The 12 Best Beach Holiday Destinations For Every Budget

Where are the best-value beach holiday destinations? Here is your ultimate guide to leaving behind daily life and escaping to paradise.

Each island has a different vibe. Despite being Greece’s largest island, Crete is often overlooked in favour of more glamorous options. 

Because of this, Crete is wonderfully free from large crowds. 

What’s more, the island has everything else you could want in a beach holiday destination. 

Serene and soft sand beaches surround the island, and the sunsets are magical. The history is also deeply fascinating, and mountains treks provide ample distraction for the restless traveler. 

And the food is so. damn. good. Fresh calamari and souvla (barbecued meat) will astound your taste buds. But be warned: it will also ruin anywhere in your home country that makes the same food (unless you live in Crete). 

When you can get a 4* all-inclusive week in Crete for £500, there really is no downside.

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Fun fact – Santorini is not known for its beaches. Most are made up of dark volcanic sand that is agonisingly hot for bare feet, and not exactly the softest either.

So why is it on the ultimate list of best beach holiday destinations? 

Well although the sand isn’t perfect, the crystal clear water makes up for it. The surrounding mountains also offer a beautiful setting to escape, like a natural barrier from the outside world. 

It’s also worth remembering that beaches aren’t the entire story on a beach holiday – and the rest of Santorini is undeniably a real masterpiece.

Firstly, the views from the hillside towns are gorgeous. You can spend hours each day wandering up and down the steps and marvelling at the unique architecture built into the volcanic rock. The food is just as good and fresh as Crete, and the wine is even better.

And when the sun sets, you’ll think you are in a dream. 

Best time to visit: April to early November (18-26°C). Recommended: May
Top 3 beaches: Kamari (Fira), Red Beach (Fira) and Perivolos (Fira)

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The Balearic Islands is an archipelago off Eastern Spain made up of Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentara. 

Whilst Ibiza takes the crown of best island to lose your shit and party hard, Menorca and Formentara are best suited to people who want to take things a little slower.

Menorca has 200 small coves (calas) throughout the island, and is a brilliant choice for those in search of sun, peace and relaxation. 

It has more beachy coastline than Ibiza and Mallorca combined and a seemingly unfair amount are blessed with fine, white sand and turquoise waters. 

The abundance of wildlife has also led to 5 UNESCO-protected nature reserves, where you can find peregrine falcons, turtles and many others species I can’t pronounce. 

Looking to reset and forget the months spent indoors?

Menorca is definitely a safe bet.

Best time to visit: May to October (18-26°C). Recommended: late June
Top 3 beaches: Cala Mitjana, Cala Macarelleta and Cala Trebaluguer

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On the face of it, Valencia looks like just another Spanish beach city.

And yet, I bet you’ll struggle to find someone who’s been with a bad word to say about it.

Indescribably (even though here I go trying)… Valencia just feels like it nails the perfect balance for a European city. 

Valencia has something for everyone. It’s one of those places you go and feel like you could live there. 

• Soft sand beaches? = ✔
• Overcrowded with tourists? = ✘
• Friendly locals? = ✔
• Awesome food? Paella

Best time to visit: March to November (18-27°C). Recommended: May/ early June
Top 3 beaches: La Malvarrosa and El Saler

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When it comes to beach holiday destinations that offer value for your money, Italy is the gift that keeps giving (especially if you keep going back like we do).

Flights are quite cheap (from Europe), and the food is affordable and delicious. It’s hard to have a bad meal in the home of pizza and pasta.

The island of Sardinia off the West coast of the Italian peninsula combines all of these elements perfectly.

Above all however, Sardinia really shines when it comes to beaches – pristine, white sand complements some of the clearest water you’ll ever see. Ever. 

You don’t have to fly to Hawaii for a screensaver-worthy view. Just head over to Sardinia.

Best time to visit: May to October (22-30°C). Recommended: late May
Top 3 beaches: Cala Goloritzè (Baunei), La Pelosa (Stintino) and Is Arutas (Sinis)

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The capital of Sicily is regarded by many to be the “cultural capital” of Italy, even winning that title in 2018. 

This is largely down to the mix of Norman and Byzantine influences that were left on the city. The unique result is sure to fascinate you. 

Visiting the Teatro Massimo, or eating your way through the ancient street markets will have you in awe – both at the architecture and at your inability to say no to more food.

Not enough of a reason to visit? Well, the beaches on the outskirts of Palermo are also some of the best in Europe.

Best time to visit: May to October (22-30°C). Recommended: late May
Top 3 beaches: Mondello, Capo Gallo and Sferracavallo

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Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island. And wow, is it worth a trip.

