The Maldives is often considered an inescapable tropical paradise due to its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and overwater villas. But, with its exorbitant prices, most travellers can't afford to visit. Fortunately, some European alternatives are more affordable and much closer in proximity. Whether you're looking for a beach holiday, top-tier resorts, or an island escape, these substitutes for the Republic of Maldives will not break the bank.
The Maldives Dream: Pricey, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Maldives is packed with luxury and filled with magnificent scenery, but there is no doubt it comes with a high price. For the most basic stay, the average cost for a week is about £1,700 and for a five-star all-inclusive, it can go up to £6,500 in peak season. For families or budget travellers, it can become a hefty cost.
Although the Maldives is still a target destination for many, the enticing combination of expensive flights and long travel duration has made many travellers search for cheaper and closer alternatives. Luckily, Europe boasts several regions that match the tropical vibes of the Maldives and offer breathtaking beaches and clear waters as well, without the exorbitant costs.
European Cheap Alternatives to the Maldives
Europe features several coastal and island regions that allow travelers to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the Maldives without the costing a fortune. From Atlantic island paradises to Mediterranean beaches, these regions prove to be equally stunning and a quad of the price.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, located off the tusk of North Africa is a spectacular region composed of Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. The Islands boast an assortment of breathtaking beaches, year-round sunshine, volcanic lands, and a charming resemblance to the maldives. The enticing offer of white sand beaches, luxe resorts, and crystal clear waters makes the Islands a surprise to many travelers.
The Canary Islands are popular due to their outstanding hospitality. Most hotels offer deals with everything included. Many European cities offer cheap flights, making it easy to stay on budget when trying to find a hot Getaway in Europe. There's plenty to do on the islands as well like mountain climbing on the volcanic spires, engaging in water activities, and visiting the lovely towns.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is an island in Portugal often referred to as the Atlantic garden due to its beautiful scenery, rocky cliffs, and amazing beaches. Madeira is a subtropical island with fantastic weather and oceanic scenery. There are plenty of beaches where you can swim and tan in the sun or do a more active approach and engage in ocean activities.
Madeira has a variety of hotels ranging from economical to extravagant. Most hotels are on the island and offer fantastic views of the coastline. Funchal is the capital of Madeira. Madeira's fantastic botanical gardens, lovely roads, and top-tier eating establishments are all situated within the capital. Other than the capital city, Madeira has amazing hiking from volcanic craters down to beautiful green valleys. The island is a great and inexpensive alternative to the maldives.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is one of the most gorgeous islands of Italy, it is literally named the "Sardinia" as it is located on the Mediterranean sea. Sardinia consists of the wonderful coast of Costa Smeralda which is well known by its turquoise crystal clear coast as well as it's luxurious resorts. It is Sardinia's luxurious resorts that serve as an alternative to the Maldives.
There is a large range of vastly luxurious resorts that can be on the expensive side as well as, many affordable resorts which are open, especially during the shoulder season. Additionally, Sardinia has a well-known and rich history with ancient towns and ruins along with delicious cuisine. Its close location to Europe makes it an appealing and inexpensive alternative to the Maldives and other long-range destinations.
Malta
Malta is another wonderful Mediterranean island that is not as expensive as the Maldives. It offers visitors clear water, beautiful islands to lounge on, and a rich history with ancient landmarks. Malta is known for town which has a unique, colourful culture, UNESCO classified landmarks, and for its diversity and open culture. Comino island, for example, has the famous Blue Lagoon which many like to compare with the Maldives lagoons.
Budget-friendly accommodations in Malta come in all types: resorts, guesthouses, four-star hotels, and even five-star hotels. Malta possesses outstanding transportation infrastructure, allowing for easy travel within the island. Valletta and Mdina's history, among many of Malta's, will intrigue the visitors who decide to step away from the beach.
The Azores, Portugal
An alternative to Maldives, The Azores will surely come to mind with volcanic craters and fantastic coastlines. Archipelago in North Atlantic, Azores lies peaceful and tranquil, surrounded by beautiful nature. For those who appreciate long, sandy beaches, it should be known the Azores won't satisfy this desire, as it provides rugged and difficult shorelines. What the Azores lacks in sandy beaches, it makes up for with pristine snorkelling and scuba diving in the island's clear waters.
For adventurers who like unique and untamed natural beauty, the Azores won't disappoint. With affordable and simple lodges, charming guesthouses, and eco-friendly lodges, the Azores is a very affordable destination.
The more accessible beach destinations that are less than the Maldives are becoming popular, primarily among travellers. These tourists are turning towards the European locations, such as the Azores, Malta, and Sardinia, alongside the island regions of the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Malta. All of which are within drastically cheaper prices than long-distance, high priced, luxury locations. All this while maintaining your crystal clear beaches and wonderful weather.
Conclusion
If you dream big but are on a budget that does not accommodate the Maldives, your answer has arrived. These equally mesmerizing destinations are the answer to your prayers. You can choose from the picturesque and calm beaches of Malta, the volcanic islands of the Canary Islands, and the uneven and wild expanses of the Azores. All of which are scattered around Europe. They are fun, budget friendly, full of rich culture, and stunning views making them the perfect spots to recharge your brain while voyaging.