Phoenix 24
The cheapest destination depends on what travelers buy.
Brussels, July 2026
Turkey has emerged as the least expensive overall destination among seven popular European holiday markets, according to an analysis of Eurostat price data. A basket of goods and services costing 100 euros on average across the European Union would cost approximately 59.60 euros in Turkey. Croatia follows at 78.40 euros, while Portugal, Greece and Spain also remain below the European benchmark. France is the most expensive country in the comparison, slightly exceeding the EU average.
The ranking changes when accommodation and restaurant expenses are examined separately. Portugal offers the lowest prices in this category, with an equivalent basket costing 73.60 euros compared with the EU average of 100 euros. Turkey follows at 78.30 euros, while Spain and Greece also provide comparatively strong value. France and Italy are the most expensive choices for travelers whose budgets are dominated by hotels and dining out.
Food prices show a narrower gap across most of the destinations. Turkey remains the cheapest, with a standard basket costing 75.60 euros, while Spain is the only other country positioned below the EU average. France records the highest food prices among the seven countries, although its level is only moderately above the European benchmark. The figures reflect national averages, meaning that major resorts, islands and historic centers may be considerably more expensive.
Alcohol creates the sharpest reversal in Turkey’s affordability advantage. Prices there are more than twice the EU average, making it the most expensive country in the comparison for alcoholic beverages. Greece and Croatia also record relatively high levels, while Italy offers the lowest prices in this category. Spain remains below the European average, reinforcing its position as a balanced option for travelers with varied spending priorities.
Transportation costs also favor Turkey, particularly for visitors relying on public transit. France is the only destination in the group where transport prices exceed the EU average, while Portugal, Spain and Croatia remain comparatively affordable. These differences show that no single country is cheapest across every category. A destination’s true value depends on whether a traveler spends more on accommodation, restaurants, groceries, transportation or beverages.
The comparison does not calculate the total price of an individual vacation and does not account for seasonal demand or local tourist premiums. It instead reveals how national price structures can shape the same holiday budget in dramatically different ways. Turkey provides the lowest overall cost, Portugal leads in hotels and restaurants, and Italy offers the least expensive alcohol. For travelers, the best destination may ultimately be determined not by where they go, but by how they plan to spend.
Phoenix24: clarity in the grey zone. / Phoenix24: claridad en la zona gris.