Where to go for a long weekend? 10 sunny destinations
Updated on 14/08/2024 •
by
Aurélie HANNIER
The sun is coming out and so is the desire to get away! We are generally spoiled in France with many extended weekends in April, May and June. So pack your suitcase, it's time to fly to one of these European destinations where the sun is sure to be out! Petit Futé offers you its ten favorites where to go for an extended weekend in the sun.
1. Palma de Mallorca, a weekend in the Balearics
Easily accessible thanks to low-cost airlines - Vueling from Paris, in particular - Palma de Mallorca, capital of the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, will make you dream for a weekend. A city steeped in history, it boasts a sumptuous cathedral facing the sea. The beaches are also very pleasant when the heat becomes too strong. Take the ferrocarril, a particularly picturesque vintage train that will take you to Sóller: the panorama during the trip is breathtaking and the little village very typical. Palma de Mallorca is the ideal leisurely city break!
Wondering what to do there? Check out our top 15 must-sees in Mallorca!Check out the airfares
2. Dubrovnik, pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik is certainly the most beautiful fortified city in Europe. It was able to rise from its ashes after the bombings of the War of Independence in 1991 to become a lovely city where it is good to walk on the walls, especially at sunset. The old port and the turquoise sea in the distance offer a breathtaking panorama in this Croatian city where Latin and Slavic accents blend. A jewel to discover, ideal for an extended weekend!
Did we make you want to discover the city during the long weekends of May and June? Discover our article "Discover Dubrovnik differently: the off-season surprises" to convince you to go there! We also recommend you to take a look at the 10 good reasons to visit the city before the summer.
Did you know that part of the Game of Thrones series was filmed in Dubrovnik? In fact, it's one of the most recognizable locations! Want to follow in the footsteps of Tyrion, Sansa, Joffrey and more by visiting several filming locations like the Red Keep, Cersei's Walk of Shame, Blackwater Bay and more? Book your tour right here!
3. Valletta, a Mediterranean jewel
Capital of Malta, Valletta is a concentration of monuments classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. It's hard to know where to turn in this city that bears witness to the island's rich past, between East and West. The historic center is easily accessible on foot and its cobbled streets all seem to flow into the blue of the Mediterranean... Don't miss the gardens of Upper Barracca which offer a splendid view of the city. To learn more, read our article "Valletta, a capital under the sign of culture". And if you fly to Malta, don't forget to read this article to discover the city through 5 unusual anecdotes!
4. Porto, a culinary escapade
Famous for its wine and its gentle way of life,Porto is a color ful city, a joyful patchwork of styles and architectures. The Douro River and its boats inspire you to stroll and relax, just like the small streets where baroque churches are hidden. Your taste buds will also be thrilled by the gargantuan Portuana specialties such as the famous francesinha, one of the best sandwiches in the world! To organize your stay and not to miss any visit, we advise you to read our article on the inescapable of Porto!
Book my flight tickets
5. Athens, the mythical
To discover Athens is to dive into Greek history... At the foot of the Acropolis, a feeling of plenitude and grandeur reminds us that these monuments have survived the centuries. But Athens is above all a city that is lived! Dare to get lost, to discover the small taverns where a delicious cuisine awaits you, you will find a festive and popular atmosphere ideal for a relaxing weekend. Want to know what to do in Athens? Check out our top 15 must-sees and must-visit!To make the most of your stay in Athens and avoid the queues, we suggest youbook your tickets for the Acropolis, the Agora, the Roman Forum and the temple of Zeushere !
6. Barcelona and its movida
Barcelona and its vibrant nightlife attract many visitors every year. City of Gaudí, it has an architecture of exceptional beauty, rich in color, like the famous Güell Park. Its cultural dynamism and its exceptional setting, at the foot of the Mediterranean, make it one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Close to France, it is ideal for an extended weekend in the sun! Discover all the must-see things to do and see in Barcelona so that you don't miss anything during your stay!
7. Lecce, the Florence of the South
Easily accessible from Bari or Brindisi, the Salento is located in the extreme south-east of Italy, in the heel of the boot. Its capital, Lecce, is an open-air museum. Reflecting the golden age of Puglia, the baroque leccese decorates all the monuments of the city in a rare elegance... A long weekend in Lecce will give you a taste of the beauties of the Salento, a true jewel of southern Italy. And if, like us, you have a crush on Italy and are thinking of returning there for your next vacation, discover the 27 must-see places in Italy!
8. Corsica and its beauties
The blue of the sky and the sea, the green of the maquis, the red of the creeks... Welcome to Corsica ! The island of beauty is a palette of natural colors, from Cap Corse to Bonifacio. A region of character, it takes time to discover and conquer it: a weekend will only give you a brief glimpse of the sweetness of island life. So treat yourself to an enchanting little break by booking your flight to Bastia, Ajaccio or Figari as soon as possible. Don't forget to read our article on the must-see things to do in Corsica to organize your stay. Discover also the 3 places not to be missed during your vacations in Corsica!
And for a memorable stay, we advise you to book a boat trip to discover Mezu Mare, the main island of the archipelago, as well as the natural beauty of the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires archipelago.
Book my boat trip
9. Palermo, the beautiful Sicilian
Capital of the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily, Palermo can be discovered by forgetting the clichés that stick to it. Chaotic, noisy but very charming, it is certainly one of the most picturesque cities in Italy. Go into the popular alleys, admire the majestic Fontana della vergogna, visit its terrifying Capuchin catacombs... And above all, taste the best cannoli, typical Sicilian ricotta pastries! And if you have time, take the opportunity to move around Palermo to visit all the must-see places in Sicily!
10. Seville, the Andalusian heat
Capital and heart of Andalusia, Seville is an architectural jewel. Its impressive cathedral and its majestic Alcázar are classified as Unesco heritage since 1987. Sevilla is the flagship city of Spanish history, with many monuments that reflect the Christian and Muslim cultures that have coexisted there. Every evening, the Santa Cruz district is the heart of the movida... From tapas bars to wine bars, the party goes on until very late. Seville is the ideal city for a long weekend in the sun, festive and cultural! Discover all the must-see places in the city here!And to avoid queues when you visit the Alcázar, remember to get your skip-the-line tickets right here!