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Budget-friendly beach destinations for a girls’ trip

Umbrellas on Balos beach on Crete island, Greece. Balos beach is one of the most popular beaches on Crete island, budget friendly beach destinations
A beach trip with your friends does not have to be expensive. Europe and nearby regions offer plenty of sunny destinations where you can relax, go out, eat well and still stay on budget. Below you find beach destinations that are fun, affordable and perfect for travelling with friends.

Start with smart planning. Book early or travel just outside peak season. Choose places where food, drinks and transport are cheap. That is where the real savings are.
Features
by Editor
- February 2, 2026

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is one of the best value beach regions in Western Europe. You get long sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and lively beach towns. Lagos and Albufeira are especially popular with groups of friends. Accommodation is affordable if you share an apartment. Eating out is cheap and portions are large. A beach day costs almost nothing and nightlife is within walking distance.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Sunny Beach is known for being social, fun and very affordable. Drinks are cheap. Food is cheap. Beach clubs are casual and welcoming.  It is ideal if you want a mix of sun and nightlife without spending much. Many hotels offer all-inclusive deals which work well for groups.

Costa del Sol, Spain

Southern Spain is perfect for a relaxed but social beach trip. Places like Torremolinos and Nerja offer good beaches, beach bars and affordable accommodation.

Tapas and local wine keep food costs low. Public transport is easy and safe. You can also do day trips to Malaga or Marbella without high costs.

Crete, Greece

Crete is one of the cheapest Greek islands and also one of the biggest. That means options. You find party beaches, quiet bays and budget-friendly towns like Chania and Rethymno.

Food is fresh and cheap. Local buses connect most beaches. Sharing a villa makes it very affordable for a group.

Puglia, Italy

Puglia offers crystal clear water without the high prices of other Italian beach regions. Think small beach towns, local bakeries and simple seafood restaurants.  It is perfect for friends who want beach days and relaxed evenings instead of clubbing. Renting a car together keeps costs low and gives you flexibility.

Why (online) safety matters when travelling

When you travel with friends, you often use public WiFi in airports, cafés and hotels. That is not always safe. Your personal data can be exposed, especially when booking transport or checking bank apps.

If you ever wondered ‘what does VPN mean’?, it stands for Virtual Private Network. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and protects your data on public networks. It also helps when accessing travel sites or content that may be restricted abroad.

How to keep your beach trip cheap?

– Travel with carry-on luggage only
– Share apartments instead of booking hotels
– Eat where locals eat
– Use public transport or rent one car for the group
– Plan one or two paid activities and keep the rest free

A girls’ trip is about time together, not luxury. Choose the right destination, plan smart and you can enjoy sun, sea and fun without overspending.

 

Image credit – dreamstime

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