So you survived Freshers’ Week… that alone is an achievement that should be rewarded with a getaway. But if you’re also looking to cure the unavoidable Freshers’ flu with some vitamin D, we’ve got just the spots… 

Formentera 

Just off the coast of Ibiza, lies its smaller and more peaceful sister isle, Formentera. Park up with a book or a cocktail in hand on one of the many Caribbean-esque beaches here and soak up the last rays before you’re in full academic mode. Plus, if the party still calls, Ibiza’s closing parties are just a short ferry ride away… We won’t judge.  

Poros 

Gyros, Mythos and warm temperatures – do you need any more reasons to get that Greece getaway booked? For traditional Greek charm mixed with lush, pine tree-backed beaches and minimal tourists, Poros takes the crown. Oh, and if you fancy ticking Acropolis off the bucket list, Athens is just a ferry ride away. 

Porto 

Group chat leaning towards a city break? Porto it is. There aren’t many things the right amount of pastel de natas can’t fix, so you’re in good hands. They go down best with a glass of port (a local wine, named after – you’ll never guess it – Porto) and a side of sunset views over the Luís I Bridge. Bonus tip: stay at The House of Sandeman Hostel and Suites where the bunk beds are wine-barrel shaped. Talk about a cool way of staying on a budget. 

Sardinia  

More into your spritzes than red wine varieties? Italy’s calling, and nowhere says rest and relaxation quite like Sardinia. You’ve got beaches that often feature on the ‘best’ and ‘most beautiful’ round-ups, plus a whole lot of bucket list-worthy nature to uncover here. It’s sometimes referred to as the ‘Caribbean of Europe’ if you needed more convincing. 

Malaga  

City or coast? Good thing you don’t have to choose – just say hola to Malaga and its best-of-both-worlds scenery. And if a mix of beach and city wasn’t enough, the skyline here blends the old and new, so your ‘chilled evenings’ can go either way. Cocktails at a rooftop bar or cervezas in a hidden-away Old Town bar watering hole? Up to you. 

Montenegro 

Find reconnecting with nature relaxing? Ditch the rainy English countryside – you could be in lush-as-they-come Montenegro in about three hours. Glacial lakes, must-visit national parks, stunning canyons – they’re all here. And that’s all before we get into the cinematic coasts dotted with immaculate beaches and dreamy towns… 

Morocco 

Morocco’s the hottest destination right now – online and IRL too. Summer-like temperatures bless this North African country well into autumn, so consider you tan topped up. For an ‘eat, sleep, spa, repeat’ kind of holiday, choose the seaside Agadir – the most active you’ll get is during a yoga or surf class. More into sightseeing? Make it Marrakech and you’ll be comparing the bustling, world-famous Jemaa el-Fna square to that Freshers’ fair you attended in no time…