logo
Two affordable Turkish holiday destinations get new budget  flights from the UK

Two affordable Turkish holiday destinations get new budget flights from the UK

The Irish Sun30-04-2025

BRITS will soon be able to go to two more Turkish destinations as a low-cost airline adds flights from London.
Pegasus airlines is adding flights from London Stanstead to Gaziantep - a major city in south-central Turkey - and to Kayseri - in the central Anatolia region and the historic capital of the Cappadocia region.
Advertisement
4
Gaziantep and Kayseri are two historic cities in Turkey
Credit: Alamy
4
And now Pegasus is launching new flights from London to both cities
Credit: Alamy
4
The flight to both cities takes less than five hours
Credit: Alamy
The flights to Gaziantep will operate weekly, starting on June 21 and to Kayseri, every Wednesday, starting June 25.
Gaziantep is known for being a great food spot, with world-class cuisine which boasts a mix of Anatolian,
Across the city there are many bakeries and eateries that serve traditional treats such as baklava - a filo pastry, with crushed nuts and honey syrup.
The old town is also worth being explored and so is the Zeugma Mosaics Museum - the world's largest mosaic
Advertisement
Read more on Turkey
Whilst in the city, visitors can also treat themselves to a traditional
One-way flights to Gaziantep will cost around £85 per person, with a journey time of four hours and 40 minutes.
Alternatively, in Kayseri is known for its scenery, especially the Erciyes Mountain, which is a dormant volcano covered in snow.
This spot is loved by snow sport enthusiasts as it is home to the popular Erciyes Ski Resort.
Advertisement
Most read in News Travel
The city is also known for its elaborate handmade carpets which are made by rug-weaving.
Artisans follow traditional methods that have been passed through the generations and they use wool and silk to create the ornate designs on each carpet.
Visit The All-Inclusive Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek
Another major spot in the city is Kayseri
Nearby is also Soganli Valley Finally - an archaeological site that dates back to the 9th-century.
Advertisement
It is home to churches and monasteries, carved from the soft stone of the Cappadocian landscape.
A one-way tickets to Kayseri will start from £84 per person and the flight time is around four hours and 25 minutes.
The Sun's
Plus, there is a
Advertisement
4
Both have a great cuisine and history to explore
Credit: Alamy

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

I visited the cheap African holiday island that feels like Mykonos and Santorini with new easyJet flights
I visited the cheap African holiday island that feels like Mykonos and Santorini with new easyJet flights

The Irish Sun

time15 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

I visited the cheap African holiday island that feels like Mykonos and Santorini with new easyJet flights

