Is there anything better than a beach holiday?
The only thing that’s going to make you smile more than the thought of a week or two of sun, sand, sea, and surf is feeling smug about getting it for the best price possible.
But which beaches offer the best breaks on a budget? We’ve stuck our flip-flops on and done the legwork for you.
Home:
Woolacombe Beach, Devon. A previous winner of TripAdvisor’s Best Beach Award for its three-mile stretch of sand, calm seas and stunning views.
Away:
The Algarve, Portugal. With cheap food, drinks and 300 days of sunshine a year, the Algarve is one of the best places for a cheap beach break in Europe.
Home:
Rhosilli Bay, Swansea. A firm favourite with holidaymakers thanks to amazing views of the peninsula and a shipwreck from 1887. Coast and culture combined!
Away:
Corfu, Greece scores highly for cheap flights, restaurants, activities and good all-inclusive hotels.
Home:
The south-west coast. Newquay and Penzance in particular are as good as it gets with gorgeous sandy beaches to chill and brilliant water sports to thrill.
Away:
Cancun, Mexico. Infamous affordable party central with plenty of cheap cocktails and alcohol in general. A no-go if peace and quiet are on the wish-list. Instead opt for Playa del Carmen, not far away.
Home:
Blackpool, Lancashire. Don’t knock it. Clean, Blue-Flag standard sands, amazing promenade and Golden Mile, amusement packed piers, and the best fish and chips ever.
Away:
Dominican Republic. Further afield so flights will cost a bit more, but you’ll save on spends with all-inclusive accommodation, food, drinks, activities and entertainment.
Home:
St Ives, Cornwall. To be fair, anywhere in Cornwall makes the list. It is awash with amazing beaches, so you won’t go far wrong spreading your towel out on any of them.
Away:
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. Yes, that’s its actual name! Bottle of local beer, 70p; three-course meal for two, with wine, less than £20; lunch for two, no drinks, £5. Happy days.
Home:
Weymouth Beach, Dorset. Three miles of beach, Punch & Judy (oh yes there is!), donkey rides, live music, free summer fireworks, holiday heaven.
Away:
Antalya, Turkey. Known as the Pearl of the Med. Guaranteed sun, great beaches, water amusement parks with massive slides, cheap taxis, affordable food.
There you have it. Wherever you go, be sure to send us a postcard!
