The underrated city break destination with pretty beaches, £30 return flights and more than 120 festivals a year
IF you're looking for a cheap getaway with amazing beaches and loads of festivals to choose from, you're in luck.
Galway, the Irish city considered one of the country's best destinations for a city break holiday.
Amazing live music, delicious local food and stunning coastline can all be found for less than £30 return from the UK with Ryanair.
The city isn't only labelled one of the best in Ireland, but the rest of Europe, according to The Times, who listed alongside the likes of Budapest, Athens and Madrid as places to visit in 2024.
They were won over by Galway's fantastic pubs, its famous landscapes and warmer climate.
They wrote: "Come for excellent live music, dynamic theatre and a refreshing arts scene.
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"On cold days, visit historic pubs with cosy snugs; in milder weather, cycle along the promenade to Salthill, along a rocky coastline dotted with lighthouses.
"Although not an obvious choice for a break in Europe, it’s a refreshing find."
Others have been similarly impressed with Galway too, with True Travel blown away by the lively atmosphere that is inescapable within the city's medieval street corners.
They wrote: "Hosting over 120 festivals each year, the streets are always alive and spirited with street performers and festivities.
"Wander through the old town to see the medieval city walls and stumble upon artisanal shops selling antiques and hand-crafted Claddagh rings."
Among those festivals are the Galway International Oyster Festival the Mindwinter Music Festival and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature.
Meanwhile, on Inis Mór island in Galway Bay, there's the annual Tedfest, which celebrates cult hit TV show Father Ted.
The four day party features several events like priests versus nuns beach volleyball, fancy dress and an annual Lovely Girls competition.
It's hardly surprising that Galway is considered a great place to celebrate when it has such a thriving pub community.
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Even for Ireland, it's considered one of the best cities to go for a drink, with so many lively places to enjoy a pint.
Ireland.com chose some of their favourite haunts to recommend for visitors.
They wrote: "Galway’s got one of the liveliest pub scenes on the island.
"Step inside the warm wooden nooks and crannies of Tigh Neachtain’s on Cross Street and you’ll happily lose hours gazing at the knick-knacks and memorabilia while sipping a glass of Galway Hooker craft beer.
"Other great spots in the city include Murphy’s and Garavan’s."
There are plenty of other underrated cities to visit in Europe away from the British Isles as well.
Albania
Albania is a country that often slips under tourists' radars, despite its fascinating history, amazing natural landscapes and beaches with crystal-clear water.
It also has a fascinating capital city, Tirana, which is also growing in popularity thanks to its affordable prices.
One reason people love to visit is that it has some of the cheapest beers in Europe, with an average pint costing £2.06.
Another popular tourist attraction is the Cable Car, which gives holidaymakers views across the entire city.
Portugal
Coimbra is described as the Oxford or Cambridge of Portugal due to its famous university, which is the oldest in the country.
It's also famous for its culture, including a famous style of Portuguese singing, while it also has some of Europe's best-kept Roman mosaics.
Lonely Planet described the city as "wonderfully atmospheric" with its fado music playing a big part in creating such an ambience.
France
Antibes is a small holiday hotspot that's popular with A-list celebs and can be easily reached from the UK.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Margot Robbie are among the bigger names to have visited for a break, with secluded beaches and luxury hotels found dotted along the coast.
One of the biggest draws of Antibes is its hidden beaches, with plenty found tucked away along walking routes.
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Meanwhile, these are the best budget friendly European city break destinations.
And these are the six best cities to visit this year.
