If your Euro-summer tan is all but faded and you’ve found yourself wistfully yearning for aperitivo hour on an Italian piazza or a Greek sunset, cocktail in hand, the diagnosis is clear: you’re suffering from a case of post-holiday blues.

Fortunately, there is a cure. You can keep your excess of wanderlust at bay by planning next year’s jaunt to the Northern Hemisphere – now. To help navigate your options, we’ve rounded up the must-visit European destinations to book in 2024.

For a coastal getaway: Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy

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Italy’s second-largest island after Sicily has an embarrassment of sandy riches when it comes to exquisite beaches, but few are more spectacular than those along its north-eastern tip. Chief among them is Porto Cervo Beach, where the glittering aquamarine waves, dotted with fishing boats and private yachts, are just a stone’s throw from the largest town in the area. This makes it an excellent base to explore the many nearby coastal villages, historical sites and natural attractions including Gorropu, one of Europe's deepest canyons.

Image credit: Ikos Dassia

For an all-inclusive retreat: Ikos Dassia, Corfu, Greece

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On the peerless island of Corfu, Greece, the five-star Ikos Dassia is a sparkling gem overlooking the tranquil and expansive waters of the Ionian Sea. There are eight restaurants on site (and several boast menus created by Michelin-starred chefs), a private beach studded with daybeds, and a spa – to help you unwind in paradise.

For the “next big thing”: Comporta, Portugal

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This coastal town, 120km south of Lisbon, is a little-known gem despite ticking the boxes of so many holiday must-haves. Picturesque, uncrowded beaches: tick. Thriving local food scene: tick. Luxury, boutique accommodation (such as Sublime Comporta, AlmaLusa and Spatia Comporta): tick. Whether you’re a gastronome in search of authentic Portuguese dining, a leisure traveller who craves laid-back relaxation, or a family looking for a kid-friendly destination off the beaten path, Comporta has plenty to offer.

Image credit: Charlotte Boyle

For a fairytale town: Lucerne, Switzerland

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Nestled in the German-speaking portion of Switzerland, a three-hour drive north-east of Geneva, the commanding Mount Pilatus overlooks the gorgeous town of Lucerne, and both are worth a visit. Take the cableway to the top and look back over the jagged hills and mountain peaks. In the old-town part of Lucerne, settle in for incredible religious architecture, Chapel Bridge and a warm bowl of Swiss fondue.

Image credit: Munir Rani

For the thrill-seekers: Narvik, Norway

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If you fancy a situation that’s a little wilder (and cooler), the town of Narvik in the middle of northern Norway might be just the ticket. With fjords, mountains and hikes galore, the spot – just above the Arctic Circle – receives no reprieve from sunlight from mid-May until the end of July. Boating, fishing and hiking trips are ideal here. The best way to get to Narvik is via the Arctic Train, which runs from Narvik station to Abisko in Swedish Lapland. It’s a moving picture worthy of an Oscar, capturing the natural beauty of the Scandinavian region.

For a gourmet getaway: San Sebastián, Spain

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Many cities can claim to have world-class dining but it’s rare to encounter a culinary culture as intrinsically woven into its essence as San Sebastián’s. Explore traditional tabernas and sample Basque specialities such as pintxo (small yet perfectly formed bites featuring the likes of anchovies, jamón, pickled Guindilla peppers and sardines) washed down with a tumbler of txakoli, a locally produced, slightly sparkling wine. You can also splash out on a Michelin-starred experience at restaurants like Arzak; the avant-garde Akelaŕe, where you can even take a cooking class; or Martín Berasategui Restaurant.

For a classic … but not as you know it: London, UK

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The OG Big Smoke is one of the buzziest, most exciting cities in the world. And also one of the most expensive. However, it is possible to experience the British capital without robbing the Bank of England. Many of the most popular museums and galleries are free and you can find delicious, budget-friendly eats at Borough Market – such as the legendary cheddar, comté and raclette toasties from Kappacasein Dairy – for less than a tenner. For more money saving tips, check out our guide on how to do London for less than £100 a day.

