Algarve

It will come as no surprise that the Algarve is the primary contender. Year round sunshine will guarantee some toasty temperatures, perfect for relaxing on the beach yet cool enough to enjoy more strenuous outdoor activities like walking, hiking, horse riding and more. Seaside towns and inland villages provide the perfect blend for holidaymakers and the many attractions ensure all ages will have a memorable trip here.

Spend your Easter holiday on a sandy beach on a sunny day in the Algarve, southern Portugal.

Turkey

Turkey is proving popular this year, with Thomas Cook recently ranking it as one of the top destinations for 2013; if you can’t beat them, join them and plan a holiday here this Easter! Fascinating cities like Izmir, Antalya and Bodrum await you as well as gorgeous beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, fantastic cultural attractions and of course an upbeat night life!

UK

If you don’t fancy pushing the boat out but still want a change of scenery, the UK really is a fantastic option. You won’t be guaranteed sunshine, that’s a given, but there really is so much to see and do right on your doorstep. Perhaps visit a local beauty spot or two, travel to your nearest coastal resort or even venture to some of the countries beautiful national parks such as the Lake District or Peak District. You could also explore Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland!

Malta

You may not have considered the Mediterranean haven of Malta. A small island found just off the coast of Italy, it’s a perfect choice for a spot of sun, sea and sand with gorgeous azure waters at every turn. Often described as an open air museum, it has plenty to offer those with a keen interest in both history and culture with plenty of interesting and attractive places to fill your time.

Malta makes for a relaxing destination to enjoy an Easter holiday with your family.

Morocco

Spice up your Easter holiday and travel to Morocco. In northern Africa, it’s not as far to travel as you might imagine and a holiday here will be packed with exciting things to see and do. Uncover the fascinating cities of Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech before venturing into the stunning Sahara desert on a camel trek, or explore the towering Atlas Mountains on four wheels.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a fabulous choice for an Easter break, celebrated for its great weather and even better beaches. Paphos and Larnaca prove to be popular bases for holidays here but there is also North Cyprus to consider which is often overlooked as a destination with unspoilt landscapes and a relaxed pace of life.

Madeira

Break away from the crowded shores of Portugal and venture to the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira, floating in the Atlantic Ocean! Volcanic and varied, it’s offers black sand instead of golden but is fascinating to visit with plenty of natural beauty and loads to see and do.

The Portuguese island of Madeira is a beautiful escape!

Spain

Spain offers something for everyone and has suitable options for all budgets, whether you are after top class luxury or a cheap beach break at an all-inclusive resort. Whichever area of the country you visit you’ll find a city packed with attractions, and with stunning beaches, delicious food and an excellent nightlife, not to mention beautifully varied countryside, you won’t be disappointed with an Easter holiday in Spain.

Egypt

Head off to exotic Egypt for a healthy dose of sunshine and culture. If you are looking for a stress free break, head in the direction of the Red Sea coast where there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from; the toughest decision you’ll have to make will be which cocktail to order. Alternatively, continue the kids learning; hire a car and uncover ancient Egypt with a trip to the Tomb of the Kings and the Pyramids of Giza, then enjoy a cruise on the River Nile.

France

France is a fantastic choice, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or as a family. Hop on the Eurotunnel, on a ferry or nab a cheap flight and you’ll be there in no time with everything from classic chateaux to cosmopolitan cities to entertain and enthral. Disneyland Paris has also extended its 20th anniversary celebrations so that means you can enjoy an extra special trip here this Easter!

Enjoy a blissful escape to a beautiful French Chateau this Easter!

Are you going on holiday this Easter? Where are you headed? Or where would you choose from these ideas?

By Kerri Ware from Economy Car Hire

Click HERE to book car hire now!

Gozo

Gozo is a neighbouring island just a short ferry journey from Malta. Small, relaxed and good for scenery, Gozo is a popular choice. There are a number of historic sites to visit and natural attractions such as the famous Azure Window, with outside activities such as swimming, diving and walking proving very popular.

