Which? researchers analysed almost 6,000 package holidays still currently available to book for the first week of August in 13 European countries, to find the cheapest destinations for a European resort holiday.
The consumer champion checked both all-inclusive packages and standard package breaks – in the latter case looking at a mix of packages from room only/ self-catering through to B&B and half-board.Getaways in the school summer holidays are usually some of the priciest of the year, but Which? found that picking the right destination could shave hundreds of pounds off a week away.
For those that prefer to self-cater or take only some of their meals in the hotel, Which? found some surprising options currently available to book.
Jostling behind popular budget beach destinations like Turkey, Morocco and Bulgaria, Tuscany was a surprise entry in the top ten, taking seventh place with an average per person price of £1,034. Often lauded as a luxury destination, a family break to Tuscany could take in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, or include a visit to the region’s capital, Florence.
Prices are lower than may be expected as the region currently has plenty of packages available with cheap flights for room-only, self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation available both in coastal towns, and in the Florence inland area.
It was one of two Italian resorts in the top ten, with the Venetian Riviera securing number four on the list, with an average per person cost of £965.
This purpose-built beach resort on the edge of the Venice Lagoon has more than nine miles of safe, sandy shoreline that’s great for families, and the resort is within easy reach of Venice for those wishing to combine a beach break with a trip to one of Europe’s most famous cities.
The Dalaman area of Turkey boasted the most competitive prices overall, with the average price of a 7-night package coming in at £859 per person.
Average daily August temperatures reaching a sweltering 33°C may currently be contributing to lower prices, as some tourists fear the recurrence of heatwaves in the region. The price of a week in Olu Deniz, known for its Blue Lagoon, is currently just £834pp on average.Agadir, Morocco, took second place at £889 per person, while the Bourgas area of Bulgaria came in at just £904 per person.
For those looking to keep control of costs with an all-inclusive break – which typically includes food and drink as well accommodation and flights – Which? found that Spain boasts five of the 10 cheapest spots currently available to book.
Other popular budget hotspots like the Dalaman area of Turkey (£1,222pp) and Bourgas, Bulgaria (£1,228pp) also made the list, while Madeira, recently chosen by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his family holiday, came in tenth with an average cost of £1,346 per person.
The Costa Blanca, Spain, took the crown for cheapest all-inclusive destination, with an average price of £1,113 per person.
Fuerteventura (£1,146pp) and Tenerife (£1,189pp) took second and third places in the list, while fellow Canary island Gran Canaria slipped in at eighth place with an average per person cost of £1,268. The Canaries are an excellent choice for those looking to escape the oppressive heat of mainland Europe in August, with cooling breezes from the Atlantic making for milder temperatures.
Zante was the only Greek entry on the list, tied with Mallorca, Spain at £1,266 per person on average. Cyprus took ninth spot with an average per person cost of £1,314.
Naomi Leach, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel, said:
“Holidaying when the kids are off school can be painfully expensive, but our latest price analysis shows there are a variety of destinations still available to book at a good price for an August getaway. “Among favourite budget destinations such as Spain and Turkey we found some real surprises. And from the pretty Portuguese isle of Madeira to the glamour of Tuscany, booking early guarantees the most options at the best price for your summer break.”
