Cheap beaches in Spain

Reviewed regularly · 6 min read

Beaches in Spain aren't expensive. They're expensive in August, in four specific areas. Change either variable and the price collapses.

Change the month before the destination

The first week of September has the same water as the last week of August and costs 30 to 50 percent less in accommodation. June is cheaper still and the Mediterranean is already 21 to 23 degrees. If your dates are flexible, that single decision saves more than picking the right place.

Cabo de Gata, Almería

Barely developed beaches inside a natural park, at prices well below the Málaga coast. A full day runs about 45–70 euros. The trade-off: no shade and no services in many coves, so bring water, food and a parasol, and expect fierce sun in summer.

Costa da Morte and Rías Baixas, Galicia

Enormous beaches, cold water (17–19 degrees) and contained prices even in August. The best option if heat bothers you more than a long swim matters. Budget for a couple of rainy days a week.

Costa Tropical, Granada

Between the Costa del Sol and Almería, with mid-range prices and pebble or coarse-sand beaches. The advantage is combining beach with Sierra Nevada and Granada in one trip without much driving.

Ebro Delta, Tarragona

Very fine sand, shallow water and a natural setting unlike the rest of the coast. Good prices and still relatively undeveloped.

How to stay cheaply

Apartments from seven nights up usually drop the nightly rate noticeably. Staying two or three kilometres inland instead of beachfront halves the price and adds five minutes of driving. And campsites on the northern coast have cabins that undercut any hotel in the area.

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