With a COVID-19 vaccine now a reality, it feels like 2021 will bring some normalcy back into our lives. Taoiseach Michael Martin has even stated that he believes the country will be open again by July or August. Countries around the world are planning their vaccine rollouts so why not get some inspiration for your first post-COVID holiday?
Plenty of Irish holidaymakers have been turning their 2020 wanderlust into a 2021 reality. These are the top destinations people are looking to explore in 2021…
Lanzarote
The spectacular island of Lanzarote has been one of the most popular destinations for holidays next year. With year-round sunshine, golden beaches and a dramatic volcanic landscape, a Lanzarote will feel like a slice of paradise.
There’s a town to suit every taste. If you like a bustling and busy atmosphere, Puerto del Carmen is the most popular area to visit. Costa Teguise, close to Puerto del Carmen, is more laid-back and up-market with amazing restaurants and beaches. Playa Blanca is perfect for a peaceful holiday with plenty of much-deserved RnR. Or, if you want luxury, Puerto Calero is the yacht-filled marina town where you can get some 5* pampering.
The Algarve
The Algarve is another one of our most popular sun destinations. We love it and our customers love it even. Its golden beaches and rugged coastline make for an idyllic beach holiday. From fishing villages to more touristic towns, the Algarve exudes charm with mosaic streets, tasty traditional restaurants and small family-run shops. For 2021, the quaint fishing village of Alvor, the lively Albufeira and the cosmopolitan Vilamoura are the most popular destinations along the Algarve coast.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi has over 40km of stunning coastline and is the most popular sun destination along the Turkish coast. In Kusadasi, you can laze by the hotel’s pool or soak up the sun on the beach. You can have a splashtastic day out at Adaland Aqua Park or enjoy some scenic views in Dilek National Park and cool down in its Caves of Zeus. Kusadasi is also home to Turkey’s second-largest bazaar after Istanbul. This covered market is filled with a myriad of colourful stalls that are guaranteed to evoke your senses (and open your purse!).
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria, the continent in an island and the third-largest Canary Island, is an underrated gem. Like Lanzarote, it enjoys year-round sunshine and warm temperatures. Its scenery is beautiful with rolling sand dunes and luscious valleys – it even has its own version of the Wild Atlantic Way! If pure relief from 2020 is what you’re after, a stay in the cute fishing village of Mogan is what you need. Nestled in a valley, Mogan, the Venice of Gran Canaria, is the perfect escape. If you want somewhere a bit more lively, Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés have everything from top-notch accommodation to a plethora of bars for an evening cocktail or two.
Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is home to some of Spain’s most beloved sun holiday destinations. Flying into the artsy, tapa-heaven of Malaga, the length of the Costa is your sun-soaked oyster. In 2021, our customers are favouring the charming whitewashed towns of Fuengirola and Nerja alongside the traditional beach towns of Benalmadena and Torremolinos.
If you want to explore its historical towns, you can visit Seville, the home of tapas and flamenco, or Granada, home to the impressive Moorish Alhambra palace and fortress. No matter where you choose to visit, you’ll find amazing accommodation and plenty of Spanish culture.
Greece
From one island to another, our customers are booking amazing destinations in Greece like Rhodes and Santorini.
Rhodes was a new destination for Irish holidaymakers with Aer Lingus announcing a new route last year. It’s filled to the brim with history from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Rhodes Town to the looming Acropolis keeping watch over the gorgeous village of Lindos.
Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair have announced routes to Santorini this summer. The ultimate European bucket list sun destination, Santorini is postcard perfect. Its vibrant sunsets are just as famous as the Greek hospitality you’ll experience. See the iconic blue and white villages of Fira and Oia and its beach resorts of Kamari and Perissa where relaxation is the number one priority.
Rome
Rome is a perfect city break for 2021. A visit to Rome is like walking through an open-air museum. History lingers in the air as you admire the ancient buildings and remanents of one of the world’s most powerful empires. To complement the history of this fascinating city, experience its culture through its delicious food from cacio e pepe to arancini balls, some gelato or some rich tiramisu. Spend an afternoon touring Vatican City and the impressive Sistine Chapel or taste your evening away in the popular foodie neighbourhood of Travestere. Yum!
Paris
The City of Lights! Chic, cosmopolitan and oozing romance, there’s a reason why people want to visit Paris. Get lost in the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, browse the world’s most important art at the Louvre or indulge in some retail therapy as you stroll along the tree-lined Champs-Elysee. Treat yourself to some delicious French wines and every baked good from croissants and pain au chocolat to fluffy white rolls smothered in cheese.
Barcelona
Barcelona is an ideal destination for those who want to combine a city break with some sun, sea and sand. Walking through the city is a visual feast with its Gothic Quarter, colourful and unmistakable buildings by Gaudí and its neverending La Rambla. Spend a day at La Barceloneta, the seaside neighbourhood. Splash in the warm waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy some tapa at one of the cafes and restaurants that line the promenade.
