Tired of the UK’s unpredictable summers? Never fear. There are plenty of cheap beach holidays available – with flights from as little as £20.
Indulging in a little time on the sand doesn’t need to cost the earth. In fact, you’ll find plenty of dreamy budget beach destinations scattered across Europe or just beyond. Need some inspiration? Here are 10 cheap sunny holiday destinations perfect for a budget summer trip.
Best cheap beach holidays in Europe
Whether a balmy island is calling your name or you’d prefer somewhere on the mainland, here’s a handful of picks for a cheap sunny beach holiday in Europe.
1. Halkidiki, Greece
The Greek Islands are a popular beach destination, which can mean flight and hotel costs tend to be high during the summer. Luckily, mainland Greece has breathtaking beaches and several budget-friendly flight routes. Halkidiki, tucked away on the country’s north coast near Thessaloniki, is a great option if you’re craving white-sand beaches, and good value Greek food.
As well as its spectacular coastline, the area – which is formed of three different peninsulas – is dotted with ancient ruins. A good choice if you’re after a mix of sunshine and sightseeing. Sana on the Kassandra peninsula is a good spot to base yourself if you want lively nightlife. Alternatively, the Sithonia peninsula is home to sleepy beaches and a string of traditional Greek villages.
2. Pula, Croatia
With its Mediterranean climate and blissful islands, it’s no surprise Croatia is on many travellers’ wish lists. Some hot spots (such as Zadar) can be pricey places to stay in the summer months. Instead, why not plan a cheap beach holiday in Pula?
Pula sits on the country’s Istrian peninsula and its harbour is just as photogenic as Dubrovnik‘s. The city is also home to some cool landmarks, including a Roman Colosseum and several ornate Venetian palaces. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll discover a handful of gorgeous pebble beaches to laze about on not far from the centre.
Ambrela Beach is the largest and most popular. For something a little quieter venture to Valsaline Beach to swim or kayak in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. You could also take a day trip out to Brijuni National Park for snorkelling, diving and more.
3. Faro, Portugal
For cheap beach holidays in Europe with low stress and guaranteed sun, it’s hard to beat Portugal‘s Algarve. The region rarely experiences rain during the summer, plus there are plenty of soft-sand beaches.
One thing you might struggle with is choosing where to base yourself. The coastline is scattered with budget-friendly resorts. If you want somewhere with a little more character, though, consider Faro. The Algarve’s underrated (and cheap) capital city sprawls along the Atlantic Coast and is just a stone’s throw from some stunning beaches.
While the centre is awash with cheap cafes, with a cappuccino costing on average just 1.37€, and an enchanting old town, Faro is an ideal base for sunny day trips too. Parque Natural Du Ria Formosa is a must-see and reachable by local ferry. The national park features numerous saltwater lagoons and unspoilt islands where you can swim, sunbathe or kayak to your heart’s content. This includes Ilha do Farol which offers up vast sand dunes and great watersports opportunities.
4. Budva, Montenegro
Another beach holiday gem on the sparkling Adriatic coast is Budva. It might be one of Montenegro‘s top beach destinations but it’s still relatively unknown to tourists. Spend some time exploring Budva’s beautiful medieval Old Town that’s surrounded by centuries-old Venetian walls.
There’s also a string of splendid beaches to consider, from the kid-friendly Jaz Beach to sheltered Mogren Beach just along the coast. You’ll have a chance to sample Montenegro’s cuisine (including plenty of fresh fish) without splashing out, too. That’s because a meal in a local restaurant typically costs under £10 in Budva.
5. Carloforte, Sardinia
Sardinia, Italy‘s second largest island, is the perfect place for a summer beach holiday thanks to its great beaches, mouth-watering food and sunshine. While it can be busy during the peak summer months there are spots with fewer crowds. Forget popular resorts like Alghero and venture to the tiny Isolo di San Pietro. Located an hour from Cagliari (and easily accessible via a short local ferry), it is an oasis.
The island may be small but it has an abundance of white sand coves – including crescent-shaped La Caletta. 16th-century Carloforte (the main settlement) is everything you’d expect from a traditional Italian seaside town. There are narrow cobbled streets lined with colourful buildings and a picturesque seafront featuring budget-friendly cafes, bars and gelato shops. What’s more, there’s a lagoon just on its fringes home to dozens of vibrant flamingos.
Top tip: This island is tiny, mostly flat and easily navigable on bikes. You’ll find several bicycle hire shops in Carloforte.
