Get set for summer: Where to go, and when
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The Easter eggs have been dismantled, you’re bursting with hot cross buns and spring has sprung.
Maybe you made the most of the Easter break and are now smugly admiring your tan. But if you’ve been stuck at home, now’s the time to get your skates on and make sure summer is different by bagging yourself a great summer getaway.
But where should you go? Let us inspire you…
Where to go in June
If you’re itching to get away, June is just around the corner and it truly signals the start of summer. Temperatures begin to soar and it’s an ideal time to snap up a deal before the schools break for the long summer holidays.
So for starters, how does a Balearic Island escape sound?
Exceptional white-sand beaches, temperatures in the 20s and clear waters of the Med aside, these impressive all-rounders offer the chance to do far more if the mood takes you.
For example, you could explore World Heritage Sites such as the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana in Majorca which offers superb hiking territory, or explore ancient prehistoric sites such as Torre d’en Galmés in Menorca to admire impressive ruins from the Talayotic era.
You might even fancy discovering hidden corners and beaches on an island road trip.
Turkey is another strong contender for June. A cultural crossroads between east and west, you can enjoy 12 hours of idyllic sunshine on the sandy stretches of popular resorts such as Bodrum, Olu Deniz, Marmaris and Icmeler.
Bask in temperatures of around 25C while discovering ancient bazaars, exploring varied landscapes and tucking into delicious mezzes.
And the tempting price tag offers a further reason to go. A quick search on TravelSupermarket returned a holiday to Dalaman for seven days, leaving London Stansted on June 1 for just £175 per person.
Extremely photogenic and an island of incredible diversity, Corsica – or the Isle of Beauty – is another good bet in June.
The pleasant average temperatures of 23C will give you the option to bask in its sparkling bays in resorts such as Porto Vecchio, Calvi and Bonifacio or alternatively explore its beautiful mountainous interior from areas such as Corte.
Where to go in July
Buckets and spades at the ready! July signals the beginning of the long-awaited school summer hols and the Spanish Costas are just the ticket. And with over 160 kilometres of coastline, beach is king.
Temperatures of up to 30C guarantee plenty of fun in the sun in resorts such as Torremolinos, Marbella and Benalmadena.
Meanwhile the Costa Blanca has stood the test of time as a firm family favourite with resorts such as Benidorm, Denia and Torrevieja offering all the ingredients for a great getaway.
Despite being peak season, a holiday here won’t squeeze your wallet too much. We found a deal to Benidorm for two adults and two children for £293pp departing from Manchester on July 26 and staying in three-star accommodation for seven nights.
The Greek Islands are another big-hitter in July holidays, and there’s an island for every taste. Santorini, for example, is famous for its whitewashed villages and unrivalled sunsets, while Rhodes has an abundance of beaches and a historical old town.
Further options to explore are Mykonos, Zante, Corfu, Kos and Crete.
Booking your holiday now will give you the best chance of bagging a great deal – for example, we found a three-star holiday to Zante for two adults and two children departing Glasgow on July 15 for just £282 per person.
Where to go in August
The Algarve in August offers holidaymakers long days of sunshine, incredible sandy stretches, world-class golf courses and numerous options for days out.
It’s also a superb choice for watersports fans with surfing, kiteboarding and windsurfing being popular. And whether you want a peaceful hideaway or a buzzing party town, you’ll have your pick from resorts such as Alvor, Vilamoura, Lagos, Praia da Luz and Albufeira.
And the resorts aren’t the only attractive part of a holiday here. We found a seven-night three-star holiday on TravelSupermarket for two adults and two children, departing Leeds Bradford on August 15 for just £307 per person.
Or how about a sun-soaked adventure in Sicily? The largest Italian island enjoys temperatures in the mid-twenties in August so the beach will beckon.
But there’s much more on offer too from jaunts up Europe’s largest active volcano, Etna, to strolls taking in the sights, smell and sounds of the beautiful town of Taormina – be sure to check out what’s on at the ampitheatre before you visit.
And you’ll go home telling friends about the food you sampled including dishes such as pasta alla norma(baked aubergine with tomatoes and ricotta cheese) and granita (a frozen dessert).
However, it’s also worth considering staying on our own shores in August when the fantastic Edinburgh International Festival takes place.
A cultural feast that draws visitors from four corners of the earth, the event presents a huge programme of music, theatre, opera and dance.
If this sounds like your kind of holiday, remember to book your train tickets and hotel as early as possible to avoid being hit with sky-high prices.
Please note: All prices were correct at the time of writing (April 1, 2015)