The cheapest last-minute all-inclusive holiday destinations have been revealed by Which? – and it’s Morocco and Ibiza that top the table.
The consumer group analysed more than 3,500 package holidays still available to book this summer with the UK’s largest holiday providers, Jet2 and TUI, identifying the cheapest options for a seven-night resort break in the first week of August, across all package types.
Topping the table for cheap all-inclusive breaks are the Moroccan west-coast resorts of Agadir, ‘one of Morocco’s most popular beach destinations’, and nearby Taghazout, ‘a low-key fishing village that doubles up as a surfer’s paradise’, according to Which?.
Which? said: ‘At £1,041 per head for a week on average, it’s this summer’s most wallet-friendly option for all-inclusive sunseekers on a budget.
‘And for those worried that Morocco might be swelteringly hot, fear not: this stretch of coastline is cooled by a refreshing Atlantic breeze.’
Taking a close second place is Ibiza, with Which? noting it as the ‘ideal option for those looking to combine sunshine with buzzing nightlife’.
With an average cost per person of £1,046, Which? said the island is one of the cheapest all-inclusive destinations partly due to the availability of mid-range and keenly-priced properties, with options available from £804 per person.
Dalaman in Turkey and Menorca bag the third and fourth spots on the all-inclusive list, averaging £1,057 and £1,100 per person respectively.
Though all-inclusive holidays can appear to offer a straightforward way to keep holiday costs under control with food, accommodation and drinks all wrapped into the price, previous Which? research has shown some holidaymakers can be stung by unexpected costs.
The consumer group said that it’s essential to check the Ts and Cs carefully before booking to ensure the deal includes all the key elements.
Which? also looked at room-only, self-catering, B&B and half-board packages.
The Turkish resorts of Dalaman (first) and Bodrum (second) top this table, boasting ‘pocket-friendly price tags’ averaging £781 and £800 per person. Which? added: ‘A warning to those not seeking to spend their holiday surgically attached to the pool, however – temperatures around here can easily rise to the mid-thirties during the day.’
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In third place is the Greek island of Kalymnos. Which? noted: ‘At an average of £840 per head, this island allows holidaymakers to step into real-life Mamma Mia without breaking the bank.’
Other ‘wallet-friendly’ Greek destinations include Kefalonia (seventh), averaging £911 per person, Lefkas (eighth) at £929 per person, and Thessaloniki (10th) at £937 per person.
For those looking for something more Roman Holiday than Mamma Mia, Which? described the Campania region (sixth) of Italy as an ‘excellent option’.
Home to the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Pompeii and the island of Capri, holidays here cost £911 per person on average. Which? added: ‘The luxurious Amalfi Coast may set you back more than its neighbours, however, at £931 per person.’
Other good-value options include well-known budget destinations in Antalya, Turkey (fourth), and the coast around Bourgas in Bulgaria (fifth).
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: ‘Our analysis shows you can have your pick of amazing destinations this summer without spending a fortune.
‘There is still plenty of availability at some of the most popular European seaside resorts this summer, but as we get closer to departure dates prices will only increase. Book quickly to get the best price.’