Time to plan an Easter family getaway

If staying in the UK during last week's half-term holiday left you feeling frazzled, it's time to start planning an Easter family getaway.

One of the best places to celebrate Easter is continental Europe where there are heaps of festivals and religious ceremonies that all the family can enjoy. In some predominantly Catholic countries, Easter is bigger than Christmas.

In Spain, Easter week, known as Semana Santa, is the most important annual celebration and here you'll find a festival in every town and city, including processions that stretch for miles.

To keep the costs down, you could consider a family camping holiday as some sites in Spain will be open in time for Easter.

Family camping specialist Eurocamp has a site on the Costa Brava that is only 42kms from Gerona where the famous Easter Friday Procession starts at 10pm on April 2. A seven-night beak costs from £283 for a two-bedroom mobile home, sleeping up to seven. Travel costs extra.

Alternatively, consider a week in Liguria, Italy, where the Easter banquets are as big a feature as the solemn processions and masses. Pasqualina - Easter Pie - is served in restaurants throughout the region.

The kids don't need to forgo their chocolate treats on a family holiday in Italy as Easter eggs are given here too as gifts.

The historic city of Genova is one of the most exciting cities for a family Easter break. Budget airline Ryanair flies there from Stansted with fares from £140 return in April. The Bentley Hotel has double rooms from €188 with a 15 per cent discount for online bookings.

Digg    Reddit    Facebook    Tweet This