logo
Mediterranean gem that's a 'dupe' of Amalfi coast tops 2025 alternative destinations list

Mediterranean gem that's a 'dupe' of Amalfi coast tops 2025 alternative destinations list

Daily Record25-05-2025

It also has 300 days of sunshine every year.
A tiny Mediterranean gem known for its 300 days of sunshine and stunning sea caves has topped a list of alternative destinations for 2025. Situated halfway between Italy and Northern Africa, Malta ranked number one in a list of alternative destinations for British tourists to travel to in 2025.
The island's sea caves and striking architecture make it a perfect 'dupe' for the Amalfi Coast. According to easyJet holidays, 39% Brits are looking to try somewhere new with searches for Malta increasing over 120% in 2025, and searches for Sardinia up almost 200%.

And while destinations such as Barcelona and Rome still remain favourites with British tourists, searches for 'hidden gems' have spiked over the last 10 years.

Marrakesh in Morocco, Budapest in Hungary and Oslo in Norway are all among the best alternative destinations for 2025, while Djerba in Tunisia and Bourgas in Bulgaria appear in the best holiday 'dupes'.
Malta, Malta (38%)
Sardinia, Italy (34%)
Seville, Spain (34%)
Budapest, Hungary (30%)
Oslo, Norway (29%)
Munich, Germany (28%)
Gibraltar, Gibraltar (26%)
Bordeaux, France (26%)
Zurich, Switzerland (25%)
Marrakesh, Morocco (23%)
When looking to spice up their holiday itineraries, 73% of Brits admit to being influenced by AI to book a holiday somewhere they haven't considered before, and 41% believe AI is a good way to find 'dupe destinations'. Around 26% say they are inspired by package holiday options, and 27% prefer reviews from family and friends.
If you usually go to

Try
Greek Islands
Izmir, Turkey

The Bahamas
Djerba, Tunisia
Cornwall, UK

Zadar, Croatia
Marbella, Spain
Costa De La Luz, Spain

South of France
Corsica, France
Florence , Italy

Bilbao, Spain
Venice, Italy
Ljubljana, Slovenia

Algarve, Portugal
Bourgas, Bulgaria
Paris, France

Bordeaux, France
Barcelona, Spain
Seville, Spain

Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays said: 'As a nation, we love to travel abroad, and our research shows that many Brits are keen to try something new this summer.
"In fact, 63% said they'd be more likely to book a holiday to a lesser-known destination if more information were available—highlighting a real appetite for something a little different."
EasyJet holidays recently launched their new 'Somewhere Different' range to help Brits discover alternative destinations for their next trip.
Matt added: "We're proud to launch our 'Different Destinations' range—a platform designed to inform and inspire, offering travel tips, local insights, and thoughtful recommendations that benefit both our customers and the communities they visit.
We believe tourism should enrich everyone it touches, and this initiative reflects our commitment to more inclusive and considerate travel across Europe and Northern Africa.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Beautiful seaside city named an Ibiza dupe in Europe's 'cheapest' country
Beautiful seaside city named an Ibiza dupe in Europe's 'cheapest' country

Daily Mirror

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Beautiful seaside city named an Ibiza dupe in Europe's 'cheapest' country

The short-term rental platform, Airbnb, has named one Albanian city a "White Isle dupe" - offering resplendent and pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife at a fraction of the cost of Ibiza Airbnb has named this city a ' White Isle dupe' in a report detailing the UK's top travel trends for summer 2025. Offering beach clubs and an ever-growing nightlife scene, this Albanian city is ideal for those that want an Ibiza experience on a budget. 'Brits are increasingly seeking vibrant fun-filled settings that offer the same bohemian charm and buzzing nightlife as Ibiza's White Isle - but without the hefty price tags,' according to Airbnb. ‌ Durrës, Albania is one such gem. Airbnb confirms that searches for the city situated on the Adriatic Coast are 'booming' at the moment as Brits explore cheap holiday destinations. But Durrës is more than a destination dupe, it has a rich history that is ready to be unpacked by tourists. ‌ Durrës is one of the oldest and most significant port cities in the Balkans, with a history that dates back nearly 3,000 years. Its impressively storied history has earned Durrës the title 'eternal city' on the Adriatic Sea. One of the biggest draws to the area are undoubtedly its sandy beaches. Durrës is home to some of Albania's most stunning beaches, equally equipped for water sport enthusiasts and lazing sunbathers. The most popular beach in the city is its namesake beach: Durrës Beach. The golden arc of sand has been compared to the French Riviera and is defined by shallow water and soft sand. Keep in mind though that there are hidden rocks that lurk in port-adjacent areas so you may want to pack water shoes. Travellers looking for a bit of adventure can rent jet skis or try parasailing on Durrës Beach. Beach volleyball is also commonly found on the north end, as are yoga sessions hosted by the bigger beach clubs. Heading north from Durrës Beach, travellers will arrive at another local gem: Golem Beach. Located 20 kilometres south of Durrës' city centre, Golem beach is worth a visit with about 3.5 kilometres of soft, golden sand and turquoise waters. There are plenty of other beaches - both hidden gems and hotspots - that are fairly easy to reach from the city centre. ‌ Beaches near Durrës Spille Beach Portez Beach Kallmi Beach Cape of Rodon Kavaja Cliff Currila Beach If you're looking for a more cultured experience, there are also numerous galleries, theatres and museums to explore within Durrës. One of the most frequented is the Archeological Museum showcasing artifacts spanning multiple eras. If you're looking for more modern amenities and cultural enrichment, the southern side of the city is the better bet. Here, you'll find buzzy restaurants and resorts, as well as the much-raved about nightlife scene. In its list of White Isle destination dupes, Airbnb also names Tivat, Montenegro and Agadir, Morocco as places to keep on your radar. Tivat is tagged as a 'Monaco-meets-Ibiza' coastal city and its pier recently enjoyed a multi-million dollar makeover. Contrastingly, Agadir in North Africa promises laidback charm and surf-friendly shores for those interested in hitting the waves.

