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EUROPE is full of amazing destinations, but sometimes going to the top spots means battling hoards of crowds and forking out lots of cash.

It doesn’t have to be this way though.

Instead of heading to somewhere everyone else is going, there are some great alternatives where you will be free from throngs of selfie-stick welding tourists and overpriced restaurants.

There are several spots in Rough Guide’s ‘The Most Underated Places in Europe’ book, including the following European destinations:

Swap Bordeaux for La Rochelle

The harbour town of La Rochelle in France, is rarely busy, even in the summer season.

You’ll get the same cream-hued limestone architecture found in Bordeaux as well as a thriving food scene.

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In the old town you’ll find cobbled streets and historic houses and a port boasting three medieval towers.

Instead of the crowds experienced in Bordeaux, you’ll get a more “relaxed in character” vibe in La Rochelle, according to Rough Guides.

Food tends to be cheaper in La Rochelle too.

A direct flight to La Rochelle from the UK takes just over an hour, with flights costing from £16.99 per way.

Swap Prague for Ljubljana

Dubbed “one of Europe’s most relaxed metropolises” by Rough Guides, Ljubljana is a smaller city to Prague but has no crowds.

Instead of battling shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists for a glimpse of Charles Bridge in Prague, you can head to Ljubljana’s Triple Bridge before heading to a cosy cafe.

You’ll get the same cobblestones, castle views and cheap beer in Slovenia‘s capital compared to Prague, but with the added benefit of some of Europe’s cleanest air.

It is also a great city for art fans, with a number of museums and street art. It takes about two hours to fly from the UK to Ljubljana, with flights costing from £32 a way.

Swap Munich for Stuttgart

Those heading to Munich often head to the beer halls.

But just two hours away via train, Stuttgart has lively wine taverns as well as Cannstatter Volksfest – a 17-day annual folk festival considered to be the world’s second largest beer festival after Munich’s Oktoberfest.

And if you feel like you are missing out on the BMW museum in Munich, you can head to not one, but two car museums in Stuttgart – the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums.

Make sure to also visit Wilhelma which is Europe’s largest zoological and botanical garden, with a number of vineyards nearby.

Similar to Munich, the city also has a vibrant central hub called Schlossplatz, where you will find the New Palace as well as loads of shops to explore.

It takes under two hours to fly from the UK to Stuttgart, with flights costing from £44 a way.

Swap Santorini for Aland Islands

Santorini is a dream destination for many of us, but with so many people heading to the destination each year, it feels a little more like another spot overwhelmed with tourists.

Instead, head to the sunniest spot in Northern Europe – the Aland Islands.

While technically part of Finland , the region is made up of 6,700 autonomous islands.

With white sand beaches just like you’d expect on Greek islands, the islands offer the ideal holiday for getting away from crowds but still getting beach days and scenic spots – but also with a cheaper price tag.

To make it even better, there are saunas and steam rooms across the islands to venture into.

And if you like to keep active, there are a ton of activities to explore including kayaking, hiking and climbing.

The capital of the islands is Mariehamn, which has wooden houses as well as the moated Kastelholm Castle.

To get to the islands, you’ll need to book a stopover flight to Mariehamn, which from the UK costs from £92 per way.

Swap the Algarve for Comporta

If you want the golden beaches of the Algarve but want to miss the bustling resorts, head to the ‘Hamptons of Portugal‘ – Comporta – which is a village on Alentejo’s Sado estuary.

Comporta is made up of seven small villages, mostly full of small fishermen’s cabanas.

Beaches are backed by pine forests and cosy tavernas where you can pick up a beer for as little as €1.50 (£1.29).

It is also a protected nature reserve with sand dunes and rice paddy fields home to flamingos and wild dolphins.

But unlike the Algarve, the pace of life is slower here and you won’t find bars full of rowdy people.

To get to Comporta, you’ll need to fly to Lisbon which costs from as little as £18 per way and then you’ll need to drive around an hour and 20 minutes to Comporta.

Swap Corfu for Ksamil

Corfu might immediately come to mind when you think of glistening turquoise waters and pristine sand beaches, but you’ll also get this in Ksamil.

Known as the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil has an abundance of pretty beaches that lack the crowds found in Corfu.

Just 1.2 miles from Corfu, you’ll get similar weather as well as a number of small islands that you can even swim to.

The destination also has history to discover including public baths that date back further than the ancient Greek period.

Ksamil also lacks the bustling clubs of Corfu, so ideal for a more relaxing break – plus it is as much as 50 per cent cheaper than a holiday in Corfu.

The best way to get to Ksamil is by flying into Corfu which costs from £15 per way, and then it’s a two-hour drive to Ksamil.

Swap Capri for Procida

Often considered Capri’s smaller and quieter cousin, the tiny island of Procida sits off the coast of Naples and can easily be explored in its entirety without the crowds of Capri.

On the island’s cliffs you’ll find hidden medieval towns and fishing villages, such as Marina di Corricella, which is completely car free and has brightly coloured houses.

Another spot to visit in Procida is Terra Murata, which is the oldest walled village in the region and sits on the island’s highest point.

And don’t worry, you won’t miss out on beaches either with dark volcanic sand spots with crystal clear waters.

There are rules in place that also stop Procida from becoming overdeveloped, so instead of expensive, flashy hotels you can stay in a fisherman’s cottage.

The best way to get to Procida is by flying to Naples costing from £16 per way, and then hopping on a ferry for an hour.

Swap Stockholm for Malmo

Instead of heading to Stockholm when in Sweden, visit the country’s third-largest city – Malmo – where you’ll find hidden squares and pretty beaches.

The city is much-loved for its food including meatballs, falafel and ramen.

You can also head to a number of coffee spots and craft breweries.

Much like Stockholm, the food scene is thriving – but you’ll get cheaper prices and less crowds.

You can also tie it in with a visit to Copenhagen in Denmark, which you can easily reach with a 30-minute train ride.

Flights to Malmo take under two hours and cost as little as £21 per way.