6. Sliema, Malta
Malta‘s position in the southern Mediterranean makes it a sun trap for most of the year. June to September tend to be its busiest months and for good reason. Clear blue skies and temperatures in the 30s make it an oasis for beach lovers. What’s more, Malta’s historic port towns are filled with restaurants and ancient churches where you can enjoy a break from the heat.
While Gozo is a go-to for most, it can get pricey (and busy) in the summer. Instead, why not stick to the main island and stay in Sliema? This sleepy traditional Maltese fishing village sits just north of the capital, Valletta, and has heaps of local charm. There’s a long promenade wonderful for sunset strolls, while St Julian’s Bay (that’s home to the tiny yet tranquil Balluta Bay Beach) is right next door. In terms of costs, expect to pay around 15€ for an inexpensive meal and 4€ for a beer.
As Malta’s beaches are quite scattered, I’d recommend getting a cheap car hire deal when you visit. Then, you’ll have easy access to coastal gems like Golden Bay (about 30 minutes from Sliema).
7. Malaga, Spain
Okay, I couldn’t list cheap beach holidays in Europe without mentioning Spain. The country has been the king of budget beach getaways for decades, with options for everyone’s bank balance and holiday vibe.
A combo of cheap flights, great accommodation options and an immense list of local attractions make Malaga my top pick. Nestled on Spain’s Costa del Sol, this Andalusian city is famous for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. In fact, Malaga’s numerous art galleries (like the world-famous Picasso Museum) are great spots to enjoy a little respite from the summer sun.
If you’d rather maximise vitamin D, venture to one of the beaches within walking distance of the city centre. Blue Flag Playa de la Malagueta bustles with restaurants and bars, while more laidback Playa de La Caleta is scattered with casual beach cafes serving meals for an average of 11.50€.
Best cheap beach holidays: short-haul destinations
Want to get out of Europe this summer? No problem! Here are 3 stunning short-haul picks where you can enjoy breathtaking beaches and vibrant local culture without the high price tag.
8. Antalya, Turkey
As a close neighbour of Greece, it’s no surprise that Turkey is blessed with some amazing beach destinations. Antalya is an excellent option for a cheap sunny holiday.
While the city is a 4-hour flight from London, those extra minutes in the air are well worth it. As well as ample budget accommodation options and places where you can grab a bite to eat for less than £5 per person, Antalya has no shortage of things to do.
Spend a morning wandering around the maze of photogenic streets in the old quarter before catching the tram down to Konyaalti Beach. It’s one of several local beaches and very spacious, with soft sand, a water park for kids and a lovely backdrop of the Bey Mountains. For something a little less built up, make your way to Cirali Beach a few miles out of the city. It’s got a more natural feel and calm water that’s ideal for kids.
9. Agadir, Morocco
You might not think of Morocco as much of a beach destination. After all, it’s more famous for its souks and sand dunes. Nevertheless, this vibrant nation has a vast Atlantic coast dotted with cheap beach holiday resorts.
Agadir is a brilliant option for first-timers. It’s a fairly lively resort, making it suitable for groups or families who want plenty of activities to fill their days. The main beach is where you’ll likely spend most of your time. It’s lined with well-priced hotels (many offering all-inclusive deals) and has lifeguards during the summer.
Away from the sand, there’s the Souk El Had market that’s a true treasure trove of spices and local handicrafts. It’s also where you can tuck into an authentic Moroccan meal for as little as £3. Or why not treat yourself to a spa day for a fraction of the price of the UK? Alternatively, learn about the region’s Berber heritage at the Musée du Patrimoine Amazigh d’Agadir (entrance costs under £4).
10. Gran Canaria, Spain
Okay, so the Canary Islands are technically part of Europe. However, their geographical location places them in my short-haul category.
This Atlantic archipelago is famed for being an affordable winter sun destination, with average daily temperatures rarely dipping below 15ºC (even in January). When it comes to choosing an island for cheap beach holidays in the summer, Gran Canaria is often touted as one of the best Canary Islands.
Gran Canaria is well-suited to family beach holidays thanks to its shallow beaches and fabulous local restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal for less than £10 each. There are also ample resort towns to choose between, including Puerto Rico and Maspalomas. The latter is right next to the Maspalomas Dunes: a huge 6-kilometre stretch that’s popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Discover more budget travel tips
If a beach escape isn’t your priority, check out the cheap holiday destinations for 2024 and these great budget staycations for families. You could also use the KAYAK Explore tool to find cheap flights for your next getaway. Or if, you’re flexible with your dates, work out the Best Time to Travel in a few clicks.
