If you’re itching for some sun or a city break several travel companies offer last-minute flights so you can squeeze in one more short holiday

The long summer holidays are almost over and while it’s tempting to catch up on life admin or get the kids ready for school you know you want to squeeze in a last-minute break or explore early autumn options for an adult-only holiday.

If you’re itching for some sun or a city break several travel companies offer last-minute flights so you can squeeze in one more short holiday before autumn rolls around.

Bag a flight and you could be heading to balmy Portugal for an Algarve escape, Dalaman for a Turkish beach holiday, or Barcelona for an artsy city break.

Here are some top picks for a last-minute break without breaking the bank. For money-saving tips sign up to our Money newsletter here.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Head off to the historic city of Dubrovnik, which is affectionately dubbed the City of 1,000 Monuments and well known as a Game of Thrones filming location.

Dubrovnik draws vast crowds with its distinctive old town where massive stone walls, completed in the 16th century, still encircle the historic city. Visitors can admire its well-preserved architecture from the baroque St Blaise Church to the Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace, which now houses a history museum.

For a city Dubrovnik has a surprising variety of beaches ranging from pebble to gravel, stone, and concrete where you can swim, kayak, and sunbathe near clear waters.

Some popular options include Banje beach, renowned for its proximity to the old town and impressive views, and Sveti Jakov beach, which offers a peaceful escape with crystal-clear waters and stunning sunset views.

Watch the sun go down at one of Dubrovnik’s many beach bars. The best bar for outdoor drinking in Dubrovnik is the uber-cool Buza bar which is located on top of a secluded beach outside the city walls with tables set among the rocks.

This Unesco World Heritage site is just a three-hour flight from the UK and you can fly there from Cardiff Airport with TUI for just £143pp for a late August break.

Dalaman, Turkey

Along Turkey’s scenic southwest coast Dalaman has a shimmering blue lagoon and one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. It’s also a surprisingly affordable destination for a slice of sun-soaked paradise in late summer and early autumn.

Once a hideaway for pirates and smugglers Ölüdeniz, in the Dalaman region, no longer keeps its beachy treasures hidden.

Today it’s one of the country’s most beloved holiday spots for locals and sun-seeking Brits and is famed for the Blue Lagoon, which is one of Turkey’s most-photographed natural attractions. It regularly tops polls of the world’s best beaches and for good reason.

The calm turquoise waters are dream-like For travellers on a budget this region has a range of affordable hotels (prices off-season start from £36) and a glass of beer will set you back £1.50. Lush.

Jet2 operates direct flights from Bristol to Dalaman typically taking around four hours and starting from £48.

The company also offers convenient package holidays combining flights, accommodation, and transfers.

Malta

With its warm climate, rich history, and natural beauty Malta is a dream destination for a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration in the Mediterranean.

This Mediterranean archipelago comprises five islands: Malta, the largest island, Gozo, Comino, and the uninhabited islets of Kemmunett and Filfla.

The landscapes on each island are diverse. Malta has the typical Mediterranean landscape of rock, dry vegetation, and sprawling urban centres while Gozo and Comino offer a more laid-back escape.

Start your journey in the Unesco World Heritage-listed city of Valletta – Malta’s capital.

Perched on the northeast coast of Malta the city of Valletta is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders.

Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St John the city’s architecture showcases an impressive array of Baroque, Mannerist, and Neo-Classical styles blending seamlessly with modern architecture.

The Valletta peninsula is tiny and best explored on foot. Wander down alleyways, explore hidden courtyards, and find the most photogenic spots in the city.

Valetta is best seen by water with a slow boat trip and tour that takes you around Malta’s ‘three cities’, the collective name for the three fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua.

St Julian’s is also worth a visit and is renowned for its striking coastline, crystal-clear waters, and distinctive rocky coves.

The town’s main attraction, Spinola Bay, is a relaxing seafront haven where colourful fishing boats gently bob on the azure waters.

The bay is also bordered by a scenic promenade with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving freshly-caught seafood.

You can fly to Malta from Bristol Airport for just £40 with Jet2 with 10kg hand luggage included.

Faro, Portugal

The capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region Faro is a gateway to the region’s seaside escapes but is also worth a city break.

Faro’s neoclassical Arco da Vila is on the site of a gate part of the original Moorish wall.

The monumental archway leads to the old town with its cobbled streets and plenty of affordable bars and restaurants to discover.

Faro also basks in more than 3,000 hours of sunlight per year and is considered one of the sunniest destinations in Europe making it a perfect late summer break destination for soaking up some rays.

Want to go further afield? Rent a car and head to the tiny fishing village of Salema.

Far from the crowded tourist hubs of Albufeira and Lagos its whitewashed houses, vibrant bougainvillaea vines, and narrow cobbled streets, offer a quieter western Algarve retreat with bracing azure waters, seafood restaurants, and small yet buzzing cocktail bars.

The heart of Salema is its beautiful blue flag beach Praia da Salema. This expansive stretch of powder-soft golden sand is framed by rocky yellow-coloured cliffs and offers crystal-clear bracing waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding.

You can fly to Faro from Bristol with Jet2 at prices starting at just £39.

Paphos, Cyprus

Have a slice of island life at Paphos, located on the southwest coast of sunny Cyprus. Paphos is divided geographically into two parts. Connected by a busy traffic artery Kato Pafos (Lower Pafos) and Ktima (Upper Pafos) are two contrasting and distinctive districts in Paphos.

Kato Pafos is the more tourist-oriented part of the city. It’s where you’ll find swish hotels, resorts, restaurants, and a palm-fringed promenade and seafront.

Ktima stands in stark contrast to the busy tourist scene of Kato Pafos. It is the historical and cultural heart of the city.

You’ll find traditional Cypriot architecture, narrow streets, and a more laidback atmosphere here. Venture into the labyrinthine backstreets to uncover historical treasures like medieval baths, catacombs, and an unassuming fishermen’s church.

For history lovers the pièce de résistance is the Pafos Archaeological Site, one of the south’s most culturally rich destinations.

Outside of historical sites strolling around Paphos harbour and promenade, with its gentle sea breeze and turquoise blue water, makes for a relaxing afternoon.

Stop for a cocktail or a glass of local wine at one of the many bars and sea-facing restaurants on the waterfront.

Many of the bars will also offer a wide range of dishes including Cypriot cuisine, international dishes, and British classics.

You can fly to Paphos from Cardiff Airport with TUI from just £200pp.

Barcelona, Catalonia

One of Europe’s most popular city breaks is a fascinating mix of art, architecture, and culture. The cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia, Barcelona, is well-known for the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other jaw-dropping landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí.

In this buzzing city incredible tapas bars and galleries, such as Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró, feature modern art by their namesakes.

Explore the epic waterfront and if you have the kids with you you can swing by the family-friendly aquarium and magic fountains.

You can top up your tan around the beach with its cool seaside bars and restaurants. But things get even more exciting at night thanks to Barcelona’s love for dining, drinking, and exceptional food.

A must-visit is La Rambla for al fresco dining and street entertainment while for epic sundowners there are plenty of rooftop bars where you can sip a crafted cocktail.

You can fly to Barcelona from Manchester for just £37 with Jet2 and enjoy a week of sun and sangria.