The summer is over, the nights are drawing in, and the only thing to look forward to is, erm, Christmas. Not necessarily. In warmer parts of Europe, the sun is still shining, the nights are cooler, and, better still, most of the tourists have gone home. There are plenty of bargains around too, so here's a selection of last-minute deals for short breaks to some of Europe's holiday hot spots.

Spain
Barcelona
Save £88pp

Combine a city break with some sun at the four-star Superior Duquesa de Cardona hotel in Barcelona - a small property with a rooftop pool, just a few minutes' walk from the Ramblas. Price for departures in September or October is £490pp for four nights' B&B, based on two sharing, including flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester, private transfers, and Kirker's city guide notes.

· Kirker Holidays (0870 112 3333; www.kirkerholidays.com)

Mallorca
Save £150pp

Relax in a private poolside cabana at the Gran Hotel Son Net in Mallorca, one of the island's most luxurious boutique hotels. Book for three nights and you'll get a fourth free. Price is from £715pp, based on two sharing, B&B, and including flights and transfers. Valid for Sunday to Thursday (inclusive) bookings in September.

· Elegant Resorts Europe (01244 897515; www.elegantresorts.co.uk)

Costa del Sol
SAVE £109pp

Try your hand at a host of watersports at the four-star Alanda Club Marbella self-catering resort. A five-night stay departing on 24 September costs £499pp. The price is based on two sharing and includes scheduled flights from Gatwickor Manchester, and private transfers. Other dates in September on request.

· Cadogan Holidays (023 8082 8313; www.cadoganholidays.com)

Gran Canaria
Save £101

Pamper yourself in the spa at the five-star Melia Tamarindos Hotel in the quiet resort of San Augustin, Gran Canaria. Five nights cost £449, including flights from Gatwick and transfers. Facilities include tennis, a nightclub, tropical gardens, and two pools. Available in October.

· Magic of Spain (0870 888 0220; 08705 462442 [brochure hotline]; www.magictravelgroup.co.uk)

Costa Brava
Save £65pp

Haven Europe is offering five nights' accommodation only at Castell Montgri for £150.50. Price is based on two adults sharing a Europa mobile home and is valid for travel until the 27 September. Castell Montgri is close to Gerona, making it ideal for a fly-drive option. The park is surrounded by quaint villages and long sandy beaches.

· Haven Europe (0870 242 7777; www.haveneurope.com)

Turkey
Istanbul
Save £65pp

Soak up the atmosphere in one of the world's most vibrant cities on a four-night B&B break in a suite at the Empress Zoe Hotel. From £540pp sharing, including return flights Heathrow-Istanbul with BA or Turkish Airlines, hotel transfers plus private half-day guide to the city.

· Exclusive Escapes (020 8605 3500; www.hiddenturkey.com)

France
Cannes
Save £50pp

Stroll down the famous Croisette and check out the stylish boutiques. For £278, stay four nights, with breakfast, at the four-star Novotel Cannes Montfleury in September. Includes return flights from Gatwick.

· Cresta Holidays (0870 3333 303; www.crestaholidays.co.uk)

Portugal
Algarve
Save £40pp

Hop over to the Algarve for three nights at the four-star Hotel Mirachoro Praia in Carvoeiro. The price is £299pp, departing 26 September, based on two sharing and including return flights and accommodation on a B&B basis. The hotel is close to Carvoeiro Beach where you can enjoy a wide range of watersports.

· Cosmos (0870 443 1823; www.cosmos-holidays.co.uk)

Malta
Save £50pp

Five nights plus breakfast at the four-star Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa, based on twin share, costs from £710pp for departures 16-30 September, including return flights with British Airways departing from London Gatwick. Must be booked by 13 September.

· Airline Network (0870 234 9916 or visit www.airlinenetwork.co.uk)

Cyprus
Save £70pp

Play tennis or squash and then cool yourself down under the waterfalls in the lagoon-style pool at the five-star Aeneas. Five nights' B&B cost £475pp for departures between 17-30 September and including flights from Heathrow and transfers.

· Voyana (0871 271 5203; www.voyana.com/cyprus)