Spain remains Easter hotspot for UK holiday makers
Spain continues to hold on to the crown for the most popular Easter holiday destination for Brits, according to data from Carhiremarket.com on car hire bookings. For the period 31st March to 15th April, a huge 35% of UK holiday makers hiring a car through carhiremarket.com have booked to jet off to Spain's sun, sea, sand and some of Europe's most beautiful scenic drives.
Other destinations listed in the top ten compiled by leading car hire comparison site carhiremarket.com include the European destinations of Italy, Cyprus and Portugal. However in contrast to Easter 2011, countries outside of Europe have seen a surprising decline in popularity. Last year the USA was the second favourite destination for Brits, whereas in 2012 they came in 9thposition, just slightly ahead of Australia which came in 10th position.
With many Brits seemingly looking to stay close to home this Easter, Andrew Shorrock, Product Manager at leading car rental price comparison site carhiremarket.com, comments: "With the recession biting, but holiday makers still wanting to beat the new year blues and book trips away, hiring a car close to home in Europe is a cost effective way to explore new destinations and popular scenic drives. A hire car in Barcelona could cost as little as £6 a day and until the end of February, there is up to 42% off car hire in several Spanish locations with carhiremarket.com in conjunction with Alamo."
Carhiremarket.com has put together its top three Spanish scenic routes in light of the country's continued popularity for a spring getaway:
1. Picos de Europa
Described as one of the greatest drives in Europe, the picturesque mountains of Picos de Europa are a must see if you are visiting northern Spain with a hire car. The national park boasts beautiful lakes and rivers amongst the snow-capped mountains as well as historic market towns and villages. Take several days to do this famous drive and you'll have time to stop and admire some of the fantastic views in the region.
2. Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos
Situated in southern Spain, this scenic drive is often described as one of the most beautiful in Spain. It's famous for its iconic bright white houses and historic buildings and the peaceful road will lead you through many small unspoilt towns and villages. The route, boasting some fantastic places to stop for a bite to eat, starts at the town of Arcos de la Frontera and ends at Castellar de la Frontera.
3. Santander to Oviedo
If traveling to the diverse landscape of northern Spain, the coastal drive between the attractive towns of Santander and Ovideo make for a stunning route. If stopping in both towns on your journey, the medieval cathedrals are worth a visit and the coastline will provide you with some perfect photographic opportunities with the gorgeous sea views and rugged terrain
For more information on car hire and for top holiday destinations, visit carhiremarket.com.