10 lesser-known holiday destinations to avoid the crowds and save some money
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Summer is here and while a break from routine is a welcome relief, as soon as our spirits rise at the prospect of a holiday, so too does the cost of everything from flights to accommodation and everything in between.
But while some destinations have caught the imagination of the masses, causing a massive seasonal spike in hotel and travel costs, there are plenty of less popular routes which offer much better value for money, and are less touristy, more authentic and ideal for those who want to get away from it all.
With this in mind, here’s a selection of exciting European destinations which offer an alternative to the norm and more bang for your buck.
Austria wouldn’t be the first choice for most Irish people, but if it’s a combination of culture, history, decadent desserts, breathtaking scenery, hiking and nature that you’re after, then it should definitely be on your list.
Vienna is wonderful at any time of year with many famous sights, including the Hofburg Palace, the myriad of museums and shops, the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys Choir — and make sure to sample the delectable pastries of which the city is famous for.
Wine lovers will also be interested to note that it is home to the world’s largest urban vineyard.
For a two-centre break, head to Salzburg which is a two-and-a-half hour train ride away and fairytale-like with its turreted buildings and cobbled streets.
There is so much to see and do for all the family, including river cruises, museums, shopping and a 25 minute bus ride to Untersberg, the northernmost massif of the Berchtesgaden Alps in the heart of the Austrian countryside.
Here you can experience the most incredible scenery as the cable car ascends to a breath-taking 1800m with views across Salzburgerland and into Germany.
- Double rooms in Vienna from €75 per night and Salzburg from €126, booking.com. Dublin-Vienna flights from €96.24, ryanair.com or €68.64 with aerlingus.com.
Everybody loves the Spanish sunshine, with half of Ireland heading to the beaches of Costa Del Sol or further up the coast to Salou, resulting in expensive flights and a shortage of sunbeds.
But flying to Valencia and taking the train either north to Peniscola, Alcossebre or Castellon de la Plana, or south to Gandia, Oliva or Altea (or both directions if you have the time), will not only give you an insight into some of the lesser known coastal towns, but will offer better value on flights, accommodation, and eating out.
And travelling by rail is a fantastic way to live like a local for a few days as most tourists will either stay put in their resort of choice or hire a car to travel from A to B.
- Double rooms in Castellon de la Plana from €68, hotel-bb.com. Cork-Valencia flights from €51.99, ryanair.com.
As one of the most visited countries on earth, France is undoubtedly busy with tourists all year round.
But while the major cities and most well known coastal towns are likely to be thronged during the summer season, it is possible to find quintessential sleepy French towns without having to travel too far off piste. Quillan is one such place.
Located just under an hour from Carcassonne and serviced by both bus and train (making it easy to get to the fortified city for a day out), this lovely town, which is situated on the River Aude in the Languedoc region, is ideal for a summer holiday.
There are plenty of hotels and private villas to choose from or, for those with children or who would like more of a resort feel, L’Espinet Holiday Park is perfect as, along with chalets of various sizes, it has an on-site swimming pool, spa, lake, gorgeous forest walks and restaurant facilities.
- A villa for four from €100pp for three nights, francecomfort.com and Cork-Carcassonne flights from €47.99. ryanair.com.
When most people think of the Netherlands, a city break in Amsterdam is usually foremost in their minds.
But it is also a great option for a summer holiday with a difference, as along with exploring the capital city and all it has to offer, there are lots of beautiful towns to visit and with excellent public transport links, getting around is a doddle.
Kids (young and old) will love visiting De Efteling theme park, and with on-site accommodation, you can take a few days there.
Alternatively, as the home of Center Parcs, the country boasts a host of both the aforementioned and similar (read less expensive) options in various locations.
Roompot is one of the most popular, and with several sites to choose from, you can enjoy a forest, beach or lake option and enjoy the many activities on offer, while staying in a rustic, but very well equipped log cabin.
- Two-person cabin from €189 for two nights, roompot.com, Dublin-Amsterdam flights from €13.64, aerlingus.com or Dublin-Eindhoven €21.38, ryanair.com.
