Hack the beach weekend

With its golden beaches, pretty whitewashed villages, fresh seafood and sleek five-star hotels, sun-kissed southern Portugal has everything you could wish for on a beach weekend away.

You’ll need to slope off a little early from work (just remember to bring back a nice present for your boss), but catching the 17:10 flight from London Gatwick will put you in Faro at the civilised time of 20:05.

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If it’s a beach holiday you’re after, then you can’t go wrong when your hotel sits above the longest beach in Portugal. The idyllic Pine Cliffs Resort sits in evergreen splendour, just a 30-minute drive from Faro Airport. A lift lowers guests down the cliffs to the golden sands of Praia da Falésia, where there’s a beach restaurant – but if you’d rather prepare your own Algarve gastronomy, you can take cookery lessons at the on-site cookery school, Mimo Algarve. Whether you choose to stay in the hotel, or in one of its suites or residences, you’re in good hands: the whole property is part of the well-respected Luxury Collection.

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Fancy the chance to see dolphins swimming in their natural habitat? Catch a boat from Albufeira and explore the rugged coastline up to Carvoeiro, with its stunning coves, interesting rock formations and, of course, dolphins – there’s even a marine biologist on board to answer any questions.

Head to the pretty whitewashed village of Salema – its main road is lined with fishermen’s houses, some of which are now bars and restaurants that spill out onto the beach. Take a seat on the sun-drenched terrace of Boia and work your way through a cold bottle of the local wine vinho verde.

Spend a balmy evening at the Michelin-starred Vila Joya in Albufeira – the only restaurant in Portugal to make the top 50 in San Pellegrino’s World’s Best Restaurants list. It’s pricey and there’s a dress code, but sitting on the terrace, surrounded by flickering candles, eating exquisite food with the sound of the waves below is perfection.

The Portuguese have ceramics down to a fine art and the town of Porches is where you’ll find the best workshops, such as Porches Pottery.

You want to be fresh as a daisy at work, so Sunday’s 18:00 flight from Faro is a great option – you’ll land at London Gatwick at 20:40, giving you plenty of time to catch up on your beauty sleep (you’ll even be able to squeeze in a long Portuguese lunch before you leave).

It has long been a byword for hedonism, but the picturesque White Isle isn’t all about partying hard. There’s a cooler, more laid-back side, too – you just need to know where to look...

In the summer months, what more civilized way to end your working week than by catching British Airways’ 20:35 flight from London Gatwick? You’ll touch down at 23:55, but this is Ibiza time, so the party is only just getting started.

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A ten-minute drive from the airport, Hotel Torre del Mar is on the quieter stretch of fashionable Playa d’en Bossa, making it a peaceful haven from the island’s vibrant nightlife. Interiors are minimalist, there’s a spa, two pools and free WiFi.

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The water temperature can reach 26°C in summer, so by day, the focus is the beach. Take the 30-minute ferry crossing to the neighbouring – and very relaxed – island of Formentera (buy tickets from Ibiza Town port). By night, it’s all about the beats. Superclubs Pacha and Ushuaia are on your doorstep, look out for their summer line-ups, which include sets from the world’s best DJs and settings that include a pool, a sophisticated light show and performers on podiums. The best way to get tickets is to buy in advance, before your holiday.

Feasting al fresco, Camparis at sunset, dancing in natural caves… it’s little wonder that this stretch of beguiling coastline in southern Italy is a favourite of sunseekers.

Book a half day (go on, it’s Friday) and catch the 14:30 British Airways flight from London Gatwick, which arrives in Naples at 18:05. You will have missed the last ferry, so hop on a train at the main station to Sorrento – it takes between 45-90 minutes, depending on the train. Either way, you’ll get there in time for a glass of something chilled.

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The Grand Hotel Capodimonte is nestled in the hillside above Sorrento and offers stunning vistas of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Rooms are spacious, the lush terraced gardens are dotted with olive and lemon trees, and there are five cascading swimming pools.

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Sorrento is known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast for good reason. During the summer season, buses and ferries depart regularly to the many small beaches and picturesque cliffside villages, such as Positano, known for its pastel-coloured buildings, vertiginous cobbled streets and bustling marina. Or take the 30-minute boat journey to Capri and visit the Blue Grotto, where sunlight illuminates the sea cave a brilliant blue.