As summer approaches, the dream of a sun-drenched, budget-friendly beach holiday becomes ever more enticing. For those seeking value without sacrificing beauty or experience, a selection of stunning coastal gems across Europe offers the perfect escape. From the windswept Atlantic shores of Spain to the crystalline waters of the Aegean, here are eight of the best affordable beach holidays for the coming season.
Atlantic Allure: Spain's Untouched Coast and Portugal's Surf Tip
For travellers craving wild, unspoilt landscapes, the Costa de la Luz in Andalucia, Spain, remains a compelling choice. Dubbed 'the Spanish coastline time forgot', this dramatic Atlantic stretch is fringed with vast sandy beaches and charming villages. A perfect base is the Hotel Madreselva, nestled within the Breña y Marismas de Barbate nature reserve. Just a minute's walk from Los Caños de Meca beach, its 18 stylish rooms, palm-shaded courtyard, and pool area offer tranquillity. The historic white village of Vejer is a 20-minute drive, while the iconic Cape Trafalgar lighthouse is a 10-minute stroll along the sand. Doubles start from £83 on a B&B basis.
Further west, on Portugal's south-western tip, Sagres in the Algarve provides a breathtaking, edge-of-the-world feel. The Memmo Baleeira hotel capitalises on this with its modernist design and panoramic views. Steeped in maritime history, Sagres boasts a spectacular fortress, dramatic cliffs, and a relaxed surf culture. The hotel's restaurant serves fresh local seafood, and the area is ideal for dolphin-watching boat trips and hiking the Rota Vicentina trail. Doubles are available from £105 B&B.
Mediterranean Magic: Greek Seclusion and Cretan Value
In Greece, the pristine Pelion peninsula in Thessaly offers a gloriously quiet retreat, popular with Athenian second-home owners. The Pounda Paou is a charming, family-run hillside hotel with a pool terrace overlooking the sea. Exploring by car is essential to discover hidden coves and hilltop villages like Chorto, home to excellent tavernas. The hotel itself is renowned for its hearty, home-cooked meals. A week's stay starts at £399 per person B&B.
On Crete, the once-sleepy fishing village of Elounda has transformed into a luxury hub but is set to become more accessible with the opening of the Innside Elounda on 1st May. This new hotel promises chic rooms, many with sea views, two restaurants, and outdoor yoga, all positioned perfectly for exploring ancient sites like Knossos. It offers a chance to experience this beautiful lagoon-side location from just £92 room-only.
Coastal Charms: From Croatia's Riviera to Italian Islands
Croatia's Makarska Riviera offers a quieter alternative to Dubrovnik and Split. The resort of Tučepi features a pebbly beach, a palm-lined promenade, and traditional taverns. Villa Andrea provides 18 comfortable rooms right on the promenade, with a cellar for wine tastings and staff who can organise activities from rafting to restaurant bookings. Doubles start at £94.50 B&B.
For a blend of beach isolation and cultural buzz, Kasbah d'Eau near Essaouira, Morocco, is a striking contemporary hotel on an unspoilt beach. A 25-minute drive takes you to the town's vibrant medina for shopping and rooftop sundowners, while the hotel offers cooking classes and horse-riding. Doubles are priced from £122 B&B.
In Italy's Puglia region, the Masseria Fontanelle near the Litorale di Ugento natural park offers a tranquil, adults-only retreat in a restored 17th-century convent. With a spa, outdoor cinema, and a gin bar, it's a short stroll from stunning white-sand beaches. Nearby, the town of Ugento boasts baroque architecture. Rates begin at £122 B&B.
Finally, for ultimate seclusion, consider A Picciridda on Panarea, the smallest of Sicily's Aeolian Islands. This car-free, crowd-free haven offers a private hillside cottage for two, with quiet coves, waterfront restaurants, and nightly views of Stromboli's volcanic activity. A week's self-catering stay costs from £1,005.
All prices quoted are for travel in May or June and were correct at the time of publication.
