From sea pools to hidden caves: Spain's cheapest beach destinations this summer

Scottish Sun

20-05-2025

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SPAIN still has some amazingly affordable holidays on offer this summer - and we've found the cheapest beach destinations.
New research from TravelSupermarket has revealed the ten most affordable Spanish beach destinations for summer 2025, with the Costa del Sol's Manilva taking the top spot as the cheapest resort.
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Many Spanish resorts cost under £500 per person, for a week's break
Credit: Alamy
Steph Marinkovic, head of editorial at TravelSupermarket, said: "Spain continues to represent excellent value for holidaymakers, with our research revealing impressive affordability across mainland Spain, the Canaries, and the Balearics.
"Holidaymakers might expect a huge resort to offer the best value, but this shows that getting away from the crowds and finding unique, authentic spots can mean travellers save big.
"Across the top ten, we see a mix of established resort towns and lesser-known gems, giving budget-conscious travellers plenty of options for their summer getaway."
Manilva, Costa del Sol = £371
The little-known municipality of Manilva has emerged as Spain's most affordable resort for summer 2025, with seven-night getaways averaging around £371 per person.
"What makes Manilva truly special is that it's actually three distinct experiences in one destination," explained Steph Marinkovic.
"Visitors can base themselves in the traditional whitewashed pueblo up on the hill with its stunning coastal views, the more polished Puerto de la Duquesa marina area, or the authentic Spanish beach town of San Luis de Sabinillas - all at incredibly competitive prices."
The area is full of vineyards, which according to Marinkovic, are one of Manilva's "best-kept secrets".
"Locals have been growing Moscatel grapes here for generations, traditionally for sweet wines and raisins," she said.
"Today, producers like Nilva are reviving the tradition with modern dry whites, and visitors can tour vineyards, taste wines, and buy bottles at a fraction of the cost you'd pay in France or Italy."
Explore Tenerife with The Sun's Best of Beaches
There is also the Blue Flag-certified Sabinillas Beach just minutes away, the gorgeous 18th-century Church of Santa Ana in the pueblo, loads of affordable tapas bars, and a chilled marina with restaurants serving food from around the world.
"Everything runs at that lovely, laid-back pace that's getting harder to find in the busier Costa del Sol hotspots," Marinkovic said.
Costa del Silencio, Tenerife = £424
Tenerife's Costa del Silencio takes second place for affordability, with seven-night holidays averaging £424 per person.
"Costa del Silencio offers exceptional value for those seeking summer sun in the Canaries," noted Marinkovic.
"What's great about this spot is that it's much quieter than Tenerife's busy southern resorts, but it's super affordable.
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In Costa del Silencio, Tenerife, there is the golden Montana Amarilla volcanic formation
Credit: Alamy
"You've got the amazing golden Montaña Amarilla volcanic formation right on your doorstep - one of Tenerife's most Instagram-worthy natural landmarks – without paying the premium prices you'd expect for such spectacular scenery."
The destination is also known for snorkelling and diving opportunities with crystal clear waters and access to the nearby Golf del Sur.
S'illot, Majorca = £449
At £449 per person for a week-long stay, Majorca's east coast resort of S'illot ranks as the third most affordable Spanish beach destination.
"S'illot gives you the best bang for your buck on the Balearic Islands this summer,' Marinkovic explained.
"The secret advantage of this compact resort is its location - you can hop on a bike and explore Majorca's gorgeous eastern coastline on the cycle path that links several beach towns.
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Majorca boasts a cycle path along the eastern coastline, which links several towns
Credit: Alamy
"Stay here and you've basically got a budget-friendly launchpad to visit pricier spots like Cala Millor and Sa Coma without paying their premium rates."
In particular, Marinkovic noted that the soft sandy beaches are perfect for families and the famous Drach Caves are easily accessible from here.
Calpe, Costa Blanca = £470
The former fishing village of Calpe on the Costa Blanca offers seven-night holidays averaging £470 per person.
Marinkovic shared: "Calpe blends affordable holiday basics with genuine Spanish charm in the old town.
"You can wander through the Moorish Quarter and check out the local fish market – the kind of authentic experiences that might cost a fortune elsewhere, but here they're just part of your daily holiday routine.
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In Calpe, Costa Blanca, there is a local fish market to explore
