Beach Holiday Deals

WHEN booking a holiday there are three specific factors you must consider that can completely change the cost.

Get one of them wrong and you could pay hundreds more for an almost-identical week away… however if you get all three RIGHT you’ve found what I like to call the holiday “magic equation”.

The three key ‘ingredients’ to getting the best deal are where you go, when you fly and how long you stay.

I’ve been digging through thousands of On the Beach holidays to find the best-value combination of departure date, destination and duration for every remaining holiday window before November.

I didn’t just pick whichever holiday had the lowest price, though.

My analysis also compared each option against similar holidays, prices from last year, hotel ratings, customer reviews and the number of hotels still available – and what I’ve been left with is four very specific recommendations.

There’s one for families escaping before the end of the school holidays, two for couples and families with toddlers who can travel outside term time, and one for the October half-term scramble.

So here are the four magic holiday combinations I’ve uncovered – plus a deal you can book right now for each one.

Fly to Tunisia on… August 20

If you’re still hoping to get away with school-age children this summer, August 20 is the date I’d be circling, especially for trips to Tunisia.

The best-value August combination in our analysis was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Mahdia, departing on August 20 and returning on August 27.

The average price was just £698 per person – 22.6% cheaper than similar holidays and 9.2% less than people paid last year.

That’s particularly impressive because it gets you back before the end of August too, so no breaking the school holiday rules.

Mahdia itself is a bit of an under-the-radar alternative to Tunisia’s better-known resorts.

It’s a historic coastal town with a beautiful old medina and long stretches of pale sandy beach.

The sea here is often wonderfully clear and shallow, while hotels tend to be large, all-inclusive and built around keeping children occupied.

In other words: much of what families book Turkey for, but frequently at a lower price.

I found a particularly good deal at the four-star Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park from £623pp (and it’s all-inclusive).

It’s a huge beachfront resort with several pools, waterslides, and children’s activities, as well as a high Tripadvisor score – more than 1,900 gave it 4.2 out of five.

Tunisia deal

Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park, Mahdia

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Liverpool flights

From £623pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Fly to Egypt on… September 23

September is where holiday prices start to calm down from the summer surge.

For couples and parents with children below school age, the best-value combination was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Nabq Bay in Sharm El Sheikh, departing on September 23.

The average holiday cost £709 per person, which was 12.3% below the price of a comparable break.

More importantly, it was a massive 22.2% cheaper than last year – the biggest year-on-year drop of any winning combination in the data.

Nabq Bay is one of my favourite recommendations for anybody wanting a proper fly-and-flop holiday in September.

Temperatures are normally still well above 30C, so the weather stays beautifully warm and the resort is full of enormous all-inclusive hotels with private beaches, waterparks and enough swimming pools to require a map.

And Nabq Bay is especially well suited to families with toddlers.

Most of the holiday happens inside the resort, so you’re not repeatedly folding a buggy into taxis or attempting a cultural walking tour at precisely the moment somebody decides they need a nap.

My deal is at the Parrotel Aqua Park Resort is all-inclusive for £450pp when flying on September 23.

As the name rather usefully suggests, the main attraction is its enormous waterpark, but there are also several pools, restaurants, children’s facilities and a private beach area.

Egypt deal

Parrotel Aqua Park Resort, Nabq Bay

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Stansted flights

From £450pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Fly to Turkey on… October 13

October delivered the strongest overall value score from all the data I sifted through, especially when flying to Turkey.

The winning combination, by far, was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Marmaris, flying on October 13 and returning on October 20.

This is just before the half term holidays so is suited for couples or families with little kids not yet in school.

The average price was just £537 per person – that’s 21.4% cheaper than similar holidays and 11.6% below last year’s price.

Marmaris works brilliantly in October because you get the best bits without quite so much of the summer chaos.

The resort wraps around a huge bay backed by pine-covered mountains, with a long waterfront, beaches, boat trips and a seemingly endless supply of restaurants.

Daytime temperatures are typically still warm enough for the pool and beach, although evenings are cooler and there’s a greater chance of rain than during summer.

It’s also a great month for exploring. You can walk the marina without melting, take a boat along the coast or visit Marmaris Old Town without needing to stop for emergency air conditioning every ten minutes.

The deal I found is at the three-star Supreme Hotel, a simple but well-reviewed base with a pool, restaurant and a useful location for reaching the centre of Marmaris.

The best deal I found was an all-inclusive week at the Supreme Hotel from £235pp when flying October 13. At £33.57 per person, per night  – including your flights, hotel, food and drinks – that’s my standout bargain of the lot.

Turkey deal

Supreme Hotel, Marmaris

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Gatwick flights

From £235pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Fly to Greece on… October 25

If you’ve got kids, you’ll know that October half-term is always difficult.

Once every family in Britain needs roughly the same handful of departure dates, the chances of finding a bargain tend to disappear faster than the good flight times.

But the data did uncover one combination that stood above the rest: seven nights all-inclusive in Kardamena, Kos, departing on October 25.

The average price for a deal here was £740 per person – 13.4% cheaper than comparable half-term holidays and 13.2% below last year.

Kardamena is one of the livelier resorts on the Greek island during summer, but by late October it becomes considerably calmer.

You still have its long beach, waterfront and marina, while Kos Airport is only around a 15-minute drive away.

That short transfer here is a serious half-term advantage too – nobody wants to follow a four-hour flight with a two-hour coach tour of every other family’s hotel.

The weather is the slight gamble, as late October brings warm sunny days, but you might see some businesses closing for the season.

So, this is one where I’d choose a hotel with plenty happening on site.

Lucky for you, the deal I found does exactly that, which is an all-inclusive seven-night stay at Canvas by Mitsis Family Village, for £558pp when travelling on October 25.

It’s built on a hillside overlooking the coast, with pools, waterslides, family entertainment and access to a beach below, and it scores a very impressive 4.4 out of five from almost 2,500 Tripadvisor reviews.

That’s £181.60pp below the average price uncovered by the half-term analysis, and proof that the school-holiday premium can still be beaten if you get the date, duration and destination exactly right.

Greece deal

Canvas by Mitsis Family Villas, Kos

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Bristol flights

From £235pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

WHILE some people are concentrating on the summer holidays – now is actually the perfect time to book a break for shoulder season.

The months from September to November are a time for bargains, great weather (in some cases up to 28C) and fewer tourists.

Of course these are more suited to families or couples, as you will have to be travelling outside of the school holidays.

But here are some of the best we’ve rounded up, from Greece to Spain.

Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is known for bringing in hoards of tourists during the summer – there are even queues to take pictures but shoulder season sees much fewer tourists.

Stay at the Villa Livadaros which is a family-owned guesthouse in the quaint village of Karterados.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

HOL YES

Cheapest summer for holidays in YEARS – with August breaks still on sale for £188pp

Each room comes with a balcony or terrace and there’s a shared pool for guests too.

A seven-night stay here from London Gatwick to Santorini from October 14-21 starts from £259pp.

Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is full of families during the summer holidays, and massively quietens down in shoulder season.

Most of the major waterparks are open until the end of October too as temperatures can be as high as 26C.

Holidaymakers can have a seven-night break between October 5-12 at the Club Bayar Hotel from just £239pp – and it’s all-inclusive too.

It has a full-service spa, private beach access with modern rooms – it includes return flights to London Gatwick.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Another destination known for scorching summer weather and lots of tourists in peak season is the Amalfi Coast.

But if you wait until October, there are some great deals to be had and temperatures are much milder.

A seven-night stay at the Grand Hotel Moon Valley with return flights Manchester Airport to Naples from October 13-20 starts from £375pp.

It includes bed and breakfast in an Annexe Room, the hotel also has a sun terrace and a swim up bar.

Mahdia, Tunisia

If you want to escape for winter sun, a holiday to Tunisia is a great option as even in October it has highs of up to 28C.

Mahdia is a peaceful coastal city with beaches on the Mediterranean Sea.

The three-star hotel El Mouradi Cap Mahdia sits directly on its own sandy beach with outdoor swimming pools and on-site restaurants.

A seven-night stay here with return flights from London Southend to Enfidha-Hammet from October 12-19 starts from £279pp – and this is all-inclusive too.

Costa Brava, Spain

Spain might not have the high summer temperatures, but it’s still sunny and certainly less busy.

You can stay on the coastal resort town of Malgrat de Mar in Catalonia which has over two miles of Blue Flag beaches.

htop Planamar is a pretty hotel close to the sandy shores with sea views and it has an outdoor swimming pool too.

A seven-night stay here with return flights from London Southend to Barcelona start from September 30 – October 5 starts from £235pp with half-board.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Croatia has beautiful beaches and Old Towns all of which can be explored in mild 20C temperatures during shoulder season.

The Villas Arausana & Antonina is a pretty spot right on the beach with terraces and sunloungers looking over the coast.

It also has an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar and cafe.

A seven-night stay here with return flights from London Stansted to Zadar start from September 29 – October 6 starts from £325pp.

Prices correct at the time of publication

IF you’re still sitting on the fence about booking a late summer holiday, there’s no need to panic… just yet.

I’ve pulled the data on thousands of package holiday bookings to see exactly where still has availability this summer and, more importantly, where the biggest savings are.

And despite all the headlines about holiday prices skyrocketing, there are still massive pockets of value sitting up for grabs.

So I’ve rounded up the top ten spots where holidaymakers are consistently paying hundreds of pounds less than the summer holiday average – which, for a standard seven-night family package, comes in at £3,487.

If you want to maximise your sunshine per pound, these are the resorts that should be top of your search list – starting from £268 per person for a five-night holiday.

Albufeira, Portugal

The Algarve rarely screams cheap these days, but Albufeira continues to be a major exception to the rule, with booking data currently coming in around seven per cent cheaper than the summer average.

And despite that, you still get the stunning golden cliffs and old town character without the premium price tags found further down the coast.

This complex has three (yes, three) pool bars, and they serve up proper Portuguese piri-piri chicken baskets right to your sunbed – also saving you from paying inflated tourist rates on the main strip for lunch.

Marmaris, Turkey

Turkey is a reliable workhorse for summer value, and Marmaris is averaging 18 per cent below the overall summer booking price.

It packs in long seafront promenades, cheap dining, and mountain backdrops pretty effortlessly.

The Grand Villa Sol Apart is a property highly-rated by return guests, and my favourite feature here is the hotel’s huge pool and waterslide.

It’s just the right size to keep the kids entertained for hours, but because the pool bar is set up right beside it, you can keep a direct eye on them with a cold drink in hand without having to constantly stand up or chase them around a massive, chaotic waterpark.

Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is a brilliant shout for late summer because the resort is entirely built into a steep, horseshoe valley.

It completely shelters the beaches from the high-summer Atlantic winds, guaranteeing hot, calm weather every single day.

And the best bit: the data has this one sitting at 19 per cent cheaper than the summer average.

The Roslara Apartments are an absolute steal, with a clever layout featuring a stepped, hillside design, meaning that every single apartment gets a massive, private sun balcony that isn’t overlooked by your neighbours.

It essentially gives you your own premium sunbathing deck, looking down over the central pool area, for a basic budget price.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

While most people looking at Tenerife automatically head for the crowded beaches down south.

Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast is where the real value sits, with bookings coming in 34 per cent below average for summer holidays.

You get an authentic Canarian city feel, volcanic black sand beaches, and much lusher, tropical scenery.

The four-star BLUESEA Costa Jardin & Spa is a certified winner in my book, with beautiful subtropical gardens that completely surround the pool.

Plus, the slides that drop right into the main outdoor pool give you a proper, family resort experience for an absolute steal during peak August.

Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a safe bet all year round, but Puerto del Carmen is currently throwing a massive curveball in the data, with average costs sitting 36% below the summer 2026 average.

It’s an established, reliable favourite that simply refuses to hike its rates like other resorts in the Canaries.

The Apartamentos LIVVO Oasis is a tranquil spot to stay, and is just a short stroll from the picturesque old town.

The bungalows here wrap directly around a beautifully quiet, palm-shaded courtyard, meaning you can step straight out of your patio doors and into the water without navigating sterile hotel corridors or busy lifts.

Benidorm, Costa Blanca

People love to turn their noses up at Benidorm, which is a massive mistake if you love a bargain summer holiday.

The intense competition between the hundreds of hotels here keeps the rates ruthlessly competitive, driving bookings 35 per cent below the average summer holiday price.

The Milord’s Suites are an absolute gem, sitting right on the border of the Old Town and Levante beach.