Swap Mykonos for Pelion Peninsula

Sitting east from the Greek mainland, you’ll find the Pelion Peninsula – a vibrant region with an abundance of nature and hiking spots.

Instead of ferry loads of people heading to the beach, you’ll find quiet coves devoid of sunbeds.

You could even head to Damouchari, which was where Mamma Mia! was filmed.

Key villages to visit on the Peninsula include Makrinista with amazing views of the region, the mountainous village of Tsagarada and Millies, a traditional settlement.

And for a fraction of the cost of a Mykonos villa, you can stay in a historic stone mansion in some of these villages.

The best way to get to the Pelion Peninsula is by flying to Thessaloniki costing from £26 a way, and then driving three hours to the Peninsula.

Swap Copenhagen for Aarhus

When people think of heading to Denmark, the first choice is often Copenhagen but the country’s second city is on the up.

Aarhus – also dubbed the ‘City of Smiles’ – is known for its cobblestone streets and medieval feel.

Throughout the city you can see half-timbered houses as well as head to the Old Town Museum, which is the world’s first open-air museum dedicated to urban history and culture.

Crowned European Museum of the Year 2026, you can explore 75 historic buildings that have been relocated from 20 different Danish towns.

For more history, head to Denmark’s largest cathedral dating back to the 12th century and home to the largest collection of medieval frescoes in the country.

Accommodation and food in the city will set you back less than in Copenhagen while direct flights to Aarhus take under two hours and cost from £16 per way.

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%.

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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.

A BRAND-NEW luxury holiday resort is under construction in the Cotswolds – and it will have cabins, a natural spa and swimming pools.

The whole project is predicted to cost £24million and it’s due to open in 2027 in Langley, Oxfordshire.

CABÜ is in the process of building 51 self-catered ‘eco timber cabins‘ with wooden panels and green window detail.

Each will have either one, two or three bedrooms inside.

The high-end resort will have lots of facilities for relaxation, from large swimming pools to its natural spa with hot tubs, saunas and a plunge bucket.

The indoor swimming pool which is surrounded by loungers and huge windows.

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Along with an outdoor pool, there will also be a shop, restaurant, two bars, an events space and a sitooterie social space.

The website says “Our Cotswolds holiday cabins are being designed for year-round stays, with plans to offer relaxing 2, 3 and 4-night breaks that balance comfort, wellbeing and nature-led experiences.”

The new site will be a short distance from popular villages in the Cotswolds like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.

The resort will be the third of its kind to open in the UK.

Two others CABÜ By The Sea in St Marys Bay in Kent and CABÜ By The Lakes at Killykeen Forest Park in Ireland.

CABÜ by the Sea sits on a stretch of privately owned grassland next to the seafront between Romney Marsh and the English Channel.

Rates for two-night stays in a one bedroom studio cabin start from £375.

Two-night stays in two bedroom cabins start from £495.

Meanwhile, CABÜ by the Lakes is found deep within the woods of Killykeen Forest Park in Co. Cavan.

This unique hideaway has log cabins and lake houses – it also has a nature spa with a forest bathing area and a Japanese Bath.

Rates for two-night stays in one bedroom cabins at the lakes start from €485 (£415).

Two-night stays in three bedroom cabins start from €650 (£556).

Louise Goodridge went to Butlin’s with her pal, only for that friendship trip to end with a blazing row. A sad direction for the holiday to go in, but one that would lead Louise to love

The Amalfi Coast. Paris. Venice. Butlin’s.

It’s at the last of these romantic places that Louise Goodridge met the love of her life.

The now 59-year-old went to the resort with her pal, only for that friendship trip to end with a blazing row. A sad direction for the holiday to go in, but one that would lead Louise to love.

Louise decided to head to the Minehead holiday camp through Gingerbread, which organises activities for single parents, including short breaks.

“I’d originally gone down with a friend and I hadn’t noticed him at first!” Louise said of the man who would soon take her breath away.

“It’s a really stupid story, but I had an argument over a loaf of bread with my friend. She ended up leaving me at Butlins and drove off in her car. I’d given her fuel money and everything.”

In the wake of the fallout, Louise was looking for someone to give her a lift to her home in Watford. Enter Gary, who, as luck would have it, lived ten miles away in Amersham.

“So I got left alone, with no way of getting back to Watford, which is where I was living. I had to go to the group and say, ‘Do you think anyone could give me a lift back?’ And that’s when Gary volunteered to drive me. He invited me out afterwards for a cup of tea and a piece of cake whilst we were on this trip out,” Louise explained.

“We’ve not been separated since that day.”

For the single mum, it wasn’t Gary’s appearance that initially won her over.

“I can’t say I really liked the look of him, but I liked his personality! I’m an honest person. He was funny, and we had a lot in common, so we had lots to talk about,” she said.

Louise knew she really liked Gary after their first date, on which they’d spent an entire night not doing anything other than talking and then singing through the Simon and Garfunkel catalogue. Just a handful of weeks later and they were living together.

“This year we will have been together for 34 years and we got married on our first anniversary of meeting. So we met on the 24 October 1991, and we got married on the 24 October 1992,” Louise added.

While the couple were sure of one another, others close to them weren’t so convinced.

“My mum wasn’t a huge fan of Gary. He was 10 years older. I was only 25 then, so I was 25 years old and he was 34. My grandparents also didn’t like him either. My friends were alright about it. Gary’s family were much more tolerant than mine,” Louise said.

Gary has a quicker summary of their romance.

“Well, it was a case of, ‘Oh, she looks alright.’ She looked slightly rattled on the day and I then invited her out for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. And that was it,” he said.

As to why she chose Butlin’s, Louise said: “It was cheap, and as a single parent on benefits, there’s no way I could have afforded to go on a big holiday. It was a no brainer really.”

The NHS GP and TV doctor shared advice in an episode of his No Appointment Necessary podcast

NHS GP and TV doctor, Dr Amir Khan, has recommended that holidaymakers start taking a tablet daily one week before their departure date. The health expert offered the advice to help people tackle a common problem many face while on holiday.

