{"id":690608,"date":"2026-01-12T07:50:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T07:50:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/690608\/"},"modified":"2026-01-12T07:50:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T07:50:19","slug":"the-best-maldives-alternatives-that-are-cheaper-and-three-are-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/690608\/","title":{"rendered":"The best Maldives alternatives that are cheaper \u2014 and three are in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"A
\n\t\tA trip to the Maldives doesn\u2019t come cheap (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Lunar white beaches, turquoise water and tropical temperatures <\/a>\u2014 it\u2019s no wonder the Maldives<\/a> is one of the world\u2019s most desirable holiday destinations.<\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re thinking of heading there to escape the frigid UK weather, remember paradise comes at a price<\/a>, and in the case of this south Asian destination, it\u2019s a hefty one.<\/p>\n

A week in an Instagrammable over-water villa will set you back at least \u00a32,000 during peak season, which runs from December to April.<\/p>\n

In 2025, the Maldives increased its infamous departure tax<\/a>, which means economy class passengers will be charged the equivalent of \u00a340 just to leave the\u00a0archipelagic state.<\/p>\n

The price hasn\u2019t deterred travellers, though. The island nation received a record-breaking two million tourists in 2024. But this comes against the backdrop of its frontline battle with the climate crisis.<\/p>\n

As the lowest-lying country in the world, rising sea levels threaten to make the islands uninhabitable, meaning the beautiful beaches so many aspire to lounge around on could soon vanish into the Indian Ocean.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tBest of Metro Deals\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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To protect the ecosystem \u2014 and your pockets \u2014 Metro<\/strong>\u00a0has rounded up the best\u00a0destination dupes<\/a>\u00a0for the Maldives, perfect for travellers looking for\u00a0cheap deals\u00a0that don\u2019t compromise on beauty.<\/p>\n

From European coastlines to far-flung islands, these getaways are perfect for your 2026 travel plans, offering spectacular scenery at a fraction of the Maldives price<\/a> tag.<\/p>\n

Malta<\/p>\n

Much like the Maldives, Malta<\/a> is known for sparkling azure water and beautiful swim spots.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re interested in getting up close and personal with sea creatures, the Maltese archipelago boasts dozens of inlets teeming with colourful marine life, while the crystal clear ocean makes for excellent visibility.<\/p>\n

An alternative to the bright blue depths of the Maldives is Malta\u2019s famous Blue Lagoon in Comino, where rugged cliffs peppered with gorse surround what is arguably the country\u2019s best swimming spot. <\/p>\n

\t\t\"Drone
\n\t\tComino\u2019s Blue Lagoon boasts clear water similar to the Maldives (Picture: Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

In 2024, Malta received a record 3.6 million tourists, and it\u2019s easy to see why. And while the final 2025 numbers aren\u2019t out yet (it\u2019s still January, remember) almost 3.5 million tourists had visited by the end of October. <\/p>\n

Forecasts suggest around\u00a04.5 million for the full year, exceeding 2024\u2019s by a considerable margin.<\/p>\n

Clarissa Cappelletti, UK Country Manager at\u00a0group travel provider WeRoad<\/a>, told Metro<\/strong>: \u2018Malta is a Mediterranean gem offering crystal-clear waters, historic charm, and stunning beaches at a fraction of the Maldives\u2019\u00a0cost.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2018Its mix of culture, history, and seaside beauty provides a range of adventures beyond just lounging on beaches.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ideal for a budget break, Malta holiday packages start from around \u00a3500 per person for a week\u2019s stay.<\/p>\n

Thailand<\/p>\n

Known as \u2018The Land of Smiles\u2019, Thailand<\/a>\u2019s white sandy beaches and azure water will surely leave you grinning.<\/p>\n

Railay Beach, in Krabi, is famed for its limestone formations \u2014 which are popular among rock climbers \u2014 while the islands of Ko Samui and Phuket are also home to some of the country\u2019s most popular beaches. <\/p>\n

\t\t\"Scenic
\n\t\tRailay Beach is one of Thailand\u2019s most famed tourist destinations (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Clarissa said: \u2018With its crystal clear waters, vibrant culture, and tropical beaches, Thailand is a perfect Maldives alternative. <\/p>\n

\u2018The country also offers rich cuisine and adventure opportunities at a lower price point.\u2019<\/p>\n

Unlike European alternatives, Thailand offers a climate closer to the Maldives, both of which are tropical.<\/p>\n

Visit between November and April to avoid the rainy season and make the most of the drier, sunny weather, when a week\u2019s package holiday can cost little more than \u00a31,000 per person.<\/p>\n

Albania<\/p>\n

Albania<\/a> is often described as \u2018the Maldives of Europe<\/a>\u2019, thanks to the white sandy beaches and crystal clear water along its Riviera.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s far from undiscovered, with tourists flocking to the region in increasing numbers, but it certainly won\u2019t break the bank \u2014 luxury accommodation is available for a fraction of the price of other European holiday spots<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Beachfront apartments can be rented for less than \u00a320 a night, while it\u2019s not unusual to pay around \u00a315 for a full meal with drinks. <\/p>\n

