Cheap destinations from Manchester Airport including one with 60p pints

Travellers that can fly from Manchester Airport have plenty of choice


If you're planning a summer getaway in the coming months, Manchester Airport offers a plethora of affordable destinations.

As the cost of living crisis continues to hit hard, a trip abroad doesn't have to be a luxury if you consider less traditional holiday spots. A recent survey by the European Travel Commission revealed that nearly three quarters of Brits are planning to travel in the next six months, despite the ongoing financial strain.

A holiday doesn't have to drain your savings - travelling during off-peak times can result in lower air fares and hotel rates, or choosing destinations that offer better value for money can make a difference. For those able to fly from Manchester Airport, there's plenty of choice.

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Here are some of the emerging destinations served directly from Manchester Airport that are hoping to challenge old favourites like Spain, France and Greece, as reported by the ECHO.

Albania

Often touted as 'the next Croatia', Albania boasts the same Adriatic coastline and offers similar attractions for holidaymakers pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters, set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains and cliffs. What's more, it hasn't experienced the same surge in prices that popular Croatian resorts like Dubrovnik have seen, making it one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe.

Dining out typically costs around £5 per person, with a pint of draft beer costing as little as 60-70p. The beach resorts of Sarande and Ksamil are among the most frequented, and while they're over 170 miles from the capital Tirana, which has flights from Manchester, they're just a half-hour ferry ride from the Greek island of Corfu which also offers direct flights from Manchester.

Tunisia has long been a go-to destination for those seeking winter sun, but it has plenty to offer all year round. Visitors can often find accommodation for under £100 a night in the capital, Tunis, even during the peak of the school summer holidays.

A three-course meal for two people can cost as little as £15 in total. Both easyJet and TUI operate year-round flights to EnfidhaHammamet International Airport.

Portugal

If you're a fan of Spain but find the cost of popular holiday spots like Marbella and Mallorca a bit steep, why not consider its close neighbour?

Portugal has long been one of the most affordable destinations in western Europe and offers a wide range of holiday experiences.

Whether you're after a laid-back beach holiday with delicious local cuisine, the Algarve has got you covered. If you're looking for something a bit more vibrant, Albufeira boasts a burgeoning party scene.

Up north, the Douro Valley near Porto is famous as the birthplace of Port wine and offers some of the country's most stunning landscapes, with vineyard tours and river cruises on offer.

Romania

Hop on a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Bucharest, and in just over two hours, you could be in Constanta Romania's favourite beach resort. It offers everything from a charming Old Town and five miles of white sand on Mamaia Beach to a massive water park for families and a buzzing live music and festival scene.

It's also incredibly budget-friendly, with family hotel rooms available for less than £100 a night even during school holidays, draught beer starting from £1.50 and restaurant meals from under £7 per person. For those seeking adventure, head in the opposite direction from Bucharest to explore the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, including Bran Castle, the alleged lair of Dracula.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria's Black Sea beach resorts are among the most popular in Eastern Europe, and among the most affordable, too. The average price of a pint is still only a little over £1 and that has drawn a young crowd to destinations like Sunny Beach, where a string of beach bars, nightclubs and amusement parks line the seafront.

For a more cultural experience, head down the coast to Nessebar, which also has great beaches but combines these with a UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, where winding medieval streets hide small family-run restaurants serving locally caught seafood and Bulgarian wine. Travellers from Manchester can fly to Burgas Airport, which is less than 30 miles from Sunny Beach and Nessebar, with their choice of four airlines this summer BH Air, easyJet, Jet2.com and TUI.

Montenegro

Situated between Croatia and Albania on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro (specifically the maze-like port city of Kotor) is a common stopping point on the itineraries of Mediterranean cruises. Increasingly, though, tourists are coming here for more than just a passing visit, and are taking in more of what this tiny country has to offer.

Budva, around half an hour south of Kotor, boasts sandy beaches, a quaint cafe culture and jaw-dropping scenery in Biogradska Gora National Park. And best of all, a trip to Montenegro won't break the bank you'll find restaurant meals in some of its most picturesque tourist hotspots at under £5 a head.

Turkey

Turkey has always been a favourite holiday destination for Brits, but in recent years its popularity has skyrocketed. Many are drawn to the idyllic Aegean coast.

Both Antalya and Dalaman regions boast stunning beaches, crystal-clear seas and breathtaking landscapes, each offering a unique blend of attractions beyond the beach. Dalaman is an ideal spot for adventure lovers and adrenaline junkies, with experiences like paragliding from Babadag mountain over the Oludeniz Blue Lagoon, while history buffs will be captivated by Antalya's ancient Greek cities of Side and Termessos.

Even better for British tourists, the Pound Sterling's strength against the Turkish Lira has increased over the past five years, meaning you can find entire villas from as little as £500 per week and enjoy a three-course meal at a restaurant for less than £10.

Poland

Poland may not spring to mind when thinking of sun, sea and sand destinations, but during the peak of summer, temperatures along the country's Baltic coast regularly reach the mid-twenties. The weather is often clear and sunny, and the coastal strip between Gdynia and Gdansk has earned the nickname 'Polish Riviera'.

Along this coastline, Sopot is the main attraction, boasting Europe's longest wooden pier and was once a favourite retreat of Hollywood starlet Greta Garbo.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia, a landlocked country, is an unexpected choice for a beach holiday. However, it's the lake, not the sea, that attracts tourists.

The charming town of Ohrid, with its cobblestone streets adorned with vibrant flowers in early summer, sits on a steep hillside that descends into Lake Ohrid.

The town and lake together form a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve. The shale beaches of Lake Ohrid lead to clear waters, perfect for a swim on a hot summer day.

Visitors can also admire the City Walls, the ancient fortress, and the 2,300 year old ruined amphitheatre.

The Bay of the Bones Museum offers an intriguing reconstruction of a local Bronze Age village, featuring wooden huts perched on stilts over the lake all for just around £1.40 per ticket. A pint of local draft beer costs about the same, while a sit-down meal at a restaurant typically ranges from £3 to £7 per person, depending on the establishment.