12 Cheapest Beach Destinations Around the World in May
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May can be a fantastic time to plan a beach vacation abroad because the weather is favorable in the vast majority of the world’s most popular destinations. Tropical destinations are still warm, and the rainy season is usually at least a month away. Meanwhile, temperatures across Southern Europe start to rise, offering excellent conditions for spending time outdoors.
With countless beach destinations to choose from in Asia, too, you’re spoilt for choice. To give you an idea of the best places to visit in May, we’ve compiled a list of 12 cheap beach destinations worldwide that are perfect for a spring getaway. These destinations offer affordable accommodation, reasonably priced food and drink, and breathtaking beaches.
Tenerife, Spain
First, we have Tenerife, a Spanish island located off the northern coast of Africa in the Canary Islands. Tenerife is best known for its all-year-round warm weather and picturesque coastline dotted with golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
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Playa de las Americas on the island’s south coast is the biggest resort in the Canary Islands and one of the most popular tourist destinations. Here, you can find natural beaches, lively surf, plenty of shops and restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. When you’re not lying back on the sand at Troya Beach, party the night away at Veronicas Strip, the party capital of Tenerife. Other notable beaches in Tenerife are Playa de Benijo and Playa El Medano.
Read also: Top Tropical Destinations Across The World
Nice, France
When you think of a vacation to France, you might imagine sipping Champagne, luxury shopping, and admiring the Eiffel Tower. However, when it comes to cheap beach holidays, you should consider Nice in Southern France, where the temperature in May reaches 69.8°F (21°C).
Nice is the perfect May getaway for those looking for affordable hotels, cheaper flights, budget eats, and long pebbled beaches. This glamorous coastal city on the French Riviera sits on the shores of Baie des Anges.
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In the bay, travelers are treated to several charming beach areas, including Plage Publique De l’Opéra, Plage de Carras, and Plage des Marinieres. Here, you can swim in the sea, sunbathe, participate in sports and games, and enjoy traditional French cuisine at the beachside.
Read also: Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
Zadar, Croatia
Zadar is a picturesque coastal city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. It’s famed for its Old Town, where you’ll find ancient Venetian and Roman ruins, narrow, cobblestone streets packed with mystery, and historical landmarks like St. Donatus Church. In May, Zadar offers affordable accommodation, cheap eats, and many things to do.
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In addition to its impressive architecture, Zadar is much loved by tourists for its stunning beaches. You can spend your time floating in the turquoise sea at Kolovare Beach, sunbathing at Lipauska Beach, and exploring the city. Kolovare Beach is the city’s longest, oldest, and most popular beach, so you’ll want to start there!
Read also: Top Exotic Beach Destinations
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Sunny Beach is arguably the cheapest beach vacation destination in Europe. Although it’s grown in popularity recently, it remains budget-friendly for everything from food and drinks to attractions and hotels. Better yet, temperatures in Sunny Beach in May reach 73°F (23°C), so you’ll be lovely and warm.
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Sunny Beach was once a party paradise. However, it’s transformed into a resort that attracts everyone from young couples and solo travelers to families and older couples. The main beach is the biggest draw, although there are hiking trails, wineries, and water parks to explore, too. This sandy beach is approximately 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) long and has hotels, restaurants, and shops, so you’ll never need to be too far away.
Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in Greece
Antalya, Turkey
With temperatures hitting a whopping 93.2°F (34°C) in May, Antalya is the ideal destination for serious spring sunshine. This resort city sits in southwest Turkey along a scenic coastline known for its golden sand beaches and warm waters. Regarded as the gateway to the nation’s southern Mediterranean region, Antalya has delightful turquoise waters, multiple beaches, and an Old Harbor lined with hotels.
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History buffs can spend their time between the beaches and historic points of interest, such as Hadrian’s Gate and Hidirlik Tower. At the same time, beachgoers can simply soak up the sun, swim, and enjoy Turkish food at Konyaaltı Beach.
Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in Europe
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Those seeking a relaxing beach vacation filled with sunshine, soft sand, and crystalline waters should consider visiting the Caribbean in May. Although the high season is over in May, the weather is still lovely. Better still, prices at most resorts decrease dramatically. Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a popular place to stay.
