Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, has become an increasingly popular place to visit in recent years, with a warm Mediterranean climate in spite of its place facing the Atlantic Ocean. Full of bleached white limestone buildings and intimate alleyways, Lisbon's mix of traditional architecture and contemporary culture makes it the perfect place for a family holiday. Things to do in Lisbon: As Portugal's capital, there is a lot to see and do in Lisbon. Even exploring the city centre will take a few days out of a family holiday as there is no real central district, although Praça do Comércio is a good central place to start, in Baxia, or Rossio, the city's main square which has a sort of Trafalgar Square feel to it. Or you might try climbing up the Cristo Rei, a huge statue of Christ with spectacular views across the whole city. The Castelo de São Jorge also offers great views and isn't quite such a steep climb. A short tram ride to the west of Lisbon will also bring you to Belem, where you can explore attractions like the Belem Tower and the Belem Cultural Centre, which features a fantastic art collection including works by Dali, Picasso, Warhol and Magritte. In downtown Lisbon, you'll also want to visit the Gulbenkian, which has to be Portugal's answer to the British Museum full of fascinating cultural artifacts and with some superb gardens in the grounds. It's possible to have a fascinating educational family holiday in Lisbon, and there are also plenty of great beaches to work on your tan.

An exclusive resort town long recognised for attracting royalty, Estoril lies less than 20 miles west of Lisbon and is probably best known for its casino. One of Europe’s largest, it was the inspiration for the first of Ian Fleming’s James Bond books, "Casino Royale." Estoril’s mild winters and warm sunny summers make it a perfect beach town, with one of the nicest, Praia do Tamariz, lying right next to the casino. So famous has Estoril become that the local coast is now called Costa do Estoril.

Time seems to stand still in Evora, a well-preserved medieval town that features protective walls, a 13th-century cathedral, several palaces,and a 1st-century Roman temple. No surprise that the town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though it’s kind of creepy, don’t miss the Chapel of Bones, where the remains of nuns and monks are arranged in a haunting mosaic.

There's something for everyone in Andorra la Vella, capital of the Principality of Andorra. Take a stroll through the historical centre and discover the Casa de la Vall (the former parliament) and the avant-garde modern parliament. If you like Romanesque art, visit the church of Santa Coloma and the Margineda medieval bridge. Nature lovers can enjoy an urban hike at the Rec del Solà or the Rec del Obac, or be seduced by the Enclar Valley’s remarkable fauna and flora. Need a shopping fix? Peruse the popular Meritxell shopping area.

The sands of Bellaria-Igea Marina are splendid and clean, perfect for relaxing under an umbrella with a book or a beverage. Once an ancient fishing village, the northern Italian town is now a destination for families who flock to kid-friendly beaches like Bagno 76 Eden. Kids will also love the beautiful seashell exhibits of the Museo delle Conchiglie.

Though dwarfed by nearby Naples, Caserta punches above its weight when it comes to world-class landmarks. Its roll call of sights include the colossal Royal Palace of Caserta, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and San Leucio Complex; all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Popular in the late 18th and early 19th century with luminaries such as Strauss, Wagner, Kafke, Freud, Twain and Edward VII, this sprightly spa town is a charming spot. Delicately painted spa houses and hotels tiptoe up the lush, forested mountainsides. One hundred mineral springs with high carbon dioxide and iron content confetti the town and nearby hillsides, many with neat colonnades and stately pavilions. The most famed is the cupola-capped and colonnade-adorned Krizovy pramen.