Revealed! The top destinations for ultra last-minute holidays

Top destinations for ultra last-minute bookings – booked one to two days before departure

1. The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is a top choice for when you just need to see the sun and listen to the soothing sound of the sea, but don’t want to spend a fortune or sit through a long flight to get it.

With resort towns including Brit favourites, Albufeira, and underrated Faro, alongside Alvor, Vilamoura and more, all under a three-hour flight from London, it’s easy to see why it tops our list. Explore historic towns, sunbathe on buttery soft sands or simply lie by the pool.

2. Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Fancy sipping sangria in the Spanish sunshine within a couple of days of clicking through the best holiday deals on our site? You’re not alone. Mediterranean Majorca is second on our list of top ultra-last-minute destinations.

From its drop-dead gorgeous beaches, dramatic mountains and valleys filled with vineyards and quaint coastal villages, there’s no shortage of things to do here.

3. Dalaman, Turkey

Turkey takes our third top spot for an ultra-last-minute break, specifically in and around the Dalaman area. Situated between the Taurus Mountains and the Aegean Sea on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, all-inclusive holidays to Dalaman are a pretty and popular choice.

Pick from the area’s ample resorts, some featuring luxury spas and 18-hole golf courses for an adult-only getaway, or water parks and kids’ clubs galore if travelling as a family. Top resort towns to consider include Fethiye, Marmaris, Olu Deniz and more.

4. Hurghada, Egypt

Known for year-round warm weather, top diving, lively nightlife and plush resorts, Egypt’s Red Sea is a top spot for a last-minute break because it offers a reliably good time. While adventurers in Hurghada are rewarded with diverse, thriving coral reefs, wrecks galore and a whole underwater universe to explore, if you’re the sun seeker in your family, you’ll be equally delighted.

Average daytime temperatures don’t dip below 21⁰C and can reach as high as 34⁰C and above at their July and August peak. Pack that factor 50.

5. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

Gran Canaria has earned a reputation as a favourite Brit holiday spot for its year-round warm weather, varied landscapes that range from rich forests to volcanic peaks, and plenty of excellent hotels.

Top resorts include peaceful Puerto Rico on the southwest coast, Maspalomas famed for its 3km (1.9 miles) beach, and nightlife hotspot, Playa del Ingles.

Top 10 'drop everything, let's just go' destinations - booked one to two days before departure

Top last-minute holiday destinations – booked one to 30 days before departure

1. Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco is hard to beat if you’re looking for a warm, culture-rich escape close to the UK. Just a four-hour flight will take you into the heart of Marrakech’s magic where the souk buzzes with the sound of hard bargaining, the Jemaa el-Fnaa square fills with street food vendors, and the call to prayer rings out across the city.

Stay in the city centre where the Medina’s narrow streets are home to richly decorated riads, or for a more resort-based stay, luxury comes at an affordable price at the many modern destination hotels that fringe the city. No wonder it tops our list.

2. Tunisia

With holidays to Tunisia combining golden beaches, year-round sunshine, colourful cities and ancient history plus excellent value for money, it’s clear why this North African country is high on our list of last-minute escapes.

Located on the southern edge of the Mediterranean, relax on the sandy shores of Hammamet and Sousse, enjoy fresh seafood in Mahdia, or head to laid-back Djerba for whitewashed towns and island vibes. Want a little more from your sunshine escape? Beyond the beach, explore Tunisia’s bustling souks and impressive Roman ruins.

3. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

Gran Canaria is a last-minute break all-rounder, appearing as a top destination for those booking under 30 days in advance as well.

So, what’s better than a last-minute break to this sunshine island? If you want to purely relax and not lift a finger, a last-minute all-inclusive Gran Canaria holiday, that’s what. For a fly-and-flop by the pool, it’s a popular choice.

4. Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Another popular choice for last-minute bookers, Majorca is a top pick for those booking days or up to a month in advance.

Again, if you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation, rather than a cultural break to explore this Balearic Island’s nooks and crannies, an all-inclusive holiday to Majorca might be the answer.

5. Zante, Greece

Small but mighty Zante answers the top wants on a holiday wish list. Powder-soft beaches? Check. Famous nightlife? You bet. Traditional taverns serving up homecooked Greek delicacies? Of course.

This Ionian beauty is less than four hours from the UK and delivers Greek island relaxation in spades, from sunsets over the sea to late nights on the tiles. Pick from lively but family-friendly Tsilivi, sunny Kalamaki with its much-loved long sandy beach, or the party resort of Laganas.

Top 10 destinations for last-minute bookers – booked one to 30 days before departure

Looking for a last-minute break and need more inspiration? From beach breaks to sunny escapes, check out our last-minute holiday deals here. Want to plan ahead a little more, but still looking for a bargain? Browse our top value picks on our deals page.

Please note: The data is based on all bookings made with partners via referrals from TravelSupermarket between 4 May 2025 and 3 May 2026.