Searching for the perfect short breaks? Discover handpicked 3-4 night escapes in Europe and beyond, designed for the ultimate quick holiday!
Recharge in a vibrant city or beach retreat - using just a few days of annual leave.
3-Night Short Breaks in Europe (2-3 Hours Away)
Pressed for time? Check out our 3-night short breaks in Europe. You can fly to vibrant cities like Amsterdam, Prague, or Barcelona in under 2 hours. An extra half-hour on the plane and you could see the ancient history in Rome.
Looking for a beach getaway? Book All Inclusive short breaks to sun-soaked destinations like the Costa del Sol, Malta, and Albufeira - all under 3 hours from the UK.
4-Night Short Breaks
If you’ve got more annual leave to play with, you could even pack New York's key attractions into a 4-night short break.
Top tip: Book morning flights out and evening returns to maximise your time in your chosen destination.
Ready for your next adventure? Let’s tick off that bucket list, one short break at a time.
Search short breaksShort Breaks to Spain
Short breaks to Barcelona allow you to discover the unique architecture and cultural richness of the city, with iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and the bustling energy of La Rambla. If you're drawn to coastal delights, explore the sun-soaked beaches of Costa del Sol or the picturesque landscapes of Majorca. Dance the night away in one of Ibiza's top nightclubs or experience the cultural hub of Madrid.
Short Breaks to Italy
Short breaks to Rome allow you to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and rich history of the Eternal City. Discover historic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica. Alternatively, relax on the sun-drenched beaches of Sorrento and marvel at the historic ruins of Pompeii. For a taste of northern Italy's charm, escape to the azure waters of Lake Garda or the elegant villas of Lake Como.
Short Breaks to the Netherlands
Short breaks to Amsterdam uncover the vibrant tapestry of culture and history that defines the Dutch capital. Stroll around the famous canals, see the world-renowned art museums and visit Anne Frank's House.
Short Breaks to Poland
Discover a city steeped in medieval charm and architectural wonders with short breaks to Krakow and Auschwitz. Wander through the historic Old Town, where the magnificent buildings showcase Poland's regal past. And for a sobering reminder of the country's resilience you can book a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Alternatively, you may opt for a short break to other historic Polish cities, such as Warsaw, Gdnask and Wrocław.
Short Breaks to Central Europe
Central Europe is home to numerous imperial cities, awaiting your exploration. Short breaks to Budapest are about exploring a city which straddles the Danube and offers a seamless blend of thermal baths, historic grandeur and lively boulevards. Or you may opt for short breaks to Prague where its Old Town highlights include crossing the world-famous Charles Bridge and visiting Prague Castle. It’s especially popular in winter when the city hosts its annual Christmas market.
Short Breaks to New York
Short breaks to NYC let you cram the essence of this electrifying metropolis into a whirlwind adventure. Snap selfies with Lady Liberty, conquer the vertiginous heights of the Empire State Building, and lose yourself in the neon symphony of Times Square. Despite the longer flight time, New York is a popular short break destination. And its 'City that Never Sleeps' reputation means it's easy to avoid jet lag - breakfast at 4am is no problem!
Short Breaks to Iceland
Iceland short breaks pack fire and ice into a single escape. Explore Reykjavik's colourful charm, go whale watching and soak up the paradise of the Blue Lagoon. As night falls, watch the sky ignite with the mysterious glow of the Northern Lights.
All Inclusive Short Breaks
Forget about how much you’ll need to spend on food and drink abroad, with an All Inclusive short break. Choose between the sun-soaked coastlines of Spain, the charm of Malta, the allure of Morocco, the exotic landscapes of Tunisia and more.
Short Golf Breaks to Portugal
Blessed with a sun-drenched coastline, the scenic Algarve promises an extraordinary experience for golf enthusiasts. Opt for a resort featuring a course crafted by a golfing maestro, like the 27-hole masterpiece at Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort, so you can save travelling time and have longer to spend on the course.
Most flights between the UK and mainland Europe take 3 hours or less - around the same time it takes to get between Brighton and Birmingham by train. The Canaries (just off mainland Africa), Cyprus and the Greek islands will take longer. So for a short break in the sun, mainland Spain, the Baleraics, Italy and Malta are among the best options.
There’s loads of options, depending on your preferences. Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Krakow, Pragueand Rome are some of the most popular destinations for short breaks. However, if you’re more interested in sea and sand there’s Majorca, Ibiza, Costa del Sol, the Algarve and Malta to consider. And for natural beauty it’s hard to beat Iceland or Switzerland.
