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TRAVEL

It’s 75 years since all-inclusive holidays launched

THE all-inclusive holiday is more popular than ever, three quarters of a century since Brits first went on one.

To mark 75 years of the budget-friendly way to holiday, we’ve looked at the very best deals around at the moment. From beautiful beaches to lavish cruises, here are 75 stonking all-inclusives you can book now – you can even bag one to the Maldives, perfect timing as the bad weather sets in at home.

The first ever overseas package holiday was created by Vladimir Raitz, who founded Horizon Holidays.

It was to Corsica from London in 1950, with 300 holidaymakers paying £32 and ten shillings. This works out to around £971 in today’s money.

Rather than a resort, however, guests would be staying in ex-army surplus tents as rationing was still in place.

It was Gerard Blitz, a Belgian sportsman, who then created the concept of the all-inclusive hotel resort in 1950, with the first Club Med in Spain.

And despite it being 75 years later, all-inclusive holiday packages can still be found for a fraction of the price.

So we’ve found 75 of the best all-inclusive deals on the market, which include your flights, hotel and your food and drink.

Deals include TUI, easyJet Holidays, Thomas Cook, Loveholidays and On The Beach, as well as a number of ski holidays, cruise holidays and even some mystery holidays.

From Turkey bargains for £189pp, to long-haul blow-the-budget trips to The Maldives, here are our top picks.

Under £200

When it comes to the cheapest all-inclusive breaks, you’ll want to head to Turkey.

You could spend seven nights in the Prenses Sealine Beach Hotel in February 2026.

For £189 each it includes all food and drink and your return flights from London Southend. Find the deal here.

Or there is seven nights at the Grand Barhan, also in Antalya in Turkey for £199 each when travelling from London Gatwick in March 2026. Find the deal here.

There is also Belpoint Beach Hotel for £199pp if you fly from London Gatwick in April 2026. Find the deal here.

Another affordable holiday destination for all-inclusive holidays is Tunisia.

TUI has a three-night stay in TUI SUNEO Royal Kenz in Tunisia for £179pp, when flying in January 2026 from London Southend. Find the deal here.

Another three night stay is at Paradis Palace Hotel in Hamamet for £191pp, also in January 2026 from London Southend. Find the deal here.

Four nights at Riviera Hotel with Birmingham flights in February 2026 is just £158 each. Find the deal here.

For under £200 you could also head to Morocco.

Three-night stays in Morocco for under £200 – the TUI SUNEO Kenzi Europa is around £193pp, with flights from London Stansted in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or for £197pp, the trip includes a three-night break in Marrakech with return flights from London Stansted in February 2026. Find the deal here.

Four nights at Allegro Agadir in January 2026 is just £199 each when flying from London Gatwick. Find the deal here.

If you don’t mind a budget hotel, there are a few all inclusive deals in Spain for under £200 each.

Fly in July to Hotel Mariant Park in Majorca for seven nights, from £186 each. Find the deal here.

Four nights in BLUESEA Copacabana in Costa Brava is £199 each in April. Find the deal here.

When it comes to Portugal, seven nights at Albufeira Sol Hotel & Spa is £186 each from East Midlands in April 2026. Find the deal here.

If you don’t mind a shorter trip, spend fur nights at Mutha Oura Praia Hotel in February from Bristol Airport for £179 each. Find the deal here.

Under £300

Tunisia remains a bargain for cheap all-inclusive deals under £300 too.

Loveholidays has a steal with seven nights at the Vincci Helya Beach in Skanes for £209 each when travelling from London Southend in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or four nights at Cesar Thalasso with easyJet in January 2026 from Manchester is £254pp. Find the deal here.

TUI has some bargains for Tunisia with a three-night stay in January from London Southend for £218 each. Find the deal here.

Stay a bit longer with four night stays from £236pp. Find the deal here.

Greece has some cheap all-inclusive breaks too, especially in Crete.

A seven night stay in Bali Beach & Sofia Village with return Luton flights can be found for £250 each a night in April 2026 Find the deal here.

Or there is the adult-only City Green Hotel for £275pp, with return flights from London Gatwick in April 2026. Find the deal here.