Beautiful UK beach 'rivals Spanish coastline' with white sands and clear waters
Beautiful UK beach 'rivals Spanish coastline' with white sands and clear waters

Daily Mirror

time5 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Beautiful UK beach 'rivals Spanish coastline' with white sands and clear waters

A breathtaking UK beach has been named a firm contender for Spain's sandy shores thanks to its beautiful setting and crystal-clear waters The UK may not always be able to rival the sun-soaked weather you'll find in Spain, but our coastline is definitely giving the holiday hotspot a run for its money. In fact, there's one breathtaking UK beach that's been hailed as a competitor to Spanish shores, thanks to its pristine white sands, turquoise waters and picture-perfect surroundings that wouldn't be out of place on a postcard. Throw in the plethora of nearby hotels, restaurants and bars, and it's not difficult to see why Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall is such a hit with Brits planning a staycation. The National Trust site gets its white sands from the soft shells that form its shores, while the crystal-clear waters and freshwater stream make it a must-visit on those hot summer days. Wildlife fans may also want to keep their eyes peeled for the variety of birds that call the region home, not to mention you can even spot basking sharks and dolphins between May and October. The travel experts at have named it as one of their go-to 'dupes' for Spain, explaining: "If you're looking for a beach in the UK that offers white sand, dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and lush greenery similar to the Costa Brava in north-east Spain, then head to Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall. "Reminiscent of a tropical paradise, the beach is framed by towering cliffs, providing a peaceful retreat from the wind, and a scenic backdrop that enhances its secluded and calm atmosphere. Lastly, the beach's clear waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring marine life." Over on Tripadvisor, visitors have plenty of positive reviews of the shoreline, although a few have warned that the nearby car park can fill up quickly so you may want to have a few alternatives in your back pocket if you are planning to visit. "What a lovely beach," wrote one happy holidaymaker. "Fairly small bay with clean sand. It has quite a steep drop off so isn't great for children playing in the surf. It has toilets, a cafe and car park very close." Another added: "A must do on your trip to Cornwall. Parking is difficult so plan ahead. The sea positively sparkles in the sunlight. It's one of the most picturesque spots on the island." For one holidaymaker, even some bad luck with the weather couldn't affect the beauty of the area. They wrote: "Just stunning. One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. First time at Porthcurno and will definitely be returning. Just hope it doesn't rain this time." Meanwhile, fans of the hit TV show Poldark may also recognise the spectacular coastline, as it served as a filming location. According to the National Trust, it doubled up as Nampara Cove in the first season, as well as the second series where it provided the backdrop for a dream sequence in which Demelza and Ross enjoy a stroll. There's plenty to see and do in the area too. One major highlight has to be the iconic Minack Theatre, a unique outdoor theatre that's built into the cliffs and overlooks sea, making for some seriously Instagram-worthy views. Meanwhile hikers may want to don their sturdy boots and take on one of the countless trails along the cliffs; the South West Coastal Path passes through the region if you're looking to tick it off the bucket list!

Scottish castle that you can stay in for less than a night in a London hotel
Scottish castle that you can stay in for less than a night in a London hotel

Scottish Sun

time12 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Scottish castle that you can stay in for less than a night in a London hotel

Read on to find out how much it would cost per person ROYAL RETREAT Scottish castle that you can stay in for less than a night in a London hotel Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DO you want to live like a king or a queen during a stay at a Scottish castle? Well, you could do so for less than a night in a London hotel. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Scottish castle has its own private beach where visitors can enjoy stunning views Credit: Big House Experience Luxury rental company has revealed the costs per person for some of the most spectacular British castles available for private hire. And when split between a group, the cost per person is often less than a typical hotel stay. According to a Statista reports, the average price per night for a London hotel is £158 Carron Castle in Fife, which sits on the shores of the Firth of Tay, costs less per person. The stunning venue sleeps 30 and boasts a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, cinema room, games room, private beach access and dogs are welcome. Carron Castle has been described as the epitome of a Scottish fairytale escape. The Baronial-style estate has everything from sweeping staircases and crystal chandeliers to four-poster beds and gallery-worthy family portraits. As a historic ancestral home, Carron Castle strikes a perfect balance between impressive architecture and relaxed comfort. Inside, you will find an elegant drawing room, a richly stocked library, and an inviting sitting room for relaxed gatherings. Visitors can enjoy movie nights in the cinema room complete with Netflix, or let the musicians among you entertain with not one but two grand pianos and an organ. Inverlochy Castle: Scotland's Crown Jewel of Luxury Hospitality Outside, there is a swimming pool, tennis courts and a serene walled garden. The 1,500-acre estate stretches down to the Tay estuary, where you'll find a secluded fire pit spot for unforgettable beachside barbecues. Golfers can travel to top-tier courses nearby, including the iconic St Andrews Old Course. Others may prefer a day of culture and shopping in nearby Dundee, Perth, or Edinburgh. 2 Carron Castle sits on the banks of the Firth of Tay in Fife Credit: Big House Experience Holidaymakers can stay at the venue for £9,000 for three nights. If you break up the total between a group, this costs £300 per person for three nights or £100 per person per night. Gareth Allen, founder of Big House Experience said: "You can't help but be seduced by Carron Castle, nestled in it's own private estate on the shores of the Firth of Tay. "You can feel the history radiating from the walls." Pengarth Castle in Wales and Wyatt Castle in Dorset were also mentioned.

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