Bugibba and St Pauls Bay

Bugibba is one of the best known places in Malta, vastly because it is the largest seaside resort town on the island. The long coastal promenade spans from Salina Bay to St Paul’s bay offering wonderful sea views and a glimpse of St Paul’s Island just off shore. Naturally this attraction means the area is very busy for most of the year, with many hotels plus plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes to cater to the many UK visitors.

Sliema

Sliema is found very close to St Julian’s Bay and as a result of the continued development over the years, the two are very close to merging. You will find the town to be busy and modern but with a good atmosphere, which makes for another popular base. The shopping is some of the best on the island and the nice selection of restaurants appeal to all, including the local residents, which is often a good sign.

Mellieha

Mellieha, found in the north of the island, is a relatively quiet resort in comparison to some of its neighbours but its biggest appeal is undoubtedly the beach. Spanning 800 metres, it’s the island’s longest beach and covered in glistening golden sand. This is a great place to base yourself for a relaxing stay.

St Julian’s Bay

As you make your way along the coastal strip to St Julian’s Bay you will find a higher concentration of restaurants as well as lively bars and clubs known collectively as Paceville, regarded as one of the best areas for nightlife on the island. At the other end of the scale, you will also find a much quieter section of the town which is populated with a nice selection of 5 star hotels.

Valletta

Valletta is the capital city which has a great atmosphere during the day but is peaceful at night. Fairly small, with abundant history, it only has a small selection of hotels, so the choice of places to stay here can be somewhat limited. Instead, you will find several museums, many shops and plenty of cafes spread about the narrow streets.

There is plenty to see and do all over the island but with this overview of the most popular places, we hope you will choose the perfect place to stay during your holiday to Malta.

By Kerri Ware from Economy Car Hire

Click HERE to book car hire now!

The capital city of Malta, despite its incredibly compact size, is hailed to be one of the most concentrated historic areas the world over by UNESCO and the fantastic 16th century architecture and historical fortifications found within the borders of the city are valiant proof of this.

Explorations of the narrow back streets and bustling hive of the Grand Harbour will be time well spent and interspersed with discoveries of the many historical wonders will make Valletta a sure fire highlight of your holiday in Malta.

If it’s your first trip to Malta, start with a visit to the Malta Experience. It really is the perfect half hour introduction to not only the city, but Malta as a whole and will give you an overview of some of the history and culture that is yet to be experienced.

You would be forgiven for bypassing St John’s Co Cathedral as the exterior is vastly unremarkable and will blend in easily with the surrounding buildings. Keep your eyes peeled however as the interior more than makes up for it and it is incredibly elaborate. On entering, follow the audio guide provided as this will dictate the best route to follow throughout and ensure you don’t miss anything out whilst making sense of what you are seeing. Although not particularly well known, the grandeur within arguably renders it one of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe and the museum is an added bonus.

The Grand Masters Palace, the current office of the Maltese President and Houses of Parliament, is another note-worthy site although access is limited. When parliament is not in session, visitors can visit the Palace and the State Rooms which contain an impressive collection of armour, one of the largest collections in the world in fact as well as vast, intricate tapestries. Grand and beautiful it’s a winner for anyone with an appreciation for architecture and of course perfect for history buffs too. The National Library is found just next door; again access is limited and you will need photo ID to enter but it’s worth popping into to this old, large building complete with old and authentic rickety, wooden cabinets.

Perhaps the last absolute must-see of Valletta’s buildings is Casa Rocca Piccola. It was built in the late 16th century for Admiral and Knight of Malta, Don Pietro La Rocca although since, some of the country’s most famous families called it home. It’s now privately owned and visitors can tour the 50 perfect rooms, learn of the history, and visit the series of underground tunnels too, some of which were greatly used during World War II. Casa Rocca Piccola is filled with fantastic treasures and a beauty that shows it has really stood the test of time.

Certainly the past and the remaining buildings is a huge part of Valletta but this isn’t all it has to offer; intersperse your historical visits with its other charms. Visit the vast array of fantastic restaurants, lose yourself in the unique little shops and boutiques, and just generally soak up the charm during your time here.

By Kerri Ware from Economy Car Hire

Click HERE to book car hire now!

Those who are due to return their vehicles in the next few days will be redirected to the main airport car park to minimise disruption to tourists.

