Last-minute European beach breaks for under £500pp

Gran Canaria, Spain

A ‘continent in miniature’, Gran Canaria holidays are all about lazing on golden sands one minute (try Playa de las Canteras) and exploring the island’s green heart the next.

When you’re not basking on your sun-lounger, the dramatic dunes of Maspalomas – like a mini desert by the sea – are a must-visit. Capital Las Palmas is the island’s cultural hub and it’s worth visiting to wander through the historic Vegueta district, with its colonial architecture and the impressive Santa Ana Cathedral.

If you’re up for a hike, start early and make a beeline for the striking Roque Nublo before it gets too hot, or head down into the dramatic Barranco de Guayadeque ravine. For beaches, the neighbouring Playa de Amadores and Playa de Puerto Rico are two of the island’s best.

Antalya, Turkey

There’s a lot going on in Antalya, the name of both the city and region on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

Top-notch beaches line a good chunk of this beautiful coastline; Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach are the closest to Antalya city itself and are both long stretches of sand perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Further afield, you’ll find stunning sands at the 18km-long (11 miles) Patara Beach, which is also a protected nesting ground for sea turtles, and at Cleopatra Beach in Alanya. No prizes for guessing who it’s named after.

For a bit of adventure, make the trip to the Düden Waterfalls, where you can take a boat tour to see the water cascading into the sea, or explore the ancient ruins of Termessos, perched high in the mountains.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Sunny Beach is pretty much a mainstay on the Post Office’s Holiday Money Report thanks to its wallet-friendly prices.

But affordable doesn’t mean this Black Sea resort skimps on the good stuff – if the good stuff to you is lazy beach days and lively all-nighters. As well as its sun-drenched, sandy beach (the clue’s in the name), Sunny Beach comes alive with bars, clubs and entertainment options after the sun goes down.

It’s also a great base for exploring the area. There’s the nearby ancient town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobbled streets, Byzantine ruins and beautiful churches, or you can join a jeep safari into the mountains for a high-octane day out.

Not for you? There are also waterparks and watersports, hammams and half-day boat trips.

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes is a real Aegean gem with a notorious party hub that needs no introduction. Faliraki may have calmed down somewhat from its heyday but it’s still a lively place where you can kick on until sunrise.

You won’t be left searching for a drink as it still boasts some of the best nightlife in Rhodes, with scores of bars and clubs lining the creatively-named Bar Street and Club Street – at least you’ll always know where you are.

It’s not just about the nightlife, though, and the island’s history is a highlight. Make time to explore the fascinating medieval Old Town of Rhodes, with its cobbled streets, ancient ruins, and the impressive Palace of the Grand Master.

You can also visit the Acropolis of Lindos, which enjoys breathtaking views over the island and a glimpse into ancient Greek history.

The Algarve, Portugal

Picture yourself relaxing on golden sandy shores gazing out at dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters, and you’ve got yourself the Algarve. A treasure trove of stunning cliffs, golden beaches and charming towns on Portugal’s southern coast, this package holiday mecca has postcard views around every corner.

For a taste of local culture and nightlife, head to the historic town of Lagos. Its lively marina and quaint old town are perfect for a leisurely exploration. And don’t miss the fishing village of Alvor, where you can stroll along the scenic riverfront and soak in the atmosphere.

It won’t come as a surprise that the Algarve is renowned for its delicious seafood, meaning foodies will be in heaven. Try the grilled sardines or the traditional cataplana seafood stew – you won’t be disappointed.

Costa Brava, Spain

You’ll have a hard time trying to decide which of the Costa Brava’s beaches is your favourite – this Spanish spot is all about its rugged coastlines and beautiful sands.

Spend your days soaking up the sun on the beaches of Lloret de Mar, known not only for its golden sands but also for its lively nightlife. For a more laidback vibe, head to nearby Tossa de Mar, where you can explore its medieval castle and old town.

If you love a good walk, the coastal paths like the Cami de Ronda will be your bag. Expect scenic routes with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as medieval villages like Pals, with its well-preserved historic centre, and Begur, which has more stunning beaches and hidden coves.

Crete, Greece

If there’s one thing you must do in Crete, it’s visit Elafonissi Beach. Granted, the sands might not always be as pink as the postcards promise but the impossibly clear water and sandbar that stretches all the way to Elafonissi island make it more than worthy of your time (and your Insta feed).

It’s not too far (about an hour and a half by car) from the historic city of Chania, with its Venetian harbour, narrow streets and vibrant markets. For a bit of adventure, hike through the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest gorges, or visit the ancient Palace of Knossos, which provides fascinating insights into the Minoan civilization.

If you want far enough east – we’re talking the island’s edge – you’ll find another unique beach. Vai might be hidden behind Europe’s largest palm forest but it’s hardly off the radar, so get there early.

Sicily, Italy

It’s tempting to try and cram all of Sicily’s sights into one trip. You’ll regret it. To start, this is the Med’s largest island, but even if you ignore the sheer scale of it, you’ll soon realise Sicily is one holiday you’ll want to savour.

A few things for your itinerary include Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, where ancient Greek ruins stand majestically against the backdrop of the Sicilian countryside, and the charming little island of Ortigia in Syracuse.

Taormina, in the northeast, is still making headlines after its starring role in HBO’s The White Lotus, and the area is prime beach territory. Or, you might prefer gritty Palermo, which puts you close to both Mondello Beach and lovely Cefalù on the north coast.

Sicily is also a paradise for food lovers, with its unique cuisine that includes arancini, pasta alla Norma and breaded swordfish involtini rolls.