Flights of fancy for 'shoulder season'

Jet off this spring and you'll avoid all the pitfalls of busy high-season travel, says LAUREN TAYLOR

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TRAVEL RENAISSANCE CITY Duomo in Florence

(Edited by JULIE DELAHAYE)

With fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, spring's "shoulder season" is the perfect time to jet off for a weekend break to a European city. Here's where to go - and stay - on the Continent right now.

SPLIT, CROATIA

Croatia's second city is often overlooked in favour of Dubrovnik but it offers a truly great alternative. Flights from the UK to Split are direct, regular and often cheap, and while it does offer a great jumping-off point for a longer island-hopping Croatia break, Split is a worthy destination to stay in and explore.

The vast Unesco-listed Roman Diocletian's Palace, built between 295 and 305AD, is made up of more than 200 buildings - making it one of the largest Roman remains. It's very much lived in though, with thousands of homes and many businesses within its walls.

The Riva waterfront provides a picturesque, boat-lined promenade to walk along too.

Where to stay: Just five minutes' walk from Split's Old Town and overlooking the Riva Promenade, Hotel Ambasador is ideally located for a short city break. Ultramodern with mega views from every room, there's also a tranquil spa and rooftop infinity pool. Prices start from £131 per night for a classic room with street view in spring.

Visit: ambasadorsplit.com/en

SAINT-TROPEZ, FRANCE