You don't always have to go far afield - good things are often so close. Especially when you long for a change of scenery, but your schedule doesn't allow for longer trips. Europe offers diverse destinations for foodies, beach lovers, design and culture buffs. Many of them are so close, making them the perfect destinations for a long weekend.

For Foodies: San Sebastián, Spain

With a population of just over 187,000, but 18 Michelin stars, San Sebastian is one of the places in Europe with the highest density of Michelin stars. Elena Arzak, chef at the "Arzak" restaurant, has three of them. But there are not only gourmet restaurants in the autonomous region. The street food cuisine and pintxos bars also have it all. Furthermore, San Sebastián was the European Capital of Culture in 2016. The coastal city on the Bay of Biscay is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea". Putting your feet in the sand or riding a few waves also works great here.

Hotel recommendation:

Villa Soro
Ategorrieta Hiribidea, 61, 20013 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Tel: +34 943 29 79 70
hotelvillasoro.com

For history fans: Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech capital breathes history. Between the medieval Prague Castle and winding alleys, imperial high times with grand boulevards and the disturbing charm of the communist era, here interested visitors embark on a journey through time. People wrote history on the squares of the city. Apart from these places, the city also attracts with museums and a long beer brewing tradition. 

Hotel recommendation:

Four Seasons Prague
Veleslavínova 2a/1098, 11000 Prague, Czech Republic
T: +420 221 427 000
reservations.prg@fourseasons.com
www.fourseasons.com

For water sports enthusiasts: Biarritz, France

Waves so high that even top surfers go into raptures: this is ensured by the underwater reef off Biarritz. On the Côte des Basques, they break in spectacular fashion. Either you watch the spectacle from the beach or you go into the water yourself. The equipment should not be a problem. After all, all the important brands of the sport have settled here. If you are just starting out, you will also find surf schools. But of course, a weekend in Biarritz offers so much more. A visit to the Plage du Port Vieux and the Villa Belza should definitely be on the programme too.

Hotel recommendation:

Hôtel du Palais Biarritz
1 Avenue de l'Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz, France
Tel: +33 5 59 41 12 34
hyatt.com

For night owls: Tel Aviv, Israel

A lively city, great food and a seafront location: Tel Aviv is one of the most popular long weekend destinations in Europe for a reason. While the vibe is laid-back during the day, the city turns into a bustling mess by nightfall. From hip dinner venues, it's straight on to the city's best bars and nightclubs. And the next day? Relax at the beach club or indulge in shopping in Neve Tzedek.

Hotel recommendation:

Lighthouse Tel Aviv a Member of Brown Hotels
Ben Yehuda St 1, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: +972 3-766-0500
brownhotels.com

For connoisseurs: Lake Como, Italy

Mediterranean serenity, Italian dolce far niente, pizza, pasta, limoncello spritz and a lake that you could almost mistake for the sea: Lake Como exerts a unique magic. This is probably also due to the many beautiful neoclassical villas on its shores. Here you can relax, cool off, go for a walk. And those who like it a little more challenging, simply go on a hike. The Y-shaped lake is embedded in the foothills of the Alps.

Hotel recommendation:

Mandarin Oriental Lake Como
Via E. Caronti, 69, 22020 Blevio CO, Italy
Tel.: +39 031 32511
mandarinoriental.com

For beach fans: Ibiza, Spain

Crystal clear water, lonely bays, sandy beaches and some fabulous beach clubs - Ibiza simply has it all. Furthermore, the Balearic island is easily accessible. The "white island" also offers some wonderful hotels and hotspots. The Ibizan gastronomic scene is constantly reinventing itself and now also offers gourmets some delicacies. And with the old town, the island has a sightseeing destination, which is also perfect for travelers interested in history. At the latest when you're out and about at the hippie market, check into an authentic agroturismo or explore the island on your own, you realize: Ibiza is not a destination. Ibiza is a lifestyle.

Hotel recommendation:

CAS GASI Boutique Hotel
Camino Viejo de Sant Mateu, s/n, 07814 Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, Spain
Tel: +34 971 19 77 00
casgasi.com.

For Italo fans: Naples, Italy

The largest city in the south of Italy has long since left its reputation as a mafia city behind. And yet it has lost none of that slightly disreputable, very authentic charm, which we know and love so much. Neapolitan cuisine enchants gourmets from all over the world. After all, the star density here is also very high. To eat really well, however, you don't necessarily have to go to a fancy restaurant. Family-run trattorias serve excellent creations. Excursion destinations such as Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius are additional plus points. The city's beaches are also worth mentioning.

Hotel recommendation:

SuperOtium
Via Santa Teresa degli Scalzi civico, 8, 80135 Napoli NA, Italy
Tel.: +39 081 544 2071
superotium.it

For repeat offenders: London, UK

The city on the Thames is truly not an insider tip. That London is an excellent destination for a long weekend is well known. But for the sake of completeness, it absolutely has to be on this list. After all, the city is just taking off again after reopening the country to international tourism. And there is always something to see. The city presents itself anew with every visit. An incredible density of sights, museums, art galleries, excellent restaurants and hotels makes it possible.

Hotel recommendation:

Rosewood London
252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7781 8888
rosewoodhotels.com

For romantics: Santorini, Greece

The backdrop is so fantastically beautiful it is almost surreal: against the deep blue sea and the bright blue sky, the volcanic island of Santorini rises from the sea. White, flat buildings with blue shutters and blue domes perfectly round off the island dream. Postcard idylls are joined by winding stone streets, boutiques, lush floral decorations and secluded bays. The island is best explored with someone close to your heart. Romantic moments are guaranteed here.

Hotel recommendation:

Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Oia, Santorini Island, 847 02, Greece
Tel.: +30 2286 071114
mystique.gr