TRAILING vibrant pink bougainvillaea frames white-washed buildings, spilling across blue window shutters and doors. A confetti of tiny petals drifts in the breeze, dancing along the narrow, cobbled streets. 8 The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba, just off the south coast of Tunisia Credit: Getty 8 Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast Credit: Shutterstock 8 Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets are lined with shops and restaurants Credit: Getty Around every corner comes another eye-catching piece of technicolour street art. The walls and doors of the sleepy paths are a quirky, open-air gallery. The resemblance to the alleyways of Mykonos and Santorini is striking and my arty stroll ends at a small cafe under a sprawling canopy of trees in a sunlit square. But when I tell you a small cup of strong coffee here costs 25p, you'll know I am nowhere near the trendy Greek isles. READ MORE ON TRAVEL The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of And at its heart is Djerbahood, the passion project of a famous French art gallery owner who convinced some of the world's best street artists to travel to Djerba, and its inhabitants to allow their walls to be daubed. Now, more than 250 murals and sculptures have transformed the heart of the neighbourhood. Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites. Most read in News Travel Low-cost giant easyJet has launched year-round flights to the island from both London Luton and Manchester, with fares from just £115 return, and easyJet holidays has packages from just £373pp. The island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast, including our base, the 5H Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso. The resorts' vast pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas, leads down to small sand dunes and a broad stretch of sparkling white sands dotted with straw parasols. Its contemporary rooms are spacious and bright, with marble-clad bathrooms and balconies or terraces to soak up that sunshine. 8 The Sun's Lisa Minot exploring Credit: Supplied 8 The fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century Credit: Getty 8 Our base, the 5-star Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso Credit: Supplied With four restaurants, three bars and the biggest Thalasso spa on the island, you could be forgiven for not straying far. But the island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Troglodyte dwellings In the island's capital Houmt Souk on the north coast, the minarets of mosques sit alongside the St Joseph's Catholic church. Jutting out on a headland surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, the fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century. Today you can explore the impressive fortifications and admire the stunning sea views from its now thankfully peaceful ramparts. Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets lined with shops and restaurants lead on to covered souks and a spice market, as well as a rather less fragrant fish market. There's plenty of opportunities for a bit of souvenir shopping, from local handi-crafts and clothes, to Pottery Square where you can buy colourful ceramics from just £2 with a little haggling. If you're in need of sustenance after all that shopping, look no further than El Fondouk. This fabulous conversion of an 18th-century caravanserai, or travellers' inn, is open daily for morning coffees and pastries in its sun-soaked courtyard – then fresh seafood with couscous, fish curries and meaty kebabs at lunch and dinner. Prices are also excellent given the quality, with main dishes from £8 to £12. Also worth a trip out from the excellent restaurants back at the hotel was Haroun, in the nearby marina. Its outside terrace comes in the form of an actual ship's deck, complete with rigging and ropes, and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun sets. Inside, the dishes coming out of the kitchen include traditional Tunisian specialities such as brik — crispy filo pastry parcels filled with meat or fish — as well as fried calamari and fresh fish. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise. Again, prices are very competitive, with main courses from £13.50. And while Djerba has more than enough to keep a holidaymaker happy for a week, it would be a shame to come this far and not head over on to the mainland and into a galaxy far, far away. EasyJet has multiple tours you can take from Djerba, over the ancient Roman Road that crosses the sea to southern Tunisia. The centuries-old causeway is essentially a bridge, and as you travel the five miles you're rewarded with stunning views of shimmering waters on both sides. As you travel through the arid desert landscapes of the mainland, huge rock formations rise dramatically from the flat plains. The rugged mountains are home to the Berber people, and at Chenini we peek into the unique troglodyte dwellings carved into the rocky hillsides and admire the palm trees and olive trees growing around the oasis by the Chenini Canyon. 8 Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars Credit: Getty 8 Fans can visit locations from smash-hit franchise Star Wars Credit: Rex Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars. Luke Skywalker grew up in a LISA MINOT GO: DJERBA GETTING / STAYING THERE : Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5* Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso is from £844pp including flights from Luton, 23kg luggage and transfers, departing November 1. For a June 21 departure, prices are from £1,249pp. See OUT & ABOUT : EasyJet Holidays has a tour of Tataouine and Chenini, with lunch, from Djerba from £58pp. For details, check out

I ditched the UK to live on a cheap island with my kids – I was sick of splashing cash on nursery fees and bills
I ditched the UK to live on a cheap island with my kids – I was sick of splashing cash on nursery fees and bills

The Irish Sun

time18 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

I ditched the UK to live on a cheap island with my kids – I was sick of splashing cash on nursery fees and bills

