coastlines

ARE you looking for a cheap Spanish holiday to soak up the sun this summer?

The most affordable coastlines in mainland Spain have been uncovered – and some are £200 cheaper than holidaying on the Costa del Sol.

TravelSupermarket has found the eight most affordable coastlines on mainland Spain with the top being Costa Calida.

It’s nicknamed the ‘Warm Coast’ thanks to its micro-climate which means it has temperatures around 5C warmer than the surrounding Mediterranean.

Daytime temperatures between in the summer can range between 30C and 35C.

Costa Calida also has over 315 sunny days every year.

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According to TravelSupermarket, the average price of a holiday per person is £457 per person.

The coastline has a huge 150 miles of beaches and is generally quieter than its neighbours like the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava.

That said, it still has popular spots along the coastline including La Manga which has a sandy strait often compared to Florida.

La Manga is a 13 mile long strip of sand which is known for its shallow, popular swimming waters and its salt water lagoon.

Visitors have compared it to looking like Florida‘s West Palm Beach and even Miami.

Rooms at the AluaSun Doblemar hotel on La Manga cost as little as £46 per night.

It’s the biggest resort and sits on the beachfront – it daily activities to keep guests entertained, outdoor pools, all-inclusive dining, and a kids’ club.

Another spot holidaymakers might want to consider is Cartagena.

It’s the second largest city in the Region of Murcia and is well-known for its 2,000-year-old Roman theater.

It also has a busy port, seafood restaurants, and Calle Mayor is the busy shopping street with independent shops and boutiques.

There are plenty of beaches too like Playa de Calblanque tucked away in a National Park south of La Manga and the Blue Flag Playa de Calnegre.

A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson says that for those looking to buy abroad, Cartagena is a great and affordable option.

She said: “There are also places around it like Cartagena which, when I started on the show, wasn’t a desirable place, but now it comes up more and more.

“In the Murcia region and Almería, you could get a two-bedroom apartment with a pool in a complex for £100-£120k, and that’s good in this day and age.

“We still have people that can make £80k stretch in the south of Spain, so Murcia is a place to buy in before it gets too expensive.”

To get to the Costa Calida is simple too because Brits can fly into Murcia Airport and head south.

One-way flights from Bournemouth to Murcia start from just £15 with Ryanair in April.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket said: “Spain remains one of the most reliable destinations for British holidaymakers seeking value, and with budgets still under pressure, it pays to be a little flexible about where you go.

“Costa Calida in particular stands out – it consistently delivers on beaches, weather and facilities, but tends to fly under the radar compared to the likes of Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, and that’s reflected in the price.”

For more on Spain, here are the top five of the best destinations to visit in spring with Caribbean-like beaches and free festival trains.

And here’s more on the ‘desert coast’ of Spain that is £290 cheaper than a holiday on the Costa del Sol – with less rain and £3 beers.

This stunning island has been dubbed the UK’s own Tasmania

Located just 40 minutes from the UK is the Isle of Man, the first complete nation to receive UNESCO Biosphere status. Described as Britain’s answer to Tasmania, the island boasts rare wildlife, dramatic coastlines and unspoilt beaches, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat.

With only 85,000 residents and a thoughtful mix of community and countryside, the island offers plenty of space, even at peak times of year. Situated in the waters between the UK and Ireland, the Isle of Man is accessible by either aircraft or ferry, meaning even those fearful of flying can experience this stunning destination.

Walkers can follow the entire coastline along the Raad ny Foillan coastal path, marking its 40th anniversary this year, passing through cliffs, coves and fishing hamlets with ocean vistas at every point.

Meanwhile, the wild coastlines of Niarbyl Bay and the Calf of Man bear more resemblance to the Australian island of Tasmania than somewhere in the Irish Sea.

Writing on TripAdvisor, one recent guest to Niarbyl Bay said: “Niarbly Beach offers an idyllic setting for walking and exploring, perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

“The beach’s unique rock formations provide an intriguing landscape to discover, with plenty of tide pools and hidden nooks.”

Meanwhile another commented: “A real dreamy gem on the island with picturesque scenery of the coast and Irish Sea, there is also a walk along the coast that heads south and a little stone pebble beach, complete with a sea cave and a lovely old thatched cottage on the shoreline.”

The island’s wildlife represents another major draw for any visit, featuring the tailless Manx cat and the uncommon four-horned Loaghtan sheep, as well as seals, seabirds, and the occasional basking shark.

The Isle of Man is also a haven for stargazers, boasting 26 official Dark Sky Discovery sites and remarkably low light pollution. On occasion, the Northern Lights can even be spotted from the island.