Are you looking for a summer holiday that doesn’t break the bank? Are you dreaming of sandy beaches whilst simultaneously wondering if you have enough spare cash to buy that extra glass of wine? Well – I might be able to help. I have created a list of fifteen of the best holiday destinations for people with a relatively low budget. So if you’ve spent all your time partying instead of working, or all your money has gone on Uber Eats, don’t worry. It shouldn’t cost a kidney to sunbathe in a hot country – and it doesn’t! I’ll prove it.
1. Marmaris, Turkey
Located on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Marmaris has something for everyone. Packed with restaurants and bars, beach clubs with access to a variety of water sports, and traditional markets – it’s perfect if you’re wanting an upbeat, lively holiday. However, it also boasts a rich cultural history. An Ottoman castle lies within the charming old town, and traditional Turkish baths are thought to be an unmissable experience for holidaymakers, and Marmaris is even home to a bath from the 16th century. And if you’re prone to getting bored when staying in one place, plenty of trips run from Marmaris, including river cruises, turtle beaches, mud baths, and blue lagoons. Not only that, but there is the option to go on a boat trip to Rhodes, which only takes one hour, and you are given plenty of time to explore the island.
Package holidays start from £387 per person, flights and transfers included [for a 7-night stay].
2. Corfu, Greece
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Corfu is a Greek island known for its cultural heritage, its beautiful landscape, and most importantly – its nightlife. With plenty of restaurants and even more bars and clubs, Corfu is an ideal pick if you’re wanting a cheap, lively holiday for the summer. Don’t get me wrong, there’s more to the island than drinking. There are churches, a 15th-century fortress, museums (if that’s more your vibe). So pack your sunglasses, buy those ten bottles of cheap vodka in duty-free, and get on that plane.
Package holidays start from £340 per person, flights and transfers included [for a 7-night stay].
3. Agadir, Morocco
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Whilst it isn’t necessarily the most popular choice for a summer holiday, Agadir in Morocco is cheap, fun and unique (emphasis on the cheap). It is definitely more laidback than others on this list, but it is something new if you’re bored of the stereotypical Spanish resorts that are full of sunburnt English men wearing Man United shirts. If that’s your vibe, no judgement (unless you are said man) – this list has something for everyone. Activities in Agadir include cliff jumping excursions, desert safaris, camel riding, and much more. P.S. It will be hot, especially in June. So if you’re a ginger, maybe skip this one.
Package holidays start from £390 per person, flights and transfers included [for a 7-night stay].
4. Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife is one of those places that has almost too much to do, and that’s probably why it’s so popular with holidaymakers. You can swim with dolphins, climb up to the highest peak in Spain, explore the historic quarters – the list goes on. And at nighttime, if you’re after a night of excessive drinking and subsequent vomiting (we’ve all been there), Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos are the places to be. They are filled with cocktail bars, drinking taverns and nightclubs – all you need for an unforgettable night.
Package holidays start from £365 per person, flights and transfers included [for a 7-night stay].
5. Icmeler, Turkey
Icmeler in Turkey is again, more lowkey than places like Tenerife. However, it’s cheap and HOT. Plus, there are plenty of things to do. Waterparks, a mountain trek, markets – it’s ideal for an active, jampacked stay. There are water taxis that can take you between beaches and resorts, meaning that it’s easy enough for you to explore.
Package holidays start from £376 per person, flights and transfers included [for a 7-night stay].
6. Thassos, Greece
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The beaches and natural landscape of Thassos means it’s very popular amongst holidaymakers, and the hiking trails offer amazing views of gorges, caves, and hillside villages. Thassos is definitely the place for you if you like holidays that are a bit more active. There are many opportunities for scuba diving trips to reefs and old shipwrecks, visits to archaeological sites and ancient theatres, and more.
Package holidays start from £347 per person, flights and transfers included [for a 7-night stay].
7. Alvor, Portugal
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Portugal has too made it on this list, particularly Alvor – the former fishing village on the southern coast. It has been described as less rowdy than other neighbouring resorts in the Algarve, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. It has everything you need for a sunny, exciting holiday – boat trips, caves, restaurants and bars, etc. This is a great option for a cheap holiday in June.
Package holidays start from £403 per person, flights and transfers included [for a 7-night stay].
8. Lanzarote, Spain
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Lanzarote is home to some of the most incredible natural landscapes, from volcanoes to National Parks, and it is definitely one of the more Instagrammable locations on this list. It is different to your average beach holiday, and it’s definitely one for the bucket list. And if volcanoes aren’t your thing, firstly, what is wrong with you? And secondly, there are plenty of things you can be doing instead. You can go on a jet ski, go scuba diving, go on a buggy tour. Or you can just go get drunk in one of the seafront bars.
Package holidays start from £367 per person, flights and transfers included [for a 7-night stay].
Now, here are some options that allow you to be more flexible. The prices listed are based on current Skyscanner prices for the month of June, and the average price of Airbnb stays [per night, for 2 people].
9. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a great holiday destination and very popular amongst tourists. With it being the capital and a seaside city, you get the perfect blend of a city break and a summer holiday. The beach is about a twenty-minute drive from the city, which is just a taxi or cycle away. Also, the city has a rich history, so there are plenty of museums and historical sites for you to visit, if you can stand doing that in the soaring heat. There are also the iconic Lisbon trams, which are a must-do when in the city, as they offer incredible views. And even better, Lisbon is known for being quite cheap in comparison to other European capital cities, so you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy it properly.
Flights in June – £30-£70pp [each way].
Airbnb/Hotel in Lisbon – £80+ per night for 2 people.
10. Porto, Portugal
Porto is widely considered one of the most beautiful parts of Portugal, and its old town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a favourite choice amongst holidaymakers, for its rich history and sightseeing opportunities. It’s an ideal spot for people who want to immerse themselves in a new culture, instead of just getting smashed on a beach. With wine tours, markets and more, there is something for everyone here.
Flights in June – £50-£70pp [each way].
Airbnb/Hotel – £60+ per night for 2 people.
11. Malaga, Spain
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Now one for those who are after a boozy, alcohol-fuelled cheap holiday in June. Malaga is a city known for its beautiful beaches, its variety of restaurants, and most importantly – its party scene. Malaga is home to a lot of students, meaning that a lot of the bars are student-friendly [meaning super cheap, basically], and there is no shortage of bars and clubs for you to dance the night away in. And in the daytime, there are plenty of sights to be seen.
Flights in June – £20-£50pp [each way].
Airbnb/Hotel – £60+ per night for 2 people.
12. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is perhaps not the cheapest on the list, but it’s definitely a city that needs to be visited at least once in your life. It has quite literally everything you could ever need – all in one city. It is a cultural hub, so there are plenty of art galleries and museums for you to visit. There are shops and boutiques on every street, perfect for those shopaholics amongst us. There are amusement parks, zoos, nearby waterparks. There is something for you, no matter what kind of holiday you like.
Flights in June – £30-£50pp [each way].
Airbnb/Hotel – £100+ per night for 2 people.
13. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful place for you to spend your hard-earned days off. The city dates back to the 13th century, and it oozes a certain charm that makes you feel as though you’ve transported back in time. It’s peaceful and refreshing, with its galleries and bars, its Gothic cathedral, its baroque churches and authentic markets. They offer boat trips, cliff jumping, quad biking and more. This is definitely a great option for a cheap holiday in June.
Flights in June – £30-£60pp [each way].
Airbnb/Hotel – £90+ per night for 2 people.
Are you looking for a holiday in May instead? Or are you more interested in cities for an iconic girls trip or an epic lads holiday? We’ve got you covered.