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Along Jamaica’s northwestern coast, Montego Bay is a lively resort center offering beautiful beaches, luxury all-inclusive resorts, and world-class eateries. The beauty of Montego Bay is that you won’t be urged to rush. Instead, you’ll spend most of your vacation in the slow lane, soaking up the sun and sipping coconut rum. What’s not to like?
Read also: Must-Visit Caribbean Islands
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago. It isn’t the region’s biggest island, but it’s the most popular and with good reason. Bali is home to breathtaking tropical beaches perfect for surfing, scenic lush green rice terraces, vibrant towns, unique cultures, and beautiful temples, making it the go-to destination in Asia.
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Near the coast, you’ll find stunning beach resorts perfect for a May vacation. Some of the best places to stay for a beach vacation include the lively Kuta, the chic Canggu, and the luxurious Nusa Dua. In all three places, you’ll find affordable hotels, a wide range of cheap eats, and long sandy beaches with clear blue waters.
Read also: Best Hidden Beaches in the World
Da Nang, Vietnam
Thanks to the construction of luxury resort hotels, the low cost of travel when you’re there, and low food costs, Vietnam has been propelled into the limelight as an affordable beach destination. This, along with potential temperatures of 89.6°F (32°C) in May, helps the coastal resort of Da Nang along Vietnam’s East Coast make our list.
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Da Nang is Vietnam’s third largest city, so you won’t be short of things to see and do. You can also expect countless amenities and facilities. One major attraction is Ba Na Hills and its unique bridge. However, the main draw is My Khe Beach. My Khe Beach offers a long stretch of beautiful white sand beach, warm waters, and epic views of Vietnam’s coastline.
Read also: Underrated Tropical Destinations
Lisbon, Portugal
Tucked away at the southern tip of Europe, Lisbon is an underrated May beach destination packed with many things to do, lots to see, and a gorgeous coastline. The city itself is spectacular. There are historic castles to explore, old narrow streets to get lost down, and restaurants serving delicious traditional Portuguese food. However, if you’re looking for a beach vacation, you’ll want to spend most of your time along the coast.
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The Lisbon coast is a mesmerizing stretch of golden beaches, wave-lashed cliffs, and colorful seaside towns. Praia da Torre and Praia da Caxias are spectacular places you can visit. As for temperatures, expect highs of 72.5°F (22.5°C ).
Read also: Visa-Free Exotic Destinations
Ibiza, Spain
This small Balearic Island is only 26 miles (42 kilometers) long but has a big reputation. Primarily a party destination, Ibiza is the go-to place for all-night beach parties, lively nightclubs, and packed street bars. However, it also has a stunning coastline with golden sand beaches, making it a popular beach vacation spot!
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In May, temperatures in Ibiza reach 71.6°F (22°C), so you can enjoy the great outdoors in comfort. If you want to relax at the beach before hitting the Ibiza Strip for the night, head to Playa d’en Bossa. Here, you can rent a lounger to sunbathe, walk, swim, and buy food and drink. For a more secluded experience, visit the quiet Cala Gracioneta instead!
Read also: Hot European Beach Destinations in May
Kefalonia, Greece
With over 6,000 islands to choose from, we can easily make a list of the best Greek islands to visit in May. However, if we had to choose one that offers affordable food and drink, excellent beaches, and reasonable accommodation, it would have to be Kefalonia.
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Kefalonia offers a more relaxed lifestyle, unlike the more popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Instead of hurrying around trying to find the best photo spots and a table at the best restaurants, you’ll leisurely walk along the white sand beaches, stroll through charming old towns, and have your pick of seafront tavernas serving delicious Greek cuisine. Seaside towns you should consider visiting in Kefalonia include Sami, Asos, Fiskardo, and Argostoli.
Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands
Mirissa, Sri Lanka
In May, Mirissa, along Sri Lanka’s south coast, experiences temperatures of 86°F (30°C). This sleepy seaside village is famed for its golden sand beaches, blue waters, and scenic landscape. It’s arguably the best destination on this list for a quiet vacation.
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Despite offering some of Asia’s best coastline, Mirissa is an affordable place to visit. Hotels and restaurants sitting right off the main beach (Mirissa Beach) are affordable for most budgets. When you’re not relaxing at Mirissa Beach, walk around the bay to Coconut Tree Hill for impressive views. From here, you can even spot sea turtles. Alternatively, take to the water in search of marine life, such as black-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
Read also: Hidden Tropical Islands
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