Bilbao, Wroclaw and Bordeaux are among the best-value travel destinations for 2027, according to a new analysis by travel search platform Skyscanner, which identifies cities where travellers could pay significantly less for flights and accommodation.
With household budgets still under pressure across Europe, many holidaymakers are becoming more careful about how they spend their travel money. Rather than giving up holidays altogether, travellers are increasingly considering alternative destinations where they can enjoy a city break or longer holiday without paying the higher prices associated with some of Europe’s most popular tourist centres.
Skyscanner’s latest ranking highlights destinations where airfares have fallen compared with the previous year, with some cities recording substantial reductions. Its analysis is based on changes in economy-class return flight prices booked during the first half of the year for travel throughout 2026, compared with bookings made during the same period in 2025. Accommodation prices were also considered when assessing the value offered by each destination.
Skyscanner CEO Bryan Batista said travellers were becoming more deliberate about their spending decisions and the experiences they wanted from their holidays.
“As people become more intentional about how they spend their time and money, they’re making different choices about where they go, how they book and what creates lasting value,” Batista said.
He added that travellers were placing greater importance on meaningful experiences, booking with confidence and, in some cases, using artificial intelligence to help plan their trips.
Spain’s Bilbao takes the top position in the ranking, recording a 66 per cent drop in flight prices and a 63 per cent reduction in hotel costs compared with 2025. The figures make the Basque Country city one of the most attractive options for travellers looking for a European holiday at a lower cost.
Bilbao offers considerably more than an opportunity to save on travel expenses. The city is internationally recognised for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, whose distinctive architecture has become one of its most recognisable landmarks. Its food culture is another major attraction, particularly its pintxos, the small dishes traditionally served in bars across the Basque Country. Visitors can explore the city’s historic streets, enjoy its restaurants and experience a regional food tradition that remains central to local life.
Poland’s Wroclaw ranks second, with return flight prices down by 47 per cent. The city also offers more affordable hotel accommodation than several other major Polish destinations, making it an option worth considering for travellers who want to explore the country without spending as much on accommodation.
With a history stretching back more than 1,000 years, Wroclaw combines historic architecture, cultural attractions and a lively city atmosphere. Cathedral Island, known locally as Ostrow Tumski, is among its most distinctive areas. Its gas lanterns are still lit by hand each evening, giving the historic district a character that sets it apart from many modern European city centres. Another important attraction is Centennial Hall, a UNESCO-listed architectural landmark recognised for its pioneering use of reinforced concrete.
Bordeaux in France occupies third place, with flight prices falling by 34 per cent and hotel rates decreasing by 9 per cent. The city is particularly appealing to visitors interested in wine, architecture and French food culture. Its historic centre, established wine reputation and access to the surrounding vineyards make it an attractive destination for travellers seeking a combination of urban sightseeing and wine-related experiences.
Switzerland’s Zurich ranks fourth, challenging the city’s reputation as an expensive destination. Skyscanner’s figures show that flight prices have declined by 33 per cent, while hotel costs have fallen by 13 per cent. Although Zurich remains associated with a relatively high cost of living, lower travel and accommodation prices could make visiting the Swiss city more accessible to holidaymakers comparing European destinations.
Ancona, on Italy’s Adriatic coast, completes the top five. Flight prices have dropped by 31 per cent, while hotel costs are down by 13 per cent. The city offers an alternative to Italy’s more heavily visited tourist destinations, with access to the Adriatic coastline and the wider Marche region.
The remaining destinations in the top 10 include Rhodes in Greece, where airfares have fallen by 22 per cent, followed by Pula in Croatia and Carcassonne in France, both recording a 20 per cent reduction. Fez in Morocco ranks ninth, with flight prices down by 19 per cent, while Krabi in Thailand completes the list with a 15 per cent decrease.
The ranking suggests that travellers planning holidays for 2027 may find better value by looking beyond the destinations that traditionally dominate European travel itineraries. However, lower flight prices do not automatically make an entire holiday inexpensive. Travellers should also compare accommodation, local transport, food, attractions and seasonal costs before making a booking.
The figures are based on Skyscanner’s comparison of flight and accommodation prices and should be treated as an indication of changing travel costs rather than a guarantee of what individual travellers will pay. Actual prices will depend on travel dates, booking times, availability and demand.
For holidaymakers willing to consider destinations outside the usual tourist circuit, Bilbao, Wroclaw and Bordeaux offer particularly strong starting points for planning a more affordable trip in 2027.