First Choice has seven nights in Crete’s Mediterraneo Hotel in April from London Gatwick for £212 each. Find the deal here.

Or head over to Rhodes for £213 each, with seven nights at Tsampika Hotel along with London Luton flights in April as well. Find the deal here.

Want to try Corfu? Seven nights at Mareblue beach with Gatwick flights in April is just £250 each. Find the deal here.

Otherwise there are some affordable Egypt holidays under £300 each too.

Seven nights in Sharm Cliff Resort is around £212pp when flying from London Luton in January 2026. Find the deal here.

You can even find some Spanish deals if you know where to look.

First Choice has six nights in the TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical from Birmingham in January from £298 each. Find the deal here.

Portugal is another great cheap destination under £300pp, especially with TUI.

There is three nights at Alvor Baia with London Stansted flights in march for £274 each. Find the deal here.

Or fly from Manchester to AP Cabanas Beach and Nature for three nights in January for £281 each. Find the deal here.

Prefer Albufeira? For £295 each, there are three nights at AP ADRIANA BEACH RESORT. Find the deal here.

Or why not try a trip to Montenegro? For £289 each, you can spend four nights at Carine Hotel Park in April 2026, with flights from London Gatwick. Find the deal here.

Under £500

Most of your all-inclusive Spanish holidays will be in the under £500 range.

For example, there is the HSM Canarios Park in Majorca which is £315pp for seven nights and return flights from London Gatwick in May 2026. Find the deal here.

If you prefer Costa Blanca, there is the Magic Cristal Park, with seven nights and London Luton flights in March 2026 for £320 each. Find the deal here.

Or for Costa del Azahar, spend seven nights in Magic Sports for £365 each in March 2026 when flying from London Stansted in March 2026. Find the deal here.

For a Jet2 holiday, there are seven nights at Sandos Griego in the Costa Del Sol in march from £479 each. Find the deal here.

Cyprus is one of the best for sunshine all year round, with some great deals next year too,

Seven nights at Tsokkos Gardens Apartment with London Gatwick flights in May 2026 is just £499pp. Find the deal here.

EasyJet Holidays has some Egypt bargains too for under £500 each.

There is four nights at the Aster Aqua Park in Hurghada for £340 each, with London Gatwick flights in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or travel in March 2026 from Manchester to Caves Beach Resort, with four nights from £472pp. Find the deal here.

Thomas Cook‘s Egypt deals can be found for £305 each, with seven nights at Royal Lagoons Resort when flying from London Luton in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or also in January is seven nights at Pyramisa Beach Resort is £442pp with London Luton flights. Find the deal here.

You can even get some all-inclusive cruises for a bargain.

For example. you can spend three nights on a Marella Explorer 2 ship for £486 each, with drinks, food and stops in Tenerife and Malaga, as long as you fly next month. Find the deal here.

Ambassador’s mini cruises are all inclusive from £399 each, with three days onboard. Find the deal here.

Wowcher’s Mystery All Inclusive seven night holidays are £349 each. Find the deal here.

Under £800

Around the £800pp mark is where you can start to find some longer-haul holidays.

For example, seven nights in Cuba at the Allegro Palma Real with London Gatwick flights can be found for £779 each when flying in October 2026. Find the deal here.

In the same month, seven nights at Club Kawama is just £769pp with Gatwick flights too. Find the deal here.

Or in September 2026, seven nights at Rose Rayhaan by Rotana in Dubai with London Stansted flights is £779 each as well. Find the deal here.

TUI has seven nights in Cape Verde’s Boa Vista, at the Hotel Riu Touareg with London Gatwick flights in January 2026 for £778pp. Find the deal here.

You can even find some bargains for Mexico, with seven nights in January 2026 at All Ritmo Cancun Resort for £759 each with London Gatwick flights. Find the deal here.

Wowcher has some cheap trips on offer as well, with a seven night stay at a five star hotel in the Dominican Republic with return flights from £789 each. Find the deal here.

But if you are looking to stay in a bit closer, you can find some five star luxury for this price.

Seven nights at Dreams Corfu Resort & Spa in April 2026 with London Gatwick flights is £769 each. Find the deal here.

