Top 5 beach holiday destinations for summer 2022

Are you dreaming of a beach holiday? With summer just a few short months away, now is a fantastic time to book a trip! While you may worry you've missed out on the January sales, booking in April or May allows you to access 'last minute' deals right before the start of summer.

Are beach holidays budget-friendly?

With increasing energy bills and a rise in the cost of living, we understand that many people will be debating whether they can afford a holiday abroad this year. The good news is that there are beach holidays to suit all budgets. And don't worry, you won't have to scrimp on a less-than-satisfactory destination! There are many beautiful yet cheap beach holiday destinations for you to choose from.

Stick with us as we share our top 5 budget-friendly beach holiday destinations for summer 2022…

The Canary Islands

The Canaries are a fantastic choice for a cheap beach getaway, with miles and miles of golden and black volcanic sands to sunbathe on. Whether you choose Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote or Tenerife, you're almost guaranteed a big dose of vitamin D!

Another one of the great things about the Canary Islands is that flights tend to be cheap, and there are plenty of them from the UK. Plus, there are many brilliant budget hotels right by the beaches.

Do a quick search on PlansChange, and you'll find great hotel offers to take advantage of!

If you're booking a beach holiday in Tenerife, we suggest avoiding some of the more 'upmarket' resorts on the Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos. Instead, book a budget-friendly (yet equally beautiful) alternative like Los Gigantes, Puerto de la Cruz or Puerto de Santiago.

Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria is an excellent pick for families, with a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets.

2. Costa del Sol, Spain

For lovely weather and high-quality beach hotels at affordable prices, look no further than the Costa del Sol. There's a good reason why it's been such a hit with Brits for so many years!

If you're on a tight budget, avoid Marbella. Sure, the beaches are stunning and the nightlife world-famous, but it does tend to be slightly more on the pricey side. Instead opt for Fuengirola or Torremolinos. 

Fuengirola is an idyllic sunshine getaway known for its golden sandy beaches, deep blue waters and inviting tapas restaurants. It's the perfect place for a relaxing and relatively inexpensive beach holiday. But, it's also known for its watersports, including jet skiing and scuba diving, so if you're after a more action-packed beach holiday, it'll tick those boxes too!

If you need a sizzling Spanish holiday that won't break the bank, Torremolinos is the place to go. This popular resort on the sun-soaked Costa del Sol is ideal for families and friend groups. The Blue Flag beach is its biggest draw, perfect for topping up your tan or trying your hand at fun-filled watersports. What's more, the nightlife has something to offer everyone, with Brit pubs and cocktail bars in nearby Benalmadena and tapas bars and after-dark flamenco dancing in the centre of town.

3. Marmaris, Turkey

Situated on Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast, Marmaris most certainly deserved its place on our top beach destinations list. With a sunny climate, sweeping beaches, excellent nightlife and fun-filled family activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

As well as white sandy beaches for relaxation and water sports, there's also the opportunity to explore the rocky trails of the Marmaris Mountains. Even if hiking is not one of your favourite pastimes, you're guaranteed to be impressed by the stunning panoramic views and beautiful lagoons.

Or if history is more your thing, why not balance your beach trips with a visit to The Old Town and enjoy a wander around Marmaris Castle and Museum? As we said before, there's something for every taste!

If you're booking a family beach holiday, we suggest staying closer to the south of the beach, which tends to be quieter. But if you're there to party, you're guaranteed to find a cheap beachside hotel on the Strip, located next to the Old Town and Marina.

If you fancy a day trip, it's well worth visiting the enchanting Icmeler beach, located around 8km from Marmaris. Enjoy the pristine sands and snorkel in the clear, shallow waters to come face-to-face with majestic marine life.

4. Algarve, Portugal

It's an oldie but goodie. Yes, The Algarve in Portugal is well known for its sun-drenched beaches and swanky golf resorts, but did you know it's also one of the more affordable parts of Portugal?

Albufeira is a popular hotspot promising entertainment in bucket loads if you're visiting as a couple or with friends. Or, if you're booking a family beach holiday, Praia da Rocha (a little further along the coast) boasts a beautiful golden beach, a dedicated fun zone for children, and various watersports for all ages.

While you might be more than happy to spend a week or so sipping cocktails on the beach, there are plenty of activities for those wanting to explore. As well as nearby adventure and water parks, we highly recommended discovering the myriad of caves hidden along the region's picturesque coastline. Many of these caves are only accessible by boat, making the adventure all the more exciting!

5. Bali, Indonesia

Although we've focused on affordable short-haul beach destinations, we wanted to complete our list with a longer-haul holiday destination. And what better choice than Bali?

Boasting some of the best surfing beaches in southeast Asia, it's the prime location for riding the waves! Kuta and Legian are considered the island's top hotspots for backpackers, budget travellers and surfers, with lots of cheap hotels and accommodation. 

Suppose surfing is too much of a stretch, and you prefer warm, lazy days at the beach. In that case, there's no better location than the peaceful, spiritual paradise of Pasir Putih and its white-sand beaches. Spend your days relaxing with a book in hand and enjoying refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters. Sounds blissful, doesn't it?

But dare we say, it's not all about the beaches! Bali is also known for its emerald rice terraces and fascinating volcanoes, which are well worth visiting. From mountain panoramas to spiritual temples, many of Bai's best sights are 100% free. So if you plan your visit well, your money will go far. It's also worth avoiding top restaurants and eating like a local. Instead, make the most of the street-side stalls and indulge in traditional Balinese cuisine.

Ready to book your next beach holiday? Search and book your perfect hotel at a great price with PlansChange.