Costa

A lesser-known Spanish resort is shaping up to be one of the more affordable escapes, with £3 pints and £15 flights, combined with its allure of reliable sunshine and dramatic landscapes

A beautiful Spanish region that enjoys a tropical climate is ‘cheaper than Costa del Sol’ with £3 pints and £15 flights, just three hours from the UK.

Costa del Sol is a popular tourist destination, with the city of Marbella attracting thousands of holidaymakers each year, yet it’s not always the cheapest. While there are more affordable areas to visit in Costa del Sol, there’s another beautiful resort in Spain while worth exploring, and it could save you almost £300.

Known as the ‘desert coast’, Costa de Almería offers almost year-round sunshine and is one of the driest climates on the continent, so you’ll rarely need to worry about the weather. With stunning volcanic beaches, azure waters and desert landscapes, it’s a haven for travellers seeking a quieter escape from the tourist crowds.

READ MORE: Stunning remote island where you can live for free if hired for one jobREAD MORE: Simon Calder shares ‘absolutely magical’ seaside town perfect for pensioners

Often overlooked by Brits, Costa de Almería has been hailed by the experts at First Choice as “significantly cheaper than Spain’s main holiday hotspots”. First Choice found that a seven-night stay at the four-star Best Oasis Tropical hotel in Almería during early May costs £281 per person, including flights – that’s around £290 cheaper per couple than a similar break in the Costa del Sol.

The travel experts also found that a beer could set you back just £3 (€3.50) in Almería, compared to the holiday hotspots of Marbella, which could cost as much as £5.19 (€6) per beer.

They also found that a three-course meal for two in Almería would typically cost between £25 (€30) and £30 (€35). This is in stark contrast to the same meal in Marbella, which could range from £51 (€60) to £86 (€100), saving around £61 (€70) per meal in Almería, and a total of £427 (€493) during a seven-night stay.

If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, Costa de Almería welcomes more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and only sees around 26 days of rainfall a year. It also receives 93 per cent less rain in May than the Costa del Sol, averaging just 1mm compared to 15mm.

Thanks to its location near the Tabernas Desert, the experts at First Choice say the region enjoys a warmer climate and sun-soaked rays “weeks before neighbouring areas.” Alongside its tropical climate and cost-cutting benefits, Almería offers plenty to explore, including diverse landscapes and golden-sand beaches.

The protected Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is well worth a visit, with its volcanic cliffs, hidden coves and some of the most picturesque Spanish beaches. There’s also the stunning Tabernas Desert to explore on a guided day tour, as well as the charming whitewashed hilltop village of Mojácar.

Some may recognise Mojácar, which was famously used as the backdrop for major Hollywood movies, including Indiana Jones, as well as the hit TV series Game of Thrones. For film buffs, there’s the opportunity to visit the preserved Wild West film set of MiniHollywood Oasys, with shows and attractions, to feel as though you’ve stepped directly into Indiana Jones.

As a lesser-known destination compared to the Costa del Sol, there are few high-rise hotels towering over the beach, and quieter beaches, so you’ll often be able to find the perfect sun-soaked spot. What’s more, flights from London Stansted to Almería start from as little as £15 one-way, according to Sky Scanner.

Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice, said: “Costa Almería quietly delivers some of the most reliable spring sunshine in mainland Europe, yet it hasn’t caught up in price. That gap between weather and cost is what makes it stand out”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

FORGET the Costa del Sol – there is a nearby resort that is cheaper, hotter and has less rain.

Costa de Almería, while not a ‘hidden gem’ per-say, is often overlooked as a holiday destination compared to the popularity of its famous neighbour.

A huge draw is it having a much better climate – with a ‘desert’ coastline due to its proximity to Taberna Desert, the only one of its kind in Europe.

This means a lot less rain too with just 1mm in May compared to the Costa del Sol‘s 15mm, a drop of 93 per cent.

This also means 3,000 hours of sunshine a year which is far more than the UK’s average of 1,350.

Travel experts at First Choice have also found some much cheaper deals too, from as little as £281 for a week’s stay (nearly half the price of a holiday in nearby resorts).

SI YA

One of Spain’s most popular airports is losing more Ryanair flights

MARB-ALOUS

Alternative Spanish seaside town by Marbella where cocktails are half the price

Dining out is affordable too – the experts say that meals are around €30 (£26), half the price of ones in nearly Marbella.

And pints can be found for €3.50 (£3), especially in Mojacar.

These cheap prices mean you could save up to €455 (£394) on food and drink during a week’s stay.

Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice, said: “Costa Almería quietly delivers some of the most reliable spring sunshine in mainland Europe, yet it hasn’t caught up in price.

“That gap between weather and cost is what makes it stand out.”

It was even named in easyJet’s Cheap Beach Index last year, coming in third place.

So it’s drier, sunnier and cheaper – making it a no brainer for another holiday.

When it comes to things to do there, there are far fewer high rise hotels so you can enjoy the more traditional towns.

A popular spot is Mojácar – a pretty village that fans of Indiana Jones and Game of Thrones might recognise.

Or it is home to La Isleta del Moro in Almeria, dubbed ‘Little Mykonos‘ for its similar white buildings. 

There is the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, a protected area with volcanic geology, hidden coves and huge unspoiled beaches.

Otherwise visit Roquetas de Mar, beachfront town with lots of shops, bars and restaurants.

A unique attraction is Oasys (formerly known as Mini Hollywood) which is found in the Tabernas Desert in Almeria.

Being persuaded to even move there? A Place in The Sun presenter Craig Rowe named it as a great alternative to buy a place abroad on a budget.

He told Sun Travel: “Costa Almería in Spain is really good, especially for anyone on a lower budget.

“It’s not overly developed yet, so the airport links aren’t as strong as what you would get from somewhere on the Costa del Sol.

“But it’s great for someone who would want to buy somewhere and get good bargains that’s authentically Spanish.

“But there are things you have to compromise on – in terms of flying, you have to bear in mind there aren’t that many flights.

“But in years to come there could be, as it’s expanding and very up and coming.”

Here are some other alternative holiday destinations, according to the experts.

And one woman has revealed the lesser-visited Spanish island to go to.

–