The stunning island crowned cheapest place for a European holiday by Which? – with 15 beaches and whitewashed houses
THE cheapest package holidays in Europe have been revealed – and a little-known island in the Med has bagged the top spot.
Consumer watchdog Which? analysed more than 4,500 package holidays in 15 European countries to find the least expensive.
The consumer watchdog compared prices during the first week of August to find the cheapest package holiday deal.
Holiday spots in low-cost destinations like Bulgaria and Turkey were notably absent from the research.
This is because of the type of package holidays currently available in the holiday destinations.
Kalymnos, a lesser-known Greek island near Kos, has the cheapest package holidays in Europe, according to the consumer watchdog.
Part of the Dodecanese Island group, the tiny island is home to secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Pothia, the island’s capital, has the most competitively priced resort on the island, with the holidays costing £794 per person in the first week of August.
Meanwhile, the island’s most popular beach resort, Massouri, has the most expensive holiday package on Kalymnos, with week-long stays costing £856 per person.
Even though the island remains relatively untouched by hordes of holidaymakers, there are plenty of things to do on the island, including 15 beaches to choose from.
One of those is Myrties beach – pebble beach located just 8km from Pothia.
There are plenty of sandy beaches on the island, including Kantouni Beach, which is said to be a favourite spot among locals.
Other beaches include Emporio Beach, Platis Yialos Beach, Melitsahas Beach and Akti Beach.
Other local attractions include a visit to the Sponge Factory, which pays homage to the island’s history of Sponge Fishing.
There’s also the Sea World Museum.
Located in Vlychadia village, the museum boasts a private collection of marine memorabilia like shells, sponges and corals.
Other museums on the island include the Archeological Museum, the Folklore Museum and the Maritime Museum.
There’s also the Castle of Chryssocheria, the Church of the Christ and Kefala cave.
Kalymnos is also a well-known destination for rock climbing thanks to its granite mountains, with an international climbing festival taking place on the island every autumn.
Direct flights operate between Athens and Kalymnos, alternatively, Brit holidaymakers can fly to Kos before getting a ferry to the island.
Taking a close second place behind Kalymnos are Greek islands Thassos, at £862 per person, and Lefkada, at £935 per person.
The Costa Brava took fourth place. While the overall average price for this region comes in at £952, Which? found prices between resorts could vary significantly – a stay in Malgrat de Mar, with its promenade of beachfront bars, Blue Flag beach and easy access to Barcelona costs just £839pp – £120 cheaper than its brasher and better-known neighbour Lloret de Mar.
The Venetian Riviera (Lido di Jesolo) was the cheapest spot in Italy, at £965 per person, while the swanky Amalfi coast was close behind on £977.
Skopelos, Greece (made famous by Mamma Mia!), the Costa de Luz, Spain, Campania, Italy, and Malta finished the top ten – with the latter being the only destination to top £1,000 per person for a week’s stay.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “Travelling in the summer holidays is notoriously expensive, and demand is again high this year – but our latest price analysis shows that by being flexible on your destination, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds.
“Many of the locations we found aren’t those you’d necessarily assume would be the cheapest – but from tiny, traditional Greek islands to the glitzy Amalfi coast, there are bargains to be found this summer.”
The Sun's travel expert Lisa Minot answers your holiday dilemmas - ask her anything
Maybe you're worried about an upcoming trip abroad or you want some advice on an affordable place to visit - if so, The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot is here to help.
Lisa will be taking part in a Live Q&A with readers at midday next Tuesday (April 23).
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