The GP suggests taking the tablets to help reduce the common issue of irritation from mosquito bites. While Brits often complain about the insects during the summer population boom, they are even more common in mainland Europe, much to the frustration of holidaymakers.

Thankfully, Dr Khan has shared advice that could help anyone visiting a country where bites are likely. The NHS doctor and TV personality offered the tip during a recent episode of the No Appointment Necessary podcast. Dr Khan, who is a co-host of the show, revealed he swears by the method himself.

The doctor clarified that the trick does not prevent bites, but it can help to reduce irritation. He told viewers: “How do we protect ourselves against insect bites?

“This won’t avoid you getting bitten, but it will help you reduce all that irritation and redness. Start taking a daily antihistamine a week before you go on holiday. I do that now, and it has changed my reaction to mosquito bites.

“They’re not as bad as they were, and I’m not like just miserably itchy on holidays. So every day for a week beforehand.” He added: “Antihistamines a week before you go on holiday, and while you’re out there as well, because your whole point is managing your overimmune response, and antihistamines will help do that.”

The advice proved popular with social media users when a clip from the podcast was shared on Instagram. The video gained over 4k likes. Replying to the post, a commenter said: “True fact as we did before going to Sri Lanka last year and what a difference!!”

A similar reply said: “I’ve been doing this for a while and it works.” Another response read: “Did this going to Thailand last year and it worked a treat.” However, there were also some commenters who said they had tried the tip before without noticing a difference.

The NHS says you should speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines if you’re already taking other medicines. It’s also important to follow the directions when taking antihistamines.

The NHS website explains: “Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings.

“They’re also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness, to treat feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), and as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Most antihistamines can be bought from pharmacies and shops, but some are only available on prescription.”

EXCLUSIVE: Not wanting to risk the blazing temperatures of Sardinia, a heatwave fatigued mum wapped her dreamy Italian holiday for a milder ‘coolcation’, and has no regrets

A mum of one has shared how she swapped Mediterranean sun for a ‘coolcation’ and why she’ll do it all over again next year.

Monica Krenner and her husband, Peter, were on the brink of booking flights to Sardinia, Italy, on what was to be their young son Lewis’s very first holiday.

However, as the blistering heat took hold, the concerned parents didn’t fancy braving the 39-degree scorcher with a three-year-old, and so had a last-minute change of heart. The fatigue of parenting during the relentless London heatwaves this summer meant she couldn’t face more sweltering temps abroad.

Monica, 57, tells the Mirror: “It was the best decision we made.” Instead of dashing to the airport, the family made the five-and-a-half-hour journey from London to St Ives, Cornwall, back in June, where the relatively mild temperatures of between 16 and 24 degrees felt much more appealing.

Explaining how she came to the decision, nutritionist Monica says that after speaking with a few friends, as well as some clients from Sardinia, she began to worry about just how hot the famously beautiful Italian island would get.

“After talking with a lot of people, searching all the weather apps, I then said, ‘I cannot imagine going there, because then we have to be indoors the whole day, because it will be too hot to go outside’.

“And for the little one, the skin is very sensitive still. He’s also not an amazing sleeper yet. Then I thought, ‘Oh my God, if it’s then hot on top because the weather, and he’s not sleeping great, I’m already tired when I’m getting there, it won’t be better when we stay somewhere where it’s too hot this summer’.”

Once in Cornwall, Monica, Peter and Lewis were able to sleep comfortably at night after spending their waking hours walking in the fresh air and exploring the breathtaking Cornish coastline.

It was little Lewis’s very first time at the beach, and although Monica joked that “the seagulls didn’t make it easy”, it proved to be a very special, memorable trip.

Monica, who is originally from Vienna, Austria, says: “It was just relaxed, and in the evening, there was a nice breeze in your face. It felt like you could really breathe properly.

“We had a few drizzles, but even that was perfect. We had a very nice spacious room, so even if we didn’t want to rush out, we could stay inside and have the windows open looking at the ocean. It was just lovely.”

Monica says that the trip “completely changed” how the family now consider their summer holidays. Going forward, they’re far more interested in exploring a different options, “rather than chasing guaranteed sunshine.”

Next year, the family intend to head off on another ‘coolcation’, and they are already planning their adventures. Currently, Monica and Peter are eyeing up trips to the coast of Denmark or Sweden, while bonny Scotland is also a top contender.

And the couple aren’t the only ones looking for a crisp getaway. During the late June heatwave, Brits searches for cool-weather city breaks surged by as much as 33 percent compared to the previous week, according to online agent Opodo. Stockholm, Geneva and Gothenburg were the most coveted spots – world’s away from sunny Spain or Italy.

With four heatwaves in the UK already this summer, many holidaymakers are longing for gentle breezes rather than piercing sunbeams. So could it be that ‘coolcations’ are the new luxury in our climate change age?

Ahead of the fast-approaching August Bank Holiday weekend, Airbnb has revealed that a number of UK destinations are seeing a surge in interest this summer, with bookings in Scarborough up by 30 per cent.

Picturesque Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, which has seen bookings soar by 29 per cent, has emerged as one of this year’s top ‘coolcation’ destinations, offering refreshing sea breezes and shady forest walks.

As for Monica, she’s noticed this trend within her own social circles and reckons it makes perfect sense, especially for parents of young children looking for an easier trip.

She explains: “People are looking for some cooler areas where they can breathe and enjoy being outside, not to cover up with 10,000 creams, and also with the little ones, not to cause them any sunburn.”

The term sunny escape has taken on a whole different meaning in recent times. Awaze, the European holiday rental brand behind cottages.com and Hoseasons, found that searches for “escape the heat” rose by 300 per cent over the last three months alone. Online searches for ‘coolcations’, they say, were up by 420 per cent.

Matthew Price, Awaze’s chief executive, notes that rising temperatures are “creating a new category of holidays”, adding that they are “increasingly seeing holidaymakers look further afield to destinations known for their cooler climate, such as Scotland, Yorkshire and the northwest of England”.

Heti Morus, Marketing Executive at StayCotswold has also picked up on this trend, telling the Mirror: “It’s no wonder ‘coolcations’ are growing in popularity here in the UK. I recently flew back from Bordeaux and saw the wildfires firsthand from the air.

