Where to go in Europe, by type of trip
Country pages: Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta and Croatia.
Seasons and weather
Greece's beach season runs from early June to mid-September, and the sea is warm enough for most swimmers from July to September. Island-by-island detail, including the summer wind in the Aegean, is on our Greece page.
In winter there are fewer ferry sailings between the Greek islands, so plan on staying on one island rather than hopping. Rain is rare in south Tenerife: under 150mm a year, most of it in the cooler half of the year.
School holiday dates vary across the UK and are set by your local council, so check yours before comparing summer or half-term prices.
Schengen and the EU Entry/Exit System
Greece, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, Malta and Croatia all follow Schengen rules, so days spent in any of them count together towards one visa-free allowance. If you combine two countries in a year, add up the days before you book.
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025. On entering a Schengen country you may be asked to register your fingerprints and photo at a booth before passport control, so allow extra time at the airport. The record lasts three years.
Cyprus and Turkey are outside Schengen. EES does not apply in Cyprus, and time there does not count towards your Schengen days. Check the FCDO travel advice for your country before you go.
Europe holidays FAQs
Do I need a visa for Europe holidays from the UK?
Not for a holiday. With a British citizen passport you can visit the Schengen countries, Cyprus and Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Passport rules differ: for Schengen countries and Cyprus it must be less than 10 years old on arrival and valid for at least 3 months after you leave; Turkey needs at least 150 days' validity from arrival and one blank page. See our Turkey, Greece and Spain pages.
Will I need an ETIAS travel authorisation?
Not yet. The UK government says the EU expects to start ETIAS from autumn 2026, with a fee of 20 euros, and will announce the date before launch. Once it starts, you will need one for Schengen countries if you travel on a UK passport. No action is needed until then.
Does my GHIC cover me everywhere in Europe?
No. The free UK GHIC covers necessary state healthcare in European Economic Area countries, which include Greece, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia and Bulgaria, but not Turkey. It is not a replacement for travel insurance, so take out a policy wherever you go.
Where in Europe is still warm enough for the beach in October or November?
Cyprus. Paphos and Larnaca average highs of about 27–28°C in October and 23°C in November, with the sea at around 25°C and 22°C.
