Spain holidays: Which destination suits you and your budget best?

Spain has been a holiday favourite for decades thanks to its short flight times, reliable sunshine, beautiful beaches and a huge choice of resorts. From summer holidays on the mainland to year-round escapes in the Canary Islands, Spain offers something for every type of traveller and budget. But when it comes to getting the best value, Spain isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. The ideal choice for families looking for kids’ clubs and shallow beaches won’t necessarily suit couples, beach lovers or bargain hunters.  

That’s why Sundeals looks beyond booking the cheapest holiday. It’s about choosing the destination that gives you more of what matters to you. Whether it’s family-friendly beaches, year-round sunshine, romantic escapes or simply more holiday for your money, here’s how Spain’s most popular destinations stack up. Think of it as less ‘where’s cheapest?’ and more ‘which destination gives me the best value for the holiday I actually want?’ 

Majorca has long been one of Spain’s most popular destinations for families. This Balearic Island has spent years perfecting the family holiday formula, with many of its resorts packed with features that make travelling with children that little bit easier. Think wide sandy beaches, shallow waters, kids’ clubs, splash parks and All Inclusive hotels designed with families in mind. 

Another reason Majorca remains so popular with families is its flexibility. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers or a mix of ages, the island offers a wide variety of resorts, accommodation styles and activities to suit different family needs. From quieter beach resorts like Cala d’Or to livelier areas such as Alcudia and Cala Millor, it’s easy to find a family holiday that matches the pace and style you’re looking for. 

Why it offers value… 

Majorca isn’t always the cheapest option, but it offers something that’s often just as important for families – choice. Whether you’re working with a tighter budget or planning a more premium escape, the island has accommodation to suit a wide range of price points. With everything from Self Catering apartments to All Inclusive resorts available across its most popular destinations, families can often find a holiday that matches both their needs and their budget. Combined with regular flights from the UK and a huge range of activities, it’s a destination where finding the right balance between cost, convenience and comfort is often easier than in many other family hotspots. Plus, avoiding long transfers, keeping children entertained and having everything close at hand can be just as valuable as saving money on the initial booking. 

Top resorts to consider 

• Alcudia: Home to one of Majorca’s longest sandy beaches, with shallow waters that are ideal for younger children. 

• Cala Millor: A great all-round option for families thanks to its wide beach, seafront promenade and choice of family-friendly hotels. 

• Cala d’Or: Perfect for families who prefer a more relaxed pace, with sheltered coves, a compact resort centre and an easy-going atmosphere. 

For couples, good value isn’t always about finding the lowest price. Sometimes it’s about coming home feeling like you got more from the trip than you paid for. Lanzarote offers exactly that. Known for its striking volcanic landscapes, whitewashed villages and laidback atmosphere, it’s a destination that feels distinctly different from many traditional beach resorts. 

Whether you’re exploring Timanfaya National Park, relaxing on the beaches of Playa Blanca or enjoying dinner overlooking a marina, Lanzarote delivers experiences that feel a little more unique than your average fly-and-flop holiday. The island is also home to plenty of stylish adults-only hotels, boutique properties and spa resorts, making it particularly appealing for couples seeking a more relaxed escape. 

Why it offers value… 

Lanzarote’s biggest strength is how much variety it offers without requiring lots of additional spending. The island’s volcanic scenery, coastal walks, beaches and traditional villages provide plenty to explore, while resorts such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen combine restaurants, bars and waterfront promenades in one place. For couples, that can mean a more rewarding holiday with fewer costly excursions, activities and travel expenses once you’re there. It’s proof that paying less isn’t the only route to good value. Sometimes, it’s about getting more memorable experiences from the budget you’ve already set aside.  

Top resorts to consider 

• Playa Blanca: A strong choice for couples seeking a relaxed escape, with a stylish marina, beautiful beaches and plenty of adults-only hotels. 

• Puerto del Carmen: Ideal for couples who want a balance of beach time, dining and nightlife without straying far from their resort. 

• Costa Teguise: Suits couples looking for a quieter setting, with waterfront restaurants, coastal walks and a laidback atmosphere. 

If your idea of a good holiday is built around long beach days and endless sunshine, the Costa del Sol should be on your list. It's one the best places to visit in Spain for a classic beach break. Stretching along Spain’s southern coastline, the region is home to popular resorts including Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona. Each has its own character, but all offer easy access to long beaches and plenty of sunshine. 

One of the Costa del Sol’s biggest strengths is the variety on offer. You can choose a lively resort packed with restaurants and entertainment or stay somewhere quieter and more laidback, depending on the type of beach holiday you’re looking for. 

