What makes the perfect Mediterranean summer holiday? Boat trips in gin-clear waters, beachside restaurants serving fresh catch of the day, and ladders which plunge straight into the sea from the rocks are just a few of the quintessential experiences that, for many, spell out summer in southern Europe. And there is a way to enjoy these things without blowing your budget.
Our experts have put together a guide to the most affordable places to stay in the Mediterranean, country by country – from a west-facing Ibizan pearl with incredible sunsets and access to secret coves, to off-the-beaten-track Greek Islands hotels with dreamy pools, and a stylish b&b on France's most costly of coastlines.
Indeed, lots of places set directly on the beach are often taken up by premium hotels (with a price tag to match), so some of our recommendations are slightly inland from nearby golden sands (though there's nothing featured with more than a 30-minute drive to a beach). Opt to retreat from the crowds this summer and you'll also often find a more authentic slice of the Med. Here's our expert pick of the region's best budget beauties.
SPAIN
Majorca
Ibiza
Menorca
Costa Brava
Andalucía
CROATIA
GREECE
Cyclades
Crete
Dodecanese
Sporades
ITALY
Amalfi Coast
Sardinia
Sicily
Puglia
MALTA & GOZO
FRANCE
Provence & the Côte d'Azur
All prices quoted are based on two people sharing. Prices are subject to change according to season and can go up during popular holidays and events.
Contributions by Rudolf Abraham, Ros Belford, Annie Bennett, Kate Bolton, Deborah Cicurel, Jade Conroy, Marc Dubin, Fiona Duncan, Tim Ecott, Eddi Fiegel, Jane Foster, Jan Fuscoe, Heidi Fuller-Love, Rachel Howard, Helen Iatrou, Sheila JOhnston, Abigail Lowe, Andrea Montgomery, Anna Nicholas, Isabella Noble, Anthony Peregrine, Isabel Putinja, Juliet Rix, Tristan Rutherford, Louise Simpson, Nicky Swallow, Rebecca Tay, Marissa Tejada, Richard Waters and Natasha Were.