Looking for a holiday destination without being willing to sit on a flight for a long time? Then you can opt for a short-haul holiday destination. Seek a closer destination that will please your taste, whether you are seeking a beach destination, a vibrant cityscape or historical destinations. Some people also make last-minute plans that prioritise short-haul holiday destinations, allowing them to enjoy a break from their hectic schedules.
In this blog, we have handpicked some of the best short-haul holiday destinations, allowing you to have an amazing vacation in your favourite climate and according to your tastes and preferences. Scroll down below to learn more about these destinations.
Why Go to Short-Haul Holiday Destinations?
Short-haul holiday destinations are perfect for travellers seeking a holiday to a different destination but having the problem of managing their time. Below are some reasons highlighting the significance of short-haul holiday destinations:
- Less travel time will help save your energy and tiredness compared to a long-haul flight.
- After arriving at your holiday destination, you will get less exposure to jet lag.
- Compared to long-haul flights, you get affordable pricing on short-haul flights.
- Short flight time does not require you to pay for additional leg space.
- The places to go for New Years Eve with family are age-appropriate for everyone.
- The short flight duration makes it comfortable, whether you are travelling alone, with your family, or with your kid.
12 Best Short-Haul Holiday Destinations
Below are the 12 best short-haul holiday destinations to be visited this year to enjoy your time and gain new experiences on this short escape.
Lanzarote - 4 hours and 10 minutes (Approximately)
Welcome to the mesmerising realm of Lanzartote, renowned for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes and offering myriad unique experiences that cater to tourists’ diverse interests and preferences. April to October is considered to be the best time to visit this island, as it offers you pleasant weather and allows tourists to indulge in a number of outdoor activities.
You can also witness Lanzarote’s most important festival, the Patron Saint Festival, in August. It is celebrated for two weeks and attracts inhabitants from different parts of the island to indulge in various sports activities, musical performances, and more.
Best Places to Visit in Lanzarote
- Timanfaya National Park
- Playa Blanca
- Costa Teguise
- Arrecife
- Puerto del Carmen
Best Time to Visit Lanzarote
- Between April and October.
Flight Duration From The UK to Lanzarote
The flight time between the UK and Lanzarote may take around 5 hours.
Tenerife - 4 hours and 25 minutes (Approximately)
Planning on visiting one of the best short-haul beach holiday destinations? Visit the Island of Eternal Spring, which offers you an island getaway filled with captivating scenery and diverse landscapes with a short flight. Tourists are presented with a tapestry of possibilities waiting to be discovered and can enjoy exploring them in a mild temperature between the months of April and October, which is considered to be ideal.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the biggest celebration held here and the second most renowned celebration worldwide. It takes place in February and lasts for two weeks, during which time one can witness parades, competitions of comparsas and murgas, and more.
Best Places to Visit in Tenerife
- Teide National Park
- Puerto de la Cruz
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Costa Adeje
- Los Cristianos
Best Time to Visit Tenerife
- Between April and October.
Flight Duration From The UK to Tenerife
The flight duration between the UK and Tenerife will take about 5 hours.
Algarve - 2 hours and 35 minutes (Approximately)
Seeking solace amidst nature with breathtaking views and refreshing winds blowing off your stress as you feel its freshness. Spend a delightful vacation on the unspoiled south-facing beaches of the Algarve, renowned for its alluring coastal areas, picturesque villages and culinary delicacies. Around the region, several places merit a visit, and you can explore them best if you visit between May and October, when you get a pleasant climate suitable for exploring places.
However, if you want to take part in the Loule Carnival celebration, you must visit in February or March, and the celebration lasts for three days. Besides, there are a number of other festivals that take place at different times of the year. So make sure to check out the dates before booking your short-haul flight.
Best Places to Visit in the Algarve
- Faro
- Lagos
- Tavira
- Albufeira
- Sagres
Best Time to Visit Algarve
- Between May and October.
Flight Duration From The UK to the Algarve
The flight time from the UK to the Algarve will take approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Ibiza - 2 hours and 35 minutes (Approximately)
Are you busy with your meetings, work-life balance, and office workload, impacting your family time? Prepare to break the chains of your monotonous life and head to Ibiza, a short-haul family holiday destination that offers you the perfect blend of stunning beaches, UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity reserves and towns accompanied by a vibrant nightlife. If you are planning for an immediate break, you can travel any month, but to get pleasant weather, you must travel between May and October.
