Last-minute Easter getaway deals for couples
Easter is fast approaching, so book now and save on these last-minute couples holidays.
Jet off to dreamy beaches and irresistible food in a Mediterranean haven of Turkey or Cyprus.
These TUI Easter holiday offers take you to hotels in the TUI Blue collection, which deliver best-in-class service, authentic local cuisine and activities to suit you. What could be more romantic than a spontaneous trip somewhere sunny?
TUI Easter getaway deals 2025: Top picks
TUI Blue Tropical, Turkey, from £708.82pp
TUI Blue Pioneer Beach, Cyprus, from £790.60pp
TUI Blue Tropical, Turkey
From £708.82pp
If you're looking for Easter holiday getaways, this is a wonderful beachside hotel to visit as a couple.
A choice of swimming pools includes a huge lagoon centrepiece and one just for relaxing. Take your pick and glide through the warm waters.
You can get stuck into all manner of activities by day, and take your seat for a show by night.
Five restaurants tempt you with colourful buffets, Italian food and Turkish à la carte dishes.
If you fancy checking out local bars and restaurants, the nearest town is 20 minutes' walk away. You can also take a 30-minute taxi ride to Iztuzu Beach, a swathe of sand known for its bright blue sea and loggerhead turtles.
TUI Blue Pioneer Beach, Cyprus
From £790.60pp
A big hit with foodies, this adults-only hotel serves up sensational cuisine. Feast on Mediterranean dishes as you admire the sea view from the terrace.
A stone's throw away is a sandy beach that invites you to kick off your sandals and stroll barefoot with your loved one. Romantic holiday deals don't get much better than this.
At Elixir Spa, unwind with a wide selection of treatments, including couples massages*. Feel your worries melt away in the steam room, sauna or relaxation area.
Next door to the hotel is a church with a distinctive blue dome and white-washed walls. Wander to the viewpoint for sunsets that stir the soul.
Paphos harbour is just five minutes away by bus, or a scenic 45-minute walk along the seafront promenade. Watch the world go by as you sip a drink or dine on mouthwatering local food. By night, the tavernas get lively.
Whether you desire a Thai paradise, the sandy shores of Turkey or island life in Cyprus, there are still Easter holiday savings to be made. Book your couples break before it is too late.
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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The clampdown 'killing' one of Turkey's most popular holiday towns: How a curfew, ban on dancing and soaring pint prices is 'ruining' Marmaris for Brits
With its picturesque cobblestoned streets and its breath-taking coast with waters a shade of blue you would never spot in the UK, the beautiful resort town of Marmaris grips you within a heartbeat. As one local put it, it is surrounded by 'beaches like Miami, waters like the Maldives and mountains like Canada '. But it is something else entirely that draws in the British en masse… the streets of Armutalan. A strip known for little to do with landscapes and more to do with neon lights, extravagant dance shows, topless barmen and sparklers. According to the 'fun pubs' up and down the main street, more than 90 per cent of their customers are British. One pub owner even went as far as suggesting, '99 per cent British!' Over the years the area became popular for British families and young couples wanting to go out, dance, and let loose on holiday while still being able to have a seated table and look after their children - with many even having dedicated kids play areas. But it also controversially became known for young barmen taking their tops off and dancing on table tops for the 'entertainment' of older women on the hunt for foreign 'boytoys'. To find out exactly what the strip is like once the sun sets, especially as a solo female traveller, I visited the renowned Armutalan at 10pm. Having been to strips across the likes of Ibiza and Malaga, I braced myself for the worst. I arrived there expecting to see drunken Brits breaking out into fist fights, creepy barmen harassing you to come in for 'free drinks' and yobs looking for the perfect opportunity to rob your phone in the busy crowds. But I was taken aback when all I witnessed was a warm welcome at 'fun pubs' where music was booming, families were dancing to British classics, and no-one was coercing you into stepping in. In a refreshing change, I did not find myself constantly looking over my shoulder to check if my drink had been spiked or if I was in any danger. What I did witness, however, was a dying street that was until recently mobbed with people. Venues that would by now in the holiday season be rammed with dancing Brits stood close to empty, with most barmen 'too scared' to dance or encourage customers to get up out their seats for a boogie. The drastic change in atmosphere