Self Catering Holidays 2025/2026
Find Your Ideal Holiday With
Our Cheap Self Catering Holiday Guide 2025/2026
Self catering holidays are a great way to enjoy a getaway in 2025 and 2026 without breaking the bank. What makes it better is that there are so many self catering options in loads of fantastic European destinations like Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus, as well as at home in the UK like Cornwall, Jersey or the Isle of Wight.
Self catering accommodation is usually either in the form of apartments, villas or caravans, depending on where you go. You'll often find that you can go through tour operators like Jet2, TUI or James Villa Holidays, or you're able to book independently via companies like Airbnb, Booking.com or even with friends and families who own holiday homes or are second property owners. So here is our comprehensive guide and some holiday ideas for your next break.
Top Self Catering Holiday Destinations
Pretty much every destination has some sort of self catering option, whether that's a private residential apartment or a holiday villa through a well known tour operator. Here are a few of our favourite self catering holiday destinations:
Tenerife, Spain
Self catering holidays to Tenerife are popular for its year round warm weather and abundance of activities for all types of holidaymakers. A variety of resorts on the island accommodate couples, families and groups of friends, and with both villa and apartment style self catered facilities, your holiday in the sun doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Benidorm, Spain
Another cheap holiday destination, Benidorm's budget friendly hotels, bars and restaurants make this one of the best places for a self catering break. Wherever you end up staying, the beach won't be far away, which means the low cost apartments which don't have pools aren't a problem. Meal deals at many restaurants and lots of easy to reach supermarkets make the dining element very easy.
Algarve, Portugal
From Lagos to Tavira, the Algarve was made for holidays and there are so many self catering and room only accommodation options here. Many Brits choose the Algarve for their holiday home, so you may even know of someone who has a place to stay here. Villas dotted around the numerous golf courses can be a bit pricier, but there are lots of flats and apartments for rent too, even long term rent if you're lucky enough to be able to do that.
Kos, Greece
With soft sandy beaches, great night life and some beautiful towns and scenery to enjoy, Kos is a favourite of many holidaymakers. Popular self catering accommodation includes the Fili Apartments near Tigaki Beach in the north, and Aegean Houses near Kos Town.
Cornwall, UK
A firm favourite for those who prefer to staycation, Cornwall has become more and more popular over the years. With top self catering accommodation focused on holiday park caravans and quaint self catering cottages, both of which are ideal for family escapes, Cornwall tops our list of self catering destinations in the UK with it's beautiful scenery and outstanding natural beauty. Just make sure you book early as it can get booked up and busy very quickly, especially for a summer holiday!
Barbados
It might not be the first place you think of when you think about a self catering getaway, but Barbados is actually an ideal option for those looking to escape in a tropical paradise. Renting a villa or apartment and heading to the local market or store for your food will certainly make you feel more at home and like a local. There's one thing we know for sure, at the end of your holiday, you won't want to come back home.
Check Out These Great Self Catering Options
Self Catering Holiday Tips In 2025
Self catering is an easy way to keep the cost of your holiday down, so here are a few of our favourite self catering holiday tips:
Be flexible - The price of a self catering holiday can vary from month to month and destination to destination. The more flexible you are, the cheaper you can get it.
Smaller mini markets aren't always best - Due to their location, the cost of food at mini markets can be at a premium. Try and find larger supermarkets like Lidl to grab some savings.
Utilise delivery discounts - You know the ones. The Uber Eats and Deliveroos can often provide big discounts to encourage you to use them. Now is the time to make the most of these apps. Local markets - It's great to feel like a local on holiday, so why not find a nearby local food market and pick up some tasty ingredients, often at a fraction of the price in the supermarket.
Drive if you can - If you're staying the UK, taking the car can mean you can take more than just a suitcase. Pack the car full of food and other goodies, even homemade treats so that you keep the cost down while you're away.
Find restaurant deals - Many restaurants, bars and cafes in popular holiday destinations are vying for your business and will have cheap set menus and meal deals. Make sure you take advantage of these when you're eating out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Latest Self Catering Holiday Offers
Our Holiday Partners