If you are collecting a hire car in the coming days, you will be directed to the correct location to pick up your vehicle. Staff are doing their utmost to ensure that holidaymakers are not affected by this.

This problem has arisen during the negotiations of a new contract between Malta Airport and the Rent-A-Car Association (RACA.)

Also known as the Island of Calypso, Gozo is the second largest of the Maltese Islands but still pretty tiny by general standards measuring just 14km long by 7km wide. What this beautiful Mediterranean isle lacks in size is certainly made up for in the variety it offers visitors. Brimming with history and natural beauty, Gozo is many different things and it is sure to make your holiday dreams come true. Whether you love beach holidays, religious and historical travel, walking holidays, cultural escapades or indulgent holidays, you will find it on Gozo. Base your in a rural farmhouse or beautiful Gozo villa and soak it all up.

If you’re still unsure, here’s a pick of 5 things to see and do to whet your appetite for this unique gem floating in the azure ocean.

Admire Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The third tiny Maltese island, Comino, is just a stone’s throw from Gozo. Famous for its stunning and aptly named Blue Lagoon, a boat trip that meanders its way around not only the lagoon but also along the coast, past caves, cliffs and corals is a very dreamy affair. With regular stops to cool off in the calm and totally translucent water and bountiful water sports on offer, it’s the perfect remedy for the Maltese sun.

Visit Ggantija Temples

Standing at over 5,500 years old, the Ggantija Temples are a must see for anyone with an interest in history. Thought to be among some of the oldest structures in the world, predating Stonehenge and even the Great Pyramids, the temples are a worthy member of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Containing many statues of Goddesses, the temples were thought to have been dedicated to the Great Earth Mother and were once a site of pilgrimage for the inhabitants of Malta. A visit here will leave you awing another baffling feat of ancient people at this megalithic site.

Explore the Capital of Victoria

On such a small island, the capital city is equal to the size of any normal town elsewhere. Regardless, it is the hub of activity and certainly worthy of a sightseeing expedition. The narrows alleys will lead you to St George Basilica, worth a visit in its own right, and they allow you to explore the city on a personal level. Visit the daily open air market and stop for lunch at an open air café to get a fill of fresh, traditional Gozitan cuisine. Visit the gourmet food shops and select some local specialities to take home as souvenirs before visiting the plethora of shops, the harbour and numerous museums.

Go Walking, Rambling or Hiking

Offering somewhat cooler temperatures, October through to May are usually the best months during which to explore Gozo on foot without getting heat stroke! Even less built up than Malta, you can walk for hours without seeing another soul, leaving you to enjoy the natural beauty of the island uninterrupted. With valleys, hills and beaches and countryside littered with abandoned ancient temples and shrines you won’t fail to be disappointed on your explorations. If the weather is stormy, head to the coast and watch the powerful waves coax the cliffs into battle.

Dive and Swim at the Azure Window

One of the most iconic images of Malta as whole, the Azure Window is a stunning place. A rock formation situated near to Dwejra, it takes its name from the piercing colour of the ocean. Those brave enough to tackle a climb to the top will be rewarded with wondrous views. Whether you reach the peak or not, you should definitely take the plunge as it is regarded as one of the best diving spots in the area along with nearby Blue Hole and Inland Sea.

Have you ever been to Gozo or plan to go? Any suggestions on some things to see and do here? Share your thoughts!

The Mediterranean island of Malta features highly on many of our bucket lists; the appeal of the azure sea and year round sunshine is hard to abate. Aside from fantastic outdoor activities and wonderful beaches, there is also an abundance of history to be found on the island. To help you choose how to spend your time in Malta, in no particular order, here’s our pick of 6 things to see and do.

Walk Along Dingli Cliffs

The Dingli Cliffs are an impressive sight, especially from the water on a boat cruise. One of the best ways to experience them however is a walk along the top of the cliffs; enjoy the view of the village of Dingli on the left hand side and views over the uninhabited island of Filfla. Come here in the evening for the charming atmosphere and stunning sunsets.