came after 14 pubs were closed down a few weeks ago over floating restrictions which include a new curfew on music and lights being turned off at the stroke of midnight and bars entirely closed by 12.30am. It adds to bans which came into place following Covid on bar staff dancing topless with customers on tabletops and the use of sparklers, even on birthday cakes. The 'boring' measures came after some locals felt the 'dirty dancing' and 'loud music' was inappropriate, arguing that it made the resort town look 'sleazy' and 'cheap'. But Brits - who flocked to see the dance shows - say the 12am curfew may see them 'never return' to the beloved resort, as pub owners say it is 'killing' the tourism industry. A Brit I met at the street's Parkhead pub, said she had visited just five weeks ago and it had been busy 'as normal', but in the space of a few weeks had 'completely died out'. The street itself was empty of sound and soul, bar the neon lights and music reflecting from inside the pubs. Turkish authorities say the curfew was brought into effect to avoid causing trouble for nearby locals having to listen to booming music into the early hours of the night. There have also, for a few years now, been restrictions on music only being played until 1am for pubs and bars situated along the popular beachfront on Marmaris' Long Beach. But police are cracking down. Venues found to be breaking rules risk being shut for periods of three to ten days, or even permanently as in the case of two venues very recently. As the clocks hit 12.30am, you could see hyped young people flood onto the beach after the music blasting in the beachfront bars was brought to an abrupt end. Critics say the changes are 'fair' as those wanting to party later into the night can still go to Bar Street, the resort's nightclub strip. But the appeal is not there. Those flocking to Armutalan Street are on the lookout for a family-friendly night out that isn't overrun by hormone-filled teens on their first party holiday. And the infamous Bar Street is not known to be the safest of places. Every pub owner along Armutalan Street and the Long Beach beachfront warned against venturing there alone. And Brits who have visited the resort for 20+ years and call Marmaris their second-home told me to steer well clear, telling me that spiking and harassment is all too common there. Just days before I arrived, one person was shot dead in an 'armed conflict' which broke out between two groups on the Bar Street strip. Mahoney, the owner of Parkhead bar, Mahoney said to me: 'They tell you if you want to go out, go to Bar Street, but the English people's culture is pubs. 'They don't want clubs, only the young people want to go to clubs. Most people that come to this street doesn't want to go to Bar Street. They are older people with families. 'Bar Street is quiet now, people don't go there. It's expensive and it's too much trouble. 'Three or four days ago, someone was shot and killed there. It's so much more dangerous. 'And if I sell a drink here for 150 lira (£2.74), on Bar Street it is three times more expensive. 'But 90 per cent of the people here are British. In this area, on this street, it's mostly British. 'We were the first many years ago to start having kids play area. 'In Marmaris you can ask any tourists about the pubs and the restaurants, everyone loves us. Most our customers they come here over 10 years, 15 years. We are like family with them. 'But now after 12am they close the lights and tell customers "go home". Which is really bad. 'If we ignore it the police come and give big fines, last year I had two fines which cost 400,000 lira (£7,300) each. 'Some of the dance maybe it was too much, dirty things, but the things we done was because they like it, it was not sexual, it was just for a laugh. 'We did it because that's what they like. But okay, we said "okay no dance, no fireworks, no hassle". We accepted it. But why a curfew? 'Now our regular customers say if it is like this we won't come back.' And the threat of losing decades-long loyal customers is very real. In fact, it is clear it has already started to happen from the emptiness on the main street. And bar owners say they have had 'too many' regular British visitors message them to say they will be holidaying elsewhere this year due to the curfew. Speaking to me in the noisy Chuckle Brothers bar Bedirhan Saritac told me: 'It's not fair. Let's be honest, it's not fair. 'By midnight people are just starting to get drunk, start enjoying it, and bang it's all closed. 'What are they supposed to do? Go and buy a bottle and go to their room? That's not what they came here for. 'It's only British people that come here, this street our customers are all from the UK. 90 per cent. 'The Brits are mad about it. Most our customers are like our friends now because they come every year, some come four or five times a year. So we are like family with them now. 