Good spot for a last minute Holiday this year?

Sugar_Rush

This summer produced about 1 week of sunshine.

I seriously need to catch a week in the sun, on the beach.

Some nice surfing/bodyboarding facilities would be good.

A city to wander and do things in, catch some nice sights. Vibrant nightlife is good.

I went on holidays years ago and instead of a hotel I stayed in self catering apartments where you could cook for yourself, had your own fridge, and there was a communal pool and and bar area.

Much prefer that to the hotel vibe.

Sunny destination by the beach so was thinking Portugal or Spain?

Don't want to go too far like Thailand or something would not be happening.

How do people book holidays now, all online? Are travel agents still a thing? Any recommended websites?

I'm flexible on times/dates so long as I don't miss the summer entirely.

finbarrk

Albufeira, Portugal.

Sugar_Rush

^^ Good suggestion.

Greece looks interesting?

Sugar_Rush

• Algarve area, Portugal
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Barcelona, Spain
• Athens, Greece (or one of their many islands?)
• Canary Islands, probably Tenerife or Gran Canaria.

I think they'd be good spots if you want to spend 4 or 5 days getting baked in the sun.

Thoughts? (price seems consistent enough throughout but quality of hotels seems to vary dramatically, some comments saying forget about getting a sunchair etc. cause of tourist numbers).

TBH I'd take just about anything coming up shortly for 4 or 5 days, not insane expensive, decent hotel, water park or place to lie in the sun nearby.

Sugar_Rush

Spanish islands:

• Madeira
• Mallorca

9320

Madeira is Portuguese by the way.

Corfu is another option with direct flights.

Just look at direct flights in next few weeks and book something, seems like you're waiting for people to tell you where to go. Only you know what floats your boat.

Malta might be a bit dull.

If it were me I'd fly to Sicily - great food, lots of different areas and things to see and do and also lovely beaches.

Bari might be another good option - we stayed in Polignano a Mare last year lovely spot Monopoli just down the coast was gorgeous also.

McSween

The original poster has come up with some superb suggestions to the original poster

Sugar_Rush

Ibiza?

What is that Island actually like?

I think the off-season is nearly in effect.

Sugar_Rush

Yeah costs for anything decent accommodation wise seem to be coming in more in the 900 euro range?

There's places for 550 but, reviews are quite harsh.

5 days and 4 nights, is a quick sun break really that expensive for flights/digs alone?

Lewis_Benson

Why do you keep replying to yourself OP?

realdanbreen

Malta dull!

One of the best destinations out there.

Sugar_Rush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119573748#Comment_119573748

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowUserReviews-g190311-r79496296-Malta.html

Hmmm..... ?

realdanbreen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119573891#Comment_119573891

I take it you've never been to St Julians Malta at night!

realdanbreen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119573891#Comment_119573891

Did you read her review? She sounds like some pain in the hole!

realdanbreen

Back from Malta. Great time,Great weather and everything, at least everything I bought, is cheaper. Diesel 1.20 per litre, pint 3.5 , coffee 1.70, bus fare €2 for everywhere. No mention of power outs, energy costs etc. Are we being ripped off here?

Fiyatoe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058261332/good-spot-for-a-last-minute-holiday-this-year

Benidorm