I absolutely love their rooftop sun terrace – it’s a completely quiet, adult-friendly escape from the busy streets below, and serves up panoramic views of the castle lookout point.

Calella, Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is easily one of Spain‘s most scenic, rugged coastlines, and Calella is the ultimate value gateway if you want wide, sandy beaches and a relaxed Spanish atmosphere for 41 per cent less than the summer average.

The GHT Balmes Hotel is a massive family favourite, with a specialised bike hire and outdoor adventure station.

They even provide secure storage and free local trail maps, making it incredibly easy to explore the hidden, pine-backed coves of the surrounding national park that standard tourists never manage to find.

San Antonio, Ibiza

Ibiza usually makes people think of VIP beach clubs and losing your life savings on a round of drinks, but San Antonio operates as a brilliant value loophole if you time it right.

Bookings here are looking at 43% below the seasonal average.

The Vibra San Marino Aparthotel has a beautifully sleek, minimalist look, but the standout feature is its partnership with the local sunset water taxis.

You can catch a cheap boat shuttle directly from the hotel’s private jetty straight across the bay to the iconic sunset strip, entirely cutting out expensive island taxi fares.

Fuengirola, Costa del Sol

Fuengirola is a brilliant all-rounder with huge beaches and cheap, direct train links straight from Malaga Airport.

And right now, it’s cleaning up on summer holidays – averaging an incredible 45 per cent cheaper than the average summer holiday.

I spotted a bargain room-only deal for the BLUESEA Miramar Fuengirola, which is within walking distance of buzzing bars, restaurants and seafront shops.

And room-only here is fine, because you’ll want to eat out in the local tapas bars anyway.

But the secret weapon at this hotel is the massive indoor heated pool and wellness zone – if you want a quick break from the intense August sun, you can retreat into a chilled, high-spec indoor spa for zero extra charge.

Cabo Blanco, Majorca

While the masses fight for sunbeds in Alcudia or Magaluf, Cabo Blanco is where the smart money lands in Majorca.

This quieter stretch of southern Majorca serves up rugged cliffs and dramatic sea views for a whopping 55 per cent less than the overall summer average.

I even managed to dig out a five-night all inclusive holiday for £353pp, at the Sun Club El Dorado.

Landing a full all-Inclusive package in Majorca during peak August for that money is borderline ridiculous.

This resort even has a private ranch and horse-riding trails integrated into the grounds, which gives the whole complex a rustic, expansive country club feel that you’d easily pay double for anywhere else on the island.

A NEW low-cost, no-frills travel brand has just launched offering budget breaks to Europe and beyond.

Sundeals, which is owned by the TUI Group, is aimed at holidaymakers who ‘who want great value without the faff’ with clear prices and honest opinions on holidays and hotels.

On Sundeals, there is everything from last-minute trips to all-inclusive holidays, winter sun breaks and adult-only vacations across 100 destinations.

There will be 20,000 hotels alongside a range of airline options from Ryanair to easyJet and TUI.

Looking at its ‘top cheap holiday deals’ – there are breaks to Tunisia from as little as £106pp and trips to Tenerife start from £185pp.

One cheap deal that Sun Travel found is a seven-night holiday to Marrakesh from September 2 to September 9 from £199pp.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

This is for bed and breakfast at the Riad Quodwa Marrakesh in a double room with return flights to Liverpool Airport.

This is for bed and breakfast at the Riad Lalla Khadija Moulaty & SPA in a double standard room with return flights to Newcastle Airport.

For winter sun, another break is to the Jardins de Toumana in Djerba, Tunisia from November 24 to December 1.

Staying in a Junior Suite, two adults can stay with bed and breakfast board from £277pp – including return flights to Manchester.

For short breaks, there a three-night stay at Pierre & Vacances Resort Terrazas Costa del Sol in Spain starting from £139pp.

It has an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, bar, restaurant, pretty courtyards gardens and return flights to London Luton.

For short-haul, it provides breaks to mainland Europe including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Malta.

There are far-flung holidays on the cards too with options to Thailand, Mexico, Cape Verde, Barbados, Iceland and the USA.

When it comes to sorting your holiday, you can arrange it by price ‘low to high’.

Or select to rank holidays by TripAdvisor rating to see which holidays were highly-rated by other travellers.

Kevin Nelson, Managing Director for Sundeals said: “We know there is a large group of travellers who genuinely enjoy researching and planning their holidays. They’re confident, digitally savvy and like the feeling of finding a holiday, and deal, that’s right for them.

“But these travellers told us that they’re tired of spending hours going round in circles trying to compare options and work out whether they’ve truly found the right trip – a feeling that we’re calling Bookers Burnout.

“Sundeals has been designed specifically for these savvy deal hunters, helping them cut through the holiday clutter and make decisions with greater confidence.

“We’ve launched with a simple user experience focused on the core features customers told us they need most, and over time we’ll continue to introduce smart tools and innovations that make finding and evaluating holiday options even easier.”

IMAGINE sunbathing on the white sand beaches of Barbados, or watching the sun set with a cocktail in Bali… and you paid less than £100.

The Wowcher £99 Mystery Holiday has long been an exciting way to travel, with a lucky dip of over 100 destinations.

But a mystery trip doesn’t have to only mean a city break or European destination.

You could actually land yourself an incredible long-haul holiday to places like the Caribbean and New York.

There are even hols to far-flung spots like Thailand, Japan, Costa Rica and The Bahamas available, too.

The odds of landing a long-haul holiday have now increased, with Tier 1 holiday odds up by 33% and Tier 2 odds up by 67%.

HOT RIGHT NOW

Wowcher holiday and hotel deals – from UK spa breaks to trips abroad for £99

OH WOW

Wowcher launches £99pp Christmas Market Mystery Holiday – with Disneyland & New York

This means that your chance of landing that once in a lifetime holiday are higher than ever.

So what are these tiers? Wowcher Mystery Holidays are split up into Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations.

You are assigned assigned a holiday from one of these tiers through a randomised draw.

Tier 1 offers luxury and long haul holidays while Tier 2 offers three and four night package and all inclusive holidays. Tier 3 is for two-night city or beach breaks.

Tier 1 odds are now up 33% – meaning you are more likely than ever to land a luxurious, long haul holiday.

Tier 2 odds are up 67% – meaning you are also more likely than before to land a package or all inclusive holiday.

Which holidays could I land in the draw?

Here are all the destinations split up into Tiers 1, 2 and 3.

Tier 1 Holidays (up 33%)

Seven-night, 4* hotel breaks available in:

• The Maldives, Thailand, Bali, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Jamaica, St Lucia, Mauritius, Costa Rica, Cape Town, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Tampa, Chicago, Washington, Calgary, Bermuda, and The Bahamas.

• Three night, 4* breaks in: New York, Toronto and Boston

• Or a five-night, 4* break in Miami.

Tier 2 Holidays (up 67%)

Four-night breaks with breakfast in:

• Venice & Lake Como, Prague & Budapest, Rome & Venice, Lisbon & Barcelona.

Three nights (varying all inclusive or B&B basis) in:

• Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Benidorm, Sicily, The Algarve, Turkey, Zante, Santorini, Rhodes, Halkidiki, Corfu, Crete, Malta.

Plus the following special package breaks:

• 3 Night Disneyland Paris Holiday with park tickets & breakfast

• 3 Night Iceland with Northern Lights & breakfast

• 3 Night Holiday to Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan

• 3 Night Holiday to Geneva Chocolate & Cheese Train Experience

• 3 Night Rome City Break B&B with Vatican Tour & breakfast

• 3 Night Athens City Break B&B with Acropolis Tour & breakfast

Tier 3 Holidays

Two night city or beach breaks available in:

• Madeira, Vienna, Brussels, Zadar, Prague, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Bratislava, Tallinn, Paris, Nice, Monaco, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Bremen, Athens, Budapest, Dublin, Rome, Venice, Naples, Bologna, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Florence, Pisa, Verona, Milan, Trieste, Bari, Riga, Vilnius, Luxembourg, Agadir, Marrakech, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Krakow, Warsaw, Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Bucharest, Barcelona, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa Dorada, Costa Del Sol, Malaga, Alicante, Salou, Palma, Seville, Valencia, Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Sicily, Malta, Katowice, Cinque Terre, Salzburg, Tirana, Rimini, Sorrento, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Belgrade, Kaunas, Wroclaw, Bilbao, Santander, Benidorm, Marseilles, Cannes, Lyon, Nantes, Nuremberg, Gdansk, Helsinki, Geneva, Brindisi, Bergamo, Genoa, Turin, Corfu, Crete, Istanbul, Sofia, Varna, Sunny Beach.

Click here to book yourself a £99 Wowcher holiday.

So how does it work when you actually book one?

When you book your holiday, you get to choose the exact dates that work for you – so no need to worry about not being able to get the time off.

You also get to pick the UK region you would like to fly from, so you won’t have to trek across the country to another airport.

And if you don’t land the holiday you were hoping for? No problem.

You’ll still enjoy a two night break at minimum with return flights included, staying in at least a three-star hotel – which is well worth the money itself!

And when you’re floating along in a gondola in Venice, posing with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or chilling on the beach in Barcelona for only £99…

You can’t complain, even if you do bag somewhere closer to home.

IF I’ve learned one thing working in travel it’s this – you don’t need to drop a month’s wages on a five-star hotel to bag a five-star holiday.

In fact, some of the absolute best properties I’ve tracked down across Europe officially carry just three stars next to their name – despite thousands of guests rating them significantly higher than luxury resorts costing double the money.

The secret is simple: hotel star ratings aren’t customer review scores.

Stars are handed out based on rigid facility checklists – whether a property has a 24-hour concierge, three extra restaurants, a spa, or a lift.

They tell you nothing about whether the rooms are spotless, the breakfast is incredible, or the staff remember your coffee order by day two.

When I’m not lucky enough to be travelling in my day job, I spend my days buried in live price sheets and customer feedback – so here I’ve had a dig through my three-star database to find the absolute hidden gems, most of which I’ve sampled myself.

These aren’t sprawling mega resorts, but each one completely over-delivers for its price point.

Here are nine elite three-star properties where you can bag a week away from as little as £54 pp.

9. Yannis Hotel, Corfu

The Yannis Hotel sits among 15 acres of lush hillside gardens just above Ipsos, placing you a easy five-minute walk from the sand while keeping you away from the beachfront noise.

It officially holds three stars, but the overall footprint feels much higher end, featuring a pool deck that looks out across ancient olive groves toward the Ionian Sea – and guests rate it an impressive 4.2/5 on Tripadvisor.

You can lock in a seven-night stay here for two from £500pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 22 and breakfast each morning – working out at an absurd £71.43pp per night for flights, hotel, and food.

The standout feature for me at this place, weirdly, is their on-site organic vegetable patch. Trust me on this one, though.

The kitchen chef harvests fresh tomatoes, herbs, and figs directly from the hotel gardens every morning to serve up in the poolside Greek taverna, giving you proper, farm-to-table dining on a basic budget package.

8. Osiris Ibiza, Ibiza

If you assume San Antonio is wall-to-wall club noise and zero sleep, the Osiris will completely change your mind.

This family-run, adults-only gem sits quietly in San Antonio Bay right across from Es Pouet Beach.

Its minimalist white architecture and boutique pool terrace look far more high-end than budget, earning it a staggering 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

I found a seven-night stay here from £525pp, with direct flights from Bristol on September 16 including breakfast. That breaks down to just £75pp per night.

The killer insider feature here though is the hotel’s private rooftop sunset deck.

While thousands of tourists fight for overcrowded, expensive seats at Café Mambo down the road, guests at the Osiris can bring their own drinks up to the hotel’s elevated terrace and watch the iconic Ibiza sunset in complete peace. Bliss.

7. Oykun Hotel, Turkey

The Oykun Hotel on Calis Beach is the exact kind of property people miss out on when they lazily filter their search engines to “four stars and above.”

On paper, it’s a straightforward Turkish hotel with two pools and a traditional hamam, but it boasts a massive 4.6/5 score across 900+ reviews because the family running it treats returning guests like gold.

I tracked down a week here from £435pp, including direct flights from London Gatwick on September 2 and daily breakfast, coming in at £62pp per night.

And at the Oykun you’re incredibly close to the local water taxi jetty – which is a bit of a gamechanger on a holiday here.

