10 Best Cheap Beach Holidays for Your Next Budget Escape
Looking for a seaside break that doesn’t empty your wallet? Cheap beach holidays are more popular than ever, and 2025 brings plenty of options close to home and abroad. Whether you want a quick escape to the UK coast or a sunny getaway further afield, there are destinations that mix golden sands with affordable stays. This guide highlights the best places to go, how to prepare, and smart ways to stretch your budget without cutting back on fun.
Best Budget-Friendly Beach Holiday Destinations in 2025
Across the UK and abroad, there are plenty of places where you can stretch your holiday money without cutting back on the experience. From classic seaside towns close to home to sun-soaked shores a short flight away, here are ten cheap beach holiday destinations that can still feel rich in memories.
1. Bournemouth, Dorset
For budget beach holidays in the UK, Bournemouth is a classic choice. Its beach stretches for miles, so even in summer you can find your own space. The seafront has a relaxed vibe, with gardens and cliff-top walks if you want a change from the sand. Stay a little inland and you’ll save on accommodation while still being close enough for easy beach days.
Things to do:
Stroll or cycle the long promenade between Alum Chine and Boscombe.
Bring a picnic and eat in the cliff gardens overlooking the sea.
Check out the two piers for low-cost views and evening walks.
2. Margate, Kent
Margate has reinvented itself as both a creative hub and a family-friendly beach town. The broad sands sit right in the centre, so you don’t need a car to get around. Beyond the beach, you’ll find vintage shops and cafés in the Old Town, plus free entry at the Turner Contemporary gallery on the seafront. It’s a good mix of easy entertainment and wallet-friendly fun.
Things to do:
Swim or paddle at Main Sands—everything is within walking distance.
Drop into Turner Contemporary for a free art fix.
Wander the Old Town for thrifting and record shops.
3. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Scarborough offers two very different beaches in one trip. South Bay has arcades, donkey rides, and a lively promenade, while North Bay is quieter and feels more open. You can walk between them along the seafront, stopping for a picnic or a spot of rock-pooling at low tide. Accommodation on the cliffs often costs less but still gives you brilliant views over the water.
Things to do:
Head to North Bay if you want fewer crowds and big skies.
Bring snacks and walk the promenade that links the two bays.
Look into simple beach chalets as a low-cost base.
4. Llandudno, Conwy (North Wales)
Llandudno is a Victorian seaside town framed by two headlands. The North Shore beach has a long, level promenade that’s ideal for strolling, while the Great Orme headland offers big views and free walking trails. Everything feels close together, so you can spend the day outdoors without dipping into your wallet too often.
Things to do:
Walk the pier and promenade. They’re both flat and easy to access.
Hike the Great Orme paths for views and wildlife spotting
Pack a jumper; the wind on the headland can be brisk.
5. Portrush, Causeway Coast (Northern Ireland)
Portrush mixes a lively resort atmosphere with stunning natural scenery. West Strand sits right by town for easy days on the sand, while Whiterocks Beach has dramatic cliffs and rolling surf. Both are Blue Flag beaches, so you can count on clean water and well-kept sands. With walks, waves, and sunset views, you don’t need to spend much to enjoy yourself here.
Things to do:
Stay near the centre for car-free beach days.
Try swimming or surfing in the marked safe zones.
Walk the cliffs above Whiterocks for unforgettable photos.
6. Algarve, Portugal
Sunshine, golden cliffs, and wide beaches make the Algarve a classic for low-cost beach holidays. In 2025 the region flies one of Europe’s highest counts of Blue Flags, which means clean water and well-kept facilities.
Towns like Lagos and Albufeira are lively, but you don’t need to spend much to enjoy them. The coastline is packed with coves, boardwalks, and free clifftop trails. Stay a little inland, grab a picnic, and you’ll still get plenty of beach time without blowing your budget.
Things to do:
Wander the coastal paths for dramatic views.
Pick Blue Flag beaches for clean water and lifeguards.
Book a room a short walk from the seafront for better prices.
7. Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)
Tenerife is a year-round winner if you want warmth on a budget. Public beaches are everywhere, from lively resorts in the south to quieter promenades in the north. You can swim in volcanic coves, hike along the coast, or head inland to Teide National Park for jaw-dropping views—no entry fee required. It’s an island where you can fill your days without spending much at all.
