As the new year begins, thoughts turn to planning that perfect getaway. The good news for British travellers is that a fantastic European holiday in 2026 doesn't require a fortune. From historic city breaks to sun-drenched coastal retreats, numerous destinations offer incredible value for money.
January is a prime month for securing deals, with major airline sales and discounted rates on hotel booking sites. It's also an excellent time to book discounted holiday packages. Beyond the initial booking savings, choosing a destination where your pound stretches further on the ground is key to a truly affordable trip.
Top Value Coastal Escapes and Sun Destinations
For those craving sunshine and sea, several stunning locations combine beauty with budget-friendly prices.
Budva, Montenegro is an Adriatic gem often overshadowed by its neighbour, Croatia. This seaside resort boasts golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, a vibrant nightlife, and a historic Old Town. It's significantly more affordable than many Western European hotspots. A local beer like Nikšićko costs around £2-3, an hour's bus journey is approximately £5-8, and a meal can be as little as £10. Flights start from just £37.
On Spain's Costa Blanca, the port city of Alicante offers a charming alternative to busier resorts. With its picturesque Old Town (Barrio de la Santa Cruz) and beautiful waterfront, it provides excellent value. A beer typically costs between £2 and £3.50, while a meal ranges from £6 to £9. Flights to Alicante can be found from £27.
Seeking tranquillity? The Karpas Peninsula in Northern Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean's most unspoiled regions. This thinly populated area features stunning deserted beaches and the natural beauty of Dipkarpaz National Park. It's an ideal, affordable spot for a peaceful retreat, with flights to Larnaca from £62.
For reliable winter sun, Cádiz in southern Spain is one of the country's warmest and most affordable cities. Temperatures rarely fall below 10°C. Rich in history, it offers landmarks like the Castle of Santa Catalina. It was recently ranked Spain's cheapest city break, with average hotel rooms around £103 per night. A bottle of wine costs about £3.63 and a draught beer £2.48. Flights to nearby Jerez (XRY) start from £69.
Turkey's Antalya, known as the 'Turkish Riviera', offers golden beaches, ancient ruins, and the Taurus Mountains. It remains a budget-friendly option for a warm getaway, with flights available from £40.
Charming and Historic City Breaks on a Budget
Europe's cities are filled with culture and history, and many are surprisingly light on the wallet.
Wrocław, Poland is a captivating city on the Oder River, famed for its bustling Market Square and Gothic Old Town Hall. Known as the 'Venice of Poland' for its 12 islands and over 100 bridges, it's wonderfully affordable. According to research, a full day of eating and drinking here costs no more than £20, while a five-star hotel stay can be around £100. Flights start from £29.
No list of affordable city breaks is complete without Kraków, Poland. This medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts Europe's largest market square (Rynek Główny). A four-star hotel can cost from £57, meals are under £10, and a sandwich with a beer can be less than £3.50. Flights are remarkably cheap, starting from just £26.
The often-overlooked capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, dazzles with its medieval UNESCO-listed Old Town. Dubbed "Vienna meets Paris," it's one of Europe's greenest cities. Travellers report that a daily budget of around £43 (€50) is reasonable for food, accommodation, and transport. Flights start from £30.
Malta's compact capital, Valletta, is a fortified UNESCO site with Baroque palaces and nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Local savoury pastries called Pastizzi cost about 90p, and a wrap starts from £4. Flights to Luqa Malta International (MLA) are available from £34.
Affordable Regional Gems
For those wanting to explore a wider region, some classic destinations offer better value than you might think.
In the heart of Italy, the iconic region of Tuscany – home to Florence, Siena, and Pisa – has been ranked as an affordable holiday destination. A week's stay including flights and accommodation averages £929 per person, significantly less than other Italian regions like Sardinia (£1,508pp). Its wide range of lodging options helps keep costs down. Flights to Florence start from £42.
By targeting these destinations and booking strategically in January, British holidaymakers can secure their dream 2026 European getaway without breaking the bank. The combination of low flight costs, reasonable on-the-ground prices, and rich experiences makes these ten spots exceptional value for the year ahead.
