Portugal, Turkey, Greece and Spain have further eased entry restrictions – and there are still great deals available (Picture: Rute Rodrigues/Sergio G. Canizares/Alamy Stock Photo/George Agapiou)
As Covid slips off news headlines, the world is opening back up.
But if you thought that the easing of entry restrictions to European countries meant the end of great travel deals, you’d be wrong.
There are still destinations offering great value holidays in stunning parts of the world.
Check out our full list of picks below.
Portugal
Daybed time (Picture: Rute Rodrigues)
What’s changed? Passenger locator forms have been ditched for entry to mainland Portugal and the Azores. You must still prove you’re fully vaccinated, however.
Where to go: Not only is lively Portimão one of the Algarve’s best beach towns but its seasides are backed by eye-catching red cliffs. Known for warm, calm waters, Praia da Rocha is the headline act. Also impressing are the Old Town’s car-free shopping streets and a harbourside boardwalk.
Twenty minutes’ walk from Praia da Rocha is the adults-only Jupiter Marina Hotel, whose rooftop infinity pool has superb Arade River views. There are Balinese daybeds and a cocktail bar up there too, while the restaurant below serves local cuisine. Every modern air-conditioned room has a balcony.
The deal: Depart on August 31 for a late-summer boost and save 27%. Seven nights from £546pp, B&B, including flights from Bristol and transfers, Find out more with Love Holidays.
Spain
Nowhere can compete with Ibiza for Summer vibes (Picture: Sergio G. Canizares)
What’s changed? Face masks are no longer mandatory. Unvaccinated Brits still won’t be allowed in until at least June 15 but anyone who is fully jabbed or recently recovered from Covid can now enter without requiring a completed travel health control form.
Where to go: Nowhere trumps Ibiza for summer atmosphere. You could opt for
a large, cheaper seaside resort, especially if you’re visiting with clubbing or beach clubs primarily in mind, but there are ample reasons to splash out and stay inland.
At tranquil Can Lluc, a farmhouse turned family-run boutique, those include the modern pool, vine-snagged daybed terraces and an ideal rural position for exploring all of this Balearic island.
Ringed by fig and carob trees, most of its 20 luxe rooms have private sunbathing terraces.
The deal: Depart on July 23 and seven nights start at £1,815pp, B&B, including flights from Gatwick with luggage, from Travel Republic.
A week’s car hire starts at £534 from GotRentalCars.
Turkey
Çesme is a gorgeous Turkish resort (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)
What’s changed? Fully vaccinated travellers needn’t quarantine on arrival. Alternatively, show proof of a negative PCR or rapid lateral flow test, or evidence of recent recovery from Covid-19.
Where to go: The gorgeous west coast resort of Çesme features a 16th-century castle and a lively marina where cocktails can be enjoyed beside bobbing boats. Coloured and scented by the fragrant plant even on its rooftop terrace, Çesme’s simple Lavender Otel stands close to both fortress and seafront.
The deal: Seven nights from £339pp, room only, including flights from London and transfers, departing June 4. Find out more with Thomas Cook.
More: Metro newspaper
Greece
Gorgeous pools and pristine hills (Picture: George Agapiou)
What’s changed? Greece has dropped all Covid-19 entry rules (except for wearing face masks during air transit) and lifted every domestic measure.
Where to go: Fancy a romantic Greek island villa? Two-person Katia’s House has a private hillside position and splendid views from its pool.
Find it on herb-scented Alonissos, an untouristy backwater where lush slopes cascade down to seductive blue bays.
You also get a flower-hugged patio for al fresco dining, while vintage quayside tavernas in the homely port of Kalamakia serve fresh fish within strolling distance. The beaches of Glyfa and Agios Dimitrios are less than a ten-minute drive away.
The deal: Seven nights’ self-catering from £899pp, including flights from Gatwick with luggage and car hire, departing May 27, from GIC The Villa Collection.
Check each country’s latest entry requirements here.
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