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Seven top ‘holiday destinations to watch’ this year including little known Spanish city and quiet islands

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IT’S Sunshine Saturday – the busiest day for shaking off post-Christmas gloom and booking our summer breaks.

Travel association Abta has launched its annual Destinations To Watch report featuring new places to inspire us, as its recent research reveals 68 per cent of us plan to go abroad this year and 45 per cent intend to explore a new country.

Travel association Abta has launched its annual Destinations To Watch for 2025
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Abta’s Graeme Buck says: “With so many of us looking to try somewhere new, we have deliberately chosen not the most popular or fastest-growing destinations but instead aimed to inspire with some fantastic places that may not be currently at the top of people’s minds.”

Here, Lisa Minot, checks out a magnificent seven breaks not to miss in 2025.

Belize

Belize is a holiday destination that combines a tropical climate and lots of history to explore
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THE pocket-sized Central American paradise is a nature lover’s delight with its tropical rainforest, idyllic beaches and ancient Mayan ruins.

On the coast, there is superb snorkelling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and those in search of adventure should head inland to San Ignacio for cave exploration and treks to spectacular waterfalls.

GO WITH: Trailfinders and Travelbag each offer small-group guided tours.

Denmark

Denmark has plenty to offer as a holiday destination if hot weather is not your priority this year
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THIS Scandinavian gem with dreamy countryside and seascapes leans into the trend for “coolcations” offering alternatives to the Med’s summer heat.

Capital city Copenhagen, on the islands of Zealand and Amager, has seen trendy redevelopments in the old docks and the water is clean enough to swim in.

Aeroskobing’s beach and historic Faaborg are also worth a visit.

GO WITH: Best Served Scandinavia – see best-served.co.uk.

Rural Japan is a far-flung holiday destination that will make your holiday a unique one
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Hoikkado, Japan

THIS island in northern Japan has some of the country’s most beautiful countryside including mountains, volcanoes, lakes and ancient forest.

In summer. Mashu-Ko Lake is often said to be the country’s most beautiful lake.

In winter, admire the hundreds of ice sculptures at the Snow Festival or head to the resorts of Niseko, Teine and Kokusai for world-class skiing.

GO WITH: Original Travel – see originaltravel.co.uk.

Hungary

Budapest is one of Europe’s best value city breaks in 2025, with lots to explore outside the capital too
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BUDAPEST is a buzzword in 2025 for a great-value city break, flanking both sides of the River Danube.

Relax in the many thermal springs, spas and bath houses.

A short train ride from the capital, explore Lake Balaton by bike or hike through the forests bordering the Echo Trail.

And head north to the city of Tokaj, to sample the produce from its historic wineries.

GO WITH: Both Jet2 and easyJet have good value packages.

Cote D’Azur islands

The Saint Honnorat fortress near Cannes is one of the sights you can visit in the south of France
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FROM tiny Port Cros and historic Porquerolles, to a ferry ride from Cote d’Azur town Hyeres to Sainte-Marguerite and Saint Honorat, a short crossing from the glamour of Cannes, the islands off the coast of the South of France offer unspoilt nature and a slower pace of life in contrast to the crowded pleasure palaces on the mainland.

GO WITH: Eurocamp at a campsite on the Cote d’Azur – see eurocamp.co.uk.

Le Marche, Italy

The Le Marche region is one of Italy’s best kept secrets, with access to coastline too
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THIS region of eastern Italy, on the Adriatic, is a well-kept secret. Its lovely countryside and coast, and historic towns and cities are competition for Tuscany.

Explore Renaissance art and architecture in the city of Urbino and hill town Ascoli Piceno.

And Parco del Conero offers unspoilt woodland, pretty pebble beaches lapped by clear water, and the chic village of Sirolo.

GO WITH: Italian specialist Citalia – see citalia.com.

Oviedo, Spain

The Cathedral of Oviedo, Spain, was founded by King Fruela I of Asturias in 781 AD
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THE capital of northern Spain’s Asturias region has squares full of restaurants and bars.

Try the bean-and-sausage caserole fabada, fish stew caldereta, and carne gobernada – beef slow-cooked in white wine and onion. Wash it all down with the local cider, or sidra.

From here, also visit fishing villages Llanes, Lastres and Ribadesella, and the the Picos de Europa mountains.

GO WITH: Brittany Ferries sail to Bilbao – see brittany-ferries.co.uk.