Best short-haul holiday destinations

Madeira has a well-deserved reputation for its flower-filled landscape – it’s even been dubbed the Floating Garden. Head to the coast, and you’ll find scooped-out coves, pebble-peppered bays, and the occasional sweep of sand. Meanwhile, footprint-free Porto Santo floats just 40 kilometres north of Madeira. It’s much smaller than its sister island, but still boasts a 10-kilometre stretch of sand for sunbathing.
 

Our holidays to Madeira

Our holidays to Porto Santo

Think sunny summer holiday, think Spain. This country boasts more sand-skirted Costas than you could shake a beach towel at. From the Costa Blanca’s pearly beaches to the Costa Dorada’s gilded shores, whichever Spanish gem you pick, you’re all set for an escape that’ll sweep you off your feet. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, tuck into some tapas, or sip Sangria in the sunshine.
 

Our holidays to Mainland Spain

Championship golf courses? Tick. Sandy coastline? Tick. No time difference? Tick. And that’s just the start of what Portugal’s got up its sleeve. Choose the ever-popular Algarve, and you can opt for a sleepy break in a fishing village, or a bustling escape complete with plenty of bars and restaurants. A city break in Lisbon’s on the cards, too – think ancient temples, cobbled plazas, and waterfront eateries.
 

Our holidays to Portugal

Pretty villages, cool cities and world-famous cuisine – holidays to Italy tick all the boxes. Plus, this small-but-mighty country boasts more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other on the planet. In the north, the snow-dusted Dolomites flaunt powdery ski runs and ethereal lakes. Moving down, Rome makes its mark with the Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Or, for some of the most scenic beaches in Italy, head to Puglia – the stiletto heel to Italy’s boot.
 

Our holidays to Italy

If you’re craving a city break, the Netherlands’ Amsterdam’s sure to hit the spot. This canal-crossed gem combines culture-packed museums with a lively nightlife scene – and it throws in some excellent attractions for good measure. You can get a bird’s-eye view of the city when you take the plunge on Europe’s highest swing. Or, learn all about how beer’s made at the Heineken Experience. Hop on a bike to see the city like a local, or board a boat to see the sights from the water.
 

Our holidays to the Netherlands

Pick Paris to get the measure of the original European city break. The French capital offers up cobbled streets peppered with cafés, a world-class foodie scene, and an iconic landmark round every corner – and we mean every corner. It only takes about two hours to walk the width of Paris, so you can stroll from sight to sight. Then, you can refuel with a classic French pastry and a café au lait – or, of course, a top-quality glass of red.
 

Our holidays to France

Make tracks for Montenegro and you won’t be disappointed. This Balkan beauty flaunts scenic lakes, centuries-old sights and beautiful beaches along its Adriatic coastline. The best bit? It’s only around a three-hour flight away. When you touch down, visit the atmospheric old town in Budra, kick back on a horseshoe-shaped bay in Petrovac or go hiking through the spectacular Tara River Canyon.
 

Our holidays to Montenegro

Austria’s Vienna is a prime pick for a city break. It’s packed with cultural gems – from its pair of palaces to its iconic café scene. Plus, for music fans, Vienna’s a bit of a treasure chest. It’s been home to a hall-of-fame selection of musicians over the centuries – including Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert – and their music is still played in the city’s concert halls.
 

Our holidays to Austria

Say hello to thermal baths, sprawling palaces and spicy stews in Hungary’s capital, Budapest. The city’s made up of two parts, which are divided by the Danube River. You’ve got Buda to the west, home to sights like Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Then there’s Pest to the east, where you’ll find the striking parliament building and the Jewish Quarter. This buzzing neighbourhood’s also teeming with shops, restaurants and ruin bars – derelict buildings turned into quirky drinking spots.
 

Our holidays to Hungary

Gibraltar is something of a home away from home, but with better weather, and Spanish-style beaches. Expect familiar sights like fish and chip shops rubbing shoulders with top-drawer Mediterranean beaches. Gibraltar’s got its fair share of history, too. You can hike up to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar to take in the views, or head into the maze of tunnels that wind their way through the rock itself – they were first dug by British soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars.
 

Our holidays to Gibraltar

Jersey’s the biggest Channel Island. Its coastline is a charming jumble of shell-shaped coves, sandy bays, and dramatic, craggy cliffs. So, whether you want to kick back on the sand, or take in some seaside scenery on a clifftop walk, you’re all set. Head over to St Helier, the island’s capital, for the likes of tasty street food and boutique shops.
 

Our holidays to Jersey

Majorca, Ibiza, or Menorca? Whichever balmy Balearic you pick, you’re all set for a sun-soaked break. The biggest of the bunch is beach-bordered Majorca, which ticks off every type of sandy spot you could think of. Then, there’s Ibiza, which pairs its party-hard reputation with a take-it-slow boho scene. Menorca really slows down the pace, though – it’s a perfect pick for families.
 

Our holidays to the Balearic Islands

The Czech Republic’s crowning glory is its capital, Prague. And city breaks here offer up a charming muddle of old meets new. Prague’s big-hitting sights include the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, the statue-topped Charles Bridge, and the city’s namesake castle, which – thanks to its hilltop perch – offers standout views.
 

Our holidays to the Czech Republic

City breaks to Germany combine the old and new. In Frankfurt, you’ll find a skyscraper-heavy skyline and a speedy train network, as well as ancient Roman ruins and half-timbered buildings in the reconstructed Old Town. Plus, head here around Christmas and you’ll find some of the best festive markets in Europe. Over in Berlin, you can see traces of the famous Berlin Wall, kick back on lakefront beaches and tuck into tasty street food like currywurst – grilled sausage chopped into bite-size pieces and smothered in curry sauce.
 

Our holidays to Germany

Holidays to Poland offer a cracking combination of historic sights and natural wonders. There are 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites here, including the old town centre of Krakow and the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Choose a city break to Krakow and spend your days sampling Polish delicacies like perogi – filled dumplings – and relaxing on riverside beaches. Or, pack your hiking boots and head to the Tatra Mountains to see Poland’s natural side.
 

Our holidays to Poland