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Price Comparison Overview

Where Fall Vacations Are Still Affordable–and Where They’re Not

Baltic Sea Travel Tips Swinoujscie: Beach Chairs on the Baltic Shore
The Polish city of Świnoujście spans a total of 44 islands. An overnight stay there during the fall break is still relatively affordable. Photo: Getty Images

September 10, 2026, 12:27 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

The summer vacation is over, but many are already planning their next getaway. Those looking to travel during the fall break should carefully consider their destination. It’s not just the vacation period that affects costs, but especially the location. A recent analysis shows significant price differences in vacation accommodations.

For the analysis, the vacation home portal “Holidu” examined accommodation prices in the 50 most popular European destinations. The result: Large cities, in particular, can quickly deplete the vacation budget.

Cities drive prices up

At the top is Paris, where a vacation apartment costs an average of 386 euros per night. Following is Amsterdam with an average of 337 euros. A stay in the Spanish city of Málaga is significantly cheaper, with travelers paying an average of 164 euros per night.

While classic vacation regions remain relatively affordable in many places during the fall break, European metropolises demand the highest overnight prices. Those seeking sun and mild temperatures often find much cheaper alternatives in Southern Europe.

Mallorca significantly more expensive in the fall break

With an average of 248 euros per night, Mallorca ranks third among the most expensive destinations in comparison. Other popular Mediterranean and Atlantic islands are considerably cheaper.

In Sicily, the average cost is 116 euros per night. Fuerteventura is 123 euros, Sardinia 124 euros, Tenerife 135 euros, Crete 140 euros, and Rhodes 159 euros. Thus, accommodation in Sicily costs less than half as much as in Mallorca.

More on the topic

North Sea islands cost more than the mainland

In the German coastal regions on the mainland, accommodation prices differ only slightly. In Büsum, the average price is 113 euros per night, in Cuxhaven 117 euros. Norddeich charges 122 euros, Kühlungsborn 127 euros, Grömitz 128 euros, and St. Peter-Ording 138 euros.

Vacations become noticeably more expensive on the North Sea islands. On Sylt, accommodation costs an average of 180 euros per night. Norderney and Borkum each cost 162 euros.

The Baltic Sea islands, on the other hand, are priced similarly to many mainland regions. Rügen is 129 euros per night, Fehmarn 128 euros, and Usedom 121 euros.

How to save on a fall vacation

Those looking to reduce travel costs can find cheaper alternatives within Germany. In the Bavarian Forest, accommodation costs an average of 106 euros per night. In the Harz, it’s 111 euros. Sauerland and Mosel are each 118 euros, and the Black Forest is 121 euros.

Looking at neighboring countries can also be worthwhile. On the Polish Baltic coast, accommodation during the fall break costs an average of 97 euros per night. In the resort town of Swinoujscie, the average is just 84 euros. In comparison, the German Baltic Sea averages 127 euros.

The Danish North Sea coast is also affordable. There, vacationers pay an average of 109 euros per night, while German North Sea regions average 134 euros.

Travelers can save even more by booking accommodations on the mainland instead of an island. Places like Büsum, Cuxhaven, or Norddeich cost between 113 and 122 euros per night, significantly less than Sylt.

Another advantage of vacation homes and apartments: The mentioned prices apply to the entire accommodation. Per person, per night, that’s an average of only 36.15 euros. This is especially worthwhile for families and groups.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TRAVELBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@travelbook.de.

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