Another week-long trip, staying at Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort in Rhodes with London Gatwick flights in April 2026 is £759pp. Find the deal here.

British Airways has lots of Egypt trips, with seven nights at Parrotel Beach Resort in Sharm el Sheikh for £657 each with London flights in January. Find the deal here.

They also have Morocco with the Pickalbatros Palais des Roses for £634 each in January. Find the deal here.

Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel is one of Egypt‘s fanciest hotels, and Loveholidays has seven night stays in January for £769 each. Find the deal here.

And the luxury Rixos Premium Gocek in Turkey is £769pp too, with flights in March. Find the deal here.

Under £1,000

Finding an all-inclusive under £1,000 to long-haul destinations can be tricky – but it’s doable.

HolidayPirates has a seven night stay at Riu Bambu in the Dominican Republic if you fly from Manchester in February 2026 for £980 each. Find the deal here.

Or fly from London Gatwick in June 2026 to spend seven nights at Coral Costa Caribe Resort & Spa for £969pp. Find the deal here.

Fly in April 2026 from London Gatwick to Whala! Boca Chica for seven nights for £970 each. Find the deal here.

Or there is a whopping 14-night stay in Royal Palms Beach Hotel in Sri Lanka for £974 each, when flying from London Gatwick in May 2026. Find the deal here.

Fancy Tanzania? Seven nights at AHG Waridi Beach Resort in May 2026 from London Gatwick is just £989pp. Find the deal here.

Or seven nights at Paradise Beach Resort on the same island is £959pp with London Gatwick flights in May 2026. Find the deal here.

Otherwise Thomas Cook has a number of cheap Mexico deals under £1,000.

There’s seven nights at The Reef Coco beach Resort from London Gatwick in January 2026 for £998pp. Find the deal here.

Or fly from London Gatwick to Hotel Maya Caribe Faranda also in January for £955 each. Find the deal here.

If you’re a snow lover there are some great ski holidays too, with seven night all-inclusives under £1,00 each.

One of Crystal Ski’s most affordable deals is seven nights at Belambra Club Panorama in France, when flying from London Gatwick next month, for £846pp. Find the deal here.

Head to Bansko in Bulgaria for £881 each, with flights from Birmingham next month. Find the deal here.

Or Sunweb has eight day ski holidays in Austria for £844 each when travelling in March. Find the deal here.

Over £1,000

If you are happy to have a big blow out holiday, then there are some fantastic deals to splash out on too.

For example, Tropical Sky have seven nights in Zanzibar from £1,499 each, including flights. Find the deal here.

Their Platinum Collection holidays, which are five star hotels, can be found for £2,799 each. Find the deal here.

Talking of African islands, British Airways has some fantastic trips to Mauritius too.

Seven nights with return flights start from London Heathrow to the Veranda Palmar Beach hotel for £1,508, when travelling in September 2026. Find the deal here.

Or there is the five star Club Med La Plantation D’Albion for £2,004 each, when travelling the same month. Find the deal here.

And one of the biggest bucket list destinations is The Maldives.

Virgin Atlantic has seven night trips from £1,841 each, which includes flights from London Heathrow and stays at the OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi in September 2026. Find the deal here.

Want to stay longer? Travel in June 2026 at the same resort for an 11-night trip for £2,549pp. Find the deal here.

Fourteen night stays start from £3,091pp when flying from London Stansted in September 2026 to Cinnamon Dhonveli. Find the deal here.

If you have the time, how about a month-long, all-inclusive holiday?

Jet2holidays has some bargain long stay trips with everything included.

You could spend 28 days at Grand Park Lara in Turkey in March, with return flights included from £1,470 each. Find the deal here.

Or there is a month-long stay in Majorca’s Universal Hotel Romantica for £1,017pp in February. Find the deal here.

Tenerife’s Grand Castillo Tagora is £2,247 each for 28-day stays. Find the deal here.

And HD Lobos Natura Fuerteventura is from £2,923. Find the deal here.

Morocco is a bargain too, with 28 nights at Hotel Club Sungo by Pickalbatros in February for £1,890 each. Find the deal here.

