It was one of the first package holiday destinations for Brits abroad more than 60 years ago but now the Costa Brava is among a number of retro holiday destinations making a comeback.

The Spanish resort, and the islands of Malta and Madeira, are enjoying a resurgence having fallen out of fashion.

Thomas Cook bosses say they have seen a surprising spike in demand for all three destinations for summer 2018.

Matthew Magee, from the company, said the once maligned resorts don't have negative associations for millennials.

He said: “I went to Malta recently and I hadn't heard of this reputation of it being 'God's waiting room'. It was just beautiful and very good value for money.

"I think enough time has passed since places like Costa Brava, Malta and Madeira had a certain reputation. Millennials perhaps don’t associate them as such and they see them for the beautiful places they are.

"I think value for money is the other key reason. With problems in Turkey last year many in-demand islands, such as Ibiza, the Canaries and Majorca, increased prices with demand.

"We haven't seen those price increases with the so-called out of fashion destinations and so you can get fantastic value for money.”