Portugal is a popular spot for Irish holidaymakers, but most head to the Algarve for sun, sea and sand.
However, if your idea of getting away from it all involves an avoidance of the top tourist spots, then Porto is a much better choice.
This beautiful city is vibrant, colourful, great value and has so much to see and do. Wine lovers on an adults-only trip can combine their holiday with a few days in the Douro valley.
- Two-bedroom apartment from €120 per night, torel1884.com and hotel.quintadeventozelo.pt. Shannon-Porto flights from €96.99, ryanair.com.
Everyone loves Italy and whether you’re into food and wine, history, culture, beaches or theme parks, there is something to suit all ages.
Also, with amazingly good deals from Cork to Pisa, a trip to this beautiful part of the country is very accessible this summer.
A visit could include a few days in the Tuscan countryside, a stay in Pisa and, at less than 20km from the coast, some down time by the beach in Tirrania.
- Double room from €69 per night, booking.com. Cork-Pisa flights from €58.99, ryanair.com.
So similar is our music, culture and even our national dish, that Gallegans (people from Galicia) are often referred to as the Irish who couldn’t swim.
But while many people visit the northern Spanish region to take some time out on the well worn path of the Camino, the region has a lot more to offer.
With gorgeous unspoiled beaches, a climate which is cooler than the summer extremes of southern Spain, an often overlooked choice of fabulous restaurants and much better value than the usual tourist traps, it has everything you need for a great holiday — either staying put in beach towns such as O Grove or Finisterre or travelling around to take in the bigger but charming cities of A Coruña, Vigo and Ourense.
- Superior double room from €80 per night, barcelo.com. Dublin-Santiago de Compostela flights from €72.64, aerlingus.com.
Germany might not be top of the leaderboard when it comes to Irish summer holiday destinations, but there are plenty of reasons to visit.
When southern Europe is likely to be sweltering, a trip which involves a cruise down the Rhine Valley, the cool of the Black Forest, the beauty of Heidelberg and Neuschwanstein Castle and the stunning towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Schloss Weikersheim, is bound to be memorable.
There are also several theme parks within close proximity to the city for anyone looking to enhance their trip with some thrills and spills.
- Double rooms in the Black Forest region from €108 per night, badenwurtenberghotel.com and Frankfurt from €78, frankfurt-plaza-hotel.com. Kerry-Frankfurt flights from €74.77, ryanair.com.
On the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is known for its beautiful 16th century medieval, walled Old Town and due to its stunning location is the perfect spot for anyone wanting to combine history and culture, with the buzz of shops and restaurants, the exhilaration of a cable car ride and also the lazy vibe of a beachside vacation.
A trip to the popular city can also be combined with a few days in Split, which has a livelier nightlife and is even better value than Dubrovnik.
If visiting the country for longer than a week, take the time to explore some of the nearby towns and cities, either by bus or by car hire, including Cavtat and Trogir as well as Plitvice National Park, the Palazzio di Diocleziano, Marjan Park and even the peacocks on Lokrum Island.
- A much more affordable destination than many of the more popular tourist spots in Europe, a two person apartment close to Dubrovnik old town costs from €85 per night, dubrovnikapartments-mia.com. Cork-Dubrovnik flights from €95.37, aerlingus.com.
It’s not known for being good value, but Switzerland is a beautiful country with so much to see and do. So for those who don’t have the budget to stay in the country, a smart option is to book accommodation just over the border in France (a 15- minute drive) and spend time in both countries, getting the best of both worlds.
Geneva is a beautiful city with picturesque walks, cycles and a man-made beach, there is also the famous Jet d’Eau landmark and a variety of water sports and day cruises to keep all the family entertained.
Science buffs will enjoy a trip to CERN, fashionistas will love the retail therapy, while there are a number of exciting and historical museums as well as the beautiful Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques.
A trip on the cable car to the top of nearby Chamonix and Mont Blanc is also unmissable, while kids (and food lovers) will enjoy a three-hour chocolate tasting tour or a day trip to Gruyere.
- Double room in Ferney Voltaire or Segny from €77 per night, booking.com. Dublin-Geneva flights from €57, aerlingus.com.