Rather than paying for hot, crowded buses into Fethiye, you can step straight out of the hotel gardens onto a wooden riverboat that cruises you across the bay directly into the historic Old Town for pocket change.

6. Zephyros Hotel, Santorini

Santorini is notorious for charging eye-watering prices for cliffside cave suites, but you don’t need an infinity pool to experience the island.

The Zephyros Hotel in Kamari is a gorgeous three-star property built in traditional Cycladic style, with whitewashed walls, blue shutters, and a central pool framed by palm trees – plus it holds a brilliant 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

You can grab seven nights here from £380pp, with direct flights from London Gatwick on September 30 including breakfast.

At £54pp per night with flights, it really is an unbelievable value loophole.

At this hotel you can spend your days lounging on Kamari’s black-sand beach for pennies, then, to push the savings even further, you can even hop on the local 15-minute express bus straight up to Oia for the famous caldera views, completely bypassing the hotel tax.

5. Alfagar Village, Portugal

Alfagar Village is easily one of the hardest properties on this list to believe is rated three stars.

It sits on the cliffside above the Algarve coast, featuring direct, private steps carved into the red rock that lead straight down onto Santa Eulália Beach.

It holds a 4.3/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews, which is no mean feat in Portugal.

I clocked seven nights here from £505pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 30.

The deal is self-catering, but the apartments come with huge ocean-view balconies and full kitchen setups.

The real trick at this place though is that guests get complete, free access to the entire neighbouring 4-star Alfagar resort complex, meaning you can use their massive sports courts, heated indoor pools, and multi-lane waterpark flumes while paying basic three-star rates.

That’s a proper three-star-price for a four-star-holiday hack.

4. Dom Jose Beach Hotel, Portugal

The Dom Jose Beach Hotel sits directly on Quarteira’s paved seaside promenade, and is home to a sleek, contemporary pool deck that looks straight out over the Atlantic Ocean.

Inside, the rooms feature modern, high-spec design, helping it bag a near-perfect 4.7/5 rating on Tripadvisor. Seriously impressive.

You can lock in a seven-night stay from £655pp, including direct flights from Bristol on September 28 and daily breakfast.

While it sits at the higher end of this list at £94pp per night, it easily outperforms the £150-a-night chain hotels nearby.

Plus, when you see the hotel’s private, wooden deck built directly on the sand – equipped with reserved wind-screened loungers – you’ll see why it’s worth that little bit extra.

You can step straight off your breakfast terrace onto your private sunbed without ever dealing with public beach crowds.

3. Hotel Abrat, Ibiza

Occupying one of the best spots in Ibiza, Hotel Abrat is tucked away on the quieter, scenic northern edge of the resort near Caló des Moro beach.

Recent refurbs have left its sea-view pool deck looking like a gorgeous five-star property, backing up its strong 4.2/5 Tripadvisor score.

I found a seven-night stay here from £470pp, with direct flights from London Southend on September 30 including breakfast.

And the best thing, for me, about staying at the Abrat is the coastal walking path directly behind the gardens.

It runs along the rocky coastline to a series of pristine, hidden swimming coves where the water is crystal clear. A real hidden gem of a find.

2. Hotel Valentina, Malta

If you want a hotel that pulls off a flawless five-star impersonation, Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s is the answer.

This place features boujee, bold contemporary interiors and a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.

Just take a look yourself and it’s easy to see exactly why it boasts a massive 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating across 2,600+ reviews (one of the highest rating-to-ratings ratios in all of Europe!)

I spotted seven nights here from £510pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 25 on a room-only basis (£73pp per night).

But the secret weapon at the Valentina is its partnership with the high-end Avenue Restaurant next door.

Hotel guests get exclusive priority seating and discounts at one of the best dining spots in St Julian’s, giving you a boutique, luxury lifestyle package without the luxury price tag. Total hack.

1. Velamar Boutique Hotel, Portugal

Located in Olhos de Agua just on the outskirts of Albufeira, Velamar Boutique Hotel focuses on minimum guest numbers and maximum hospitality – which is why it tops the charts on my value scoreboard.

Its gardens, modern rooms, and peaceful outdoor pool create a calm, boutique feel geared toward couples – and it holds a fantastic 4.5/5 Tripadvisor score.

You can grab seven nights here from £425pp, including flights from London on September 22 with breakfast included (less than £61pp per night!)

The hotel even runs a seamless, direct connection down to the quieter Maria Luísa beach, allowing you to spend your days on one of the Algarve’s most beautiful, sheltered coves without ever having to worry about car parking or expensive taxis.

IF you want to live like an A-lister on your next holiday without paying eye-watering French Riviera prices, you’ll want to check out this Turkish hotspot.

Dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum delivers boutique beach clubs, yacht-packed marinas, and turquoise bays on a budget.

The best part? Holidays here can cost you hundreds of pounds less when compared to its French rival.

According to travel experts at First Choice, holidaymakers who swap St Tropez for Bodrum can save an impressive £440 per person on their trip, which is 43% cheaper.

This is based on comparing a seven-night, all inclusive stay at the four-star Bodrum Holiday Resort and Spa with a week-long stay at the four-star Hôtel Brin d’Azur in St Tropez.

While the St Tropez holiday would cost you £951pp, the Bodrum holiday would cost just £590pp.

Read more on Turkey holidays

TURK NOTE

‘Turkish Disneyland’ opens new waterland with 14 slides and stays are VERY cheap

GO ALL IN

Turkey has crazy cheap all-inclusive holidays this summer – 7 nights from £329pp

And if you’re on a tighter budget, you can even bag yourself a break from £313pp with First Choice.

The holiday savings don’t stop when you land, either.

A three-course meal for two in Bodrum sets you back roughly €46 (£39) compared to €68 (£58) in St Tropez.

Local beers are also more than 50% cheaper, making going out for food and drink around one third cheaper overall.

Everything you’d be looking for in St Tropez – a glamorous waterfront, celeb-spotting, fancy bars and beach clubs – can also be found in Bodrum.

Famous figures including Kate Moss and even Royal Family members have been spotted strolling its glamorous streets.

Beyond the glam beach clubs and sunset cocktails, Bodrum packs in world-class history.

Visitors can explore the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Or you could wander medieval Bodrum Castle, built using stones salvaged from the ancient tomb itself.

Late summer and early autumn are prime times to visit for prices, temperatures and beating the crowds.

Average temperatures sit around a warm 29°C in September, meaning you can soak up the sunshine long after the peak summer rush has passed.

For the ultimate day trip, you can even tick off two countries in one holiday.

Daily ferries zip across the Aegean to the Greek island of Kos in under an hour for just €35 (£30) return – meaning you could eat your breakfast in Turkey and dinner in Greece.

Alternatively, hop aboard a traditional wooden boat at the harbour to sail around hidden coves and quiet swimming spots, giving you a taste of the glitzy sailing life for a fraction of the cost.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

DEVON is the only county with two coastlines – and it certainly has the impressive beaches to show for it.

Growing up in South Devon, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time enjoying its spectacular seaside – in particular along the English Riviera.

The Riviera spans 22 miles of pretty coastline along the South West Coast Path.

It has been hugely popular among holidaymakers ever since the Victorian era, thanks to its micro-climate.

The unusually warm weather means it is home to plenty of tropical plants and palm trees, giving it a Mediterranean feel.

In my 20 years living in the area, I’ve experienced all 25 stunning beaches across the three towns that feature on the Riviera – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

Each spot is different, with some being better for families while others are better for confident explorers.

As a local who has been to all of them, here’s my verdict on each…

25. Saltern Cove

Saltern Cove is a rocky, shingle beach that is my least favourite of all 25.

It’s rough underfoot, so I’d recommend taking beach shoes if you go in the water, and it’s best reached by kayak or paddle board.

The cove is a Special Site of Scientific Interest and as a result, is also a local nature reserve.

Near Goodrington Beach, you can head to the cove via Goodrington Sands or the South West Coast Path, and dogs are allowed all year-round.

24. Churston Cove

North of Brixham, Churston Cove is a quiet, shingle beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

This cove is popular among locals because it’s less well-known among tourists.

The water is particularly clear and calm compared to many of the other beaches.

I would say only venture to this spot if you are a keen hiker as the path is steep and uneven, but it does make for a scenic walk.

23. Watcombe Beach

If you want to see a beach with dramatic scenery, head to Watcombe Beach.

This secluded, quiet cove is surrounded by dramatic red cliffs scattered with towering trees.

The beach itself is a mixture of sand, shingle, and pebbles.

To get to the beach, your best bet is to park in the car park off Moor Lane and you will need to walk down a 500-metre, steep path.

22. Maidencombe Beach

For another dog-friendly spot, head to Maidencombe Beach in Torquay.

The beach is another place that features the county’s famous red sandstone cliffs, but is also a great spot to go rock pooling.

To get to the beach, you will need to head down a steep path and quite a few steps – so that is worth bearing in mind.

There is also a family-run cafe at the beach, where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak.

21. Oyster Cove

For another quiet spot, visit Oyster Cove in Paignton.

Popular with locals, to get to the beach you will have to head down a number of steps from the South West Coast Path above.

When the tide is low, loads of rockpools emerge to explore.

Your four-legged friend is allowed all year-round too.

20. Shoalstone Beach

Shoalstone Beach is another shingle beach that’s a 15-minute walk from Brixham’s main harbour.

The sea is quite rough here, but that’s no problem because Shoalstone seawater swimming pool is right next to the beach – the 53-metre tidal pool recently reopened following repairs.

There is a promenade to walk along and dogs are allowed year-round.

The Berry Head Hotel is a short walk away and perfect for a weekend stay, with rooms from £176.

19. Livermead Sands

Along the seafront from Torre Abbey Sands, heading towards Preston and Paignton, you willl find Livermead Sands.

It sits below a hotel by the same name and is a small red sand beach that completely disappears at high tide.

If you are staying at the hotel, there is direct access to the beach.

In the summer, make sure to catch the Red Arrows who fly over the beach.

18. Hollicombe Beach

Hollicombe Beach sits between the towns of Paignton and Torquay and is backed by red sandstone cliffs.

The quiet, sheltered beach features the famous red Devon sand and it’s quite long and thin, so you have to time your visit right to get the most of the space.

Wait until the tide washes out and suddenly a ton of rock pools will emerge, making it the best spot to go hunting for sea creatures.

Accessed by a steep, narrow slope, it’s good for older kids as it’s shallow water extends quite far out.

17. Man Sands

If you want to go to a secluded spot, head to Man Sands when on a hike from Sharkham Point.

The beach isn’t the most accessible, but the view is worth it when you get there.

And when the tide heads out, you will be able to explore a number of coves and rockpools.

It is a great spot for wildlife lovers as well, as behind the beach is a green area where birds live, and it is managed by the National Trust.

16. Beacon Cove

Growing up, I used to visit this beach a lot, tied in with a trip to the now- abandoned Living Coasts.

The beach sits between two cliffs and features a mix of pebbles and shingle.

The water is always very clear.

This spot even has the stamp of approval from a local celeb – Agatha Christie – who used to bathe here when it was a Ladies’ Bathing Cove.

15. Corbyn Beach

If Torre Abbey Sands is too busy for you, head to Corbyn Head Beach.

It is only a few minutes’ walk away from Torre Abbey Sands, but is much quieter and less busy.

Corbyn Head sits at the end of the beach, which is even believed to have inspired Baldy’s Head in Agatha Christie’s novel, Postern of Fate.

There’s a slipway from the road to the beach, making it super accessible, and you can grab a light bite from the cafe there too.

14. Fairy Cove

Located just behind Paignton Harbour, this quiet red-sand and pebble cove is a great spot for a peaceful escape.

The beach isn’t huge, but thanks to being tucked behind the harbour, you will only find locals there.

The sea here always tends to be a bit calmer as well, and has a nice gradual entry without getting deep quickly.

Not too far from the high street, it is the ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle.

13. Meadfoot Beach

A short drive from Torquay town harbour, you’ll reach Meadfoot Beach, which boasts a mix of shingle and pebble.

This beach has very clean water, but is known for being a little rockier underfoot when paddling.

It is also quieter, and thanks to a small car park and parking along the road, it is the perfect place to head wild swimming or kayaking, as crowds don’t get in the way.

There are also some seasonal beach huts and a cafe.

Make sure to look out for Thatcher Rock as well, and if you have binoculars you will be able to spot local birdlife on the towering sea rock.

If you want to extend your stay in this slightly quieter area of the English Riviera, you can book into The Osbourne Hotel, which looks right out to sea and costs from only £68 per night.