75 deals on all inclusive holidays in 2026

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TRAVEL

New deals on TUI package holidays for 2026

Dec 19, 2025 Travel Desk

Aerial view of a beach in Mexico, with many boats on the water and people on the sand, surrounded by lush green hills.

SNAP up next year’s holiday for less.

Do you spend the long, cold winter nights dreaming about your next holiday? Say yes to summer – and yes to big savings – by bagging up to £500 off a TUI booking with its latest deal.

There are options to buy now, pay later with low or no deposit – and grab free kids’ places. So where do you fancy going?

Greek gifts

You can always depend on the Greek islands. Corfu is a lush picture of cypress trees, olive groves and sun-bleached towns.

Make sure to fit in a trip to Paradise Beach, so isolated it can only be reached by boat.

Alternatively, Rhodes has a breathtaking mix of dazzling beaches and ancient ruins.

Take the ferry to the tiny island of Symi, which has a beautiful harbour and a striking 15th-century monastery on the waterfront.

Spain’s Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera – never fail to please.

Cala Galdana – a cosy, colourful resort set in a lovely cove in southern Menorca – has lots to keep the family entertained.

And of course Ibiza’s non-stop party scene, bohemian vibes and gorgeous sand are rightly legendary.

Choose a cruise

Or save up to £300 off per booking* on a more sedate river cruise. TUI River Cruises runs tours on the Nile in Egypt plus the Rhine, the Danube and the Moselle in Europe with a brand new ship to be launched on Portugal’s beautiful River Douro in Summer 2027.

Long haul or short?

The new year is the perfect time to think about treating yourself to a holiday.

Tempted by some sunshine? Florida enjoys average temperatures of 25C – so hit the beach, tour Miami and visit Orlando’s theme parks.

Or soak up the sun in Mexico, explore Mayan ruins, laze on powder-sand beaches and stay in an incredible seafront hotel.

The Canaries are always a hit, winter or summer, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria as ever-reliable choices.

Agaete – in the north of Gran Canaria – has some great beaches and natural pools, plus a quaint old town with a walled botanical garden.

How to shop the deals

With a myTUI account you can save up to £500* per booking on a TUI package holiday using code SALE.

You must be logged into a myTUI account to be able to apply any discounts.

Once you’re set up, having your details stored online allows you to book a break swiftly before it disappears.

And if you already have dates and destinations in mind, that helps to narrow your search for the best deals.

Sign up for weekly emails and you’ll receive any discounts direct to your inbox.

The world is your oyster – so say yes to bargains, yes to paying later and, above all, yes to summer.

Find a holiday deal at tui.co.uk

TUI package holiday T&Cs

*Save 10 per cent per booking, up to a maximum discount of £500, with code SALE. Save 10 per cent per booking on TUI package holidays up to a maximum discount of £500. The discount does not apply to infants under two but the discount can still be applied to the rest of the booking. Offer excludes city destinations operated on third party flights apart from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Doha. Discount is valid on holidays departing between May 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027. Minimum spend is £500. Room upgrades and flight extras on TUI flying will count towards your minimum spend. However, other extras such as insurance and TUI Care Foundation donations do not count towards your minimum spend. Offer is valid from Friday December 19, 2025 when logged into a myTUI account. Offer does not apply to accommodation only, flight only, Cruise and Ski bookings. Offer is valid for new bookings only when logged into a myTUI account and can only be redeemed once per booking. Enter code SALE in upper case when on the holiday payment page of our website. See http://www.tui.co.uk or the relevant brochure for booking terms and conditions. Offer is subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn at any time without notice. This promotional code is non-transferable and not valid in conjunction with any other discount code.

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The Spanish island hotel that welcomed Jude Law, Brad Pitt and even Winston Churchill

Dec 13, 2025 Travel Desk

IF you’ve ever fancied the high-life of a celebrity, you can do exactly that at this hotel, and even book it with TUI.

For a classy stay, The Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is just a few streets away from the Marina Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.

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Inside The Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is a grand lobby with huge chandeliersCredit: TUI

One of the most recent celebrities staying at the hotel is Jude LawCredit: Alamy

Tucked away behind the Atis Tirma, the hotel is a 19th century building and inside there are high ceilings and huge chandeliers.