'It's already stopping people from coming. 'People have already texted us saying they cancelled their flights. 'We're losing customers. They say they are going to Greece now. 'They're killing Marmaris.' Admitting the topless dancing may have been 'over the top', he said: 'Look, yes we have some fault. On some things we're wrong too as bars, we accept that. 'Some people may not like the taking tops off. We done it but that worked, but we see the point and we're not doing that no more. 'But the thing is this was one of the busiest bars in Marmaris, busy every night, if I was doing something wrong why would I be busy all the time? 'People come because they like that. I'm not doing it for myself, people like it. 'But some people don't, so we see the point, we don't allow it anymore. 'We say "we're sorry, we won't do it again". I don't know what the problem is with sparklers, but they say "don't do it" and we say "fine". 'But why are you closing the bar at 12, why are you turning the music off at 12, it's not fair. We weren't taking our tops off after 12, it was happening before.' Bedirhan Saritac continued to tell me how the effects have already been seen in the few weeks since the clampdown. He reckons he loses £2,000 a day (110,000 lira) during peak season due to the new measures. At the next pub down, staff member Adar from Mad Boys repeats the same as Mr Saritac: 'Our tourism season only six months, that has to last us the year. 'After seeing some boys' dances at some bars, like some dirty dances, the government say Turkish people are not this and want to stop it. 'We were very angry but then we saw some of the videos of kids dancing on the tables and it's not good at all. 'But it's not all, just a few doing that. 'Now they don't allow even normal dance, normal cha cha dance, the customers want to dance but they don't allow it. 'We are really hoping it gets better and they change it to at least 1am. 'All customers are saying "if we have to go to the hotel at 12am why we are on holiday? We might as well stay at home." 'All our customers, 99 per cent are British. We don't have any others tourist, just British in this area.' As it hit 11pm, I had expected the strip may become busier. But still it was a stretch to say it was even 'dotted' with people. Some bars were busier than others, but none of them looked how they should coming to the end of June. Speaking to one Scottish family at Chuckle Brothers through the loud music, Claire Quinn, 43, Fiona Muir, 41 and Shannon Luff, 25 said: 'The energy is down, it's a lot quieter than normal. It's terrible to see. 'When you come on holiday you don't want to go home at 12am. 'That's not what I came here for to be told to go home. 'In other destinations you have to go to clubs. The difference is when you come to Turkey and you can sit out here and it still take in the entertainment. 'The tourism has heavily gone down. 'When you've little kids or even teens, when you've got sparklers it keeps them entertained because they can't go out. 'It couldn't have been more family orientated. 'It's put a big damper on it. This is the quieter than I've seen it.' Ms Muir added: 'I've been coming here for 27, 28 years. My kids have been coming since really small. We've all been really shocked. It's a real shame.' Meanwhile, Ms Quinn said this may be her last visit. She said: 'I will not be back. If it stays this way. We come here for the atmosphere and the family entertainment and it's gone. 'I've been coming here twice a year for five years, but this will be my last time here unless it changes. 'You used to get the men dancing on the tables with sparklers, all that entertainment, but you don't get any of it anymore. 'Just look around outside too, it's completely empty. 'It's terrible, really terrible.' Further down the strip Lee Potter, 33, was visiting the bars with his family, Harriet Walker 29, Janine Potter 29, and kids Thomas and Tallulah. He said: 'The first year we came here it was absolutely booming. It was mental. 'We've been coming for four went to Jacob's they were dancing on the tables. 'It was also so cheap. You could get a pint for 80p, now it's about the same as London prices.' On the dancing they said: 'It is was a bit like entertainment, but it was a bit crude. It's not for when your with family. But before you couldn't walk down this street. Now it's dead.' Diane Harvey was here just five weeks ago. She told me: 'Everything was normal. Now it's dead. 'I've been coming to Marmaris for 20 years, it was never any trouble, any problem. 'It was mobbed five weeks ago with tourists, families with babies. 'The boys were all dancing, no trouble, no nothing. 'I came back here on Saturday, and I'll tell you it's the worst I've seen it. 'They can't come up to dance with customers anymore. I would normally be up there dancing with all these boys. 