Despite international travel returning for Ireland on Monday and the rest of Europe on July 1st, the Costa del Sol’s iconic beaches are noticeably quieter - along with its many pubs and restaurants.
But measures in the area are much less strict than back in Ireland, with indoor dining and nightclubs back in business for sunseekers.
We spoke to some of the Irish who have decided to take the trip - with most agreeing it all seemed much more relaxed in Marbella.
Tommy Cahill, 25, son of Kerry Fianna Fail Councillor Michael Cahill, said: “I think it’s a lot more laid back here than at home, but obviously restrictions in Ireland were only eased off recently.”
Limerick pals Orlaigh Duggan and Robyn Moore, both 24, agreed, adding that everything “seemed so much more chilled” since they arrived in Marbella on Tuesday
“We have loads of plans for dinner and drinks this week which is so tough to do at home right now,” Orlaigh said.
Another group of friends praised the lighter restrictions, saying that it’s “amazing” to see some normal life again.
Dublin natives Miles O’Malley, Matthew O’Brien and Jamie Berry, all 18, just finished their Leaving Cert last month and decided to jet off to celebrate.
Jamie told the Irish Mirror: “In Dublin, you know, there’s nothing open so we said we’d come out here.
“We’ve been out here the last week, and the lads are going back tomorrow and I am the day after.
“It’s a lot better here restriction wise. You wouldn’t think it (Covid) was here. You know it is but everything is open, nightclubs until late. It’s amazing.”
And one group of friends weren’t getting their spirits down despite missing their flight from Dublin Airport on Monday morning.
Kildare men Jack Donegan, 22, Caelum Flanagan, 23, Gary Kelly, 23, and Dale Redmond, 23, ended up on a 12-hour session before they could get a second flight out.
“We had to hang around the airport all day, just drinking! It was good craic, a bit depressing at the start but we got over it,” Jack joked.
“It’s great to be here now.”
The news comes after major backlash over people not being able to contact the helpline for the EU Digital Covid Cert.
This key document allows people to travel within Europe and acts as proof of their vaccination, meaning they do not have to quarantine on arrival or when returning home.
“Increased numbers of agents are available to answer your queries in relation to your vaccination certificate and to allow you to request your recovery certificate,” a spokesman for the Department of Health said.
“The call centre will be focused on dealing with urgent queries in the short-term, so we are requesting that only those with an urgent query contact the centre this week.”
The second helpline can be contacted on 1800 807 008.