12. Anstey’s Cove

Anstey’s Cove was once used as a smugglers’ hideout thanks to being so secluded.

And today that secluded nature remains, with a shingle beach that is dog-friendly year-round.

The beach itself is surrounded by towering cliffs and woodland, making it a nice sheltered spot, hidden from the main tourist beaches.

It is a great stop when hiking along the South West Coast Path and to see dramatic rock formations.

11. Oddicombe Beach

Tucked under towering cliffs near Babbacombe, just outside of Torquay, you’ll find Oddicombe Beach.

The beach is another great family spot and you can have the added fun of getting there via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

At the beach, there are beach huts to rent, as well as a shop and cafe.

It is worth noting parking is a distance away, so I would say this is not a suitable beach for families with pushchairs.

10. Breakwater Beach

Another one of my fave spots is Breakwater Beach in Brixham.

Known as one of the cleanest beaches on the English Riviera, you will always spot brave wild swimmers and scuba divers in training.

The seabed here is actually home to a rare seagrass as well as seahorses.

If you walk along the beach and breakwater, you almost certainly will spot some of the town’s resident seals.

I am yet to visit and not see them, and I have been well over 20 times.

The Grade II historic site spot also holds a lot of history, as it was used as an embarkation point for the D-Day landings, where 30,000 troops with ammunition were loaded onto vessels.

9. Fishcombe Cove

On the edge of Brixham, you will find Fishcombe Cove, which is a dog-friendly beach with a mix of sand and shingle.

It sits right on the South West Coast Path, so is a good point to stop and enjoy the views of the bay.

It is also popular with wild swimmers and paddleboarders.

It used to be an important site for the lime kiln industry, with workers burning limestone to make lime for building.

8. Paignton Sands

When people think of traditional seaside towns, the image they see is pretty much Paignton Sands.

The long-stretching red sand beach features shallow water ideal for kids, a pier with arcades, crazy golf, a cinema, and spots to grab a bite to eat.

There always tends to be sand here, so it is ideal for a long day in the sun.

And thanks to being a short walk away from Paignton high street and train station, there’s a whole host of other things to do, including a huge playpark – making it the best spot on the coast for entertainment.

7. Preston Sands

If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Paignton Sands, head to Preston Sands instead.

The beach actually connects up with Paignton Sands, but is much quieter.

Backed by a green, it is a great spot for an early evening walk with an ice cream in hand or an afternoon picnic.

In fact, the green was used during World War I to house seaplanes that used to operate day trips around Torbay.

6. Torre Abbey Sands

Not too far from Torquay town centre, Torre Abbey Sands sits next to a road where you’ll find a lot of parking.

The long, red sandy beach is ideal for families as it’s sheltered and close to a number of facilities including toilets, an ice cream shop, a chippy and even a Lounges restaurant.

At low tide, the beach is huge as well, meaning there is plenty of space for families.

If lucky, you might catch ‘The Sandyman’ – artist Geoffrey Ward – who creates large patterns on the beach using a rake.

5. Broadsands Beach

While you can park at the south end of the beach, I would recommend walking to the beach from Broadsands.

There, you will pass under a towering viaduct designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Then it takes about five minutes along a lane to reach the beach, which has golden soft sand and isn’t as busy as other spots on the coast.

At either end of the beach, you’ll find rock pools, and then in the middle of the beach is a lifeguard, where you can also hire kayaks and paddleboards, and a cafe.

4. St Mary’s Bay

If you are looking for a spot that really transports you elsewhere, then head to St Mary’s Bay.

Here you will find soft sand, surrounded by cliffs covered in forest, making you feel as if you were somewhere more tropical.

The water itself is usually calm and clear as well.

You can head to the beach along the South West Coast Path too.

3. Babbacombe Beach

Next door to Oddicombe Beach, connected by a wooden coastal walkway, you will find Babbacombe Beach.

The beach is mostly pebbles, but is also sheltered, often making it a preferred spot for snorkelling and diving.

You might be able to see grey seals floating in the water too.

The serene spot even has its very own ‘inn on the beach’, with a pub.

Called the Cary Arms, the hotel sits right above the water and features a spa with an indoor pool that looks out to sea.

Rooms cost from £232 per night.

2. Goodrington Sands

No other beach in the UK can say it sits right by the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark.

But that isn’t all Goodrington Sands boasts.

With a Premier Inn right by the beach to extend your stay, there are plenty of things to do.

The beach is split into two – north and south beach.

With steam trains running along the north beach, this tends to be the more family-friendly spot.

It is also where you will find watersports activities, ice cream shops, chippies, and the waterpark.

The south end tends to be the dog-friendly walkers’ spot, backed by a huge green where you will also find a small lake with pedalos, karts and crazy golf.

For a bite to eat, head to Brewers Fayre Inn On The Quay.

1. Elberry Cove

Elberry Cove is just a short walk from Broadsands Beach and is my top pick.

A stunning pebble beach with clear waters that look like the Med and are always so inviting.

Every time I have visited, that moment where the beach comes into view makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and as if I have been picked up and dumped on some remote Greek island.

At the far end of the beach is a small bathhouse ruin that dates back to the 18th century.

It used to let Lord Churston, who built it, swim directly into the sea and even had an early version of the hot tub, which used to be heated by fire.

The cove is even believed to have connections to Agatha Christie, who grew up in the area and used it as a setting in her novel The ABC Murders.

It is also a great spot for watching nearby jet skis bounce over the sea.

IF you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked getaway without blowing through your savings, we’ve got good news.

While some popular hotspots, like Mykonos and Positano, often charge eye-watering prices, there are plenty of lesser-known, wallet-friendly spots in Europe and beyond for a sunny getaway.

And, with pints from £1.50, plus free attractions that the whole family will love, you don’t need a huge budget to enjoy your time abroad.

Whether you want White Lotus vibes in a cheap spot in Sicily, sun-drenched Spanish cities, or French countryside spots where local wines cost €2.50, we’ve got you covered.

Here are the Sun Travel team’s favourite cheap and sunny holiday destinations to book right now.

Fuengirola, Costa del Sol, Spain

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

Yearning for the glitz and glam of the Spanish celeb magnet that is Marbella but don’t have the dosh?

Just half an hour along the coast, fabulous Fuengirola offers the same sun-soaked shores without the A-lister prices.

You’re guaranteed sizzling sunshine – more than 300 days a year – and the 7km stretch of wide, golden sands leading down to gently-shelving, family-friendly waters is the star of the show.

Los Boliches Beach is a Blue Flag-clean favourite and you’ll be paying far less than in other Mediterranean beach resorts for sunbeds, with prices from just £12 a day for two loungers and a sun shade.

All along the coast are chiringuitos – beachside bars – serving up cheap plates of grilled sardines on skewers for just a few euros, and a pint of chilled beer will set you back around £4.

Shopaholics should save their pennies for the sprawling Tuesday Street Market – one of the largest on the coast – with bargain leather bags, clothes and souvenirs.

Tirana, Albania

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

When you think of a sunny destination, your first thought probably isn’t Albania, let alone its capital Tirana.

But in fact, the city can reach 35C in July and is one of the sunniest cities in Europe with more than 2,500 hours of sunshine each year.

So there really couldn’t be a better holiday spot to sit back and sink a refreshing pint. It won’t even set you back much either, costing as little as £1.50.

One thing I really love about the city is it still feels completely undiscovered by Brits, lacking crowds and the typical souvenir shops on each corner that tend to come with that.

In the heart of the city, visit Skanderbeg Square, where you’ll be able to get a clear view of the surrounding architecture – a mix of traditional Albanian villas and Soviet grey concrete buildings.

If you want to earn your pint, climb the city’s very own pyramid, which has spectacular views of the mountains that border the capital.

Make sure to also look out for ‘pillbox’ bunkers which are littered across the city – many of which have been turned into vibrant and quirky bars and cafes.

Occitanie, France

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

This jaw-dropping region in southern France is crammed with off-grid holiday spots, and petite villages that showcase authentic French history, cuisine and mannerisms… By that, I mean brush up on your linguistic skills before venturing into the rural parts.

Your efforts attempting to blend in with the locals will be rewarded with shockingly affordable food and drink of the highest quality – the French, after all, are the master innovators in the winemaking industry.

Head to the historic commune of Albi, where a glass of house wine will set you back around €2.50 – it’s good stuff, too.

The “Red City” has some of the most gorgeous medieval streets, with some immaculate palace gardens that are completely free to explore.

It’s best to fly into Toulouse so that you can pop over to some of the gorgeous villages nearby.

Saint Cirq Lapopie is frequently voted one of the most beautiful in France and it’s not hard to see why, with cobbled streets and wonky cafes that feel stereotypically French.

Seville, Spain

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

As one of Spain‘s most southern cities, you can always expect great weather in Seville (outside of summer of course – unless you like 40C days).

When it comes to wining and dining, you’re spoilt for choice, so I’d recommend trying a Secret Food Tour (from £65) which takes you around the local-loved spots. I had everything from churros and vermouth to pig cheeks and omelette along the way.

If you want a quick, cheap breakfast, go to Bar Alfalfa for a coffee and tomato toast for a few euros, or have a drink at El Rinconcillo, the city’s oldest bar.

The city is famed for its flamenco, but rather than forking out for a show, I simply headed to the parks where you can usually catch a live street performance for free.

Instead, save your money to see the city’s two top attractions – the moorish Royal Alcazar Palace and Cathedral de Sevilla, the world’s largest gothic church.

Cefalu, Sicily

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

Want White Lotus vibes on a budget?

Sicily’s coastal seaside resort of Cefalu has the same stunning coastline that featured in the smash hit show.

While the hotel scenes were shot at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina, the opening beach scenes and swimming spots were filmed at Spiaggia di Cefalu in the town itself.

There’s a broad stretch of golden sands backed by a maze of cobbled streets and hidden lanes full of medieval architecture.

While meals in the restaurants in town are still great value, for a real bargain, do as the locals and pick up some street food to eat on the beach.

Arancini – deep fried risotto balls stuffed with ragu – or sfincione – thick slices of Sicilian pizza – will cost between £1 and £3.50.

Seeing the historic sites also won’t cost a lot. Head to the Piazza del Duomo to admire the twin-towered Norman cathedral – entry to admire its stunning mosaics is free.

And for just £4.30 you can hike up the craggy mountain of La Rocca that looms over the town and be rewarded for your efforts with jaw-dropping, picture-postcard views across the entire coastline.

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Seeking something cheap and cheerful with guaranteed sun? Few places fit the bill better than Gran Canaria.

The Spanish island’s proximity to the northwest coast of Africa (around 150 kilometers) means that balmy temperatures are practically guaranteed year round, especially in the south of the island, with the northern mountains acting as a protective barrier.

While it may not initially spring to mind as a budget destination, you can find some incredible value package offers.

Its popularity among Brits means that you’ll have your pick of deals with a huge variety of tour operators to pick from and some competitive prices.

A package holiday is exactly what you should book when heading here, too, as its resorts are completely geared up for fly and flop holidaymakers.

The last time I visited, I splashed out on an all-inclusive deal so that I could have pina coladas delivered to my sunlounger on a rotating basis, flopping between the pool and restaurants, barely lifting a finger. Talk about R&R.

Lake Garda, Italy

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Italy will always have a fond place in my heart and when it comes to Lake Garda it has everything you could wish for, for a sunny family holiday.

In the 28C July heat, the lake is the perfect place to head for a swim which you can do from a number of beautiful beaches dotted around the perimeter, including Jamaica Beach.

If I had to pick one spot in particular around the lake that is really special, it would be Limone – a small cliff side town known for its historic lemon houses, waterfront promenade looking out at the clear lake, tonnes of citrus trees and even lemon-themed shops.

Make sure to head to Spiaggia Tifu beach in the town, which has lots of nearby amenities and calm waters making it ideal for families.

You can also hop on a ferry ride to a number of other villages and towns that sit around the lake.

And thanks to the abundance of restaurants and cafes around the lake, it won’t be hard to find a pretty spot to enjoy a pint, which will cost you around £4.20.

Milan, Italy

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

The Italian city of Milan often gets a bad rap when compared to the likes of Rome, Florence and Venice – but you can still find some less-touristy gems if you know where to look.

Of course, you have to visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is free and one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades, as well as the famous Duomo.

