The European Holidays

L:ast week, I was visiting Europe on my way and really some of Europe's last deserted beaches survive along the Bulgarian coast. Most white-sand gems are in the south, part of a secretive and under-visited region, the forested Strandja national park. Ropotamo, south of the ancient town of Sozopol, is set in a lush, protected lagoon, while Sinemorets, a few miles from the Turkish border, has several dreamy beaches. And up near the Romanian border, the natural reserve of Durankulak has some very private wild spots for diving, bird-watching and romantic getaways. Hoseasons european holidays and the resorts are your thing, try Sveti Konstantin, a boutique complex with a classy beach near Varna, or the grand-sounding Riviera holiday club, set in a private park for an exclusive feel. Albena, with its 4km strip of beautiful sand and clear waters, boasts good water sports. The excellent-value Hotel Kaliakra (albena.bg) in Albena is ideal for families - right on the beach with a kids' swimming pool, playgrounds and kindergarten (at an extra charge). If you don't need a beach, the five-star hideaway spa-hotel Park Hotel Pirin  at the foot of the Pirin mountains offers family suites with two or three bedrooms that work out quite reasonably. The speciality here is decadent beauty and spa treatments, but little ones can enjoy the children's pool and playroom, and in the evening the open-air garden restaurant is great for families.