THE BEST CHEAP DESTINATIONS IN SPAIN: BUDGET FRIENDLY TIPS!
THE BEST CHEAP DESTINATIONS IN SPAIN: BUDGET FRIENDLY TIPS!

INTRODUCTION: THE BEST CHEAP DESTINATIONS IN SPAIN: BUDGET FRIENDLY TIPS!
Are you planning your dream trip to Spain but worried about your budget? Good news— travel to this beautiful country on the Mediterranean doesn’t have to cost a fortune! With a wide range of affordable accommodation options, from cheap hostels to budget-friendly hotels, you can explore Spain without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide to the Best Cheap Destinations in Spain to help you make the most of your Mediterranean adventure!
As someone who has lived in the area for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge of this beautiful beach holiday destination.
(To find out more about Spain and the Mediterranean see our posts, Guide to the Mediterranean Coast of Spain, The Mediterranean Coast Lifestyle and Travel )
Where are the Best Cheap Destinations in Spain?
1. Budget-Friendly Cities in Spain
Top 10 Affordable Spanish Cities for Budget Lodging
Below is a list of some of the top cities with affordable accommodations in Spain. On this list, you’ll find options that will fit every budget: hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels. An added benefit is that the local attractions and dining usually are cheaper compared to larger cities.
Granada: This city is known for its low-cost hostels and budget-friendly hotels. Here you can enjoy affordable accommodations while taking advantage of the city’s tradition of free tapas with drinks.
Seville: Here you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, including hostels and guesthouses. Its compact city center allows you to stay close to attractions without paying premium rates.
Valencia: Valencia combines affordable lodging with budget options near the beach. In fact, during the 2023 Marathon, we found a great hotel deal right at Las Arenas Beach. Accommodations are reasonably priced, with hostels, apartments, and smaller hotels catering to cost-savvy travelers.
Malaga: Directly on the Mediterranean, this city has cheap beach side accommodations, from hostels to budget hotels. In particular, the off-season offers provide great deals.
Alicante: Alicante is known for affordable seaside lodgings, such as low-cost apartments and hostels. I’ve stayed several times in Alicante and have always found reasonably priced rooms near the main promenade along the shore, and close to everything including the beach.
Cordoba: Cordoba provides inexpensive lodging options near the historic center. Budget travelers can find hostels and affordable hotels within walking distance of major landmarks like the Mezquita.
Santiago de Compostela: This pilgrimage destination offers hostels and guesthouses at very low prices, especially for solo travelers. Many accommodations cater specifically to budget-conscious pilgrims.
Salamanca: Salamanca is a favorite among students and budget travelers for its low lodging costs. You’ll find small hotels, hostels, and affordable rentals close to the town’s historic attractions.
Toledo: With reasonably priced accommodations, including hostels and small guesthouses, and being close to Madrid, it’s a budget-friendly alternative for those looking to save on rooms.
Bilbao: Bilbao has seen a rise in affordable lodging options, including modern hostels and budget hotels. Staying here provides access to cultural landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum at a reasonable cost.

What Sets These Cities Apart from the Larger Cities?
Budget accommodations in Granada, Seville, and Valencia are typically less costly than those in Barcelona or Madrid. Additionally, when eating out in these cities you often get complimentary tapas and beverages, which lowers meal costs. Public transport and attractions are cheaper in these centers and because these cities are smaller, a lot of the attractions are accessible by foot, saving you money on transport and enabling you to get a close-up look at the city. Local events and festivals are often less commercialized, giving you a more authentic experience at a reduced cost.
Bonus Perks Found in Smaller Destinations
Granada is well-known for its custom of providing free tapas with beverages, which can result in significant cost savings. You can visit a variety of sights and attractions in Seville at a reduced cost on particular days because many of them have discounts. Valencia has a great city transit system and offers great budget rates on tickets making it easy and affordable to tour the city.
Malaga often has reduced prices for museums and galleries during off-peak hours (This is how we visited the Picasso Museum during our recent trip there). If you are thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St. James), you can get discounted room rates in Santiago de Compostela for being a pilgrim and help reduce costs for this pilgrimage.
2. Best Cheap Destinations in Spain: Finding Cheap Accommodations
Quick Comparison of Hostels, Pensions, and Budget Hotels.
Hostels in Spain typically offer shared dormitory-style rooms, providing a communal and cost-effective lodging option, ideal for hikers, students, and younger travelers who don’t mind living in close quarters with others. Pensions are family-run establishments that offer private rooms, often with shared bathrooms, and provide a more personal experience. Budget hotels offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, providing basic amenities and services similar to standard hotels but at a lower cost. Although each traveler will have their preference concerning these 3 styles of lodgings, they all tend to be budget-friendly.
Using Booking Sites and Apps for the Best Deals
Using booking sites and apps, you can compare prices across multiple platforms to find the best deals on rooms. With the right apps, you can set up price alerts to let you know when there are price drops so you can book at the right time. Also, something to consider is that booking directly through hotel websites can sometimes get you special offers, discounts, or perks not available on booking sites.
Save Money with Off-Season Travel.
This is my favorite strategy for reducing travel costs when traveling through the Mediterranean. I’ve lived in this region for over 10 years and trust me the weather is beautiful in the Spring and Fall so you don’t have to sacrifice on nice weather when traveling in the off-season. Plus as an added bonus, there are far fewer tourists traveling during this time.
This off-season strategy can lead to huge cost savings on rooms as hotels and hostels lower their rates to attract guests. With less competition for rooms, you have more bargaining power if you’re trying to negotiate prices or upgrades. Attractions and tours often offer reduced rates, flights to and from Spain are typically cheaper and dining and entertainment costs drop as well as restaurants try to lure guests in during slower months.

