The Algarve in Portugal took first place among European destinations.
To get through the mood slump that most people face, a trip to a sunny place seems like a great option. But at the same time, as Euronews writes, you don’t want to overpay for such a vacation.
Post Office Travel Money has published its Winter Sun Report 2016, which compares the prices of popular tourist purchases — food, drinks, sunscreen, and insect repellent — in 24 destinations. The purpose of the study is to find out where tourists will get the most value for their money.
This year, Cape Town in South Africa took first place. Mombasa in Kenya came in second. The authors of the study also included Tokyo in the ranking, although the author of the material notes that he does not entirely agree with the definition of the Japanese capital as a destination for winter sun. At the same time, the winters there are relatively mild compared to some European countries. Tokyo took third place.
Next on the list are Colombo in Sri Lanka and Phuket in Thailand.
The Algarve in Portugal took the highest position among European destinations – sixth place. It is followed by the Spanish Costa del Sol and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Among more remote destinations, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic took ninth place, and the Malaysian island of Penang rounded out the top ten.
At the other end of the ranking are the most expensive destinations for winter holidays. Among them are Scarborough in Trinidad and Tobago, St. George’s in Grenada, and Funchal in Madeira.
The most profitable destinations for winter holidays in 2026: Cape Town (South Africa), Mombasa (Kenya), Tokyo (Japan), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Phuket (Thailand), the Algarve (Portugal), the Costa del Sol (Spain), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), and Penang (Malaysia).
Where to spend the “velvet season” in Europe
Let us remind you that the best sunny destinations in Europe for holidays in October have been named. The top spot went to Seville, Spain, where the average temperature in October is +21 °C, and during the day it can rise to +27 °C. Seville is called the warmest city in continental Europe. The list also includes Valletta, Sardinia, Cyprus, the Algarve, the Greek island of Rhodes, and others.

Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.
