Planning a last-minute city escape this Easter without breaking the bank? Many assume the Eurostar to Paris is the obvious choice, but new research reveals this could be a costly mistake. According to a comprehensive study by Which? Travel, Paris stands as the most expensive short-haul city break destination for the Easter period, with far more affordable alternatives available across Europe.
Paris Priced Out: The Premium Destination
The consumer champion's analysis of over 3,000 package holidays from major UK tour operators Jet2holidays and easyJet Holidays paints a clear picture. A week-long holiday in the French capital, including flights and accommodation, averages a staggering £1,310 per person. This positions Paris firmly at the top of the expense chart, significantly outpacing numerous other European cities that offer comparable—or even superior—experiences for a fraction of the cost.
Top Ten Budget-Friendly Easter Getaways
For travellers seeking value, Which? has identified ten destinations where your pound stretches considerably further. The research, focusing on departures around 1 April 2026 for seven-night packages based on two sharing, highlights remarkable bargains.
Marmaris, Turkey leads the ranking as the cheapest option. For an average of just £594 per person, holidaymakers can enjoy the Turkish Riviera, boasting nine hours of daily sunshine and April highs of 20°C—six degrees warmer than Paris. An all-inclusive stay at the four-star, beachfront Emre Beach & Emre Hotel, complete with a private pier and heated pools, was found for £578pp flying from Edinburgh.
Krakow, Poland secures second place at £628pp on average. A favourite among Which? Travel readers, this historic city offers comfortable April temperatures of 14°C. Stays in the city centre, such as at the four-star Golden Tulip Hotel including breakfast, were available for under £670pp.
Albufeira, Portugal follows closely at £638pp. This whitewashed coastal city in the Algarve provides sunshine, pristine beaches, and clear waters for less than half the price of Paris. The region was recently crowned the world's best value destination by the Post Office Travel Money report, ensuring meals and drinks remain reasonably priced.
Sun, Culture, and Value Across Europe
The list continues with diverse options catering to different tastes:
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (£671pp) – Home to two of Which?'s top-rated hotels in Gran Canaria, including the stylish Santa Catalina and the value-focused Boutique Hotel Cordial Plaza.
- Benidorm, Spain (£682pp) – A perennial British favourite offering sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and entertainment from just £682pp.
- Prague, Czech Republic (£753pp) – Combining old-world charm with stag-do fame, featuring cobblestone streets, historic bridges, and impressive architecture.
- Budapest, Hungary (£770pp) – With April highs of 18°C, ideal for visiting famed thermal baths. The Pest side of the river offers cheaper, livelier accommodation.
- Porto, Portugal (£780pp) – Which? Travel members' favourite Portuguese city, known for its hilly cobbled streets, blue-tiled buildings, and port wine tasting.
- Milan, Italy (£795pp) – The cheapest Italian destination in the research, likely benefiting from the conclusion of the Winter Olympics. Note a new tourist tax of €9.50 per person per night applies near Olympic venues.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia (£796pp) – A UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval architecture, dubbed the 'California of Europe' by American tourists.
Research Methodology and Scope
The findings are based on prices gathered in February 2026 for package holidays to 17 countries: Italy, Czech Republic, France, Poland, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Hungary, Iceland, Austria, Malta, Norway, Morocco, Spain (including the Balearic and Canary Islands), and Turkey. The average prices reflect seven-night holidays including flights, departing on or around 1 April, based on two people sharing a standard room.
This detailed analysis underscores that for Easter 2026, savvy travellers have numerous attractive alternatives to Paris, with destinations like Marmaris and Krakow offering significant savings without compromising on experience.
