When thinking of popular holiday spots, Irish holidaymakers would list spots on the Costa Del Sol, Balearic Islands, or Costa Brava.
Popular spots such as Benalmádena, Salou, Benidorm, Marbella, Fuengirola, Alicante, and Ibiza also come to mind.
These holiday spots see thousands of holidaymakers every year.
But where are the hidden gems that locals want kept secret?
Monique Rivalland, Features Editor of The Times recommends five places domestic tourists go on holiday that aren’t on the top lists.
It’s wise to keep in mind that remote locations can be less accessible via public transport, compared to coastal towns with everything within reach.
Majorca
The small coastal village of Deià, on the northwest coast of Mallorca, is one of the prettiest villages and a hidden paradise on the island of Mallorca.
The village is north of Palma. Perched in a ravine at the foot of the Teix mountain, with stunning views out to the Mediterranean below, it has served as inspiration to creatives and writers alike, such as Robert Graves.
Deià is part of a landscape awarded World Heritage Site status for the way in which nature, culture and traditions merge.
The Sierra de Tramuntana mountains are covered by an extensive network of trails.
As far as food and drink go, there are Michelin starred or Mediterranean restaurants that are family owned and run with passion.
The village has an array of stunning gold sanded beaches, fit for the perfect getaway in the sun.
Port de Pollença
Another special spot with stunning views is Port de Pollença, a small town in northern Majorca.
It is split into several main areas: Pine walk, Boquer, Central, Siller, Pinaret, Llenaire and Gotmar.
Over the years it has evolved from a small fishing port into a family-friendly resort.
Many artists and celebrities have made Port de Pollença their home, or made short trips to the bay during their life.
Agatha Christie visited the town in the early 20th century and stayed at a hotel in the Pine Walk area, which she describes in her book Problem at Pollensa Bay and Other Stories.
Costa Brava
If you fancy getting away from the bustle, you can head to the coastal town of Begur.
Begur is a pretty medieval village with cobbled streets and houses over a hillside, where lies the ruins of a stone castle.
For a bite to eat or drink, there are Catalan bars and restaurants specialising in seafood surrounding the centre square.
The area produces high quality white wine and the local vineyards are worth a visit and invite you to some fun wine tasting sessions.
Sandy bays and small coves, with several beach side bars and restaurants.
There are a few local markets worth visiting, both for food and local crafts.
Formentera
Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands. It is Ibiza’s neighbour, and the perfect spot for a tranquil break.
It can be reached by ferry from Ibiza.
It’s known for its clear waters, natural beauty, and long stretches of beach backed by dunes and pine trees.
In the 2000s, the island’s wooden boat houses were declared a site of cultural interest.
You can rent a scooter or bike to take you from beach to beach.
Most of the beaches come with Blue Flag status, too, including the five-mile stretch at Migjorn.
Playa de Ses Illetes is a highly recommended beach with crystal blue water.
The town has a collection of cocktail bars and open-air street cafes, which are open until the early hours.
Next time you are booking holiday, you can check out these stunning locations for that much needed breakaway.
Read more: Love Island's Andrew and Tasha head to the Hideaway for 'spicy' night together
Read more: Kim Kardashian stuns in tiny bikini on romantic holiday with Pete Davidson
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
