Consumer group Which? finds 'surprising' locations are cheapest for summer break

18 April 2024 , 08:05

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Many of the cheapest European summer holidays available to book are in surprising destinations, according to new analysis (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Consumer champions Which? has revealed that some of the most affordable European summer holiday spots are in surprisingly upscale locations.

Which? scrutinised over 4,500 package deals, found that budget-friendly breaks are often available in places typically associated with luxury, such as Italy's stunning Amalfi coast or the idyllic Greek islands. Contrary to expectations, popular budget destinations like Bulgaria and Turkey didn't make it into the top 10 cheapest holiday options.

Which? pointed out that this finding could be due to the nature of the packages on offer, with the Amalfi coast boasting a plethora of self-catering and bed and breakfast choices options that tend to be lighter on the wallet compared to all-inclusive stays.

Adding to the appeal, there's an abundance of low-cost flights jetting off to these glamorous hotspots. Which? analysed the prices of seven-night getaways for the peak travel period of early August across 70 regions in 15 European countries.

Their findings suggest savvy travellers could pocket savings amounting to hundreds of pounds by picking their holiday spot wisely. Topping the list for value was the quaint Greek island of Kalymnos, where the average cost for a week-long escape came in at£847.

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Rory Boland, editor of magazine 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.”

Here's a list of the 10 most affordable package holiday destinations according to Which?, with average price per person in brackets:.

1. Kalymnos, Greece (£847).

2. Thassos, Greece (£862).

3. Lefkada, Greece (£935).

4. Costa Brava, Spain (£952).

5. Venetian Riviera, Italy (£965).

6. Amalfi Coast, Italy (£977).

7. Skopelos, Greece (£985).

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8. Costa de la Luz, Spain (£994).

9. Campania, Italy (£998).

10. Malta (£1,006).

Lawrence Matheson