Things to do:
Relax on Playa de los Cristianos or Playa del Camisón.
Take the bus up to Teide for free viewpoints and trails.
Base yourself in Puerto de la Cruz for cheaper stays and walkable promenades.
8. Corfu, Greece
Corfu is laid-back and affordable, with a mix of sandy bays and pebble coves. You don’t need a car to explore. Local buses reach many beaches. Most are free to access, so you can spend the day swimming, reading, and snacking by the water. Evenings are best spent wandering Corfu Town, where you can enjoy a picnic dinner under the old fort without paying restaurant prices.
Things to do:
Choose Blue Flag beaches for showers and safe swimming.
Bring reef shoes for pebble coves and rock pools.
Use the island’s buses to hop between beaches on the cheap.
9. Antalya, Türkiye
Antalya mixes city life with long, easy-to-reach beaches. Konyaaltı’s shingle stretch runs alongside a big park and a palm-lined promenade, perfect for walking and picnicking. Lara Beach offers soft sand and calmer water, but both are public and free. Add in the old town’s cobbled streets, and you’ve got days of exploring that won’t cost you much.
Things to do:
Spend time on the seafront promenade. It’s free and shaded.
Pack water shoes for Konyaaltı’s pebbles.
Use local trams and buses instead of taxis to cut costs.
10. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Sunny Beach is built for affordable holidays. The sands are wide, the water is clean, and everything from food to rooms comes at wallet-friendly prices. Both North and South beaches have lifeguards and plenty of facilities, so families can relax. Evenings are easy. Walk the promenade at sunset, grab a simple dinner, and soak up the buzz without overspending.
Things to do:
Stick to North or South Beach for safe, well-kept stretches.
Stay a few blocks back for cheaper rooms.
Take evening walks on the promenade for free entertainment.
How to Prepare for Your Beach Holiday?
A little preparation makes a big difference when you’re planning a beach break, especially if you want to keep costs down and stress low. Here are the essentials to think about:
Plan Ahead and Research Your Destination
Check the season: In the UK, late spring and early autumn often bring warm days without peak-season crowds. Overseas, shoulder months like May, June, September, or October usually mean lower prices and milder heat.
Check entry requirements: If you’re travelling abroad, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. Some countries also need visas. Apply early to avoid last-minute fees.
Look into local rules: Beaches may have specific rules about fires, dogs, or barbecues. Knowing them in advance saves you from fines or wasted plans.
Sort Out Travel and Accommodation Early
Book transport in advance: Trains, ferries, and budget flights are cheapest when booked early. Sign up for fare alerts to catch price drops.
Choose the right location: Staying a few streets back from the beach can save a lot while still keeping you within walking distance of the sea.
Think about transfers: If you’re flying, check if your accommodation offers shuttle services or if public transport links are reliable.
Pack Smart
Sun protection: High-factor sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and a good hat are essentials. Buying them locally can be expensive, so it’s best to bring them with you.
Light layers: Even in warm destinations, evenings can be cool. A light jacket or long-sleeve top is useful.
Beach gear: A quick-dry towel, swimwear, sandals, and a reusable water bottle will serve you well. Consider packing a fold-up beach mat to avoid renting loungers every day.
Budget and Money Matters
Set a daily budget: Plan how much you’ll spend on food, activities, and extras. This helps avoid overspending in touristy areas.
Cards and cash: Some beach cafés or buses may only take cash. Have a mix of both to stay flexible.
Travel insurance: It feels optional, but it’s worth it. Cover for lost baggage or medical care gives peace of mind for a small cost.
Stay Safe and Healthy
Weather check: Check the local weather forecast before heading out each day.
Swimming safety: Swim only in designated safe zones where lifeguards are present.
First-aid: Keep a small first aid kit handy. Plasters, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief come in useful.
Go on Picnics
Picnics are one of the simplest ways to save money and avoid crowded cafés. Think food that travels well, like wraps, pasta salad, and cut fruit, and pack it into light containers. Freeze a couple of water bottles the night before, and they’ll keep food cool for hours while giving you icy drinks later in the day. A big towel or picnic blanket adds comfort, turning even a quiet corner of sand into your own lunch spot.