Why it offers value… 

Great beach holidays don’t have to come with a premium price tag. As one of Spain’s most established holiday regions, the Costa del Sol benefits from regular flights from the UK and strong competition between resorts and hotels. This helps keep prices competitive across a range of budgets, making it easier to balance cost, sunshine and location without compromising on the beach experience. There’s also enough variety within the region to suit different budgets, whether you’re looking for a straightforward beach holiday or something a little more upmarket. 

Top resorts to consider 

• Torremolinos: A good choice for beach lovers looking to maximise value, thanks to its long beaches and wide range of accommodation. 

• Benalmadena: Ideal for travellers who want a classic Costa del Sol beach holiday with plenty of restaurants, entertainment and hotel options nearby. 

• Fuengirola: Well-suited to those who want long beaches and easy access to shops, restaurants and the seafront promenade. 

• Marbella: Perfect for travellers seeking a more luxurious beach break, with stylish hotels, beach clubs and a lively atmosphere. 

• Estepona: A great option for those looking for beautiful beaches with a quieter and more traditional feel. 

When much of Europe is reaching for winter coats, Tenerife still feels ready for a beach holiday. It continues to offer warm weather, lively resorts and plenty to see and do throughout the winter months. As the largest of the Canary Islands, it combines golden and black-sand beaches, volcanic landscapes and a wide range of accommodation, making it a popular choice for winter sun holidays. 

Whether you’re relaxing on the coast, exploring Teide National Park or enjoying the restaurants and promenades of its resorts, Tenerife offers a holiday experience that doesn’t feel limited by the time of year. For many travellers, it bridges the gap between a classic beach holiday and a much more expensive long-haul winter escape. 

Why it offers value… 

When it comes to winter sun, Tenerife strikes a balance that’s hard to beat. Flight times are significantly shorter than those to many long-haul sunshine destinations, yet temperatures remain warm enough for beach days throughout much of the year. The island also offers accommodation across a wide range of price points, from Self Catering apartments to luxury resorts, giving travellers plenty of choice. For those looking to escape the British winter without the cost or travel time that often comes with a long-haul holiday, Tenerife offers plenty of sunshine without the extra travel time and expense often associated with long-haul winter sun destinations. 

Top resorts to consider 

• Costa Adeje: Ideal for travellers seeking winter sun with a more premium feel, thanks to its attractive beaches and quality hotel choice. 

• Los Cristianos: A reliable all-round option offering beaches, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of travellers. 

• Playa de las Americas: Perfect for those who want warm winter sunshine alongside lively nightlife and entertainment. 

For cheap holidays in Spain, Costa Blanca is one of the country’s strongest-value destinations. Offering classics including Benidorm, Calpe and Torrevieja, the region's combination of beaches, reliable sunshine and affordable accommodation is the key to its popularity. From budget-friendly apartments to All Inclusive hotels, there are plenty of options for travellers looking to keep costs down. Costa Blanca is also a popular choice for last-minute holidays, with a huge choice of accommodation helping to keep availability high throughout much of the year. 

Beyond the beaches, you’ll find lively promenades, restaurants, shops and attractions that make it easy to fill your holiday without spending a fortune. The region’s popularity also helps keep flights and package holidays competitive, making it easier to find a holiday that suits your budget. 

Why it offers value… 

When affordability is the priority, few Spanish destinations can match Costa Blanca. But its appeal goes beyond lower booking prices. Many of its resorts make it easy to enjoy full days without budgeting for costly excursions, while its wide choice of restaurants and Self Catering options can also make it easier to manage day-to-day spending. That can help travellers keep additional costs manageable and make their spending money go further. It’s that combination of competitive package prices and manageable day-to-day costs that helps make Costa Blanca such a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. 

Top resorts to consider 

• Benidorm: Hard to beat for cheap package holidays, thanks to its huge choice of hotels and apartments. 

• Calpe: A good-value beach resort offering a more relaxed feel than some of the Costa Blanca’s larger destinations. 

• Torrevieja: Popular with budget-conscious travellers looking for affordable accommodation and family-friendly beaches. 

The right choice depends on what you want from your holiday. Some travellers will prioritise a lower price, while others may value convenience, reliable weather, fewer additional costs or experiences that make a trip feel more memorable. 

Ultimately, value isn’t just about paying less. It’s about choosing the place that gives you more of what matters, whether that’s family-friendly facilities, memorable experiences, winter sunshine or an affordable beach break. 

Ready to find your ideal Spanish getaway? Browse our latest Spain holiday deals and choose the right destination for your budget or explore the Sundeals blog for more travel inspiration and money-saving tips. 

Author: Rachel Coppenhall