Beautiful European seaside city named 'Dubai dupe' but with cheap £87 flights
This small seaside hospot is perfect for those who want to jet away but keep the costs down - and it's based right on the picturesque coast, perfect for catching some sunrays
If you are dreaming of a summer holiday but don't want to fork out thousands, this gorgeous European city might be your answer. With summer in full swing, you may be thinking about jetting off, and now this Turkish city has been labelled as a 'Dubai dupe'.
With flights to Antalya for a five day trip costing around £640, it's much more convenient than the same trip to Dubai costing a huge £896. The sunny spot is located on Turkey's picturesque Turquoise Coast, and is the largest city on Turkey's western Mediterranean coastline, which is both classically beautiful and stylishly modern.
Spanning across West Asia and Southeast Europe, Turkey (Türkiye) boasts a balmy climate, sugar-like sand, cobalt waters, and acclaimed water parks - making it a great seaside resort for tourists.
Travel site Lonely Plant said Antalya is "very much a destination in it's own right and said: "The old city wraps around a splendid Roman-era harbour with clifftop views of hazy-blue mountain silhouettes that are worth raising a toast to. Just outside of the central city are two beaches and one of Turkey's finest museums."
One of the most popular and best-rated attractions on Tripadvisor is Kaleci, its seafront historic district that dates back to the Roman era. Lonely Planet said it "offers atmospheric accommodation in the finely restored Ottoman houses on its winding lanes." And within its windy streets, visitors will come across Hadrian's Gate, the city's clock tower and the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Cami, an Ottoman-era mosque.
But aside from the attractions, what makes Antalya so special are the beautiful beaches, and tourists can explore the best of the Turquoise Coast's spectacular views.
Konyaalti Beach is the region's best-rated on Tripadvisor, where holidamakes can enjoy crystal-clear water and gorgeous views of the mountains. Whle another popular area on the Turquoise Coast is Lara Beach, which is renowned for its golden sand and stretches for 8km long.
It's an easy destination to get to, with Jet2, British Airways, easyJet, Pegasus and TUI all offering direct flights from the UK to Antalya and the duration is around four and a half hours long. If you're a true savvy bargain hunter you can get the flights for anywhere between £70-£90.
There is also another spot in Turkey that is quickly becoming a bucket list hotspot four tourists. Goreme, a small town with just over 2,000 residents, is located in the Cappadocia region of central Turkey. It's close to other notable cities like Nevsehir, Urgup, and Avanos. Despite its modest population, Goreme attracts over a million visitors annually, making it a popular destination for those seeking something different.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful European seaside city named 'Dubai dupe' but with cheap £87 flights
This small seaside hospot is perfect for those who want to jet away but keep the costs down - and it's based right on the picturesque coast, perfect for catching some sunrays If you are dreaming of a summer holiday but don't want to fork out thousands, this gorgeous European city might be your answer. With summer in full swing, you may be thinking about jetting off, and now this Turkish city has been labelled as a 'Dubai dupe'. With flights to Antalya for a five day trip costing around £640, it's much more convenient than the same trip to Dubai costing a huge £896. The sunny spot is located on Turkey's picturesque Turquoise Coast, and is the largest city on Turkey's western Mediterranean coastline, which is both classically beautiful and stylishly modern. Spanning across West Asia and Southeast Europe, Turkey (Türkiye) boasts a balmy climate, sugar-like sand, cobalt waters, and acclaimed water parks - making it a great seaside resort for tourists. Travel site Lonely Plant said Antalya is "very much a destination in it's own right and said: "The old city wraps around a splendid Roman-era harbour with clifftop views of hazy-blue mountain silhouettes that are worth raising a toast to. Just outside of the central city are two beaches and one of Turkey's finest museums." One of the most popular and best-rated attractions on Tripadvisor is Kaleci, its seafront historic district that dates back to the Roman era. Lonely Planet said it "offers atmospheric accommodation in the finely restored Ottoman houses on its winding lanes." And within its windy streets, visitors will come across Hadrian's Gate, the city's clock tower and the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Cami, an Ottoman-era mosque. But aside from the attractions, what makes Antalya so special are the beautiful beaches, and tourists can explore the best of the Turquoise Coast's spectacular views. Konyaalti Beach is the region's best-rated on Tripadvisor, where holidamakes can enjoy crystal-clear water and gorgeous views of the mountains. Whle another popular area on the Turquoise Coast is Lara Beach, which is renowned for its golden sand and stretches for 8km long. It's an easy destination to get to, with Jet2, British Airways, easyJet, Pegasus and TUI all offering direct flights from the UK to Antalya and the duration is around four and a half hours long. If you're a true savvy bargain hunter you can get the flights for anywhere between £70-£90. There is also another spot in Turkey that is quickly becoming a bucket list hotspot four tourists. Goreme, a small town with just over 2,000 residents, is located in the Cappadocia region of central Turkey. It's close to other notable cities like Nevsehir, Urgup, and Avanos. Despite its modest population, Goreme attracts over a million visitors annually, making it a popular destination for those seeking something different.