A MUM has shared how she ditched the UK for sunny Thailand with her kids and husband. Lauren took to social media and shared why she left England and has no regrets in 3 Lauren left the UK and swapped it for sunny Thailand Credit: 3 Now they spend their days island hopping and relaxing by the beach Credit: The mum-of-two revealed that she and her family decided the cost of living and their busy schedule was too much. Instead of putting up with it, they sold their house and bought a one-way ticket to Thailand for a new life. She said: "We didn't leave because we hated the UK. "We left because life started to feel like one long checklist we didn't remember choosing. Wake up. Rush. Work. Nursery. School. Bills. Repeat. READ MORE REAL LIFE STORIES "We wanted more presence, more connection, more sunsets and slow mornings. "So we sold almost everything, booked a one-way ticket, and figured it out as we went. "It's not perfect, but it's ours, and we've never felt more free." Lauren often shared her new life in Thailand on social media and recently shared one of their favourite breakfasts while they stayed in Koh Samui. Most read in Fabulous She headed to one of her favourite food vendors and ordered fried chicken and sticky rice before getting some Thai milk tea. The mum even said that she thought the iced tea was better than English Breakfast tea. 3 The stunning island is perfect for families Credit: Alamy Gobsmacked shoppers watch on as hungry elephant raids Thai store and leaves with trunk full of snacks The mum added: "Hands down they are better than an English breakfast tea. They're sweet, they're icy. They do give you that little tea fix." She said the next step to the perfect breakfast was to locate the nearest beach. "The beach closest to our house here is Chong Mon. And if you are coming to Koh Samui, even just on holiday, I really recommend this area," Lauren said. "It's kind of like a mix between touristy but not too touristy. Moving house hacks 1. Declutter Before You Pack Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items to lighten your load. 2. Create an Inventory Make a list of all your items. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in the move. 3. Use Quality Packing Materials Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will protect your belongings during the move. 4. Label Everything Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking much easier and more organized. 5. Pack a 'First Day' Box Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. This will keep you from rummaging through boxes on your first day. 6. Take Photos of Electronics Setup Before unplugging your electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything at your new place. 7. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items Pack books and other heavy items in rolling suitcases. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of injury. 8. Colour-Code Your Boxes Use different coloured stickers or markers for each room. This will help movers quickly identify where each box should go in your new home. "The beach here is so good for kids because the water is really shallow." Finally, she and her family sat down on the beach to enjoy their breakfast with a stunning view. The clip went viral on her TikTok account @ People were quick to take to the comments in awe of Lauren's new life. One person wrote: "Living the dream, I would swap my builders' tea in England for yours any day of the week." Another commented: 'I have been following for a while just wanted to say that because of you and your TikTok my future with my kids will look the same!" "I haven't seen your posts for ages, glad you're still enjoying your new life," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Brekkie on the "Love watching your adventures! We are coming to to Thailand in August and can't wait,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'Such an inspiration."

'I bought breakfast in Spain and thought the price was a joke'
'I bought breakfast in Spain and thought the price was a joke'

Irish Daily Mirror

timea day ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

'I bought breakfast in Spain and thought the price was a joke'

Tenerife has long been a favourite holiday destination for Irish tourists, and despite rising concerns about costs and over-tourism, many holidaymakers are still finding incredible value on the island. The Canary Island hotspot, which welcomed over 7 million visitors last year - including a strong Irish contingent -, is set to introduce a new 'eco tax' in 2026 aimed at protecting Mount Teide - Spain's tallest mountain and one of Tenerife's most iconic natural attractions. The charge will apply to those wanting to access the protected national park area as part of a broader effort to curb over-tourism and preserve the island's natural treasures. While there's been online chatter about rising costs for food and drink, one expat living on the island is pushing back on those claims. Speaking on TikTok, the British travel worker highlighted just how affordable Tenerife still is - especially compared to Ireland and the UK. Filming from Los Cristianos, a popular resort town beloved by the Irish, he showed off a hearty full English breakfast he picked up in local cafe La Tasca 7 for just €4.60. The plate came piled with two sausages, two rashers, toast, tomato and fried eggs - minus baked beans by choice. The sizeable feast, served on a "big plate" complete with HP sauce and enjoyed against the backdrop of the ocean, came at what he hailed an unbelievable bargain. He exclaimed: "That's the price of one pint in the UK and I've got a full English breakfast, in the sun, for [the same price]. How do they even make money selling it this cheap?". The TikTok video quickly went viral racking up almost 900,000 views and hundreds of comments. Commenters quickly jumped in to agree, with one saying: "Prices are good in Tenerife. I can't see how people say it's dear... You can find a pint for €1.50 and a breakfast for €3... and we absolutely love it." Caution, the video below contains some strong language. Another added: "We went there after the markets and it was so nice! Nice spot to people watch, enjoy the view, and was super cheap compared to most other places." Someone else said: "Not bad the price, over here you can't get it for under €8 and it's not even that decent." Still, not everyone agreed. A few pointed out that not all of Spain is as cheap as Tenerife, with one commenter noting: "It used to be cheap for Brits. Not anymore". Someone else mentioned: "It's not like that in all of Spain, in Tenerife the taxes are way lower then the rest of Spain, don't expect those prices everywhere." The debate even sparked some playful commentary over the choice of cuisine. One teased: "You in Tenerife and eating English breakfast? You okay?", as another showed amusement at the dining decision: "It always baffles me why people go to an exotic country to order an English breakfast." The lack of beans on his plate also caught attention. One commentated quipped: "Can't trust no one that don't like beans that's diabolical". A different user simply inquired: "How can anybody not like beans".

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store