This week Skyscanner investigates the best bargain island breaks. If you want beaches, water sports and that laid back island vibe, visit one of these top sun spots.
Ibiza (from £46 return)
An eternal favourite with the British club crowd, Ibiza’s hedonistic nightlife combines perfectly with its chilled beaches and coastline. Every summer, dance music fans descend upon this Mediterranean island to worship their favourite superstar DJs and party till dawn.
As Greece’s largest island, the choice of beaches is unmatched by any other island in the Aegean archipelago. With everything from beautiful pink sand stretches to the palm fringes of Vai beach, the best way to explore this Greek hot spot and reach the more remote beaches is to hire a car and grab a map. Greece has slashed its prices in an effort to bring back the tourists, so now is a great time to bag a bargain.
A place where mountains meet the sea, Sicily is home to beautiful coastline, lemon orchards, lush forests and a smouldering volcano. There are dozens of beaches all around the island; Mondello and Mortelle are two of the best known and most popular, whilst Spiaggia Sabbie Nere (Black Sands Beach) is off the tourist trail and the place to go for a more tranquil time.
Avoiding aggressive tourist development that has hit many other Mediterranean islands, Corsica has preserved its strong traditions and beautiful scenery. Incredible beaches offer water sports such as sailing, scuba diving and windsurfing whilst breathtaking mountains offer hiking and biking. Despite officially being part of France, Corsican culture is fiercely unique with locals clinging to their mantra: "Always conquered, never subdued".
A long time favourite of British tourists, Cyprus has expansive coastline offering a range of beaches, from lively party resorts, to hidden coves and secluded bays. Windsurfing and sailing are enjoyed year-round thanks to steady winds and calm seas, and deep-water fishing is also a popular holiday pastime.
