6 Holidays with Short Flights from the UK (2-3 Hours or Less!)

Who wouldn’t rather be sprawled out on the beach rather than stuck at work?

We’ve rounded up six of our favourite short flight beach holiday destinations which you can fly to within three hours, meaning you’ll spend less time in the sky and more time working on your tan. We’ve estimated flight times based on departures from London, so your journey may vary, but these are still some of the best destinations close to the UK with the shortest flight times.

2 Hour Flights From The UK

While you might not be within striking distance of warm temperatures ALL year round if you’re looking for a 2-hour flight or less, there are plenty of amazing European destinations where you can indulge in culture, food and architecture.

Below are some of the best options;

  • Amsterdam: 45 minutes
  • Paris: 50 minutes
  • Cologne: 80 minutes
  • Dublin: 80 minutes
  • Edinburgh: 80 minutes
  • Glasgow: 85 minutes
  • Hamburg: 95 minutes
  • Zurich: 100 minutes
  • Copenhagen: 110 minutes
  • Berlin: 110 minutes
  • Turin: 110
  • Marseille: 115 minutes
  • Salzburg: 155 minutes

3 Hour Flights From The UK

If you’re prepared to venture a little further afield in search of some sun and relaxation, then there are plenty of amazing holiday spots, these are six of our favourites;

1. Agadir, Morocco

Flight time approx: 3 hours 40 mins

Morocco’s main beach resort is a modern city that blends old and new, surrounded by the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert and a range of national parks. Completely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1960, Agadir now thrives with modern cafes, cosy bars and spice souks while still retaining its Moroccan old-world charm.

Your holiday here can be spent exploring the 10km golden sand beach, sampling fresh seafood, riding through desert terrain or admiring the luxurious marina. Agadir’s medieval hilltop fortress offers panoramic views across the city, the perfect excuse for an early morning walk.

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Where to stay

Sofitel Agadir Hotel

This elegant 5-star hotel has a full-service spa where you can enjoy massages and body treatments. You can soak up the sun at the private beach or enjoy other recreational amenities including a nightclub and a health club.

Caribbean Village Agador

The 3 star Caribbean Village Agador is 3 km from the centre of Agadir, Morocco, with its wealth of attractions and bustling Sunday market. This all inclusive resort is set over four storeys, combining Moroccan architecture and modern facilities. It is 250 m from the beach and offers visitors a huge array of activities both on and offshore.

2. Majorca, Balearic Islands

Flight time approx: 2 hours 30 mins

Majorca holidays are all about being outdoors enjoying the coastline of bays and coves, turquoise waters and beautiful pine forests. It’s an attractive place, full of character and Spanish charm.

As one of the most popular Balearic Islands, people flock here to enjoy the many hotel resorts, vibrant nightlife, great local cuisine, historic towns and some of Europe’s biggest attractions. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, you’ll enjoy long sunny days during peak season.

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Where to stay

Gavimar Ariel Chico

Gavimar Ariel Complex is a 3 star aparthotel centrally located in coveted Cala d’Or on the south-east coast of Majorca. It incorporates a modern resort look whilst retaining hints of traditional Spanish style, within walking distance of several restaurants and shops.

Sol Palmanova

Sol Palmanova Mallorca is a 4 star all inclusive hotel in Palmanova on the coast of Mallorca Island. The hotel’s two large buildings have balconies overlooking the pools, surrounding gardens, city and sea. There are four swimming pools throughout the grounds, including a lagoon-style pool and children’s pool.

3. Ibiza, Balearic Islands

Ibiza, Balearics

Flight time approx from UK: 2 hours 30 mins

More than just the nightlife capital of the Balearics, this Spanish island has a side that’s perfect for couples and families too. From whitewashed medieval towns and peaceful waterfronts, to stylish cocktail bars and endless beaches to discover, Ibiza crams in everything you could need.

Formentera’s known as Ibiza’s little sister island is a boat ride away. In 30 minutes you could be relaxing on Blue Flag beaches and swimming in crystal clear waters. Perfection.

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Where to stay

Jet Apartments

Situated in Playa d’en Bossa on the east coast of Ibiza, Jet Apartments is a 3 star adults only resort boasting a beachfront location with panoramic coastal views. Bright and airy self-catering apartments provide a relaxing hub for your visit to Ibiza in a complex with a variety of amenities.

Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort and Spa

The Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort and Spa holds a privileged position on the beachfront of Playa d’en Bossa, just one km from the resort centre and only six km from Ibiza town. This low rise all inclusive hotel is set within landscaped gardens, has a kids’ club and offers a selection of activities such as wine tasting.

4. Sardinia, Italy

Flight time approx from UK: 2 hours 30 mins

You can reach Sardinia within three hours from the UK – not long at all! Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, sitting off the west coast of Italy. For a country that doesn’t necessarily come to mind when we think about white sandy beaches, Sardinia will make you think again. With a coastline stretching over a thousand miles long, beaches are plentiful, and they’re gorgeous too.

If it’s five star luxury you’re looking for, the gorgeous coast of Costa Smeralda will have everything you’re after. If three or four stars is more your style, San Teodoro has some great value resorts along a pristine coastline with turquoise blue waters, ready for you to take a dip!

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Where to stay

Carlos V Hotel

Boasting a prime location on the seafront, this luxurious establishment is situated in the historical Italian city of Alghero. This region lies in the province of Sassari, in northwestern Sardinia, next to the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel is just 10 minutes’ drive from Alghero-Fertilia International Airport and only a 20-minute walk from the nearest sandy beach.

Villa Margherita Hotel 

The Villa Margherita Hotel offers a secluded escape, with the kind of facilities you’d expect from a larger hotel, such as a gym, solarium and spa services. It is your new home away from home.

5. Algarve, Portugal

Flight time approx from UK: 2 hours 45 mins

Did you know one of the most popular beach destinations for UK tourists is less than three hours away? That’s about the same amount of time as a round trip to the cinema, but with a lot more sun, sea and sand.

Albufeira is a popular spot in Portugal’s southern region of the Algarve, with a golden stretch of beach and plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy, plus an old town steeped in Moorish history. Vilamoura is a great choice too, with a charming marina lined with shops and places to eat, not to mention walking distance from some of Portugal’s best beaches.

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Where to stay

Crowne Plaza Vilamoura Algarve

Crowne Plaza Vilamoura Algarve is a 5 star hotel in the popular seaside town of Vilamoura, Portugal. Boasting a seafront location with excellent views of the Atlantic, guests can enjoy leisure facilities both onsite and nearby.

Paraiso De Albufeira Apartments

The Paraiso de Albufeira is well located in the centre of town, and is designed for the perfect family holiday, with the vibrant atmosphere of a typical tourist resort close by.

6. Corfu, Greece

Flight time approx from UK: 3 hours

Corfu is a much loved holiday destination by us Brits. Just off the coast of mainland Greece, the south of the island is graced with some stunning beaches, whilst the north is known for its more mountainous terrain.

Corfu is home to Aqualand, one of Europe’s most popular waterparks – the perfect family day out! Visit the Old Town and take a step back in time as this UNESCO World Heritage Site features some stunning examples of Venetian architecture.

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Where to stay

Labranda Sandy Beach Resort

As the second largest resort on the island, you’d be right in thinking the Aquis Sandy Beach Resort boasts a wide variety of facilities, including a mini waterpark, multiple swimming pools, a buffet-style restaurant and an open-air and indoor theatre.

Roda Beach Resort and Spa

With its own private beach, the Roda Beach Resort and Spa is ideal for sun lovers. The hotel also features four restaurants, a beach bar, children’s pool and spa treatments.