Fort Rinella

Dating back to 1878, Fort Rinella is one of the top historical sites in Malta. Regarded as the largest Victorian Fort in the world and also home to the largest cannon in the world, the fort is quite famous. With period dressed volunteers on hand to answer all of your questions, a visit here will take you back in history, more so if you join one of the guided tours. The tour will begin with the firing of the cannon (which you can do too if you want!) plus a live demonstration of how the fort would have been defended during an attack. With plenty more displays and hands on activities in this interesting and informative environment, everyone will enjoy this activity.

The Three Cities

Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta you will find Cottonera where the Three Cities; Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, lay. Here you can gain an intriguing insight into the island and its history and each has a unique charm and character that you will struggle to find elsewhere in Malta. There is plenty to see and do during your visit; why not first stop by at Bishop’s Palace built in 1542 and then visit the Maritime Museum. The Safe Haven Gardens are nice to see as well.

Visit Mdina

Mdina is the old capital of Malta and a visit should feature within your ‘To Do’ list. The medieval walled town sits atop a hill in the centre of the island and houses a population of just 300 residents within the walls. It is however attached to the village of Rabat which has a population of 11,000. Regardless of the number of residents, a visit here is a must. Come to see the fantastic buildings from St Paul’s Cathedral to Vilhenna Palace, not forgetting the Mdina Dungeons and the Benedictine Monastery.

Visit the Island of Gozo

No visit to Malta is complete without hopping aboard a ferry and visiting the neighbouring island of Gozo. Untouched and unique, Gozo is a little slice of heaven and is varied enough for a day trip or a longer stay. There is a selection of picturesque towns and villages dotted across the island each offering something a little different. You won’t tire of things to do on the island with activities ranging from diving and snorkelling in the surrounding waters to shopping or cycling. Be sure to find the Azure Window whilst you’re here; the natural arch makes for a wonderful view and the area is one of the most popular diving spots.

These are just a selection of the wealth of things to see and do in Malta. Visit the island in 2012 and discover your own list of must see and dos. If you have already been, what would feature in your top 5?

Croatia

Cited as an up and coming location for a few years now, Croatia has the benefit of a gorgeous climate and breath-taking scenery. Suitable for those seeking a beach break, or those wishing to tour the sights, Croatia should whet everyone’s holiday appetite. Zadar is packed full of culture and contains a number of Romanesque features. Sun worshippers will easily find the perfect spot along the Dalamatia Coast. The vast array of flora and fauna, coupled with the truly spectacular views also make the Plitvice Lakes a must see.

Cyprus

Albeit Cyprus is becoming incredibly popular, especially with families, this wondrous island should also have wider appeal. Coral Bay, which lies just outside of Paphos is filled with long stretches of golden sand, great for those who love water sports and considerably quieter that its close neighbour. Travel to Polis and Latchi which both border the Akamas National Park. Packed full of hiking opportunities, connect with the great outdoors here.

Menorca

Smaller and more tranquil than its fellow Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, this petite gem offers a fantastic alternative to the usual break in Spain. Mahon is home to some wondrous gothic architecture and fabulous local cuisine. Santo Tomas is at the foot of Mount Toro and is packed with small town charm; make sure that you explore this picture-perfect location.

Malta

Primarily known for its historical prominence, many people visit here for the museums and monuments. The nearby island of Gozo is full of rocky coves, and endless sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or just plain relaxing. Back on the island of Malta, Valletta offers a mixture of shopping and never-ending expanses of coastline.

Madeira

The winning combination of a striking mountainous backdrop, coupled with a lush panorama already puts Madeira at the top of many peoples wish list. Ribeiro Frio, which is surrounded by the Ribeiro Frio Natural Park is littered with plentiful walking and hiking opportunities. The compact nature of the island makes it easy to navigate your way to a beach, or to the bustling town of Funchal.

Turkey

Growing in popularity due to the endless beaches and sunny climate coupled with Asian and European influences, Turkey should be on your travel to do list. Dalyan, whilst being home to many sea turtles, ancient tombs, thermal springs and mud baths also has a plethora of other sights to add to its appeal. The ever-popular Turtle Beach is nearby and offers fresh water one side and sea water on the other, certainly a little different. Izmir, home to Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey, exists alongside a vast array of city based attractions such as The Agora and more.