But after this, leave the main city centre for Navigli, a canal-side neighbourhood lined with restaurants and cafes and crisscrossed by arched bridges.

Iter is a great bar with friendly staff and fantastic wine, while the nearby Pizza AM is cheap and cheerful (and comes with a free glass of fizz).

Film buffs should head to Bar Luce, a retro-style cafe designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

IF you still want to book a family summer holiday there’s still time.

But if you want to take advantage of TUI‘s child-free place breaks, you need to act fast.

Families have just 10 days to get free child places on hundreds of summer holidays – there are some for under £2,000 for a family of four.

If you fancy having an August summer break, check out TUI free child place holidays here – and Sun Travel has picked out some good ones too.

HL Rio Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

In Lanzarote, the village-style bungalow is surrounded by palm trees.

It has two swimming pools, themed restaurants, bars and it’s close to the golden Playa Flamingo Beach.

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

HOL YES

Cheapest summer for holidays in YEARS – with August breaks still on sale for £188pp

There are lots of activities all day and into the evening, including an aerial adventure course for kids.

And the Aqualava Water Park which has water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool is next door.

A family of four can head here from August 20-27 with all-inclusive board and return flights to Glasgow from £1780 (including a free kid’s place).

Ponient Marinada & PortAventura Theme Park, Spain

The Ponient Marinada Hotel is in the heart of Salou and has everything to entertain the whole family.

There’s a games zone and a TUI KIDS’ CLUB, outdoor pools and a splash park – and in Salou, the hotel is within 10 minutes from multiple beaches, restaurants, bars and shops.

Kids will love all the rides and water fun at the PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land – you get a free day pass with the hotel and free daily shuttles.

A family of four can head here from August 18-25 with half board and return flights to Aberdeen from £1927 (including a free kid’s place).

Kefalos Beach Village, Cyprus

This spot in Paphos, Cyprus is described as more of a mini village than a hotel – and might be a tiny bit more expensive, but it’s worth it.

It has a swimming pool, kids pool, two bars, two restaurants with landscaped gardens.

It’s close to the promenade which is lined with shops, bars and restaurants – and it’s a 10-minute walk from the Tombs of the Kings.

A family of four can head here from August 20-28 with bed & breakfast board and return flights to London Gatwick from £2293 (including a free kid’s place).

TUI Managing Director Neil Swanson said: “There are genuinely great last-minute deals still available and thousands of free kid’s places left this August, so this is an exciting time to book for anyone who hasn’t yet snapped up a summer getaway.”

“We’re seeing particularly good value across a range of popular European destinations, including Spain, Greece and Portugal. Travellers who can be flexible on their departure date, airport or destination are likely to find the biggest savings”.

The offer ends on August 11 for departures up until August 31.

Only one free kid’s place is available in each selected hotel room or selected apartment type or villa with a minimum of two full paying adults.

YOU don’t need to spend a small fortune to treat the family to a stay at a top holiday park.

These award-winning parks are packed with indoor waterparks, loads of kids activities, coastal views and top quality entertainment.

Plus we found deals for families of up to six for as little as £2.88pp per night.

So whether you’re looking for a staycation in Scotland, an escape to Essex, or a beach break in North Wales, these top-rated resorts deliver non-stop family fun.

Orchards Holiday Village, Clacton-on-Sea

This AA four-star rated Clacton-on-Sea park has an indoor and outdoor pool, mini Segways, a nine-hole golf course, and a summer Football Fun Factory – and that’s just the start.

Put your spare 2p coins to good use in the arcade, or head off on a bike trail for quiet afternoon cycling along the fishing lake.

Read more on holiday parks

BRANCH OUT

Five-star holiday park that’s a ‘cheaper Center Parcs’ to open huge attraction

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

Then settle down by grabbing some familiar eats from Papa Johns, Burger King, or the park’s own pub, The Mash and Barrel.

Just 17 minutes away, Clacton Pavilion adds extra thrills with exciting live shows and more than 20 rides. You can grab an unlimited ride wristband for £12.99.

The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night break for four people in November for £49 total, working out to just £3.06pp per night.

Click the button below to browse last-minute summer breaks or to book ahead for quieter seasons.

Book a stay at Orchards Holiday Village from £49

Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire

East Yorkshire’s Thornwick Bay holiday park is ideal for outdoors-y families, with its very own private lake where you can hire pedalos, go kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding.

Indoors you’ll find a spacious swimming pool with a multi-lane waterslide, plus an action-packed Activity Barn with climbing walls, archery coaching, and slime workshops.

On sunny mornings, little explorers can hunt for fossils and explore the sea caves down at the bay.

When it’s time to refuel, there’s takeaway favourites like Chopstix noodles, plus sit-down dining options like the Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant. Just make sure to save room for dessert from Bertie’s Ice Cream.

With the dramatic Flamborough Headland’s moss-topped cliffs and breathtaking beaches on your doorstep, there’s endless options for things to do at this coastal holiday park.

It even won the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award last summer, and is rated a five-star holiday park by AA.

We found a four-night stay for four people in September for £49 total, which works out to £3.06pp per night.

Check holiday dates and caravan options by clicking the button below.

Book a stay at Thornwick Bay from £49

Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland

Race down neon-lit slides and flumes at Splashaway Bay – one of Scotland’s largest indoor waterparks – which sits inside Craig Tara holiday park.

Outside of the amazing waterpark, kids can burn off energy at the Adventure Village, where there are aerial ropes courses and a giant six-metre high platform called ‘The Jump’.

Plus with dedicated sensory rooms for toddlers and a huge soft play hall, every single age group is catered to.

With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, Craig Tara delivers the ultimate weather-proof staycation where a bout of rain could never dampen your holiday.

The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night stay for six people in September for £69 total, which is just £2.88pp per night.

Click below to browse holiday dates and caravan options.

Book a stay at Craig Tara holiday park from £69

Golden Sands, Rhyl

Set right in the pretty seaside town of Rhyl, Golden Sands Holiday Park makes a brilliant base for exploring North Wales, and has collected awards from sites such as Hoseasons.

You can easily reach spots like Dyserth Waterfall and historic Gwrych Castle in just a short drive, plus Rhyl itself has its own miniature railway and golden beach.

Back on site, kids can burn off energy with NERF gun battles, an outdoor adventure playground and soft play, or splash around in the indoor pool.

This park also has fantastic evening entertainment, with family-friendly live shows, glow parties, bingo nights and mini discos.

We found a deal for a three-night stay in a comfort chalet sleeping five in September for £157, working out to £10.47pp per night.

Click below to browse dates and book yourself in for a staycation.

Book a stay at Golden Sands from £157

Combe Haven, Sussex

In sunny St Leonards-on-Sea in Sussex, this lively resort is perfect for making a splash, with a huge water complex including a lazy river and a giant Space Bowl flume.

On-site activities range from archery coaching and footgolf to a giant climbing wall.

Head to Cook’s Fish and Chips for a chippy tea, and sea view drinks at The Saxon Bar to unwind in the evenings.

You’re also just 15 minutes from historic Hastings, where you can explore historic Hastings Castle and the underground caves of the Smuggler’s Adventure.

The cheapest deal we found was for a four night stay for six people in September for £69 total, working out at £2.88pp per night.

Click the button below to browse holiday dates, including last-minute summer breaks.

Book a stay at Combe Haven from £69.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

BOOKING a holiday in advance doesn’t necessarily pay off anymore and more Brits are leaving up until the last-minute to book a break.

loveholidays found that year-on-year bookings for holidays departing the next day are jumping 26 per cent.

The most popular destinations for these spots include Majorca, Tenerife, Antalya, Costa Blanca and Ibiza.

Sun Travel did some digging of our own, and found some of the best last-minute loveholidays breaks with some flights leaving as soon as tomorrow.

Ona Don Juan, Spain

The four-star hotel in the coastal town of Lloret de Mar is a short-flight away and there’s plenty to do from paddling in one of its three swimming pools to tennis, and trying out the games room.

There’s even an on-site nightclub for those who want to enjoy their break well into the evening and the local beach at Lloret de Mar is a short walk away.

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

HOL YES

Cheapest summer for holidays in YEARS – with August breaks still on sale for £188pp

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Ona Don Juan starts from £459pp – including return flights to Bournemouth departing on July 29

Cosmelenia Hotel Apartments, Cyprus

Found in Ayia Napa, this hotel is a great find for soaking up the Cypriot sunshine it also has cosy rooms, a swimming pool and food is served throughout the day.

For fans of waterparks, WaterWorld which is one of the biggest in Europe with 30 rides and attractions is a short walk away.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £519pp – including return flights to Manchester Airport from July 31 returning

Hotel Troya, Tenerife

This hotel is in Tenerife’s resort of Playa de las Américas a resort known for having beaches, nightlife and restaurants all in one place.

The Hotel Troya has three outdoor pools and a full spa with a sauna and Jacuzzi – it also has two restaurants and bars including one that’s right next to the pool.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Hotel Troya starts from £609pp – including return flights from Bristol Airport on August 1

Sol Costa Daurada, Spain

In the heart of Salou, Costa Dorada is Sol Costa Daurada which has Mediterranean-style rooms and plenty of places to eat from its buffet restaurant to poolside bar.

There’s an outdoor swimming pool and a separate one for children with sunloungers dotted about – guests can try their hand at games like table tennis.

A four-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Sol Costa Daurada starts from £429pp – including return flights from Manchester Airport on July 29

Hotel Playa, Spain

Yet another Spain pick is to Hotel Playa in Torrevieja which is within walking distance of a local beach and rooms to suit families and couples too.

The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools as well as a gym, restaurant and bar – for activities, there’s the opportunity to go cycling and the hotel has live music during the evenings.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £479pp – including return flights departing Manchester Airport on July 29 and returning on August 3 to Leeds Bradford.

Hotel Matheo Villas & Suites, Crete

If you fancy splashing out on a last-minute holiday, head to Crete – the hotel is found in Malia which is a popular resort on the island.

The hotel has three swimming pools with sunlounger beds, a wellness area, and a poolside restaurant serving up Greek specialities.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £689pp – including return flights departing East Midlands Airport on July 30

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

BOOKING a family holiday this summer doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget.

If you’re looking for 30C heat, short flights, and family-friendly resorts all for a cheap price, we’ve got your back.

Despite August being peak school summer holiday season, we’ve managed to find sunny island getaways that are shockingly cheap.

From Canary Island escapes to quiet Greek coastlines, we’ve tracked down five week-long family holidays that all come in at under £290pp.

Gran Canaria – £263pp

Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is a lively beach resort with golden sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and August temps of up to 30°C.

Perched high on a scenic hilltop, the villa-style Nido del Aguila boasts four swimming pools, including two dedicated kids zones.

Read more on cheap holidays

GO GREEK

Super cheap Greek island holidays – with an entire week away from £185pp

COSTA LITTLE

Major budget airline to launch MEGA cheap holiday packages from the UK

Spacious self-catering apartments come with private terraces, while sizzling poolside BBQs, bike rentals, and evening performances keep everyone entertained.

Best of all, you’re just a five-minute stroll from the Europa Centre’s lively shops, with your pick of two beaches waiting down the hill.

Book a seven-night stay at the Nido del Aguila from August 18 for £263pp

Tenerife – £245pp

Santa Ursula shows off a more relaxed side to Tenerife, with dramatic ocean cliffs and lush green landscapes.

It’s perfect for escaping the mega resort chaos, while still putting you just a 10-minute drive from the beaches of Puerto de la Cruz.

Positioned on a cliffside, Coral La Quinta Park Suites offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Teide and the Atlantic.

Grab local snacks and cheap wine from the supermarket just a minute away for DIY tapas on your private balcony, then spend your days bouncing between the subtropical pool and the on-site mini-golf course.

Book a seven-night stay at the Coral La Quinta Park Suites from August 19 for £245pp

Lanzarote – £255pp

Costa Teguise is one of Lanzarote’s most popular family resorts, pairing year-round sunshine with breezy golden beaches and a laid-back coastal vibe.

It’s ideal for sun-seekers who want easy access to watersports, golf, and oceanfront dining.

Just a two-minute stroll from the sands of Playa Bastian, Molino De Guatiza Apartments is a quiet, 36-room complex made for real relaxation.

You can kick back with a drink from the pool bar or take an easy 10-minute walk into the resort centre for lively bars and tapas.

Book a seven-night stay at the Molino De Guatiza Apartments from August 18 for £255pp

Crete – £289pp

Plakias on Crete’s south coast swaps tacky tourist traps for traditional family-run tavernas, dramatic mountain views, and quiet beaches.

