Last-minute Summer getaways from Liverpool John Lennon Airport

A last-minute getaway to find some sea and sun has never been more inviting after we seem to have waved goodbye to the British summer in June.

Constant rain’s got us all wishing for warmer climes and cocktails by the coast (and even if the rays do reappear, there’s still the magic of travel to a host of fascinating places to tempt us).

There are some amazing destinations we can get to easily from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, so if you fancy jetting off on an adventure over the next few months, what about this little lot?

Ibiza

Ibiza attracts millions of holidaymakers every year, and although it might be known for its clubs and party life – some of the world’s top DJs descend on the tiny Mediterranean island and resorts like San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa to play house, EDM and techno to crowds who party from dusk till dawn – it’s also the perfect destination for people wanting to just relax on a sun lounger by the pool, or families wanting to head to the beach and build sandcastles.

Jet2.com and Ryanair both operate direct flights (2hrs 45mins) to Ibiza (with Jet2Holidays also happy to help with finding accommodation there, and in other destinations, too).

Antalya

Antalya in Turkey offers a mix of ancient and modern, so whether you love to explore Greek and Roman ruins or laze around on a sun-kissed beach this is the perfect place for you.

With stunning natural surroundings including forests and mountains it’s popular with hikers, but it’s also got a lively nightlife and plenty of opportunities to relax with spas and Turkish baths waiting to offer the best saunas, steam baths and massages.

Highlights include the old harbour with little cafes and bazaars, and the Konyaalti Beach set against the backdrop of the Taurus mountains. easyJet and Jet2.com both operate direct flights which take around 4hrs 25mins.

Madeira

Jet2.com offers direct flights to this Portuguese volcanic island, famous for spectacular scenery and a rich history. Just off the coast of Morocco, it’s good for walking, boat trips around the coast to go whale or dolphin watching, or simply relaxing by the sea. Madeira’s a paradise for foodies, well-known for its wine and local cheeses; and the capital Funchal is steeped in history and home to luxurious hotels and tons of attractions. Its centuries old cathedral is a must visit, and you can’t leave without having a go in one of its wicker basket sledges which wind through its steep streets, or visiting the rock pools at Porto Moniz and the Botanic Gardens. Flights take four hours.

Heraklion

Heraklion’s the gateway to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, with many flocking here for its fantastic weather and beautiful beaches (Malia, Matala and Elafonisi are among the island’s best). But Crete is also home to a rich, distinct history that you can learn all about at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum with jewellery, weapons, frescoes and sculptures dating back thousands of years, and an amazing National Park of Samaria with sheer rock walls, wildflowers, and outstanding scenic views. Flights take just over four hours with easyJet and Jet2.com.

Lanarca

Situated on the southern coast of Cyprus, Larnaca’s the ideal place to head to if you’re in the market for sun, sea and sand.

You can fly from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with easyJet – it takes 4hrs 45mins – and while there’s lots to enjoy in Larnaca, it’s also a great starting point for other adventures: Protaras is a family-friendly, tranquil resort along the gorgeous coastline of Cyprus’s Fig Tree Bay, less than an hour’s drive away and from where you can take a boat trip to protected natural park, Cape Greco, or visit to the deserted town of Varosha; Nissi Beach is the place to recharge your batteries, it’s got charming tavernas and its beach is said to be one of the world’s best, and for those who like to party, Ayia Napa is a must with clubs that rival Ibiza’s.

Porto

As the second largest city in Portugal after the capital Lisbon, Porto’s packed full of culture, history, architecture and of course, good food. As one of the oldest city centres in Europe (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), it’s got incredible baroque architecture, countless museums, art galleries and other spectacular sights, like Praça da Ribeira (Ribeira Square) in the city centre, surrounded by colourful townhouses and perfect for those who fancy grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying a drink outside in the sunshine.

Livraria Lello is a bookshop which supposedly inspired JK Rowling’s Harry Potter novels after she worked as an English teacher in Porto during the ‘90s, and other landmarks include Sé, the hilltop cathedral founded in the 12th century, and the beautiful Igreja do Carmo church. Ryanair operate the 2hrs 30mins flight from Liverpool.

Mallorca

Just a two-and-a-half hour flight gets you to Mallorca (or Majorca) so it’s great for a week or two, or even a weekend. There are plenty of stunning beaches – Playa de Palma is one of the island’s most popular resorts with gorgeous, golden sands – although those in search of a wild night out might prefer Magaluf where bars, pubs and clubs offer everything from all-night karaoke to bucking broncos, cocktails and dancing.

The capital city Palma is always bustling and if you’re a lover of Spanish wine and tapas, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to authentic cafes and eateries. For sightseeing, visit Palma’s Old Town and marvel at its ancient Roman ruins, and Gothic cathedral La Seu. easyJet, Jet2.com, and Ryanair can all take you there.

Menorca

It doesn’t matter if you’re going with friends, family or your significant other, Menorca’s the type of island that caters to everyone, with stunning beaches to wild nightlife, and sightseeing spots to quiet coves. Fashion-conscious shoppers will love the designer label stores amid its ornate streets, as well as the quaint cafés and restaurants where you can soak up the sun while having a glass of sangria.

For the best scenery, the Bay of Fornells should be on the agenda, and culture vultures will adore the colonial buildings of Mahon. If you like walking or want the perfect Instagram snap, head up Monte Toro, the highest hill on the whole island with the most incredible views. For flights (2hrs 30mins) look to Jet2.com.

Zakynthos

Also known as Zante, Zakynthos is the largest of the Ionian Islands and thanks to its hot Mediterranean climate, gorgeous scenery and wide range of activities, it’s a popular destination for tourists. It’s renowned for rolling hills peppered with olive groves and lemon trees, as well as the wide, sandy beaches to the north and east of the island. Perhaps the best-known spot is the famous Navagio Beach, known as Smugglers’ Cove, the site of a shipwreck which washed up on the shore in 1980 and accessible only by boat.

The island’s loggerhead turtles are another big draw, alongside a range of resorts: Laganas is great for clubbing; Tsivili is filled with bars and pubs; Vassilikos is brilliant for ramblers, and Kalamaki and Alykanas are fantastic for those looking for somewhere quiet. Jet2.com will have you there in 3hrs 45mins.

Faro

With a flight from Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2.com taking just under three hours, Faro is a must-visit. It’s home to the most amazing architecture like the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, a stunning baroque church, and the Capela dos Ossos, a 19^th century chapel built from the skulls and bones of more than 1,000 monks, as well as superb restaurants and bars like O Castelo where you can let your hair down and put on your dancing shoes for a night of live music and entertainment.

Guia is about a 40-minute drive from Faro and renowned for being the home of peri-peri chicken (as well as a hotspot for the rich and famous), and elsewhere on the Portuguese Algarve coast you can expect to find historical streets, fabulous resorts, and miles of beautiful beaches.

Last-minute Summer getaways from Liverpool John Lennon Airport