Spring Holiday Destinations That Won’t Break The Bank…
Written by Charlotte Walsh
FARO (PORTUGAL)
FLIGHTS FROM £38.
Fancy a bit of pre-summer sunshine on a budget? As the capital of the Portuguese Algarve, Faro’s a great destination for the savvy sun-seeker. The climate this time of year is just right, averaging around 20°C, and the city itself has so much to offer. There’s a 13th Century cathedral and an original Moorish wall that offer an old worldly charm, not to mention plenty of restaurants, nightlife and beautiful scenery to take in.
Prague (Czech Republic)
Flights from £56.
The city of a hundred spires, Prague is a medley of iconic architecture; colourful baroque buildings, Gothic churches, the medieval astronomical clock and the historic Charles Bridge. Culture vultures will find themselves in heaven here with affordable opera, museums in abundance and the stone-clad beauty of the cobbled streets.
Venice (Italy)
Flights from £34.
A floating city of marble that’s renown as being a romantic destination, Venice is rich in history, innovation and beguiling beauty. Venice is pure magic, and an absolute must-visit if you love cities cloaked in mystery, romance and awe. If anything, you know you’ll be in safe hands with the Italians when it comes to food! But do be wary of gondola pricing (although it’s totally worth it for the experience alone.)
Nice (France)
Flights from £58.
At the heart of the French Riviera, with pretty coastal villages and scenery on the doorstep, Nice also has plenty going on to be able to sell itself. Set on the pebble-paved shores of Baie des Anges, the quaint, cobbled streets lead to historic cathedrals, including Nice’s own Notre Dame. There’s also a plethora of art museums, with one dedicated to the work of Henri Matisse, one of Nice’s many former trailblazing artist residents. Cafés, bars and bistros mean you’ll never be short of a sunny spot to enjoy a glass of wine, espresso or a meal.
Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Flights from £57.
Dubrovnik is a city of beauty, culture and history; this vibrant city with its distinctive Old Town sits right on the Adriatic Sea, and the weather is usually warm and dry in the spring. There’s plenty of historical sights to soak up as you wander the limestone-paved streets. In terms of fun stuff to do, there’s beaches, sailing, kayaking and cable cars to keep you busy. The islet of Lokrum is also just a short ferry ride away and has free roaming peacocks, a medieval monastery and a small salt lake nestled amongst its verdant scenery.
Stockholm (Sweden)
Flights from £34.
Prefer a cooler getaway? Then look no further than Stockholm! Whether you enjoy a cooler climate or more stylish surroundings, the Scandis have got you covered. Bursting with colour on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago, Stockholm is a cobbled group of islands with more than 50 bridges and full of boutique-style hotels, each with their own cool, minimalist Scandinavian charm. An increasingly sustainable and eco-friendly city, the people are friendly here with a myriad of sights just waiting to appear on your instagram feed.