The first flight took off in March.

And if you’re already planning your trip to Venice ex Cork, there are plenty of splendido budget accommodation options awaiting your perusal.

Ryanair flies to and from Venice on Tuesdays and Saturdays, leaving plenty of scope for a week of exploring or a short break soaking up the best of la dolce vita in one of the most romantic cities on earth.

Here are five fabulous accommodation options to consider:

1. Modern apartments in Mestre

Price: €90 per night via Aibnb

If you’re a nervous traveller or you simply like having everything at your fingertips when you arrive in a new city, Staycity Venice Mestre is for you. Guests are free to choose between cooking in their fully equipped kitchens, or enjoying the Staycafé’s offerings, which include a continental breakfast buffet every morning, and hot and cold snacks, as well as beer, wine and spirits throughout the day and evening. You can even work off these gastronomic delights in the on-site gym.

All the apartments boast ample living, dining and workspaces, 40-inch flatscreen TVs, complimentary WiFi, rainfall showers, fresh towels and bed linen too.

The apartments are minutes away from Mestre train station, where you can take the train into Venice.

2. A spacious rental for five mates

Price: €222 per night via Airbnb

Travelling as a group this summer? If you don’t mind bunking in, you can keep costs down to around €44 per head per night by booking this large apartment, which sleeps five people in one large bedroom with three beds and a mezzanine with a further three beds.

It has a bathroom with a bathtub, a big terrace and a spacious kitchen too – ideal for hen parties and family trips.

3. An elegant stay in a historic building

Price: €60 per night via Airbnb

Nestled on the third floor near the St. Lucia train station and a Vaporetto port, this convenient apartment for two is ideal provided you don’t mind the schlep up the stairs.

There’s a double bedroom with a queen-size bed, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining room, bathroom, and shower as well as air conditioning, heating, and wifi.

4. The Doge’s Palace terraced bolthole

Price: €80 per night via Airbnb 

Located in the heart of Venice in Via Garibaldi, just beside a public park and the Gothic Doge’s Palace, this cosy bolthole for two is close to the best shopping streets and restaurants.

Decorated with modern and Venetian-style furniture, it contains all you need for a convenient stay in an authentic part of town, with a cute terrace for alfresco drinks after a day’s sightseeing.

5. The luxury loft-style flat

Price: €230 per night via Airbnb

Pushing the gondola out for a special stay in the Floating City? With two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sofa bed, this stunning loft apartment can sleep six guests in style.

Beautifully decorated to make the most of the natural light, it boasts all the mod cons as well as a pretty terrace garden for relaxing in once you’re finished exploring the area.

The apartment is located on the ground floor on a quiet canal, so you can watch the boats sail by from the dining table.