GOLF del Sur might be a quiet part of this Spanish island, but there's plenty going on. A two-bedroom apartment at No 16 Winter Gardens which sleeps four has great sea views - perfect for a late dose of sun, sea, sand and golf. There's access to a shared swimming pool, bowls lawn, gym and whirlpool. And the marina, a 15-minute walk away, has windsurfing and sailing. THE DEAL: Seven nights from August 8 costs £330 not including flights, a saving of £35 on the usual price (www.villarenters.com/13059).
Sardinia For £123pp
THIS summer has seen some great bargains on an island that's usually the preserve of the rich and famous. Camping is an ideal way to take advantage of Sardinia's gorgeous beaches. With the sea on one side and a pine forest to the other, Baia Blu La Tortuga is a great location. The nearby beach offers watersports, while horse riding, cycling and tennis are also available. THE DEAL: Keycamp has seven nights from August 2 for £123pp for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a Villanova mobile home with decking, accommodation-only - a discount of £458 on the brochure price (www.keycamp.co.uk, 0844 406 0319).
Lake Garda For £227pp
BE like the Italians and head to one of the country's lakes, saving more than £300 on the brochure price. Set amid staggering scenery, the San Francesco campsite faces the ancient town of Sirmione. There's plenty of swimming in the lake and a pool and other facilities include football, tennis and cycle hire, plus watersports such as kayaking and boat hire.
The deal: Venue Holidays has 10-night holidays, arriving on August 6, for £1,363, a saving of £341. This price is the total for two adults and up to four children and includes return Dover-Calais ferry crossing and accommodation in a three-bedroom mobile home with air-conditioning and decking (www.venueholidays.co.uk, 01233 629950).
France From £228pp
THERE'S a prime bit of Provence still up for grabs with France specialist VFB Holidays. A private villa sleeping six in the Domaine de Fayence complex allows you to chill out around the pool and explore the nearby villages and countryside. It's perfect for families with small children, as the resort is pedestrianised.
The deal: A week's rental costs £1,370 in August, or £228pp (www.vfbholidays.co.uk, 01452 716840).
Corfu From £289pp
GREECE'S economic woes mean there are some bargains to be had, and tour operators have slashed costs. The Lord Complex on Corfu is distinctly relaxed and owner Roula is on site to make sure everything runs smoothly. There's a sandy beach within easy reach and the resort has a pool with a children's section, playground and snack bar. THE DEAL: With departures from Gatwick on August 3, a week's holiday costs £289pp including flights, accommodation and transfers (based on two adults and two children under 10 sharing), a saving of £150 (call Broadway Travel on 0800 044 5122).
Cyprus From £319pp
THE Makronissos Village Club near Ayia Napa aims to keep the young 'uns happy with its kids' club. And there are plenty of sports at the three-star hotel, including tennis, football and, for wannabe Stavros Flatleys, Greek dancing. It's a lovely resort with lowrise buildings dotted around a large garden with a big swimming pool. The beach is a five-minute walk away. THE DEAL: A week's self-catering in an apartment is £937 for two adults and a child under 12 including flights on August 11 from Humberside. Flights from Gatwick also available (www.olympicholidays.com, 0844 576 2386).
Majorca From £355pp
THE interior of this Balearic island is a joy to explore. Pollença is one of the beautiful towns on the islands, with tree-shaded squares, cafes and a market. Les Rotes, a three-bedroom stone-clad cottage that sleeps five nearby, oozes charm and character, and has a private pool flanked by a lawn. THE DEAL: Available the week starting August 21 for £1,775 (saving £313) not including flights. Contact Mallorca Farmhouses (www.mallorca.co.uk, 0845 800 8080).
Turkey From £474pp
CLOSE to the beach but minutes away from the bazaars and restaurants of Marmaris, the Blue Bays Hotel is perfect if you want reliable sun and plenty to do. There are two outdoor pools and a lively bar and restaurant, while explorers can head to the famous ruins of Ephesus for a dose of history THE DEAL: Leaving from Manchester on August 13, seven nights' all-inclusive starts at £474pp (www.directholidays.co.uk, 0844 879 8191).
Crete From £517pp
THE three Idili Apartments in western Crete are part of a beautiful old stone house that has been lovingly restored. Located on a narrow side-street, shops and restaurants are a minute or two away, there's a pool next door and it's a five-minute walk down the hill to the harbour and beach. THE DEAL: A week's stay costs £517pp based on four sharing a one-bed self-catering apartment and includes return flights from Gatwick and transfers (down from £588pp). Departs August 3 (www.sunvil.co.uk, 020 8758 4758).
Umbria From £565pp
LAKE Trasimeno is a gorgeous lake in the heart of Umbria and the San Feliciano Residence is the perfect place from which to appreciate it. There are six apartments including the family-friendly Il Fagiano, with two bedrooms, large kitchen/dining area and pool. The wine-making town of Montepulciano is close by and boat rides, visits to chocolate factories and cycling will all keep the kids amused.
The deal: A week's self-catering, based on four sharing, including flights from Heathrow and car hire in August, costs £565pp (www.realholidays.co.uk, 020 7359 3938).
Dordogne From £611pp
IF you'd rather not fly this year, travel by Eurostar to the Dordogne on this family camping holiday. Cycling and canoeing are on the menu along with medieval market towns and battle sites - and lots of time to enjoy French-style camping.
The deal: There are still places on trips departing August 8 & 22. A week costs £611pp including train trave, seven nights' camping with breakfast and the services of a tour leader (www.explore.co.uk, 0844 499 0901).
Portugal From £621pp
SOVEREIGN has some great last-minute deals to the Algarve. A week's self-catering at the five-star Hilton Vilamoura comes with savings of £1,775 for a family of three travelling on August 24. There's a kids club and an upgrade to half-board if you book online.
The deal: A week for two adults and a child leaving from Gatwick costs £1,865 (www.sovereign.com, 0871 664 0227).
Turkish Cruise From £695pp
SINGLE parents won't feel left out on this holiday. It's a gulet cruise around the warm waters of the Turkish coast for single parents and their children aged from six to 15. And late-bookers will benefit from savings as there's £100 discount for each child and adult until the end of August. THE DEAL: A seven-night holiday with flights from Gatwick, transfers and full-board accommodation on August 23 costs £795 per adults and £595 per child. More information:www.myalgarvecars.com Your Algarve Car Hire
|