The beautiful thing about being on Europe’s doorstep is the sheer breadth of holiday destinations at our fingertips. Beach holidays, city breaks, skiing adventures, family-friendly resorts and rugged expeditions are all catered for within just a few hours of the UK – and they’re all possible through Sunny Heart Holidays. The only problem is how to narrow down the choices.

Cuisine, culture and climate can all come into the equation when selecting a holiday destination and from east to west, holidays in Europe cover an incredibly wide spectrum on all fronts. From the fine dining on offer in France, to the Mediterranean delicacies of Italy and Greece and over to the hearty stews of Eastern Europe, a whole platter of delights is available across the continent.

Annual traditions such as Oktoberfest in Germany, Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival or the Pamplona bull run in Spain might be what tips the balance. Or perhaps you’re looking for European holidays which will expose you to a completely different pace or way or life, enjoying the golf courses in the Algarve, the atmosphere of Istanbul’s souks or a log cabin in a remote corner of Finland.

City breaks in Europe are also incredibly popular and varied in nature. History buffs need look no further than capital cities like Rome or Athens, while trend-setters might fancy cosmopolitan Copenhagen. Then there’s the Christmas markets which spring up throughout December across German cities, the ever-romantic Paris – still a favourite for couples’ holidays in Europe – culture-laden Barcelona and the up-and-coming Reykjavik in Iceland. For cheap holidays in Europe, the likes of Vilnius, Bucharest and Budapest get consistently good reviews while somehow remaining under the radar at the same time.

But what of something for the whole family? Fortunately, Europe is awash with child-friendly resorts, with sun, sea, sand and kids’ clubs. Croatia’s Adriatic coast, Paphos in Cyprus and many destinations across the Greek islands cater brilliantly for families.

Those looking for active breaks which don’t just involve chasing after the kids, can pack the mountain bike, skis, running trainers, or watersports equipment and find the perfect spot somewhere on the continent. For hitting the slopes, look no further than the Alps, where you’ll find world-class resorts, suitable for a range of abilities, across France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Typically, Italian ski resorts tend to be slightly cheaper if you’re working to a budget. And you don’t even need to commit to a dedicated ski break to get your snow sport fix – in the Netherlands you’ll find Europe’s largest indoor ski resort at SnowWorld Landgraaf.

Cycling and hiking breaks can be enjoyed pretty much anywhere, but the Dolomites in Italy and various destinations across Spain are ranked among the best.

If rest and relaxation is more your thing, check out the spas and wellness retreats off the beaten track, which provide excellent value for money too. Poland, Belarus and the Czech Republic all provide excellent offerings to unwind away from the hustle and bustle.

And of course, don’t overlook beach holidays in Europe – there are plenty of places across Italy, Greece, Portugal and even Scotland which rival the Caribbean for stunning white and golden sands, glittering waters and glorious outlooks.