Compare cheap holidays

You’ll find every kind of beach imaginable on this beautiful Balearic Island, whether you’re seeking soft white sands or secluded, rocky coves with few others in sight. A few for your list? Playa de Muro in the north, Cala Millor to the east and lovely Es Trenc, which is part of a protected nature reserve on the south coast.

Influencers claim Albania’s coastline is the ‘Maldives of Europe’. It lacks the overwater villas but its unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters mean it almost lives up to the claim. Where it wins? The price. With a low cost of living and a good rate against the Albanian lek, this up-and-comer is perfect for a cheap beach holiday. Get there by ferry from Corfu.

With over 150km of coastline and a name that translates to the ‘Coast of the Sun’, it’s no surprise that Spain’s Costa del Sol is a beach lover’s dream. This is where you'll find Malaga, as well as classic resorts like Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Nerja and Fuengirola. An easy winner, whatever kind of holiday you're looking for.

Sicily’s Spiaggia dei Conigli is consistently voted one of Europe’s best beaches. Granted, it’s on the neighbouring island of Lampedusa, but it’s a brilliant curtain-raiser for its other beaches. As the Med’s largest island, there’s plenty of coastline to go around so swap the popular sands of the north for the lesser visited south.

Your biggest expense on a Goa holiday will be your flight, so it’s a great pick if you’re set on a faraway beach-hopping adventure for less. If you need a few sands for your hit list, try Calangute and Baga to party, Agonda for turtle-spotting and palm-lined Palolem to get Goa’s postcard shot. The street food is enticing and cheap, too.

Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region has some of the country’s most famous foodie exports: parmesan, prosciutto di Parma and balsamic vinegar to name a few. Bologna, the capital of the region, brings tagliatelle al ragu and mortadella to the table. Use the city as a base to explore the area by train – they’re frequent and cheap.

Foodies love San Sebastian for its variety – it’s as well known for its tapas-style Basque pintxos as its Michelin stars. Fill up on the former on a txikiteo food crawl, where plates start at just two euros, and be sure to ask for the specialty (every bar has at least one). You can visit San Sebastian for less via ferry from the UK.

It’s hard to beat the gyro wrap for a cheap, filling feed on the go and, luckily, the Greek capital is packed with delicious options all over the city. Athens is also up there as one of Europe’s cheapest spots thanks to its affordable accommodation, many family-run with a boutique feel. Don't miss visiting the Athens Riviera, about 30 minutes south of the city.

Get ready to graze in Bangkok, a city with which street food is practically synonymous. Stay satiated by day at roadside stalls hawking everything from pad thai to chicken skewers, then prepare to feast at the city’s famous night markets. Talat Rot Fai Srinakarin and Artbox are two of the most popular, and you can pick up dishes from as little as £2.

Serbia’s capital is criminally underrated and not just for its affordability. In addition to its wallet-friendly prices (a Turkish-style coffee costs around 50p), this gritty city has plenty to get stuck into. Visit the Church of Saint Sava, explore the city’s fortress and party the night away on Belgrade’s unique floating nightclubs known as splavs.

Been to Thailand? Make Vietnam your next stop in Southeast Asia. Even among its famously inexpensive neighbours, Vietnam is considered cheap, whether you’re indulging in its street food or looking for a swish beachside hotel to stay in. Highlights include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An. You'll want to spend at least two weeks here.

Backpackers in the know love Georgia for its mix of culture, history and adventure. But you don’t have to go down the hostels and hitchhiking route to enjoy a holiday on a budget as hotels and transport are so affordable. It’s worth extending your trip to sample delicious Georgian wine at the source in Kakheti and hike in the Caucasus Mountains.

Lithuania’s capital is incredibly walkable, which is handy as the city’s best sight is its eye-catching street art. You can stay and eat cheaply in Vilnius’ well-rated hostels and food markets but it’s also a good place to splurge on a few five-star experiences – they’re just as good as Europe’s better-known capitals but are a fraction of the cost.