The cost of villas in the Mediterranean has dropped by as much as 50% as operators struggle to sell self-catering properties. The weakness of the dollar has prompted many families to switch to the US this year which, combined with the strong Euro and the late-booking trends, has left an excess of properties available, even in peak season months.

Discounts are currently available for May, June and early July though operators are still holding firm on peak season prices. Villa specialist Individual Travellers said its New England programme was up on last year while Simply Travel reports strong sales for houses and villas in Dubrovnik.

But bookings to the traditional favourites, especially Spain, are slow. "I don't think what's been happening in Spain recently has helped a lot, and people aren't looking at Portugal in peak season because they think it will be overrun by football fans, when in fact there are plenty of properties in rural areas, away from where the matches are being played," said Simply Travel's head of marketing Ben Blackler.

50% off

Simply Travel (simplytravel.com) is offering Quinta dos Limoeris - a private villa with its own pool on the west coast of Portugal from £295pp in June based on two sharing; Casa de Campo, a rustic cottage with a shared pool, costs £205pp based on two sharing in May; both are half the brochure price.

25% off

Individual Travellers (08700 773773, indiv-travellers.com) has reduced from £1,175 to £881 (£110 per person) a traditional finca with private pool overlooking the Sierra Tejeda mountains in eastern Andalucia, including car hire. The finca sleeps four plus four children. A spacious first floor apartment in western Andalucia is now available for £359, down from £479, including car hire.