10 Best Late Summer Trips for Nordic Travellers

The Algarve covers the entire southern coast of Portugal, a region known for towering cliffs, hidden bays, and bustling costal resorts. The weather in this region of Portugal stays warm and sunny into the tail end of summer, so you can expect long days on the beaches, even if the sea starts to get a bit chilly as the season starts to turn.

The highlights of the Algarve include stunning beaches like Praia da Rocha, Praia de Dona Ana, and postcard-pretty Praia da Marinha. There are also vibrant towns like Albufeira, Lagos and Portimão, where you can dine on authentic Portuguese dishes like cataplana de marisco (seafood stew) and explore ancient landmarks and architecture unique to the region.

Costa del Sol enjoys a warm climate year-round, making it a popular European late summer destination. Coastal towns such as Torremolinos, Marbella and Estepona have plenty of hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars to suit just about any traveller. The region is also nicknamed Costa del Golf – you’ll find over 70 world-class golf courses, many of which have hosted international tournaments.

Fuengirola is one of Costa del Sol’s best-developed seaside towns, great if you’re visiting as a family with kids. Besides being blessed with a string of wide and sandy beaches along its 7 km coastline, there’s a zoo, a waterpark and an amusement park to keep the whole family occupied.

Tenerife sits far south of mainland Europe, with a climate more in line with Africa. This makes it a popular spot for a late summer beach trip. The largest of the Canary Islands, this volcanic island is a mix of sandy beaches, thrilling nightlife and idyllic villages. For those looking for a mixture of fun activities and cultural events, you could hardly pick a better island.

Major resort towns of Costa Adeje and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are alive and kicking for most of the year, with a full range of dining options and attractions. The more remote areas of Tenerife like Los Cristianos, Garachico, and Los Gigantes do quieten down, but that allows you to enjoy the stunning landscapes at your leisure.

Crete is a diverse and vibrant land packed with ancient ruins, buzzing cities and breathtaking beaches. Many people come here for the sun, sea and sand, but thanks to thousands of years of history and culture, Crete has so much more than the standard package holiday.

Incredible ruins of Greek, Venetian, Roman and Ottoman origin can be explored around the island. For a beach break with plenty of cultural attractions nearby, base yourself in Balos on the far west of the island. If you have cash to spend, look for some stunning spots in the north-eastern resort of Elounda. From beautiful hiking trails in the White Mountains to world-class museums in Heraklion, the attractions in Crete are as varied as the landscape.

Mallorca is the largest and most popular of Spain’s Balearic Islands, with a wealth of experiences to enjoy. Relax on one of Mallorca’s remote and clear beaches, enjoy snorkelling off the rocky coastline or take a road trip into the mountains, stopping at wineries and fruit farms along the way.

The beaches are a huge draw in Mallorca, but it has culture, too. For big-city convenience, the capital of Palma is a vibrant but laid-back city packed with street-side cafes, high-end shopping, and beautiful Spanish architecture.

Split, located on the Dalmatian coast in Croatia, is a vibrant port city well-known for its ancient centre, beautiful architecture, and exquisite cuisine. You can admire impressive Roman monuments, spend the day on a picturesque beach with crystal-clear waters, or walk along one of the most beautiful promenades on the Adriatic Coast.

Croatia’s second-biggest city has an enviable combination of a relaxed beach resort and a bustling city, making it popular with large groups looking for a diverse range of pursuits. During the day, head to Bačvice Beach to enjoy basking in the late summer sun. Come evening, head to Split’s beautiful public square, Riva, for dinner with a view.

For a late summer trip to Greece, Rhodes offers a winning combination of ancient architecture, several esteemed wineries, beaches and nightlife. Located near Türkiye, it’s also a gateway for those looking to explore the eastern shores of the Mediterranean.

For couples looking for cultural daytrips interspersed with time on the beach, Rhodes is a good bet. Tsambika Beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and picturesque sand dunes. It receives fewer sunbathers than many of the island’s more popular shores like Anthony Quinn Beach and Ladiko Beach. A nice couples’ activity on Rhodes is a trip to Kallithea Thermal Springs.

Alicante is one of the largest beach towns on Spain’s Costa Blanca. It’s a historic port town that has plenty of fun attractions for large groups and families. Postiguet Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand with plenty of sports to enjoy including sailing, windsurfing and beach volleyball.

If you don’t mind breaking a sweat, take the hike up to the medieval Santa Bárbara Castle for stunning views of the whole town. In the evening, stroll through the Old Town and enjoy the ambience around Plaza de San Cristobal.

For beach lovers, the sun-filled island of Gran Canaria is hard to beat. This volcanic outcrop off the African coast is home to more than 80 beaches, and thanks to its southern latitude, it basks in sunshine throughout the year.

Most travellers spend their holidays in Gran Canaria’s capital city, Las Palmas. This major cruise-ship port is known for duty-free shopping and sandy beaches that offer plenty of water sports and family-friendly attractions. For a touch of adventure, take a hike to the otherworldly rock formations found in Roque Nublo. Boasting year-round sun and warm winter climes, Gran Canaria offers an abundance of sandy shores for a late summer vacation.

Nice is one of the French Riviera’s most famous cities, renowned for its beaches, museums and excellent local food. The Promenade des Anglais is a hive of activity during evenings in late summer, with cyclists and joggers weaving past families out for a relaxing walk.

Away from the coastline, you can explore Nice Old Town with the castle ruins at its centre. Along the way, stop at roadside cafes and watch trendy locals go about their day. If you’re looking for a day at the beach, head to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a 15-minute drive east of Nice. Home to Marinières Beach, this suburb of Nice has the best stretch of sand in the area and is busy even in early autumn.