Cape Town

Arranged around a peninsula-long spine of mountains culminating in the majestic upward sweep of Table Mountain, and lapped by both the Indian and Atlantic oceans, Cape Town is easily a top contender for the title of most beautiful city in the world.

Throw in great bars, restaurants, a lively yet laid-back atmosphere and a Mediterranean climate - plus a wallet -friendly currency exchange - and you'll understand why short breaks to Cape Town are as good as an extended holiday.

All city breaks to Cape Town should include a trip on the rotating cable car up Table Mountain. During the summer, from the top you'll be able to witness the sun bathing the peaks of Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles in gold as it dips behind the ocean, before gawping in the other direction at the sea of city lights twinkling in the distance below.

Even on short breaks to Cape Town, you'll need to rent a car or take a tour to see the peninsula in all its glory. Bask on the Clifton beaches, tuck into fresh fruit cocktails at the buzzing bars lining Camps Bay, and stroll around the former fishing village of Hout Bay. The Kirstenbosch botanical gardens on the other side of "The Mountain" (as Capetonians invariably put it) are worth at least half a day, as is the rugged wilderness at Cape Point.

Another reason for the popularity of city breaks to Cape Town is its heady mix of spectacular scenery and fine wines: the beautiful Stellenbosch and Paarl wine routes are only a short drive from the city.

The glittering Waterfront - at whose gleaming hotels you may find yourself staying on short breaks to Cape Town - is also the departure point for trips to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 25 years.