For longer beach days or road trips, a portable fridge can make all the difference. The EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer keeps food reliably chilled, with temperature control accurate to just ±1°C.
The larger 45L and 55L versions have dual zones, so you can keep drinks icy cold on one side while freezing snacks on the other, with up to 22°C difference between compartments. That means fewer shop runs, less food going off, and more flexibility if you’re moving from one beach to another.
Add the optional 298Wh battery pack and you’ll get up to 43 hours of cooling at 4°C, ideal if you’re out all day. Thick insulation and a high-efficiency compressor help it hold the cold while using less energy, and the EcoFlow app lets you adjust settings on the go.
EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer
Power On the Move: Road Trips & Beach Camping
If you’re turning your cheap beach holiday into a road trip, or pitching a tent by the coast, reliable power keeps everything simple. A compact portable power station runs your portable fridge, tops up phones and cameras, and handles lights after sunset. Pair it with a foldable solar panel and you can recharge while you relax on the sand.
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station is designed for this kind of trip. With 2048Wh of storage and 2400W AC output, it can handle everything from coolers to cooking gear.
If you’re away longer, you can expand it to 4096Wh or 6144Wh by adding extra batteries. Charging is quick too. Combine wall power and solar to get back to 80% in around 43 minutes, or plug in at home before you leave for a fast top-up. It’s also quiet, running at about 30 dB, so it won’t drown out the sound of the waves.
For recharging on the move, the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel is a smart companion. It folds flat, sets up quickly, and connects straight to the power station with its built-in XT60 cable. Rated IP68, it shrugs off splashes and showers, while the adjustable stand lets you angle it for the best sunlight. Its bifacial design and high efficiency up to 25% mean you get more sun power from the same footprint.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Cheap beach holidays don’t have to feel like second best. With the right planning, you can enjoy sandy shores, clean seas, and plenty of downtime without overspending. The UK offers charming coastal escapes, while overseas destinations bring guaranteed sunshine and new cultures to explore. Pack smart, travel in shoulder seasons, and focus on simple pleasures like swimming, strolling, and picnics. Whether you stay close to home or fly a little further, there are endless options for cheap beach holidays that leave you refreshed and inspired.
FAQs
Where is the cheapest beach town in the UK?
If you’re after a bargain by the sea, head north. Southport in Merseyside often comes out cheapest, with average hotel rooms around £66 a night. Whitley Bay in Tyne & Wear is another budget-friendly spot, coming in just a little higher.
Even Llandudno in North Wales offers good value at under £100 a night on average. Prices climb quickly in the South West and at popular resorts, so going midweek or outside school holidays can save you even more. If sandy strolls without the hefty bill sound good, these towns are hard to beat.
Where is the cheapest place for a beach holiday?
For sunshine at a sensible price, the Algarve in Portugal still leads the way. Everyday costs like meals, drinks, and suncream are among the lowest in Europe, making it perfect for a budget-friendly break.
Families looking further afield might be surprised to find that Marmaris in Türkiye also ranks as one of the cheapest spots, especially for family essentials. Sunny Beach in Bulgaria is another long-standing contender. With affordable flights and low day-to-day spending, these destinations stretch your holiday money much further than many popular resorts.
What is the cheapest place to go on holiday from the UK?
If you’re chasing cheap flights, Bremen in Germany is currently the lowest-cost option. You can also find wallet-friendly fares to Poznań in Poland, Sarajevo in Bosnia, and Asturias in northern Spain.
For beach breaks, look to places like Tirana in Albania, Podgorica in Montenegro, or Agadir in Morocco. Prices will shift depending on where you fly from and when, but these cities regularly show up as some of the best bargains for UK travellers.
Are holiday parks really cheaper than overseas beach resorts?
It depends on where and when you go. Some UK holiday parks can be real bargains, especially outside peak school holidays. But the extras like activities, dining, and entertainment can add up quickly, and premium parks are rarely cheap.
Meanwhile, overseas resorts in places like Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Portugal keep daily costs low, especially if you book a package deal with flights included. For a quick getaway, a local park might win out, but for a longer stay in the sun, an overseas resort can often be better value.