Paris, Rome, or Barcelona offer rich culture and history with plenty to see and do in a few days. Use this list to see how long each destination is from the UK. Please note: the flight time may vary depending on your departure airport.
European cities under 2 hours from the UK:
- Paris, France: Approx 1 hour 20 mins flight time
- Brussels, Belgium: Approx 1 hour flight time
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: Approx 1.5 hour flight time
- Berlin, Germany: Approx 1 hour 45 mins flight time
- Copenhagen, Denmark: Approx 2 hours flight time
European cities under 3 hours from the UK:
- Prague, Czech Republic: Approx 2 hours flight time
- Budapest, Approx Hungary: 2.5 hours flight time
- Naples, Italy: Approx 2-3 hours flight time
- Milan, Italy: Approx 2 hours flight time
- Madrid, Spain: Approx 2.5 hours flight time
- Venice, Italy: Approx 2.5 hours flight time
- Florence, Italy: Approx 2.5 hours flight time
- Krakow, Poland: Approx 2.5 hours flight time
- Seville, Spain: Approx 3 hours flight time
European coastal cities around 2 hours from the UK:
- Barcelona, Spain: Approx 2 hours flight time
- Nice, France: Approx 2 hours flight time
European cities around 3 hours from the UK: - Marrakech, Morocco: Approx 3 hours flight time
- Rome, Italy: Approx 2.5 hours flight time
- Vienna, Austria: Approx 3-4 hours flight time
European coastal cities around 3 hours from the UK: - Ibiza, Spain: Approx 2.5 hours flight time
- Majorca, Spain: Approx 2.5 hours flight time
- Lisbon, Portugal: Approx 2.5 hours flight time
- Albufeira, Portugal: Approx 2 hours 45 minutes flight time
- Split, Croatia: Approx 3 hours flight time
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: Approx 2-3 hours flight time
- Malta: Approx 3 hours flight time
- Malaga, Spain: Approx 3 hours flight time
Yes, a 3-day holiday can be enough if you're looking for a quick getaway to relax or explore a nearby destination. It works well for city breaks, spa retreats, or a short adventure where you can focus on a few key experiences without the pressure of a longer stay.
However, it may feel a bit rushed if you're planning to travel far or want to fully immerse yourself in a new culture or explore multiple attractions.
For a 3-day holiday, it's best to choose destinations that are relatively close and offer a balance of relaxation and sightseeing. Here are a few ideas:
European short breaks:
- Barcelona, Spain – Explore the iconic architecture of Gaudí, visit beaches, and enjoy vibrant nightlife.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – Wander the canals, visit world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum, and experience the café culture.
- Lisbon, Portugal – Discover historic neighbourhoods, ride the iconic tram, and enjoy delicious Portuguese cuisine.
Beach Getaways:
- Majorca, Spain – Soak up the sun on beautiful beaches and explore charming towns like Palma.
- Santorini, Greece – Perfect for stunning sunsets, relaxing by the sea, and tasting local Greek delicacies.
- Amalfi Coast, Italy – Visit picturesque towns like Positano or Ravello, enjoy scenic drives, and savour Italian cuisine.
Short Adventure Trips:
To make the most of a 3-night short break, planning is key. Here’s how to maximise your time and get the most out of a quick getaway:
1. Choose a Destination with a Short Travel Time
Opt for locations that are a short flight away to minimise travel time. European cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Barcelona are ideal for a 3-night break, with flights from the UK under 2 hours.
2. Plan Around Morning Departures and Evening Returns
Book early morning flights to your destination and evening returns to give you almost 4 full days to explore. This helps you make the most of your time.
3. Prioritise Key Attractions
Research must-see sights or activities before you go. Focus on the top highlights you want to experience rather than trying to do everything. Also, consider booking tickets in advance for popular attractions to avoid wasting time in queues.
4. Stay Central
Choose a hotel close to major attractions or public transport to save time on commuting. Staying in the city centre means you can walk to or take quick metro rides to your planned stops.
5. Embrace Flexible Itineraries
Plan a general itinerary but keep it flexible. Focus on one or two main activities each day, then leave some time to wander and enjoy local cafes, parks, or for some spontaneity.
6. Opt for Experiences Over Distance
Stick to one city or a small area rather than trying to visit multiple places. This way, you can enjoy the location without spending precious time travelling between spots.