Beach holiday from Belfast under £700
For a six-night beach break, the transfer and the kind of coastline matter as much as the flight. Alicante is simplest; the Algarve takes longer on arrival; Tenerife offers warmer shoulder-season water but may cost more.
Five different beach bases
Compare easy city beaches, broad sands and a slower island stay.
Indicative per-person estimates for six nights in May, June or September, two sharing a modest room. Totals allow for return flights, airport transfers, local transport and everyday food; peak school-holiday weeks usually cost more. These are estimates, not live quotes. Check routes, prices and availability before booking.
Alicante
Why it fits The airport bus, central beach and promenade keep logistics light. Choose it when you want to reach the sand on arrival day without a long transfer.
- Typical daytime
- About 23–29°C in May, June or September
- Journey
- About 3 hours flying, then airport bus
- Postiguet beach
- Santa Bárbara Castle
- Explanada evening stroll
Stay around Central Alicante near Postiguet or Mercado
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £120–£230 return · Accommodation: £190–£290 per person sharing · Indicative total: £480–£650 per person.
Málaga
Why it fits Rail from the airport makes a car unnecessary. The city has culture and food for days when you want more than the beach, with Pedregalejo offering a slower seafront.
- Typical daytime
- About 24–30°C in May, June or September
- Journey
- About 3 hours 10 minutes flying, then local rail
- Pedregalejo promenade
- Atarazanas Market
- La Malagueta beach
Stay around Soho for rail access or Pedregalejo for sea views
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £130–£240 return · Accommodation: £200–£320 per person sharing · Indicative total: £510–£690 per person.
Lagos, Algarve
Why it fits Cliffs and coves make the longer onward journey worthwhile if scenery leads the trip. Faro-to-Lagos travel needs a separate bus or rail allowance.
- Typical daytime
- About 22–28°C in May, June or September
- Journey
- About 3 hours flying plus roughly 2 hours onward
- Ponta da Piedade
- Praia do Camilo
- Old-town evenings
Stay around Lagos old town or marina for transport
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £130–£250 return to Faro · Accommodation: £190–£300 per person sharing · Indicative total: £520–£700 per person.
Palma, Mallorca
Why it fits Palma works as a beach-and-city base with straightforward buses to nearby sands. Flight patterns can be seasonal, so check the six-night return day before choosing a room.
- Typical daytime
- About 23–30°C in May, June or September
- Journey
- About 3 hours flying, then airport bus
- Palma old town
- Cala Major beach
- Waterfront cycle path
Stay around Santa Catalina or central Palma near bus links
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £130–£260 return · Accommodation: £220–£340 per person sharing · Indicative total: £550–£730 per person.
South Tenerife
Why it fits More dependable warmth in early May or late September gives extra beach days. The longer flight and resort pricing make £700 a stretch on busy dates.
- Typical daytime
- About 23–28°C in May, June or September
- Journey
- About 4 hours 40 minutes flying, then resort transfer
- Los Cristianos seafront
- El Médano beach
- Teide day trip
Stay around Los Cristianos for buses or El Médano for a quieter base
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £170–£330 return · Accommodation: £220–£360 per person sharing · Indicative total: £600–£820 per person.
Compare your options
| Destination | Typical daytime | Travel time | Indicative total pp | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alicante | About 23–29°C in May, June or September | About 3 hours flying, then airport bus | £480–£650 per person | Shortest beach logistics |
| Málaga | About 24–30°C in May, June or September | About 3 hours 10 minutes flying, then local rail | £510–£690 per person | Beach time with restaurants and galleries |
| Lagos, Algarve | About 22–28°C in May, June or September | About 3 hours flying plus roughly 2 hours onward | £520–£700 per person | Coastal walks and smaller beaches |
| Palma, Mallorca | About 23–30°C in May, June or September | About 3 hours flying, then airport bus | £550–£730 per person | City dining plus beach buses |
| South Tenerife | About 23–28°C in May, June or September | About 4 hours 40 minutes flying, then resort transfer | £600–£820 per person | Shoulder-season beach weather |
Tenerife often exceeds £700 once bags and transfers are included. The lower end is a shoulder-season planning target, not a promised fare.