There are plenty of breath-taking landscapes to explore, like sheltered white sand coves and Kourtaliotiko Gorge, which has a waterfall you can swim beneath plus a chapel built into the rock face.

With just 12 rooms on the whole property, Sunrise Hotel & Apartments is about as low-key as a Greek getaway gets.

That means zero fighting for sunbeds by the pool, a handy splash zone for the kids, and a poolside bar for grabbing a cold drink before taking a dip.

Book a seven-night stay at the Sunrise Hotel & Apartments from August 12 for £289pp

Fuerteventura – £249pp

If you like to skip the long transfer coach after landing, Caleta de Fuste sits just ten minutes from the airport around a broad, sheltered bay.

It’s got everything you need for the ideal family holiday: 26C sunshine, relaxex bars and restaurants, and beaches with calm, shallow waters.

The BLUESEA Puerto Caleta is a traditional whitewashed complex centreed around a palm-lined swimming pool.

Here, you’re a five-minute stroll from the nearest beach and only two minutes from the local supermarket – ideal for stocking up your modern apartment’s kitchenette.

Book a seven-night stay at the BLUESEA Puerto Caleta from August 7 for £249pp

Prices correct at the time of publication.

GONE are the days of dingy caravans in the drizzling rain – because the UK’s hottest holiday parks feel more like multi-million pound mega resorts.

Today, the best coastal holiday parks have been transformed into massive, all-action playgrounds that easily rival an overseas holiday.

We’re talking huge parks boasting their own on-site Wetherspoons for cheap family meals, massive indoor waterparks the kids will love and even theme parks right on your doorstep.

Best of all, you don’t need to blow your savings to get in on the action.

We’ve rounded up the ultimate action-packed resorts across the UK, with stays starting from an unbelievable £3.06 per person, per night – which, let’s face it, is probably cheaper than a pint at that on-site Spoons.

Here are the best mega holiday parks to book right now for a budget-friendly family staycation.

Hopton Holiday Village, Norfolk

Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village in Norfolk is hard to beat – especially since it holds the current title for AA’s Holiday Park of the Year.

Fresh from a massive makeover, the park now has its very own Wetherspoons pub – The White Clover – as well as a newly-upgraded pool complex that has literally doubled in size.

This holiday park sits on the golden sands of Hopton-on-Sea, and is just 12 minutes down the road from the legendary Golden Mile of Great Yarmouth.

There you can grab a bag of hot, sugary donuts and stroll the pier, drop spare change into traditional two pence machines, or even tackle Pleasure Beach’s legendary wooden rollercoaster – one of only two in the UK.

When it comes to activities on-site, this site packs in everything from crazy golf and Segway tours, to a heated indoor pool complete with high-speed flumes and slides.

Once the day is done, you can head straight to the buzzing lounge bar to grab a drink and catch the fun-filled Seaside Squad entertainment.

Unity Beach, Somerset

You don’t just get a holiday park stay at Unity Beach in Somerset – you get a holiday park, theme park and a newly-revamped waterpark rolled into one.

Brean Theme Park is the UK’s largest free-entry theme park, and it packs in over 40 attractions – from outdoor rollercoasters and classic dodgems to a splashing log flume.

This summer also sees the reopening of the upgraded Unity Splash waterpark, which included both indoor and outdoor splash zones, waterslides, and rubber ring rides.

Kids can burn energy at the trampoline park, indoor soft play, crossbow shooting, or even axe throwing.

Not the mention you’ve got the epic, seven-mile stretch of Brean Sands beach right on your doorstep.

Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

As the UK’s biggest holiday park – and one of the largest in Europe – Trecco Bay is a colossal coastal playground.

Situated in the seaside town of Porthcawl, here you’ve got a classic promenade, a seaside funfair, and a choice of stunning Blue Flag beaches right on your doorstep.

But there’s no need to leave site when you’ve got a NERF gun battlefield, bumper zorbing, pirate-themed crazy golf, and a Make a Bear station and more to pick from.

Plus the pool complex has high-powered aqua jets that twist you through the water, as well as inflatable jet skis and mini aqua paddler boats for little ones.

Even the pickiest of eaters can find something here, with top-tier high-street brands like Burger King, Papa Johns, Thunderbird Fried Chicken, and Costa Coffee ready to refuel the whole family.

Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland

Haven’s flagship Scottish resort, Craig Tara, is a colossal playground built for non-stop family fun.

This holiday park is home to Splashaway Bay, one of Scotland’s biggest indoor waterparks, which has its own lazy river, multi-lane slides and an enormous tipping bucket.

Kids can race down a speed-tracking flume to see their name on the daily leaderboard, or zip down a twisting waterslide lit up with vibrant neon lights.

Over in the Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village, brave kids can scale the aerial ropes course or take a literal leap of faith from the six metre-high platform ‘The Jump’.

And if that’s not enough, you’ve got the Airspace sports hall, which is loaded with a climbing wall, electronic target zones, and a giant soft play arena.

Toddlers are just as well looked after, with dedicated baby sensory rooms and their own interactive splash zone.

This holiday park makes for the ultimate rainproof staycation, where the unpredictable Scottish weather won’t affect your holiday plans.

Littlesea Holiday Park, Weymouth

If you’re after jaw-dropping sea views and a relaxing, slower-paced park, Haven’s Littlesea Holiday Park is a top choice.

With its own tranquil stretch of sand on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Haven Littlesea overlooks the serene Fleet Lagoon and has natural wonders like the stone arch of Durdle Door right on your doorstep.

On-site, kids can get their hands dirty with guided nature walks and bug hunts, plus there’s also creative pottery classes and lively games of beach bingo.

New additions to the park include the Football Fun Factory and The Tiger Club Show, making its return from the 90’s era of Haven entertainment.

As for food and drink, families can tuck into a pizza at Papa Johns, grab a burger from The Smash Shack, or tuck into some delicious fish and chips from Cook’s.

Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire

Haven’s AA 5 Gold Star-awarded Thornwick Bay sits right on the edge of the dramatic Flamborough Headland, giving you instant access to a breathtaking beach backed by moss-topped cliffs.

This coastal hotspot is a paradise for little explorers, who can spend their mornings rock pooling, hunting for fossils, and poking around hidden sea caves.

You don’t even have to head to the ocean to get out on the water, thanks to a private on-site lake where you can hire pedalos, go kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding.

Indoors, the Activity Barn packs in climbing walls, archery coaching, and slime-making workshops, plus there’s an indoor pool complex complete with a multi-lane waterslide.

When it’s time to refuel, you can grab a box of Chopstix noodles or head to the Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant where the kids can play in the garden’s sandpit.

Top it all off with a giant scoop from Bertie’s Ice Cream, and your next summer staycation is completely sorted.

Devon Cliffs, Exmouth

Devon Cliffs is one of Haven’s biggest resorts, sloping right down to its very own award-winning private beach, Sandy Bay, where dramatic red cliffs meet the sea.

This coastal holiday park boasts a massive indoor pool with a speedy four-lane slide, alongside a sea-kayaking and paddle-boarding school right on the shore.

Back up on the cliffs, families can tackle a high ropes course, bounce on bungee trampolines, race mini 4x4s, or hurtle down high-speed rubber ring tube slides.

Eating on a budget is a breeze too, thanks to the park’s on-site Wetherspoons, The Red Rocks.

Parents can also escape for a seaside pint to the beach bar, or grab a bite to eat in the South Beach Cafe for sunsets and sea views.

There’s also two live entertainment venues hosting everything from classic bingo to nostalgic 90’s tribute shows.

FOREIGN holidays this summer are shaping up to be the cheapest they’ve been in decades – and we’ve found some of the best deals out there.

With peak August package holidays starting from just £188pp and all-inclusive weeks away from £269pp, the dreaded school holiday price surge appears to have collapsed.

Brits’ booking behaviour has been impacted by the cost of living crisis, summer heatwaves and worries over the Iran war and increase in fuel prices, with many opting for a staycation this year instead.

Meanwhile, holiday companies have slashed the price of package holidays abroad – and almost nobody seems to have noticed.

The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, explained: “The conflict in the Middle East – and resulting fears about fuel availability – saw many of us pause our holiday planning.

“Many also chose to wait as England stormed through to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

“With the cost of living still an issue for millions AND the sun shining in yet another heatwave across the UK, there were yet more reasons for us to wait before we booked.

“And that’s resulted in some incredible deals as the big tour operators desperately tempt us to put our holiday pounds on the table.

“Jet2 – now the UK’s largest tour operator – opened its 14th base at Gatwick as the summer season took off putting it in direct competition with its great rivals TUI and easyJet at the UK’s second biggest airport for the first time.

“Increased competition will mean all of the big operators trying to tempt us to book with the kind of holiday prices we haven’t seen in a decade.”

To help you cash in on these price drops, we’ve rounded up seven of the cheapest family holiday deals we could find this summer.

All of these package hols are within the school summer holidays, based on a family of two adults and two kids, and come in at under £300pp.

Marmaris, Turkey – £239pp

Marmaris on Turkey‘s turquoise coast is a very popular family destination, and for good reason.

The resort is a sun-drenched playground packed with golden sandy beaches, ancient castles and a lively waterfront that gives Marmaris that unmistakable holiday buzz.

The Grand Villa Sol Apart offers a brilliant, budget-friendly base close to all the action.

Relax by the sparkling outdoor pool with a drink from the poolside bar, then catch evening entertainment shows out on the terrace.

There’s also a shuttle to whisk you straight to the beach in ten minutes, plus the Aqua Dream Water Park is just a five-minute drive away.

Majorca – £285pp

For beaches with powder-soft sands and waters so calm they feel like a giant paddling pool, take a family holiday to Alcudia in Majorca.

The O7 Be Klub hotel boasts a staggering 11 swimming pools, complete with waterslides and children’s splash zones.

When the sun goes down, head over to the open-air Garden Theatre for live shows, or challenge the family to a round of mini golf.

Alcudia Beach is easily reached by a scenic, three-minute boat trip which takes you straight from the hotel down to the sand.

Tenerife – £188pp

Costa del Silencio is a laid-back Tenerife resort known for its dramatic volcanic landscape, peaceful seafront boardwalk and glass-clear natural pools far away from any noisy crowds.

The Parque Carolina Apartments offer a relaxed place to stay with plenty of room for big families, plus a pretty sun terrace made for catching rays.

The self-catering apartments come with fully-equipped kitchens, plus private patios to enjoy breakfast out in the sun.

When you’re ready for a dip, the bright yellow cliffs and clear waters of Playa Amarilla beach are just a few minutes’ stroll away.

Plus golf lovers can tee off at nearby Amarilla Golf or Golf del Sur, while a 15-minute drive takes you to world-class waterparks like Siam Park and Aqualand.

And at an unbelievable £188pp, this island getaway is the cheapest package holiday deal on our list.

Bulgaria – £279pp

With sweeping golden beaches and famously cheap prices, Sunny Beach is a go-to pick for a bargain summer break.

The Sunny Day Club hotel is an ideal spot for families, tucked into a quieter northern patch of the resort.

Days here revolve around the giant outdoor pool, where parents can laze out on a lounger while little ones burn off energy in the children’s playground.

When hunger strikes, there’s an on-site restaurant and cafe serving unfussy family favourites, plus a poolside snack bar for quick bites.

The buzzy bars, shops and restaurants of Sunny Beach are just a short bus ride away, with a convenient bus stop directly outside the hotel.

Agadir, Morocco – £189pp

For some guaranteed summer heat, head to Agadir, where temperatures sit in the high 20s to early 30s in August.

The Moroccan resort boasts a six-mile stretch of sand to enjoy, plus a vibrant centre with bustling souks and budget-friendly restaurants.

The whitewashed Appart Hotel Igoudar sits right next to a bustling local market, where you can wander past colourful souks selling local goods and spices, as well as browse for souvenirs.

Here you’re a five-minute stroll from the main beach, with a spacious self-catering apartment to return to after days out exploring.

Costa Brava, Spain – £209pp

Blanes offers traditional Spanish charm with its wide sandy shores, lively tapas bars, and bustling seaside promenade.

Hotel Esplendid feels like your own little oasis, where a turquoise swimming pool is sheltered by massive, leafy gardens.

Active families will love the sports setup, with tennis, volleyball, and three separate swimming pools, including an indoor heated option.