3. Popular Regions with Low-Cost Stays
If your travel plan is not city-specific then you might want to consider various regions in Spain in terms of budget lodgings. In the list below, we have listed the top 5 regions for low-cost lodging. These areas offer a mix of affordable lodging choices, from hostels to guesthouses, catering to different travel interests. Whether it’s on the coast, in historic towns, or along pilgrimage routes, you’ll find affordable accommodations in these regions to fit your budget and your plans.
Here are the top five regions in Spain known for budget accommodations:
Andalusia – Offers a range of affordable hostels and guesthouses, especially in cities like Seville and Granada.
Galicia – Known for budget-friendly options along the Camino de Santiago, including hostels and pensions.
Valencia – Provides economical stays, particularly in coastal areas on the Mediterranean and smaller towns.
Catalonia – Outside of Barcelona, regions like Girona offer cost-effective lodging choices.
Extremadura – Features low-cost accommodations in rural settings and historic towns.

4. Best Cheap Beach Side Stays
Affordable Beach Destinations
Spain’s Mediterranean coastline is full of options for travelers seeking beach destinations that fit a budget. These spots provide opportunities to enjoy seaside activities, local culture, and coastal landscapes without overspending. From lively ports to serene coastal towns, these destinations offer something for everyone looking for both relaxation and exploration.
- Salou – Offers wide sandy beaches and opportunities for water sports.
- Torrevieja – Known for its beaches and salt lakes that attract visitors.
- Calpe – Features beaches around the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock formation.
- Benicàssim – Combines coastal access with hiking options in nearby natural parks.
- Almuñécar – Provides Mediterranean beaches and access to historic sites.
- Roquetas de Mar – Includes beaches surrounded by a thriving fishing community.
- Águilas – Features a mix of coastal areas and scenic coves great for exploring.
- Sant Carles de la Ràpita – Lies near the Ebro Delta with beaches and wetland tours.
- Puerto de Mazarrón – Offers beaches ideal for snorkeling and boating activities.
- Vinaròs – Has a series of small beaches and a vibrant fishing harbor to explore.

Top Hostels and Apartments Near the Coastline.
Near the coasts you can find top hostels with shared accommodations and social spaces; they are often just a short walk away from the beach. Renting an apartment close to the ocean can still be affordable, particularly if you make your reservation in advance or during off-peak times. These flats frequently have kitchens, so visitors can cook for themselves and save money on dining out. Apartments and hostels offer reasonably priced ways to enjoy beachfront settings without going over budget.
5. Hidden Gems for Budget Travelers
Save Money by Visiting Lesser Known Places
A great way to travel in a budget-friendly way is to visit places that are off the tourist radar. This strategy will usually mean cheaper lodging costs compared to popular tourist spots. Local dining options in these areas are usually more affordable, offering authentic cuisine without the premium prices found in tourist-heavy locations. Away from the tourist hot spots, transportation costs will be cheaper as well and less congested. Exploring lesser-known areas allows you to experience unique attractions and cultures without the expense and crowds associated with mainstream tourism.
Here are some lesser-known tourist destinations in Spain that offer unique experiences away from the usual tourist hot spots:
- Ronda – Known for its dramatic cliff side location and historic bridges.
- Cuenca – Famous for its hanging houses and medieval architecture.
- Cáceres – Offers a well-preserved old town with a mix of Roman, Moorish, and Gothic influences.
- Zaragoza – Home to impressive landmarks like the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.
- La Palma – A beautiful Canary Island with lush landscapes and volcanic scenery.
- Burgos – Features a stunning Gothic cathedral and rich history.
- Cadaqués – A charming coastal town that inspired artists like Salvador Dalí.
- Albarracín – A picturesque village with narrow streets and ancient walls.
- Lugo – Known for its intact Roman walls encircling the city.
- Jerez de la Frontera – Famous for its sherry production and equestrian traditions.

Unique and Affordable Boutique Stays in Rural Areas.
Rural areas often feature unique boutique stays that provide personalized experiences at lower costs than urban hotels. These accommodations, such as converted farmhouses or family-run inns, offer a chance to connect with local culture and traditions. Staying in rural boutique lodgings can also include access to homemade meals and local produce, enhancing the travel experience. These options allow budget travelers to enjoy distinctive and memorable stays without high expenses.
FINAL THOUGHTS: THE BEST CHEAP DESTINATIONS IN SPAIN: BUDGET FRIENDLY TIPS!
Spain is packed with charm, culture, and beauty—and exploring it doesn’t have to drain your savings. From affordable cities and beach side escapes to unexpected gems, the country offers something for every type of traveler. With the right planning, you can discover the cheapest places to stay in Spain while immersing yourself in its rich heritage and vibrant lifestyle. Start booking your ideal Spanish getaway today and enjoy a budget-friendly adventure that you’ll never forget!
“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”
How about experiencing the Mediterranean firsthand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.