LOOKING to book your summer break? Why not try somewhere new?
We have compared some traditional holiday favourites and come up with a few suggestions of sizzling new hotspots that offer the same vibe — and a little bit more.
Lisa Minot recommends some fabulous Med holiday alternatives.
When the Knights of Saint John — who built some of the most famous buildings in Rhodes — were forced out from the island, they moved to Malta, which is obvious in the buildings of Malta’s capital Valletta.
Plus, like Rhodes has Symi, Malta has Gozo which makes for a great day trip.
And both are bathed in gorgeous sunshine from spring to autumn, with Malta a haven for culture vultures and foodies alike.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H db Seabank Resort and Spa is from £634pp including flights from Norwich on May 1. See thomascook.com.
A growing tourist destination, many of Albania’s beaches are more tranquil than the busy beaches of Paphos and Larnaca but there’s still a party vibe and great value.
The resorts of Durrës and Ksamil have wide, sandy beaches and are close to international airports. Hotels, food and nightlife costs are much lower than Cyprus, even in the peak summer months.
Rivalling Ayia Napa, Dhërmi in Albania is a hotspot for dance festivals such as ION Festival or the more relaxed Kala Festival.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Sol Tropikal Durrës is from £399pp including flights from Stansted in May. See loveholidays.com.
If you’ve already enjoyed the delights of the Croatian coastline, neighbouring Montenegro is a fantastic alternative.
Known for its mountainous landscape and centuries-old bays overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the yacht-lined marina at Porto Montenegro in Tivat is a top spot to visit.
Like Croatia, there are lots of delicious foods to try, thanks to its coastal location.
Seafood bouillabaisse or a black risotto made with squid ink are standouts. And even better, prices are much more reasonable than in neighbouring Croatia.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Iberostar Waves Bellevue is from £730pp including 23kg luggage, transfers and flights from Gatwick on June 10. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.
If you love a tranquil mix of coastal experiences and natural beauty, Seferihisar offers a fantastic alternative to Antalya, with a more relaxed atmosphere.
In fact, the district is known as Turkey’s “slow city”. It promises stunning coastal views, charming villages and plenty of historical culture to explore.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H TUI Blue Angora Beach is from £799pp including flights from Stansted on June 4, 20kg luggage and transfers. See tui.co.uk.
If you have hit the vineyards of Bordeaux for a wine-tasting holiday before, why not try Georgia’s capital Tbilisi.
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, traditional cuisine and picturesque scenery.
The country proudly lays claim to being the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year-old history.
From March 30, British Airways will operate four flights per week from London Heathrow to Tbilisi.
GO: Three nights’ room-only at the 4.5H Moxy Tbilisi is from £419pp including flights from Heathrow on select dates in May and 23kg luggage. See british airways.com/holidays.
Lanzarote may enjoy an average of 300 days of sunshine a year but Cyprus actually racks up an even higher tally of bright, sunny days, at 340. Not that we’re counting…
And while Lanzarote has 21 vineyards, there are more than 50 wineries across Cyrus to enjoy.
Switch hiking in the Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote for the verdant slopes of Cyprus’ Troodos Mountains — just remember to bring a jumper if you’re travelling off-season.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the new 5H Cali Resort and Spa is from £824pp including Gatwick flights on select dates in March. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.