“It just showed how quickly these situations can escalate, and it’s made me think twice about flying to that part of France again anytime soon. Cooler staycation destinations are certainly looking even more appealing this year.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

ANTALYA has long been the default answer for families wanting guaranteed sunshine, massive all-inclusive resorts, and enough waterslides to make returning home genuinely depressing.

But after several years of Turkey completely dominating our booking charts, I’m noticing a clear case of Antalya fatigue with Brits.

It’s still a brilliant option, but holidaymakers are starting to shop around – and discovering that plenty of other destinations have caught up.

Egypt, Tunisia, Greece, Morocco, and even Spain now boast the same mega four and five-star resorts, waterparks, and hot weather that used to make Antalya so difficult to beat.

And crucially, they can be significantly cheaper.

I’ve crunched my booking data to find where the previously most Turkey-loyal customers have swapped Antalya for in 2026, and how much cheaper they are in comparison to a Turkey holiday.

1. Playa Blanca, Lanzarote – save 19%

Lanzarote might sound like a wildcard swap, mostly because the Canaries aren’t usually associated with budget all-inclusive mega-resorts.

Playa Blanca, however, serves up a proper lineup of big family hotels alongside golden sand, a smart waterfront, and guaranteed sun.

It feels more chilled and far more walkable than many of Antalya’s sprawling hotel blocks, plus the slightly shorter flight from the UK is a godsend if you’re traveling with kids who ask if you’re nearly there before you’ve even cleared the runway.

Our data shows that the customers who made this switch in 2026 pocketed a 19% saving on average.

And the hotel that topped the swap charts here is the four-star HL Paradise Island – where I clocked five nights all-inclusive here from £295pp, flying direct from London Gatwick this September.

And it’s easy to understand why people are making the switch here when you spot their on-site Dino Waterpark, which is packed with proper drop slides, splash zones, and multi-lane racers that keep kids of all ages busy.

Lanzarote – from £295pp

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Five nights at HL Paradise Island:

• All inclusive
• Return flights from London Gatwick

from £295pp

BOOK HERE

2. Kiotari, Rhodes – save 20%

Rhodes is the ultimate Greek swap for anyone who loves the scale of Antalya but wants a slightly fresh landscape.

The southeastern resort of Kiotari is tailor-made for this: it’s quieter and completely hotel-focused, featuring massive beachfront properties, reliable heat, and ancient Lindos sitting just 20 minutes down the road when you want to swap the sunlounger for a spot of culture.

Hundreds of customers shifted their booking from Antalya to Rhodes, saving an average of 20% in the process.

The absolute favourite with these switching customers was the four-star Kiotari Miraluna Beach Resort where you can grab five nights all-inclusive from £338pp, flying direct from Gatwick in late September.

It sits right on the sand and boasts nine outdoor pools – including a pirate splash park – alongside nine different bars and restaurants.

Plus, several room options here offer direct swim-up pool access straight from your terrace. And everyone loves a swim-up room, right?

Rhodes – from £338pp

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Five nights at Kiotari Miraluna Beach Resort:

• All inclusive
• Return flights from London Gatwick

from £338pp

BOOK HERE

3. Calas de Mallorca, Majorca – save 20%

Majorca is the ultimate low-effort swap if you want the convenience of an Antalya all-inclusive without putting your kids through a four-hour flight.

Calas de Mallorca on the east coast is a purpose-built family pocket surrounded by quiet coves and crystal-clear water.

It’s far more relaxed than Magaluf or Alcudia, with the hotels doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to entertainment.

Switching Antalya for Calas de Majorca in 2026 saved Brits around 20%, according to the stats.

And the most popular hotel to switch to here was the four-star HYB Eurocalas – and I spotted five nights all-inclusive here from £318pp, flying direct from Birmingham on 24th September.

This hotel’s a massive family favorite on our board, packing in multiple pool zones, sports courts, splash parks, and a dedicated kids’ club. No brainer.

Majorca – from £318pp

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Five nights at HYB Eurocalas:

• All inclusive
• Return flights from Birmingham

from £318pp

BOOK HERE

4. Palmeraie, Marrakech – save 21%

People usually associate Marrakech with bustling souks and rooftop tea, but step outside the city center and you’ll find some seriously massive all-inclusive resorts.

The Palmeraie area sits in a quiet palm grove outside the old city, giving you sprawling hotels, massive pools, and mountain backdrops.

You get something Antalya can rarely deliver: a proper city break AND a flop-and-drop resort holiday rolled into one.

Our figures show that customers who swapped Antalya for Marrakech for their all-inclusive resort holiday bagged an average 21% saving.

And the four-star Marrakech Ryads Parc & Spa is the value highlight and the most popular for a switch. I found five nights all-inclusive here from £240pp, flying direct from Gatwick in late September which is absolutely perfect weather-wise.

This hotel has the exact scale, massive pool footprint, and self-contained feel of a Turkish mega-resort, but adds a free daily shuttle into the medina when you want to explore.

Marrakech – from £240pp

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Five nights at Marrakech Ryads Park & Spa:

• All inclusive
• Return flights from London Gatwick

from £240pp

BOOK HERE

5. Hurghada, Egypt – save 21%

Hurghada is an absolute slam-dunk if you care purely about the resort footprint rather than the destination town.

The coastline is wall-to-wall with all-inclusives, private beaches, and on-site waterparks, while the guaranteed Egyptian heat makes it a goldmine for late-season breaks.

Hurghada was also the third most-popular destination that people traded Antalya for, bagging an average 21% saving.

And the most popular hotel people made the switch for was the four-star Rewaya Inn Resort.

Probably because this place gives you the full Turkish mega-resort experience without the hefty price tag – it’s a proper fly-and-flop complex anchored around an enormous lagoon-style pool network.

