With crystal clear waters and tropical temperatures, the Maldives is a dream destination for many travellers.
However, the Caribbean island often comes with a hefty price tag, and takes around ten hours to fly there.
The average one-week trip to the Maldives comes to £1,700 per person, according to Travel Republic, and can cost around £6,500 for a stay in a five-star all-inclusive hotel during peak season.
Fortunately there are European alternatives to the Maldives that might appeal to Brits looking for somewhere closer and more affordable.
Corfu
Just like the Maldives, Corfu promises sandy beaches, great weather and beautiful views.
A week’s holiday during the off-peak season to the Greek island, including flights, comes to around £500 per person.
The average flight time from the UK is around three to four hours, which is only a fraction of the journey to the Maldives.
Just like the Maldives, Corfu promises sandy beaches, great weather and beautiful views
Clarissa Cappelletti, who works as a UK Country Manager at group travel provider WeRoad told Metro how: ‘Corfu combines the beauty of turquoise waters and lush greenery with Greek island charm, all at a much more affordable rate than the Maldives.
‘Its cultural richness and quaint villages make it a versatile destination for relaxation and exploration.’
Albania
Often dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’, Albania boasts white sandy beaches, good food and is a lot cheaper.
The ‘Albanian Riviera’ – the country’s southern stretch of coastline – has a stunning shore for tourists to enjoy, without breaking the bank.
According to Wise, the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Albania is just 1,000 lek/£8.50.
Meanwhile, a pint of domestic beer costs just 249 lek/2.13 and a cappuccino comes in at just 164 lek/£1.40.
Ksamil is an enchanting seaside village in Albania and is located near Butrint National Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site,
Often dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’, Albania boasts white sandy beaches, good food and is a lot cheaper
Another Greek destination, Crete has similar dreamy coastal spots and hot temperatures
Flights from London to Albania are priced between around £30 to over £120, depending on the month, on Skyscanner.
Crete
Another Greek destination, Crete has similar dreamy coastal spots and hot temperatures.
One spot, Elafonissi Beach on the island of Crete has even been described as ‘the Maldives of Europe’ by several reviewers who’ve visited.
The beach is known for boasting unique pink sand, which gets its colour from Foraminifera, tiny marine creatures which create red-pigmented shells.
Tourists can fly to Chania Airport in Crete which is around one and a half hour’s drive from the beach.
easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI and British Airways all fly direct to Chania with the average flight time just over four hours.
Depending on the time of the year, a week stay in Crete can cost from around £700 per person.
Attracting millions of tourists a year with its beautiful cities and beaches, Malta is a great alternative to the Maldives
Malta
Attracting millions of tourists a year with its beautiful cities and beaches, Malta is a great alternative to the Maldives.
‘Malta is a Mediterranean gem offering crystal-clear waters, historic charm, and stunning beaches at a fraction of the Maldives’ cost,’ Clarissa gushed.
Depending on how luxurious holidaymakers want to go, a week’s stay on the island can cost from around £500.
One popular spot, the Blue Lagoon, is located on the small Maltese island Comino and is a famous limestone cove where many gather to experience the dreamy waters.
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