Whatever style of long summer weekend you fancy this year – exploring the outdoors, lying by the pool, tasting vibrant new flavours – we’ve got you covered.
Read on to uncover five destinations designed to tick all your getaway boxes. From long-haul adventures to short-haul hideaways, here’s where you need to be heading this summer.
1. Catskills (via New York)
It’s been a minute since Dirty Dancing, but the picturesque, mountain retreat of the Catskills has seen a rejuvenation since Baby visited.
It’s easy to see the appeal of the destination, just a two and a half hour drive from central New York. With over 100 peaks, ice caves, thundering waterfalls and bursting with wildlife, it’s an outdoor lover’s haven. Climbers, campers, mountain bikers and more congregate here in the balmy summer months to experience nature. It’s also surprisingly accessible. The paved Ashokan Reservoir Promenade offers wheelchair users stunning views of Slide Mountain (the range’s highest peak).
And all that is alongisde antique shops, boutique clothing outlets and microbreweries, which bring chic experiences to the edges of the natural world. Head to nearby Livingston Manor, a hub for alternative outlets. Browse ancient, affordable knick knacks in Life Repurposed and ornate midcentury decor at Taylor and Ace, before sipping cold brews at Roscoe Beer Company and Catskill Brewery.
Though the region boasts some great camp sites (Bear Spring Mountain Camp Ground and Roscoe Camp Site offer modern amenities with killer views) cosy, luxurious and basic accommodations are more than available. Recline in upmarket rustic charm at Beatrice by AvantStay or keep things cheap and cheerful at Peloke’s Motel.
Don’t forget to book your car rental before you go, so you can head straight into the wilderness and get your holiday started.
2. Camogli (via Milan)
While we understand the temptation to stay and explore one of Italy’s most seductive cities, long summer weekends can be enjoyed at a slower pace on the Italian Riviera.
Two hours south of Milan (book your car hire here) is the old fishing village of Camogli.
Age-old palaces perch on sloping hills, peering over a harbour filled with apricot-coloured fishing boats. It’s the perfect spot to people watch from, at a quaint coffee shop or harbourside eatery. The family-run Da Paolo is a winner, while La Camogliese specialises in delicious fresh fish. Head to La Cage Aux Folles Pub for solid food, great service and serene views.
Allocate at least an afternoon to hike up to the 700-year-old San Fruttuoso abbey. Accessible only by foot or ferry, the path up to the striking building passes secluded beaches, dense green forest and sparkling ocean vistas. It’s 5.3km each way, so allow a good chunk of time.
As for where to crash afterwards: check into the seafront Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi for sun loungers on a private beach, three restaurants (all with panoramic views) and luxuriously attentive service. For something simpler, opt for the affordable La Riviera Bed & Breakfast, in the centre of town.
3. Ibiza
Looking for a long summer weekend party getaway with a group of mates?
Where better to go than this sun-scorched island with all kinds of accommodation, first-rate restaurants and an unrivalled bar and club scene?
Get started at Playa d’en Bossa, which has the longest beach on the island and the perfect introduction to Ibiza’s nightlife. For all-inclusive, worry-free accommodation, stay at the Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza & Spa, which offers three pools, massages by the beach and a babyclub for party parents. Try the azuLine Hotel Mediterraneo in Santa Eulària des Riu for a more affordable yet comfortable stay.
The tiny island’s culinary scene is almost as famous as its clubbing one, with top-notch global cuisine in abundance. Fan of Asian fusion? Try chef Mark Vaessen’s blend of Spanish and Japanese flavours at OKU Ibiza. For hypnotic marina views and flavours to match, book a table at plant-based Mikasa in Eivissa. Lebanese-inspired clean cooking results in mouth-watering delights, such as flaxseed bruschetta with Datterino tomato and pea dumpling with orzo and roasted red pepper sauce.
Fancy some Spanish island sun but not keen on crowds? Head north to Puerto de San Miguel, an idyllic cove-tucked town just 30 minutes from the airport. Check into Balansat Resort for great service, stunning sea views and seriously good nosh.
4. Barcelona
If a city could have feelings, this one would be smug. Barcelona has all the things most of us hope for in a long summer weekend escape.
Stunning sunny days, luxurious hotels, seemingly endless beaches and a food scene to rival Ibiza’s.
Barcelona in the summer is a great time to appreciate its enviable sporting scene. World-famous football team aside, Barcelona hosts Formula One and MotoGP races, marathons, international equestrian events and, in 2024, the world famous America’s Cup Sailing competition. However, for a sight you won’t see anywhere else, head to Vilafranca de Penedès on the last weekend of August. The town hosts the annual Saint Felix Day celebrations which see incredible stunts by colles castelleres – or ‘human tower’ teams.
If beaches are what you’re after, look no further: Barcelona has 4.5km of coastline dotted with them. The 422m-long Barceloneta beach is the most central offering, lined with bars, restaurants and a ‘muscle beach’ outdoor gym. It also picks up the city’s public WiFi. A little further south, Mar Bella beach offers nudists a chance to disrobe, while next door Nova Mar Bella beach is great for those with accessibility needs. There’s a lift and walkways right up to the sea.
Accommodation options are varied and plentiful. Try Hotel 1898 for a heated rooftop pool and tasty tapas in an enviably central location. Hostal MiMi Las Ramblas is great for holidaying on a budget, offering clean and basic amenities just minutes from La Rambla’s central streets.
5. Hua Hin (via Bangkok)
Keen to sample the wonders of Thailand but seeking somewhere quieter than Bangkok?
Check out Hua Hin, a modest city just two and a half hours from the capital, which is a perfect long summer weekend destination.
The region’s beaches offer kitesurfing and watersports, while the surrounding area houses some of the country’s best golf courses. Don’t miss the renowned Black Mountain Golf Club, home to a championship 18-hole course layered with waterways and native red grass (a particularly tricky challenge). In nearby Takiab Bay, you can horseride along the sand or climb Khao Takiab mountain. Under an hour away, mangrove forests, thriving wetlands and extensive caves systems wait to be explored in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
Refuelling after all that adventure couldn’t be easier. Seafood restaurants are on every corner and Hua Hin’s night market (open from 6pm) is famous for arts and crafts, cheap clothing and tasty morsels. Dine on seafood, tapas and classic Thai cuisine over the water at La Terrasse Hua Hin, then pick up mango sticky rice or coconut ice cream for dessert.
Bargain accommodation options are everywhere here. For around just £8 a night, stay at Huahin Terminal, which offers neat rooms, a swimming pool, gym and leafy garden. Feeling fancy? The Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa has five-star amenities at a very reasonable price. Spoil yourself with a Thai Herbal Heat Revival spa treatment, which promises to elimiate your travelling aches and pains.
