The cheapest beaches to visit for a holiday that won’t leave your bank account dry have been revealed – and some boast hotels with bargain prices.
If you’re planning a summer escape, new research has revealed the best budget beach getaways in Europe, with hotel stays starting from just £36.
Destinations in Greece, Croatia and Portugal top the ranking as Brits are on the lookout for affordable sunshine-filled breaks.
And Brits might want to book fast – before the cost of flights shoot up.
Airport transfer experts at hoppa analysed European getaways, scoring each on factors such as the average three-star hotel cost to determine the results.
Here’s a full rundown of the most budget-friendly spots…
1. Faliraki Beach, Rhodes, Greece
Europe’s cheapest beach holiday was revealed to be Faliraki Beach in Rhodes, Greece
Topping the ranking as the most affordable European beach break is Faliraki Beach in Rhodes, Greece, with hotel prices averaging at £36 per night.
In addition to being a cost-effective location, this beach features 0mm of summer rainfall, making it the ultimate destination for those seeking guaranteed sun, as temperatures average at 25.7C.
Faliraki Beach, located on the north-eastern coast of Greece, is well geared up for visitors and is easy to access.
=2. Kašjuni Beach, Split, Croatia
In second place is Kašjuni Beach, located in the popular Split region in Croatia
Following up in joint second place are not one but two Croatian beach destinations: the first is Kašjuni Beach, where hotel prices come in at just £56 per night.
This pebble beach is often hailed for its clear and calm waters, breathtaking views and snorkelling opportunities.
One Tripadvisor review read: ‘Amazing clear water, still like a lake… For those who swim, it is a paradise! Hills on one side and ships anchored in the distance make a lovely setting.’
=2. Ba?vice Beach, Split, Croatia
Ba?vice Beach, also in Split, comes in joint second place
The second Croatian beach destination in joint second place is Ba?vice Beach, with hotels also for £56 a night.
Both destinations achieve nearly 13 hours of average summer sunshine, perfect for long, sun-soaked beach days.
It’s also a party centre, so is great if you’re looking to let loose on holiday.
=4. Praia de Faro, Algarve, Portugal
Next up on the list is the popular Praia de Faro in Portugal
In joint fourth place are two Portugese beach destinations, Praia de Faro being one of them.
With hotel stays around £59 on average, this spot ranks among the best overall beach holidays in Europe, thanks to its short transfer time and limited rainfall.
The three-mile beach is located very close to Faro airport, and is a local favourite.
=4. Praia da Rocha, Algarve, Portugal
Another destination in Portugal’s Algarve, Praia da Rocha, joins the list
Praia da Rocha is the second Portugese beach destination in joint fourth place, where hotel stays average in at £59.
It is best known for its dramatic cliffs and as the widest beach in the Algarve.
One visitor earlier this year wrote: ‘Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush or a stylish place to lounge, the area surrounding the beach provides one of the Algarve’s most iconic and vibrant beach destinations, widely recognised for its massive expanse of golden sand framed by dramatic, ochre-coloured limestone cliffs.
‘As of early 2026, it remains a top choice for travellers who want a high-energy holiday that perfectly balances raw coastal beauty with extensive resort amenities and a legendary nightlife scene.’
=4. Kolovare Beach, Zadar, Croatia
Next up is Kolovare Beach, situated close to Zadar in Croatia
Kolovare Beach, based in Croatia, takes the title as the beach with the most sunshine hours at 12.9 per day.
The part-pebble beach is located close to Zadar town, making it convenient to visit, and is full of shops and cafes – and with hotels just £59.
According to Beach Atlas: ‘The concrete portion of the beach is perfect for sunbathing, while a sandy and pebble section lies adjacent.
‘Families with children will find Kolovare Beach a particularly attractive option, as the beach is under constant lifeguard supervision and is fully accessible for individuals with disabilities.’
=7. Agia Marina Beach, Crete, Greece
Agia Marina Beach is a popular hotspot on the island of Crete
Next up is Agia Marina Beach in Chania, Crete, the second Greek destination to join the list – and with hotels costing £60 on average.
The long sandy beach is well equipped with sun loungers and parasols, and is conveniently located close to many dining options.
One visitor raved about the beach, saying: ‘A lovely, well organised beach with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for swimming, easy walks and peaceful seaside moments.’
=7. Platanias Beach, Crete, Greece
Also in Crete is Platanias Beach, another spot that won’t break the bank
Next up is Platanias Beach, also in Crete and with hotels averaging £60.
It’s not just hotels that are budget-friendly here, either – reports online suggest sunbeds can start from as little as €8 (£7) for two.
One Tripadvisor review read: ‘Great beach, sandy, pebbly in parts, long and relatively narrow. Lots of restaurants and sunbeds.’
9. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Greece is also one of Europe’s cheapest destinations
Myrtos Beach on the island of Kefalonia, Greece, is next up on the list.
Here, hotels cost on average as little as £61.
‘Surrounded by tall marble cliffs and looking out onto the azure waters of the Myrtos Gulf, this stunning beach makes for a dramatically breathtaking sight,’ says Tripadvisor.
=10. Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal
Praia da Falésia in the Algarve has unique scenery and affordable costs
With its dramatic red sandstone cliffs, Praia da Falésia is next up on the list – with hotels averaging just £63.
Stretching for more than six kilometres, it’s especially good for hikers and walkers, with magnificent views.
One happy visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: ‘A unique beach that deserves a visit. Very nice colors, the cliffs are mesmerising and the ocean very clean. A must in the Algarve, a favourite!’
Praia da Falésia was also awarded first place in the 2024 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches.
=10. Tamariz Beach, Cascais, Portugal
Rounding out the cheapest beach holidays list is Tamariz Beach in Cascais, Portugal
The final destination on the list is Tamariz Beach in Cascais, Portugal – with £63 hotels.
‘The beach is directly by the railway station Estoril. You walk 100metres and then you are at a beautiful beach with fine sand, and clean but cold water,’ one Tripadvisor review explained.
It added: ‘On the west end there are flat rocks and a nice view of Cascais, especially at sunset. On the east end of the beach you find a sea swimming pool for those who feel uncomfortable swimming in the open sea.’
The most affordable European beaches
1. Faliraki Beach, Rhodes, Greece
2. Kašjuni Beach, Split, Croatia
=2. Ba?vice Beach, Split, Croatia
4. Praia de Faro, Algarve, Portugal
=4. Praia da Rocha, Algarve, Portugal
=4. Kolovare Beach, Zadar, Croatia
7. Agia Marina Beach, Crete, Greece
=7. Platanias Beach, Crete, Greece
9. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
10. Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal
=10. Tamariz Beach, Cascais, Portugal