Recession-hit holidaymakers should be packing their trunks for Stilbaai this summer. That?s according to a survey by kulula holidays, the travel portal of kulula.com.

Stilbaai, in the Western Cape, was identified as the most wallet-friendly beach destination, with Margate and Amanzimtoti (near Durban) close behind. Camps Bay and Hermanus might be larney, but came out as the most expensive destinations with significantly higher prices.

The ?kulula beach index? rated 14 popular beach destinations and measured costs common to summer holidays including the price of beachfront accommodation, a meal of fish & chips, beer, and a round of golf. The index was created to help guide South Africans in search of budget friendly breaks this summer. The destinations were split into three main categories and were scored ratings (the higher the rating the more budget friendly) on cheapness:

    ?Budget nibblers? (cheap and cheerful):

  1. Stilbaai (22)
  2. Margate (20)
  3. Amanzimtoti (Durban) (20)
  4. St Lucia (19)
  5. Jeffreys Bay (18)
  6. Port Elizabeth (17)
  7. Gordons Bay (17)

    ?Cash snackers? (moderately priced):

  8. Paternoster (16)
  9. Langebaan (15)
  10. Mossel Bay (15)
  11. Knysna Quays (15)
  12. Ballito (15)

    ?Rand gluttons? (larney but expensive)

  13. Hermanus (13)
  14. Camps Bay (6)

The price variation most significant was found in accommodation, which ranged from less than R700 in Stilbaai and St Lucia, to R 2500 plus in Camps Bay for a self-catering apartment for four.

? Click here to find an affordable spot!

The holiday staple food, fish and chips, ranged from R41 in St Lucia to nearly double that in Camps Bay, which came in at R72. The price of a beer also varied widely with the same brand costing R18 in Camps Bay compared to R12 in cheaper destinations such as Stilbaai, Gordan?s Bay and Jeffrey?s Bay. Golf lovers on a budget should be heading to Paternoster, Amanzimtot and Stillbaai where a local game was considerably cheaper than other locations.

?Many South Africans are still feeling the effects recession and will be on a financial diet this holiday season. The kulula beach index is just one way in which we?re helping kulula fans find cost savings without missing out on any of the fun of summer? comments Ian Meaker, executive manager: kulula distribution.

Stillbaai is situated 26 km away from the N2 main road between Mossel Bay and Riversdale. This cheap and cheerful destination offers a long stretch of white beaches, perfect weather for holiday-making and wonderful water-sport facilities including fishing and scuba-diving. Although becoming an increasingly popular spot, Stilbaai has managed to maintain its character as a pollution-free, safe and peaceful destination.

?Stilbaai Tourism is delighted that it has come out tops in the kulula beach index survey. Already a well-liked Garden Route destination and we hope that this will further boost tourism to our corner of the world,? comments Dr Joan Prins of the Stillbaai Tourism Office.