The Fastest Growing Mediterranean Tourist Hotspots to Visit with Avios

Croatia, Balkans 

Croatia is the Balkans' not-so-hidden gem that's been getting some well-deserved limelight lately. It's like a mash-up of a history book and a travel brochure, with prices that won't make your wallet weep. Wander through Roman ruins, marvel at Greek temples, and immerse yourself in Slavic folklore, all served along a stunning coastline.

Split is the go-to spot for families. It’s lined with enough beaches to build a different sandcastle every day of the week, and bars and eateries that are as welcoming to kids as they are to adults. But it’s not all sun and sand. The city’s pièce de résistance is Diocletian's Palace, a Roman relic that's as close as you’ll get to a time machine.

Then there’s Dubrovnik, the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve walked onto a movie set. The city is encased in mighty walls and is dripping with history at every corner. A cable car ride to Mount Srđ? Check. Cobblestone charm and epic views? Double check. It’s a hotspot for those who fancy a bit of old-world charm with their beach holiday.

If you’d like to book flights with Avios, both Split and Dubrovnik offer great options. Split shows good reward seat availability from May 2024 to October, though Economy seats are less available during the peak summer months of July and August. However, Business Class availability is consistently good throughout the period. For an off-peak return, Economy seats are available for 23,500 Avios plus £1, while Business Class seats are at 40,000 Avios plus £1. 

Dubrovnik, on the other hand, has excellent reward seat availability from April 2024 up to November, in both Economy and Business Class. Like Split, an off-peak Economy return ticket costs 23,500 Avios plus £1, and Business Class is 40,000 Avios plus £1. 

Malta

Malta is a sun-soaked archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, perfect for everyone from the adventurous family to the solitary history buff. Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay are ideal for family beach days, with activities like windsurfing and snorkelling. For a quieter experience, Paradise Bay is good for picnics and sunsets, while the Blue Lagoon promises picturesque boat tours.

For those who think history is best left in the books, Malta challenges you with its living, breathing past. The archipelago is a patchwork of historical epochs – namely Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, Norman, and British influences. Imagine lounging on the golden sands of Mellieħa Bay one minute, and the next, you're wandering through the ancient, echoey streets of Mdina. Walk through the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, older than the pyramids. And let's not forget Valletta – a UNESCO World Heritage site that's like a grandpa with a trove of war stories, only dressed in splendid baroque architecture, full of hip cafes, and sounds of nightlife.

As for British Airways reward flights, availability looks good from February 2024 through to January 2025 in both Economy and Business Class. Even during the peak summer months, when demand typically spikes, the island maintains good availability for Economy seats. This makes Malta an especially attractive destination for families bound by school holidays. For those seeking the best value for their Avios, the off-peak Economy return costs 27,500 Avios plus £1, while the Business Class return is priced at 49,000 Avios plus £1. 

Sicily, Italy

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a little slice of Italy but with its personality and charm. In Palermo, the capital of Sicily, the streets are alive with the aromas of street food, the sounds of busy markets, and the sight of stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the Norman Palace, the Palermo Cathedral, and the ancient Capuchin Catacombs. For beach enthusiasts, the nearby Mondello Beach offers crystal-clear waters and soft sands, ideal for relaxation and water sports.

But Sicily’s charm extends beyond Palermo. Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to see Greek ruins in all their glory, or head to Taormina for breathtaking views and a well-preserved Greek theatre. The island's diverse past is visible in its archaeological sites and the varied influences in its cuisine. It’s a place where you can munch on arancini in the shadows of ancient ruins or sip espresso in sun-dappled squares.

Avios reward flight availability to Palermo shows promise, especially from April to November 2024. However, Economy seat availability dips during the peak summer months, so planning is key. Off-peak Economy return flights are available for 23,500 Avios plus £1, while Business Class return flights are available for 40,000 Avios plus £1.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece, is like stepping into a postcard – a blend of whitewashed buildings with blue domes, perched precariously on cliffs, overlooking an azure sea. It's a haven for couples and luxury seekers - think candlelit dinners overlooking the caldera, exclusive wine tastings from vineyards with a view, and private boat tours around the island's hidden coves.

Couples can enjoy strolls through the cobblestone streets of Oia, catch a movie under the stars at an open-air cinema in Kamari, or simply bask in the unparalleled views that every corner of this island offers. The prime spot for the best views is the Byzantine Castle Ruins in Oia. This vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sun melting into the Aegean Sea, which creates a canvas of oranges and pinks. To get there, follow the main marble path in Oia towards the castle. The route is well-marked and leads to the ruins, which sit atop a hill. Arrive early to secure a good spot, as it's a popular location for both tourists and photographers alike.

If you’d like to book flights with Avios, Santorini shows strong reward seat availability from April 2024, with a particularly inviting window for travel during the summer months, extending up to November. Economy off-peak returns are currently 27,500 Avios plus £1, and Business Class returns are 49,000 Avios plus £1. 

 Turkey

Renowned for its resort areas like Antalya and Bodrum, Turkey is a holiday paradise that's kinder to your wallet than Italy or Greece and still packed with all the sun, sea, and culture you could want. 

Antalya is famed for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and ancient ruins. Activities range from exploring the old town of Kaleiçi with its Ottoman-era architecture to enjoying water sports and boat tours along the coast. Antalya also serves as a gateway to the Turkish Riviera, perfect for those looking for a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Then there's Bodrum – another gem on the Aegean coast. You can wander through streets exploding with colours, check out a castle that's been standing since your great-great-great (add a few more greats) grandparents' time, and then dance the night away by the marina. It's the town that never sleeps, but always relaxes.

And Istanbul is just a casual cross-continental trip in a day. One minute you're in Europe, next in Asia. From the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is a feast for the senses. The city’s rich history, evident in its Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, blends smoothly with its contemporary art scenes and gastronomic delights.

As for British Airways reward flights, you'll find strong availability between April and November in both Economy and Business Class, with June, September, and October particularly promising. For an Economy off-peak return, it's 27,500 Avios plus £1, and for Business Class, it’s 49,000 Avios plus £1.

The Med is calling

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