Best Destinations for a Last-Minute Getaway
Going on holiday doesn’t always require months of careful planning. Spontaneous getaways can be just as rewarding without breaking the bank, especially if you choose a European destination within easy reach of the UK.
If you want to get away this summer but don’t want to spend ages thinking about where to go, check out our picks for the best last-minute destinations below.
Turkey
Turkey is an ideal destination for last-minute holidays thanks to its connectivity and reliable sunny weather. Flying from the UK on a direct flight, you can reach Istanbul or İzmir in around four hours.
For beach holidays, you can’t go wrong with Ölüdeniz on the southwest coast. It’s home to Belcekız Beach, a long, curved stretch of pebble and sand beach popular with sunbathers and those landing after a paragliding adventure. It’s part of the wider Ölüdeniz Beach area, also known as the Blue Lagoon, a national nature reserve with calmer, shallower waters that are perfect for the kids.
Families interested in history should head to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. It’s been open for 570 years, making it one of the world’s oldest covered markets. You can explore over 4,000 shops selling pointed leather slippers, peshtemal towels, and beautiful hand-painted floral-motif bowls.
Greece
Greece boasts over 6,000 islands and islets to explore, from well-known tourist destinations like Mykonos to hidden treasures like Leros. Culinary enthusiasts should visit Sifnos for its twist on traditional Greek cuisine. Bostani Bar and Cantina are firm favourites on the island thanks to their take on the legendary local chef and author of the first Greek cookbook, Nicholas Tselementes’ cooking.
If you’re looking for a bustling nightlife, head to Santorini. In Fira, you’ll find clubs blaring out exclusively Greek classics, as well as those specialising in house and top 40 pop hits. During the day, paddle out on a kayak around the caldera, past the Red and White beaches, or snorkel through the sea caves.
Astypalea in the Dodecanese is a tiny island home to just over 1,000 people, packed with charm. It’s an ideal stop for nature lovers, with mountains filled with wild saffron offering great views of the castle overlooking the town.
Spain
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is the ideal destination for a city and seaside break. Given it’s so close to the UK, you can simply drive to the airport, leave your car at airport parking, and board a flight. Once there, you can spend the morning relaxing at Barceloneta Beach before visiting the city’s cultural attractions, including La Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum.
On the south coast, the Costa del Sol is home to resorts such as Marbella, Torremolinos, and Nerja, offering a range of family-friendly attractions and vibrant nightlife. It’s celebrated for featuring over 300 days of sunshine a year, almost guaranteeing good weather for you.
Further off the coast of West Africa, the Canary Islands have a laid-back atmosphere. Thanks to their year-round warmth, you can escape the rain and wind for autumn and winter sunshine and sunbathe on black sand beaches.