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The overlooked Spanish island that's just as beautiful as Ibiza - but MUCH cheaper and less crowded over the summer
With its gorgeous white sand beaches, world renowned clubs and pine-carpeted forests, it's no wonder that Ibiza is one of Spain 's leading tourist destinations. But with more than three million tourists visiting a year, many travellers are seeking something a little more peaceful. And luckily, there's a beautiful Balearic island with stunning beaches that's much quieter than the White Isle. Located off the south coast of Ibiza, Formentera island is just 20km (12 miles) long and 2km (1.2 miles) wide. Lonely Planet describes the island as a 'beautifully pure, get-away-from-it-all-escape'. The travel guide adds: 'Formentera's pace of life is blissfully languid, designed for lazy days spent lounging on some of Europe's (dare we say the world's) most exquisite beaches.' Holidaymakers won't find Ibiza's clubbing atmosphere here but they will find a peaceful escape. Playa de Ses Illetes is Formentera's best known beach and it's even picked up a Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award. The beach is located within the Ses Salines National Park and has white sand with bright turquoise water. Tourist 'Niky B' writes on Tripadvisor: 'Superb beach worthy of the Caribbean! Take a nice picnic with you and you will not regret.' Another person says: 'It's the beach. Listed as one of the best in the world, its crystal clear waters, fine and surroundings make it undoubtedly worthy of five stars.' Platja de Migjorn is also considered one of the island's prettiest beaches. The longest beach on the island it stretches across 5km. Traveller 'Cathy C' writes on Tripadvisor: 'The sea here is clean and beautiful. Some areas are rocky but there are plenty of sandy areas with easy access to the sea.' Scuba divers can explore the Don Pedro, one of the world's most famous shipwrecks. The cargo ship is over 140m long and can be visited on dives. Just 3km from the port, Formentera's capital Sant Francesc has a crafts market and an 18th century church. It's the ideal place to sample some of the island's local delicacies including frit de polp (fried octopus with potatoes). How to get to Formentera Tourists will need to fly to Ibiza to get to Formentera with direct flights available on British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2. They can then catch a ferry from Ibiza. Ferries tend to run frequently and take around 30 minutes. What's the weather like in Formentera In July and August, the temperature averages 26 degrees on the island with minimal sunshine and sun for around 11 hours a day. The average temperature is usually above 20 degrees in May, June, September and October as well.
