TRAVEL Sensational summer getaways

AFTER the recent spells of miserable weather it’s now time to put it all behind us and start planning summer breaks to Europe’s sun-soaked hotspots.

There are plenty of places that are just perfect for forgetting the battering we’ve had from snow, rain and cold, biting wind and recharging the batteries for the months ahead.

Let’s check out a few of those dreamy destinations.

Kusadasi Turkey

Turkey is an amazing destination where ancient traditions and history sit comfortably with some of the world’s most modern holiday resorts. 

You won’t find a warmer welcome in Europe and the fabulous food, haunting sounds of the minarets and aroma of spices combine to provide a truly wonderful holiday experience.

Kusadasi is a great base from which to visit Turkey’s famous landmarks and sample some of the world’s most amazing historical sites.

Sunny Beach Bulgaria 

Bulgaria is a country of unspoilt beauty, tradition, folklore and culture and its abundance of golden beaches and vibrant cities make it a fantastic holiday destination.

Historically Bulgaria has hosted Greek traders, Turkish settlers and Russian heretics and its diverse past is reflected in both the food and architecture.

The Black Sea Riviera is a magnificent coastline of holiday resorts all offering excellent value for money.

Cyprus

Think Cyprus and it’s hard not to conjure up images of sandy beaches and cloudless blue skies but the Mediterranean’s island of love has plenty of other funky features that make it perfect for a family holiday.

This island nation was a favourite holiday destination up to around a decade ago, but like Ireland, it was hit hard by the financial crisis.

Direct flights stopped and Cyprus dropped off the radar when it came to sunshine getaways. However, flights have resumed and Irish holidaymakers are going back in droves.

Cyprus is gloriously predictable when it comes to the weather, with guaranteed sunshine from May to October. And when the novelty of lazing away in the heat wears off, there’s enough activity and adventure to keep kids amused right throughout the day and their parents entertained well into the early hours of the morning.

Fuerteventura – Canary Islands

Fuerteventura boasts some of the most impressive beaches in the whole of Europe and its combination of turquoise blue waters and year round sunny climate makes it an ideal holiday destination.

The island’s unusual and fascinating landscape – the result of various volcanic episodes dating back thousands of years – have led it to being declared a biosphere reserve.

Watersports are extremely popular in Fuerteventura, particularly surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing and there are plenty of day trips and excursions available.

Tenerife – Canary Islands

The largest of the seven Canary Islands is a favourite holiday destination with Irish holidaymakers.

The island’s landscape is full of stark contrasts, from the golden sandy beaches of the south and the lush green north, to the lunar landscape of the Mount Teide national park.

Loro Parque park provides a great family day out with more than 100 different species of animals and birds and its own aquarium and golfers can enjoy a dream holiday at 

Gran Canaria – Canary Islands 

Gran Canaria offers both bustling lively and relaxing picturesque resorts with excellent facilities and activities.

The south of the island is where the most popular resorts are including Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Mogan, Puerto Rico and San Agustin.

There are plenty of shopping centres where you can take advantage of duty free shopping and well as leisure zones for the kids and restaurants offering every type of cuisine you can think of.

Add on a buzzing nightlife in the larger resorts, excursion opportunities a-plenty, fantastic golf courses, water parks and miles of sandy beaches and it’s easy to see why Gran Canaria is such a favoured holiday destination.