There’s also a kids club and games room to keep boredom strictly off the itinerary.

Here you’re just steps from S’abanell Beach, which is the longest sand beach on the Costa Brava.

Pick between sunbathing on its sands or taking in the stunning coastline views from the water on a jet ski or pedalo.

Antalya, Turkey – £269pp

Sitting on Turkey’s sun-drenched southern shores, Mahmutlar in Antalya pairs quiet beaches with dramatic mountain backdrops.

Sun Star Beach Hotel delivers a classic hassle-free, all-inclusive family holiday.

The palm-lined outdoor pool is complete with a yellow waterslide, plus plenty of loungers – so no need to worry about sunbed hoggers.

We found a bargain all-inclusive package that covers buffet meals, poolside snacks and drinks.

There’s even an on-site spa to escape to with a traditional Turkish bath and sauna, allowing you to truly unwind.

You’re also just a minute’s walk from the hotel’s own private beach, and a short bus ride away from central Alanya where you can explore its historic hilltop castle and harbour.

LOOKING for a beach spot in the UK when it is hot and sunny can often just feel like a battle against crowds of people.

But one beach destination is so big, that even with people on the beach it never becomes crowded.

Harlech Beach in Snowdonia National Park in Wales stretches for four miles, with sand dunes, mountain views and even a castle.

The beach is known for being a scenic spot as well as one of the cleanest beaches in Snowdonia, according to Go North Wales.

Thanks to the size of the beach, it is the ideal spot for kids to run around and keen watersports enthusiasts can try out surfing at the beach.

If you happen to visit the beach during the warmer months, you might even be lucky enough to see leatherback turtles, as they migrate to the beach to feed on jellyfish, according to Sykes Cottages.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

In fact, the largest leatherback turtle ever recorded in the world was found on the beach in 1988, weighing 916kg – it is now in the National Museum Cardiff.

Visitors often note how the beach is also free from crowds, with one recent visitor commenting that there is “plenty of space for all”.

Another person commented: “You can walk for miles and the views are sensational, I felt like we were abroad!”

Overlooking the beach, you can head to the 13th century Harlech Castle, which was used by Edward I and is now a World Heritage Site.

You can walk up to the castle too, if you fancy spending longer at the beach.

Tickets to see the castle cost £10.90 per adult, £7.90 per child or £34.90 for a family of up to five.

There is a car park about 400 metres from the beach, along a path, where you will also find a cafe and a shop.

Though, if you don’t drive, it is actually still easy to get to the beach.

Harlech Railway Station, which sits on the Cambrian Coast Line, is only a 10-minute walk away.

WHETHER you fancy a retro 80’s disco weekender, a relaxing spa staycation, or a cocktail masterclass and overnight stay – we’ve found your next British break.

Best Western has launched a massive wave of budget-friendly summer staycation and hotel deals across the UK.

Click below to browse all Best Western hotels offering free breakfast, from gorgeous country manors to bustling cities across the UK.

To sweeten the deal, if you lock in your getaway before July 31, you can bag a FREE breakfast with your break at selected hotels.

Best Western has 200+ hotels across the UK. Click here to browse which ones are offering free breakfast.

To make a proper weekend of it, the hotel group have also rolled out their exclusive ‘GEM’ packages – which stands for Great Escapes, Memorable Stays.

Instead of just booking a hotel room, these thoughtfully crafted breaks combine your stay and food with unique activities perfect for couples or families.

CHECK IN

One of the UK’s most affordable theme parks opens two new hotels kids will LOVE

GOOD FIND

I stayed at London’s ‘lost’ hotel with luxe bedrooms and secret cocktail menu

To save you the scrolling, we’ve tracked down some of the best value hotel packages on offer right now.

From dancing the night away at 80’s weekenders to serene wellness stays by the sea, here are our top Best Western staycations to book this summer.

Seaside escape to Bournemouth

Explore the best of Bournemouth and indulge in some serious pampering with a three-night escape to BW Signature Collection Hotel Collingwood.

This glamorous hotel also packs in the perks with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket so you can cruise around the seaside town easily.

When you aren’t out exploring, you’ll have unlimited access to the heated pool, sauna, and hydrotherapy facilities at the on-site Eden Spa – plus a generous 25% discount to use on treatments.

Not only this, but you’ll also enjoy a delicious three-course dinner in the evening and a hearty Full English breakfast in the morning – plus access to the classy Bubble Lounge Bar for a late-night cocktail.

Stay from £180 per night (for two)

Swing and Stay golf break at Southcrest Manor Hotel, Redditch

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves playing on a championship fairway before soaking in a hydrotherapy hot tub, this one’s for you.

The “Swing & Stay” deal gets two people onto the greens of the prestigious Redditch Golf Club for a full 18-hole round, with the flexibility to play on either your arrival or departure day.

Once you’ve finished playing you can retreat to this grand 1901 manor house, which sits inside 10 acres of gorgeous countryside grounds. The package also includes access to the hotel’s spa, which has infrared saunas to soothe those aching arms.

Wake up to a cracking breakfast in the morning, and tuck into delicious cakes and traditional afternoon tea at the on-site Laura Ashley Tea Room.

Stay from £238 per night (for two)

VIP Jazz and Blues Festival break, Birmingham

This VIP package lets you drink your weight in bottomless Prosecco while live jazz bands play right in front of you but instead of standing in the crowds, you’ll be lounging in reserved VIP seats for an in-house hotel performance from Birmingham‘s Jazz & Blues Festival.

You won’t even have to stand up to get a refill, thanks to a personal waiter serving bottomless Prosecco, draught lager, and wine for a glorious two-hour window.

Stay at a grand 1704 Victorian mansion in leafy Edgbaston: Best Western’s Plough & Harrow Hotel. And of course enjoy that cooked breakfast in the morning.

After enjoying the music and drinks, you can chill out on the garden terrace or catch a quick tram into the city centre to explore.

Stay from £166.95 per night (for two)

Cocktail Masterclass and countryside escape, Canterbury

Countryside manor Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury is swapping traditional quiet country weekends for something with a bit more kick.

With Best Western’s ‘Art of Mixology Escape’ package, you’ll check into a gorgeous hotel surrounded by two acres of stunning, manicured lawns before heading out into Canterbury.

Guests will then step into The John in Canterbury for a hands-on cocktail masterclass. A welcome glass of bubbly gets the session started, and you’ll soon be shaking and stirring your own custom creations.

The deal also lines your stomach with a fresh stone-baked pizza dinner at the hotel, and includes a full English breakfast the next morning.

Stay from £229.49 per night (for two)

80’s party night – The Hatfield Hotel, Lowestoft

Dust off your neon leg warmer for Lowestoft‘s 80’s party weekend. The event takes place over the weekend of September 26–27, and you can secure a free ticket by booking this stay with Best Western.

Stay at the seafront Hatfield Hotel and spend Saturday night on the dance floor boogieing to DJ Chica’s 80’s playlist.

The night is packed with everything from rock and roll anthems to cheesy power ballads.

Your booking covers your event ticket, a double room right at the seafront hotel and a free cooked breakfast the next morning.

Stay from £103.68 per night (for two)

Prices correct at the time of publication.

IF YOU are looking for your next hidden gem island to jet off to, then look no further.

Picture luscious green trees, pristine beaches and its currently 30C – well, you could experience this less than five hours from the UK.

Losinj is a small Croatian island that is connected to the mainland via a bridge from the neighbouring island of Cres.

The island is loved for its natural beauty, but historically, has also been loved for being a health resort.

By 1891, more than a million trees covered the island – a mix of Aleppo and Scot pines.

A year later, the island was declared a natural health resort thanks to the aromatic oils of the pine trees filling the air and producing a natural aerosol that when inhaled helped those with respiratory diseases.

Read more on travel inspo

TRAVEL TIP

The £2.99 SIM hack that can save Brits HUNDREDS abroad

STAYCAY

Our travel experts’ best-kept-secret UK holiday spots for summer – from £37 a night

Known as the ‘Island of Vitality’, Losinj today is still loved for its natural state but has also become popular for its pretty beaches with clear water.

Littered across the island are a number of picturesque towns and villages to visit.

The main hub is Mali Losinj, which is home to 19th century Captain’s Houses, as well as a natural harbour and a Museum of Croatian Apoxyomenos.

There’s also Sveti Jakov – a small fishing village home to around 70 people – with ancient olive groves as well as a sandy cove ideal for swimming.

One spot that is ideal for history lovers is Veli Losinj, where you’ll find the oldest settlement on the island.

This used to be the spot where Austro-Hungarian royalty used to stay, as a health retreat on the island, with palm trees, villas and its very own small fishing port.

Most of the island remains covered in trees making it the ideal hiking destination.

If you do head on a trek, beeline for Televin – a scenic viewpoint that overlooks the island and surrounding ocean.

According to one recent review, a round-trip trek to the viewpoint takes about five-and-a-half hours, though it isn’t too strenuous.

The viewpoint can also be reached via car, along a road.

There are a number of places to stay across the island including Vitality Hotel Punda, which costs from £75 per night.

The hotel sits near the coast and boasts its own gardens as well as three restaurants, five bars, a rocky swimming area, outdoor pools, an indoor pool and a spa.

It is also only three miles from Mali Losinj ferry terminal, where you can hop on a ferry to Zadar (which is the easiest point to access the island from).

One-way flights to Zadar cost from £19 per person, in August.

The journey to Losinj then usually takes about two hours.

THIS popular East Yorkshire holiday park has undergone an epic multi-million pound transformation for 2026.

Skirlington Coast holiday park in East Yorkshire has received plenty of exciting additions this year, including a range of new activities – plus a brand new lido and waterpark to splash about in.

Even better, the holiday park is available to book as part of The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50, meaning you can bag yourself a seriously affordable stay to check out all the new upgrades.

The holiday park have invested 10 million pounds into upgrading its grounds and facilities, such as introducing a new bandstand and festival gardens.

But perhaps the most exciting new additions are its waterpark, lido and family activities.

The waterpark spans both indoor and outdoor areas, centred around two large swimming pools.

Read more on £9.50 holidays

WAVE REVIEWS

Ultimate guide to the UK’s best holiday county with top beaches & £9.50 hols

OLDE WORLD

World-class beaches, mountains & monsters make Scotland an unforgettable holiday

Indoors, kids can splash about under the umbrella-shaped water feature, while grown-ups can unwind in the sauna or hot tub.

Outdoors, kids can burn off their energy on the Giant Aqua Bounce inflatable, while adults can sunbathe on a comfy lounger.

As well as the waterpark upgrades, the park have also opened up a brand new lido.

The large outdoor lido is the perfect place to cool off on a sunny day, but if the weather does take a turn, it is sheltered by a large yellow-striped roof.

Next to the lido there are plenty of colourful deck chairs, parasols, loungers and even some beach huts that give the area that seaside holiday feel.

The lido and outdoor waterpark sit in the Festival Gardens area, a brand new section of the holiday park which is filled with brightly-coloured decorations and pretty fairy lights.

Here you can grab a refreshing drink from the Festival Bar and soak up the scenery.

As well as housing the lido and outdoor waterpark, this area is also home to a brand new dog agility park – so if you like to bring your furry friend with you on holiday, this is the perfect place to teach them some new tricks.

The area also includes a new bike pump track, where younger children can zoom around a course and practice their skills on pump bikes that require no pedalling.

The other two zones within the Festival Gardens area are the outdoor playground and the activity tent, where you can have a go at new activities like axe throwing, rifle shooting and firing mini crossbows.

When it comes to food and drink, this park has plenty of options.

Grab a bite to eat at Sea Salt Fish and Chips to keep in line with the seaside holiday vibe, or tuck into a hearty full English breakfast at the cosy Wonky Donkey cafe.

Menus here are made with fussy eaters in mind, so expect lots of familiar favourites like burgers, pizzas, chips and nuggets.

Accommodation ranges from camping and touring pitches to well-stocked holiday homes split up into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum categories.

The most simple Bronze caravan comes with a roomy open plan design with a modern kitchen and spacious living room, with a sofa that pulls out to turn into an extra bed.

The caravans also all come with central heating, double-glazed windows, Wi-Fi and beds made-up on arrival, so no need to worry about bringing your own linen like elsewhere.

The holiday park sits on Yorkshire’s beautiful, rugged coastline, with popular seaside town Hornsea a 10-minute drive away and Skipsea Beach just five minutes away.

I BET you’ve heard of Istanbul – but did you know a short boat ride from the city there is a hidden gem island?

