Millions of people head to Spanish beaches and historic cities from the UK every year but some places give better value than others
As the summer season fades and the chillier months draw near, many people are reflecting on their summer holidays and starting to plan their next adventure. Last year, approximately 18 million Brits jetted off to Spain for their holidays.
The appeal of brighter sunshine and warmer coastlines is undeniable, but it’s still crucial to get the most out of your holiday budget. A recent study has now unveiled the Spanish cities where Brits can get the most bang for their buck.
The research was conducted by Learn Spanish with James, led by James Smith, a fluent Spanish speaker with over a decade of teaching experience and extensive living experience in Spain, Argentina, and Costa Rica. He said: “Having lived in Spain for years, I’ve seen firsthand how different cities offer vastly different value propositions for British visitors.
“While Spain is generally affordable compared to the UK, some cities stand out as exceptional bargains where your pounds can stretch much further.”
The study examined hotel costs, dining expenses, beer prices, transport fares, and attraction entry fees across 29 popular Spanish cities frequented by tourists. Data was gathered from Booking.com for accommodation, Numbeo for living costs, and TripAdvisor for attraction prices, reports the Mirror.
All expenses were converted to GBP using average exchange rates. These figures were then standardised into a Holiday Value Score ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores representing better value for British holidaymakers.
James, an expat residing in Spain, commented: “Some cities offer exceptional value for British tourists by combining low daily costs with rich cultural and leisure experiences. What makes these top-ranking destinations special isn’t only their low prices, but how they balance affordability across all aspects of a holiday, from where you sleep to what you eat and see.
“Cities like Cádiz and Córdoba are proof that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for value. These places offer authentic Spanish experiences, incredible history, and local charm at prices that make your pounds work harder.
“For Brits considering a move to Spain or planning an extended stay, understanding these cost differences can literally save thousands while opening doors to some of the country’s most fascinating destinations.”
Top 10 Spanish Cities Where Brits Get the Best Value – GBP
Rank
City/ Municipalities
Avg. Cost of 3-star Hotel per Night
Avg. Cost of Meal for Two at Mid-range Restaurant
Avg. Cost Bottle of Beer
Public Transport Ticket Price (One-way)
Avg. Attraction Entry Fee
Holiday Value Score
1
Cádiz
£ 126.16
£ 29.50
£ 1.19
£ 0.93
£ 20.08
79.34
2
Córdoba
£ 80.89
£ 35.83
£ 1.20
£ 1.10
£ 26.88
77.18
3
Torrevieja
£ 65.83
£ 33.72
£ 1.00
£ 1.31
£ 44.37
70.02
4
Cartagena
£ 104.35
£ 42.15
£ 0.87
£ 1.01
£ 37.90
69.34
5
Granada
£ 99.31
£ 31.61
£ 1.25
£ 1.18
£ 32.39
68.62
6
Alicante
£ 104.18
£ 42.15
£ 1.12
£ 1.22
£ 32.39
67.20
7
Murcia City
£ 104.91
£ 37.09
£ 1.07
£ 1.10
£ 99.76
63.60
8
Ourense
£ 77.73
£ 37.93
£ 1.38
£ 0.72
£ 37.57
62.90
9
Vitoria-Gasteiz
£ 78.17
£ 37.93
£ 1.19
£ 1.18
£ 67.05
60.78
10
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
£ 73.40
£ 42.15
£ 1.35
£ 1.26
£ 31.74
60.76
1. Cádiz – The Unbeatable Value Champion (79.34)
Cádiz claims the top spot with an impressive Holiday Value Score of 79.34, making it the ultimate destination for budget-conscious Brits. While hotel costs sit at £126.16 per night, the city more than makes up for it with incredibly affordable dining at just £29.50 for a meal for two, and bargain beer at £1.19 per bottle. Transport is particularly cheap at £0.93 per ticket, and attractions cost just £20.08 on average.
“Cádiz is a hidden gem that British tourists frequently overlook,” explains Smith. “It’s one of Europe’s oldest cities with stunning beaches and incredible history, yet it offers some of the best value you’ll find anywhere in Spain.”
2. Córdoba – Moorish Magic on a Budget (77.18)
Córdoba secures second place with a score of 77.18, offering exceptional accommodation value at just £80.89 per night. Dining costs £35.83 for two people, while beer remains affordable at £1.20. The city’s rich Moorish heritage, including the famous Mezquita, comes at reasonable attraction prices of £26.88.
“Córdoba perfectly balances affordability with cultural richness,” notes Smith. “You can explore one of Spain’s most historic cities without breaking the bank.”
3. Torrevieja – Coastal Living for Less (70.02)
Torrevieja rounds out the top three with a score of 70.02, boasting the cheapest accommodation at just £65.83 per night and the most affordable beer at £1.00 per bottle. Meals for two cost £33.72, though attraction fees are higher at £44.37.
“Torrevieja is perfect for Brits who want that coastal lifestyle without the premium prices of more famous beach destinations,” says Smith.
4. Cartagena – Naval History Meets Great Value (69.34)
Cartagena offers excellent value with a score of 69.34, featuring the cheapest beer in our top five at just £0.87 and reasonable transport costs of £1.01. Hotel prices sit at £104.35, with dining at £42.15 for two.
“Cartagena’s naval history and stunning Roman theatre make it a fascinating destination that won’t drain your wallet,” explains Smith.
5. Granada – Alhambra on a Shoestring (68.62)
Granada completes our top five with 68.62 points, offering reasonable accommodation at £99.31 and excellent dining value at £31.61 for two people. Despite being home to the world-famous Alhambra, attraction costs average just £32.39.
“Granada proves you can experience Spain’s most iconic sights without paying tourist trap prices,” Smith adds.