Sunny Beach Just Beat Europe’s Biggest Resorts

Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Italy have all been beaten by Sunny Beach in one of Europe’s biggest family holiday price comparisons for 2026.

The Bulgarian Black Sea resort was named the second-best-value family destination in Europe, finishing only £2.51 behind the Algarve—and ahead of Lanzarote, Menorca, Tenerife, Marmaris and the Costa del Sol.

But price alone does not tell the whole story. When the beach, nightlife, family attractions and nearby Old Nessebar are included, Sunny Beach may offer the most complete holiday of them all.

Second for value, first for family dining

The official Post Office Family Holiday Report 2026⁠ compared 10 typical holiday purchases across 22 European destinations.

The total basket cost was:

1. Algarve — £139.65
2. Sunny Beach — £142.16
3. Lanzarote — £147.42
4. Menorca — £151.28
5. Costa Brava — £155.02

Sunny Beach missed first place by the price of a coffee—but it claimed a major victory of its own.

A three-course dinner for two adults and two children, including wine and soft drinks, cost approximately £73.04—the cheapest family evening meal in the entire survey.

Why Sunny Beach could be the real winner

The study compared everyday spending, not the complete holiday experience.

It did not rank the length of the beach, the number of entertainment options or the ability to combine a lively resort with a UNESCO-listed historic town.

That is where Sunny Beach becomes difficult to beat.

Visitors can enjoy:

• A long, golden sandy beach
• Hotels and apartments for different budgets
• Aquaparks and family attractions
• Restaurants serving Bulgarian and international food
• Famous nightlife and beach parties
• Boat trips and water sports
• Beautiful Old Nessebar just nearby
• Easy access to Sveti Vlas, Pomorie and Burgas

Few destinations combine affordable family dining, beach life, history and entertainment in one place so successfully.

Almost half the measured cost of Sorrento

The difference becomes even clearer when Sunny Beach is compared with Europe’s most expensive destinations.

The same basket of holiday purchases cost £268.23 in Sorrento and £260.21 in Madeira—almost twice the Sunny Beach total.

That difference could leave families with more money for experiences, excursions, meals and another round of ice cream.

The report does not include flights or accommodation, and actual prices vary between businesses. Travellers should compare complete holiday costs before booking.

The result Sunny Beach deserves

Sunny Beach may officially be No. 2 for overall value, but it finished No. 1 for the cheapest family dinner—and its attractions go far beyond the numbers measured by the report.

For families who want more than the lowest possible bill, the combination is powerful: beach days, activities for children, evenings out, historic Nessebar and some of Europe’s best holiday value.

Second in the price ranking. First in the hearts of Sunny Beach fans.

Would you choose Sunny Beach over the Algarve? Share this article and let us know.