Image credit: Ferdinand Stohr

For an under-the-radar gem: Terceira, The Azores

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There are nine volcanic islands in the Azores, the Portuguese archipelago smackbang in the Atlantic Ocean, and Terceira – complete with an international airport – is the one to put on the top of your list. Reset your mind and body with a dip in the natural swimming holes at Biscoitos or venture into the heart of a long-dormant volcano, Algar do Carvão, on a walking tour. Unwind with a glass of the archipelago’s signature verdelho wine and try alcatra (a Portuguese beef stew) and moreish Queijadas da Dona Amélia – Portuguese cupcakes, too.

For an insanely luxurious retreat: Six Senses Ibiza, Spain

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Nestled in the rocky cliffs of Ibiza, the Six Senses’ Cliffhanger house is a feast for the eyes of an experientially driven traveller. The mansion can host 10 people, so rally your mates and camp out by the pool or let the dedicated “guest experience maker” plan a day-trip you won’t soon forget. The nearby beach clubs and stunning Portinatx Beach are ready when you are.

Image credit: Roman Kraft

For a trip to the past: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

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A two-hour drive from Frankfurt, the historic walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, in the Bavarian state of Germany, is a blast from the medieval past, with turrets, castles and a history that will delight. Stop by the Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum and tick off the Tower Trail walk, or pick up hand-carved specialties at year-round Christmas boutiques. Enjoy a schneeball (a local pastry) when you need to catch your breath.

Image credit: Simon Pallard

For a Mediterranean escape: Cassis, France

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Sheltered by the imposing and very hikeable Calanques National Park, this fishing village half an hour from Marseille offers the best of the Mediterranean with Côte d'Azur sensibilities. Feast on seafood caught by the boats peppering the marina; wander the port or Plage de la Grande Mer (one of the area’s sandiest beaches); or purchase local goodies at the twice-weekly market held at Place de la République.

For a beachside getaway: Milos, Greece

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If it’s beaches you seek, Milos has more than 70 to choose from, interspersed with colourful fishing villages with traditional charm in spades. The island's popularity is already on the rise, although it remains far less crowded than its fan-favourite neighbours Mykonos and Santorini, so you can still enjoy the seasonal thrill of a holidaymaker's haven without the tourist-trap angst. The sun-dappled, turquoise waters of the Aegean are a Greek speciality, but the otherworldly, lunar landscape of Sarakiniko Beach and its nearby coves are quite unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean.

Image credit: Elektra Klimi

For a splash of colour: Copenhagen, Denmark

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The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen is home to both new-world charm and rich history, making it perfect for travellers of all kinds. The city is a celebration of the Scandinavian architectural tradition of colourful houses, and the best way to soak up the vibrant display is by walking along the waterfront at Nyhavn or visiting the bright houses of Nørrebro.

For a private country escape: Scotland

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The Scottish countryside is renowned for its understated beauty and tranquillity. Whether it’s a castle, a tiny secluded cottage on the hillside or a well-appointed Airbnb, the options for a country escape are varied in the Scotland Highlands. Step back in time at the many meticulously maintained residences peppered across the landscape. Try the Inverlochy Castle Hotel, built in the 19th century; the Forss House Hotel atop the River Forss; or the Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa on its own island.

For breathtaking adventure: ziplining in the Black Forest, Germany

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Located in south-west Germany in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Kinzig Valley is home to the Hirschgrund Zipline Area, which offers seven zip-lines that fly over the incredible valleys and between the tall trees of the Black Forest region. Strap in and take in the views of Schwarzwald (the area’s Germanic name) and look out for the Hinterwälder Rind, a breed of cattle endemic to the region. Afterwards, grab a bite of spatzle, a dish common to the area.