British travellers also rediscovering Rome and Barcelona.
Paris is the most popular destination for Brits looking to get away this Easter, according to figures from accommodation booking site Wimdu.co.uk.
The French capital tops the list of Easter getaways for the second year running, despite losing four per cent of its market share compared to 2013.
Paris remains a popular option for couples, increasing its lead over Amsterdam and Berlin, but lost ground with families, groups and singles this year.
Rome is 2014’s Easter holiday winner, seeing a 56 per cent increase in bookings so far this season, compared with the same period last year.
This year’s top choice for families at Easter is Barcelona, groups are heading to Amsterdam while singles are opting for the bright lights of Berlin.
Wimdu.co.uk guides you through this year’s most popular destinations for an Easter break:
Rome recovers to top fastest growing destinations
Having already registered a massive 56 per cent increase in bookings, Rome is set for a huge Easter weekend. Recovering from last year’s slump, caused by the surprise resignation of Pope Benedict, Rome also benefits from Easter falling later in the year.
Do: Pope Francis will deliver his Easter Sunday Mass at 10.15am in front of more than 250,000 pilgrims at Saint Peter’s square, in what will be one of the world’s biggest events during the Easter holidays.
Stay: Built in 992 AD, this country-style apartment just 25 minutes by train from the Vatican offers the best of both the city and the Roman countryside. Located on the northwestern outskirts of Rome, guests can easily join in the Easter Monday tradition of heading to the beach or countryside.
Available between 16-21 April from £76/night: http://www.wimdu.co.uk/offers/272KJPMI
Easter romance in the French capital
Over 40 per cent of Easter getaways have been booked by couples this year, and perhaps unsurprisingly Paris remains the top couples’ getaway for the Easter break.
Do: Upmarket “Le First” restaurant serves traditional French Easter Sunday brunch (£58pp), and if you really want to treat your partner, the special ‘sprunch’ deal (from £143pp) offers luxury spa treatments before eating. http://www.lefirstrestaurant.com/en
Stay: This spacious loft apartment in the north of central Paris is ideal for a couple looking to immerse themselves in Parisian culture. Complete with a fully-fitted kitchen and bathroom, this apartment is a great base to explore the rest of the city.
Available between 16-21 April at £86 per night. Book at: http://www.wimdu.co.uk/offers/B385JC0E
Spend a true family Easter in Catalonia
This year’s most popular family destination is Barcelona. Climbing from 4th in last year’s popularity index, the Catalonian city, like Rome and Lisbon, is also benefiting from the late Easter break, as families seek to combine a city-break and beach holiday experience.
Do: Check out the Museum of Chocolate on Easter Sunday which is offering egg decoration classes for all the family (€10 per participant). Book places here: http://www.museuxocolata.cat/articles.php?id=id883
Stay: Thrill the children by ditching the traditional hotel room and staying onboard this ten-metre yacht. Close to a family-friendly beach and Las Ramblas, the yacht boasts a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom and can accommodate up to four people.
Available between 16-21 April at £111 per night: http://www.wimdu.co.uk/offers/673SSH7J
Amsterdam overtakes Paris for group getaways
Amsterdam, taking 12 per cent of the total group bookings, has leap-frogged Paris to become this Easter’s prime destination for groups. Cheap, short flights, a chilled vibe and an excellent party scene make Amsterdam an ideal location for larger parties.
Do: Planning your day can be tough when in a large group, so ditch the itinerary and take an open boat around the city’s famed canals. Equipped with an inbuilt music system, iPod dock and Fatboy pillows, there is no cooler way to see some of the top attractions than from your own mobile terrace party. From £155/h (including a captain). See more Barracuda offers at http://www.rentaboatamsterdam.com/boats/open-boats/open-boat-barracuda.
Stay: Prepare your sea-legs for the Barracuda tour aboard this seven-bedroom houseboat under 20 minutes from central Amsterdam. The large communal room and terrace makes this vessel perfect for groups, whilst the fully-fitted kitchen, two bathrooms and free Wi-Fi ensure the creature comforts remain alongside the quirkiness of staying on this classic Dutch houseboat.
Available between 16-21 April from £50pp/night based on ten people sharing: http://www.wimdu.co.uk/offers/8ZP19TPA
Berlin Best for singles
Just three per cent of people are opting to travel alone this Easter, and Berlin (15 per cent of total single bookings) has overtaken Paris as the destination of choice for lone rangers.
Do: Much of the German capital’s nightlife appeals to the solo traveller and no more-so than the legendary Berghain. Enjoy the Easter Sunday party in one of Europe’s leading clubs. http://berghain.de/event/948
Stay: After a long night of hedonism in Berlin, find respite at this charming studio in the trendy neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg. Just minutes from the bustling Mauer Park flea market, the shared apartment is a perfectly located for a solo traveller.
Available between available between 16-21 April for £40/night: http://www.wimdu.co.uk/offers/AUKJTOVZ
| Most popular destinations for the 2014 Easter weekend* |
| 1 Paris |
| 2 Amsterdam |
| 3 Rome |
| 4 London |
| 5 Berlin |
| 6 Barcelona |
| 7 New York |
| 8 Lisbon |
| 9 Prague |
| 10 Vienna |
| *bookings made for 17/04/2014 – 20/04/2014 |
| Fastest Growing destinations for 2014 Easter Weekend** |
| 1 Rome +56% |
| 2 Lisbon + 44% |
| 3 New York + 43% |
| 4 Madrid + 28% |
| 5 Prague +25% |
| **based on booking made for 17/04/2014 – 20/04/2014 |
| compared to 28/03/2013 – 31/03/2013 |
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About Wimdu
Wimdu.co.uk is a social accommodation community that brings together travellers and hosts from around the world, enabling users to travel like a local. Wimdu helps hosts to generate additional income on their spare rooms, while guests can search for a room and a rate that suits them. The site lists a range of over 300,000 properties spread internationally across over 149 countries, offering everything from apartments in Berlin to English castles. Wimdu was founded in 2011 by serial entrepreneurs Hinrich Dreiling and Arne Bleckwenn who wanted to harness social media to transform the way consumers are travelling worldwide.
