Published on
January 5, 2026
As 2026 approaches, travelers are seeking the most affordable holiday destinations, and Italy is now joining the ranks of some of the best. Greece, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco have long been favorites for budget-conscious tourists, and now Italy offers an equally attractive option. Together, these countries provide exceptional value with diverse experiences, from cultural landmarks in Italy to the sunny coastlines of Spain and the rich history of Morocco, making them ideal choices for an affordable getaway.
A recent study has identified the top 10 most affordable package holiday destinations near the UK for travelers in 2026. Leading the list is a well-known Spanish destination, which emerges as the most budget-friendly option for British tourists. Notably, only one of the top 10 destinations has an average cost below £900 per person for a week-long holiday—and that is the Costa Blanca in Spain.
The study, conducted by the consumer group Which?, reveals that the typical price for a seven-night package holiday in Costa Blanca for one person is £864. The Costa Blanca region, which includes popular towns like Alicante and Benidorm, is a sought-after vacation spot for UK visitors. Located on Spain’s southern coastline, the region boasts summer temperatures that often reach around 30°C, making it an ideal location for sun-seekers.
One of the main factors contributing to the Costa Blanca’s affordable reputation is the lively town of Benidorm. The study found that Benidorm offers some of the most reasonably priced packages, with a week’s self-catering stay at the two-star Playamar apartments costing as little as £535 per person. EasyJet Holidays also offers all-inclusive deals for around £886 per person in Benidorm, making it an appealing destination for travelers on a budget.
However, for those looking for a quieter alternative, the Costa Blanca has other areas that offer great value for money, such as Atlea. Located roughly 12 kilometers (about eight miles) from Benidorm, Atlea is known for being a more relaxed destination. A room-only hotel stay in Atlea for a week will cost approximately £1,033 per person, according to the study.
In addition to Costa Blanca, several other Spanish regions made the list of the most affordable package holiday destinations in Europe. However, an unexpected contender made its way into the second spot: Tuscany, Italy. The study shows that a seven-night package holiday in Tuscany costs around £929 per person. Experts noted that Tuscany remains more affordable compared to other Italian destinations due to the broad range of accommodations available in the area.
The third most affordable destination is the Agadir coast in Morocco, where seven-night package holidays for UK travelers are priced around £946 per person. The Agadir region, known for its beaches and resort facilities, offers an excellent option for those looking to explore North Africa without breaking the bank.
The full list of the 10 cheapest package holiday destinations for British travelers in 2026, according to the study, includes:
- Costa Blanca, Spain
- Tuscany, Italy
- Agadir Coast, Morocco
- Dalaman Area, Turkey
- Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
- Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
- Costa Brava, Spain
- Costa Dorada, Spain
- Zante, Greece
To compile these findings, Which? analyzed the prices of 5,393 package holidays from two of the UK’s largest tour operators: Jet2holidays and EasyJet Holidays. The data was gathered in December 2025, and the study included a variety of holiday types, from self-catering to full-board and all-inclusive packages. The study also took into account several popular European and surrounding regions, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Portugal, and Turkey.
This research offers an insightful look at the most affordable options for UK tourists seeking to book a package holiday in 2026. With a range of destinations, from sunny Spanish coasts to the cultural richness of Italy and the exotic appeal of Morocco, British travelers can find a great value vacation close to home.