You can lock in five nights all-inclusive from £393pp, flying direct from London right at the start of September

Hurghada – from £393pp

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

Five nights at Rewaya Inn Resort:

• All Inclusive
• Return flights from London Gatwick

from £393pp

BOOK HERE

6. Benidorm, Costa Blanca – save 22%

On paper, Benidorm and Antalya look like completely different beasts, but they serve the exact same holiday brief: tons of hotel choice, guaranteed sun, world-class beaches, and enough family entertainment to fill every evening.

Benidorm just pulls it all closer together – and cuts an chunk off your flight time.

Our booking data shows an average saving of 22% for Brits who switched from Antalya to the Costa Blanca, with their new holidays averaging £92 per person, per night. Not bad.

The four-star Rosamar Hotel topped the charts when it came to switches.

I clocked five nights all-inclusive here from £285pp, flying direct from Gatwick at the end of September.

It sits right near Levante Beach and has a brilliant on-site splash park loaded with slides and water features, essentially acting as a cheat code for tiring out energetic kids before bedtime.

Benidorm – from £285pp

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Five nights at Rosamar Hotel:

• All inclusive
• Return flights from London Gatwick

from £285pp

BOOK HERE

7. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – save 23%

Sharm El Sheikh is the single closest direct alternative to Antalya on the map.

You get scorching temperatures, all-inclusive mega-resorts, massive pool complexes, and hotels designed so you never actually have to leave the gates.

The massive bonus here though is the Red Sea itself, which offers some of the best house-reef snorkeling in the world right off the hotel jetties.

A staggering amount of customers swapped Antalya for Sharm El Sheikh – more than any other spot on this list – all while saving an average of 23%.

One of the most popular hotels in Sharm is the five-star Rehana Sharm Resort in Nabq Bay where I found five nights all-inclusive from £413pp, flying direct from London slap-bang in the middle of September.

This hotel’s a cracker too, and features a sprawling pool network, an aquapark, kids’ clubs, and several dining options – but best of all, it sits just six miles from the airport, so you can go from baggage reclaim to sunbed in record time.

Sharm el Sheikh – from £413pp

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

Five nights at Rehana Sharm Resort:

• All inclusive
• Return flights from London Gatwick

from £413pp

BOOK HERE

8. Sousse, Tunisia – save 25%

If your absolute priority is getting the maximum amount of resort facilities per pound spent, Tunisia should be right at the top of your list.

Sousse combines massive beachfront resorts with an authentic historic medina, fine sand, and the smart marina at Port El Kantaoui just down the road.

And hundreds and hundreds of people swapped Antalya for Tunisia, averaging a rock-bottom £70 per person, per night on their Tunisian holiday.

That makes it the cheapest destination on this list and delivers the biggest average saving at 25%. A popular Tunisian destination is the four-star Royal Jinene Sousse.

This hotel’s built directly on its own private sandy beach and features indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, and a dedicated beach bar – meaning the distance between your lounger and a cold drink is virtually zero. 

And if you fancy it, you can grab five nights all-inclusive this September from just £243pp. Bargain.

Sousse – from £243pp

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

Five nights at Royal Jinene Sousse:

• All inclusive
• Return flights from London Gatwick

from £243pp

BOOK HERE

A POPULAR beach has been partially closed for the remainder of the summer holidays.

Sea dredgers will pump thousands of tonnes of shingle onto the beach to extend part of it by 25m and protect the coastline.

A groyne is also being added at Hove beach, located near Brighton, East Sussex.

Hove was described by The Times as one of the best seaside towns in the UK and “far less crowded and chaotic than Brighton with its relentless stream of boozy day-trippers”.

The partial closure, which begins today, forms part of a wider project that started earlier in the year, to add nine new groynes – known as a groyne field – to the beach, which is scheduled to reopen at the end of August.

A spokesperson for Brighton and Hove City Council (B&HCC) said: “The new shingle will extend the beach between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue by around 25 metres out to sea.

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“Helping to protect the area from flooding and coastal erosion, the larger beach will also reduce the amount of shingle washing up onto the promenade, like we see during storms and windy conditions.”

The spokesperson added that the work is scheduled to take around four weeks and needs to be done around high tide. 

“During the work, this section of the beach will need to be closed to keep everyone safe,” they added.

Hove Beach is backed by a long esplanade with a cycle lane as well as a grassy area where visitors can find cafes, an amusement arcade, crazy golf and the King Alfred leisure centre.

As previously reported in The Sun, the leisure centre is set to be demolished to make way for a £65 million “entertainment zone”.

The red-brick building has dominated the seafront of one of the UK’s most popular resorts since the outbreak of the Second World War.

Campaigners vying to save the centre were hoping for a last-minute reprieve from Historic England but B&HCC has now approved the plans.

You don’t always have to travel far from home to have an adventure or a truly memorable break. We want to hear about your favourite holiday in the UK – particularly in more under-the-radar destinations, such as less-visited beach resort, a town that deserves to be noticed or in a remote area of coutryside. Or perhaps it involved a fun or unusual activity that has stayed in the memory.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 10 August at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

A poll of 2,000 holidaymakers suggests that half of Brits have changed their travel plans due to rising costs and global uncertainty, with many opting for a UK staycation instead of heading to Spain

Soaring costs are prompting holidaymakers to stick closer to home this summer – though many are embracing the freedom and ease of a UK break.

Half of all holidaymakers have altered their travel plans owing to rising costs and global uncertainty. A survey of 2,000 holidaymakers revealed that 22% are leaving their holiday arrangements to the last minute, while 32% would prefer somewhere nearer to home.

More than half (54%) have already booked a staycation, with more travellers set to head to the South West of England this summer than making the traditional pilgrimage to Spain.

Almost seven in 10 (67%) are keen to sidestep the stress of packed airports, while 16% have pushed back their getaway due to ongoing issues across the globe.

Ryan Johnson, senior vice president at Enterprise Mobility in the UK and Ireland, which commissioned the research, said: “This summer’s travel trends paint a clear picture of how UK holidaymakers are approaching their summer holidays, with domestic travel, and road trips in particular, firmly at the forefront.

“Cost, convenience and a desire for more flexibility are all shaping those decisions in meaningful ways.”

