Summer 2026 Holiday Prices Compared: Bulgaria Remains the Cheapest Option

Summer 2026 has already begun, and early forecasts suggest that holiday costs across Europe will remain elevated. Rising inflation in supply chains, higher labor expenses, and continued strong international tourism demand are among the main factors pushing prices upward. A comparison of Bulgaria, Northern Greece, Croatia, and Southern Italy shows clear differences in overall affordability. Social media discussions in Bulgaria increasingly highlight concerns about higher seaside costs, although the country still remains the most budget-friendly option among the destinations analyzed. On average, beach equipment such as umbrellas and sunbeds costs around €15 per day nationwide, with some exceptions where prices are significantly lower, particularly in parts of the Burgas area where symbolic rates can be found. By comparison, Northern Greece averages around €20 per set, often linked to mandatory consumption rules, while Croatia and Southern Italy typically range between €25 and €40 per day depending on location and season. In Bulgaria, southern resorts such as Primorsko and Kiten continue to offer relatively lower restaurant prices, while Sozopol and Lozenets are gradually converging with Greek-level pricing for seafood dishes. In the north, destinations like Golden Sands and Albena generally have higher accommodation costs, although restaurant menus remain comparatively close to southern Black Sea levels. Northern Greece has introduced stricter beach regulations aimed at increasing free-access zones, with at least half of many beaches required to remain open. This has reduced available space in beach bars and contributed to higher prices. In popular locations, visitors often face minimum consumption requirements of €20–€30 per person, while peak season may also include additional fixed charges for beach sets. The traditional “coffee-for-a-sunbed” arrangement has largely disappeared in major resorts. Croatia continues to stand out as the most expensive destination in the comparison. In regions such as Istria and Kvarner, daily rental of umbrellas and sunbeds averages around €30, while in high-demand areas like Dubrovnik and Hvar prices can exceed €50. Seafood dining is positioned in the upper price segment, prompting many visitors to opt for free rocky beaches instead. Southern Italy presents a mixed picture, combining relatively affordable food with higher beach service costs. Most attractive sandy beaches are privately managed, and daily rental of beach equipment typically ranges between €25 and €35. Early booking is increasingly recommended. At the same time, everyday food items remain comparatively accessible, with espresso prices at the bar as low as €1.20-€1.50 and traditional pizza in southern regions still available for €6–€8 in some areas. A cross-country price overview shows Bulgaria consistently offering the lowest costs for most categories, especially accommodation and basic services. Greece follows, with moderate pricing but rising restrictions and consumption requirements. Italy and Croatia remain significantly more expensive, particularly in peak tourist regions. Hotel prices reinforce this pattern. In Bulgaria, three-star accommodation ranges roughly between €55 and €100 per night. In Greece, similar options extend up to around €140. In Southern Italy, prices typically range between €100 and €170, while Croatia records the highest levels, often between €110 and €200 per night. Despite the differences, analysts note that careful planning and early booking can still significantly reduce overall holiday expenses across all destinations, with final costs depending heavily on timing, location, and type of service selected.