Flights to Albania are also remarkably affordable, with Ryanair flying to Tirana from as little as \u00a330 for a return trip.<\/p>\n

Made popular by TikTok<\/a> videos of sparkling oceans and bright white sand, Albania certainly offers a taste of the Maldives lifestyle, boasting a Mediterranean climate with highs of 30\u00b0C in the summer months.<\/p>\n

@thetravelmum<\/a> <\/p>\n

When people see pictures of this place they instantly think of the Maldives! But lucky for us, it\u2019s a lot closer to home (if you live in Europe that is \ud83d\ude05) Ksamil is a small village on the Albanian Riviera. It has been growing in popularity over the last few years and for very good reason. The beaches are absolutely amazing, the food is delicious and you can travel here on a really tight budget. We were drinking pints of beer for \u00a31.50 \ud83c\udf7b Eating delicious seafood for less than \u00a310 \ud83e\udd90 and our two bedroom apartment with sea view was less than \u00a335 per night! I\u2019ll be posting more about our trip in the coming days. #ksamilalbania<\/a> #ksamil<\/a> #albania<\/a> #bestbeaches<\/a> #cheaptravel<\/a> #budgettravel<\/a> #maldives<\/a> #thetravelmum<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u266c original sound \u2013 The Travel Mum | Cheap Travel<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To top it off, the Albanian Riviera is also home to exquisite seafood and plenty of cultural sites, such as the historic settlement of Lin, said to be Europe\u2019s oldest inhabited village, and Gjirokaster, a mountainous city and\u00a0UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n

For beautiful sunsets over the Ionian Sea, visit Lekuresi Castle near Sarande, where you can take in the views over the town and bay below.<\/p>\n

Bali, Indonesia<\/p>\n

This Indonesian<\/a> destination caters to luxury seekers and backpackers on a budget alike, home to an abundance of both sprawling villas with infinity pools and hostels that know how to throw a party. <\/p>\n

Bali<\/a> has plenty to offer tourists, from temples and waterfalls to rice paddies and rainforests, but if it\u2019s a Maldives-like experience you\u2019re after, check out Nusa Dua or Seminyak Beach.<\/p>\n

The former is an idyllic stretch of sand on the southeastern edge of Bali\u2019s Bukit peninsula, offering a host of watersport activities, while Seminyak is a lively slice of coastline and home to the famous Potato Head Beach Club, where guests can soak up the sun by the beachside infinity pool.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tNusa Dua is home to luxury resorts right on the water (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Clarissa told Metro<\/strong>: \u2018Known for its breathtaking beaches, luxurious yet affordable villas, and spiritual ambience, Bali is a great substitute for the Maldives. <\/p>\n

\u2018The island offers a mix of relaxation and adventure with its surf-friendly waters, temples, and lush rice terraces.\u2019<\/p>\n

An all-inclusive trip to Bali will set you back around \u00a31,000 for a week\u2019s stay \u2014 half the price of an equivalent trip to the Maldives.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tThe dark side of tourism in Albania and Bali\t\t\t<\/p>\n

As holidaymakers continue to flock to Albania and Bali, driven by their striking beaches and favourable climates, the consequences for local communities are not always positive.<\/p>\n

In Albania, the ever-increasing construction of hotels and resorts<\/a> threaten to destroy its spectacular scenery, while in peak season tourists sunbathe shoulder to shoulder on overcrowded beaches.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Bali\u2019s beaches are being buried under rubbish left by tourists, with the region\u2019s waste management struggling to keep up.<\/p>\n

And they\u2019re not the only popular holiday spots struggling with the increasing number of holidaymakers, with anti-tourism protests<\/a> taking place across the Canary Islands<\/a> and parts of mainland Spain<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Seville, Rome<\/a>, and Paris<\/a> have all cracked down on short-term rentals<\/a> to combat overtourism<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Corfu, Greece<\/p>\n

Cobalt-blue waters and picturesque sunsets are two things you can find in the Maldives, but they\u2019re also in abundance on the Greek<\/a> island of Corfu<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n

Clarissa said: \u2018Corfu combines the beauty of turquoise waters and lush greenery with Greek island charm, all at a much more affordable rate than the Maldives. <\/p>\n

\u2018Its cultural richness and quaint villages make it a versatile destination for relaxation and exploration.\u2019<\/p>\n

\t\t\"CORFU,
\n\t\tThe shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Corfu (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Offering a mix of beaches, cultural sites, adventure activities and exquisite cuisine, the island is one of Greece\u2019s most popular holiday destinations \u2014 visit during the shoulder seasons and you can enjoy pleasantly warm weather and quieter beaches, rather than the scorching temperatures and flocks of tourists that are a staple of the summer months.<\/p>\n

Flights and a week\u2019s stay in Corfu during low season can cost as little as \u00a3500 per person.<\/p>\n

Plus, Corfu is just a ferry ride away from Albania, perfect for ticking off two countries from the bucket list.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tMore ‘destination dupes’\t\t\t<\/p>\n