Summer Holiday Value Index: These are the European destinations where families get the most for their money

Written by Eleanor - Head of Marketing
Paris , Shortlist , Travel Advice
Family enjoying a summer beach holiday in Europe, running into the ocean together
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As families search for the best-value summer getaways, we’re revealing the European destinations where families get the most for their money. With summer holidays in full swing, we’ve highlighted the destinations that strike the perfect balance between affordability and unforgettable experiences, whether that’s spending a day at Disneyland Paris or exploring Rome's ancient landmarks, helping families create long lasting memories without stretching the holiday budget.

To uncover this year's best-value destinations, we analysed more than 100 popular European holiday hotspots, assessing each based on the average cost of a one-week family holiday alongside the quality of their top-rated attractions. Each destination received a Value Index score, with affordability accounting for 40% of the final ranking and attraction ratings making up the remaining 60%, ensuring families can find destinations that offer both great prices and memorable experiences.

Chris Bradshaw, our in-house travel expert, shares his thoughts on the Summer Holiday Value Index’s results:

“Every family wants to feel like they’ve secured a good deal and come home with memories that last. We wanted to identify the European destinations that are affordable, whilst consistently offering excellent visitor experiences, helping families make more informed decisions when planning their summer holidays.

Our findings show that the best-value destinations are those that strike the balance between cost and experience. While destinations like Spain and Italy continue to stand out for their affordability, Paris is the perfect example of how strong visitor satisfaction of local attractions could provide more value for your money. ”

 

Top 50 Summer Holiday Value Destinations

 

Rank

Summer Holiday Destination

Country

Summer Holiday Value Score out of 100

1

Seville

Spain

99

2

Milan

Italy

92

2

Fuerteventura

Spain

92

4

Florence

Italy

90

5

Rome

Italy

89

5

Sicily

Italy

89

7

Paris

France

88

7

Lyon

France

88

9

Naples

Italy

87

9

Protaras

Cyprus

87

9

Venice

Italy

87

9

Larnaca

Cyprus

87

13

Marseille

France

86

14

Chania

Greece

85

15

Mallorca

Spain

84

16

Crete

Greece

83

16

Valletta

Malta

83

16

Verona

Italy

83

16

Portimão

Portugal

83

16

Side

Turkey

83

21

Istanbul

Turkey

82

21

Pisa

Italy

82

21

Albufeira

Portugal

82

21

Ischia

Italy

82

21

Thessaloniki

Greece

82

26

Rethymnon

Greece

81

26

Costa Blanca

Spain

81

28

Antalya

Turkey

80

28

Amsterdam

Netherlands

80

28

Porto

Portugal

80

31

Vienna

Austria

79

31

Alicante

Spain

79

31

Split

Croatia

79

31

Paphos

Cyprus

79

31

Lisbon

Portugal

79

31

Barcelona

Spain

79

31

Costa Brava

Spain

79

38

Limassol

Cyprus

79

38

Benidorm

Spain

78

38

Rhodes

Greece

78

38

Calpe

Spain

78

42

Ibiza

Spain

77

42

Gran Canaria

Spain

77

44

Tenerife

Spain

75

44

Rovinj

Croatia

75

44

Catania

Italy

75

44

Athens

Greece

75

44

Madeira

Portugal

75

44

Marmaris

Turkey

75

50

Puerto del Carmen

Spain

74

50

Santorini

Greece

74

50

Valencia

Spain

74

Note: Multiple destinations share the same score, so the list extends beyond 50 entries in practice.

 

Value isn’t just about price

The top-ranking destinations deliver strong, consistent visitor satisfaction at a price that doesn’t require families to compromise. Seville, for example, scores close to maximum on both affordability and positive reviews, so it's no surprise that it ranks first place.

 

Southern Europe offers huge value

Spain and Italy account for the majority of the top 10 spots, with destinations such as Florence, Sicily, Naples, and Paris offering world-class culture, food and attractions at prices that remain accessible for UK families.

 

Paris proves the case for experience-led value

Ranking joint seventh overall, Paris demonstrates that a slightly higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean poor value. Its 88 score reflects exceptional visitor satisfaction. From meeting your favourite characters at Disneyland Paris and seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre to snapping a family photo beneath the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the city offers a breadth of highly-rated memorable experiences.

 

Looking to get the most out of your money for your next holiday?

Start planning your own holiday today with some of the top destinations featured in our Summer Holiday Value Index, like Disneyland Paris

You can also find exclusive deals and expert-approved packages for global destinations, like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, right here at AttractionTickets.com.

Ellie

Eleanor

Head of Marketing

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