We all dream of jetting off to an idyllic beach for a sunshine getaway, but all too often budget constraints can mean it is hard to make this a reality. Choose your destination wisely, however, and you will find that relaxing in balmy climes can be done without breaking the bank.
The Algarve
Situated in the south of Portugal, the Algarve is a hugely popular holiday destination – particularly as it boasts some of the best weather in Europe. It is, of course, also home to a wealth of splendid beaches, from lively stretches packed with water sports opportunities to hidden coves that provide you with an authentic slice of Portugal.
The Algarve is especially famous for its wonderful golf courses, such as those at Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo, while natural wonders like the Ria Formosa lagoon keep keen nature-spotters busy. The main resort is Albufeira, which offers a little bit of everything – including some of the best beaches – while Faro is perfect for history enthusiasts.
Turkey
Spanning some 600 miles, the Turkish Riviera is a fantastic place for a budget beach holiday. The Antalya area is especially appealing, as it is home to some of the Mediterranean’s cleanest beaches. Combine this with its year-round sunshine, and it is not hard to see why so many people flock here.
As an added bonus, this part of the country is bursting with splendid tourist facilities, while adventure enthusiasts can busy themselves with everything from scuba diving to paragliding. Antalya is more than just a resort for beach holidays however, particularly due to its selection of fascinating archaeological sites, such as Phaselis and Termossos, as well as the amphitheatre of Aspendos.
Costa del Sol
Having been a favourite among Britons for many a year, the Costa del Sol is one of the ultimate budget beach break destinations, thanks to its mix of low-cost beach hotels, sun and readily-available cheap flights.
Situated in southern Spain, the Costa del Sol is famous for being a home-from-home for UK visitors – albeit in a sunnier environment! The region still finds room for variety, however; Nerja is renowned for its natural beauty, while Malaga City is known for its culture. If you have your heart set on really letting your hair down, meanwhile, Torremolinos is the place to go.
Cyprus
An island in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is a wonderful destination for low-cost beach breaks. Families, couples and partygoers alike can all enjoy holidays here, as there is a good mix of resorts and attractions.
Its fascinating capital, Nicosia – which is famously divided in two – is bound to intrigue culture vultures, while beach lovers will find seemingly endless stretches of golden sand. Indeed, it is these that make it such a popular destination among couples – particularly thanks to the presence of Aphrodite’s Rock and Beach, where local legend dictates the goddess of love emerged from the water.
Cyprus is also a good choice if you are keen to spend a little time away from the sand. Its Troodos Mountains, for example, will delight keen hikers, while the Tombs of the Kings – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – will be fascinating to visitors of all ages. You will find this complex of underground tombs and chambers in Paphos; visit in the morning to avoid traipsing around at the hottest time of day.
Regular British visitors to France are now offered the opportunity to take advantage of the automated payment toll lanes. The French toll road operator, Sanef, has launched a UK-based initiative, selling ‘Liber-t’ tags to UK motorists.