Five long weekend escapes

Got a few days to spare? Point your compass in Europe’s direction.

Oh, the joy of spending a long weekend under the sun – nothing quite tops it. From Spain to Italy, Portugal to Greece, we’ve lined up a bunch of sunshine-serving spots for a three or four-day getaway.

Found your top spot? Check out our short break holiday deals, pack your passport and get set to jet.

Croatia’s calling

Average flight time: Three hours From its scenic beaches to its history-filled streets, cream-of-the-crop Croatia has short break bases covered. The cities here are petite, so a few days is enough time to get a feel for the place. Split is peppered with a Roman palace, archways and old-stone buildings along cobbled streets with a maze-like layout, while the island of Šolta – off the coast of Split and reached only by boat – sorts you for secluded sunbathing sessions.

Check out our holidays to Croatia.

Set off for Spain

Average flight time: Two hours Think sun, think Spain. And with around 300 days shining bright every year, there’s no separating the two. Beach days are a given on the coast – Marbella alone has 25 kilometres of sand to lay your towel on, making it a sure-fire sunny spot for a weekend escape. If tasting the local life is more up your street, UNESCO-stamped Seville delivers. There’s the stately Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, cathedrals and shed-loads of architecture to admire – all with a sangria in hand.

Check out our holidays to Spain.

Explore Italy

Average flight time: Two-and-a-half hours Seek the heat in the home of pizza, pasta and charming piazzas – Italy nails weekends away. There’s Rome, of course, with its UNESCO-ticked sights like the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, but head further south, and you’ll stumble upon sophisticated Sorrento. This place is perfumed with the scent of citrus – you’ve got the local lemon groves to thank for that – and comes with colourful cobbled streets with cafes, bars and restaurants. The best bit? The sweeping views of Mount Vesuvius and Naples beyond – bellissimo.

Check out our holidays to Italy.

Pack for Portugal

Average flight time: Two-and-a-half hours Set against a backdrop of seven hills, Portugal’s cultural capital, Lisbon, is the spot for a short and sunny serotonin boost. Around twisting alleyways, you’ll find centuries-old sights like Belém Tower and Castelo de S. Jorge. If the beach is more your bag, the Algarve has some of the best golden stretches. Most have the Blue Flag waving – perfect if tots are in tow. Our top pick? Sao Rafael (just outside popular Albufeira) is the place for snorkelling.

Check out our holidays to Portugal.

Get a piece of Greece

Average flight time: Three-and-a-half hours Make like lightning and head to Greece for the ultimate mini break. Granted, it’s the furthest away of our long weekend picks, but it's worth making the journey. Want a taste of island life? Corfu is a must. There’s a UNESCO-stamped old town, hiking trails and sandy stretches to its name. If sightseeing is more your style, Athens – with its Acropolis, amphitheatres and sun-baked statues – has you sorted. Hungry? Dig into gyros or souvlaki on the same streets where philosophers laid the foundations of Western civilisation.

Check out our holidays to Greece.

Sold on a sunny long weekend?

Browse our short break deals to bag your best weekend break yet. More inspo needed? No problem. Read our best city breaks and best unusual short breaks.

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Author: Laura Wilkinson

Last updated: 13.02.2025