Which? reveals this summer’s cheapest European package holiday destinations

Which? researchers analysed more than 4,500 package holidays still available to book in the first week of August in 70 regions of 15 European countries, to find the cheapest destinations for a European resort getaway, for all package types.

Those holidaying during the school break are subject to the highest holiday prices, but Which?’s analysis found that picking the right destinations could shave hundreds of pounds off a week away.

Traditionally low-cost destinations like Bulgaria and Turkey were notably absent from the top 10 cheapest spots for a package break, which instead features the likes of the Amalfi coast and lesser known Greek islands - destinations many might usually assume to come with a higher price tag.

Part of the reason for this is the type of packages currently available. At the moment, the Amalfi Coast for example has a wide choice of room-only, self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation still available to book (rather than pricier full board packages) which means that prices are lower. There are also lots of budget flights to the region. However, holiday makers should still consider the cost of eating out and activities when choosing their next holiday.

Picturesque Greek island Kalymnos took the crown for cheapest overall package destination, with a week’s stay costing £847 per person on average. The tiny island is Greece as you imagine it - boasting secluded coves, sapphire seas, rugged mountains, and charming towns.

Travellers fly into the island’s busier neighbour Kos, before departing for Kalymnos by boat - a journey that takes just 40 minutes, and is included in the price of your package.

The capital Pothia is the most competitively priced resort on the island - with the cheapest package found costing £794 per person. With its delightful mix of whitewashed and brightly painted houses looking out over the Aegean sea, the town and its surrounds offer plenty to keep holidaymakers occupied - from an open air cinema to museums and monasteries. For those looking to relax on the sand, the island’s most popular beach resort, Massouri, costs an average of £856 for a week’s stay.

Taking a close second place behind Kalymnos are Greek islands Thassos, at £862 per person, and Lefkada, at £935 per person. 

The Costa Brava took fourth place in Which?’s analysis. This stretch of coast north of Barcelona is famed for its sweeping golden beaches and stunning craggy cliff tops. While the overall average price for this region comes in at £952, Which?’s analysis found prices between resort towns could vary significantly - for example a stay in Malgrat de Mar, with its promenade of beachfront bars, Blue Flag beach and easy access to Barcelona costs just £839 per person on average - £120 cheaper than its brasher and better-known neighbour Lloret de Mar.  

The Venetian Riviera (Lido di Jesolo) was the cheapest spot in Italy, at £965 per person, while the swanky Amalfi coast was close behind on £977. 

Skopelos, Greece (made famous by Mamma Mia!), the Costa de Luz, Spain, Campania, Italy, and Malta finished the top ten - with the latter being the only destination to top £1,000 per person for a week’s stay.

The consumer champion also looked at the cheapest locations for an all-inclusive break.

Tenerife boasted the most competitive rates on average, with an all-inclusive stay costing £1,097 per person for 7 nights. Though many people associate the Canaries with winter sun, the islands have consistent year-round temperatures, and offer an escape from the oppressive heat of the Spanish mainland in August.

Which? researchers found some of Tenerife’s cheapest all-inclusive rates at golf resort Golf del Sur for an average of £993 per person - but for those seeking a beach holiday, good value packages can also be found  in upmarket Costa Adeje for an average cost of £1192. The resort town was previously rated the top Tenerife destination in Which?’s survey of the Best Canary Islands holiday resorts.

Fellow Canary isle Fuerteventura was also among the top five cheapest all-inclusive destinations, with an average price per person of £1,113.

Other competitively priced options included Costa Blanca, Spain, at £1,103 per person, the Bourgas area of Bulgaria at £1,112 per person and Dalaman, Turkey, at £1,125 per person.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said:

“Travelling in the summer holidays is notoriously expensive, and demand is again high this year - but our latest price analysis shows that by being flexible on your destination, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds.

“Many of the locations we found aren’t those you’d necessarily assume would be the cheapest - but from tiny, traditional Greek islands to the glitzy Amalfi coast, there are bargains to be found this summer.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

• Which? gathered the prices of 4,558 package holidays from the UK’s biggest tour operators – Jet2holidays and Tui – in March 2024. Analysis included Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Portugal, Spain (including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands), Turkey and the Channel Islands. 

• The average price is based on a seven-night holiday including flights and transfers, departing on or around 3 August, based on two people sharing a standard double or twin room. Which? only included destinations with a minimum availability of holidays, and those in resort areas (rather than cities). Not all destinations were on sale with both Jet2 and Tui.

• Best Canary Island resorts survey results can be found here

• Best Greek island survey results can be found here

The 10 cheapest package holiday destinations overall

Five cheapest all-inclusive holiday destinations

About Which?

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