Introducing Mandal

Norway’s southernmost town, Mandal is famous for its 800m-long beach, Sjøsanden. About 1km from the centre and backed by forests, the Copacabana it ain’t, but it is Norway’s finest stretch of sand, just crying out for a sunny Mediterranean climate.

The tourist office (38 27 83 00; www.regionmandal.com; Bryggegaten 10; 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun Jun-Aug, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri Sep-May) is along the waterfront.