Europe's best-value holiday destinations revealed for 2026 - the budget-friendly city and beach breaks Brits can book from £16

Published: 08:00 BST, 23 July 2026 | Updated: 08:29 BST, 23 July 2026

Budgeting for a holiday can often feel impossible, especially when you have to account for flights, luggage, excursions, not to mention food and drink, for more than one person.

Fortunately, some destinations are far more affordable than others, and a new Summer Holiday Value Index reveals where to jet off to if you want to save money without sacrificing a great trip.

The research involved an analysis of 100 popular destinations, looking at average holiday prices, Google ratings and online reviews.

Spain and Italy dominated the top spots, showing southern European hotspots like Florence, Milan and Seville are accessible to UK families looking for a memorable trip on a budget.

Seville, Spain, proved to be the best value-for-money destination, according to the new Summer Holiday Value Index

Known for fabulous flamenco dancing and beautiful architecture, Seville takes the top spot in this year's report.

More affordable than the likes of Barcelona or Madrid, Britons are able to experience a Spanish city break that doesn't break the bank.

It scored 99 out of 100 for its Summer Holiday Value in the research by AttractionTickets.com and it certainly won't disappoint.

Direct flights from London can be bagged for as little as £24 in September, and accommodation is priced from £30 a night.

There is an abundance of things to do in the city too, from the iconic Plaza de España to visiting the 15th-century Catedral De Sevilla.

Milan, in Italy, followed in second place, and has plenty of historical sites to check out on a budget

Despite being the capital of luxurious fashion and design, Milan places second overall in this year's index, with a score of 92 out of 100.

Home to Italy's largest church, the Duomo di Milano (free to enter for those wanting to attend a Mass), the stylish city has plenty else for tourists to explore as well, including the 15th-century Castello Sforzesco, also free of charge.

Tickets to the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, are also usually available from just £12.97.

Direct flights in September can be found from just £17, and accommodation located just outside of the city centre is available for £46 a night.

The Spanish island of Fuerteventura secured a total of 92 out of 100 for its Summer Holiday Value

Boasting countless beaches and a more unspoilt feel compared to the more popular Canary Islands, Fuerteventura offers a relaxing and affordable escape for travellers this summer.

Indeed, some of the island's top spots, such as the Parque Natural de Corralejo and the Playa de Cofete are totally free to enter for parents and children alike.

What's more, holidaymakers can bag direct return flights from as little as £28 this September, and the island has a wide selection of affordable, all-inclusive hotels to choose from.

Fuerteventura secured a total of 92 out of 100 for its 2026 Summer Holiday Value, placing it joint second with Milan.

Another Italian destination to make the list, Florence ranks fourth overall with a score of 90 out of 100

Bringing another Italian destination into the mix, Florence scored 90 out of 100 on the Value Index.

With streets lined with Renaissance statues and ancient basilicas, visitors to this historical hotspot can soak up the grandeur and charm of Florence without even spending a penny.

When you've worked up an appetite, locally-owned restaurants serve up fresh, homemade pasta from as little as £5 a bowl.

Direct flights to this beautiful little city in September will set you back only £34, and it's possible to find hotels in the centre from around £60 a night.

Rome, the capital of Italy, proved itself as a destination to offer affordability and great experiences

Despite its reputation as a more expensive place to visit, Italy's capital managed to place fifth on the Summer Holiday Value Index this year, with a score of 89 out of 100.

It's no wonder. Just a stroll around the city brings you to the heart of its cultural history, from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the latter two of which offer free entry on certain days of the month.

Direct flights to Rome can be found from just £18 in September, and hotels are priced from around £80 per night.

Sicily stood out as a dreamy Mediterranean escape that's also affordable

Imagine exploring a dreamy Mediterranean island with turquoise waters, a rich history and diverse landscapes.

Sicily offers just that, on an affordable budget too. This year, it ranks joint fifth in the index, with flights available from £26.

The island is home to Mount Etna, one of the oldest and most active volcanoes in Europe, where there are free hiking trails to explore, as well as historic landmarks such as the ancient theatre of Taormina, which is free to enter on the first Sunday of every month.

Paris, also known as the City of Love, came seventh overall in this year's Summer Holiday Index

Bringing France into the top ten, Paris ranks seventh overall, with a score of 88 out of 100.

From the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, there are plenty of landmarks visitors can admire for free across the capital.

'While destinations like Spain and Italy continue to stand out for their affordability, Paris is the perfect example of how strong visitor satisfaction of local attractions could provide more value for your money,' said Chris Bradshaw, travel expert at AttractionTickets.com.

Direct flights to the City of Love can be found for just £32 in September.

Lyon, France, is great for families wanting a city break on a budget