CITY breaks to short-haul places like Barcelona, Paris and Amsterdam flew off the shelves when lockdown rules were relaxed, with holidaymakers itching to get out and explore once more.
Then came the urge for far-flung holidays to exotic hot spots like Thailand and the sun-drenched Caribbean.
You can now fly to Marrakech in Morocco from London Southend Airport[/caption]
So, could it now be mid-haul’s time to shine?
Demand is now soaring for in-between destinations where we’re are guaranteed sunshine getaways a little closer to home.
British Airways 2025 Trends Report revealed that holiday package searches for Morocco’s Agadir are up 308 per cent from last year — significantly more than any other destination — while searches for other mid-haul destinations such as Crete and Kos are also on the rise.
Low-cost airline easyJet is putting more mid-haul spots on the map, too, from its new base at London Southend Airport.
It will operate fresh flights to Gran Canaria and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Dalaman and Antalya in Turkey and Marrakech in Morocco, all taking off in spring this year.
Meanwhile, Jet2 has expanded its winter capacity to Morocco with a new service from Bournemouth to Agadir, on the west coast, as well as a new route from Leeds Bradford to Marrakech.
Airlines have also increased routes to Egypt, including TUI which has added 100,000 additional seats to its Egypt programmes as well as launching a new route from Gatwick to Luxor for winter.
So why not give one of these mid-haul gems a try this summer?
AGADIR, MOROCCO: The golden-sand coastline of Agadir is a balmy 23C on average in March and an ideal spot for those seeking a bit more than just a fly-and-flop.
Searches for Morocco’s Agadir are up 308 per cent from last year[/caption]
There are gorgeous beaches popular with surfers — the rolling waves are what draw the crowds — as well as historical sites, such as the Medina and the Kasbah Agadir Oufella for when you want your culture fix.
Spend a week at the 4* Paradis Plage Resort, a laidback beachfront haven that holds yoga classes on the sands and has several decent restaurants on site.
Seven nights’ B&B costs from £719pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on March 27.
See jet2holidays.com.
HURGHADA, EGYPT: It takes around five and a half hours from the UK to reach the tranquil resort region of Hurghada where you will have guaranteed sunshine.
Hurghada, Egypt is just five and a half hours from the UK[/caption]
If you like to kick back and relax on holiday, then TUI’s Jaz Bluemarine Resort should be top of your list, with its giant lagoon-style pool that weaves through the outdoor area like a river.
There are three bars and restaurants on site, but you’ll also have use of the dining options at sister property, Jaz Aquamarine.
Four nights’ all-inclusive costs from £655pp including flights from Newcastle on March 28.
See tui.co.uk.
TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS: The Canary Islands have long been a popular spot among British sun seekers thanks to their proximity to the UK and baking-hot, rugged landscapes.
The Canary Islands have long been a popular spot among British sun seekers[/caption]
It’s known for its relaxed resorts where holidaymakers can flop with a beer in hand, but there’s so much more to it.
Stay in the La Laguna area if you want to soak up some tradition.
You may not get a sea view, with the hotel being in the centre of the island, but scenes of bright yellow and blue washed buildings lining the old narrow streets are just as good.
It’s often named one of the most beautiful parts of Tenerife.
Seven nights’ B&B at the 4* La Laguna is from £746pp including flights from Manchester on March 23.
DALAMAN, TURKEY: Ölüdeniz in Turkey’s Dalaman is quite literally a picture of paradise with a strip of land jutting out into a deep blue lagoon that doubles up as a nature reserve.
Ölüdeniz in Turkey’s Dalaman is quite literally a picture of paradise[/caption]
It’s an excellent spot to try paragliding, mainly because of the impressive bird’s-eye views over lush mountainsides and piercingly blue waters.
If you like simple and traditional hotels with character, book a stay at the 4* Symbola Ölüdeniz Beach Hotel, a banana-coloured boutique property with bare-brick walls in rustic bedrooms, surrounded by rural landscapes.
There is one restaurant on site, serving local Turkish cuisine as well as a pool and live music.
Seven nights’ B&B costs from £371pp including flights from London on April 28.
See britishairways.com/holidays.
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