The Independent
14 hours ago
- The Independent
Where to find your perfect Greece holiday destination – for every type of traveller
Greece, a perennial favourite for holidaymakers, offers far more than its famed sun-drenched beaches and picturesque islands. This sprawling nation, encompassing 110,496 square kilometres of mainland and 227 inhabited islands – alongside thousands of uninhabited islets – promises a depth of experience that invites endless exploration. Such is its breadth that even seasoned travellers find new discoveries with each visit, barely scratching the surface. While the Cycladic islands conjure the quintessential travel-brochure image of iconic sugar-cube houses against dramatic charcoal cliffs, Greece's diverse archipelago boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes, from dense pine forests to stretches of golden sand. The mainland, often overshadowed by its island counterparts, holds its own treasures. Athens, a vibrant European capital, seamlessly blends millennia-old ruins with contemporary, bustling neighbourhoods, offering a cultural immersion unlike any other. Across its varied regions, the promise of classic Greek cuisine and warm, embracing hospitality remains a constant, ensuring a memorable experience whether exploring ancient sites or simply unwinding by the sea. Best for history buffs: Athens Greece 's handsome capital is a must-do city break that works at any time of year – but if you go from May to October, you'll also find ferries from its Piraeus port, making it easy to tack on a beach or nature break. Most of the ancient Greek sites are based on and around the Acropolis Hill, so for very short breaks you should base yourself in central Monastiraki and Plaka so you can sightsee straight from your doorstep. If you have a bit more time to play with, you might want to stay in cooler Psyrri or Pangrati, where hole-in-the-wall restaurants and craft beer bars nudge up against concept stores and pavement cafes. Or Kolonaki, the upmarket 'Knightsbridge of Athens', where you'll find the ritziest hotels. Best time for weather Outside of July and August to avoid soaring temperatures – breezy March and still-toasty October are loveliest. Cheapest time to go Winter, when flights are still running and few tourists are in town. In October, return flights start at around £80 return; in January that almost halves to around £45. Dodge the crowds November, January and February have the lowest hotel room rates and thinnest crowds. This Cycladic icon is no secret – ever since the jet-set (and Instagram) found it, this has become the island that launched a thousand selfies. But when you go, you see why: the part-sunken edge of a long-dormant volcano rim, the island's western (caldera) side plunges down into the sea in a photogenic fashion. Uniformly pretty Cycladic-style hotels and houses are speckled along its tops, many with illuminated plunge pools and ribbons of hot-pink bougainvillea. Stay around Oia and Imerovigli, taking a sunset yacht cruise around the coast, and you'll feel like you're starring in a movie. Elsewhere on the island, affordable accommodation exists near flatter, black volcanic beaches and pretty hilltop towns; but if you're here for Santorini's unique looks, you want the caldera coast. It's not family friendly, due to the plunging cliffs and millions of steps connecting buildings. And everything here – from hotel rooms to dinners and drinks – is pricier than elsewhere in Greece. Cheapest choice? No way. Worth the cash? Absolutely. Best time for weather September – think highs of 25C by day, and a sea warmed up by months of summer heat. Cheapest time to go This is a holiday island, so most places shut up shop outside of spring, summer and autumn. Within that period, you'll get some of the best rates in April and October. Dodge the crowds In April, compromise on chillier evenings and the odd bit of drizzle for a chance alone with the best caldera views. May is also pleasantly quiet. The buzzword here is 'ease': not only does Corfu have the shortest flight time from the UK, but young families will also love the logical tourist scene. Fly into its east-coast airport, connected to hotels by a well-paved coast road, served by plentiful taxis. Most resorts are within half-an-hour's drive, with more secluded villas and lesser-known hotels slightly further away on the north and northeast coast. Many of the best-known hotels nail being both both chic and family friendly (try the Marbella, Ikos or Grecotel groups), with many more that are simply affordable and welcoming. A sprinkling of adults-only finds are a hit with couples. Though the tourist scene is accessible, tried and tested, this huge, forested island is also perfect for hiring a car and exploring. Visit the pretty old port, Corfu Town, the sand-fringed