From Egypt to Turkey and Montenegro, we reveal cheaper Mediterranean resorts for your next summer holiday amid Brexit panic
THERE’S no doubt 2019 is shaping up to be the year we look east to make the most of our precious holiday pounds.
With Brexit uncertainty causing a slide in Sterling against the Euro, British travellers have started looking to the eastern Mediterranean countries for value next summer.
Tour operators including Thomas Cook and TUI as well as online travel agents On The Beach and LoveHolidays are reporting huge rises in interest in beach breaks to Turkey.
Montenegro, Bulgaria and other Eastern Med destinations are also becoming more popular. So can you get the same quality for less by heading eastwards?
We dig out six alternatives to traditional Greek or Spanish destinations for a much cheaper price.
Swap Nissi Bay, Cyrpus for Oludeniz, Turkey
OLUDENIZ is famous for its crescent-shaped Blue Lagoon beach – very similar to Nissi Bay in Cyprus.
Both have long, curved golden sands and clear waters in a calm lagoon. Nissi Bay’s good quality seawater and great facilities have earned it a Blue Flag – the same award given to the Blue Lagoon.
Oludeniz has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to choose from as well as paragliding and water sports facilities.
The 5* adult-only Sentido Lykia Resort & Spa, in Oludeniz, has a stunning beachfront location as well as a vast array of activities from rock climbing and archery to spa treatments and yoga classes.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive next summer is from £705pp including Manchester flights on May 5. See or call 0844 412 5970.
Swap Alcudia, Majorca, for Hurghada, Egypt
FAMILY-friendly Majorca has been a hit with the kids for decades but the Egyptian resort of Hurghada, above, is just as fun for little ones.
Both have water parks and aquariums as well as hotels with clubs and entertainment.
Temperatures hit over 20C even in winter, so you don’t have to visit in the pricey peak summer holidays.
As well as week-long all-inclusive deals hovering around £300-£350 per person, many hotels have their own on-site watersports and scuba or snorkelling opportunities.
Stay at the 4* Sindbad Aqua Club in Hurghada on an all-inclusive basis from as little as £319 per person in 2019. Price includes return flights, hold luggage and transfers. Visit .
Swap Kontokali Bay, Corfu, for Antalya, Turkey
LIKE Corfu Town, the vibrant resort of Antalya, Turkey scores highly. Both offer high-end bars, restaurants and shops in buzzing towns as well as fabulous beaches.
Both offer hotels that keep the whole family happy with on-site activities, pools and beach access.
Lara Bay, below, in Antalya is a long strip of sand lapped by clean waters. It has better temperatures than Corfu, with summers of over 30C and more bearable spring days.
The 5* Limak Lara Deluxe Hotel & Resort has a huge spa with traditional Turkish hammam.
Loveholidays has seven nights’ all-inclusive from £519pp including flights from Luton in May, 2019. See or call 020 3870 6844.
Swap Capri, Italy, for Losinj, Croatia
WITH crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation and a rugged coastline, the picturesque island of Losinj boasts natural beauty to rival Italy’s most famous island.
The harbour town of Mali Losinj with its pastel-coloured houses has been described as the most beautiful on the Adriatic coast.
Croatia has campsites in the most stunning natural surroundings, right on craggy coves and gorgeous beaches.
Make the most of the superb sea views by booking a cute wooden cabin at Camping Village Poljana.
It offers a cafe-bar, various sports and a playground. Prices are from £46.86 for one night in a superior cabin which sleeps up to five people. See .
Swap Tarifa, Spain, for Ulcinj, Montenegro
WITH eight miles of golden sands, Montenegro’s aptly named Long Beach is the longest in the Adriatic.
Stretching from Bojana to Port Milena in Ulcinj, it has become a popular destination for kite- surfers windsurfers, and other water sports enthusiasts.
Travel giant TUI will begin flying to Podgorica airport in Montenegro from next May with flights from around £200pp.
Enjoy the ultimate laid-back surfers’ lifestyle by pitching a tent at MCM Camping, below, right on the shores of Long Beach.
The modern 4* site has an outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, children’s play area and daybeds. See .
Swap Rhodes Greece, for Kusadasi, Turkey
THE Greek island of Rhodes has always been a popular choice for culture vultures – and Kusadasi, Turkey, offers a similar experience.
Rhodes’ old town is UNESCO-listed, while Kusadasi is home to the City of Ephesus and Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Both have beaches, great bars, traditional and international restaurants and excellent shopping options.
The 5* Le Bleu Hotel and Resort in Kusadasi boasts a seafront location with modern rooms, outdoor pools and a spa. On The Beach offers seven nights’ all-inclusive from £339pp including Gatwick flights on May 4. See or phone 0871 474 3000.