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

The Irish Sun

20-05-2025

SPAIN still has some amazingly affordable holidays on offer this summer - and we've found the cheapest beach destinations.
New research from
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
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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
Manilva, Costa del Sol = £371
The little-known municipality of Manilva has emerged as Spain's most
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"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
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.
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"Today, producers like Nilva are reviving the tradition with modern dry whites, and visitors can
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 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
"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
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"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
Golf
del Sur.
S'illot, Majorca = £449
At £449 per person for a week-long stay,
"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
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Majorca boasts a cycle path along the eastern coastline, which links several towns
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"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
Calpe, Costa Blanca = £470
The former
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
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"And if you want a lively night out or family attractions, then it's just 15 miles south to reach
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
Callao Salvaje, Tenerife = £498
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Callao Salvaje is only a 15-minute drive from Aqualand
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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
"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
"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
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"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
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Orotava Valley is only a short distance from Puerto de la Cruz and is home to multiple hiking trails
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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
Roma
that's worth a visit."
The resort also has more than a
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
"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
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"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
For those with kids, there is also Majorca's biggest waterpark - Aqualand - nearby.
Plus, the
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Most of the destinations are also kid-friendly
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