Three lesser-known Greek islands are the cheapest package holiday destinations for a break this summer, according to consumer watchdog Which?.
It said its survey revealed “surprising” destinations after researchers analysed more than 4,500 package holidays still available to book in the first week of August in 70 regions of 15 European countries.
The publication said: “Traditionally low-cost destinations like Bulgaria and Turkey were notably absent from the top 10 cheapest spots for a package break, which instead features the likes of the Amalfi coast and lesser-known Greek islands – destinations many might usually assume to come with a higher price tag.
“Part of the reason for this is the type of packages currently available. At the moment, the Amalfi Coast, for example has a wide choice of room-only, self-catering and bed-and-breakfast accommodation still available to book (rather than pricier full-board packages) which means that prices are lower. There are also lots of budget flights to the region.
“However, holidaymakers should still consider the cost of eating out and activities when choosing their next holiday.”
The Greek island of Kalymnos had cheapest packages, with a week’s stay costing £847 per person on average. Close behind were other Greek islands: Thassos, at £862 per person, and Lefkada, at £935 per person.
The Costa Brava took fourth place with an average at £952.
The Venetian Riviera (Lido di Jesolo) was the cheapest spot in Italy, at £965 per person, while the Amalfi coast was close behind on £977.
Skopelos in Greece, the Costa de Luz of Spain, Campania in Italy, and Malta finished the top ten – with the latter being the only destination to top £1,000 per person for a week’s stay.
Which? also looked at the cheapest locations for an all-inclusive break.
Tenerife had the most competitive rates on average, with an all-inclusive stay costing £1,097 per person for seven nights.
Fellow Canary isle Fuerteventura was also among the top five cheapest all-inclusive destinations, with an average price per person of £1,113.
Other competitively priced options included Costa Blanca, Spain, at £1,103 per person; the Bourgas area of Bulgaria at £1,112 per person; and Dalaman, Turkey, at £1,125 per person.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “Travelling in the summer holidays is notoriously expensive, and demand is again high this year – but our latest price analysis shows that by being flexible on your destination, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds.
“Many of the locations we found aren’t those you’d necessarily assume would be the cheapest – but from tiny, traditional Greek islands to the glitzy Amalfi coast, there are bargains to be found this summer.”
Picture of Kalymnos by leoks/Shutterstock.