Meaning ‘Big Island’ in Turkish, Büyükada is the largest of the three Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, which is near Istanbul.

Despite being the largest, the island itself only spans two-square-miles.

And from Istanbul, you can hop on a ferry (there are two different companies that head there) with tickets ranging from £2.50 to £3.20 per way and taking between 45 minutes and an hour and a half to get there.

Tie in your visit to Buyukada, with the other two islands – Heybeliada and Burgazada – before heading back to Istanbul.

As for what to see and do on Buyukada, until recently the only public transport on the island were horse-drawn carriages.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

But now, thanks to the island becoming more popular with tourists, you can hop on a number of electric buses – with no cars allowed on the island.

At the north end of the island, you can expect to see streets lined with 19th century, wooden villas.

Famous ones in particular include the Con Paşa Mansion, which was built by a Venetian merchant and Mizzi Mansion, which boasts a red brick tower.

Make sure to stop by the Nizam neighbourhood too, where you’ll find more Ottoman era villas including white buildings draped in vibrant, purple flowers.

The area isn’t too big, but do make sure you head down Cankaya Caddesi which is often named the most beautiful street in Turkey.

History fanatics should also drop by Trotsky House, which is where Leon Trotsky lived in exile between 1929 and 1933.

On the other hand, the southern end of the island is mostly home to great walking and hiking routes, thanks to being home to the Büyükada Ecotourism Area.

You’ll find Mediterranean pine forests and the island’s highest peaks to explore.

You’ll also find Prinkipo Greek Orphanage, which is the largest wooden building in Europe and the second largest in the world.

The island is home to some beautiful beaches as well, including Aya Nicola Beach.

For around £6.40, you can hire a lounge chair with an umbrella and also access showers and changing rooms, making it the ideal spot for a beach day.

Alternatively, you could head to Viranbağ Plajı, which also boasts a restaurant.

While you do have to pay an entry fee to the beach (which usually is a few quid), it is often less crowded than other spots on the island.

A popular way to explore the entire island is by hiring a bike – and thanks to its size, it only takes a couple of hours to cycle around.

The best way to get to the island is by flying to Istanbul and then taking a short and scenic ferry ride across to the island itself.

Flights to Istanbul cost from £108 per way in July.

And if you want to extend your time on the island, you can stay in one of the hotels or guesthouses.

For example, there’s Hillora Hotel Buyukada, which has views, a sauna, a sun terrace and a garden.

Plus it is just a six-minute walk from the beach.

The hotel costs from £149 per night.

For something more historical but also cheaper, head to Büyükada Anastasia Meziki History Mansion, which has its own restaurant, bar, terrace, patio and mountain views.

The hotel even has a hot tub to relax in.

Rooms at the hotel cost from £86 per night.

AFTER a bargain family break? All-inclusive getaways to far-flung sunshine spots are seeing huge price cuts for this summer – so get booking.

The United Arab Emirates boasts the largest price drop, with holiday providers and hotels launching mega deals to entice Brits back after the outbreak of war in Iran, according to data from TravelSupermarket and icelolly.com.

All-inclusive family breaks in particular are looking cheap as chips, with the nightly cost of getaways down 25 per cent on the previous year in the UAE.

The study looked at all-inclusive seven-night family breaks departing in August to popular holiday destinations, factoring in inflation, and found that, on average, a Middle East holiday would set families back just £169pp per night in August this year.

Last year, it would have been £226pp per night.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Events in the Middle East have made some families think twice about where they travel this summer, and tour operators have responded by cutting prices.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

SPAIN PAIN

Is it safe to travel to Spain amid wildfires? Everything to know about holidays

“The result is destinations like the UAE and Egypt are offering some of the best value we’ve seen in years.”

The Dominican Republic has seen the second largest fall in prices, with dips of around 11 per cent on average from the previous year.

The average cost of a family getaway there would be £228pp per night this year, compared with £257pp per night in 2025.

Mauritius placed third in the price drop table, having seen a 10.9 per cent dip since 2025.

Mid-haul destinations such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are also looking more affordable than they were last year, with reductions of 8.1 per cent, 6.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively.

Malta is the only European destination to see prices drop in 2026.

The average August cost fell from £137pp per night in 2025 to £136 in 2026, a dip of 0.9 per cent.

By comparison, some of Brits’ favourite European holiday hotspots have seen hikes since August last year.

Prices for Greece have risen by five per cent on all-inclusive family holidays.

Spain had the second-largest hike, with average costs rising by 3.9 per cent on the previous year.

But it was still one of the poll’s less expensive destinations for August 2026, with an average nightly cost of £155pp.

Overall, research shows Morocco looks set to be the cheapest destination.

An all-inclusive family holiday there will cost families as little as £120pp per night in August – a proper bargain when you consider flights, accommodation and all food and drink is included.

This was followed by Tunisia, Bulgaria and Malta, where the average August breaks are £124, £126 and £136pp per night respectively.

Chris said: “After a few years of holiday prices only seeming to move one way, it’s encouraging to see all-inclusive prices looking pretty steady for 2026.

“For families who are comfortable travelling further afield, there are genuine savings to be had — and comparing prices across providers is the best way to see where your budget stretches furthest.”

SUN soaked mega resorts abroad with their own waterparks, theme parks, and beaches? Yes please.

We’ve done the digging to find top-tier waterpark hotels abroad with deals that are so cheap they’ll make you do a double take.

From Egypt resorts with 45 pools and 81 waterslides, to Spanish spots that come with free theme park tickets, these are the mega resorts abroad that will keep the entire family entertained.

You don’t even need a massive sum sitting in your bank account to unlock these holiday memories, either.

Many of these deals include a kids go free offer, plus Loveholidays and On the Beach also offer low deposits from £19, meaning you can lock in your holiday without sweating about how much you’ve spent.

Whether you want to immerse yourself at a pirate-themed resort in Benidorm or slip down 16 thrilling waterslides in Side, here are the ultimate family resorts abroad with deals you can book right now.

Sol Katmandu Park & Resort, Majorca

Sol Katmandu Park & Resort is a theme park, waterpark, and hotel all rolled into one epic holiday complex (where kids can stay for free).

Staying here for at least two nights unlocks you a free play pass, which gives you unlimited entry to the park’s top attractions, waterpark and soft play.

Kids can cool off at the Katopia Splash Park, which is packed with water cannons, jets, and waterfalls, before tackling a giant soft play or hopping on 4D dark rides.

The fun continues back at the hotel, too, as this resort has themed family accommodation including mystical Enchanted Forest rooms and Mythical Ice suites.

Food and drink options here include a build-your-own burger bar, a pick and mix station, and a soft-serve ice cream machine – plus themed dinners and healthy options, too.

And for the grown-ups? Sangria and Cruzcampo are available on-tap at the pool bar.

Plus, if you fancy a dip in the sea, there’s a golden sand beach a four-minute stroll away.

Skanes Serail and Aquapark, Tunisia

This four-star Tunisian gem is the most affordable on the list, and packs everything you’d need into an action-packed, sunny family holiday abroad.

The star of the show at Skanes Serail is its on-site aquapark, which has rainbow-coloured waterslides that are sure to keep kids entertained for hours.

This resort even has a private beach, complete with free sun loungers, a selection of water sports, and signature white sands facing a turquoise sea.

The all inclusive package includes a massive daily buffet spread, as well as access to a beachfront à la carte restaurant serving Italian and Lebanese food.

While the little ones make friends at the daily kids’ club, grown-ups can escape to the full-service spa for a traditional hammam, sauna, and steam room session.

Plus, Tunisia boasts reliable sunshine year-round. Book ahead something to look forward to for November with this deal, when temperatures hover at a toasty 23°C.

Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort – Neverland Hurghada

If you think you’ve seen a big waterpark hotel, think again, because this holiday kingdom in Hurghada operates on an entirely different planet.

It’s so big it even has its own shuttle buses to transport you around site.

The Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort boasts 45 swimming pools and a staggering 81 waterslides, plus a massive lazy river and wave pools.

The complex also has its own fairground with 11 rides, a roller-skating arena, bumper boats, and a high-tech VR gaming zone. Bored kids? Impossible.

You can also eat your way around the globe thanks to the lineup of international, all-inclusive restaurants.

Load up your plate with wood-fired Italian pizzas, Asian noodles, or spiced Moroccan tagines. There’s even a German eatery serving up bratwurst and schnitzel.

As for bars, pick between the Jungle Bar, Red Sky Bar, White Elephant Bar, Lobby Bar, Columbus Bar, Jazz Bar, and Beach Bar for your beverage.

If you ever fancy a break from the excitement of the resort, there’s a 10-minute complimentary shuttle bus to whizz you straight down to the private beach.

There’s a range of affordable dates for this resort at Loveholidays, but we found the cheapest deal this year to be in December, where temperatures sit at 24°C.

Magic Pirates Island Resort, Benidorm

This pirate-themed resort in Benidorm is an absolute treasure trove for families.

Magic Pirates Island Resort lets families sleep like sea captains inside themed wooden lodges plastered with maps, compasses and desert islands.

There’s three large swimming pools, including the Battleship Lagoon, which has play boats and jets for the little ones, plus a more relaxed pool zone with hot tubs and Balinese beds to laze out on.

Best of all, a stay here gives you free unlimited entry to the Aqua Natura waterpark right next door, as well as free access to Terra Natura Zoo.

But there’s plenty more fun to be had back at the hotel, with a Virtual Reality simulator zone, dance stage, and gaming arcade.

Food and drink comes as a fully-stocked buffet restaurant, with snacks available throughout the day.

There’s also an option to upgrade to ultra-all inclusive, which opens up access to fun eateries like Tacos of the Caribbean, and the Hall of Flames Asian restaurant.

Refreshing beers, cocktails and soft drinks are never far away either, thanks to a swim-up pool bar and traditional pirate taverns.

We found a deal for an October escape, when the resort hosts a Halloween festival packed with spooky live entertainment, themed activities and costume contests.

Eftalia Ocean, Antalya

Fancy a trip to a five star family mega resort in Turkey?

The hotel is built around a network of giant, winding outdoor swimming pools and slides.

The all inclusive perks include live show-cooking stations at the main buffet, as well as dining in an Italian a la carte restaurant and grill.

Some bars even serve refreshing drinks for 24 hours a day, and you can satisfy late-night cravings with round-the-clock bites at Burgerland.

Entertainment includes daily kids clubs, mini golf, and outdoor theatre shows. There’s also a wellness spa offering massages, hammam and sauna sessions.

But the real magic of this hotel is its secret pathway – walk through the hotel’s private underpass and you’ll pop up directly onto Eftalia Island.

This entertainment district sits directly on the beach and is packed with massive shared waterparks, waterslides, and pools as well as a bustling seaside promenade lined with beach bars.

THB Tropical Island, Lanzarote

THB Tropical Island boasts 10 swimming pools scattered across the resort, alongside thrilling waterslides and a splash park for little ones.

Accommodation comes as modern apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes, a big win for budget-savvy families who like to stock up on snacks and easy-to-make meals.

The resort also has a buffet restaurant with live show-cooking stations, a pizzeria, and even a lively sports bar for catching that important match.

Daytime kids entertainment includes football tournaments and kids mini-discos, plus activities like arts and crafts and water polo.

Here you’re close to Playa Blanca, which has a range of souvenir shops, bars, cafes and restaurants – plus two huge beaches, which you can reach by taking the hotel’s free shuttle bus.

Crystal Sunset Pearl Collection, Side

If you want to live like royalty on a budget, this five-star Turkish resort proves you don’t have to spend a lot for a high-end family getaway.

The Crystal Sunset Pearl Collection has an impressive waterpark packed with 16 waterslides, including 11 adrenaline-pumping flumes and five gentle slides for kids.

If you prefer a slower pace, you can lounge by the huge main pool, retreat to the relaxing adults-only pool, or sip a cocktail at the poolside bar.

The hotel also runs a shuttle bus to whisk you down to the golden shores of Kumköy Beach.

Alongside a massive daily buffet spread, you can opt for a la carte dinners in the hotel’s Italian, Indian and Chinese restaurants.

Ice-cold drinks are fully covered from 10am until midnight, and there’s even an on-site patisserie to satisfy the sweet cravings.

Here you’re just a 15-minute drive from the historic town of Side, where you can explore ancient Roman ruins and catch a postcard-perfect sunset at the famous Temple of Apollo.