Stylish hotels, premium comforts, those luxury extra touches that make us feel like we’ve levelled up our getaway… what’s not to love about a four-star stay? Throw in some summer sunshine and a budget-friendly price and you’ve got holiday gold.
From classic beach holidays in Majorca to chic city breaks in Rome, we’ve rounded up seven destinations where you can take your pick of fabulous four-star deals without having to splash the cash this summer.
Beach resort in Morocco? Agadir is your answer. With an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, plus a sweeping stretch of fine golden sand, it’s the country's top spot for a summer seaside escape. Take one look at the variety of stylish four-star hotels lining the coast (think palm-fringed pools and sun terraces), and it will soon be your favourite spot, too.
Almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1960, Agadir has since undergone a modern renovation. Contemporary buildings, street cafes and shop-lined boulevards create a Mediterranean feel to the city, but you’ll still find its traditional heritage in the bustling souks and hammam spas.
When you’re not basking on the beach, rent a surfboard to catch some waves, check out the hilltop ruins of Agadir Oufella or take a day trip to the Souss-Massa National Park to spot wildlife among the wetlands and dunes.
Majorca is a package holiday mecca and whether you’re searching for an all-inclusive resort or self-catering stay this summer, you’ll find a four-star hotel to suit.
Some of the best deals can be found in the southern resorts of Santa Ponsa, Palma Nova and in the capital city, Palma. Spend lazy days lounging on sun-bleached beaches before choosing which tapas or cocktail menu tickles your fancy at one of the waterfront restaurants and bars. Come sundown, follow the party tunes to Magaluf if you’re game for a late-night boogie.
For the type of turquoise coves and picturesque fishing harbours that make your Instagram feed, you’ll want to head to the island’s east coast. Cala Figuera, Cala d'Or and Cala Ratjada are your quieter resorts brimming with rustic Spanish charm, while Cala Millor’s mile-long activity-filled beach favours the family crowds.
Awash with pine-clad hills, crystal clear sea and summer temperatures topping 30C, the hardest part of your Dalaman holiday is deciding where to stay.
Dalaman itself is a hub of restaurants serving up delicious Turkish staples like lamb koftas, meze and fresh seafood, and you can’t beat Kayacik Beach for sunsets.
Marmaris has the biggest array of hotels and a list of activities to match – from splash-filled days out at Atlantis Water Park to mountain hiking – while ancient rock tombs, mud baths and turtles await in Dalyan.
Go east to seek out Dalaman’s laidback side. Try Fethiye for top-notch spas, local markets and tranquil boat trips to the surrounding islets; next door, you’ll find one of Turkey’s – and Europe’s – best beaches in Olu Deniz. Hint: It’s a lagoon, and it’s brilliantly blue.
Nothing beats that feeling of returning to your hotel after adventure-filled days in the city and crashing out on a super soft bed or taking a refreshing dip in the pool. Snap up a fantastic four-star deal in Rome this summer and you can do just that.
Beat the midday heat (and the growing crowds) by ticking off the city’s famed landmarks first thing in the morning – you can’t do better than the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon for a sightseeing trio.
Seek respite from the sun among the incredible painting and sculpture collections of Galleria Borghese, before taking a leisurely stroll around its garden’s exquisite landscaped lawns.
There’s only one way to end the day here, and that’s having your fill of Roman fare. Tuck into heaped bowls of cacio e pepe or crispy pizza slices laden with mozzarella, followed by several scoops of gelato – you’re on holiday after all.
Fuengirola is one of the cheapest resorts for a summer holiday on this stretch of Spanish coastline and a top pick for families. Its 8km-long (4.9 miles) beach is a frenzy of watersports and cafes but the sea is relatively calm and is watched over by lifeguards.
Benalmádena and Torremolinos are equally popular resort towns thanks to their soft, toffee-coloured beaches and fun-filled attractions. Little ones will love learning about marine life at Sea Life Benalmádena, big kids can hit the water slides at Aqualand Torremolinos and culture-cravers can admire the decadent Casa de los Navajas palace.
To combine sunbathing and sightseeing, make a beeline for Malaga. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, a visit to Museo Picasso is a must, as is a trip to the medieval Alcazaba fortress.
If your summer holiday vibe is more stylish beach clubs, sangria sundowners and boutique shopping, then it’s got to be Marbella.
Hotel Mainake SL
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Summer holidays can be whatever you want them to be in Malta. Seeking time out on the sand? Head to Gozo for Blue Flag beaches. All about food? Valletta has Michelin star restaurants. Activity addict? You won’t forget a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon anytime soon.
Whichever type of getaway you’re after, you can enjoy it without a price tag in one of the four-star hotels that scatter Malta’s coastline.
Mellieħa is a great choice for families with kids in tow. You’ve got two of Malta’s best beaches nearby, Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay, plus Popeye Village – a quirky theme park that had a former life as a film set in the 1980s.
Stay in St Paul’s Bay on Malta or Mġarr on Gozo and you can watch boats bob in the harbour as you sip your morning coffee, or choose a hotel in the UNESCO-listed capital to have incredible 16th-century architecture on your doorstep.
Solana Hotel & Spa
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Lanzarote is known for its year-round warm weather, but a summer holiday here just hits different – there are ten hours of glorious sunshine a day, the sea temperature averages an inviting 22C and the buzz of busy restaurants and bars creates a jovial atmosphere.
The summer months have a handful of festivals and concerts, too. Join the parades in honour of the Saint Carmen in the Nuestra Señora del Carmen festival that takes place throughout Lanzarote’s towns from 16 July onwards, or time your visit with the end of the Fiesta de San Gines to catch the dazzling firework display over Arrecife's beach. On 27 July, the Lava Live music festival brings non-stop tunes to the island.
Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen are two of Lanzarote’s most popular resorts, and you’ll find all the holiday essentials (ice cream stalls, watersports rentals and souvenir shops), plus some great-value package holiday deals, in both.
Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll narrow down the best destinations and deals for your holiday!
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