When choosing a European summer destination to head to for your weekend away from London sometimes you can be overwhelmed with options. After exploring from our base in London for the last 4 years these are our favourite weekends away.
Looking for a weekend closer to London? Check out our Our Best Romantic Weekend Breaks from London
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Palma, Mallorca
When looking for a summer weekend away Palma, Mallorca is a perfect place to go. To get to Palma from London it is only a 2 hour 30 minute flight, offered by most airlines departing from all airports.
Though it is a city break there is a lot to do in Palma! Whether you have decided to head there for a sunny weekend away full of relaxation and dinning. Perhaps you are looking for more of an active weekend hunting through art galleries and sailing in the ocean. Palma is so far our favourite city destination!
Palma is also great if you’re looking for a relaxing all inclusive weekend to lounge around by the pool. If you are looking for an all inclusive weekend away make sure to check loveholidays for all their Palma weekends away.
While in Palma make sure to check out some of the local food. When travelling around Mallorca some of our favourite and most authentic resturants we found were in Palma itself, which we were very surprised by.
Ready to head to Palma? Check out Our guide to a weekend in Palma, Mallorca: Best places to Stay & Eat
Where to stay?
HM Palma Blanc
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia (or Sardegna) is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, which is often overlooked by those choosing to travel to Sicily. The island offers a lot of different activities which makes it the perfect place for any holiday. Whether you’re looking to go hiking, diving or spending your time relaxing in luxury, Sardinia is the right place for you!
Sardinia has airports located in the north and the south of the island which most airlines operate to direct from London in 2.5 hours. In the north of the island is Olbia or the south Cagliari, which part of the island you choose will depend on what you are coming to the island for and what sort of accomodation you are after on the island.
For more details check out Our Guide to Sardinia: A Mediterranean Island with beautiful beaches
Where to stay?
Felix Hotel
Kefalonia, Greece
Kefalonia or Cephalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands. With its turquoise waters, beautiful towns and abundant nature there is guaranteed to be something for everyone in Kefalonia.
Flights from London to Kefalonia takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes and are direct from most London airports. You can also opt to take a flight from London to Athens and then to Kefalonia. Alternatively you can also go from London to Zakynthos and then a ferry across to Kefalonia which will take you around 1 hour. We however chose the most direct route and flew from London to Kefalonia.
While you are in Kefalonia we recommend joining a boat tour. These tours run from Argostoli harbour where you can see the turtles feeding most days after the fishermen have come back. The boat tours will take you to all of Kefalonia best beaches that you cannot access by car. Most tours also include lunch and wine which is always needed after a long day out on the sea.
For our full guide on Kefalonia make sure to check out Our Guide to Explore the Greek Island of Kefalonia
Where to stay?
F Zeen
Florence, Italy
Getting to Florence from London can be fairly expensive however there are selected airlines that fly from London to Florence in around 2 hours. The most cost effective way to be able to get to Florence from London would be to fly into either Pisa or Bologna airport and then from there a train into Florence.
Florence and the Tuscan region that surrounds it is famous for the renaissance movement which can be found throughout the cities architecture. If art and architecture are for you then you will love the many galleries and museums that the city has to offer.
If art isn’t for you then maybe shopping for leather Florences famous export will interest you or maybe the abundance of amazing Italian food is more for you.
Where to stay?
Riva Lofts
AdAstra
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon the capital city of Portugal know for its sunshine and great food scene. Only a short flight time of 2 hours and 45 from London it was a great place to spend the weekend and explore what Portugal has to offer. There is something for everyone in Lisbon with its beautiful beaches, amazing food and its creative scene you will be sure to have a weekend jam packed with something for everyone.
The arts and food scene in Lisbon makes it a great place for anyone to come. Whether you’re looking for a nice restaurant to enjoy some delicious seafood in the sunshine or you’re looking to party the weekend away, it is definitely worth heading to Lisbon.
From Lisbon you can also head to the beautiful castle town of Sintra for a day trip, make sure to check out our post so you do not make the mistake that we did! If castles are not for you you can also check out the beautiful coastal town of Ericeira for a surf lesson or to spend some beach relaxing on the beach.
Want more information on heading to Lisbon? Check out Our guide to visiting Lisbon
Where to stay?
We Love F Tourists – Hostel
