Heidi Fuller-Love

We all like the idea of summertime in Europe – long, lazy days in the Mediterranean sunshine, whiling away an evening people-watching in local bars – but the reality is often much less romantic, with overtourism, sky-high prices and heatwaves blighting many a Euro Summer fantasy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. To inspire your summer holiday plans this year, we asked writers across Europe to tell us about their favourite alternative summer trip ideas. From Croatia’s quieter island-hopping route to an Estonian spa break, here’s where to head for crowd-free bliss and unsung adventures right across the continent. You’re welcome. RECOMMENDED:🏝️ The best alternative Mediterranean beach breaks🗺️ Europe’s most underrated travel destinations

There’s a lot that France is famous for. Cheese, for one thing. Paris, for another. Rose by the gallon. Quaint rural villages to be explored with a floppy hat on. In fact, beaches might not even be one of the first things that come to you when you think of France.  But if thats the case, youre missing out. France’s beaches rival some of the best in the world, with crystal-clear waters, hidden coves and jaw-dropping sunsets for days. We’ve rounded up the best beaches in France to add to your European bucket list, and you’ll find everything from tranquil swimming spots to high-end resorts on our list. Here are the best beaches in France.  RECOMMENDED:✈️ The best places to visit in France🏨 The best hotels in France☀️ The best hotels in the South of France📍 The best city breaks in Europe for 2024 Heidi Fuller-Love is a travel writer based between Greece and France. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Corfu is a little different to the other beloved Greek islands (geography plays its part), but this slice of paradise is inundated with annual visitors for good reason. The landscape is luxurious and leafy, brimming with olive trees and fruit groves, giving Corfu a verdant feel that is easy to get lost in. What are the best things to do on Corfu? Well, be on Corfu for a start, but there is plenty to get your teeth into on this beautiful island. Gorgeous architecture, stunning walks, idyllic beaches and ornate palaces headline, but the beauty of Corfu arguably lies in the spaces. You’re going to love this place. Greece at its absolute finest. RECOMMENDED:🧿 The best places to visit in Greece🏝️ The most beautiful Greek islands🏨 The best hotels in Greece🏛 The best things to do in Athens Heidi Fuller-Love and Marissa Tejada are travel writers based in Greece. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The city break continues to rule in 2024. According to ABTA, city breaks overtook beach holidays as the UK’s favourite type of trip last year – and travel booking site Opodo has reported that nearly half of all trips taken in 2023 were between two to four days. Long live the long weekend, eh? When it comes to cramming in the best food, nightlife and culture in one whistlestop weekend, Europe really does spoil you for choice. Of course, there are the classics – Rome, Amsterdam, Paris – but the continent is packed with lesser-known second cities and more obscure cultural capitals that make for the ideal affordable city break in 2024.  From gastronomic delights and cultural cubby holes to all-hours party hotspots, Europe’s best city breaks tick all the boxes. But with so many options, where should you head? Well, we’ve narrowed it down for you: in our list of Europe’s best city breaks, everywhere from France to Bosnia and Herzegovina is covered. See you out there! RECOMMENDED: 📍 The absolute best things to do in Europe🗺 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe🛤 The ultimate Europe Interrailing itinerary

Ibiza’s reputation as one of the most notorious party islands on the planet may turn a lot of people off (and turn plenty on), but there is much more to this place than hitting the clubs and throwing shapes until the sun comes up. Ibiza’s beaches are delightful, the seafood is tremendous, and the rugged landscape is a joy to behold. Of course, the clubs are fantastic, but don’t make the mistake of thinking Ibiza is a one-trick pony. The best things to do in Ibiza cover plenty of ground, from lazing on the beach to all-night parties. What a wonderful, wonderful place. RECOMMENDED:🏨 The best hotels in Ibiza🏠 The best Airbnbs in Ibiza🏖 The best places to visit in Spain😋 The best restaurants in Spain This guide is by travel writers Alice Tait and Heidi Fuller-Love. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

There’s nothing quite like standing at the top of the multicoloured cliffs that Santorini is famous for. This island is one of the most unique destinations in the world, and not just because it is in the huge crater of a volcano. The scenery here seems crafted by the Greek gods: whitewashed villages crown the island with views over its sea-flanked edges, rural vineyards span huge stretches inland, and the beaches are black, red and out of this world. There’s plenty for explorers, foodies and culture vultures to discover, from archaeological sites to swimming spots and friendly hotels, brilliant wine and Mediterranean food. RECOMMENDED🛏 Where to stay in Santorini🏨 The best hotels in Santorini🇬🇷 The best places to visit in Greece🏝️ The best Greek islands Marissa Tejada is a writer based in Greece. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Mykonos is the “Greek Ibiza”, and the club scene is spectacular. But, in common with the Spanish party paradise, it’s also an island with far more on offer than the chance to stay up dancing until 4 am. The “other” Mykonos is chilled-out, classy and jaw-droppingly beautiful. But before you start exploring the bougainvillaea-adorned streets and take a dip in the clear ocean, you’ll need to book somewhere to stay. We’ve compiled a list of the island’s most chic and delectable hotels. Put the champers on ice; we’ve got our suitcase packed already. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇷Discover the best of Mykonos🌞Where to next? Here are the best Greek Islands to visit🍦Check out the best things to do in Mykonos Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The French Riviera is everything it claims to be and more. The international capital of luxury travel is packed with mind-blowing spots that are the gold standard of idyllic holidays, although you might be surprised to find how friendly the areas are (no shade to the locals). And luckily, you don't have to be super rich and wealthy to enjoy some fun in paradise. You can easily bask in the sun on a beautiful beach and not spend a single euro. Although the ice cream might be calling your name... Brave the narrow, and sometimes steep, streets of Eze and marvel at the panoramic views from the mountainside village. Or coordinate your outfits with the bright and vibrant buildings in the medieval old town of Menton, while you walk along the stunning coastline. Imagine the snaps you'll get for your socials. Even if just for a day, embrace the life of luxury and leave with enough to fantasise about when you're back at home. Post-holiday blues are real.  The best places to visit on the French Riviera all offer something different, from celeb-laden streets to quaint nostalgia. Heck, why not try to cover all of them in one magnificent road trip? Where did we put that bucket list…

