Head to Spain for a last-minute summer holiday

If grey skies at home are jeopardising your tan, or you think you’ve run out of time to book a summer holiday, don’t fret. With cheap flights from all over Europe, tapas, and enticing beaches to boot, a last-minute to holiday Spain is the answer. Head to these destinations to bask in the sun and have some well-deserved sangria.

Mallorca

Low cost airlines regularly offer cheap, last-minute deals to the Balearic island of Mallorca. You’ll fly into the capital, Palma, where local fiestas seem to take over city squares every night of the week with a chorus of women tapping castanets on the sidelines. Once you’ve explored the marina and medieval old city, hire a car and head out into the Mallorcan countryside. The hairpin bends can be a little nerve-wracking but it’s worth it to reach white sand beaches, olive groves, almond orchards, vineyards, and enjoy the views from atop the island’s dusty cliffs and mountains.

One dip into the plunge pool in the courtyard at Hotel Can Mostatxins, whose stone walls give it the appearance of being built into a mountain, and you won’t want to come home.

Menorca

Another of the Balearic archipelago’s most famous islands, Menorca is smaller and quieter. It also feels superbly Spanish, with relatively few tourists and an authentic cuisine (rich in local olive oil) that doesn’t kowtow to a foreign crowd. With its sedate pace, this Balearic beauty is well-suited to families, as well as those after an active holiday; sea kayaking, hiking, biking, and horse riding are all popular pursuits on the island.

Stay at Hotel Ca S’arader for serenity, the sun terrace and the sea views.

Marbella

Marbella is something of a surprise on the Costa del Sol. It stands out for its Old Quarter and the fact it doesn’t feel like a party town, though there is a good nightlife scene for anyone who’s interested. The town is easy to walk around and you can explore the old town on foot, stopping off for some of the region’s famous tapas, and then the seafront boardwalk, with its ice cream parlours and postcard stands.

Casa Luna Verde is the highest-rated accommodation in Marbella, 10-minutes’ drive from the city centre and with an irresistible outdoor swimming pool.

Ibiza

This small Balearic island is ripe for a last-minute party holiday. From July, to September, the super clubs of Ibiza call in the big DJs to headline the season. If you’re in need of an antidote to the island’s hedonistic side, there are private beaches, isolated villas, and small towns – such as Ibiza Town, with its medieval architecture – that contrast hugely with the main night club strip.

Agroturismo Can Parramatta is a typical Ibizan villa, almost obscured by surrounding greenery.

Lanzarote

One of the smaller Canary Islands, visit Lanzarote for hiking, exploring caves, surfing, and other adventurous activities. The lunar landscape is characterised by a patchwork of volcanic rock, ochre soil, and palm trees, bordered by white sandy beaches. Order tapas, calamari rings, and paella with fat, juicy prawns, washed down with the super sweet local digestif, honey rum.

The beachfront Lani’s Suites de Luxe – Adults Only has the best views, with an infinity pool and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean.