British holidaymakers seeking to cut costs are turning to European destinations where a pint of beer can be found for under £2.50, according to new research by credit card company Zable. The study found that Puglia in Italy and Vilamoura in Portugal offer the cheapest pints at just £1.74 each, making them top choices for budget-conscious travellers.
Seville ranked third at £2.06 per pint, while Gran Canaria, Faro, Madeira and Tenerife all averaged £2.18. The findings come as families look to slash holiday expenses amid ongoing financial pressures. Researchers analysed flight costs, accommodation, tourist levies, supermarket prices, dining out and attraction fees across 49 destinations to identify the best overall value.
Puglia was highlighted for its bargain beer, free attractions and relatively cheap lodging, along with nearly 15 hours of summer daylight. Vilamoura matched Puglia on beer costs but had steeper accommodation due to demand for its marina and nightlife. Meanwhile, Tirana, Albania, emerged as the cheapest overall destination for a five-night trip, costing £492.31 including flights and daily expenses.
The report also named Kotor in Montenegro as the top-value underrated destination, with low flight prices, minimal tourist taxes and many attractions. For those self-catering, Sopot in Poland offered the cheapest supermarket shop at £30.74. The study also noted the rise of 'destination dupes', where holidaymakers swap expensive long-haul trips for cheaper European alternatives with similar climates, such as Capri instead of the Maldives.
Arielle Rogers-Jenkins, senior product manager at Zable, said: 'Planning a holiday often means balancing the experiences you want with the budget you have available. Our research shows that travel costs can vary significantly between destinations, so choosing locations that align with your budget can make a real difference to the overall cost of a trip.'
