If you’re hoping to dash off for a quick weekend break and don’t have much annual leave left, there are a plenty of fabulous cities you can reach with a flight under the two-hour mark, which won’t eat into too much of your time: take Bilbao, Amsterdam or Paris, for example.
Further afield, Rome, Prague and Vienna clock in at under three hours, and even Athens is less than four hours away.
Whether it’s mild climes or festive fun you’re looking for, it’s never too late for a European getaway.
Mild at heart
As the summers get increasingly uncomfortably hot in central and southern Europe, autumn is the perfect time to visit. The mild temperatures are pleasant enough to feel warm to us sun-starved Irish and just cool enough to get out and explore without wilting.
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Athens is the perfect example, with average autumn temperatures between 20 and 29 degrees. While we may be more inclined to head straight for the islands than a city stop-off, the coastal town of Glyfada makes for the ideal compromise. You can enjoy the beach and also have eyes on the Acropolis in under half an hour’s drive.
On the luxury end of the scale, the One&Only Aesthesis resort (oneandonlyresorts.com) offers a selection of rooms, bungalows, suites, residences and villas, all designed for al fresco living. The sumptuous Guerlain spa is the ideal place to put those tired feet up after putting in the hard yards sightseeing.
If Morocco is on your travel wish list, Travel Department (traveldepartment.com) has a four-night Marrakesh city break in October, and an option for solo travellers too, taking in the vibrant Majorelle Gardens, the magnificent Bahia Palace, and the stunning Atlas Mountains. “Temperatures can still get up to the late 20s,” says Claire Doherty, director of products and operations, Travel Department. “Or try Istanbul in November where it is a mild 15 degrees, on average.”
With so much to discover in a short trip, some guidance is helpful, and Doherty says: “All of our city breaks include a tour of the city to help you orientate yourself to make the most of your visit.”
Looking to Spain, the smaller coastal cities have a lot of charm – try Malaga or Valencia – or head inland to Cordoba, Seville or Granada.
In Malaga, birthplace of Picasso, Museo Picasso Málaga is a must-visit – be sure to book in advance or you may miss out. For adventure lovers, a trip out of town to hike El Caminito del Rey gorge will reward you with astounding scenery. To relax afterwards, book Hammam al Andalus (hammamalandalus.com) to enjoy relaxing thermal baths and intricate Moroccan-influenced architecture – its six locations across Andalucía open until late in the evening.
Despite the terrible floods that devastated Valencia’s suburbs in 2024, the city’shistoric centre was undamaged and is very much open for business.
Gourmet travellers must try paella in its spiritual home. The authentic Valencian version is made with chicken and rabbit, sometimes even snails; no seafood to be seen. The Michelin Guide recommends local favourite Goya Gallery – reserve in advance, as you must order your paella at the time of booking.
As Spain’s crackdown on Airbnb begins to limit the supply of self-catering lettings, it’s time to treat yourself to a bougie hotel. You’ll be spoiled for choice with good value high-end hotels in the Ciutat Vella; One Shot Puerta Ruzafa (oneshothotels.com) is my top pick for its chic interiors and stunning rooftop terrace.
Closer to home, if a weekend’s shopping, visiting an exhibition (Cartier at the V&A is on until November 16th) or catching a concert in London is on your agenda, The BoTree hotel (thebotree.com) is perfectly positioned for a stroll down Marylebone High Street with its host of boutiques, from Sézane to Farm Rio, and the poshest Oxfam shop, where you’ll find designer labels security chained to the rails. For upcoming Oasis and Lady Gaga gigs, you can book a special package that includes a private car to whisk you to the O2, a keepsake vinyl and other special treats.
Festive spirit
Doherty says people love the festive spirit of Christmas markets, especially in destinations such as Prague and Budapest, with their atmospheric, fairytale architecture.
“Being in a magical environment with sparkling lights, excited children, comfort food and drink, and a general buzz – that brings people together in their excitement,” she says.
Doherty recommends planning a trip “towards the end of November and the first half of December, which means no need for last-minute Christmas shopping mayhem.”
There’s more to do than just shopping, of course. “All of the main cities which host Christmas markets have an abundance of sights to take in, outside of the markets. For example, in Vienna a market is hosted on the ground of the Schönbrunn Palace, which you can then also visit the interior of while in the area.
“In Prague, visiting the castle district in the winter is a must for any visitor to the city. If you are up for trying something a little different, you can go to the Christmas markets in Transylvania and then take a visit to Bran Castle, which is even more eerie in the winter twilight.”
Travel Department also has Christmas market trips to Bergen, on Norway’s southwestern coast, this year – “a fantastic place to really experience a snowy atmosphere”, says Doherty.
It’s surrounded by mountains and fiords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. The colourful wooden houses on the old wharf make for a picturesque setting, and if you’re brave enough, an icy dip from the floating pier at Heit Bergen Sauna (heitbergen.no) will set you up for the day.
