Beach holidays from Edinburgh under £800
For six nights, choose a beach base that is simple to reach and pleasant beyond the sand. The mainland choices suit late spring and early autumn; Tenerife gives a warmer option when the season shifts.
Five beach bases for different kinds of trip
Wide sands, sheltered coves and a city-and-beach option.
Broad estimates per person for six nights in May, June or September, two adults sharing, with return flights, a modest room, transfers and everyday food. School holidays and beachfront hotels may exceed £800. No live prices or availability are shown.
Cliffs and covesLagos, Algarve
Why it fits Coves and cliff paths are the draw, and six nights absorb the longer transfer from Faro. Beaches are dramatic, though Atlantic water is cooler than the Mediterranean.
- Typical daytime
- Often 22–28°C by day
- Journey
- About 3¼ hours flying plus 1½–2 hours onward
- Ponta da Piedade
- Meia Praia
- Praia do Camilo
Stay around Lagos old town for restaurants and buses
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £100–£210 return to Faro · Accommodation: £190–£300 for six nights pp sharing · Indicative total: £510–£730 pp.
City beachAlicante
Why it fits A straightforward airport transfer and a city beach make this one of the simplest six-night choices. Tram trips add variety without a car.
- Typical daytime
- Often 23–29°C by day
- Journey
- About 3¼ hours flying
- Postiguet beach
- Santa Bárbara Castle
- San Juan by tram
Stay around Near Mercado or Luceros for transport; San Juan for more beach time
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £90–£190 return · Accommodation: £170–£270 for six nights pp sharing · Indicative total: £460–£660 pp.
Year-round coastSouth Tenerife
Why it fits A good choice for warmer beach weather beyond the peak Mediterranean season. The flight is longer, so stay on the south coast and plan fewer transfers.
- Typical daytime
- Often 23–28°C by day
- Journey
- About 4¾ hours flying
- Los Cristianos
- La Caleta
- Teide viewpoints
Stay around Los Cristianos for buses and a broad choice of stays
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £140–£260 return · Accommodation: £210–£320 for six nights pp sharing · Indicative total: £590–£790 pp.
City and sandMálaga
Why it fits A city base with beaches, galleries and an easy airport train. It suits travellers who want more than a resort and do not mind a bus ride to quieter sand.
- Typical daytime
- Often 23–29°C by day
- Journey
- About 3½ hours flying
- Pedregalejo
- Atarazanas Market
- Nerja day trip
Stay around Soho for city access or Pedregalejo for beach-first days
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £90–£190 return · Accommodation: £180–£290 for six nights pp sharing · Indicative total: £500–£700 pp.
Urban beachBarcelona
Why it fits Beach access and architecture make six nights varied. It is the costlier city option; choose a room away from the seafront and use the metro.
- Typical daytime
- Often 22–28°C by day
- Journey
- About 3 hours flying
- Barceloneta walk
- El Born
- Sagrada Família
Stay around Poble-sec or Sant Antoni for better room value
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £100–£210 return · Accommodation: £210–£320 for six nights pp sharing · Indicative total: £590–£790 pp.
Compare your options
| Destination | Typical daytime | Travel time | Indicative total pp | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos, Algarve | Often 22–28°C by day | About 3¼ hours flying plus 1½–2 hours onward | £510–£730 pp | Scenic beach walks |
| Alicante | Often 23–29°C by day | About 3¼ hours flying | £460–£660 pp | Easy car-free coast |
| South Tenerife | Often 23–28°C by day | About 4¾ hours flying | £590–£790 pp | Warmer sea and sun |
| Málaga | Often 23–29°C by day | About 3½ hours flying | £500–£700 pp | Food with beach days |
| Barcelona | Often 22–28°C by day | About 3 hours flying | £590–£790 pp | Architecture and sea |