Paradise for backpackers and luxury travelers alike, this island has everything.

Stay in a bungalow on the shoreline so you wake up in pure serenity. Or go to a full moon party and don’t sleep until morning.

Koh Samui leaves the choice up to you.

Koh Samui’s location near other islands, including Koh Phangan and Ang Thong Marine Park (where “The Beach” was filmed) means more beautiful scenery is also just a short boat ride away. 

Being a hub for tourists means there is a huge range of resorts at various budgets, and it isn’t hard to get great value. 

Thai food is also legendary for being cheap and extremely tasty. Legendary

Best time to visit: December to May (26-30°C). Recommended: January or April
Top 3 beaches: Bophut, Choeng Mon and Chaweng

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If you are looking for beach holiday destinations where you can truly immerse yourself in authentic Thai culture away from overwhelming crowds, you need to consider Koh Lanta.

Made up of 52 islands in the Southernmost region of Krabi Province, Koh Lanta remains largely unspoilt. The sheer number of islands means there are countless relaxed and quiet beaches, and the vibe is truly laid back. 

It’s a fact that bustling cities and the always-on nature of our digital society can impact our mental health.  If you find yourself wanting to recharge and find some peace, start planning your trip to Koh Lanta.

As a buddhist country, Thailand is also a fantastic place to practise meditation and mindfulness.

Best time to visit: December to April (28-30°C). Recommended: January/February
Top 3 beaches: Kantiang Bay, Klong Dao and Klong Khong

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Mexican culture is one of my favourite things. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Puerto Vallarta on the West Coast of Mexico in Jalisco is a lot of fun. Flights are a little costly, but when you get there you can rent an entire BnB for a very reasonable rate.

Travelers looking for a relaxing holiday with lots of sun are spoilt here. 

Most of the picturesque beaches sit slightly outside of town, and offer unforgettably awesome experiences – from eating a burrito at a seaside restaurant to snorkelling and watching sealife go about it’s daily business. 

Puerto Vallarta is also seen as the LGBT party centre of Mexico, and the tequila is pure rocket fuel. You’ve been warned.

Best time to visit: December to May (23-27°C). Recommended: February
Top 3 beaches: Playa Los Muertos, Playa Las Gemelas, Playa Yelapa

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The province of Quintana Roo is truly blessed with some of the best beaches in the world. 

Natural sinkholes called Cenotes and white sand beaches populate the coast, and provide all of the instagram content you’ll ever need. Or some pretty awesome memories, whichever you feel is more important.

When you’ve had enough of jumping into cenotes, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. Then head to the Mayan ruins to get your mind blown.

If you’ve still got steam to blow off, Cancún is just down the road…

Best time to visit: December to May (24-28°C). Recommended: January
Top 3 beaches: Tulum Ruins, Akumal, and Playa del Carmen (itself)

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This island raises a serious question –  does the marketing department promoting Hawaii tourism have the easiest job in the world? Yes, I think they do.

As one of the most clichéd honeymoon and bucket list beach holiday destinations, Hawaii is hardly under the radar. 

And yet, Hawaii is still guaranteed to take your breath away. 

World class resorts will redefine the true meaning of a luxury beach holiday. 

Bafflingly beautiful beaches, spectacular waterfalls and a marine ecosystem teeming with colourful life provide the perfect environment to disconnect and look after your mental health. 

Best time to visit: February to May, or September/October (23-27°C).
Top 3 beaches: Hanalei Bay (Kauai), Lanikai Beach (Oahu), and Poipu Beach (Kauai)

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Ever seen bungalows built over unbelievably turquoise waters and wondered where they are?

Chances are you were looking at pictures of the Maldives. 

These islands are so magnificent they almost don’t seem real. If you are lucky enough to go, you may wonder if someone figured out a way to photoshop your vision in real-time.

Seriously, the combination of spectacular marine life and breathtaking scenery is so powerful it may ruin all future holidays. 

Swim with whale sharks. Watch the sunset on a bungalow built in the ocean. Take a romantic night stroll along the shoreline of bioluminescent plankton. 

Does visiting one of the best beach holiday destinations in the world come at a cost?

Erm, you could say that. 

Is it worth it? Only one way to find out.

Best time to visit: November to April (27-29°C). Recommended: January
Top 3 beaches: The Maldives doesn’t do beaches in the traditional sense – think more private islands. In paradise, you don’t even need to share…

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Kyri Rousou

Kyri is a multi-lingual marketer who uses his connection with wellbeing and travel to help others make the most of their experiences. Day-to-day, Kyri works as a Growth Marketing Manager (and Mental Health Responder) at Raconteur.

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