The Algarve has emerged as the cheapest place to stay on a self-catering holiday, according to a survey carried out by Cosmos resort reps.
The reps monitored prices in supermarkets and mini-marts in nine popular European destinations as well as Orlando for the latest ‘Post Office Travel Money’s Self-Catering on a Shoestring Report’.
By comparing the cost of a weekly shop of 20 typical food and drink staples, including bread, milk, cereal, cheese, eggs, soft drinks and pizza, the reps reported that prices have fallen 10% in Corfu and 16% in Crete since last year.
Meanwhile, prices in four Spanish resorts – Costa Blanca, Menorca, Majorca and Lanzarote – have risen by 20%.
The report, which looked at prices in large supermarkets and also in resort mini-marts, found basic provisions for a one-week holiday in an Algarve supermarket cost less than £56 but 48% more in the smaller resort shops (£83).
In Majorca groceries bought in a resort shop cost 53% more (£133) than at a supermarket (£86), but in Costa Blanca and Corfu, it worked out slightly cheaper to buy goods in the local mimi-marts.
The most expensive destination was Limassol in Cyprus, where the cost of a weekly supermarket shop was £94.
Cosmos sales director Gary Anslow said: "Self-catering continues to be a popular option for our customers, providing the flexibility of preparing and eating meals at times to suit them. Picking the destination or resort which will provide the best value for money on a holiday food bill is essential to keep costs as low as possible.
"This may explain why we have seen a double digit percentage increase in sales on seven-night Algarve stays compared to 2013."
See www.postoffice.co.uk/selfcateringholidays2014 to compare prices.
