Everyone loves an affordable holiday – but what about one that takes you to a lesser-travelled destination free of tourist crowds? If you’re looking for inspiration on affordable hidden gem holiday destinations that not many people know about, then you’re in luck! Holidu, the holiday rental portal, has analysed the average monthly Google searches from British tourists over the last 12 months to uncover the lesser-known destinations that can all offer one-way flights under £30!

The most and least-searched affordable holiday destinations:

The least-searched hidden gem holiday destinations

The top 10 cheapest hidden gem holiday destinations you can fly to for cheap

1. Ouarzazate, Morocco | avg. 180 Google searches per month

With the least number of monthly searches by British tourists, Ouarzazate in Morocco ranks as the least well-known destination on our list. Although few people may know about it, the city certainly has a lot to offer – including two stunning sandstone fortresses, the Taourirt Kasbah and the Kasbah of Tifoultoute. However, a more famous location is the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village made mostly of clay that’s been featured in many high-profile films and series such as The Game of Thrones and The Mummy. A true hot spot for those interested in cinema and pop-culture, various film studios like the Atlas Film Studios are also nearby, where many other sets from famous films such as Gladiator and Star Wars can be explored. Yet visitors need not stay the whole time in Ouarzazate – the bustling capital city of Marrakesh is only 3.5 hours away by car. You can get to Ouarzazate by Ryanair, and depending when you look, flights can be as low as £14.99!

2. Linz, Austria | avg. 210 Google searches per month

Ranking in second place 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. Ryanair flights to Linz can start from £16.99, even in summer!

3. Fez, Morocco | avg. 280 Google searches per month

Another entry for Morocco, Fez completes the top 3 with an average of 280 Google searches per month. Formerly the capital of Morocco, Fez is home to the largest and oldest medina (Old Town) in North Africa: the Fez Medina. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is approximately 1,200 years old and boasts an estimated 80,000 shops and stalls, as well as an in-tact city wall that can be explored by foot. However, there is much more to do in Fez than just the medina – guests can also explore the Fez tanneries for a glimpse into traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, or the medieval Marinid tombs for sweeping panoramic views of the city. If all of that doesn’t suffice, the tourist hub of Casablanca is little more than a 2 hour drive away. Flights to Fez are also particularly affordable, and in the summer months they can start from £24.99.

4. Rabat, Morocco | avg. 540 Google searches per month

As the current capital of the country, Rabat offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to explore. The city is home to the striking Kasbah of the Udayas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site fortress that boasts picturesque blue-and-white streets reminiscent of a storybook. Travellers can wander through the lush Andalusian Gardens or visit the Hassan Tower, an iconic unfinished minaret that was intended to be part of the largest Mosque in the world. Additionally, the Royal Palace and the vibrant medina add to Rabat’s charm. For those ready to venture further, the cultural hubs of Fez and Casablanca are just a few hours away by car.

5. 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 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.

6. 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 enchanting lakes as well as the Torc Waterfall. The medieval Ross Castle, the ancient stone forts on the Dingle Peninsula, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Skellig Islands (featured in Star Wars) 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.

7. Kaunas, Lithuania| avg. 800 Google searches per month

Another holiday destination considered to be a hidden gem, Kaunas is famous for its beautifully preserved Old Town, where cobbled streets lead to landmarks such as Kaunas Castle and the historic Town Hall Square. Art enthusiasts can explore the city’s vibrant art scene, highlighted by the renowned M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art. For a unique experience, the Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum offers a poignant memorial for victims of the Holocaust and Soviet-era deportations. And if adventure calls, the capital city of Vilnius is just a short 1.5 hour train ride away.

8. Podgorica, Montenegro| avg. 830 Google searches per month

This capital city may be somewhat slept on by tourists, but it is certainly worth a visit! The Stara Varoš, the city’s Ottoman neighbourhood with landmarks such as the Clock Tower and Osmanagic Mosque, is an interesting look into the Ottoman-era history of Podgorica. The city is also close by to the Cijevna Waterfalls, known by the locals as the Niagara Falls, as well as Lake Skadar, which is a popular spot for water sports and hiking. Even still, Podgorica serves as a fantastic base for exploring the rest of Montenegro, as it’s only a 1 – 1.5 hour drive to the beautiful cities of Budva and Kotor.

9. Rimini, Italy| avg. 880 Google searches per month

Rimini is a beach paradise located in Northern Italy that’s popular with locals thanks to its sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy the golden beaches of Marina Centro, Rivazzurra and Miramare, or explore the Old Town and its various medieval and Roman sites such as the Borgo San Giuliano neighbourhood, Castel Sismondo, and the Tiberius Bridge. Alternatively, travellers can drive 45 minutes to the Mirabilandia theme park, or even visit a whole different country – San Marino is only 30 minutes away by car!

10. Essaouira, Morocco| avg. 950 Google searches per month

Rounding out the top 10 is Essaouira in Morocco, another historic gem with a UNESCO World Heritage site Medina (Old Town). The Medina’s impressive sea walls and historic ramparts offer stunning views of the ocean, while the bustling harbour teems with traditional blue fishing boats and fresh seafood. Essaouira also has its very own beach, the aptly-named Essaouira beach, famous for kitesurfing due to its strong winds. And when the tide recedes, visitors can also take a quad bike tour along the beach’s winding sand dunes. Day trips from Essaouira also do not disappoint – the Sidi Kaouki, a picturesque coastal town famous for windsurfing, is only a 27 minute drive away, as is the Ida Ougourd Market, a traditional local Moroccan market.

The most-searched holiday destinations

Methodology:

All destinations (UK excluded) that Ryanair fly to globally from the UK were considered. For these destinations, the average monthly Google searches from UK users over the last 12 months was checked using Semrush data for the following search phrases: “flights to (destination)”, “things to do (destination)”, and “what to do in (destination)”. The sum of the search volume for these phrases was considered in the final ranking. The lowest price of a flight (one-way) from any airport in London to these destinations between June – August 2025 was also collected as a secondary data point, but not used as a ranking metric.