From sea pools to hidden caves: Spain's cheapest beach destinations this summer
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.
9
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.
9
"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.
9
"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.
9
"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
9
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.
9
"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."
9
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.
9
"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.
9
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
Climate change could spell the end for beaches at European hot-spot
& Suman Naishadham Coastal erosion is severely impacting Montgat, a town north of Barcelona, threatening its beaches and summer tourism. The erosion is primarily caused by climate change, leading to more intense storms and significant sea level rise. Man-made beaches, developed for tourism after the 1992 Olympics, are eroding at an accelerated rate compared to natural coastlines. Authorities recognise that simply replenishing sand is insufficient, advocating for structural solutions like breakwaters to prevent further loss. Scientists report that sea levels along the Catalan coast are four times higher than three decades ago, with an estimated 60 million euros needed to stabilise the metropolitan coastline.
.jpeg%3Ftrim%3D0%2C2%2C0%2C1%26width%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
U.S city tops Time Out ranking of the 20 best places in the world for nightlife
Las Vegas has suffered a drop in visitor numbers recently, with " ridiculous prices" to blame. But there's more than one reason to go against the grain and book a vacation there. For one, we revealed insider tips for enjoying Sin City on a budget, from the best-value hotels to book to a pro tip for getting a discount after you've checked in. Secondly, it's just been crowned the global nightlife capital. It tops Time Out's 20-strong ranking of the best cities in the world for nightlife for 2025. The list was compiled by a survey of 18,500 people around the world, who were asked about nightlife and going out in their city. Each city was ranked according to how locals rated the quality and affordability of the nightlife scene, from clubbing to entertainment, coupled with the thoughts of Time Out city editors, and arts and culture writers. Las Vegas is lauded by Time Out for its DJ-oriented raves and hidden speakeasies. Las Vegas expert Ryan Slattery says: "Nightlife in Las Vegas famously centres around top DJs spinning EDM or hip hop in enormous resort nightclubs. "But in recent years, there's been a shift to a more low-key nightlife venue: the cocktail bar." He continues: "Many of these cocktail lounges – Stray Pirate, Doberman and Nocturno, to name a few – can be found in the city's thriving Arts District, a walkable downtown neighborhood of vintage shops, breweries and restaurants. "Vegas also has a slew of tiki bars and dozens of speakeasies; spots hidden inside a working barbershop, behind a bookcase of a Mamak stall at Resorts World or in the basement of the Mob Museum. There's even one called The Lock that you crawl into through a safe door." Second place in the ranking goes to Madrid, "home to an incredibly diverse nightlife scene with outstanding bars and clubs". In third place is Paris, which Time Out acknowledges is expensive, but declares that going out there is "worth every penny". The guide adds: "Parisian nightlife is going through a new golden age right now with Queer collectives like La Créole, Divin0 and Le Bunker lighting up the city with joyous, inclusive and intersectional parties where dancehall, perreo and afrobeats ring out, proving that techno no longer has a monopoly on the dancefloor." World's Best Cities for Nightlife in 2025 Las Vegas Madrid Paris Shanghai Berlin Melbourne Brighton Mexico City Dubai Mumbai Cape Town Warsaw Bangkok Lagos Cairo Riyadh Amsterdam Medellin Marrakech Athens
The Independent
7 hours ago
- The Independent
What Barcelona port terminal closures mean for cruise passengers
The number of cruise terminals at the Port of Barcelona are set to be reduced by the end of the decade in an effort to address concerns about overtourism in the city. Barcelona City Council and the Port of Barcelona have unveiled plans to reduce the number of passenger cruise terminals from seven to five. Under the plans, terminals A, B and C will be demolished as part of a €185m (£160m) project. A new terminal will be built on the site of terminal C that will have capacity for 7,000 passengers at any given time. The changes will reduce Barcelona's maximum cruise capacity from 37,000 passengers to 31,000 per day. This could alter how often ships visit Barcelona. The new terminal will prioritise cruise lines that start or end at the port, plus small vessels and those that stay overnight, according to the announcement. Work will begin at the end of next year and the new terminal will be complete by 2030. It won't affect terminals D and E, which are operated by Carnival Corporation, Terminal H, operated by MSC Cruises, or Terminal G, run by Royal Caribbean Group. There will be a €90m (£78m) expansion to the Porta d'Europa bridge that links the wharf with the city. More shuttle services, and crowd-monitoring information screens, have been proposed. Onshore power supplies will be installed to help ships reduce their engine emissions while in-port. A study has also been commissioned to see how cruise passengers move around the city as part of a new sustainable mobility plan. Barcelona is Europe's largest cruise port and, according to the proposal, has seen a 20 per cent increase in passengers since 2018. Of 12.8 million cruise passengers who visited Spanish ports last year, 3.7 million came to Barcelona. This has prompted protests about overtourism and overcrowding in the city. The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, said the growth cannot be infinite, adding: 'For the first time in history, a limit is being placed on the growth of cruises in the city. 'The current management of tourism involves setting limits and managing better.' Barcelona has been scaling back cruise operations since 2018, moving from the city centre to Adossat Wharf, before closing its North Terminal, located near La Rambla, in 2023. A statement from the port said: 'The agreement will reduce the number of cruise terminals at the Port of Barcelona and will roll out a series of projects to improve passenger mobility and make it more sustainable, moving forward in the responsible management of cruises and improving the coexistence between port activity and the city.' A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) trade body, said: "While cruise visitors currently represent less than five per cent of total tourists to Barcelona, cruise tourism contributes more than €1bn (£867m) annually to the Catalan economy and supports over 9,000 jobs, according to the University of Barcelona. 'Ensuring the sector's continued contribution – while enhancing sustainability – requires a thoughtful, collaborative approach, and we welcome the opportunity for ongoing dialogue and partnership with the Port of Barcelona, the City Council, and regional authorities. 'By working together, we can ensure that cruise tourism continues to be a well-managed, economically valuable, and increasingly sustainable part of Barcelona's future. "Cruise tourism is managed tourism, with scheduled arrivals planned years in advance and supported by guided excursions, and coordinated transportation, allowing for better tourism management and oversight."
