Sometimes we just want to get away from it all and explore somewhere a bit different – an off-the-beaten-path destination away from the buzz and bustle of tourists. However, it can be quite difficult to tell which places are actually “hidden gems” that not many people know about.
To find out, Holidu, the holiday rental portal, has analysed the average monthly Google searches from British tourists over the last 12 months to uncover those truly lesser-known European cities and destinations – all offering one-way flights under £30.
You can find the full study here: https://www.holidu.co.uk/magazine/cheapest-hidden-gem-holiday-destinations
The top 10 cheapest & little-known European cities you can fly to from the UK
| Ranking | Country | City | Avg. Monthly Search Volume | Lowest One-way Flight Price (Jun-Aug) |
| 1 | Austria | Linz | 210 | £16.99 |
| 2 | France | Poitiers | 590 | £15.00 |
| 3 | Ireland | Kerry | 770 | £14.99 |
| 4 | Lithuania | Kaunas | 800 | £19.99 |
| 5 | Montenegro | Podgorica | 830 | £24.99 |
| 6 | Italy | Rimini | 880 | £14.99 |
| 7 | France | Lourdes | 1,000 | £15.00 |
| 8 | Ireland | Shannon | 1,090 | £14.99 |
| 9 | Italy | Bergamo | 1,210 | £14.25 |
| 10 | Poland | Poznan | 1,280 | £15.00 |
You can find the complete top 20 ranking here: https://www.holidu.co.uk/magazine/cheapest-hidden-gem-holiday-destinations
The top 3 cheapest & little-known holiday destinations you can fly to from the UK
- Linz, Austria | avg. 210 Google searches per month
Ranking in first place for European cities with 210 Google searches per month is the Austrian city of Linz. This ancient city, named the European Capital of Culture in 2009, is particularly known for its history and culture. History lovers can explore Linz castle as well as Linz’ beautiful Old Town featuring the neo-Gothic Mariendom, one of the largest church buildings in Austria. Linz’ various museums should also not be missed, especially the Lentos Art Museum and the Ars Electronica Centre, which explores the exciting world of futuristic technologies. The nearby Grottenbahn, a fairy-tale grotto railway that takes visitors through an enchanting miniature world, is particularly popular and makes the city a great place to bring small children. However, Linz is also a great base to explore other parts of Austria, as the extremely popular cities of Hallstatt and Salzburg are less than a 2 hour drive away.
Lowest one-way flight price: £16.99 from London Stansted (June – August)
- Poitiers, France | avg. 590 Google searches per month
Nestled in the heart of western France, Poitiers has a rich history and is particularly known for its Romanesque architecture. For this reason, the city’s Old Town is a must-visit! It features the Palais des Comtes de Poitou-Ducs d’Aquitaine, an impressive 11th century palace, as well as the Église Notre-Dame la Grande, a large church famous for its intricate facade. For those seeking more excitement, the futuristic theme park Futuroscope is just a short drive away, offering unique rides with 3 and 4D effects.
Lowest one-way flight price: £15.00 from London Stansted (June – August)
- Kerry, Ireland | avg. 770 Google searches per month
A must-visit destination in Ireland, County Kerry is certain to impress with its stunning and dramatic landscapes. The renowned Ring of Kerry is a great example – a scenic drive that winds through picturesque villages, rugged coastlines, and lush mountains. Another popular spot of natural beauty is the Killarney National Park, where visitors can explore beautiful lakes as well as the Torc Waterfall. The medieval Ross Castle, ancient stone forts on the Dingle Peninsula, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Skellig Islands (featured in Star Wars) all offer fascinating glimpses into the history of the region. And if that isn’t enough, the vibrant city of Cork is just a couple of hours away, promising even more Irish charm and hospitality.
Lowest one-way flight price: £14.99 from London Stansted (June – August)
The top 10 most-searched holiday destinations you can fly to from the UK
In case you were wondering, here is also the top 10 most searched European cities and destinations by British tourists reachable by Ryanair:
| Ranking | Country | City | Avg. Monthly Search Volume |
| 1 | Ireland | Dublin | 47,800 |
| 2 | France | Paris | 45,400 |
| 3 | Spain | Barcelona | 32,600 |
| 4 | Spain | Alicante | 31,000 |
| 5 | Spain | Tenerife | 30,300 |
| = | Spain | Malaga | 30,300 |
| 7 | Malta | Malta | 22,600 |
| 8 | Spain | Lanzarote | 21,300 |
| = | Poland | Krakow | 21,300 |
| 10 | Hungary | Budapest | 20,800 |
About Holidu
Holidu’s mission is to make the hosting and booking of holiday rentals free of doubt and full of joy. Through the booking portal, guests can book their holiday accommodation with complete peace of mind and confidence. With its software and service platform, Holidu enables hosts to attract more bookings while minimising effort. The brothers Johannes and Michael Siebers founded Holidu in 2014. The rapidly growing company employs more than 500 people and is headquartered in Munich. In addition, it has local offices in the most attractive travel destinations in Europe. See more on www.holidu.co.uk.
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