It can sometimes be hard to choose where to go on holiday. Travel booking sites and articles for holiday inspiration can make everywhere sound amazing, which isn’t always helpful. Especially not when you are working with a budget.
Whilst some flights to certain places can be really cheap, the destination itself may not be. Alternatively, a flight could be more expensive but when at your destination, local prices for things such as your accommodation or meals out, could be a bargain.
With this in mind, Mirror Travel have found how much a holiday actually costs in some of the most popular destinations in Spain. All of the following are based on a holiday from Monday 11 August to Sunday 17 August, 2025.
Majorca
Majorca may have a reputation for delivering cheap sun, sea, sand and fun, but is the resort actually that good value?
A return flight to the sun-drenched for the specified dates costs from £122 from Edinburgh, £127 from London, and £136 from Manchester.
Regarding accommodation prices, the cheapest we could find for the August dates is at Sa Fita Backpackers – Albergue Juvenil. The price would be £175 total, for a single bed in a mixed 10 bed dorm. The hostel is around 14.9 miles from Palma Airport and the beach is just under five miles away.
Alternatively, you could stay at the popular Eques Petit Resort, which has Cala Petita Beach just 300 metres away and Cala Gran Beach just 700 metres from the property. Palma de Mallorca Airport is 60 km away, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. For the dates in August, a stay costs £1,555 for two guests.
At a nearby bar, Yate’s, a bottle of Heineken costs €3.90 (£3.20) or 50 CL of Estrella Damm costs €4.50 (£3.73)
Barcelona
The city of Barcelona has recently been facing protests against overtourism, as locals grow tired of the rising cost of everyday essentials. But how much does it cost the average tourist?
Flights to Barcelona between August 11 and 17 cost £79 from Nottingham, £114 from Bristol and £121 from London. Barcelona has a wide range of choice when it comes to accommodation, including Airbnbs which are set to be banned in 2027. Once hotel, Ciutat Vella, is very centrally located and a room for the August dates cost £784 for a child and an adult.
Also centrally located is Balmes Private Rooms, only 500 metres from Passeig de Gracia. All guest rooms in the hostel are equipped with a kettle. For the August dates, it would cost £338.
The city also has a vibrant nightlife, so you won’t be short of bars. One destination is Ølgod Brewpub, where you can get a table with five types of beer of your choice for €15 (£12.44), equalling €3 per beer (£2.49). Non-beer fans can also grab a glass of wine for €4 (£3.32).
Tenerife
Tenerife is often thought to be a family-friendly destination, but can it still be done for a reasonable price?
Flights to Tenerife for a holiday between August 11 and 17 cost £195 from Edinburgh, £209 from Glasgow and £257 from Bristol.
If you are on a super tight budget, there are some cheap options when it comes to accommodation in Tenerife. For example, Las Eras Nest Hostel costs £97, and features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a private beach area and terrace. The property is also located only 100 metres from Las Carretas Beach and Tenerife South Airport is 15.5 miles from the property.
Alternatively, you could stay at the pretty Hotel Marquesa, which was built in 1712 and offers stunning views of Mount Teide. Jardín Beach is only 700 metres away and the hotel is surrounded by a selection of restaurants and bars. A stay for the week would cost £307 per adult, with breakfast included.
The island also has great choices when it comes to eating out and heading for a drink. For example, at Elvis Bar you can get two bottles of San Miguel for €5 (£4.14) or a pint of lager for €2 (£1.65).
Benidorm
Partygoers have fled to Benidorm for years, but is it a party on the cheap or one that will break your bank?
To get to Benidorm, you will need to fly to Alicante Airport, and then take a 40 minute drive or an hour and 15 minute bus ride to Benidorm. Flights cost £121 from Glasgow, £132 from Bristol and £145 from Manchester.
When it comes to accommodation, Hotel Molí Beach in the Old Town is only 400 metres from Levante Beach and 500 metres from Mal Pas Beach and costs £382 for a single bed. It is also within 100 metres of the city centre.
If you are wanting something a little more upmarket, you could stay at Hotel Caballo de Oro set 500 metres from Levante Beach. The hotel also has a shared swimming pool, sun terrace, and nightclub and is a 700-metre walk from Benidorm old town. It costs £499 for single toom including breakfast.
Benidorm is often known for its party scene and therefore you won’t be short of bars. The Tiki Beach Bar, located on the seafront in the town, offers five bottles of Heineken, Sol, Corona, San Miguel, Budweiser or Desperados for €16 (£13.23), which equals €3.20 (£2.64) per bottle.
Conclusion
Travelling in peak season is undeniably expensive. Whilst solo travelling during these months can be kept in line with a low budget, flying and staying in a hotel at these destinations can cause the price of your holiday to add up quick. The one benefit may be that when you get there, your drinks will be cheaper than in the UK.