Travelling during peak season can prove notoriously costly, yet several stunning European locations provide budget-friendly getaways over Easter.

As Spring approaches, attention shifts towards the Easter break and plans for the welcome extended weekend, or weeks, whilst children are away from school. Given Britain’s somewhat unreliable weather, a journey to a sun-drenched city destination might top the agenda, or perhaps a characterful city perfect for a day’s exploration.

To assist travellers in securing their Easter retreat, Which? analysed over 3,000 package holidays throughout Europe during this popular travel window, identifying where visitors can maximise their spending power. The travel specialists calculated the cost per person for seven-night breaks, encompassing flights and lodging, with several captivating cities emerging as outstanding value.

1. Marmaris, Turkey

Topping the rankings as most economical was the resort town of Marmaris, positioned along the Turkish Riviera, frequently dubbed the ‘Turquoise Coast’ or the ‘King of the coast’. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking to bask in warm sunshine, with temperatures reaching 25C during April alongside expanses of golden-sand shores. Which? discovered that a getaway to this sun-drenched destination would average £594 per person for a seven-night package – half the expense of visiting Paris!

2. Krakow, Poland

Close behind comes the city of Krakow, Poland, boasting captivating medieval architecture, a bustling market square, and celebrated landmarks such as Wawel Castle and the Cathedral. Its picturesque setting creates the impression of entering a storybook realm, and whilst April temperatures hover around a crisp 14C, visitors will scarcely mind as they wander through the charming thoroughfares. A week-long package holiday to Krakow costs approximately £628 per person, according to Which?experts.

3. Albufeira, Portugal

Combining urban and coastal experiences is Albufeira, positioned along the stunning southern Algarve coastline of Portugal. Beyond its expansive beaches and azure waters lies the Old Town, featuring cobblestone lanes brimming with boutiques and eateries, plus museums worth discovering. With temperatures reaching approximately 19C during the Easter period, this could prove the ideal moment to visit, particularly given its modest price tag of roughly £638 per person.

4. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

The Canary Islands remain a favoured destination amongst British holidaymakers chasing sunshine, with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – commonly referred to as Las Palmas – offering excellent value for money. Being the archipelago’s largest city, Las Palmas possesses historic appeal, particularly within its Vegueta quarter which teems with notable sites, alongside golden beaches at the expansive Playa de Las Canteras, complemented by a lively seafront promenade. Visitors this April can expect pleasant temperatures of 21C, with trips averaging approximately £671 per person.

5. Benidorm, Spain

Benidorm’s inclusion on the Which? rankings comes as little shock, given its reputation for inexpensive beverages, budget-friendly accommodation, thriving evening entertainment and pleasant weather across its extensive coastline. The Costa Blanca resort in Alicante famously enjoys over 320 days of annual sunshine, with April temperatures hovering around 19C – perfect conditions for enjoying refreshments at the numerous beachside establishments. According to Which?, a week-long break costs on average £682 per person – working out at roughly £97 daily including flights and lodging.

6. Prague, Czech Republic

It’s long been celebrated as a stag-do hotspot or beer lover’s paradise, but Prague offers far more beyond its affordable pints, though that remains an attractive feature. The city boasts Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, alongside its magnificent Prague Castle and iconic Charles Bridge. Adding to its appeal is the possibility of securing a seven-night package holiday for £753 per person, whilst enjoying pleasant temperatures of 14C perfect for exploring the city.

7. Budapest, Hungary

Claiming its position on the list is Hungary’s capital, distinguished by the Danube River, the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, ruin bars and thermal baths. Most notable is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Europe’s largest medicinal bath, together with the Art Nouveau Gellért. A visit to this lively city with agreeable conditions of 17C in April costs approximately £770 per person on a package holiday.

8. Porto, Portugal

Whilst positioned slightly lower on the list, the riverside city of Porto warrants recognition. Situated along the Douro River, this walkable destination overflows with charm, featuring steep, vibrant streets, eateries, shops, landmarks, and numerous bars and cellars where visitors can sample its celebrated port wine. A seven-night package holiday costs around £780 per person, during which travellers can enjoy pleasant temperatures of 18C in April.

9. Milan, Italy

Celebrated as amongst Europe’s premier fashion destinations, Milan exudes sophistication with its Gothic cathedral, Duomo di Milano, commanding attention at its heart, whilst its historic shopping arcade, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, proves unmissable regardless of your interest in haute couture.

Winding streets await discovery, entertainment abounds, and with package breaks available from approximately £795 per person alongside pleasant temperatures of 17C, Easter presents an ideal window for experiencing this Italian metropolis.

10. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik showcases its 16th-century fortifications, its principal thoroughfare, Stradun, bordered by boutiques and cafés, plus its Old Town featuring Baroque churches and the Rector’s Palace. Spectacular coastal panoramas captivate visitors, whilst Game of Thrones filming sites beckon exploration.

The milder 14C temperatures anticipated over Easter create perfect conditions for strolling through this enchanting city, with package breaks priced around £796 per person.

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