Portugal and Turkey named best holidays for cheap beer and Blue Flag beaches
Thousands of Brits are heading away this week as the summer school holidays kick off. But, plenty of us are still scrambling to book a last-minute break while those who think far ahead are planning for next year.
No matter your holiday planning style we all like to keep the spending down. New research shows that Brits are likely to find the cheapest resort prices in Turkey, Portugal and Bulgaria, according to new research.
The cost of meals, drinks and beach items should also be considered as unless you head on an all-inclusive trip you could double your holiday price. Such extra expenses are lowest by far in Marmaris, the Algarve and Sunny Beach. the annual Post Office Family Holiday Report produced in partnership with TUI found.
READ MORE: Mum bags seven-night Ibiza holiday for just 24p including a luxury hotel stay
However, prices have risen year-on-year in 15 of the 16 beach destinations surveyed as inflation continues to impact popular holiday destinations across Europe. But, that doesn't mean you cant have a fabulous holiday without breaking the bank.
The Post Office report compared 12 times across a number of resorts to see which offered the best value for money this summer. They included family meal, drinks, sun cream, insect repellent and beach items ranging from buckets and spades, lilos ice-creams and pedalo rides.
The cost of a bottle of beer, glass of wine, water ride and three course meals for a family are also taken into account. Marmaris was found to be the cheapest of 16 destinations surveyed – even though prices have risen significantly since last summer, the rise is limited to 33% for British tourists due to the collapse in the value of the Turkish lira.
Marmaris is a great choice for singles, couples and families. It’s known for its top-notch beaches Marmaris is on the Turks Riviera with awe-inspiring blue water and golden sand.
There are plenty of watersports to enjoy on the hundreds of Blue Flag beaches. Plus, enjoy the culture by heading to spice-filled bazaars and ancient temples. What;s not to love?
The 12 items in Marmaris are more than £100 lower than in Ibiza, the most expensive destination surveyed at £216 for the total of each item. Which adds up to a hefty saving overall.
The second cheapest hotspot was the Algarve in Portugal. Only a couple of hours on a plane from the UK holidays to the Algarve take you to one of the best coastlines in Europe. From golf courses to waterparks there’s something for everyone.
The water is clear, the weather is hot and you can go sea kayaking, shopping or simply sunbathe on the beach. For a cheaper trip away it’s a fab option.
In the Algarve – this year’s runner-up resort – prices are less than 11% higher than a year ago at £120 for the 12 barometer items. After the Algarve was Sunny Beach in terms of cheapness.
The party town in Bulgaria is known for its wild nights out, beaches, cheap booze and lots of entertainment. Why not try something new this year?
Last year’s barometer found that an evening meal with drinks for two adults and two children cost around £35. This year families can expect to pay 60% more – although the £56 price tag is still cheapest among the 16 Beach Barometer resorts.
Europe's cheapest holidays
- Marmaris, Turkey – £114.70
- Algarve, Portugal – £120.01
- Sunny Beach, Bulgaria – £120.73
- Costa del Sol, Spain – £136.29
- Kos, Greece – £144.41
- Paphos, Cyprus – £151.73
- Rhodes, Greece – £152.31
- Funchal, Madeira – £155.35
- Sliema, Malta – £159.73
- Corfu, Greece – £164.09
- Majorca, Balearic Islands – £164.95
- Puglia, Italy -£166.62
- Crete, Greece – £170.72
- Lanzarote, Canary Islands – £170.91
- Porec, Croatia – £174.98
- Ibiza, Balearic Islands £215.71
Post Office Travel Money’s Laura Plunkett said: "It can be difficult to rein-in spending when people want to make the most of their holiday, but setting a fixed budget and sticking to it can help make sure you don’t overspend on treats and beach goodies while abroad.
"Meals can be a budget buster so compare prices before choosing where to eat. Beachfront cafés and restaurants are likely to be more expensive than more authentic ones a street back.
"Check whether service is included before paying because tips are not expected in many European countries. Avoid getting charged a fee for withdrawing cash at an ATM abroad by getting sufficient holiday currency before leaving home.
"Always pay in the local currency when using a payment card, and consider loading currency onto a pre-paid card, like the Post Office Travel Money Card, which can be topped up with more cash abroad."
You can find out more about the study at postoffice.co.uk.
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