From city breaks to seaside resorts, I’ve hand-picked some great short breaks over Easter holidays with flights and highly rated accommodation included.
Walk along the medieval walls in Dubrovnik, take a road trip through Tuscany, or laze on the beach in Sardinia – these are just a sample of my favourite short breaks over Easter holidays. All deals are priced with flights and highly rated hotels or apartments.
1. Croatia: Flights & 5-Star Hotel, 3 Nights, Half Board – €428pp
The medieval city of Dubrovnik should be on everyone’s wish list. It is so well preserved and looks like something straight out of a fairytale. There are many great hotel choices here, but I found a superb deal in the 5-star Hotel Croatia, which is located in the pretty resort of Cavtat, an hour’s water taxi ride away from the city.
Read my top tips on discovering Dubrovnik
As well as the benefit of staying in a luxury 5-star hotel, there is a Wellness Centre with heated indoor pool. This deal also includes breakfast and evening meal each day!
2. Tuscany: Flights & 4 Nights in San Gimignano – €349pp
Pisa is not one of my favourite city break destinations, but it is superbly located to explore Tuscany. Pisa is served from Dublin and Cork airports with Ryanair, and it is one of my top 20 City break destinations for 2022. I recommend hiring a car, as there are many towns and villages to discover in Tuscany.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located close to the airport so it is best seen when you arrive, or before you leave to fly home – depending on your flight times.
Read: Top towns and cities to visit in Tuscany
Return flights are available from Dublin for €123 on the 12th of April for four nights. I have chosen the highly rated three-star Hotel Colline just outside the walled city of San Gimignano, this is one of Tuscany’s prettiest and most famous towns. You could also choose to stay in Florence, which is located about 90 minutes drive from Pisa.
Search flights 12th – 16th April €123pp
View hotel here €226pp
3. Menorca: Flights & Apartment, Family of 4 – €1168, Family of 6 – €1388
Still relatively unspoilt, Menorca retains all the charm and character you would expect from a Spanish island, without the high rise blocks. Although very popular with families, Menorca would also suit a romantic getaway. With beautiful landscapes and gorgeous cove beaches, there is lots to explore, and plenty of pretty towns and villages to enjoy a nice meal.
For families, the 4-star White Sands Beach Club by Diamond Resorts offers great value. Located beside a secluded cove in Arenal d’en Castell, it boasts an infinity pool, children’s pool and Spa. This two bedroom apartment will sleep up to six.
I have priced these short breaks over Easter weekend from the 13th to 17th of April, but many more dates and durations are available – simply edit the search dates via the links below.
Search flights 13th – 17th April €110pp
View Apt here €728
4. Sardinia: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 3 Nights – €458pp
With a direct three-hour flight from Dublin Airport and a ten-minute airport transfer, you can be enjoying nice Italian food in the old town of Alghero, with one of Italy’s best beaches beside you.
Sardinia is perfect for a short break over Easter weekend. With cobbled stone streets, trendy boutiques and a great food scene, Alghero is a pleasure to stroll around. And if you are lucky with the weather, there is a gorgeous sandy beach on your doorstep!
I have chosen the 4-star Alma di Alghero Hotel which is only €280 per person including breakfast, based on a three-night stay from the 14th of April. Many more dates and durations are available – check out this post for more information:
Read: Sardinia holidays from Ireland, weekend breaks and summer holiday deals
Search flights 14th – 17th April €178
View hotel here €280pp
5. PortAventura: 3-Night Family Break Including Passes, 2ad & 2ch – €954
Take the kids to PortAventura during Easter holidays and they will thank you for it! Not only is it one of Europe’s largest theme parks, but it’s also one of the best. I visited twice, and loved it and was amazed at how many rides and experiences are available for children of all ages.
I have a choice of accommodation to choose from. Stay in a two-bedroom apartment at the popular Pierre & Vacances Salou, or stay at the PortAventura Hotel, where you can walk in and out of the park as many times as you like. You can also enjoy a complimentary family pass to Ferrari Land, which is located nearby.
6. Majorca: Flights & 5-Star Hotel 3 Nights ex Dublin – €298pp; 7 Night ex Shannon – €435pp
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Palma ticks all boxes if you are looking for short breaks from Dublin, Cork, Shannon or Ireland West. Don’t miss a trip to Palma’s cathedral, and a stroll along the marina is a must in the evenings. Palma is also a great choice for a shopping break, and is an ideal launchpad to explore the rest of the island.