north and west coast, and hop on a boat to Paxos island. Best time for weather June to August has that blazing hot, bucket-and-spade weather you're dreaming of. Cheapest time to go May is still warm and breezy, with highs in the low 20s – weeks at self-catering apartment holidays come in at £500pp per week, rising to more like £800pp by mid July. Dodge the crowds Go for a more active holiday in Feb-March or late October-November; in the latter, you'll find few tourists, but locals still swimming in the summer-warmed sea. This island is a giant – it would take around five hours to drive nonstop from one end to the other – so even if you've seen one beach town or region, there's far more to explore. But one thing you'll find all over is exceptional food: Crete has a long farming tradition and a huge respect for produce, seasonality and provenance. It also has its own styles of salad, local cheeses and is a major producer of olive oil. Elsewhere in Greece, the most fashionable restaurants are often inspired by Cretan cuisine. You fly into one of two north-coast airports: Chania towards the west and Heraklion towards the east. They're more than two hours apart, so make sure you book the best for your accommodation. The joy of a big isle like this is choice and diversity: there are affordable, family-friendly beach towns, stylish port cities, ancient archaeological sites and secret-feeling coves only reached by boat. The trade-off? A fair bit of research and planning. Best time for weather June to August for peak summer sun, but Crete also remains balmy into September – great news for adults-only parties seeking peace and quiet. Cheapest time to go April is a sweet spot – you can bag a week in a five-star beach hotel from £730pp, rising to £1,100pp in June. Daytime temperatures will be around 17-21C maximum. Dodge the crowds It empties out from cooler November to March, when there are still plenty of active pursuits, foodie experiences and ancient sites to entertain you. Best for solos: Kefalonia While Crete is similarly backpacker and solo-travel friendly (with a rare-for-Greece bus network), Kefalonia has some of the most diverse landscapes, with historic towns, showstopping beaches and a huge range of places to stay. This sprawling Ionian island also has a bus route or two, allowing you, for just a few euros, to strike out from the smart port of Argostoli (near the airport) for pretty little coastal towns such as Assos, Fiskardo and Poros – many of which have boats onward to smaller islands. Ferries to nearby islands such as Lefkada and Ithaca can cost as little as £10 or £15 each way. This network of affordable apartments, distinctive stops and transport options really lends itself to spontaneity and hopping around. It's also one of Greece's most photogenic islands: think pastel-coloured houses, plunging cliffs with mountain goats, shimmering sea caves and unspoiled beaches. Take a copy of Captain Corelli's Mandolin (which is set here) to get a feel for the history. Best time for weather Unsurprisingly, most-popular June to August gets the best weather; those who can travel outside school holidays will bag the best deals. Cheapest time to go Direct flights from the UK tend to run between May and September. Of those months, you'll find the best deals in early June and late September. Dodge the crowds Like Crete, you can fly via Athens to reach Kefalonia off-season: go in October to find lingering highs of 24C, plus warm, swimmable waters with few tourists. Best for off-the-beaten-track: The Peloponnese Though there's been a trickle of tourism to this underrated slice of the mainland for decades, it's only recently registered on the mainstream holiday scene. This hand-shaped peninsula just southwest of Athens has pine-scented mountains, ancient, crumbling monasteries, remote villages and lovely sandy beaches, especially along the central Mani Peninsula and Cape Malea. You'll need a car to explore this rugged region, which has wonders such as Mystras, a 13th-century Byzantine city close to the historic warrior state of Sparta; the archaeological site of Mycenae; the Unesco-listed amphitheatre at Epidaurus; and the honeycomb-hued citadel of Monemvasia. There are remote spa retreats and cute coastal towns to chill at en route. Best time for weather May and September, outside of peak summer bookings, each get plenty of sunshine and highs in the mid-to-high 20s. Avoid December, the wettest month here. Cheapest time to go Direct flights to gateway airport Kalamata run May-Oct (though you can drive from Athens). Go in October for the best bargains on both flights and room rates. Dodge the crowds In April, just before direct flights kick in. You'll find delightful sunshine and up to 21C in the daytime – perfect for hiking around and exploring the sights.
