IF there’s one thing I’ve learnt after years sniffing out sunshine for a living, it’s this: once the Brits discover somewhere, the prices shoot up quick.
With the holiday world about to tilt again, Turkey’s getting busier, Spain’s getting dearer, and Britain’s getting itchy feet – so where should you holiday in 2026? Let me tell you…
For bragging rights and bargains next year, you’ve got to look where everyone else isn’t looking – the places just about to go big.
As a cheap holiday expert and a holiday influencer, I’m here to tell you to forget Benidorm, bin the bucket hats, and get your passport ready – these ten unknown spots should be top of your book-it list for 2026.
Mahdia, Tunisia
Forget what you think you know about Tunisia.
Mahdia is a calmer cousin to the bigger resorts in a classic destination.
It’s a little fishing town where the beaches look photoshopped and the hotel prices feel like a typo.
You still get the “no wallet, no worries” all-inclusive deals, but the streets are quiet, the sea is a deep blue, and a 7-night all-inclusive break at Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park can come in from £191pp.
By the time everyone else catches on, you’ll be the one saying, “Oh, Mahdia? Yeah, we went before everyone else did.”
Sharks Bay, Egypt
Shark’s Bay is Sharm El Sheikh, but 20 per cent smarter.
It sits just up the road from the main resort in Sharm, meaning you get the same Red Sea sparkle and coral-reef snorkelling for a chunk less cash.
The hotels are polished, the weather’s basically perfect year-round, and you’ll spend half your holiday underwater finding Nemo.
All-inclusive packages at Grand Oasis Resort are popping up from £226pp, and trust me, Egypt’s heading for a serious comeback.
Get in here before the masses do.
Turunç, Turkey
A hidden pocket past Marmaris, reached by a winding coastal road that deserves its own Bond chase scene.
Turunç is where you go when you want the Turkish Riviera without the thumping nightlife.
Pine-clad hills, warm sea, Blue Flag beaches, and prices that still make you do a double-take.
I found 7 nights at Loryma Resort Hotel from £241pp in September, and the smug glow of saying “we stayed in Turunç” instead of “near Marmaris”.
Obzor, Bulgaria
I know, Bulgaria doesn’t scream glamour, but Obzor’s the kind of place you tell your friends about and they don’t believe the price.
It’s got a five-mile beach, clean hotels, and ice-cold beers for about £1.
You could take the whole family, let the kids run wild on the sand, and still come home with money in your jeans.
I’ve seen beachside packages at Obzor Beach Resort going from as little as £189pp – and that’s for summer, not October.
Petrovac, Montenegro
If Budva’s the flashy party town, then Petrovac is the moodier, prettier sibling.
You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across Europe’s best-kept secret, with Terracotta roofs, wine bars, and a seafront that glows at sunset.
Montenegro’s still shaking off “hidden gem” status, which means you can nab four-star stays for three-star prices.
I’ve clocked deals at the four-star hotel Riva starting around £384pp, and you’ll still have enough left for a bottle of local Vranac wine with dinner.
Taghazout, Morocco
You’ve probably heard of Agadir, but what about Taghazout?
It’s Morocco’s new surf-meets-spa hub: yoga on the beach in the morning, on the beers by sunset.
It’s not the cheapest on the list, but for the quality and style of holiday you get in Taghazout, the value is almost unmatched across the world.
It’s one of the more popular spots on the list too, and still prices are lovely and low.
I’ve spotted week-long stays at Radisson Blu Resort Taghazout Bay Surf Village from £363pp.
Think Atlantic waves, golden light and laid-back vibes for half what you’d pay on the Med.
Roquetas de Mar, Spain
Spain’s best bargain right now hides down south in Almería.
Roquetas still does all the classics – big beaches, little tapas bars, long evenings with cold beers – but without the British stampede or price tag.
You’ll find four-star hotels for what Costa del Sol charges for two-stars, and the locals are still delighted to see you.
Early-bird packages at Alegria Colonial Mar are sneaking in from as low as £212pp.
Tavira, Portugal
This is the Algarve turned down to “chill”.
Tavira’s cobbled streets and island beaches feel almost secret compared with the hen-party hotspots further west.
The ferry ride to the sandbanks is worth the airfare alone.
Portugal’s about to rediscover its affordable side – if you’re quick, you can still bag a week in Tavira at the Golden Club Cabanas from £192pp.
Call it “Portugal for grown-ups” and start prepare for some of the world’s best pastel-de-natas.
Cavtat, Croatia
Recently, it feels as though Dubrovnik’s prices have lost the plot.
Cavtat, half an hour down the coast, is the antidote: pine-fringed bays, harbourside dinners, and that same shimmer, just minus the coach tours.
It’s the kind of place you’ll want to gatekeep, mainly because of the value right now.
I’ve seen great value autumn trips at the Bacan Family Apartments from just £252pp.
Croatia’s never looked so good for so little.
Santa Maria, Cape Verde
Fancy the Caribbean without the 9-hour flight or the 9-grand bill?
Cape Verde’s the smart move in 2026 – specifically Santa Maria on Sal Island.
It’s all year sunshine, white-sand beaches, and resort life done right.
Prices are quietly brilliant: I’ve seen 7-night stays at Porto Antigo Residence from around £374pp.
Perfect long-haul sun for the cost of a summer week in Spain.
Just don’t tell everyone, we’ll lose our secret.