15 of the best last minute European getaways

For culture paired with sunshine, head to Dubrovnik where you’ll find this lovely 4* holiday home. A great choice for both couples and smaller families, the property sleeps four people and has its own terrace – complete with barbecue – and 25 metre pool. Seven nights self-catering with Novasol is from £599 (£149 per person if four sharing) from August 26.
[Photo: Novasol]

How about a romantic escape in the famous wine-growing region of Chianti? Save £116 when you book a week’s self catering in the gorgeous Il Frantoio At Montefienali villa, based on an August 19 arrival. The cosy cottage sleeps two and has a private terrace and pool access. Seven nights self-catering from £658.
[Photo: To Tuscany]

Dive into an island-hopping trip – where you swim between different isles. SwimTrek offer open-water swimming holidays in some incredible locations, including the Greek Cyclades, where you’ll criss-cross your way between five different islands, splashing through tunnels and caves. Sailing and exploring islands on foot are also part of the trip. Seven nights B&B including most meals, swimming coaching and guiding costs from £980, departing September 16. Excludes flights.
[Photo: SwimTrek]

Cobbled market squares, tranquil canals and top-notch beer are just a sample of what makes Bruges a great choice for a city break. Want more? Book for the August bank holiday with SuperBreak and you’ll get free entry to Choco Story, Bruges’ chocolate museum. Two nights room only at the Floris Karos Hotel Bruges costs from £321 per person, including Eurostar, valid on an August 26 arrival.
[Photo: SuperBreak]

Why not pair culture with the coast on a visit to a picturesque Cornish seaside resort? Overlooking pretty Porthmeor Beach, the recently-reopened Tate St Ives is featuring The Studio and the Sea exhibition until September 3. Stay nearby at the cosy and characterful Doves Nest, which sleeps two. A week’s stay in August costs from £625.
[Photo: Ian Kingsnorth]

How about a last minute break with all the activities you could shake a stick at? Save £370 per person on two weeks at Neilson’s Baia dei Mori Beachclub, which now costs from £1,849 per person including flights, most meals, free children’s club and activities including tennis, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing and fitness classes. Departs on August 20.
[Photo: Neilson]

Blend countryside, sea, history and culture into one trip when you stay at Azienda Agrituristica Bergi, a lovely family-owned farmhouse located a few miles inland from Sicily’s north coast. The 16-room house features a lovely pool and is surrounded by fruit orchards and olive groves, while the seaside resort and fishing village of Cefalù is just an hour away. Sunvil offers week long stays from £607 per person based on two sharing, including flights to Palermo (from London), a week’s car hire and B&B accommodation.
[Photo: Sunvil]

Be a culture vulture in Barcelona, where seven nights B&B in the lovely Hotel Arts Barcelona costs from £1,665 per person, including return flights and UK lounge access, based on September 22 departure with Elegant Resorts. The hotel is perfectly situated to explore this vibrant and inspiring city by the sea and has panoramic views – so look out for the sunset.
[Photo: Hotel Arts Barcelona]

Just 15 minutes from Edinburgh’s city centre, Dundas Castle is offering discounted rates for its luxury glamping facilities in August and September. The canvas cottages feature proper beds, wood burning stoves and en-suite shower rooms. Spend your time spotting wildlife on the estate, quad biking or exploring the Scottish countryside on foot. Quote ‘Glamp10’ for 10% off two nights and ‘Glamp20’ for 20% off three or more nights, valid on stays until September. From £159 per night.
[Photo: Dundas Castle]

Less than an hour from Barcelona, Penedès is one of Europe’s most fascinating wine regions, known as ‘Cava country’. InnTravel has a new Bikes & Bubbles cycling trip that sees you pedal through glorious vine-clad landscapes and stop for tastings along the way, staying in traditional Catalan farmhouses. The price, from £758 per person based on two sharing, includes four nights half-board, luggage transfers between hotels, cycle hire, maps, and airport transfers.
[Photo: Catalan Tourist Board]

Palm trees, sunshine and great food make the Canary Islands a great holiday spot – and Fuerteventura is also home to ROBINSON Club Esquinzo Playa. The hotel is known for its active offerings, including catamaran and windsurfing courses, surfing and sailing. On-land options include beach volleyball, football and tennis. Seven nights all-inclusive with Thomson is from £748 per person (a saving of £130 per person), including flights and transfers, departing on September 9.
[Photo: Thomson]

The Algarve is usually booked up for the summer – but there’s still a chance to snag a deal to this sun-drenched resort. The Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort is new for this year, and will allow you to relax as soon as you step into its luxurious grounds. Sip champagne beside its pool, lined with stalk-skinny palm trees, play a round of golf or explore the surrounding olive groves and wineries. Save £280 per person on seven nights half-board, which now costs from £1,155 per person, including flights on September 20 and private transfers. Quote 1052197.
[Photo: Inspiring Travel Co]

Get a group of friends together for a last minute break at Villa Torraccia, a contemporary villa that sleeps eight and offers beautiful garden views. Located near the village and sandy bay of Pinarello, you can try activities including sailing and diving, and there’s a wide choice of good places to eat nearby. Seven nights self-catering costs from £954 per person (based on eight sharing) including flights and car hire. Departs August 27.
[Photo: Simpson Travel]

For a family-friendly holiday that won’t break the bank, head to the Loire Valley where you’ll find Domaine de Dugny, set amidst the chateau and vineyards of France’s famous Loire Valley. On-site facilities include heated indoor and outdoor pools with slides and rapids, kids clubs, boating lake, fishing, restaurant and a play area. Seven nights self-catering in a three-bedroom static caravan (sleeping eight) costs from £432.60 – a saving of 40% – based on an August 26 arrival.
[Photo: Pitchup.com]

Fancy a luxurious wellness week in the sun? Sure you do. Jet2holidays is offering a saving of £200 on a seven-night, all-inclusive break at the 5* Royal Mare – with spa treatments, yoga and pilates thrown in. Staying in a VIP swim up room, you’ll be able to make use of the hotel’s facilities such as clay tennis courts, gym, sauna and Hammam. Or simply lounge by the pool. The price of £1,405 per person includes flights from Stansted on September 12.
[Photo: Jet2holidays]