With many British travellers flocking to the same European destinations each summer, it often pays to choose an alternative destination that provides a similar atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. And with the average Brit spending £253 on flights for a holiday in Europe, even the day of the week you fly can make a significant difference to the price.
In its 2026 Smarter Summer Report, Skyscanner has revealed 10 leading destinations that offer the same sunshine, scenery, and city energy as popular, more expensive hotspots, but with lower costs and smaller crowds.
Top 10 Cheapest Destinations
Taking the lead with an average seat price of £72 is Dortmund, the ninth-largest city in Germany, known for its culture, including Borussia Dortmund football club, its art scene, Art Nouveau architecture, and beer production. A round-trip from Luton to Dortmund costs £62 with Wizz Air when flying during the cheapest week for travel (w/c 7th July), with flights for a three-night break taking one hour and 20 minutes. However, prices increase by more than £200 for w/c 3rd August, with Wizz Air fares rising to £284. Saturday is surprisingly the least expensive day to travel; on 4th July, Wizz Air flights to Dortmund from Luton are £31, but £86 the next day, saving over £50 by flying a day earlier.
Cork in Ireland comes second, offering average seat prices of £83. Holidaymakers in this Irish city can explore wild peninsulas, intriguing islands, the former prison fortress of Spike Island, and Cork's own stout, Murphy's.
Luxembourg places third with an average seat price of £86, serving as an alternative to Europe's most popular hubs due to its location between Belgium, France, and Germany.
In fourth place with an average seat price of £89 is Castellon de la Plana in Spain, situated north of Valencia, offering sandy beaches, chic beach clubs, vast vineyards, and plenty of parks.
Rounding out the top five is Baden-Baden in Germany, with £89 flights. Located near the breathtaking Black Forest, this spa town was known as the 'Summer Capital of Europe', offering wellness oases, historic architecture, and lush nature.
In sixth place is Eindhoven in The Netherlands (£94 flights), followed by Italy's Turin in seventh (£102 flights), and Germany's Cologne in eighth (£114 flights). Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, places ninth with £123 flights, and rounding out the top ten is Trapani in Italy, with £125 flights, crystal clear sea, and breathtaking islands.
Cheapest Destinations to Fly to This Summer
- 1. Dortmund, Germany - £72
- 2. Cork, Ireland - £83
- 3. Luxembourg - £86
- 4. Castellon de la Plana, Spain - £89
- 5. Baden-Baden, Germany - £89
- 6. Eindhoven, Netherlands - £94
- 7. Turin, Italy - £102
- 8. Cologne, Germany - £114
- 9. Jersey - £123
- 10. Trapani, Italy - £125
Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner Travel Expert, commented: 'Summer holidays are special, but for many travellers still looking to book, the planning side requires more thought than ever. That's why this year's Smarter Summer Report is designed to help people make more confident choices on when and where to travel, using Skyscanner's proprietary data to highlight smarter timings, better-value options and alternative destinations. In a more changeable travel environment, checking live prices and staying flexible on where and when you travel can go a long way when it comes to finding better value. More importantly, travellers should stay informed and check the latest travel advice before booking.'