'I'm coming back here in October with friends and it's not going to be the same. They've ruined it, ruined Marmaris. 'Next year I'm not coming here, I'll be going to morocco. 'On all the Marmaris groups on Facebook, they're all boycotting it. They're going to Spain, Portugal. 'I don't know if I'll come here next year, I'm going to Morocco next June instead. Further down by the beachfront, where music has to be turned off by 12.30am, Lauren Bennington, 31, Lea Binns, 24 and Keeley Whitehurst, 20, told me 'it's not the same'. The trio, who had all met back here on the beach many years ago, said: 'We would usually be here till like 5am but now it's half 12 and everyone floods onto the beach. 'We've been coming for eight years. It was packed even last year but now it's so much quieter. 'And the problem is you don't want to go to Bar Street because it's quite rowdy there. 'They used to do the sparklers and the dance shows and the guys dancing, and they say it's bad cos they're doing it in a sexual way but they're not. 'They're just entertaining. And the thing is the sparklers and stuff, the kids love it too it keeps them entertained It's definitely not the same.' Nearby Emma Boriss, 46, and Emily Boden, 24, from Blackpool, warned me against going to Bar Street. They said: 'This beachfront, it's a home away from home. 'But Bar Street, it's dinghy, it's like a back street. 'Someone was shot there a few days ago. 'We've been once with a chap from the Manchester bar before, but we wouldn't ever go back. It's dangerous. 'It's a shame that they've ruined these bits. We'll probably still come, but not if it weren't for the people we know well now. 'I could see how first time goers wouldn't come. They'd go somewhere like Portugal instead.' Almost everyone I encountered walking down the strips at Armutalan Street and the beachfront had been regular visitors who had made Marmaris their yearly trip over years. And the new curfews risked changing this for them. For James Roberts, 28, and Jade Bingham, 27, Jamie Bone, 20, and Dylan Cox, 21, it was their first time visiting. They said: To be fair it's out of respect for the hotels and locals isn't it. 'But we have to say it is a bit of a let down for tourists.'
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Mum slams 'nightmare' Corfu hotel with 'no English food' and '€1.50 water bill'
Susan Edwards said her holiday was 'horrendous' from the minute she arrived at the Greek island of Corfu with her daughter and three other family members A fuming mum has vowed never to book with TUI again following a "nightmare" all-inclusive trip to Corfu, where she claims there was "no English food" or hotel entertainment. Susan Edwards embarked on a seven-night holiday to the Greek island on 12 May. She stayed at the Lido Corfu Sun Hotel with her cousins, aged 77 and 78, her daughter, 30, and second cousin, 50. However, Susan, 69, from Westerhope, described the holiday as "horrendous from the minute [they] got there." The holidaymaker explained: "It was all-inclusive, £750 each we paid and there was no food we could eat and we couldn't have anything to drink. "I have to be careful because I have ulcerative colitis so there's certain things I can't eat. The all inclusive drinks were wine, lager, ouzo, or brandy. Yes, there were soft drinks, but we had to pay €1.50 for water." Susan and her party arrived at the hillside hotel around 2pm on 12 May, ready to enjoy some food and refreshments after their long journey. After climbing a large ramp to reach the hotel reception, Susan said she was told that pool-side food would be served at 5pm for guests, which she claims was a "one-inch square of baklava". Her dissatisfaction only got worse the next day when she discovered there was "no English food" available at the hotel. Describing the grub on offer, Susan said: "On a morning you could have toast, a hard boiled egg, or something in sauce," Chronicle Live reports. "There was no bacon. For breakfast there was mozzarella and sliced tomatoes. There was no hot bacon or sausage. "We got chips one day. One day out of the whole lot. There was fish, sardines and rice - I was sick to death of looking at rice. There was pasta and salads, none of this was marked (labelled). One night there was a Greek night and they had kebabs, I couldn't eat that. It's the worst holiday I've ever been on." The mum says she couldn't enjoy her preferred drink during her holiday because she doesn't fancy ouzo and doesn't drink brandy. She explained that she would normally have bottled lager or one Bacardi and Coke, which she said would have cost her €9 and would have been a different brand. "By the time we paid £750 for the holiday, €70 tourist tax for me and my daughter and an extra £450 for both of our meals, I could have been to the Caribbean on that", Susan fumed. TUI's website describes holidays at the Lido Corfu Sun Hotel as being "all about