Cheap beach holidays: 10 budget-friendly destinations for sun

Discover sun-soaked bliss without breaking the bank! Your perfect beach escape is closer than you think.

Dreaming of white sands and crystal-clear waters? We’ve rounded up 10 incredible destinations where you can enjoy a fantastic beach holiday without the hefty price tags. Get ready for sun, sea, and serious savings!


Top 10 affordable beach holidays

Your guide to budget-friendly beach bliss

Planning a bargain beach holiday doesn't mean sacrificing quality. From the sun-kissed shores of Europe to exotic destinations in Asia, there are some amazing options for every budget. Whether you're looking for a relaxing retreat, an adventurous escape, or vibrant nightlife, our list has something for everyone. Get ready to pack your bags and soak up the sun with our cheap beach holiday guide!

Your guide to affordable beach bliss

Discover 10 incredible destinations

We've handpicked 10 amazing destinations where you can enjoy an unforgettable beach holiday without breaking the bank. From Europe to Asia, get ready to explore paradise for less. Let's dive in!

1. Malaga, Spain

Affordable sunshine, vibrant culture

Malaga, Costa del Sol
Open year-round

Malaga offers a fantastic, bargain beach holiday that’s just a short flight from the UK. This artsy coastal city, the birthplace of Picasso, offers the perfect mix of sun, culture, and seaside relaxation. With average summer temperatures between 23°C and 26°C, it’s ideal for relaxing on the beach and enjoying delicious alfresco lunches. Stroll around the glitzy harbour, browse traditional sombreros at Ricardo del Cid Fernandez milliners, or use Malaga as a base to discover the Costa del Sol and Andalusia.

Highlights:

  • Affordable beach holidays

  • Pablo Picasso's birthplace

  • Culture gateway to Costa del Sol

2. Ibiza, Spain

Beyond the parties

Ibiza
Open year-round

This small Balearic Island has a big reputation. Famous for its super-clubs, all-night beach parties, and packed street bars, Ibiza is the go-to summer holiday spot for school leavers, ravers and all-round party animals from July to September. Most of the hardcore revellers head to Ibiza Town or San Antonio, where you’ll find the biggest nightclubs.

Highlights:

  • Super-clubs and nightlife

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Charming villages

Picture of coastal rocks and blue sea

Cultural Fact File

Both Catalan and Spanish are official languages, while Spanish is universally understood, Catalan is widely spoken in daily life.
The region has a long history of salt production. Coastal salt flats and inland salt mines have played a crucial role in local industry and cuisine.
The “casa payesa”, common in Ibiza, is a whitewashed, thick-walled traditional home with a flat roof.

3. Algarve, Portugal

Coastal Charms

Algarve
Open year-round

You can swim in the Atlantic Ocean off one of the 100 beaches in this southern Portuguese region. And it's recognised as one of the best places to play golf in the world, making the Algarve the perfect destination for a golf holiday in Portugal.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful beaches

  • World-class golf courses

  • Delicious Portuguese cuisine

Coastal views of cliffs near a sandy beach and blue ocean

4. Nice, France

Riviera on a Budget

Nice
Open year-round

Fancy a few nights quaffing champagne, riding around in fast cars and eating some of the finest cuisine in the world? Well, it’s certainly an option in the French Riviera, particularly in Nice.

But if you're after an affordable beach holiday in Europe, you can swap the pricey bubbly for supermarket Prosecco, enjoy stunning coastal views, and still soak up the region’s charm without breaking the bank.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Delicious French cuisine

  • Affordable activities

Top tip

Skip the pricey beach clubs and head to Castel Plage, a free public beach at the foot of Castle Hill. Pack a picnic and enjoy stunning views of the Baie des Anges without spending a fortune.

5. Pula, Croatia

Istrian Gem

Pula
Open year-round

Croatia is quickly becoming a top choice for Brits seeking affordable holiday on the beach. With average summer temperatures of 25°C to 28°C from June to August, Pula offers countless beaches along the stunning Istrian coastline. Its blend of sunny weather, rich history, and vibrant culture makes it the perfect bargain beach holiday.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Roman history

  • Affordable prices

6. Antalya, Turkey

Turkish Delight

Antalya
Open year-round

The largest city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya is an excellent choice for a cheap beach holiday. Although it’s a bit further afield, with a five-hour flight, Turkey offers exceptional value for money. If you like it hot, Antalya won’t disappoint, as temperatures during the summer months regularly hit highs between 30°C and 34°C. With idyllic beaches, tasty cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere, Antalya is a great option for those looking to get the most out of their holiday without breaking the bank.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Delicious Turkish cuisine

  • Affordable prices

sun beds with umbrellas above them lined up on a beach

7. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Red Sea Paradise

Sharm el Sheikh
Open year-round

The charm of Sharm (or one of them, at least) is its blazing sunshine pretty much all year round, with temperatures staying around 30°C from May to October. The resort’s easy accessibility is another perk, as you can fly directly into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, making it a convenient and affordable option for sun lovers. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Sharm el Sheikh offers the perfect setting for a slightly different budget-friendly escape.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Scuba diving opportunities

  • Year-round sunshine

8. Bali, Indonesia

Island of the Gods

Bali
Open year-round

One of the 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is often referred to as the Island of the Gods - and it truly lives up to the name. Picture lush green rice terraces, clifftop temples, volcanic peaks, and stretches of golden sandy beaches. Most of the island’s resorts are located in the southern region, particularly in popular areas like Kuta, Denpasar (where you'll arrive at Bali Airport), and Seminyak. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Bali offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Lush rice terraces

  • Clifftop temples


Cultural Fact File

Known in Indonesia as Agama Hindu Dharma, Balinese Hinduism is a distinctive religion that combines Hinduism, Buddhism, Javanese traditions, and ancient indigenous beliefs.
The subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a sustainable method of rice farming that involves water management from mountain springs.
Bali’s traditional dances bring Hindu myths to life, using intricate movements and vibrant costumes to tell ancient stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

9. Orlando, Florida, US

Theme Park Fun

Orlando
Open year-round

The iconic attractions of Disney World and Orlando’s other theme parks attract countless families who return to Florida year after year. Just a 35-minute drive southwest of downtown Orlando, you’ll find Walt Disney World, where you can watch your kids’ faces light up as you enter the gates. And when you're ready for a change of pace, you can easily head to nearby Cocoa Beach, the closest beach to Orlando International Airport (MCO). At just 52 miles away, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of theme park fun.

Highlights

  • Iconic theme park experiences

  • Family-friendly attractions

  • Year-round sunshine

white sandy beach with palm tree blowing in the wind

10. Da Nang, Vietnam

Coastal Escape

Da Nang
Open year-round

Da Nang is perfect for adventurous travellers who crave tropical temperatures, palm-fringed beaches, and a vibrant culture. The opening of several luxury resort hotels has propelled Vietnam into the spotlight, offering a unique blend of relaxation and charm. What makes it even better is the affordable cost of food, accommodation, and travel once you're there, making Vietnam one of the top choices for a budget-friendly holiday on the beach.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Delicious Vietnamese cuisine

  • Affordable prices

If any of these beautiful destinations have caught your eye, easily find the best flights, hotels and car hire with Skyscanner.

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