Turkey Cheapest European Holiday Destination, Analysis Finds

When planning a summer vacation, the cost of the trip is a significant factor alongside beaches and attractions. A Euronews Business analysis, drawing on Eurostat data, has compared price levels across seven popular European tourist spots to determine where travelers get the most value for their money.

The analysis found Turkey to be the most affordable destination by a considerable margin. A basket of goods and services costing 100 euros on average in the European Union costs just 59.6 euros in Turkey, over 40% less than the EU average. France, however, was identified as the most expensive country among those examined. Croatia, with a price index of 78.4, was found to be among the more budget-friendly options.

When focusing specifically on accommodation and dining, Portugal offered the best value, with prices around 26% lower than the EU average. France was again the priciest, followed closely by Italy. Croatia's costs in this category were slightly higher than Greece and Spain but still remained below the EU average.

Food prices were relatively similar across most observed countries, with Turkey being the cheapest. Conversely, France had the highest food prices. Interestingly, Turkey was also the most expensive country for alcoholic beverages, with prices more than double the EU average. Italy was the most affordable for wine, beer, and spirits. Tobacco prices also varied significantly, with Turkey again being the cheapest and France the most expensive. Croatia had lower cigarette prices compared to the EU average.

The analysis noted that the data represents national averages and may not reflect actual prices in popular tourist centers, which are often higher. It also does not account for income differences, meaning travelers from wealthier countries might perceive price variations less acutely than those from lower-income nations.