the laidback life" where "ping pong and pool are the liveliest activities on the agenda", aside from the occasional live music and Greek night. It also says the four-star hotel has its own private patch of beach "just steps away". However, Susan claimed there was no entertainment at the hotel which is "stuck there in the middle of nowhere". She added: "There was a private beach but it was so steep we couldn't get down to it and it was 150 yards from the hotel." "There's a ramp at the side of the hotel that you have to try and pull your case up when you arrive. My daughter was up and down, up and down, trying to pull everyone's case up for them." She also expressed her frustration over not being able to get a second key for the room she shared with her daughter. Susan explained: "I asked for a second key for my daughter because sometimes I get tired in the afternoon and rather than lying in the sun and getting burned. "But if I went up to have a sleep, my daughter wouldn't be able to get into the room. She would have to wake me up to get in. I asked for a second key but I was told 'no, too expensive'." Susan said she usually holidays in Spain with her cousins and would always fly with TUI as she felt comfortable knowing "there's a big company behind you if anything goes wrong." However, this time, her confidence in TUI has been shaken due to what she perceives as an inadequate response from the travel firm. She has been offered £100 in holiday vouchers by TUI, but she claims that other guests she met at the hotel have been offered more after complaining. Susan has declined TUI's final £100 voucher offer. "In the past I've paid more to get on a TUI flight because if anything happened I've always thought you've got a big company behind you if anything goes wrong. Not anymore. This holiday was a nightmare," Susan said. A spokesperson for TUI UK said: "Our priority is to ensure customers have the best possible holiday experience, so we are sorry to hear that Mrs Edwards felt dissatisfied with her holiday. We have been in touch directly with Mrs Edwards to come to a resolution."
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Affordable and 'overlooked' European capital gets new flights from the UK
It might be scorching outside, but if you're already deciding your winter getaway, why not swap the usual tourist spots for somewhere a little more off-beat? TUI has announced new direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Sofia, starting December 20. The Bulgarian capital, often dubbed one of Europe's most underrated cities, is renowned for its historic landmarks, beautiful architecture and easy access to world-class ski resorts – including Bankso, Pamporovo and Borovets. The weekly service will run every Saturday throughout ski season. It'll be sure to capture the attention of both snow-seekers and city-breakers alike. And as one of Europe's most affordable skiing destinations, those flocking to the Alps might want to consider Bulgaria as an option instead. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. While many travellers will pass through Sofia on their way to the slopes, the city itself is worth a visit. Steeped in history, you'll find Roman ruins beside Ottoman mosques and grand Soviet-era architecture. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, is one of the city's most stunning examples of architecture, with its iconic gold domes. While you're there, why not take a stroll down Vitosha Boulevard – the main street of Sofia, packed with shops, bars and restaurants? If you're after some culture, you can take a look at the National Palace of Culture or the Museum of Socialist Art. Or, if you're hoping for some fresh air, there's plenty of outdoor space to relax in. The Borisova Gardina is the oldest park in the city and is home to a few open-air bars. If you're heading in summer it'll likely be packed with visitors, but in winter, it's a quiet retreat from the city. Mount Vitosha, which is only a short bus ride from the city, is an easily accessible spot for hiking or to admire views of the capital. TUI's newly launched flight comes at an ideal time. The ski season, which typically runs from December to early April, is the prime time to visit if you want to hit the slopes. January and February offer the best snow conditions. But, if you're not one for skiing, spring and early autumn might be for you. There are mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the more bustling European capitals. If you don't fancy navigating your way through sweaty crowds, you might want to avoid summer. Temperatures can reach as high as the mid-30s and early 40s. Whether it's a quick pit stop before heading to the mountains, or a few days to explore the city, there are plenty of accommodation options. More Trending If you want to be close to the city centre, look for hotels near Vitosha Boulevard. You'll have the major sights, restaurants and shops on your doorstep. The Art 'Otel, for example, currently costs £120 for a one-night stay. Those on a budget are well catered for too. