Leaving behind the gray of winter for a few sunny days is a temptation that’s hard to resist. Before booking, though, it’s wise to know where the budget goes furthest. Beyond flights and accommodation, the final cost of a vacation is also influenced by everyday small expenses: a coffee at a café, a sunset beer, a dinner out.
This was calculated by Post Office Travel Money, which, with its new Winter Sun Holiday Costs Barometer, compared 24 destinations worldwide. The method is simple: for each destination, the price of a fixed basket of eight typical vacation items was calculated, namely a cup of coffee, a local beer, a soft drink, a glass of wine, a bottle of water, sunscreen, an insect repellent, and a three-course dinner for two with wine.
The result? Some destinations far from Italy are cheaper, but there are also European destinations worth considering for next winter.
Algarve, Costa del Sol and Tenerife: the most affordable European destinations
In the top 10, the Algarve appears, in sixth place, with a basket worth about 96 euros. Winter temperatures are lower than those of exotic destinations, but the southernmost region of Portugal remains ideal for those seeking a bit of sun without facing intercontinental flights.
Right behind, in seventh place, is the Costa del Sol with around 97 euros. The mild climate and frequent air connections make it one of the most beloved winter getaways. Here you can blend a stroll through the museums and the alleyways of Málaga with a beach day, or venture to places like Marbella and Fuengirola.
Completing the European podium is Tenerife, eighth with around 101 euros. The largest island of the Canaries is synonymous with warm weather all year round and volcanic landscapes. You can hike up to the Teide National Park, head out to sea to spot whales and dolphins, or simply enjoy the beaches. Between resorts, restaurants and family activities, it offers a good balance of sun, convenience, and price.
The top 10 warm destinations with the lowest cost for winter 2026
The first place goes to Africa: Cape Town is the most affordable destination overall, with a basket of about 68 euros, down 9.7% since March thanks largely to a drop in local prices. Next comes Mombasa, in Kenya, where prices have remained stable. Surprisingly, in third place there is Tokyo, which has little heat in winter, but remains the most competitive Asian destination, despite a 7.7% rise.
Here is the full ranking (with indicative basket prices):
- Cape Town, South Africa – 68 euros;
- Mombasa, Kenya – 74 euros;
- Tokyo, Japan – 77 euros;
- Colombo, Sri Lanka – 87 euros;
- Phuket, Thailand – 89 euros;
- Algarve, Portugal – 96 euros;
- Costa del Sol, Spain – 97 euros;
- Tenerife, Canary Islands – 101 euros;
- Penang, Malaysia – 104 euros;
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – 104 euros.
