Summer is just around the corner and Brits across the country are dreaming of sunshine, powder white sand and sparkling blue waters. While Cornwall, Devon and Brighton all have their merits, why not make 2014 the year that you expand your holiday horizons and jet off to an exciting European destination? To get you started, we’ve come up with a collection of our favourite European holiday destinations that we know you will love!

Canary Islands
Whether you’re looking for exciting nightlife, beautiful beaches or wholesome family fun, the Canary Islands have it all! On the hugely popular Tenerife you’ll find an array of luxury resorts, lively entertainment options and first class dining. For those seeking a little less action, Lanzarote boasts stunning sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and spectacular inland scenery. As the largest of the islands, Gran Canaria offers the best of both worlds with its gorgeous beaches, assortment of water sports, thrilling theme parks and huge collection of accommodation and dining options.

Balearic Islands
Majorca is one of Europe’s most beloved holiday destinations and it’s not hard to see why. This beautiful slice of Balearic paradise is bathed in year-round Spanish sunshine which lights up its glorious beaches and charming towns. Whether you prefer a secluded rural village or the bustling cosmopolitan feel of Palma, Majorca has something for everyone. On Menorca, holiday goers will find a more relaxed vibe reminiscent of traditional Spanish culture. If partying is number one on your agenda, look no further than the world famous island of Ibiza where you can spend your days unwinding in the seclusion of Cala Portinatx, and your nights dancing until you drop in San Antonio.

Croatia
For the ultimate in Mediterranean bliss, Croatia is second to none. With almost 6000 kilometres of spectacular coastline, the country offers fabulous beaches, pristine waters and mouth-watering cuisine. Its rich cultural heritage makes it the ideal 2014 summer destination for those looking for a beach scene with a traditional twist. You’ll also find a diverse mix of accommodation options which makes Croatia a realistic and affordable holiday destination for people of all budgets.

Greece
Holidaymakers heading to Greece will be blown away by the picturesque scenery that looks like it’s been plucked straight off the front of a postcard. Housing over 20 unique islands and a seemingly endless supply of sunshine, Greece has something to please tourists of all ages, interests and budgets. Islands such as Rhodes, Crete, Kos, Skiathos and Zante are brimming with historical delights, while beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts will love the thrills found on Corfu, Kefalonia and Lefkas. If you’ve always dreamed of escaping to the breath-taking Greek isles, take a look at these great value holidays for 2014. There are some amazing flight and accommodation deals to be found which make spending your summer in an exotic European destination truly irresistible.

Portugal
For a sun drenched holiday close to home, Portugal’s Algarve coast has it all. As well as naturally beautiful beaches and spectacular coves, the Algarve hosts an array of fantastic resorts, water sports, nightlife and dining options. For those in search of something a little more peaceful, Portugal is peppered with coastal villages oozing traditional charm.

Turkey
If you love colour, vibrancy and culture you will be blown away with a Turkish adventure. The bustling streets of Istanbul will delight the senses while the Mediterranean coastal area of Antalya is the perfect place to soak up the sunshine on one of the many magnificent stretches of sand. As well as possessing intriguing cultural sights and dazzling scenery, Turkey is also amazingly affordable. 

France
Just a short flight or train ride from the UK, France is a convenient and inspiring holiday destination. If you’re looking for sunshine, beaches and summertime atmosphere, the coastal cities of Nice, Cannes and Biarritz are chic, stylish and wonderfully warm. Paris is always a popular destination for France newbies and is positively glorious in the summer months when its gardens are in bloom and the boulevards are swimming in sunlight. If rural charm is more up your alley, there are countless towns and villages where you can relax and unwind in the beautiful French countryside. 

With fantastic destinations such as these on offer, why wait any longer? Start planning your 2014 European summer holiday vacation today! From the cobblestone streets of Greece, to the sun kissed beaches of Turkey, a great value European holiday is the ultimate way to spend your next vacation.