Despite news of holiday chaos and soaring flight costs, there is no need to write off your summer trip. There are plenty of destinations where you can enjoy a full week abroad for £500 or less, including return flights and accommodation.
The top 10 wallet-friendly destinations in Europe have been revealed, according to Kayak's Travel Check-In: Summer Savings 2026 report. From Prague's fairy-tale architecture and Krakow's medieval charm to the sun-drenched, buzzing waterfront of Marseilles, there is something for all tastes.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Taking the top spot is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Estimated week-long holidays cost £427, as little as £61 per day. It is not just the cost of flights and accommodation that keep it easy on the purse strings. Known for its impressive beer culture, the Czech Republic offers some of Europe's cheapest beer at around £2.10 per pint. Millions flock to the landlocked country to sample some of the local booze.
2. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels in Belgium takes the silver medal in the ranking. Easily reached on the Eurostar from the UK, it is the home of world-class chocolate, quality beer and waffles. It is reasonably priced, too, with week-long trips costing as little as £433, or £61.90 per day. Here, you could even try Sunparks, Center Parcs' slightly more budget-focused sibling, popular with Belgian families.
3. Tirana, Albania
Budget-friendly Albania is on the up, notably the city of Tirana. Tirana is not exactly a European go-to holiday, which is precisely its selling point. Still genuinely affordable and not yet flattened by overtourism, Albania is fast becoming one of the continent's top tourist destinations. This hidden gem country has white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and bargain prices. Flights from the UK to Tirana start from as little as £27 with Wizz Air. Week-long trips cost £440, a total of £62.86 per day.
4. Krakow, Poland
Poland has long been considered a wallet-friendly destination, and Krakow is the crown jewel. Krakow ranks among the highest destinations for value for money, with week-long getaways costing £447, just £63.90 per day. Visitors to Krakow have raved about its food and drink as well as cultural sites and attractions, with the city boasting historic gems such as Wawel Royal Castle. Which? previously said: 'Visitors can while away the hours drinking in the atmosphere in the city's medieval square, the largest of its kind in Europe, or head out to explore the sights in the city's vibrant Jewish quarter.'
5. Berlin, Germany
Next up is Berlin, known for its historical attractions and thriving art scene. Berlin might be known for its history and night life, but it is easy on the wallet, too, with week-long trips around £447, just £63.90 per day. The city is still a hotbed for radical artistic expression in 2026, so much so that it has been voted one of 2026's best cities for culture. Key events in the city include Rave the Planet, Christopher Street Day and May Day, as well as global festivals such as Karneval der Kulturen and Fête de la Musique.
6. Munich, Germany
Munich is the second German city on the list, known for its excellent beer. Weekly breaks cost £480, which works out as £68.60 a day. It is the home of Oktoberfest, but the city's beer halls are appealing at all times of year. Bavariapark's beer garden is a particular summer highlight. Historic highlights include the Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589, Marienplatz square, old town and ancient architecture around the city.
7. Marseille, France
Marseille is up next, with a thriving foodie scene and better prices than other French alternatives. Marseille was recently dubbed the 'capital of cool', and with trips from £69 a night, it is well worth a visit. It boasts vibrant bars, restaurants and cafes, including Bar Gaspard, one of Marseille's hippest cocktail spots. There are also modern art galleries and cutting-edge museums, including the Mucem, dedicated to Mediterranean civilisations, to peruse.
8. Milan, Italy
Italy's fashion hub Milan is the next European city to boast budget prices. For £500, you could book a week in Milan, the Italian city known as the home of Prada, that is just £71.4 a night. Highlights in the city include the Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (essential for any shopping addicts) and the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery. There is good news for Brits, too, as flights in June from London Stansted to Milan start from as little as £15 each way with Ryanair.
9. Madrid, Spain
Madrid in Spain boasts many free attractions, such as the Plaza Mayor. Madrid streets, alive and populated at hours when most cities feel empty, create a vibrant atmosphere that explains why so many tourists flock to the Spanish city. There is also plenty to soak up in terms of culture, as the city is home to attractions such as the Prado Museum and the world's oldest restaurant, Botin. It is not too pricey, either, with flights from Bristol in June starting from £16 with Ryanair. Breaks here can cost as little as £72.71 per day.
10. Faro, Portugal
Rounding out the 10 cheapest European holidays for Brits is Faro in the Algarve. Portugal is a beloved holiday spot for Brits and has plenty of popular destinations tourists frequent each year, Faro being one of the most highly rated. It is cheap, too, with trips costing as little as £511 for a week, so £73 per day. The price of local beer can be as little as €2.50 (£2.15), while a bottle of wine from a local supermarket comes in at €5.20 (£4.49).
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations
- 1. Prague, Czech Republic: £427 per week
- 2. Brussels, Belgium: £433 per week
- 3. Tirana, Albania: £440 per week
- 4. Krakow, Poland: £447 per week
- 5. Berlin, Germany: £447 per week
- 6. Munich, Germany: £480 per week
- 7. Marseille, France: £483 per week
- 8. Milan, Italy: £500 per week
- 9. Madrid, Spain: £509 per week
- 10. Faro, Portugal: £511 per week
Rachel Mumford, Kayak UK Travel Expert, said: 'Airfares are especially unpredictable this summer, with prices shifting quickly, but that shouldn't put Brits off. Our data shows there are still great deals to be found, particularly for those with flexibility on destinations and dates. There are still plenty of ways for Brits to make their summer budget go further; you just need to know where to look.'
