The Greek islands of Kos, Rhodes, Corfu and Crete are among Europe’s best-value family holiday destinations for British families this summer, according to the latest Family Holiday Report by Post Office Travel Money.
Among them, Kos emerged as the most affordable Greek destination in the survey, followed by Rhodes, whilst all four islands ranked ahead of several rival European holiday destinations.
In its annual Family Holiday Report, the company partnered with travel and leisure operator TUI to highlight British families’ continued enthusiasm for overseas travel, despite the ongoing economic uncertainty linked to the global events of 2026.
The report surveyed 22 European destinations, including six newly added for 2026, with data reflecting exchange rates as at July 2026.
Overall costs favour Kos and Rhodes
The islands of Kos and Rhodes They rank 12th and 13th out of 22 European resorts in terms of overall family holiday costs, making both of them among the more affordable options this summer.
Kos totals 181.38 British pounds for a basket of tourist items including meals, drinks, sun cream and insect repellent, whilst Rhodes continues at 186.10 British pounds. Both are ranked ahead of Poreč, Croatia, Puglia, Italy, Paphos, Cyprus, and Sliema, Malta.
Corfu ran 16th with a total of 204.34 British pounds, undercutting Zadar, Croatia, both of whom were surveyed Balearic Islands resorts, Funchal, Madeira, and Sorrento, Italy. Crete rounds off the Greek entries in 20th place, with a total of 221.57 British pounds, still cheaper than Funchal and Sorrento.
Greek islands score highly in the Children’s Beach Barometer
In the report’s Children’s Beach Barometer, covering items such as inflatable lilos, snorkelling kits, ice creams and visits to water parks, Rhodes is ranked 11th at 251.55 British pounds, ahead of Sorrento and several Spanish, Balearic, and Croatian resorts.
Kos follows in 13th place with 259.52 British pounds, also beating several Spanish and Canary Islands entries. Crete and Corfu ranked 20th and 21st, at 277.75 British pounds and 281.28 British pounds respectively.
Families are budgeting more but are still overspending
Despite budgetary pressures at home, families are largely maintaining their holiday spending: 46 per cent said they plan to set aside more money for their next trip abroad to cover rising costs, whilst just 11 per cent intend to cut back.
Even so, overspending remains common. More than four out of five families who set a holiday budget for their last trip abroad ended up exceeding it, by an average of 380 British pounds, or 49 per cent over their original budget. Only 15 per cent stuck to what they had planned to spend.
“Fortunately, the pound has proved remarkably resilient in recent weeks and has seen its value rise against the euro in particular,” said Laura Plunkett, Head of Post Office Travel Money.
The report notes that, in addition to flights and accommodation, day-to-day spending at the destination has become an increasingly important factor in choosing a family holiday, as it can significantly affect the overall cost of a trip.
Source: news.gtp.gr