Cheapest Spain holidays for Irish travellers this summer listed

Spain is one of Ireland’s most popular summer holiday destinations, but with the price of seemingly everything on the rise it’s becoming harder to find a cheap break. Travel expert team Omio has analysed the best travel destinations in Europe for holidaymakers on a budget – with a number of Spanish destinations making the list. It said: “Travel enriches our lives way more than other activities and hobbies.

When we go on holiday, we leave everyday life and stress behind. Travel broadens our horizons and boosts our self-confidence, it creates unique experiences and new memories that stay with us for years to come. “However, with increased costs, it’s only natural that we want to save our money rather than splurge it on a trip.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to find the best cheap European destinations, so you can still travel.” READ MORE: Ireland weather: Early blast of warm summer heat as Met Eireann issue glorious long-range forecast In order to determine the best cities for a low-budget trip, they selected the 100 most popular travel destinations in Europe.

They looked at cheap activities, food and drink and infrastructure. One Spanish city came top of the list – Granada.

Granada

Omio said: “After evaluating 100 cities in Europe, Granada in southern Spain came out top as the best budget travel destination.

Spain, Andalusia, Province of Granada, Granada, Carrera del Darro, one of the most scenic walks in Granada on the left bank of the River Darro. (Image: Getty Images/Manfred Gottschalk mago-world-image)

“Savvy travellers should plan their next trip to the Andalusian city as it has a wide range of free activities–112 to be exact. This includes the city’s biggest landmark, the Alhambra, where admission costs nothing and is just one of ?10 museums that’s free to enter.

“Classic sightseeing tours in Granada cost around EUR6, a bargain compared to other European cities. Granada’s nightlife also offers savings potential, with 86 bars and nightclubs where beer costs just over EUR2.” It found an average meal for two costs just EUR44, a standard beer is priced at EUR2.19 and fast food comes in at around EUR7.

No airlines currently offer direct flights between Dublin Airport and Granada Airport so most routes have one or more stops. There are currently return flights from London for under EUR95 in July according to Skyscanner.

Valencia

Valencia came fourth on the list of best travel destinations in Europe for travellers on a budget.

Crowded beach in Calp, Valencia, Spain (Image: Getty)

It is a great destination for Irish tourists who want to combine city life with a beach break. The port city has several beaches, an impressive aquarium and museum and an attractive Old Town.

The Omio team found 125 free activities in Valencia and the price of dinner for two came in at an average of EUR39. Meanwhile a standard beer is priced at EUR2.63 and fast food at EUR7. Valencia is also the birthplace of paella which is usually eaten at lunch.

Tourists could also save holiday money by eating out at lunch instead of dinner. Travellers can currently get return flights from Dublin to Valentia for EUR250 in July.

Sevilla

Sevilla came eighth on the list overall. The gorgeous city in Andalucia has 206 free attractions.

Tourists can visit the terrifying Inquisition Museum, wander the Plaza de Espana and visit one of the city’s churches for free.

View looking across the cityscape of the city of Sevilla. (Image: Getty Images)

An average dinner for two comes in at EUR37, while fast food costs EUR7 and a beer is priced at EUR2.19. According to SkyScanner, the cheapest return flights in July from Dublin Airport can be bought for less than EUR240.

Malaga

Malaga was Spain’s fourth cheapest destination and came ninth in the list of 100 budget destinations in Europe.

Playa de Venus, Malaga (Image: Getty Images)

It is known for its stunning beaches, culture, and food and is one of the most visited coastal cities in Andalusia. It’s a go-to destination for travellers wanting to spend summer in Spain but can become busy during the summer months.

A meal for two comes in at EUR37 on average, with a beer priced at EUR2.41 and fast food around EUR7. There are 115 free activities to choose from. The cheapest return flights in July are currently listed at less than EUR150 on Skyscanner.