Spain is one of Ireland’s most popular summer holiday destinations, but with the price of seemingly everything on the rise it’s becoming harder to find a cheap break.
Travel expert team Omio has analysed the best travel destinations in Europe for holidaymakers on a budget - with a number of Spanish destinations making the list.
It said: “Travel enriches our lives way more than other activities and hobbies. When we go on holiday, we leave everyday life and stress behind. Travel broadens our horizons and boosts our self-confidence, it creates unique experiences and new memories that stay with us for years to come.
“However, with increased costs, it’s only natural that we want to save our money rather than splurge it on a trip. That’s why we’ve taken the time to find the best cheap European destinations, so you can still travel.”
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In order to determine the best cities for a low-budget trip, they selected the 100 most popular travel destinations in Europe. They looked at cheap activities, food and drink and infrastructure.
One Spanish city came top of the list - Granada.
Granada
Omio said: “After evaluating 100 cities in Europe, Granada in southern Spain came out top as the best budget travel destination.
“Savvy travellers should plan their next trip to the Andalusian city as it has a wide range of free activities—112 to be exact. This includes the city’s biggest landmark, the Alhambra, where admission costs nothing and is just one of 10 museums that’s free to enter.
“Classic sightseeing tours in Granada cost around €6, a bargain compared to other European cities. Granada’s nightlife also offers savings potential, with 86 bars and nightclubs where beer costs just over €2.”
It found an average meal for two costs just €44, a standard beer is priced at €2.19 and fast food comes in at around €7.
No airlines currently offer direct flights between Dublin Airport and Granada Airport so most routes have one or more stops. There are currently return flights from London for under €95 in July according to Skyscanner.
Valencia
Valencia came fourth on the list of best travel destinations in Europe for travellers on a budget.
It is a great destination for Irish tourists who want to combine city life with a beach break. The port city has several beaches, an impressive aquarium and museum and an attractive Old Town.
The Omio team found 125 free activities in Valencia and the price of dinner for two came in at an average of €39. Meanwhile a standard beer is priced at €2.63 and fast food at €7.
Valencia is also the birthplace of paella which is usually eaten at lunch. Tourists could also save holiday money by eating out at lunch instead of dinner.
Travellers can currently get return flights from Dublin to Valentia for €250 in July.
Sevilla
Sevilla came eighth on the list overall. The gorgeous city in Andalucia has 206 free attractions. Tourists can visit the terrifying Inquisition Museum, wander the Plaza de Espana and visit one of the city’s churches for free.
An average dinner for two comes in at €37, while fast food costs €7 and a beer is priced at €2.19.
According to SkyScanner, the cheapest return flights in July from Dublin Airport can be bought for less than €240.
Malaga
Malaga was Spain's fourth cheapest destination and came ninth in the list of 100 budget destinations in Europe.
It is known for its stunning beaches, culture, and food and is one of the most visited coastal cities in Andalusia. It's a go-to destination for travellers wanting to spend summer in Spain but can become busy during the summer months.
A meal for two comes in at €37 on average, with a beer priced at €2.41 and fast food around €7. There are 115 free activities to choose from.
The cheapest return flights in July are currently listed at less than €150 on Skyscanner.
The rest
Other Spanish destinations that make up the list include Barcelona, Alicante, Murcia and Madrid.
You can check the full list of the 100 best travel destinations in Europe for travellers on a budget on Omio’s website here.
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