The final rays of summer sun have faded away, the nights are drawing in and Autumn is upon us. But this is still a wonderful time of year to get out and explore if you fancy grabbing some late seasonal sun or want to enjoy a city break.
With cheap flights to Europe readily available, there is a multitude of fabulous destinations within easy reach. So, what are you waiting for? Here’s our selection of recommended European breaks that are perfect for a long weekend away!
Ibiza
The iconic White Isle is famed as one of the party capitals of Europe during the summer, but although the dance season winds down towards the end of September, the weather is still pleasantly warm until October. With a quieter atmosphere, the charm of Ibiza really comes to the fore; old Ibiza Town and Playa d’en Bossa are especially worth a visit.
Barcelona
Barcelona provides the best of both worlds, combining city life with a beach vibe. If you’re looking for a weekend that provides plenty of choice when it comes to sunbathing, swimming and all the benefits of a thriving city, the Catalan capital is hard to beat. You can spend your days on the beach and your evenings bar-hopping and dining out in tasty tapas restaurants. Glorious!
Amsterdam
With a rapid flight time from the UK – just 45 to 60 minutes – Amsterdam is ideal if you want to get to a fantastic destination, fast. You can head out on a Friday evening and return on a Sunday, ready for work yet still having packed a lot into your weekend. You probably won’t get much sun during an Autumn visit, but the weather is pretty mild. And, it’s a first class city break venue! Amsterdam is steeped in culture, with some superb museums to visit, spacious and relaxing parks to chill out in and impressive shopping too.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital city is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. Much like Barcelona, it has the benefit of being flanked by a few beaches, while the city itself features romantic streets that are perfect for strolling around and exploring. One of the best ways to see the sights is via a tram ride – an unlimited 24-hour ticket only costs a handful of Euros. Lisbon is also a paradise for food lovers; the seafood is especially good.
Dublin
Much loved by all who visit, Dublin is a great destination for a few days or a weekend away. The Temple Bar area may be the hub of the city’s nightlife, but Dublin’s appeal spreads far wider than that. There are many places of interest here, including the Writers Museum, Trinity College and Guinness storehouse – and the DART rail system means you can hop on a train and visit towns up and down the coast while you’re there.
