Sweden's third largest city, Malmö, has more parks, gardens and restaurants per inhabitant than any other city in Sweden. Malmö was founded in the 13th century and amongst the sights around this elegant city are the historic Lilla Torg square, the colourful Möllevångstorget square, Stortorget (the main square), and the magnificent St Petri Church. Kungsparken and Pildammsparken are some of Sweden's most beautiful city parks, and to top it off there is a long sandy beach within walking distance from the city centre. Apart from its beautiful parks, the city has a wealth of interesting museums and galleries to visit. Konsthallen and Rooseum are famous for their innovative art exhibitions and there are several interesting museums at Malmöhus Castle.

Northeast from Stortorget is St Petri Kyrka, Göran Olsgatan 1,built in the Gothic style and dating from the 13th century, although its towers were built in the 15th century and its copper spires in 1890. The cathedral is elegant, and probably its most beautiful feature is the altar area, Scandinavia's largest, created in 1611 by several sculptors. In the 1800s it was painted over with grey oil paint, which has fortunately been removed in recent years.

Not far from Malmö lies the university town of Lund. Typical of university towns, Lund is both historic and lively. Founded in the 10th century, the city is home to one of Scandinavia's most prominent Romanesque buildings, the Cathedral, dating from the 1145.

Malmö is one of Sweden's gateways to the continent. Linked to Copenhagen via the Öresund Bridge, Malmö makes a perfect starting point from which to explore the exciting Danish capital, as well as the delights of the surrounding region, Skåne. Skåne's picturesque landscape is dotted with historic castles and manor houses (many of which provide luxurious, country-house hotel accommodation), numerous golf courses, and has a charming culture and cuisine.

Driving to Blekinge from Skåne, you first reach Sölvesborg, where the narrow streets and old buildings show their medieval origins and the ruins of 13th-century Sölvesborg Slott (castle). The biggest town in Blekinge is Karlskrona, a naval centre built in the 17th century, with wide streets and impressive buildings. In the Björkholmen district you'll find quaint 18th-century cottages built by ships' carpenters.

Around Öland: an ornithologist's delight
The island of Öland, off the east coast, is one of the most heavily visited areas of Sweden and with diverse landscape, is a paradise for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and sun worshippers. The best beaches in Sweden are in northern Öland and attract some 2 million tourists a year.

Once you've crossed the Öland bridge from the coast of Blekinge, you soon see on the northwest coast the ruins of Borgholm Slott rising above the main town of Borgholm, a once splendid residence from the 12th century. During the summer it is a venue for open-air concerts. Solliden Slott (Palace), just outside Borgholm, is the king's summer residence.

Stora Alvaret, a great expanse of bare limestone soil covering 300km of centre southern Öland, is a unusual and starkly  beautiful landscape. It offers the beauty of rare flowers, flocks of cranes in autumn, and a scene of earth as it must have looked at the of creation.