The cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates are really interfering with our plans to holiday. But thankfully falling airfare prices and – with a bit of research – choosing an affordable destination, can turn our travel dreams into a reality. 

New research by Which?, a not for profit company that  promotes informed consumer choice in the purchase of goods and services, has revealed which is the cheapest destination to book in Europe this year. 

The research collated data from more than 4,500 package holidays across 70 regions in 15 European countries, to find the best deals during the peak summer break period, where prices are at the highest. The average price of each holiday was based on two people sharing a double or twin room over seven nights, departing on or around August 3. 

So which spot came in as the most affordable? That would be Greece’s lesser-known island of Kalymnos. In fact, Greece nabbed the first three spots in the consumer champion’s ranking. Following Kalymnos were the islands of Thassos and Lefkada. While Greece is home to some of the most overcrowded and expensive spots in Europe – we’re looking at you Santorini and Mykonos – it also has under-the-radar islands that remain spots that only locals holiday at. 

Here are the top 10 European destinations deemed to be the most affordable during peak season:

1. Kalymnos, Greece: £847 pp
2. Thassos, Greece: £862 pp
3. Lefkada, Greece: £935 pp
4. Costa Brava, Spain: £952 pp
5. Venetian Riviera, Italy: £965 pp
6. Amalfi Coast, Italy: £977pp
7. Skopelos, Greece: £985 pp
8. Costa de la Luz, Spain: £994 pp
9. Campania, Italy: £998 pp
10. Malta: £1,006 pp

Surprisingly, one of our top rated European spots to holiday without breaking the bank was left off the list, which you can discover here. But if it’s lesser-known Greek isles you’re after, here are 11 of the best Greek islands you’ve probably never heard of. 

Related story: The 15 Greek islands you can’t skip on your next trip