We hope that this list has given you some great holiday ideas, half the battle when you are set on getting away to sunnier climbs. All that remains now is to hunt down the best deal, why not read our other blog for some top tips to help you secure the best price for your break.

Rock Climbing

Despite having no mountains, the coastline presents plenty of rocky cliffs and crags so turn the adventure up a few notches and consider a day of rock climbing as an activity. Due to the fantastic climate this is a blood pumping activity that you can partake in the whole year through with a wide selection of climbing styles to choose from including traditional, sport, bouldering, sea level traversing and more. There are also 1,300 routes across the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino so sink your teeth into this rock climbing paradise. Photo by: iwona_kellie

Segway Adventure

See the sights in a different way and hop aboard a Segway with Segway Malta! You can choose to take a guided tour around the whole island which will lead you to some stunning view points or a shorter tour around Valetta, Birgu or a tour starting at Selmun Palace and escaping off into the surrounding countryside. Easy to ride and a fantastically fun, unique way to get around and see Malta, this is definitely worth considering for a start to your holiday here.

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Clay pigeon shooting or clay target shooting is a very popular pastime in Malta with several clubs to choose from where you can partake in this different sporting activity. Targets are loaded into traps which are sprung a distance of up to 100m into the air and are shot at by participants. It is a regarded as a rather fun activity, even for those to whom it would not normally appeal! Photo by: /Joe

Camping

Let the adrenaline drain and get back to basics by enjoying a camping experience in Malta. There is only one official campsite on the island but it’s the perfect place to unwind and relax in the tranquil surroundings and still enjoy views of the ocean. The best bit is that you can even hire furnished tents for the duration of your stay so you can have the best of both worlds if you just can’t sacrifice the luxuries of your hotel for longer than a few nights.Photo by: Heini Samuelsen

Karting

Karting is a great outdoor activity for the whole family to enjoy and well worth considering. Badger Karting is undoubtedly the place to head as they offer petrol powered karts that you can race around 17 different tracks. The company also offers a mini Grand Prix with trophies up for grabs. May the best man win! Well, they say a bit of competition is healthy right?

With plenty of activities on offer to add to the charm of Malta, this could be your ideal destination! Have you ever been? What did you get up to on your trip here? Add your suggestions!

The worst hit destinations tend to be in Europe where excess charges are reaching the 1,500EUR mark. It is becoming increasingly common for the excess on a rental car to be in the region of a thousand pounds.

Our prices always include Full Collision Damage Waiver with zero insurance excess and a free additional driver. We compare prices on a daily basis to make sure we are the cheapest in the market.

Our prices may not always seem the lowest when you are merely looking at headline prices. Once you include the daily excess waiver to our competitors’ prices and the cost of an additional driver, it’s clear that we are the cheapest and offer the best value for money, which is why our customers keep coming back to us, 94% of you in fact! To book our all-inclusive car hire, click here.

• Eurochocolate – Visit Perugia in Italy from 15th – 24th October where can go to chocolate tastings as well as see Chocolate sculptures and visit Chocofarm, a spa devoted to bodycare treatments made from chocolate and cocoa.
• Flamenco Biennal – This is held bi-annually in Seville, Spain from 15th September – 9th October. Primarily a music and dance festival, there are flamenco competitions and workshops to help you learn or improve your skills. There is also food and wine tasting available, as these complement flamenco perfectly!
• Wine Festival – In Marino, about 45 minutes from Rome, Italy on Sunday 3rd of October over three days Sagra dell’Uva occurs. The fountains in the town start flowing with wine and traditional cellars open so bread, meat and wine can be purchased. There is also a street procession and display of period costumes and music with fireworks and frivolities in the evening.
• Rolex Middle Sea Race – The Royal Malta Yacht Club runs the 606 nautical mile race starting on 23rd October 2010. Many come to watch the start of the race and enjoy the bustling town of Valletta, Malta during the week of the race.
• Seafood Festival – Held at O Grove, Spain over 2nd – 12th October many come to sample some local specialities. There are stands selling seafood, exhibitions and Galician-Portuguese Folklore can also be seen.

With so much going on in the coming months, why not hire a car in Spain, Malta or Italy and make the most of a short break!