Whether your holiday’s in the bag and you’re prepping your sunshine spends, or you’re weighing up the total costs of going away, our experts reveal the top ways to take some money-saving shortcuts. And these top tips just so happen to be about your favourite sunshine destinations! Let’s see what they have to say…
The Balearics
In a nutshell: Much-loved resorts, pine-fringed bays and dreamy island vibes are all just a couple of hours away.
Why we love them: Their gorgeous golden shores tick off something for everyone.
What our experts have to say…
Fire up the barbecue!
“Barbecue al fresco! Barbecue facilities are provided in official areas across the islands’ mountains, complete with sea views and natural parks where you can picnic and use the grills for free.”
Sinead McKevitt, Regional Contract Manager
See an Ibiza sunset for less
“If you’re looking for that iconic Café Mambo sunset on a budget, grab yourself an ice-cold can of Fanta Limon and a packet of Lays crisps, then head down to the Mambo Rocks for that perfect Ibizan memory-making moment.”
Craig Probert, Destination Manager Ibiza
Buy fresh, spend less
“Buy fresh fish at cut price. At the local markets in Santa Catalina or Pere Garau, you can even have it cooked for you to eat there and then.”
Marlen Canoura, Contractor
A wallet-friendly family day out
“Looking for a great family day out in Menorca? For under €2, get a local bus to Ciutadella to spend the day exploring its charming cobbled streets. Or visit in the evening to experience the local night markets. From the 17th-century Gothic cathedral to the famous harbour and ancient streets lit up with fairy lights – who would want to miss this unique experience?"
Ellie Thomas, Resort Customer Helper
Choose a value-focused resort
“C'an Picafort offers great value for money, from budget bus trips to medieval Alcudia’s bargain-bursting market to paddle boarding at its top-rated beach for around €17 an hour.”
Audrey Murphy, Resort Customer Helper, North Majorca
Spanish Costas
In a nutshell: Holiday heavyweights, Spain’s sun-kissed southern Costas have kept us coming back for more, decade after decade.
Why we love them: Good food, good weather, good times – what’s not to love?
What our experts have to say…
Save money at the market
“Benidorm El Cisne Antique Market is a great place to spend a morning looking around the stalls selling vintage clothes, second hand books in different languages and antiques. Then enjoy the local food and drink while listening to free live music in English. All at incredible prices!”
Maelkis Rodriguez, Contractor
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
“Try some of the local Catalan roast chicken restaurants on the Costa Brava – think slow-roasted rotisserie chicken, fresh bread, salad and potatoes in generous helpings for very reasonable prices.”
Lisa Hall, Contracts Manager
Enjoy free music and festivities
“During the hot summer months on the Costa de Almeria, the local council holds open-air concerts for everyone to attend for free. All ages can enjoy a line-up of flamenco, pop, jazz, and classical music.”
Imogen Goulding, Senior Content Executive
Bag a bargain bus pass
“For moving around resorts on the local bus, buy a T10 card from Autocares Plana. It gives you ten journeys for a fraction you’d pay on the bus and can be used for more than one person.”
Lisa Hall, Contracts Manager
Greece
Enjoy a simple, money-saving evening
“Visit Kos Town on a Sunday evening to stroll with local families along the seafront and around the harbour. There are lots of small shops selling street food, or why not treat yourself to an ice cream? It’s a good-value night out with an enjoyable atmosphere.”
Andreas Papatheodoropoulos, Contracts Manager
Seek out traditional tavernas
“Follow the locals to the traditional tavernas in town. Greeks always eat the best quality at the best price!”
Michalis Foutsos, Contracts Manager
Eat for less, like the locals do
“The famous Pitta Gyros is a great-value street food. Pitta, meat, tzatziki, tomato, chips… it's a full meal for just €3.”
Andreas Papatheodoropoulos, Contracts Manager
Bag a bargain boat trip
“For an affordable way to explore Parga and Lefkas, jump on a boat! Trips from Parga’s port start at around €10 return, although you can sail over to Valtos Beach for just €3 each way! Our favourite boat trip is around Paxos and Antipaxos islands, which starts at around €35.”
Georgios Antoniou, Destination Manager Parga & Lefkas
Portugal
In a nutshell: This year-round suntrap is all swanky marinas, seafood and cliff-backed sands.
Why we love them: Charm, cuisine, culture – Portugal’s got it by the bucketload!
What our experts have to say…
Discover a sweet secret gem in Faro
“Want to discover a secret gem that’s also great on the price front? I recommend Faisca & Henriques Cake Factory in Faro.”
Jo Packham, Contracts Manager
Munch purse-pleasing pastel de natas
“Hands down the best egg custard tart (Portugal’s famous pastel de nata) I’ve tried is at Beira Mar Pastelaria in Quarteira – the price and quality is like no other!”
Jo Packham, Contracts Manager
Best for a budget brekkie
“Croissanteria 29 in Lagos has the best croissants in the Algarve for price and quality! Hunt down this hidden gem for the best budget brekkie around.”
Jo Packham, Contracts Manager
Posted: 6th Sept 2022. Updated: 14th Nov 2023.