Ten hotspots where the prices have been slashed for summer
38% Costa de La Luz, Spain
A popular location with Spanish natives, the Costa de La Luz in the south of Spain is welcoming more visitors from overseas now. Beaches are obvious attractions but there is also the Doñana National Park, the Bay of Cádiz and the seaside cliffs at La Breña. WHERE: Playacanela, Isla de Canela (4 star) B&B DEPARTING: Belfast on May 21 HOW MUCH: £239 (€276) Travel Supermarket CHEAPEST VIA UK: £183 (€211)
Cote D’Azur, France 32%
The French Riviera includes a number of upmarket summer destinations, including Nice, Cannes, St Tropez and Antibes. It isn’t cheap but falling prices may have brought it within range of Irish holidaymakers who fancy a move upmarket. WHERE: Residhotel les Coralynes, Cannes (3 star) B&B DEPARTING: Belfast on May 6 COST: £367 (€424), easyJet holidays CHEAPEST VIA UK: £298 (€344)
20% Algarve, Portugal
Holidaymakers flock to the Portugese coast for sun, sea and sand with a number of cave formations to explore, boat tours along the coast as well as many pretty beaches. It is particularly good value WHERE: Quinta das Figueirainhas, Armacao De Pera DEPARTING: Dublin on May 25 HOW MUCH: From €145pp, Budget Travel CHEAPEST VIA UK:: €142
19% Zante, Greece
Zante is a popular Greek island that is home to popular beaches. Known for crystal clear blue water and numerous caves, there is plenty to enjoy. WHERE: Petros, Tsilivi (3 star) B&B DEPARTING: Dublin on May 28 HOW MUCH: From €385, Tui CHEAPEST VIA UK: £165 (€191)
16% Costa Blanca, Spain
Tourists travel to ‘the White Coast’ for the beautiful beaches and nightlife. WHERE: Sunsea Village, Calpe, self-catering DEPARTING: Cork on May 23 HOW MUCH: From €175pp, Budget Travel CHEAPEST VIA UK: £199 (€230)
15% Majorca, Spain
Majorca is known for its beach resorts, sheltered coves and stunning scenery. The Serra de Tramuntana, a mountain range on the island, has been made a World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular places to explore by foot or bike. WHERE: Bellevue Club, (3 star) self catering DEPARTING: Cork on May 6 HOW MUCH: From €213, Loveholidays.ie CHEAPEST VIA UK: €253
14% Kefalonia, Greece
Kefalonia is increasingly popular with UK travellers and
came seventh in our sister newspaper’s survey. However, not many Irish travel agencies cater for it. Unless you fancy traveling through a British airport, Corfu might be a cheaper and, just as momportantly, handier option.
WHERE:
Lygies Studios, Karavados (3 star) selfcatering DEPARTING: London Stansted on July 29 HOW MUCH: From £295 (€340), Travel Supermarket
13% Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is a large Italian island filled with beautiful beaches along miles of stunning coastline. In peak season, prices are generally €400-€700 so this deal is relatively cheap. WHERE: Costa Rei Apartments and Villas, self-catering DEPARTING: Dublin on June 8 HOW MUCH: From €349, Loveholidays.ie CHEAPEST VIA UK: €155
12% Corfu, Greece
Corfu is always one of the most popular tourist destinations, home to historic Greek ruins scattered across the island. WHERE: Lefkemi Hotel (2 star) self-catering DEPARTING: Dublin on June 4 HOW MUCH: Travellers can get seven nights on the Greek island for as little as €276, with Budget Travel CHEAPEST VIA UK: €386
12 Crete, Greece %
Crete is Greece’s largest island, home to Mount Ida which houses the Ideon Cave – the birthplace of Zeus. WHERE: Elounda Sunrise Studios & Apartments DEPARTING: Dublin on April 26 HOW MUCH: From €199, Budget CHEAPEST VIA UK: €176
n Holidays based on cheapest listings on these websites. Prices and available are indicative and will change rapidly.