A lot of beautiful locations have been in comparison with the favored Indian Ocean journey hotspot, and lots of are less expensive.
With Brits eyeing up a sunny getaway from the January gloom, many might be hoping to seek out someplace with the great thing about The Maldives – however with out the worth tag. The Indian Ocean vacation hotspot has grow to be one thing of a gold-standard for luxurious seaside holidays and turqouise coastlines.
Its well-known overwater bungalows have lengthy been a go-to spot for the wealthy and well-known, and it is synonymous with high-end journey. However its Instafame comes at a excessive value, and it persistently ranks among the many costliest vacation locations to go to.
Journey information web site Low Price Vibes just lately estimated {that a} 10-day journey there’ll usually set you again between £2,000 and £5,000 per particular person. It is also round 10 to 11 hours away from Britain by aircraft. And whereas it is stated to be greater than price it in case your price range and tolerance for long-haul flying stretches that far, there is a host of cut-price alternate options, a few of that are a lot nearer to the UK.
To provide you some concepts to your subsequent journey we have put collectively an inventory of 9 locations regularly in comparison with The Maldives getaway which are usually less expensive, and may be reached through direct flights. Learn on to seek out out if the Maldives expertise is nearer than you assume.
Formentera, Spain
Formentera, or the Maldives of the Mediterranean amongst followers, is the smallest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Positioned south of Ibiza, Formentera has a popularity for being rather more peaceable and serene, in sharp distinction to its neighbour.
The ambiance and sky-blue shores are what has invited Maldivian comparisons, however you may discover inns and every day spends are a lot decrease, regardless of it being among the many costliest of Spain’s islands, as per Lonely Planet.
The crowning glory of its array of seashores is claimed to be Platja Illetes on the northern tip of the island, named one of many world’s greatest by Lonely Planet’s Greatest in Journey 2025 information.
And although the island does not have an airport, you possibly can fly instantly from the UK to Ibiza Airport (IBZ). It is then only a 30-minute ferry from Ibiza City port to the picturesque Formentera village of La Savina.
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Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Ayia Napa has lengthy been a go-to vacation spot for British holidaymakers, recognized for its boisterous get together scene – fairly in contrast to the Maldives. Nevertheless, the great thing about elements of it has drawn comparisons, significantly Nissi Seashore, because of its beautiful turquoise waters and gentle white sands.
The attractive seaside stretches for round 500 metres, and has a Blue Flag designation, given to seashores that meet excessive environmental and water high quality requirements. Aiya Napa can also be usually additionally far inexpensive than the Maldives with loads of price range choices for travellers on the lookout for a discount.
And whereas the resort city does not have an airport inside it, Larnaca Airport (LCA) is barely half-hour to an hour’s drive away, and is served by varied UK airports and airways, together with low-budget carriers like Wizz Air and easyJet.
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Salento, Italy
Salento in southern Italy can also be among the many hallowed group of locations typically referred to as the Maldives of Europe. Positioned on the “heel” of Italy, and a part of the executive area of Apulia, it boasts round 150 miles of shoreline, dotted with luxurious seashores.
Pescoluse, a seaside within the comune of Salve is amongst these most regularly in comparison with the Maldives as a result of tropical-style circumstances you could find there.
It is one in every of many highly-rated vacation locations within the space, and it is manner cheaper, with low value choices from Ryanair. Direct flights from Britain to Brindisi Airport (BDS) solely take round three hours.
(Picture: Getty)
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia, an enormous island situated off the west coast of Italy, additionally will get plaudits for its seaside splendour.
Final yr, mattress and breakfast lodging in Sardinia in October was estimated to value as little as £50 an evening, whereas even a four-star resort resort was accessible for as little as £85, in stark distinction to the sums you possibly can count on within the Maldives.
However regardless of being simply 2.5 hours flight away from the UK, and the beautiful great thing about seashores like La Pelosa to the north it usually does not rank among the many high 10 islands most visited by Britons.
There are direct flights from UK airports to the capital metropolis within the south, Cagliari (CAG), in addition to the island’s different two worldwide airports, Olbia (OLB), or Alghero (AHO).
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Cape Verde, Africa
Cape Verde is an island nation and archipelagic state within the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. Recognized for its palm-fringed seashores and idylic resorts, it is typically described as Africa’s reply to The Maldives – however like the opposite locations on our checklist, it is usually manner more cost effective.
The nation is dwelling to an array of lovely seashores, with Santa Maria on the island of Sal and Santa Monica seaside on Boa Vista name-checked as among the many greatest. It is also a balmy 26C in January making it excellent for a winter vacation.
Tui and easyJet function direct flights to Cape Verde, with the journey taking between 5 and 6 hours.
The FCDO does not have any journey advisories in opposition to visiting the nation, although it does flag that the UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) is “investigating a rise in experiences of Shigella sonnei an infection in travellers getting back from Cape Verde”, and warns travellers in regards to the restricted healthcare accessible there. Yow will discover out extra right here.
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