Starting from May 31, Sweden’s second city is throwing a “stopover” party to welcome the round-the-world yachts of the Volvo Ocean Race. The celebrations will go on for nine days into the long, light nights in the pretty 17th-century streets and harbour, as the crews rest up before launching the last sprint of their gruelling nine-month marathon.

Gothenburg’s Eriksberg port, where the last leg of the race starts, will become an open-air maritime festival, with tours of a racing yacht, children’s sailing lessons, food stalls , music and prizes. And the Sweden v England World Cup match will be shown on a big screen on June 2.

See www.goteborg.com for details. Return flights with SAS, which must include a Saturday night stay, are from pound;116. For accommodation, including Bamp;B, and further information, contact the Swedish Travel and Tourism Council: 00 800 3080 3080; or www.visitsweden.com.

The Algarve

For guaranteed sunshine at half-term, the Villa Agency is offering a three-bedroom villa sleeping six in Carvoeiro from pound;1,190 for seven nights from June 1. A short walk from the beach, Casa Alissa is set in a walled garden and has a pool and maid service. Flights and car hire can be arranged. Tel: 01392 424 400; www.thevillaagency.co.uk.