For ‘stay-trippers’ – those swapping foreign holidays for road trips and short breaks around the UK – cost was a deciding factor. More than a third (37%) would opt for a domestic road trip over travelling overseas on grounds of price.

According to OnePoll.com figures, a third (35%) also believe that holidaying closer to home makes the whole planning process simpler, while a further 33% said they can afford to be more flexible with their arrangements.

For those remaining in the UK and embarking on a road trip, the Scottish Highlands (42%), the Lake District (40%) and Cornwall (37%) came out as the most popular destinations.

When it comes to driving in particular, reliability was the number one priority when picking a suitable vehicle (46%), followed by comfort and passenger space (39%) and fuel efficiency (33%).

Traffic, meanwhile, was the most commonly cited worry for those hitting the road this summer (54%).

Ryan Johnson from Enterprise Mobility said: “We see the results reflected in the way our customers choose their travel.

“Having the right vehicle in the right place at the right time is fundamental, and customers need a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable and well suited to the journey ahead, qualities that are essential to creating a great road trip experience.”

GREECE continues to be affected by the wildfires hat have already seen thousands evacuated across Europe.

A dry climate along with strong and high winds have been causing fires to spread quickly – so here is everything you need to know about the latest travel advice.

Where are the wildfires in Greece?

Currently, some of the worst wildfires in Greece are concentrated around the regions of both Boeotia (Viotia) and West Attica, which is west of Athens.

Over the weekend, firefighters have been on the front line trying to control the blaze which has been picked up due to high winds.

Yesterday, two crew members onboard firefighting helicopters died as they collided while trying to extinguish the flames.

There are active fires near Agios Nektarios, Megara, and Mount Kithairon.

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It’s not just the mainland, as the Greek islands have been affected too.

Crete has seen huge fires, particularly in the Rethymno area, with thousands of residents and tourists being evacuated for safety.

On the island, more than 5,700 hectares of land have been burnt.

Fires have also broken out on the islands of Paros, Lesvos, Andros and Kalymnos.

Yesterday, a wildfire in the south of Kefalonia forced evacuations late at night as the fire spread through multiple villages.

Earlier in the week, a firefighter died after battling flames near the Peloponnese port town of Gytheio.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek Prime Minister, has warned of “extremely difficult” days ahead.

There is a further threat of more fires as wind gusts have exceeded 78mph in the last few days.

Is it safe to travel to Greece right now?

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) hasn’t issued any specific warning regarding the wildfires in Greece, but does have some advice.

It does read: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to warn you of wildfires near your location.”

The advice from GOV.UK says:

“Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.

“To avoid starting wildfires:

• leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires
• make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
• do not light barbecues

“Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.

“Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires:

• follow @112Greece for official updates
• follow the guidance of the emergency services
• call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger
• contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK”

Are flights still going to Greece?

Flights to airports such Athens International Airport and Heraklion in Crete remain unaffected.

If you are due to fly in and have concerns, it may be worth contacting your airline to check if they are operating normally.

Can I cancel my trip?

If you do choose to cancel your trip, it is best to contact your airline or holiday provider.

There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings unless government advice changes.

A family trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida can be notoriously expensive, but a travel expert who’s visited almost 50 times in the last six years has a money-saving hack

An avid Disney World Resort fan has been to the popular park a whopping 48 times, and during that time, he’s uncovered nifty travel hacks that can help families save hundreds.

Those who have been to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will know how expensive a holiday can be, and those who haven’t will have heard about its hefty price tag. From flights, hotels, theme park passes, restaurants, and all the additional extras, it can quickly add up, with trips to ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’ costing anything from £1,500 to £4,000 per person.

For a family of four, that could amount to anything from £4,000 to more than £10,000 for a 10-night trip. It certainly doesn’t come cheap, but for many, it’s a bucketlist holiday that’s well worth forking out for, and there are ample ways to help keep the costs down.

One of the best-known ways to save some serious cash is to book the cheapest available flights and opt for budget-friendly hotels outside the resort but close enough to travel back and forth each day. Yet, there’s another nifty money-saving tip that Disney expert Mark Patterson highly recommends to anyone planning a trip.

Matt, who has been to Florida’s Disney World Resort a whopping 48 times in the last six years for work and pleasure, told the Mirror: “All the restaurants at Disney are expensive, so the hotels I like have a kitchenette with a stove and a full-size fridge, so you can buy food and cook it.

“You can then take it into the park with you, and that can save a lot of money. Even if you just take two meals in for the family, that can save you easily $100 (£74.71) to $200 (£149.42) per day.”

Booking a hotel room or resort with a kitchenette to make meals for the day isn’t the only way to save some extra cash. The travel expert who lives in Southern California advised holidaymakers to book a hotel that offers free breakfast to help avoid hidden costs that can quickly add up to hundreds.

And there’s one area he recommends for that budget-friendly hotel with a free breakfast. “The Flamingo Crossings area is my favourite, it’s newer, and the hotels are all new, and they all have free breakfast. They offer good, reasonable prices there.”

However, he noted that, due to its location, visitors have to drive, get a lift, or take a shuttle bus to the park each day. Yet, with free breakfast included, it might be well worth travelling a little further to help cut costs.

Matt certainly knows what he’s talking about, having stayed at 36 different hotels during his trips to Disney World. He also aims for an average hotel price of around $100 (£74.71) to $200 (£149.42) per night to make it more affordable, while looking out for any hidden fees.

Another area he recommends is Disney Springs. He said: “The Disney Springs area has a range of hotels, right there within walking distance to the shopping area, and it’s where pretty much everybody goes to eat at night. It gets very busy and popular, so being able to walk to that is very handy.

“However, the bad thing about that, or something you have to trade off, is that only one of the hotels offers a free breakfast; all the others you have to pay for. So I might get a hotel for around $100 (£74.71) per night, but will then have to pay for breakfast, which is $28 (£20.92), along with paying for parking, which can be around $25 (£18.68) and a resort fee of around $40 (£29.88).

“So it can literally double the price of what I thought I was going to pay. Disney Springs area is great, but you’ve got those little hidden fees.”