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels dotted around the city – the Central Point Boutique hotel, near Sofia University, has rooms from £40. If you want luxury without the hefty price tag, hotels near the National Palace of Culture or in the Lozenets neighbourhood offer more affordable options. The residential area is southeast of the city and is only a couple of stops on the tram. Weather: Bulgaria has a diverse climate. Summers are hot and dry, particularly in southern regions, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in July and August. However, winters are cold with average temperatures between 3°C to 5°C, especially in mountainous areas, with heavy snowfall and temperatures often below freezing. Bulgaria has a diverse climate. Summers are hot and dry, particularly in southern regions, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in July and August. However, winters are cold with average temperatures between 3°C to 5°C, especially in mountainous areas, with heavy snowfall and temperatures often below freezing. When to Visit: The best time to visit Bulgaria depends on your interests. For beach holidays along the Black Sea coast, visit between June and September (although beware that July and August are the busiest months). Ski enthusiasts should head to resorts like Bansko or Pamporovo between December and March. For cultural exploration and hiking, visiting during the shoulder seasons in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offers ideal conditions. The best time to visit Bulgaria depends on your interests. For beach holidays along the Black Sea coast, visit between June and September (although beware that July and August are the busiest months). Ski enthusiasts should head to resorts like Bansko or Pamporovo between December and March. For cultural exploration and hiking, visiting during the shoulder seasons in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offers ideal conditions. Where to Stay: Accommodation in Bulgaria is affordable, with hotel prices in Sofia ranging from £40 to £100 per night for mid-range options. Coastal resorts like Sunny Beach offer a mix of budget hostels and high-end hotels. A meal for two in a restaurant typically costs around £10-£15, while a pint of beer is roughly £2. Accommodation in Bulgaria is affordable, with hotel prices in Sofia ranging from £40 to £100 per night for mid-range options. Coastal resorts like Sunny Beach offer a mix of budget hostels and high-end hotels. A meal for two in a restaurant typically costs around £10-£15, while a pint of beer is roughly £2. What to Pack: If visiting in summer, pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter trips, bring warm layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy boots. Comfortable walking shoes are essential year-round, especially for exploring cities and mountain trails. If visiting in summer, pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter trips, bring warm layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy boots. Comfortable walking shoes are essential year-round, especially for exploring cities and mountain trails. Language : While more people speak English, there can still be a language barrier for visitors. It's best to learn a few basic Bulgarian words during your travels. : While more people speak English, there can still be a language barrier for visitors. It's best to learn a few basic Bulgarian words during your travels. Adaptors: Bulgaria uses type F plugs (same as much of Europe). The UK uses G-type plugs, so you'll need a travel adapter. Bulgaria uses type F plugs (same as much of Europe). The UK uses G-type plugs, so you'll need a travel adapter. Currency: Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). 1 BGN converts to roughly 0.43 GBP. While card payments have become more accepted in Bulgaria and you can generally pay by card in big cities, it's a good idea to keep cash on you for smaller places. Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). 1 BGN converts to roughly 0.43 GBP. While card payments have become more accepted in Bulgaria and you can generally pay by card in big cities, it's a good idea to keep cash on you for smaller places. Visas: UK citizens can stay in Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. UK citizens can stay in Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Time: Bulgaria is two hours ahead of the UK (BST+2). Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I spent 96 hours in 'little London', where life is easier MORE: This 'underrated' European gem with £34 flights should be your next city break MORE: 'Baffling' UK bus is 'world's most confusing' and leaves at different times every day
