Saturday, July 19, 2025
The new travel cost report saw the UK, Spain, Bulgaria, and Portugal in the mix of sixteen locations looked at, but it was Turkey’s Marmaris which emerged as the cheapest family holiday destination for 2025. The Post Office Travel Money research found Marmaris offers British tourists a full holiday for almost half the price of the priciest destinations including Spain’s Ibiza. Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach and Portugal’s Algarve also proffered top travel value, coming in second and third, respectively, though Turkey took most of the top positions due to the lucrative exchange rate and rock-bottom local costs. This represents a continuing UK trend for travellers increasingly looking at holidaying in places that give bang for their buck, whilst not skimping on what the destination can offer.
Marmaris Tops the List as the World’s Most Affordable Holiday Destination for UK Tourists, Offering Unmatched Value Amid Rising Global Travel Costs
In a comprehensive cost comparison conducted by Post Office Travel Money, Marmaris in Turkey has emerged as the most affordable holiday destination for British travelers in 2025. The report, which analyzed sixteen popular international holiday spots, revealed that the Turkish port city offers the lowest prices for a typical basket of ten tourist essentials. With its combination of scenic views, Mediterranean charm, and wallet-friendly pricing, Marmaris is proving to be the best bet for holidaymakers who want luxury without the hefty price tag.
The report shows that travelers to Marmaris can enjoy a full three-course meal for a family of four—two adults and two children—complete with wine and soft drinks, for only sixty-seven pounds and sixty-seven pence. This figure stands in stark contrast to the same offering in other locations, especially in higher-end destinations where the same experience could cost double or more. The overall affordability in Marmaris doesn’t stop at dining out. Essential tourist purchases are also remarkably low:
- A 1.5-litre bottle of mineral water at a local supermarket is priced at just sixteen pence.
- A bottle or can of cola at a café or bar averages around one pound and eighty-one pence.
- A bottle of insect repellent, a must-have in warm coastal destinations, costs approximately two pounds and sixty-one pence.
These low prices make Marmaris not only an appealing summer escape but also a destination that enables families to stay longer, experience more, and spend less. According to the report, the exceptionally low prices are largely the result of a significant decline in the value of the Turkish lira, which has boosted the purchasing power of foreign currencies like the British pound. As a result, UK tourists are experiencing exceptional value for money across the board.
Marmaris isn’t the only destination offering relief from skyrocketing travel prices. Sunny Beach in Bulgaria secured the second position in the affordability ranking. Known for its wide sandy beaches and budget-friendly resorts, Sunny Beach continues to attract families and backpackers alike. Close behind is Portugal’s Algarve, which took third place. The Algarve region, famous for its picturesque cliffs and golden coastlines, has remained a firm favorite among British travelers looking for a Mediterranean experience without Mediterranean prices.
Even though the cost of travel has generally risen across the globe, British visitors to Marmaris are seeing only a modest increase of around ten percent in comparison to last year’s prices. This increase is significantly lower than in many other parts of Europe and the world, where inflation, supply chain challenges, and increased demand have pushed tourist prices upward at a much steeper rate.
When the Post Office Travel Money survey compared the full basket of goods in each location, the total cost in Marmaris came to one hundred twenty-eight pounds and ninety-nine pence. This is almost half the price of the same items in Ibiza, Spain, which was the most expensive location on the list, with a total of two hundred forty-two pounds and seventy-nine pence. This massive price difference underscores why budget-conscious travelers are choosing destinations like Marmaris over flashier but costlier alternatives.
The value on offer in Marmaris extends beyond food and drink. The destination also boasts affordable accommodation, activities, and excursions. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, historical site visits, and local shopping without significantly straining their wallets. From exploring ancient ruins to enjoying fresh seafood by the water, the experience remains authentic and rich without the inflated costs often seen in more commercialized destinations.
Another factor driving interest in Turkey is its increasing connectivity with the UK. Several low-cost carriers operate frequent flights to Dalaman, the nearest airport to Marmaris, making the city not only affordable once you arrive but also accessible at a low upfront cost. Combined with visa-free travel for British passport holders, the country offers an easy gateway to a full-value holiday experience.
As summer travel plans take shape, families, solo travelers, and retirees alike are searching for destinations that won’t blow their budgets. Marmaris is now leading the pack with its unbeatable combination of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and low cost of living. It is quickly becoming a symbol of smart travel for value-driven tourists from the UK and beyond.
According to the research done by the company UK, Spain, Bulgaria, and Portugal were all among the most expensive countries for a cheap family holiday in 2025, but Turkey – also popular for those in search of a cheap summer holiday – stood out as the cheapest country for any holiday type. Thanks to Marmaris’ rock-bottom prices for meals, drink and essentials, British holidaymakers now prefer the Middle Eastern nation over pricier Spain.
With currencies still up and down in value and the cost of living crisis continuing to squeeze cash from family budgets, places like Marmaris are increasingly relevant. To those from Britain who crave relaxation, sunshine and memories that last without breaking the bank – Marmaris has a message: paradise doesn’t have to cost the earth.