Mark documents his many trips to Walt Disney World Resort on his website, DDadBudget, with various pieces of advice to fellow fans.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

FOR quieter destinations and cheaper prices, a late summer holiday – when kids have gone back to school – is ideal.

And now is the perfect time to book one, whether you want to relax on a beach, sail the ocean, tour wineries or experience some Disney magic.

Trisha Harbord selects ten top trips to enjoy in the UK or abroad, with or without the little ones . . . 

NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISING

SAY goodbye to chores and ride the waves aboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia.

The round-trip from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords, stops at Haugesund, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger, and takes in the Viking region, breathtaking glaciers, lush forests and stunning lakes.

In Olden, try the Loen Skylift, one of the steepest in the world, for an amazing view.

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Britannia is an entertainment centre, with comedy, musical shows, bars, speciality restaurants, sports, a cookery club, kids’ clubs, play areas and a night nursery.

GO: Seven nights’ full-board from £785pp departing Southampton on September 11. See iglucruise.com.

BULGARIAN BLACK SEA ACTION

IF you like an active holiday, Bulgaria’s Black Sea is for you.

Along Sunny Beach, there are watersports galore, catamaran cruises, a theme park, Jeep safaris and biking.

The nearby Tui Blue Nevis hotel offers a multi-sports court for tennis, football and volleyball, pool games, guided walks, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.

Evening entertainment includes singers, acrobats, outdoor cinema and silent disco.

Don’t miss the ancient city of Nessebar, a Unesco World Heritage site.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £579pp including Manchester flights on September 10. See tui.co.uk.

LUXURY GREEK ODYSSEY

WHAT could be more enticing than fabulous food and cool cocktails in a gorgeous Greek island boutique hotel?

The 3* adults-only Nathalie Hotel in Ixia, Rhodes, is small and friendly with rooms that sleep up to four guests.

Or push the boat out and book a Jacuzzi room and Rooftop suite with views over the ocean and spectacular sunsets.

Ixia has a buzzing nightlife, with bars, tavernas and cafes, and is a surfer’s paradise.

Take a bus or taxi to explore the cobbled streets of Rhodes old town.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B from £579pp including flights from Stansted on September 27. See jet2holidays.com.

AND RELAX… WITH THE BELFRY BREAK

TREAT yourself to a relaxing break at one of the UK’s finest country resorts – The Belfry, set in 550 acres of countryside.

The spa has pools, sauna, steam rooms, A Fire & Ice Experience and aroma caves.

The resort has three golf courses, a driving range, restaurants and a cinema room.

A highlight this summer has been surfing simulator WaveSurfer, which will run at weekends during September.

GO: The Pamper or Putt offer is from £259 a night, including dinner, overnight stay, breakfast and your choice of a round of golf on The Derby or a 25-minute spa treatment.

Family two-night B&B weekend offer from £404. thebelfry.com.

LIFE’S A BEACH ON TURKEY’S RIVIERA

THE sun shines 300 days a year on the stunning beaches of Turkey’s riviera.

And the Prime Beach Hotel, in popular Marmaris, has its own private beach.

The 5* resort also offers an aqua park, pools, restaurants and snack bars.

Adults will love the wellness and spa centre, featuring a traditional hammam.

If you can travel for up to three hours, take a day trip to the thermal pools of Pamukkale or ruins of Ephesus, both Unesco World Heritage sites.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £757pp including flights from Luton on September 30. Price includes a free child’s place. See easyjet.com.

BEAT THE QUEUES AT DISNEYLAND PARIS

SEPTEMBER is a fantastic time of year to visit Disneyland Paris, especially if you avoid the weekend for shorter queues.

This year is a big one for the attraction.

The new World Of Frozen has opened in Adventure World, along with Cascade Of Lights, a fireworks, water and drone spectacular.

New for summer are Princess Cavalcade Mickey And The Magician show. Grown-ups will love thrill rides, such as The Twilight Zone: Tower Of Terror  and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the Hotel Santa Fe and three-day park tickets from £831pp, for arrival on September 28. See disneylandparis.com.

CATCH A SEAFOOD FEAST IN DEVON

DIVE down to Devon for two-week festival England’s Seafood Feast, which showcases the county’s culinary qualities and begins on September 21.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham create exclusive tasting experiences, including seven courses over seven hours in seven restaurants by seven local chefs, with seven award-winning drinks.

Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat in Brixham has lodges, caravans and chalets.

GO: Three nights’ self-catering in a two-bedroom lodge is from £369. See landscovecoastalretreats.co.uk and englishriviera.co.uk.

ESSEX HAS A TOUCH OF GLASS

WINE tourism in Essex is booming and the county is now home to 58 vineyards.

Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the beautiful grounds of Bardfield Vineyard near Braintree and you won’t need to book a taxi home after tasting their rosé, Bacchus or sparkling brut wines.

A tasting tour with ploughman’s lunch costs £40 per person.

Bed down in a rustic cart lodge, with two double en-suite bedrooms and kitchen.

Head to Saffron Grange for sparkling wines, or try the award-winning Tuffon Hall vineyard.

Both tours cost £25 per head.

GO: A cart lodge at Bardfield from £140 a night. See visitessex.com.

YORKSHIRE GOES BARKING MAD

CHEF James Martin will join pooch lovers at DogFest On The Farm at Harewood House, Yorkshire, on September 12-13.

James, who says his cocker spaniel Cooper is his best mate, will be giving cooking demos and dog nutrition advice.

Your four-legged friends can play in the giant ball pit and splash around at a pool party.

Trainers are on hand and there are sheepdog trials and breed meet-ups.

Tickets from £24.50. See dogfest.co.uk.

A perfect base for the festival is the Old Barn, near Harrogate.

GO: Three nights’ self-catering is from £525 for arrival on September 12. See caninecottages.co.uk.

TRY WALES FOR WALKING

WALKING tour company Ramble Worldwide is 80 years old this year.

It offers guided holidays in the UK and abroad for all levels of fitness, including along the beautiful Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coasts.

