British travellers are showing a clear preference for international destinations for Easter 2026, with Mediterranean markets dominating search demand, according to research by Holidu.
The data indicates that 25 of the top 30 most-searched destinations are located the UK, highlighting a shift away from domestic coastal breaks towards warmer, southern European locations. Spain emerges as the leading destination, accounting for half of the top ten most popular choices.
Easter Price Index 2026 (GBP)
| 1 | Malaga | Andalusia, Spain | 157 |
| 2 | Albufeira | South Portugal, Portugal | 126 |
| 3 | Benidorm | Valencia Region, Spain | 112 |
| 4 | Palma | Balearic Islands, Spain | 242 |
| 5 | Barcelona | Catalonia, Spain | 298 |
| 6 | London | England, United Kingdom | 248 |
| 7 | Nerja | Andalusia, Spain | 113 |
| 8 | Alicante | Valencia Region, Spain | 126 |
| 9 | Benalmádena | Andalusia, Spain | 116 |
| 10 | Marbella | Andalusia, Spain | 180 |
Among the headline figures, Paphos in Cyprus ranks as the best-value destination with an average nightly rate of £102, while Paris represents the premium end of the market at £317 per night. London is the only UK city to appear in the top ten, ranking sixth with an average cost of £248 per night.
Málaga leads overall demand, ranking as the most searched destination for Easter travel. The Andalusian city offers spring temperatures and an average nightly rate of £157. Spain’s dominance continues with additional destinations in the top ten, including Benidorm (£112) and Nerja (£114), reinforcing the country’s strong positioning across both value and mid-range segments.
The data reflects a broader shift in travel behaviour, with international destinations now representing the majority of demand. While domestic locations such as Whitby (£135) and York (£174) remain present in the wider ranking, they fall outside the top tier of demand.
Price segmentation remains a defining factor in destination choice. Paris leads the premium category, followed by Barcelona at £299 per night. At the same time, more price-sensitive travellers are gravitating towards destinations such as Paphos, which offers comparatively lower accommodation costs within a Mediterranean setting.
Tags: British travellers Easter Holidu.
