TRAVEL: Eyewatering Cyprus airfares for Greek summer getaways

Cypriot holidaymakers planning a summer getaway will have to dig deep into their pockets just to get off the ground.

Holidaymakers flying to any destination are expected to dish out a significant amount on airfares, but those choosing Greek destinations will have to pay even more as airfares to Athens and the Greek islands are pricier than going to Madrid or Vienna.

According to Philenews return air tickets from Larnaca to Athens in mid-July range from € 150 to € 170.

Prices from the beginning of August range from €170 to €180 and from 15 August till the end of the summer season fares are €200 to €220.

Air tickets to Thessaloniki with a departure date in mid-July, range from €200 to €230. Prices before August 15 are between €240 and €260.

In the week including 15 August prices reach €300. Destinations to the Greek islands are even more expensive.

Direct flights to Rhodes in mid-July range from €288 to €350, while for some dates the peak is €430. During the week of 15 August prices are around €400.

For a flight to Heraklion in mid-August, prices range €328-€338 while in mid-July it cost between €210 and €230. If one chooses to travel to popular Santorini in mid-July prices are on average €330 rising to €400. In mid-August prices the spike at €470 to €580.

Meanwhile, prices for European cities seem to be lower. A return ticket to Paris will cost holidaymakers  anything between €280 and €400.

Air tickets in mid-August to the French capital are between €200 and €350.

Vienna appears to be a cheaper destination, regarding airfares, as prices start from €130 in mid-July and vary between €200 and €300 in August. Holidaymakers heading for Madrid will find tickets in July for around €200 to €300.