The most affordable coastlines on mainland Spain are…

1. Costa Calida

Average holiday price: £457pp

Running along the southeastern region of Murcia, Costa Calida may just be one of Spain's most underrated stretches of coastline. According to our research, a holiday here costs just £457 per person on average, a whole £200pp cheaper than the number eight on our list, the Costa del Sol.

Known as the ‘Warm Coast’ for its warmer sea temperatures, the Costa Calida is quieter with a more laid-back atmosphere than its more famous neighbours. But it delivers excellent value without compromising on sunshine, seafood or scenery.

There’s 320 days of sunshine a year, historic towns, more than 150 miles of beaches, crystal-clear waters and the unique Mar Menor lagoon - Europe's largest saltwater lake. So, if you’re looking for your next destination, this is a savvy seaside swap. Try Mazarrón for its peaceful beaches, or historic Cartagena home to major Roman ruins.

2. Costa Brava

Average holiday price: £471pp

Number two on our list is an enduring favourite. As one of Spain’s first package holiday destinations, the Costa Brava’s sunny climate, buttery-yellow cliffs, turquoise coves and sprawling white-sand beaches have been on the map for British holidaymakers since the 1950s. And there’s a reason that the appeal has endured.

Known as the ‘wild’ or ‘rough coast’, the Costa Brava’s staggeringly rugged shoreline stretches from just north of Barcelona to the border with France. Alongside resort hotspots such as Blanes, Tossa de Mar with its fairytale castle right by the beach, and Lloret de Mar known for its lively nightlife, try Cadaqués. The site of Salvador Dalí’s summer house, quaint white houses cling to the coastline.

Or foodies should head to Roses. The former home of five-time winner of World’s Best Restaurant, El Bulli, it’s still a hub of freshly caught seafood.

3. Costa Dorada

Average holiday price: £538pp

Come for calm water and sunshine, stay for the thrills. The Costa Dorada’s 81km (50 miles) stretch of Catalonian coastline just south of Barcelona has stunning beaches – of course. It also has ancient Roman cities, wineries and shallow seas, making this a particularly picturesque spot that’s easy to fall for.

But once you’ve blissed out on the beach and felt all that tension leave your body, it might be time to scare yourself silly… The Costa Dorada is the theme park capital of Spain and home to one of Europe’s largest white-knuckle playgrounds, PortAventura World. Perfect for families, its three parks – PortAventura Park, Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land – are just outside Tarragona.

There are resort hotspots such as Salou. Or try Cambrils with its nearly 27km (17 miles) of bike lanes. Or the relaxed La Pineda. Much quieter than neighbouring resorts, it’s just a 10-minute drive from attractions such as PortAventura World.

4. Costa Almería

Average holiday price: £562pp

If you’re not familiar with the Costa Almería you’re not alone. Less visited and developed than neighbouring regions, this underrated area of Andalusia is something of a secret among in-the-know travellers. If you’re looking for authentic Spain, you’ve found it.

Its spikey volcanic coast is rugged, sure, and at times looks otherworldly. You’ll still find expansive swathes of golden beaches just without the crowds. Speaking of untamed nature, the area is also home to the expansive Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Nijar, the largest protected coastal area in Andalusia.

Stay in small towns and fishing villages that dot the coast, hike trails across the park or the Sierra Alhamilla mountain range, and cool off by swimming in crystal-clear waters.

5. Costa Blanca

Average holiday price: £566pp

Offering up many holidaymakers’ first taste of Spain, the Costa Blanca is the home of famed resort towns including Benidorm and the city of Alicante. Family-friendly, and brimming with nightlife too, you’ll find accommodation to fit every budget.

So, what keeps the crowds coming back? Besides the endless soft sand beaches that give the region its name, there’s historic towns, mountainous scenery and one of Spain’s largest water parks, Benidorm’s Aqualandia.

Endless all-inclusive resorts keep many by the pool – and who can blame them – but Benidorm’s Old Town is also bursting with pavement cafes and tapas restaurants, alongside a flurry of British-style pubs.

Though easy on the wallet, there is a more luxury side emerging. Denia is your spot for gastronomy and five-star hotels.

6. Costa de la Luz

Average holiday price: £574pp

Shhh, hear that? Exactly. Relax to the sound of the waves in this more natural, more resolutely Spanish coastline. You won’t find any high-rise hotels hugging the beaches here. Instead the ‘Coast of Light’ is all about natural beauty.

Things move at a slower pace when golf, walks by the coast, fun on the water and relaxation are the day’s priorities. Resorts and hotels can be found across the towns of Barbate, family-favourite Chipiona, Conil de la Frontera, Isla Canela and Islantilla, all situated along a coastline that is low-key and often less developed.

If you want to switch back to the hustle and bustle, try Cadiz. This historic port city is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe, founded around 1100 BC, and is home to stunning architecture from Moorish-inspired to the grand baroque.

7. Costa Verde

Average holiday price: £658pp

The Costa Verde or ‘Green Coast’ doesn’t look like the Spanish coasts many have come to know. Decidedly lusher and greener due to its location in northern Spain, its steep verdant shores are lined with mountain ranges, hillside villages and quaint coastal towns.

An important thing to know is that it’s a much cooler climate with maximum average highs of 23⁰C. With beautiful sandy coves, this can still be a beach destination, but it’s likely if you travel here that won’t be your primary focus.

The milder climate and picturesque scenery instead make it ideal for hikers and nature lovers, even surfers, who want to while away the days exploring traditional fishing villages at a much slower pace. This rugged coastline makes for consistent, year-round surf breaks.

8. Costa del Sol

Average holiday price: £662pp

Over 300 days of sunshine a year, more than 70 golf courses, a raft of Blue Flag beaches and seemingly endless choice when it comes to hotels and all-inclusive offers, the Costa del Sol is one of Spain’s most popular tourist regions for good reason.

On Andalusia’s southern coast, Malaga acts as the unofficial gateway to the region, while further along the coast you’ll also find hotspots such as Marbella, the more nightlife focused Torremolinos and Benalmádena, and family-friendly Fuengirola among others.

If you want a break from the sun lounger, pause in Malaga for a dose of culture by the sea; the city is the birthplace of Picasso and a burgeoning arts hub. Or head inland to the region’s white villages and natural parks.

Please note: The research analysed all holiday clicks on TravelSupermarket between 10 April 2025 and 9 March 2026, across all durations, traveller types, board basis, star ratings and departure points.