Credit: Alamy
"And if you want a lively night out or family attractions, then it's just 15 miles south to reach Benidorm."
Cala Ratjada, Majorca = £488
Nestled on Majorca's northeast coast, this pretty harbour town averages £488 per person for a seven-night stay.
Marinkovic said: "Cala Ratjada is a total bargain for a place with such gorgeous beaches.
"Savvy savers have cottoned on that you can enjoy the same crystal-clear waters and golden sands as the pricier northeastern Majorca spots without the hefty price tag.
"The best part? You've got three completely different beaches within walking distance – Son Moll for easy swimming, stunning Cala Gat for stunning sunset photos, and the larger Cala Agulla that rarely gets crowded."
She also shared that there is a bustling seafront promenade too, with restaurants and bars to watch the world go by.
Callao Salvaje, Tenerife = £498
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Callao Salvaje is only a 15-minute drive from Aqualand
Credit: Alamy
This Tenerife resort ranks sixth for affordability, with week-long holidays averaging £498 per person.
"Callao Salvaje is Tenerife's hidden gem for bargain hunters," said Marinkovic.
"The self-catering apartments here are brilliant for keeping food costs down – cook when you want or eat out if you fancy.
"Plus, you're just a 15-minute drive from all the big attractions in Costa Adeje like Aqualand, but without paying Costa Adeje prices.
"It's like getting the full Tenerife experience with a nice discount just for staying a bit off the main tourist drag."
The area also benefits from up to 10 hours of sunshine a day and also has a lovely beach.
Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava = £508
This picturesque Costa Brava resort, instantly recognisable for its 12th-century castle, offers seven-night holidays at an average of £508 per person.
"Tossa de Mar should be way more expensive than it is,' Marinkovic said.
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Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, features a 12th century castle
Credit: Alamy
"It boasts a stunning medieval old town, an impressive castle perched on the cliff, and gorgeous beaches all in one place.
"It's perfect if you want more than just a beach flop – you can combine sunbathing with wandering through cobblestone streets, browsing local shops, stopping for tapas, and still have change left for dinner."
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife = £512
This northern Tenerife town ranks eighth for affordability, with seven-night stays averaging around £512 per person.
"Puerto de la Cruz gives you a completely different side of Tenerife for less," shared Marinkovic.
"This is a proper Canarian town with a real local feel, not just a purpose-built resort.
"The botanical gardens are gorgeous, and the sea pools designed by César Manrique are a must-visit.
"It's a top pick for couples who want a romantic getaway without the ridiculous prices that usually come with more traditional romantic spots, and there are lovely hiking trails in the Orotava Valley just a short trip away."
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Orotava Valley is only a short distance from Puerto de la Cruz and is home to multiple hiking trails
Credit: Alamy
Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava = £522
One of Costa Brava's most popular resorts ranks ninth for affordability, with seven-night holidays averaging £522 per person.
Marinkovic said: "Lloret de Mar proves you don't have to pay through the nose for a popular spot.
"Yes, it's famous for nightlife, but there's so much more to it – free activities, the beautiful Playa de Lloret beach, and even the Gothic Parish Church of Sant Roma that's worth a visit."
The resort also has more than a party scene - it is great for families and couples too.
There are self-catering options also, which is good for those trying to manage a budget.
El Arenal, Majorca = £535
Rounding out the top ten, El Arenal offers seven-night summer escapes at an average of £535 per person.
"El Arenal is brilliant for active beach-lovers who don't want to blow their budget,' Marinkovic explained.
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In El Arenal, travellers will find Majorca's longest stretch of sand
Credit: Alamy
"You're right on Majorca's longest stretch of sand, and the water sports here are amazing – try paddleboarding, jet skiing, or parasailing for much less than you'd pay at fancier resorts."
The destrination is a short distance from Palma, which means visitors can enjoy the city life whenever they want.
For those with kids, there is also Majorca's biggest waterpark - Aqualand - nearby.
Jet2 has also launched new holidays to one of Spain's cheapest cities known as the 'Garden of Europe' – with summer highs of 35C.
Plus, the top holiday destinations in Spain that are offering hotels from £22pp a night.