Sunny Beach in Bulgaria has been revealed as the best value beach destination in Europe for British families.
The award comes from new research conducted by Money for travel at the post officewhich has ranked 16 European holiday destinations by cost by comparing the price of typical household essentials in each area, including sunscreen, insect repellent, a three-course family meal, a glass of wine and a bottle of cola.
In Sunny Beach, holiday essentials can be purchased for a total of £110.87. Marmaris, a resort on the Turkish Riviera, comes in second with a total of £116.94, while the Algarve in Portugal (£124.24) comes in third.
At the other end of the scale, Ibiza (£229.21), one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, ranks as the most expensive destination for a family beach holiday, more than double the cost of Sunny Beach.
The study uses local prices provided by Tui and national and regional tourist offices. However, although Sunny Beach is the cheapest destination, prices have increased by 9.8 percent in the Bulgarian tourist destination since last July.
Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, pictured above, has been recognised as Europe’s best value beach destination for British families. The award comes from research by Post Office Travel Money, which ranked 16 European holiday destinations by cost by comparing the price of typical family essentials in each area. Holiday essentials can be purchased for a total of £110.87 in Sunny Beach.
Marmaris (above), a resort on the Turkish Riviera, comes in second with a total of £116.94
It is one of 12 destinations to see a rise in prices, although the Post Office says the cost of a family meal has only increased by £3 in Sunny Beach.
Second place goes to Marmaris, which was the cheapest destination last year, but tourists will find that prices have risen by 17 per cent year-on-year. The Post Office attributes this increase to high inflation in Turkey, which “has caused prices to double”.
He added that “the improved exchange rate between sterling and the lira can only help reduce the extra amount” that Britons will pay in Turkey.
Portugal’s Algarve (third place) is the cheapest destination in the eurozone, but has also seen prices rise by more than 18 percent since last year.
Portugal’s Algarve (third at £124.24) is the cheapest eurozone destination, but has seen prices rise by more than 18 per cent since last year.
Ibiza (£229.21), one of Spain’s Balearic Islands (above), ranks as the most expensive destination for a family beach holiday.
The rest of the top five best value hotels are Spain’s Costa del Sol (fourth, £137.82) and Paphos in Cyprus (fifth, £144.48).
Three Greek resorts make the top 10 for value for money: Kos (sixth, £150.33), Rhodes (eighth, £156.93) and Corfu (tenth, £167.36).
Completing the list of best value destinations are Lanzarote (seventh, £154.81) and Mallorca (ninth, £166.13). Lanzarote has seen the biggest fall in prices this year, with costs down 7.2 per cent year-on-year.
At the most expensive end of the table were the Greek island of Crete (15th, £180.21) and Croatia’s Porec (14th, £177.48), both of which are in the top three budget destinations.
Also among the most expensive family holiday destinations are Puglia in Italy (13th, £173.96), Silema in Malta (12th, £172.96) and Funchal in Madeira (11th, £168.06).
Post Office Travel Money ranks 16 European holiday destinations by cost, comparing the prices of common household essentials in each destination
Commenting on the report’s findings, Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at the Post Office, said: ‘Although sterling is stronger now than it was last July, price inflation across Europe means families need to allow for increases in food, drink and other tourist costs in their spending budget.
‘Carefully calculate your holiday budget and carry enough cash or a prepaid travel card to cover resort costs to avoid overspending and incurring fees for exchanging money or paying by card while abroad.’
Phillip Iveson, commercial director at Tui UK & Ireland, added: ‘It’s clearly not just the UK that is being affected by the cost of living, but despite this, the report shows there are still plenty of great value destinations for families to choose from.
‘We continue to see strong demand for more affordable holiday destinations, including Bulgaria and Turkey, as well as Greece and Spain.’