Majorca seems to have earned itself a reputation for being a bit of a ‘Brits abroad’ destination. But don’t believe the hype. Majorca, the largest of the beautiful Balearic Islands, is home to some of the best beaches you’ll ever see, and there’s more than three hundred of them to explore. If that doesn’t sway ya, we don’t know what will. And it’s not just the many, many beaches that bring people flocking there in their millions. You’ll find dinky train rides through quaint old towns, dazzling mountain hikes, ancient ruins and lots and lots of fresh fish, sobrasada (cured sausage) and coca de trempó (vegetable flatbread). From flea markets to hidden coves, here are the best things to do in Majorca.  RECOMMENDED:🏨 The best hotels in Majorca📍 The best places to visit in Spain🇪🇸 Our ultimate guide to Spain Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

One of the many charms of Greece’s sprawling Acropolis-topped capital city is its diversity. Like the fine layers of filo pastry used to make scrumptious local custard pie bougatsa, this 3,400-year-old city is home to a rich and complex network of unique neighbourhoods. Each has its own charm, from multicultural Kypseli to nightlife hub Gazi, which coils around the city’s old gasworks. Athens sweeps from the foothills of mighty Mount Parnitha to the swanky bar-lined Athenian Riviera, and there are loads of great places to stay within this swathe of city. To help you narrow it down, we’ve picked five neighbourhoods in Athens that offer a concentrated dose of the best that the birthplace of democracy has to offer – from quaint Plaka to rowdy Exarcheia. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Athens🍽 The best restaurants in Athens🏠 The best hotels in Athens Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

Even from a distance, Santorini is a sight to behold. Surrounded by the azure Aegean Sea and home to its famous flooded caldera, it’s a true gem of the Cyclades. This is the Greece that attracts tourists from all across the globe: the sugar cube-like houses glinting in the sunlight (almost good enough to eat) and the domes of Orthodox churches sending flashes of blue through the landscape. The island is almost too attractive. On the days when a cruise ship has docked, Santorini’s largest towns, like Fira and Oia, become packed with friendly visitors. But don’t let that put you off. If you know where to look, there are plenty of lesser-known, picture-perfect spots to stay away from the hustle and bustle. Start your holiday here. And now, relax... RECOMMENDED:🇬🇷New to Greece? Here's where to stay in Santorini☀️Check out the best spots to visit in Greece  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Does anything conjure up an image of beach bliss quite like the Med? Surrounded by 22 countries and bordered by three continents, the Mediterranean Sea boasts miles and miles of coastline – not to mention hundreds of islands. And while there are certain seaside spots where you’ll need to fight for space on the sand (we’re looking at you, Barceloneta), there are plenty of other secluded stretches of coastline across the Med. Our selection of alternative beach spots, chosen by Mediterranean-based travel writers, takes you beyond Europe to North Africa and the Middle East. From wild, flamingo-frequented beaches in Spain to a culture-packed port city in France, this is where to find the Mediterranean’s best alternative (and affordable) beach breaks. There’s plenty of room to lay out your towel here. Grace Beard is Time Out’s deputy travel editor, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. RECOMMENDED:🗺 Europe’s most underrated destinations🌆 The best European city breaks🚫 The travel destinations that want tourists to stay away

It’s hard not to make jokes about having to build your own bed when you stay in the world’s only IKEA Hotell, but I resisted the temptation when I checked into this unique property in Älmhult: the remote, lake-studded region of southern Sweden where IKEA’s founder Ingvar Kamprad grew up.  I reached the flatpack furniture giant’s only hotel after a two-hour train ride from Copenhagen. With that iconic blue and yellow sign outside, it was hard to miss. The 254 rooms – which range from cabins with bunks beds and shared bathrooms to doubles with plump queen beds – stay true to IKEA’s budget-friendly ethos, with one-night stays coming in well under €100. And – as you’d expect — they’re all furnished with some of IKEA’s most iconic products: Lisabo tables, Poang easy chairs, Boomerang coat hangers. It’s a bit like walking into one of those staged sets you find in an IKEA warehouse, only with a shower tacked on.  Photograph: Booking.com Although the rooms are Scandi-style bland, with blonde parquet floors, beige walls and white cotton curtains, there are excellent IKEA-style add-ons that travellers and digital nomads (like me) will love. Included is a free-to-use communal lounge area complete with fridge, sink and dishwasher, plus a laundry room – also free – where you can put a wash on before heading down to IKEA Hotell’s gleaming restaurant for a fika (that’s Swedish for snack) or – you guessed it – lingonberry-smothered meatballs. Photograph: Booking.com IKEA was founded by I