Cheap holidays do not have to mean spending a fortnight waiting out the rain in some poky cottage somewhere in the UK. In fact, there are plenty of budget breaks to some of the most popular destinations in Europe, meaning that it really is possible to enjoy a week or two in the sun without breaking the bank!
Here are three of the best budget holiday destinations, all less than four hours from the UK:
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of those destinations that has really surged in popularity in recent years, but has still maintained its cheap and cheerful reputation. This sun soaked hotspot has been ranked the best value beach resort for the fourth year in a row by the Post Office Travel Money Costs Barometer, so you can rest assured you will have more cash to spend once you are actually there.
That is by no means suggesting that you will need to take a lot of spending money. In fact, many bars in Sunny Beach actually charge less than one pound for a beer, meaning that you could enjoy an unforgettable night out for less than a tenner each.
Speaking of nightlife, Sunny Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a bevvy or three! Bubbles Beach Bar is a happy little watering hole that keeps the party going all night long. Here you will be able to sip delicious cocktails whilst watching the sunset (or rise!) over those golden sands.
But Sunny Beach is not all parties and nights out, it is also a fantastic spot to enjoy a family holiday. The Action Aquapark is a great day out for the whole family, with a wide array of slides and a lazy river that is perfect for bobbing along in the sunshine. Culture vultures will love a visit to Nessebar, a cobbled old town that is just waiting to be explored.
The Algarve, Portugal
If you are looking for a budget holiday that combines wonderful hotels with miles of beautiful coastline, look no further than the Algarve in Portugal. Located on the southern coast of the country, the Algarve is a stunning area that has lots to offer, even to holidaymakers on a budget!
One of the most attractive qualities of the Algarve is that it features some of the most pristine beaches in Europe. Spend some time off the beaten track and relax on the unspoilt sands of Praia de Albandeira. This beach does not have anywhere near as many visitors as some the most popular alternatives and has no sunbeds or water sports — meaning you can soak up the sun in peace. In fact, get here early and you may even have this beach to yourself for a while. What is more, it is free to visit.
If you are looking to stay somewhere a little more lively, Albufeira is perfect. Here you will enjoy some wonderful restaurants and lively bars, as well as the Old Town which is full of bustling markets and cobbled squares.
Costa Del Sol, Spain
When it comes to cheap European holidays, the Costa Del Sol in Spain is one of the most popular destinations. Located on the south coast, tourists have been flocking to this area for decades, in search of sun, sea, sand, and sangria!
There are loads of cheap things to do on the Costa Del Sol, including miles of free beaches. Some of the most popular beaches in the area can get pretty busy during peak season, so we recommend getting there early to get a good spot. If you fancy a break from the sun, there are a variety of museums and monuments to explore, so you can learn all about the history of this magnificent Spanish settlement.
The Costa Del Sol does not slow down once the sun goes down. In fact, the resorts come alive at night in a flurry of wonderful restaurants, mesmerizing shows, chilled out bars, and buzzing nightclubs — with most serving budget food and drink options.