With its grandeur, there’s not much surprise that it’s been a hideaway retreat for celebrities and even royals.

Over the years, the hotel has welcomed guests like Brad Pitt, Sir Winston Churchill and the Spanish royal family.

Most recently, The Holiday star Jude Law was staying there while he had been filming in Gran Canaria.

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While it’s a simple stay, you still have all the essentials like swimming pools.

In fact, the hotel has two pools, one outdoor tucked away in a pretty garden – and it has a sun terrace with sunbeds and parasols.

When you get thirsty or a little peckish, pop over to the outdoor bar.

Inside the spa is a heated pool, whirlpool, sauna and plenty of treatments to enjoy like sea salt and vanilla oil peels, facials and massages.

Those who booked a junior suite at the hotel can enjoy use of the infinity pool.

The hotel’s main buffet is in the Doramas restaurant, but it’s by no means basic as you can enjoy a ‘Royal Breakfast’ and watch live show-cooking.

Up on the top of the hotel is a rooftop bar and infinity poolCredit: TUI

The Deluxe Double Rooms which have a neo-classical designCredit: TUI

There’s plenty of entertainment and a main pool for swimmingCredit: TUI

Poemas Restaurant is the à la carte eatery serving up gourmet meals, MuXgo is a green Michelin star restaurant where guests can dine on classic Canarian dishes.

For smaller bites, there’s the Camarote snack bar as well as the Carabela bar and Alis rooftop bar – an exclusive bar with cocktail service and an infinity pool.

If you fancy a bit of entertainment while you’re there then there will be a live piano playing from Monday to Saturday and a singer on Sundays.

When it comes to activities, next door is a tennis court which guests are welcome to use at an extra cost.

Rooms range from Deluxe Double Rooms which have a neo-classical design up to the suite, which has a separate bedroom and living space as well as a bathroom with a tub and rain shower.

Packages can be on a Bed and Breakfast or Half Board basis.

You can book a stay with TUI and lowest price for a family of four during 2026 is in April where a seven night stay will cost £958pp – including flights from London Luton with easyJet.

One writer explore the quieter side of Gran Canaria…

Writer Alex Cohen explored Gran Canaria, and here’s what they discovered…

“Ain’t life Gran-d! Well it is when you’re far from the madding crowd, soaking up the silence in the middle of an island more famed for popular beach resorts.

“The south of the volcanic island has mile after mile of beaches full of hotels and holiday apartments. But we’ve come off the beaten track to explore the hidden delights.

“There are more than 300 days of sunshine a year here and you really could do something different on each of those days.

“There are almost as many different landscapes too, thanks to the microclimates of every soaring volcano, ravine and valley brought in by the trade winds.

“As we climbed up from the coast, the many faces of the second biggest of the Canary Islands showed themselves. Swirls of mist-cloaked mountains gave way to desert-like fields and green forests.

“Around one hairpin bend, it looked like the Grand Canyon, with the light disappearing down sheer cliff faces into deep rocky ravines.

“Round the next and suddenly we were in a Breaking Bad-style desert with cactus and not much else growing. Down into the next valley and we could have been in the Caribbean with palm trees guarding the lush vegetation.

“Once you get into the interior of the island there’s an array of things to do; hiking on mountain trails, village markets with local crafts, UNESCO heritage sites, laurel forests or even walking through a National Park.

“Go rock climbing around the Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve, the island’s highest point at nearly 2,000m. Or perhaps cycling — on or off-road — or visit the island’s botanical gardens, ancient cobbled villages, vineyards or the old town in the soulful and lively capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.”

For more celebrity holiday hotspots, check out the waterpark hotel where Stacey Solomon went on holiday with Blue Flag beach and unique ice fountain.

Plus the UK hotel which attracts famous celebrity guests & makes holidaymakers ‘feel like they’re abroad’.

Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is a celebrity hotspot in Gran CanariaCredit: TUI

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Forget Mykonos and Santorini – TUI says these four less-popular Greek islands are set to be huge in 2026

Dec 11, 2025 Travel Desk

BRITS are ditching popular Greek spots for less-visited parts of the country for better value holidays, says TUI.

