Islands to visit on a budget! There’s something enthralling about island getaways – the feel of powdery sand, the sound of crashing waves, the stunning sight of sunsets. The catch? Island holidays can be frighteningly expensive, at least that’s what some people think. While this is a valid notion, it is not entirely true. Yes, an island vacation can be pricey if you stay in a 5-star hotel and splurge on extravagant dinners.
The truth is, you don’t need wads of cash to enjoy an island escapade. And even upmarket islands have affordable options for budget-conscious travellers. There are many ways you can fully experience a destination without breaking the bank. Here are five islands to visit on a budget that can be surprisingly cheap.
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1. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of the prettiest places in the UK. And it is not cheap. But don’t let that dishearten you. If you don’t mind roughing it, you can have an incredible time on the island for as little as £10-20 a day.
Accommodations usually take a chunk of the budget. If you’re travelling as a group, rent a cottage or holiday home to save money. Otherwise, you can lodge in a hostel for about £25-30 per night. Campgrounds are a cheaper alternative, costing as little as £7. The most affordable, of course, is wild camping. It is legal to camp almost anywhere in Scotland, as long as you follow basic camping guidelines and leave no trace behind.
As for food, stock up on supplies and prepare your own meals. You will find a bunch of supermarkets and convenience shops selling baked goods, delis, and soups. For the best (and affordable) fish and chips on the island, visit the Harbor Chip Shop by Portree Harbour.
The best part about a holiday on the Isle of Skye is sightseeing, and most of its attractions are free. Check out the fairy pools, the fairy glen, Sligachan and the old bridge, the Quiraing, the Mealt Waterfall, the Old Man of Storr, Talisker Beach, the Gold Cave, and a couple of medieval castles.
2. Mallorca
The crown jewel of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca teems with gorgeous beaches, world-class wineries, and luxurious resorts. But can you have a marvellous stay in Mallorca on a budget? Absolutely.
The island offers a wide range of options in food, accommodations, and tours. Schedule your trip between mid-September and mid-October for great off-season deals. You’ll find plenty of budget-friendly stays, as well as self-catering private villas for large groups chipping in for something nicer. If you’re travelling solo, the capital Palma has some of the most affordable hostels and family-run guesthouses. It is also famous for its markets selling fresh fruits and baked goods. On a Tuesday or Wednesday evening, the bars in the Sa Gerreria area on the Martian Route offer beer or wine and a tapa for about €2.
The cheapest way to get around Mallorca is through public transportation and going to a neighbouring village costs around €1-2. If you plan to travel from one side of the island to the other, prepare at least €12. There are also inexpensive bike rentals.
Mallorca is best known for its beaches, and these are free everywhere. Its charming villages, such as Alcudia and Cala Figuera, don’t cost much to visit. Other no-admission sites include the Serra de Tramuntana, the Marivent Garden, the Cap de Formentor, and the Catedral de Mallorca.
3. Crete
Greece’s largest island has a notorious reputation for being overpriced. After all, it is where people go to experience the good life; think posh restaurants, chic villas, and upscale boutique hotels. But Crete is also a fantastic option for those travelling on a tight budget. Its best attractions – unspoiled nature, breathtaking coast, and rich culture – come without a price tag. So, you will find loads of things to do in Crete without overspending.
Lodging will likely make the most dent in your budget, but Crete has plenty of affordable choices. Are you travelling in a group? The most practical accommodation for you is an Airbnb, especially if you want privacy. There are also hostels and guesthouses for solo travellers and apartment hotels for couples.
Greece has superbly delicious cuisine, and you can never go wrong with the small tavernas strewn all over the island. Eat like a local; go to restaurants where locals go, and you’ll most likely find hearty dishes for less than €5.
Hit the beaches. You don’t have to pay a single penny to sink your toes on that fine warm sand. Some of the most popular ones include the pink-sand Elafonisi Beach and the secluded Balos Beach, which you can access on a bike. Other budget-friendly sites to see are the Chania Old Town, Lefka Ori, Lake Kournas, the Samaria Gorge, and the bustling town of Heraklion.
4. Tenerife
Located off the West African coast, Tenerife is the largest and the most picturesque of Spain’s Canary Islands. It is home to the vibrant Carnaval de Santa Cruz, the hair-raising Siam Park waterpark, and hundreds of beaches, including the world-famous Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.
Prices in Tenerife are generally cheaper than on the European continent. It has plenty of options for anyone travelling on a shoestring, from budget-friendly Tenerife holiday rentals to cheap eats and no-cost-to-visit attractions. You can even go on a gastronomic adventure without spending too much. Look for restaurants that serve menu del dia, a three-course meal consisting of a starter and main for less than €15. If you plan to explore the island, the cheapest way is via bus service. You can purchase a prepaid card that you can use for the entire duration of your stay.
Besides lounging on the beach, there are loads of fun and free things to do in Tenerife. See traditional Canarian architecture in La Orotava, visit Hijuela del Botanico, see the Los Gigantes cliffs, and hike in the Teide National Park, where you’ll find the towering Mount Teidi.
5. Viti Levu
Finally, on the list of islands to visit on a budget is Viti Levu. Viti Levu is one of the two main islands of Fiji. Located in the South Pacific, it is the quintessential tropical paradise, soaked in the sun, fringed by crystal-clear waters and warmed by balmy ocean breezes. A holiday in Viti Leuv comes with a hefty price. But not always. You can enjoy Viti Levu for around FJ$105 or £40 per day.
Fiji is quite expensive to fly, but February to April offers the lowest airfare, though these months can be wet and rainy. If you want more sun, visit during the shoulder season, from May to June or August to October.
Contrary to popular belief, accommodations in Viti Levu aren’t insanely expensive as long as you stay away from glitzy hotels and resorts. You can find a bunch of budget-friendly hostels, Airbnb rentals, and great deal hotels for as little as FJ$15 per night. Stay away from tourist traps that market-fresh seafood. Go for food stalls selling traditional food, hit up local bakeries, and check out a curry house, where you’ll find curries and stews for FJ$5 and roti and dhal for less than FJ$10.