully peaceful place to spend an afternoon wandering through its quaint streets.

Like the look of Malta? Book your break there now by clicking here.

Cyprus - The island for everyone

It doesn’t take long after landing in Cyprus to realise that the story behind it being the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty, is apt. With its tree-covered mountains, sweeping valleys, pristine beaches and bright white salt lakes, Cyprus is bursting with natural beauty.

But its incredible vistas are only one of the elements which make Cyprus so appealing. From its Roman ruins to its cosmopolitan capital, its world-class clubbing to its quiet coastal villages, this is a destination that will keep all the family entertained.

Cultural highlights begin in Nicosia, the Cypriot capital, where striking 16th century architecture sits alongside modern masterpieces, such as Eleftherias Square, the huge outdoor park designed by Zaha Hadid. Take a trip to Prime afterwards, Cyprus’s first microbrewery providing a tasty escape just outside the city.

There’s also plenty to keep the kids happy from the award-winning Paphos Zoo to the multiple fun-filled waterparks. Meanwhile, for some more grown-up entertainment, clubbing mecca Ayia Napa offers all-night partying after dark, as well as 14 beaches and a pretty Old Town to keep you amused during the day – perfect for saying farewell to the football.

Don’t miss: A hike in Cyprus’s pine-clad Troodos Mountains. The  Caledonia Falls trail is one of the most popular, taking you on a two hour trek past Mediterranean chameleons and rare mouflon wild sheep to a gorgeous waterfall where the waters are rumoured to contain youth-preserving properties.

Fancy an island getaway to Cyprus? Book a holiday with Thomson here.

Author: Georgie Lane-Godfrey