If you are seeking a celebration, then every year on 23rd or 24th June, the Festival of Sant Joan takes place around different parts of the island, where you can witness a number of rituals and great traditions being followed.
Best Places to Visit in Ibiza
- Dalt Vila
- Castell de Eivissa
- Cala Llonga
- Es Canar
- Cala Comte
Best Time to Visit Ibiza
- Between May and October.
Flight Duration From The UK to Ibiza
The flight time between the UK and Ibiza will take about 3 hours.
Amsterdam - 1 hour and 10 minutes (Approximately)
Planning a sudden getaway or a city escape to a nearby destination with various attractions and activities? Then Amsterdam is an ideal last-minute short-haul holiday destination offering you a delightful mix of culture, architecture and vibrant nightlife. Explore the impressive architecture and rich history associated with the city. You can also opt for a stunning boat ride through the winding canals. The period between June and August is considered ideal for exploring the city due to its weather and pleasant temperature.
If you are planning on travelling in October, prepare for a breathtaking experience at the five-day Amsterdam Dance Event. This leading electronic music festival attracts over 2,500 electronic music artists from different corners of the world, filling the event with lively and frenetic energy.
Best Places to Visit in Amsterdam
- Van Gogh Museum
- Anne rank House
- Vondelpark
- Rijksmuseum
- NEMO Science Museum
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
- Between June and August.
Flight Duration From The UK to Amsterdam
The travel time from the UK to Amsterdam will take around 2 hours.
Majorca - 2 hours and 20 minutes (Approximately)
Are you fond of alluring beaches and turquoise waters, offering a perfect beach escape? Travel to Majorca, a place to be captivated by stunning landscapes and indulge in a wide array of activities on the pristine beaches and at the secluded coves. The strategic location of the destination attracts tourists, especially between May and September, when the favourable climatic conditions encourage partaking in various outdoor activities.
Besides spending time amidst nature and resting, if you plan on experiencing the festival of Sant Joan, the most widely celebrated event of Majorca that takes place in June, you can indulge in the rituals and traditions followed by the locals and find torches, noise, and demons around the city.
Best Places to Visit in Majorca
- Palma
- Soller
- Alcudia
- Dela
- Pollenca
Best Time to Visit Majorca
- Between May and September.
Flight Duration From The UK to Majorca
The flight time from the UK to Palma will take approximately 3 hours.
Corfu - 3 hours and 5 minutes (Approximately)
Dreaming of relaxing at stunning beaches without flying for long? Take a short-haul flight to Corfu, which offers several sightseeing opportunities and famous attractions, ranging from stunning coastlines to lush green landscapes to dozens of coves with crystal clear waters, making it a unique island in the Ionian Sea. You can travel to this island between May and September, as the weather then allows exploring, and the chances of rainfall are low.
If you are looking for some added fun on your short-haul trip, then look out for the festivities and the time when they take place. Varkarola is considered to be the famous festival of Corfu. It takes place every summer in the month of August and is celebrated to acknowledge the miracle of Saint Spyridon.
Best Places to Visit in Corfu
- Agios Georgios
- Kassiopi
- Palaiokastritsa
- Sidari
- Old Corfu Town
Best Time to Visit Corfu
- Between May and September.
Flight Duration From The UK to Corfu
The flight duration from the UK to Corfu will take between 4 hours and 22 hours.
Crete - 3 hours and 45 minutes (Approximately)
Get ready for a short-haul flight to Crete, Greece’s largest island. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural exploration, this island promises an unforgettable experience with its Greek beauty and vibrant spirit. You will also get tempted by the splendid buildings, cathedrals and other great remnants of the bygone eras. It is advised to visit Crete between the months of May and October, when you can admire the fertile valleys, spectacular mountainscapes, steep gorges and alluring beaches.
The largest festival of Crete is the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, which takes place on August 15th every year. This day is celebrated with great devotion around different churches, and a feast is held.
Best Places to Visit in Crete
- Knossos Palace
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Arkadi Monastery
- Samaria Gorge
- Elafonissi Beach
Best Time to Visit Crete
- Between May and October.
Flight Duration From The UK to Crete
The flight time between the UK and Crete will take about 4 hours to 5 hours.
Sardinia - 4 hours and 45 minutes (Approximately)
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation site, then a visit to the Mediterranean gem awaits you with a tapestry of experiences to be unfurled. Sardinia is one of the best short-haul holiday destinations for couples. It offers a romantic setting, charming surroundings, and alluring landscapes. Take a walk on the long stretch of unspoilt coastline, explore ancient sites, or indulge in different cultural experiences. Make sure to try its mouthwatering dishes to experience its gastronomic culture.