According to new data, Brits are heading to quieter spots in Greece including Samos, Preveza, Kefalonia and Halkidiki.

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Samos is leading this change with bookings up by a staggering 118 per cent year-on-yearCredit: Getty

TUI is dubbing this surge in bookings to lesser-visited islands as the ‘Hidden Greece Revolution’.

Here are the ones you need to know about.

Samos

Samos is leading this change with bookings up by a staggering 118 per cent year-on-year.

TUI believes this is in part due to the extra weekly TUI flight from London Gatwick Airport.

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Samos is known for relaxing beaches, serene water and traditional tavernas, like Welcome Bar Restaurant, a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for 2025, where tourists can grab fresh seafood dishes including grilled cod and octopus.

One popular thing to see on the island is the monuments of Kings’, Priests and other significant figures.

And there are two UNESCO monuments on the island, including the ancient city of Pythagoreion and the ancient Temple of Hera, Heraion of Samos.

The island is also a great spot for keen hikers, with mountains, caves and ravines to explore.

For example, you could head to Mount Kerkis, which stands 1400 metres above sea level.

If hiking isn’t your thing though, there is plenty more to explore on Samos including the town, where you’ll find neoclassical buildings.

The island has several beaches too, including Tsamadou Beach, which is lined with pine trees and features clear water.

Alternatively, head to Kokkari Beach, which is located in a charming village.

A meal on Samos is likely to set you back around €10 (£8.76) and a beer around €4 (£3.50).

Preveza

Meanwhile, Preveza has also seen an increase in bookings, up 10 per cent.

It is the ideal destination for reaching Lefkada, meaning travellers can experience two destinations in one trip.

Preveza is located at the edge of the Amvrakikos Gulf and features a number of ancient sites as well as stunning landscapes.

In the Old Town, visitors can explore the historic port and get lost in a number of narrow, cobbled alleys that lead away from the harbour, with several traditional buildings too.

One key spot worth discovering is Saitan Bazar, which is a historic lane featuring tiny independent shops and cafes, that are covered in vines and known for having lively atmospheres.

For beaches, there is plenty of choice too, including Monolithi – which is one of Europe‘s longest sandy beaches, stretching between 13.5 and 15.5 miles long.

In Preveza, travellers will find one of Europe’s longest beachesCredit: Getty

One recent visitor said: “Monolithi Beach is a long, beautiful, and mostly empty beach – perfect for those who enjoy peace and quiet by the sea.

“There is plenty of space to relax without crowds, as well as lots of natural shade near the parking area.”

A meal in Preveza is likely to set you back around €8 (£7.01) and a beer around €3 (£2.63).

Kefalonia

Kefalonia has seen growth, especially with couples and families visiting.

Caroline McGuire, The Sun’s Head of Travel – Digital, said: “I visited Kefalonia on a family holiday a few years ago, after looking for the ideal Greek island for a trip with a three year old.

“The island in the Ionian Sea — a Hollywood star in its own right thanks to the 2001 film version of Louis de Bernieres wartime novel — ticked all the boxes and boasts what is often claimed as Greece’s best beach.

“We spent a week on the island in mid-May and enjoyed everything it had to offer — without spending too much money.

Myrtos beach in Kefalonia is regularly named one of Greece’s top fiveCredit: Alamy

“Our timing (outside of school holidays) meant we were one of the few tourist groups on the island.

“The weather was still perfect though. The average is highs of 21C in May and the same in October.

“There were no crowds, either. Looking out at Myrtos beach, which is regularly named one of Greece’s top five, it felt like we were being let in on a great secret.”

A meal on Kefalonia is likely to set you back around €13.50 (£11.82) and a beer around €4.25 (£3.81).

A meal on Kefalonia is likely to set you back around €13.50 (£11.82)Credit: Getty

Halkidiki

In Halkidiki, another island seeing a boom, there are more stunning beaches, as well as secluded coves.

An amazing spot to explore is Mount Athos, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important centres of Orthodox monasticism.

It is known as the ‘Holy Mountain’ and is home to 20 historic monasteries, including ones that date back over 1,000 years.

