**Marmaris Tops the Chart as Most Affordable Destination for British Holidaymakers**
Families planning a summer escape have a new top contender for budget-friendly fun: Marmaris in Turkey. Recent analysis places this picturesque port city as the most cost-effective option for UK travellers looking for sun, sea and savings, with prices leaving many rival hotspots in the shade.
The latest Post Office Travel Money report compared costs across 16 popular short-haul destinations, examining a ‘basket’ of ten staple tourist items, including dining and daily essentials. Their findings reveal that Marmaris offers incredible value, making it a desirable alternative for families conscious of holiday budgets during a time of rising travel costs elsewhere.
According to the study, a three-course meal for a family of four – including wine for adults and soft drinks for children – would cost less than £70 in Marmaris. Supermarket staples are just as affordable, with a large bottle of mineral water priced at just 16p, a soft drink in a café or bar coming in at £1.81, and a bottle of insect repellent selling for £2.61. These figures offer a striking contrast for travellers used to higher price tags in other leading European resorts.
The reason for such competitive pricing can partly be traced to the significant decline in the value of the Turkish lira. While local prices have climbed due to inflation, the advantageous exchange rate for British sterling means UK visitors still enjoy remarkable affordability. Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at the Post Office, explained that this currency situation has helped Turkish destinations become particularly attractive for families. “Visitors should be aware that while sterling is worth substantially more than last summer, local prices have soared due to the currency’s depreciation. Nevertheless, British holidaymakers are paying only about 10% more than last year, far less of an increase than seen in other European hotspots.”
When compared to other destinations surveyed, the figures from Marmaris stand out. The total cost for the selected basket of goods was roughly £129, almost half the amount recorded in Ibiza, the study’s most expensive location, where the same items cost nearly £243. Price hikes for British tourists were seen in 13 out of the 16 locations surveyed, underlining the growing pressure on family holiday budgets.
Other traditionally low-cost destinations featured in the survey include Sunny Beach in Bulgaria as the second most affordable resort, while Portugal’s Algarve took third place. However, striking differences were found even within eurozone locations, with the Algarve’s basket of goods totalling almost £100 less than that of Ibiza. This diversity in pricing across destinations underlines the importance for holidaymakers to research thoroughly before setting off.
Ms Plunkett emphasised: “The research highlights significant price gaps between various resorts, especially within the eurozone. British travellers would do well to check up-to-date prices and prepare accordingly to ensure their travel funds cover all costs at their chosen location.”
The findings come at a time when families are facing increasing financial pressures both at home and abroad. With airfares and accommodation prices on the rise across Europe, the appeal of destinations where everyday costs allow for greater spending flexibility has never been more acute. The possibility of saving up to £130 on weekly groceries, or enjoying family meals for a fraction of the price found in other top European resorts, is likely to be a decisive factor for many.
As more British travellers look to stretch their holiday budgets further in 2025, the rankings are a timely reminder that careful planning and consideration of less conventional destinations can unlock significant savings. Marmaris, with its natural beauty and outstanding affordability, is set to be a key player for those seeking both adventure and value under the Mediterranean sun.