Europe’s top last-minute holiday destinations

Whether you’re a fan of a spontaneous trip or you just haven’t got round to booking a break yet, last-minute holidays are on the rise – and Europe’s leading the pack when it comes to destinations. But with so many short-haul options, how do you decide where to go? 

To help you narrow things down, we’ve pulled out a few of our favourite last-minute holiday destinations in Europe for 2026. From Spain to Croatia, these locations tick all the boxes when it comes to choice – so you can pick a getaway that works for you. 

Plus, all these destinations use the same currency – so you can buy euros in advance, even if you change your mind about where to go.

Last-minute holidays to Spain

Spain is a last-minute holiday classic for good reason – it’s close to home enough to reach in the space of a short-haul flight, but far enough away to deliver an impressive sunshine record. Plus, Spain’s Canary Islands come with year-round sun, so you’ve got lots of options even in winter.

On the mainland, the Costa del Sol isn’t just a gateway to miles of sandy beaches and purpose-built resorts, but also to Andalusia. This region serves up Spain at its most authentic – from rustic tapas restaurants to flamenco shows and Moorish architecture. Fly into Malaga and you get the best of both worlds – bustling beach resorts by the coast, and cultural daytrip options inland. Or take a look at our Spain and Portugal travel guide for more ideas to add to your list.

Last-minute holidays to Malta

Malta’s compact size makes it easy to explore in the space of a holiday, and its slick public transport network means you don’t need a car to get out and about.

The capital, Valletta, is so packed with cultural gems it was named European Capital of Culture in 2018. And because Malta is so small you can easily visit on a daytrip, while staying at a beach resort like Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay. Plus, the neighbouring island of Gozo is also easy to get to by ferry, with sleepy villages, scenic walking trails and some of the Mediterranean’s clearest waters.

Last-minute holidays to Croatia

Last-minute holidays to Croatia often start with a cheap flight to Split or Dubrovnik, two of the most popular routes into the country. Fly to Dubrovnik and you can explore the Old Town, a maze of limestone streets and medieval walls that overlook the Adriatic Sea. You can team a city trip with a beachside stay on one of the nearby islands – like car-free Kolocep, which you can reach in 30 minutes by ferry.

Fly to Split, meanwhile, and you've got easy access to some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, including Hvar and Brac. Back on the mainland, the city blends Roman history with a lively waterfront lined with cafés and restaurants. Bring cash to buy souvenirs from the city’s street markets – Pazar Market on Hrvojeva Street is one of the best, but vendors don’t always accept card payments.

Last-minute holidays to Bulgaria

Planning a last-minute holiday to Bulgaria got even easier in 2026, when Bulgaria adopted the euro as its official currency and became a member of the Eurozone. Factor in a winning mix of Black Sea beaches and up-and-coming city break destinations, and it’s definitely a destination to have on your radar this summer.

As for where to go, Sunny Beach is Bulgaria’s best-known seaside resort, pairing a huge stretch of sand with family-friendly attractions like waterparks and boat trips along the coast. For something quieter, nearby Nessebar combines beach days with cobbled streets, ancient churches and a UNESCO-listed old town. Holidays to Bulgaria often work out comparatively cheaper when compared to more well-known holiday destinations, which is another reason why it makes a great choice for a last-minute break.

Buying euros with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

Ready to go? Don’t forget to take some local currency in cash to use alongside card payments. You can buy euros online to collect in moments from 580+ participating M&S stores*. 

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Sell-back only available at bureau locations.