Ramblers who choose Wales will find clifftop paths, coves and fishing villages, with the chance to see seals, dolphins and porpoises, and Cilgerran Castle.

Groups of ten to 12 are based at the 3* Gwbert Hotel, on the River Teifi, for walks of around ten miles a day.

GO: Five nights’ half board from £699pp for arrival on September 28. See rambleworldwide.co.uk.

THEY say you should never meet your heroes . . . but I can heartily recommend meeting your villains.

At the Night With The Knights special event near Belfast, a crowd of Game Of Thrones fans joined a Q&A session with actors Ian Beattie (sadistic Kingsguard Ser Meryn Trant), Dominic Carter (weaselly Ser Janos Slynt) and Ian McElhinney (noble Ser Barristan Selmy).

Beattie stole the show with hilarious, sweary anecdotes about his time on the HBO fantasy series, with Ed Sheeran the target of some choice barbs.

But all three were amusing and gracious, posing for photos, signing autographs and coming round to chat during our dinner.

It was my first time at the GoT Studio Tour — which is planning more events with stars — and, as a megafan, I was not disappointed with all the costumes, weapons and sets.

Highlights were being able to scan my mug into the Hall of Faces, which Arya Stark’s assassins used to disguise themselves, posing with the giant Wun Wun and, of course, sitting on the coveted Iron Throne.

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Our evening was just one stop on a five-day tour of film and TV locations in Northern Ireland.

We’d started in Londonderry, home to Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls, spotting a giant mural featuring the five hellraising teens and visiting an exhibition showcasing a few sets and props.

From there, we travelled east around the coast, and in fair weather there are few places that can rival the scenery.

It’s easy to see why Northern Ireland is so attractive for filmmakers.

The route was packed with superb locations for memorable Thrones scenes, including:

• Downhill Beach — the clifftop temple where Red Priestess Melisandre burned heretics.
• Portstewart — where Jaime Lannister and Bronn encounter the Sand Snakes in Dorne.
• Dunluce Castle — Greyjoys’ home Pyke, with help from CGI.
• Ballintoy Harbour — where Theon Greyjoy meets sister Yara, and the neighbouring bay, where he is baptised for the Drowned God.
• Carnlough Harbour steps — where Arya Stark crawls to safety after her battle with the Waif.
• Hidden Village of Galboly — which doubles as the Vale of Arryn.
• Cairncastle’s hills — where Ned Stark beheads a deserter in the first episode.

The film scenery isn’t restricted to GoT, as the clifftop ruins at Dunseverick Castle were used for the live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon.

At the centre of Glenarm Castle’s walled gardens, you can see areas used to film Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, and Thrones spin-off A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms.

Nearby, in Glenarm village, is Steensons jewellers, which made many of the pieces used in GoT, then it was on to Carrickfergus Castle, a key location for Dungeons & Dragons.

I’d recommend having a guide — not just to get to the right places, but because locals love a good chinwag.

You’ll probably hear stories about the cast and crew (occasionally indiscreet, such as the actress despised by fellow thesps, or which actor appeared naked in a hotel lobby), and they are proud to show off their country.

Next stop Belfast, with locations for some of my other favourite non-fantasy TV series including Line Of Duty, which was shooting its seventh season while we were there, the Botanic Gardens where The Fall’s sexy serial killer, played by Jamie Dornan, stalks his victims, and Crumlin Road Gaol, now used for tours and filming.

We stayed in a different hotel every night and not a dud among them, but highlights were Harbourview in Carnlough, a destination whiskey property, and Slieve Donard in Newcastle, with an opulent pool.

South of Belfast we were back into the wild at Castle Ward, which served as the Starks’ seat of Winterfell and features the courtyard where Ned Stark taught his children archery, the stable where Tyrion Lannister romped with brothel beauties, and the window from which Jaime Lannister pushed Bran Stark.

Further around Strangford Lough is Audley’s Castle, a 15th-century tower that doubled (literally, as CGI was used to create two) as The Twins, treacherous Walder Frey’s stronghold.

Finally, at mystical Tollymore Forest, GoT scenes here include the creek where the direwolf pups are found, and where Arya hides from the Gold Cloaks.

Most bone-chilling, though, was the glade where Thrones’ opening scene was shot, where Night’s Watch rangers encounter a pit containing dismembered corpses that are not as dead as they appear.

So our tour’s end had brought us to the start, which just made me want to binge-watch it all again.

To paraphrase Jaime Lannister, the things we do for love of TV . . . 

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.

NAME a better spot to camp than right by the beach?

Well, at an award-winning holiday park, you can now pitch up your tent just a few metres from the sand, this summer.

Aber Bay Holiday Park near Aberystwyth in Wales will be launching beachside pitches from August 1, costing just £30 per night – which works out at £7.50 per person, per night.

You’d be right by Clarach Bay Beach, which is a sheltered, sand and shingle cove that stretches a mile long.

The beach is a great spot for kids with rock pools to explore and there is also a walking trail that heads over the cliffs.

One recent visitor said: “The beach is located right at the front of the park, it’s a sandy/stone beach with a stream running through the middle ideal for the younger children to explore/build dams etc! Beach is beautiful and always very clean.”

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Another person added: “The bay itself has a beautiful gorgeous beach and facilities for children, the dogs loved it!”

A third person commented: “A lovely little beach front which is safe for children. The beach front also has a nice cafe which serves a good breakfast and tasty fish and chips.”

Guests also get to use all the facilities at the holiday park including an indoor heated pool, a games room, outdoor play area, restaurant, bar, shop and entertainment.

The park also recently opened a rooftop terrace which overlooks the coastline.

The holiday park was named the best in Wales last year by the Welsh Hospitality Awards, making it one of the best holiday parks in the UK.

If you didn’t fancy camping, you could stay in one of the park’s caravans, lodges or glamping pods with their own hot tubs, instead.

A four-night break in September costs as little as £215 in a caravan sleeping up to eight people – that’s £6.72 per person, per night.

One recent visitor said: “Absolutely lovely location,right on the beach and so peaceful, loved waking up to the noise of the sea and will definitely be coming back for another stay.”