One of Sardinia’s most popular festivals is the Desta di Sant’Efisio, which takes place on 1 May of every year and lasts for four days. During this time, you can witness processions and celebrations around the city.
Best Places to Visit in Sardinia
- Cagliari
- Alghero
- Olbia
- Porto Cervo
- Bosa
Best Time to Visit Sardinia
- Between April and June.
Flight Duration From The UK to Sardinia
The travel time from the UK to Sardinia will take around 5 hours to 8 hours.
Agadir - 3 hours and 45 minutes (Approximately)
Imagine spending a vacation at a gorgeous coastal resort on a blissful island offering thrilling outdoor pursuits. Then start planning for a short-haul holiday at Agadir, situated on Morocco’s south Atlantic coast. The destination beckons travellers with its popular attractions and sightseeing opportunities. Plan on visiting between March and May, when you get delightful weather, allowing you to indulge in a wide variety of outdoor activities.
If you are fond of music, make sure to visit Agadir in July to attend Morocco’s biggest music festival, the Timitar Music Festival. This festival features over 40 artists from different parts of the world who play both modern and traditional music.
Best Places to Visit in Agadir
- Souk El Had
- Agadir Oufella
- Crocoparc
- Agadir MArina
- Plage d’Agadir
Best Time to Visit Agadir
- Between March and May.
Flight Duration From The UK to Agadir
The flight time from the UK to Agadir takes approximately 4 hours to 29 hours.
Reykjavik - 2 hours and 25 minutes (Approximately)
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is another short-haul holiday destination renowned for its natural beauty, history and culture. Explore various places around the city and make sure to witness the heavenly sightseeing of the aurora or the northern lights. Plan on visiting the city during the summer season, which prevails between June and August, to get a warm climate.
If you don’t plan on visiting during the summer season, perhaps October is another suitable time, when you get to witness the Reykjavik International Film Festival, one of the most diverse and largest cultural events of the city. You can enjoy this festival for 11 days straight to see non-fiction films and dramas.
Best Places to Visit in Reykjavik
- Sun Voyager
- Perlan
- Hallgrimskirkja
- The Settlement Exhibition
- National Museum of Iceland
Best Time to Visit Reykjavik
- Between June and August.
Flight Duration From The UK to Reykjavik
The flight duration between the UK and Reykjavik takes around 3 hours to 10 hours.
Budapest - 2 hours and 25 minutes (Approximately)
Take a short-haul trip to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, to spend an incredible holiday. Immerse yourself in the local culture to make the most of your unforgettable holiday, and also visit the iconic attractions dotted around the city. Steeped in rich history, the city has a number of boulevards, palaces, and castles, testifying to the city’s glorious past. You should also not miss relaxing in the thermal baths and savoring the mouthwatering dishes.
Besides a number of activities, you can also indulge in a number of festivals and events that take place throughout the year. One such festival is the Sziget Festival, also called the Island Festival, one of the most significant cultural and music festivals in Europe that takes place in the month of August every year and lasts for 6 days. So get your trip planned accordingly.
Best Places to Visit in Budapest
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Buda Castle
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Hungarian State Opera
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
Best Time to Visit Budapest
- Between March to May and September to October.
Flight Duration From The UK to Budapest
It will take a flight duration of about 3 hours to 5 hours between the UK and Budapest.
Conclusion
For a quick escape from your monotonous life, travel to one of the above-stated short-haul holiday destinations, just a few hours away from your home. Whether you are seeking relaxation, adventure or cultural experiences, you can easily visit and indulge in a wide array of experiences. Direct flights and short flight durations shall help you enjoy your holiday without facing severe jet lag or exhaustion, allowing you to spend time exploring your favourite destination.
Check out our website to find the best deals to enjoy your short-haul holiday. You can also get your itinerary customized by contacting our travel expert, who will prepare your itinerary based on your choice of destination, budget and other preferences.
FAQs
A short-haul holiday destination is considered to be one such destination that can be reached by completing a flight journey under 6 hours.
Some of the destinations that you can fly to within 3 hours are Reykjavik. Majorca, Amsterdam and many more.
Some of the best short-haul holiday destinations are Budapest, Sardinia, Algarve, Tenerife and many more.
Some of the ideal short-haul destinations for couples are Budapest, Amsterdam, Crete, Corfu and many more.