In this region you can expect a meal at an inexpensive restaurant to set you back around €7 (£6.13) and a beer around €2.75 (£2.41).

Halkidiki is home to Mount Athos, which has 20 historic monasteriesCredit: Alamy

Commercial director at TUI UK & Ireland, Chris Logan said: “What we are seeing is Brits exploring Greece in a whole new way.

“These picturesque islands offer incredible beaches, amazing food and fantastic value without the crowds allowing people the chance to truly relax and indulge.

“The demand shows travellers are ready to go beyond the classics and discover Greece’s hidden gems and TUI makes it simple, with flights, transfers, hotels and 24/7 support all sorted.”

For other places worth visiting in Greece, there is an island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.

Plus, Wizz Air to launch six new routes with cheap flights to Greek islands and the capital of wine.

These Greek hidden gems tend to be cheaper than more popular spots in the countryCredit: Alamy

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The regional airport seeing a ‘boom’ in passengers with plans for more TUI flights next year

Dec 9, 2025 Travel Desk

ONE regional airport in the south of the UK has had a huge increase in passengers over the last year.

Thanks to an extra TUI aircraft and the introduction of KLM flights to Amsterdam, the summer of 2025 bought in thousands more flyers to Exeter Airport.

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Exeter Airport has seen a huge growth in passenger numbers over 2025Credit: Alamy

TUI placed a second aircraft there over the summer and has plans for new route in 2026Credit: Alamy

It said that over 450,000 customers passed through the terminal between April and October 2025 – which is an increase of 100,000 people.

It estimated the yearly figure would exceed 500,000 passengers for the first time since Flybe went into administration back in March 2020.

The ‘landmark year’ follows the launch of daily KLM flights to Amsterdam which started in March 2025.

Not only does this give customers a chance to explore the Dutch city, but also offers connecting flights to more than 160 places across the world.

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This was followed by the decision for TUI to base a second aircraft at the airport over the summer which meant it had capacity for 50 flights per week to 13 destinations.

Exeter Airport said that TUI’s increased capacity meant that there were over 65,000 seats to Greece.

Another 60,000 seats to the Balearics and 40,000 to the Canary Islands were also added.

There are plans to continue the growth of the regional airport too with TUI already announcing a new and direct route to Kos which will start in summer 2026.

There are flights only as well as packages so customers can book seven or 14-night holidays there.

Flights only will start from £377pp based on travelling in June 2026 with 15kg hold luggage.

Daily flights started between Exeter and Amsterdam earlier this year

Package deals start from £1013 per person for a seven-night trip to staying at the4T+ Holiday Village Atlantica Mikri Poli Kos on an all-inclusive basis in June 2026.

Stephen Wiltshire, the airport’s managing director said: “We’re delighted with TUI’s announcement of new flights to Kos from Exeter Airport for summer 2026, and it’s the first time this beautiful Greek island will be directly served from here.

“This exciting addition expands the choice of sunshine destinations available to our passengers and reflects the continuing strength of demand for holidays from Exeter.

“We look forward to working closely with TUI to make the route a great success.”

For more on TUI, here’s the latest update on relaunching flights from closed UK airport – three years after shutting.

Plus the popular holiday hotspot set to become a ‘super destination’ with more cheap flights and new TUI hotels.

Discover what on Sun Writer thought on her recent holiday to Kos…

The Sun’s Jane Atkinson went on a family trip to Kos earlier this year, she explored the island that’s just 26 miles long and discovered local tavernas serving Greek salad and tasty gyros.

Talking about her trip, she said: ” It only took us 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other and there is one main road too, so it wasn’t stressful. The first stop was the Melissa honey farm near the town of Kefalos in the west.

“We tasted all different types of the sticky, sweet stuff — including wild strawberry, pine and thyme — and left with plenty of jars, as well as a rich honey hand cream for me and baklava pastries packed with nuts.

“If you’re a nature fan then head to Plaka Forest, a natural park in the centre of the island which has trails for walkers. For a bit of culture, Antimachia Castle is bursting with history.”

Exeter Airport is experiencing an increase in passengers and additional TUI routesCredit: Alamy

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