5 Cheap European Beach Holidays for 2022
We can finally start to dream about a stress free summer holiday again. Something we’ve not been able to do for a while! To help you, we did some research into the most affordable destinations across Europe.
If you are undecided by any of the locations, why not take a trip virtually and explore the area before you add it to your list.
We’ve also given you the average price of 8 holiday essentials in each destination; three-course evening meal for two with wine, a bottle of beer, a glass of wine, a can of fizzy drink, a large bottle of water, a cup of coffee, sun cream and insect repellent. Information correct as of February 2022.
It’s important to know that these costs do not include travel or accommodation, and will differ depending on what season and year you decide to travel. However they do give you a rough guide on how expensive somewhere will be once you get there!
If a staycation sounds more appealing than a holiday, why not check out our list of top UK caravan staycations.
1. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
The cost of holiday essentials in Sunny Beach = £30.68
Sunny Beach is known for its sandy beaches and sunny weather. This area of Bulgaria may be commonly known by a lot of you for offering a cheap holiday for teens to celebrate the end of their exams – but this destination actually has a lot to offer to families.
Yes, sunny beach is great for a party, so if this is what you are looking for, then great! If you are looking for a more relaxing holiday, then Sunny Beach still has plenty to offer.
See the sunrise over the horizon whilst an array of beautiful birds join to watch alongside you. You can sample local wines at Chateau Medovo located only 12km out of Sunny Beach, or why not try heading out on a safari adventure. In the village of Marinka you can start your safari day trip. You will head out on a guided river tour to explore the Black Sea coast full of rare species of reptiles and other animals.
Bulgaria also has a lot of history to offer, and in the ancient city of Nessebar you can explore one of Europe’s most ancient settlements. This city has seen the Thracians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantine empires reign. This UNESCO world heritage site is a must for those looking to explore on their next trip.
You can also sail on a hydrofoil to explore the coast a little more. Mud baths have also been formed over millions of years across the black sea coast, making a popular attraction for tourist – the best bit about them is they are totally free!
2. Marmaris, Turkey
The cost of holiday essentials in Marmaris = £44.15
Marmaris is a great destination for a beach holiday. Obviously, you should head to the white sand beaches and relax, let’s be honest that’s what a holiday should be about, but Marmaris can offer much more.
If you are a beach person then Icmeler Beach is a must. It has shallow, clear water, the beach is clean and the sand is soft – ideal for families and couples! You can also go scuba diving or snorkelling to explore the marine life that has been mainly untouched by humans.
You can also head to Marmaris Marina to take a stroll, you will find several shops selling authentic Turkish gifts and clothing, but also a social hub full of restaurants and live musicians along the waterfront.
After your evening meal, why not head to the dancing fountains to enjoy a free show of water, music and lights. Throw a coin in and make a wish, and hopefully it’ll come true. The dancing fountains are on every night, so no need to rush there on your first night!
If you wanted to go away from the water, then the Marmaris Mountains might be something you want to explore. Explore the rocky trails, stunning panoramic views and beautiful waterfalls and lagoons or even watch the sun set whilst you’re there.
Carian Rock Tombs make another great day trip. There are many boat tours operating to take tourists up close and personal to see the details of the carvings. The guide on board will be able to tell you more about the history of the tombs, making this boat trip quite a relaxing day out on the water.
3. Algarve, Portugal
The cost of holiday essentials in the Algarve = £49.87
The Algarve in Portugal is a fantastic location for a beach holiday, but there’s much more to do here if you wanted a little more excitement.
You could visit the lighthouse from Cape St. Vincent in Sagres and take in views of the ocean from this iconic building. If instead you fancied a road trip, head to the Monchique Mountains (Serra de Monchique), where you can see rice terraces on the highest peak in the region.
There are plenty of caves to explore in the Algarve, but two of the most beautiful spots are the Benagil and Zorreira caves. You can reach them by kayak, canoe or by taking a boat most of the way and swimming the rest. Which ever way you prefer to explore these beautiful caves.
If you are looking something for the kids, then Zoomarine Algarve is perfect. It’s a marine-themed amusement park found in Albuferia, from water slides to dolphin shows there is something for all the family.
You could also try Lagos Zoo for a fun family day out. Here not only is there a zoo dedicated to the conservation of animals, but it also has it’s own swimming area.
For more days out centred around adults or older children, why not explore Faro Old Town, Castle of Alvor, the town of Silves, or Sao Lourenco Church or the city of Loule. There is plenty to do in this beautiful region of Portugal.
4. Costa del Sol, Spain
The cost of holiday essentials in the Costa del Sol = £53.16
The Costa del Sol has been a hit with brits for many years, and with an array of beaches, coastal towns, and lots of sun we know why.
If you’re looking to try somewhere new in the Costa del Sol or just looking for somewhere to stay for the first time, there are many different locations to choose from.
Benalmadena Costa has a gold sandy beach, lots of beach bars and restaurants offering fresh fish and other local Spanish dishes. There are also plenty of activities to do here, from visiting the Puerto Marina to the local Sea Life Centre or Dove Park will keep you entertained.
Torremolinos is a town north of Benalmadena (only a 13-minute drive to be exact), and offers the feeling of a cosmopolitan town mixed with the relaxed vibe of a fishing village. It has a 7km long coastline, an Aqualand and a Crocodile Park. There are also plenty of bars and Nightclubs in Los Alamos and La Nogalera (both areas within the town), if you are looking for some evening entertainment.
Fuengirola is further south along the coast, and although was once a small fishing village is now full of chic boutiques, beautiful beaches, and lots of tapas bars! With a 7km beach stretching from Torreblanca to Soahil castle, water sports are a must in Fuengirola.
Marbella is a popular destination on the Costa del Sol and has lots to offer including a range of stunning beaches, beautiful plazas and shops and galleries, not to mention the world-famous nightlife. It’s a great place to holiday but might be slightly on the pricey side.
Estepona is another favourite, and perfect for beach lovers with its 21km of coastline! It’s one of the few coastal towns in the Costa del Sol that has managed to keep its Spanish character and charm, despite being a hot spot with tourists. It has a wide range of restaurants catering for all your Mediterranean and traditional Spanish food needs and a charming town centre to enjoy.
5. Paphos, Cyprus
The cost of holiday essentials in Paphos = £63.22
Paphos is a coastal city in Cyprus and is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of love and beauty). It’s a popular destination with tourists from all over the world, with a mixture of beaches and culture.
If you’re interested in Greek mythology, then stop by Aphrodite’s rock. You can find this spot just south of Paphos, heading towards Limassol. The legend has it that she rose from the waves between the rocks in a shell. Even if you aren’t interested in the history of the rocks then the beach is great for swimming and you can also climb the rocks to take in the outstanding views.
Whilst visiting Paphos you could also visit Kator Paphos Archaeological Park featuring relics from the Middle Ages and the Roman Empire. Here you can explore the Tombs of the Kings a range of underground chambers carved from rock by Romans.
If you are looking for something more adventurous, then head to Avakas Gorge when you can hike through the 3km long gorge. It’s been untouched by any development and is really quite spectacular. It can get wet and slippery though, so we would advise to wear appropriate shoes.
Alternatively, you could visit the Blue Lagoon by boat or dirt track to see some of the bluest and clearest waters that Cyrus has to offer. We would advise travelling there by boat, it’s a lot smoother ride.
If none of the above takes your fancy, then this island offers even more. Quad biking, camping under the stars, eating local traditional food, wine tasting, drinking cocktails with a shipwreck in view, and last but not least turtle watching!
So the real question is, where do you think you’ll be spending your summer holiday in 2022?
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