Where To Go In Europe For Late Summer Sun
Created in partnership with Skyscanner
VALENCIA, Spain
Flight time from London: 2 hours 25 minutes
Spain’s third largest city has a thriving cultural scene and is home to some of the country’s best restaurants. You can take in all the highlights over a long weekend or venture deeper into the city’s outskirts on a week-long trip. With an eclectic mix of modern and gothic architecture, must-see spots include Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias – a cultural hub which houses an opera house, museum, cinema and aquarium – as well as the beautiful cathedral, the recently reopened Iglesia de San Nicolás church, and La Lonja, a Unesco World Heritage site and incredible example of the city’s gothic architecture. Make a beeline for Ricard Camarena’s restaurants, Canalla Bistro and the Michelin-starred Calle Doctor Sumsi 4, and stop for lunch at one of the many family run bistros on each corner.
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Where To Stay: Melia Valencia
In addition to flights, Skyscanner lets you search for customer-recommended hotels at each destination. For a short break, book a room at Melia Valencia, a modern hotel next to Valencia’s Palacio de Congresos Congress Centre. Rooms are bright and light with great city views, and the restaurant serves traditional Spanish cuisine. There’s also a play area for children and a stylish bar where adults can unwind in the evenings.
Rooms starting from £75 per night in September.
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The Azores, Portugal
Flight time from London: 5 hours, including a connecting flight from Lisbon
Lisbon is the obvious choice for September sun, but for a slice of island life, the Azores is a remote archipelago known as ‘the Hawaii of the mid-Atlantic’. Ideal for an active holiday, visitors can try everything from diving and surfing to whale watching and hiking along the mountains which form the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. You can also explore crater lakes and the famous Sete Cidades – a breath-taking caldera with walking routes leading down to its turquoise waters. Other highlights include Angra do Heroismo (the historic centre which is now a Unesco World Heritage site), Mt Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal, and its nearby vineyard for wine tastings.
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Where To Stay: Hotel Verde Mar & SPA
This five-star hotel is on the Azores’ Terceira island, overlooking the marina. Guests can swim in the indoor/outdoor pool with panoramic ocean views, enjoy world cuisines at the restaurant, and stop by the bar for cocktails. Rooms are modern and spacious, and some have en-suites with baths overlooking the ocean.
Rooms starting from £60 per night in September.
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Bari, Italy
Flight time from London: 3 hours
Most travellers skip Bari in favour of other places inPuglia, but this southern Italian city is well worth a visit thanks to its buzzing centre, ancient architecture and interesting food scene with Greek and Croatian influences. You’ll also find decent nightlife options, from small bars with dancefloors to restaurants that host local DJs. Once you’ve explored the winding streets, visit Basilica di San Nicola which dates back to the 12th century, the cathedral, the main piazza and Castello Svevo – an impressive Norman castle. Bari’s seafood market is another must-visit – join locals and tourists queuing for affordable plates of seafood to eat on small wooden tables with a couple of beers.
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Where To Stay: Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci Bari
One of Skyscanner’s top rated hotels in Bari, this property has its own wellness centre and spacious garden with an outdoor pool. Just a short walk from the central station, rooms are simple yet elegant, with views of the green neighbourhood, while the spa has a sauna, Turkish bath and hot tub. Guest can enjoy a breakfast buffet on the terrace and traditional Italian dishes at its restaurant Carducci.
Rooms starting from £80 per night in September.
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Thessaloniki, Greece
Flight time from London: 3 hours 20 minutes
Greece is one of Europe’s most popular spots for autumn sun, when temperatures hover around the comfortable mid-20s. There are over 200 islands to choose from, but Thessaloniki is a top choice right now because there are several daily direct flights from London. Greece’s second city is bursting with culture and historical buildings in and around the city centre, including the White Tower, the ancient Rotunda of Galerius and the Church of Agios Dimitrios. Climb the city walls before sunset for beautiful views and explore the revamped waterfront at night for music and nightlife. You’ll have to travel to get to any beaches, but Skyscanner can also help with car hire if you can explore the wider region.
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Where To Stay: Electra Palace Thessaloniki
This five-star hotel is in a prime location in the middle of the impressive Aristotelous Square. The rooftop has a restaurant and bar with panoramic sea views, as well as a pool for relaxation during the day. Guest can also use the spa with a separate heated pool and enjoy traditional Greek dishes at the restaurant. Rooms are bright and spacious, with marble en-suites and fluffy towels and bathrobes.
Rooms starting from £130 per night in September.
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Tirana, Albania
Albania’s capital city has everything you need for a fun break. Plus, temperatures average 25°C in September. These days, the city is full of colourful buildings, public squares and pedestrianised streets with an abundance of cafés to choose from. You’ll also find historic buildings and sites including the 15th-century Petrela Castle, the House of Leaves, and Mt Dajti National Park a little further out which can be explored via its cable car network. The food scene is also underrated – fine dining is best enjoyed at Padam, while Mullixhiu in front of the city’s artificial lake serves traditional Albanian food in a beautiful, rustic dining room.
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Where To Stay: Tirana International Hotel & Conference Centre
One the smartest hotels in the city, Tirana International is next to the central Skanderbeg Square, with the National Museum, the Opera House and the Art Gallery on its doorstep. After a day of sightseeing, guests can relax in the spa, complete with an indoor pool, sauna and steam bath, and tuck into traditional Albanian dishes at the terrace restaurant and bar.
Rooms starting from £50 per night in September.
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Ready to book your next trip? Here are five reasons to choose Skyscanner…
- Skyscanner helps you find affordable flights in your chosen destination, whether you’re after a last-minute trip or bucket list adventure. It connects travellers to airlines around the world and helps you find the best flight times and prices.
- Feeling flexible? Search ‘Everywhere’ to see where you can travel to for a great price. If you do have a destination in mind, you can even set alerts to find out when the fare changes.
- The platform also connects travellers to millions of hotels around the world with the most competitive prices and best customer-rated properties.
- Want to reduce your carbon footprint? You can now select the ‘Greener choice' filter which highlights the flights that emit less CO2.
- If you need to hire a car, Skyscanner has you covered. From family SUVs to luxury convertibles and electric environmentally-friendly options, you can compare different prices and models for your holiday.
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