Where to use the last of your annual leave

It’s the tail end of summer, and our precious annual leave allowances are dwindling. If you’re anything like us, you wouldn’t dream of letting even a moment of it go to waste. That means finding short, sweet and easy holidays where the crowds are light and the flights plentiful – and we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites.

These destinations are quick to get to, easy to get around, and full of activities to fill a long weekend. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, a foodie, an off-piste wanderer or a history buff, there’s sure to be a spot here with your name on it.

1 Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Why go?

Palma de Mallorca is often overlooked when considering a short break, but you could easily spend a long weekend exploring the island’s capital. Once the home of the Balearic’s monarchy, aristocracy, and Church, it’s full of fascinating architecture and history. You’ll also find plenty of quirky boutiques, trendy bars, galleries and creative culinary hangouts. And because of its subtropical climate, it enjoys mild temps most of the year.

Flight from London: 2 hr 40 min

2 Paris, France

Why go?

When it comes to short city breaks, Paris is a perennial favourite – and it isn’t hard to see why. With countless museums, art galleries, restaurants and bars, there’s no end to what you could do and see in just a couple days. That said, Paris, like its food, is best enjoyed at a slow pace. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine, sipping wine in a cafe, or perusing vintage shops in Le Marais, the city’s magic unfolds in the moments you would otherwise rush by.

Eurostar from London: 2 hr 16 min

3 Porto, Portugal

Why go?

Lisbon’s edgier sibling city, Porto, is a blend of architectural opulence, medieval history and cutting-edge art. Stacked along the steep hills running down to the Rio Douro, the UNESCO-listed city centre is a maze of cobblestone streets, ancient churches, grand museums and some of Portugal’s finest restaurants and wine bars (not to mention a growing array of stylish places to stay). Porto also enjoys mild weather into the autumn months but it gets cooler in the evenings, so make sure to pack warmer layers.

Flight from London: 2 hr 25 min

4 Valletta, Malta

Why go?

A trip to Malta’s capital, UNESCO-listed Valletta, is a journey back in time. Founded in 1565 as a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades, it’s now a collection of original Baroque architecture and fortified city walls overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Get lost wandering through the sun-licked ochre streets or take a boat trip along the rocky coastline. Just don’t miss St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its intricately carved stone vaults and Caravaggio’s famous paintings, ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ and ‘St Jerome Writing’.

Flight from London: 3 hr 15 min

5 Marrakech, Morocco

Why go?

The flight from London may be just three and a half hours, but Marrakech feels worlds away. This old imperial city is a vibrant hive of ancient monuments, labyrinthine souks, opulent palaces and twisting alleyways. It’s an intense and immersive experience for travellers looking to be truly transported. But the magic lies in the pockets of peace found in the colourful gardens, traditional hammams and stylish riads sprinkled throughout and beyond the rose-coloured walls of the medina.

Flight from London: 3 hr 30 min

6 Wiltshire, England

Why go?

When it comes to quintessentially English getaways, Wiltshire is often passed over in favour of Somerset or Gloucestershire’s chocolate box scenery. But this corner of South West England boasts idyllic country walks, picturesque villages, and lots of buzzy new restaurants and cosy pubs. It’s also only a couple hours from London, and well placed for a day trip to Bath or a tour of the county’s many prehistoric monuments. So, if you’re looking to don your wellies for a blissfully bucolic weekend in the countryside, Wiltshire is the perfect spot.

Drive from London: around 2-3 hrs