Dipping into turquoise waves, strolling through time-warped towns, listening to local musicians, some of the most precious family moments on holiday don’t cost a penny. Here are a few of the free things you can do in some of our dreamy destinations…

Visit the beach in Dalaman

Minimum cost, maximum fun… that’s what you can expect from a day on Dalaman’s shell-sprinkled swathes. In some spots, you might have to pay for a sunbed, but the sands are soft, so a beach towel’s just fine.

Join the celebration at a free festival in Costa de Almeria

During the summer, the local council in Costa de Almeria holds open-air concerts for everyone to attend for free. All ages can enjoy a line-up of flamenco, pop, jazz and classical music.

Go on a free walking tour in Prague

Visiting Prague and wondering how to get your kids interested in the local culture? Join a walking tour and watch as your guide brings the city’s history to life. Most are free, with an optional tip at the end.

Watch a film at an outdoor cinema in Athens

Throughout the summer, open-air cinemas sprout up around Athens as part of its free film festival. Grab the gang and snuggle up for some big-screen magic under the stars.

Visit Ria Formosa Natural Park in the Algarve

The Algarve’s array of wildlife is on full display in the lagoons, creeks and marshes of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It’s free to explore at your leisure, and mini nature fans will love spotting the different species.

Seek out street art in Funchal

Tech-savvy teens will find plenty to fill their feed in Funchal, especially down street-art-splashed Santa Maria Street. Did someone say ‘selfie’?

Browse Rome’s food markets

Rome’s food markets are a wonder of sights, sounds and smells. Just ambling around them is a joy in itself, but the sneaky free samples don’t hurt either.