Greece is the word

Leading online travel agent On the Beach has witnessed a surge of late bookings to Greece and its Islands this summer, with bookings up 18% year on year.

Despite recent reports suggesting non Euro destinations will lead the way this summer, the Greek Islands are proving particularly popular amongst cost conscious holidaymakers, with hotels and airlines slashing prices in an attempt to lure Brits to the sun kissed Islands.

The Greek islands of Crete and Zakynthos have proved to be two of the biggest selling destinations at On the Beach over the past few weeks.

Other Euro destinations currently bucking the trend are mainland Spain and the Spanish islands.

A favourite amongst Brits for many years, Spain is proving popular once again with late bookings this year, with the Balearics and the Canaries both with sales up 9% year on year. The Balearic Island of Majorca is currently witnessing the biggest increase in bookings.

The Spanish Costas are also beginning to show signs of a late recovery, in particular Costa Dorado and Costa Brava. Over the past two weeks, both destinations have seen a surge in bookings and are now up 22% year on year.

Leading the way for non Euro destination for summer 2009 is Turkey.

With 3* hotels available from a credit crunching £1 a night in popular resorts such as Marmaris and Alanya, On the Beach has seen a 72% rise in bookings for summer 2009.

Chief Executive of On the Beach, Simon Cooper said, “Hoteliers in Greece have recognised the need to slash room prices in order to attract British holidaymakers. Offering discounts of up to 30%, they are now reaping the rewards with customers booking in their droves. We expect this trend to continue across the Euro zone, and suggest that customers looking to book their summer holidays should search extensively before making their final decision and not to discount destinations within the Euro zone.”

Other late deals from On the Beach include:

Turkey – Icmeler from £259: Chase the sun on this seven night holiday staying at the 3*Portofino Hotel. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick on 2 June and seven nights’ accommodation on an all inclusive basis.

Greek Islands – Zante from £157: Head to the sun kissed island of Zante on this seven night holiday staying at the 3* Perkes Hotel. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick on 4 June and seven nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

Bulgaria – Sunny Beach from £268: Relax and unwind on this seven night holiday staying at the 3* Royal Central Hotel. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick on 8 June and seven nights’ accommodation on a half board basis.

Costa Brava – Lloret De Mar from £175: Your summer holiday doesn’t have to Costa packet with this seven night holiday staying at 3* Astoria Park Hotel. Price includes return flights from London Stansted on 10 June and seven nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

Cyprus – Paphos from £234: Enjoy this seven night holiday staying at the 4* Aparthotel Damon in the pretty resort of Paphos. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick on 3 June and seven nights’ accommodation on a self catering basis.

Balearic Islands – Menorca from £215: Grab this credit crunching seven night holiday staying at the 3* Hotel Mediteranni in Cala Blanca. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick on 3 June and seven nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

Algarve – Lagos from £183: Escape to the popular resort of Lagos staying at the 3* Montemar Hotel. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick on 9 June and seven nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

Book online at Onthebeach.co.uk.