There are many different resorts to choose from, but I found a superb deal in the 5-star CM Mallorca Palace. This luxury beachfront hotel is located about an hour from Palma, however the reviews are so good, you may not want to leave!
Price for a three-night break from Dublin is €298 per person, or a seven-night break from Shannon is €435 per person.
Search flights 14th – 17th April ex Dublin €169pp, 15th – 22nd April ex Shannon €150pp
View hotel here €129pp 3-Nights
View hotel here €285pp 7-Nights
7. Algarve: Flights & 4-Star Adults-Only hotel, 4 Nights, B&B – €392pp
The Algarve is always a popular choice, and I was surprised to find good value flights still available with Aer Lingus during Easter holidays. I have chosen a four-night break but simply change the dates on the links below if you wish to extend your stay.
The adult-only Falesia Hotel receives excellent reviews and offers direct access to the beautiful 8km beach of Praia da Falesia. Located in the pretty town Olhos de Agua, yet close enough to the lively resort Albufeira, it offers the bets of both worlds. There is a choice dining options and bars if you prefer to stay on site, as well as an indoor pool and Spa.
Read: The best beach hotels on the Algarve
View flights here €112pp
View hotel here €280pp
8. Toulouse: Flights & 4-Star Aparthotel, 3 Nights – €338pp
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Otherwise known as ‘The Pink City’, Toulouse is a colourful, vibrant city that is a pleasure to ramble around. Although one of France’s largest cities, it doesn’t feel like it when you are lost in the Old Town or relaxing by the Garonne River.
Constantly voted as one of the top places where French people want to live, this University town offers a lively atmosphere as well as some outstanding museums, including the Space and Aviation museums. I enjoyed a weekend in Toulouse a few years ago and loved it – Toulouse is also ideal for solo travellers.
Read my Toulouse travel blog – why you should visit and what to do when you get there.
I have chosen the Privilège Appart Hôtel Saint Exupéry for its central location and superb views. Priced at only €158 per person based on a three-night stay from the 16th of April, it offers excellent value for a short break during Easter holidays. Many more dates and durations are available.
View flights here 14th – 17th April €158pp
View hotel here €180pp
9. Biarritz: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 7 Nights – €538pp
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Biarritz is one of those cities that is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be! We stayed here a few years ago while visiting northern Spain and loved it. Its got a fantastic beach, gorgeous restaurants and great shopping. There is everything from designer boutiques to surf shops, and a daily food market that you won’t want to miss.
Speaking of food – Biarritz is only 45 minutes drive from San Sebastian, so if you fancy hiring a car for the day, it might be a good opportunity to visit one of Europe’s best food destinations.
I priced this trip on a three-night stay in the highly rated Best Western Plus Hôtel Littéraire Jules Verne Hotel. Located in the heart of the town, it offers superb value for a short break during Easter holidays.
Search flights 14th – 21st April €108pp
View hotel here €430pp
10. Gothenburg: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 3 Nights – €334pp
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Sweden is a country that is on my own wish list, and this super deal to Sweden’s second city is a great introduction. With return airfares from €163, this must be one of the best value short breaks over Easter weekend.
Despite its seaside location, Gothenburg is known as the Green City. It has an abundance of green spaces, and its work on sustainability has made it one of Europe’s leading cities in this field. Gothenburg is an inviting city renowned for its friendly seaside charm, as well as its great food and craft beer scene. Thrill seekers might also like to try the many rides and rollercoasters at Scandinavia’s largest theme park – Liseberg.
The Radisson Blu Riverside overlooks Gothenburg’s harbour and the Göta River. It also boasts a wellness centre and a rooftop terrace with a hot tub.
Search flights 16th – 19th April €163pp
View hotel here €171pp
All of these short breaks over Easter weekend are correct at time of issue, but are subject to change. Please note that these links are affiliate links where we receive a small commission if a booking is made.
2 Comments
Hi , I’m Looking for some advice/ideas please on for our summer holiday this year . This is the first year we are travelling with just out 13yr old daughter . Our older two are travelling with college friends . We have done sun holidays in Portugal and Spain all together for the last few years.
Look forward to hearing any suggestions you may have . Thanks a mil Trish
Hi Trish, many thanks for your enquiry. Would you mind filling out this enquiry form with some more details, dates duration etc https://thetravelexpert.ie/travel-enquiry/ and I will get someone to get back to you. Cheers, Sarah