Bubble Inn Village

So you’re heading for the seaside? As well as a beach of golden sand backed by seafront restaurants, the smart enclave of Rimini (55 minutes’ drive) has much to offer, including a photogenic Old Town, an ancient Roman bridge, medieval fortress and the handsome Renaissance-era Tempio Malatestiano. Historic San Marino (35 minutes) also warrants a day’s exploration. It’s crowned by three UNESCO-listed towers, so climb up to their ramparts or head for the Contrada del Pianello viewing deck for spectacular views over the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic coast. And it’s not all about the sightseeing; this micro-country is known for its tax-free shopping and you can sample local piadinas (stuffed flatbreads) in its trattorias too. Kids a bit resistant to culture? Treat them to treetop rope courses at Carpegna Park - Family Adventure Mountain (20 minutes), or a dinosaur walk and archery sessions at San Marino Adventures (half an hour). You could also take them trekking in the Sasso Simone e Simoncello Regional Natural Park (25 minutes), or on the alpine pastures above Eremo Monti di Carpegna ski resort (15 minutes).