Best-value destinations for 2026 in Spain: two cities in Skyscanner’s global top 10

Skyscanner’s latest fare trends spotlight the best-value destinations for 2026 in Spain, and Spain even nabs two places in Skyscanner’s global top 10 for the biggest airfare drops. As airlines add capacity and reopen routes, prices are dipping for those who time things well and travel light. 

Spain picks with the biggest airfare drops in 2026

Santiago de Compostela (–25% airfare drop)

Galicia’s pilgrim capital gives you granite cloisters, eucalyptus‑scented parks and a table groaning with seafood. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot, and day trips along the rías are straightforward by bus or train.

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Getting there for less

Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) is well‑served by low‑cost carriers, with seasonal capacity boosts around spring and autumn. 

Best value months and timing

Spring and early autumn bring mild weather and softer demand. July and August see arrivals for the famous Camino pilgrimage peak, and fares can drift up.

On‑the‑ground costs

A typical menú del día (set menu) at a local spot during the week shouldn't cost more than €16. And a coffee or a caña (small glass of beer) will set you back no more than €3.

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Free and low‑cost highlights

Wander Praza do Obradoiro and the cathedral surrounds, loop La Alameda Park for the classic skyline view, and graze through Mercado de Abastos. Many museums offer free hours on select days, which helps keep spending under control.

Cheap day trips from Santiago

Compare RENFE regional trains and ALSA coaches to A Coruña, Padrón or Pontevedra. Coaches can be slower but sometimes shave a few euros off, which adds up over a couple of journeys.

Holiday rentals in Santiago de Compostela 

Short-term rentals in Santiago de Compostela 

Murcia (–20% airfare drop)

Sun‑baked squares, Moorish echoes, and a food scene heavy on market‑fresh vegetables. Murcia is a laid‑back alternative to the bigger names. It’s flat, compact and friendly on the wallet, with sandy escapes and Roman ruins a short hop away.

Murcial. santiago lopez-pastor, CC BY-SA 2.0 Flickr

Getting there for less

Región de Murcia International Airport (RMU/Corvera) is served by low‑cost carriers and seasonal schedules. If fares spike, compare Alicante (ALC) and add the train or coach down to Murcia.

Best value windows

Spring and late autumn deliver comfortable temperatures and calmer crowds. Summer heat can be fierce, and certain festivals briefly lift demand. 

Lorenzo Soriano, CC BY-SA 4.0 Creative commons

Budget tips for visiting Murcia

Snack your way through Mercado de Verónicas, linger over tapas near Plaza de las Flores, and use the tram or bus passes for inexpensive hops. Bike‑share schemes cover many short journeys across the centre.

Cheap day trips and transfers from Murcia

Take the train to Cartagena for its amphitheatre and harbourfront, or a bus to the Costa Cálida beaches and Lorca. When time isn’t tight, coaches often beat trains on price.

Holiday rentals in Murcia

Short-term rentals in Murcia

Spain vs Europe: how Spain stacks up on flight‑price value

As evident from Skyscanner's 2026 ranking, Spain leans on a broad mix of low‑cost and legacy carriers, multiple daily frequencies from UK and EU hubs, and a long list of regional airports. When airlines add capacity or tweak schedules, seat supply expands, and fares tend to ease. The overall spend often stays sensible after landing thanks to compact city centres, straightforward public transport and set‑price lunch menus that keep food costs predictable.

In the wider European context, Spain consistently appears in independent round‑ups that weigh cost against experience, as seen in Bloomberg’s best destinations for 2025. Culture‑hungry travellers have fresh validation too, with a Spanish city in Condé Nast Traveler’s top European destinations for 2026 showcasing depth beyond the beach. For longer breaks, cheap long‑stay winter holidays in Spain highlight how southern regions and islands deliver mild weather and steady savings in the off‑season.