7 of the best cheap holidays for couples, from weekend breaks to beach holidays

7 of the best cheap holidays for couples, from weekend breaks to beach holidays

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7 of the best cheap holidays for couples, from weekend breaks to beach holidays
Author: Natalie Wilson
Published: Jan, 31 2025 14:38

Enjoy budget breaks with your beloved without breaking the bank. Whether you’ve been together two weeks or 20 years, a romantic trip away is the perfect tonic for couples seeking new experiences and quality time together. Thankfully, a romantic holiday doesn’t have to break the bank to be memorable and meaningful. Opting for a budget-friendly getaway means you can save your pennies for shared experiences, rather than splurging on luxury. Spending less doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality either; if love teaches us anything, it’s that the best things in life are (mostly) free.

 [Emerald waters, white sands and luxury resorts dot the Turkish hotspot]
Image Credit: The Independent [Emerald waters, white sands and luxury resorts dot the Turkish hotspot]

In addition to the tried and tested budget holiday destinations, it’s also important to consider factors such as the cost of living in a particular destination, seasonal discounts and free or low-cost activities on offer in the region. Budget airlines may offer low-cost flights to many Scandinavian destinations, for example, but the exorbitant price of food and drink could see you swapping your intimate Nordic dining experience for a Happy Meal.

 [Romantic restaurants and pastel de nata cafes line Lisbon’s pastel streets]
Image Credit: The Independent [Romantic restaurants and pastel de nata cafes line Lisbon’s pastel streets]

So, whether you’re looking to celebrate a milestone moment in your relationship, surprise your beau or simply carve out some together time, we’ve selected some of the best romantic destinations where a pint rings in at the price of a London latte. Read more: The world’s most romantic hotels and luxury rooms. Antalya, Turkey’s glamorous tourism capital, sits on the southwestern Mediterranean coast, a gateway to the Turkish Riviera. Bordered by the natural beauty of the forest-clad Taurus Mountains, authentic hammams, al fresco restaurants and luxe all-inclusive resorts flank the miles of golden sand beaches that are perfect for lounging on with your lover. Scenic views over Tahtali Mountain from the Tunektepe cable cars – complete with panoramic summit restaurant – are ideal for a date night, or head into Kaleici, the romantic stone-walled old quarter, for echoes of Antalya’s Roman port past and Hadrian’s Gate landmark.

 [Berlin is a excellent and inclusive city break destination, whatever the time of year]
Image Credit: The Independent [Berlin is a excellent and inclusive city break destination, whatever the time of year]

Affordable Antalya cuts costs with an extensive public transport system, hearty cheap eats from fragrant street food stands and the best attractions come for free: sprawling beaches and inviting azure waters – it’s no surprise UK tourists are flocking here. Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon is sure to satisfy the couple lusting for a historic (and hilly) city break with viewpoints made for picnics, pastel de nata tart in hand. Think peaceful sunset cruises along the lively Tagus River waterfront, the gentle dance of fado (Portuguese folk music), the whimsical charm of Jardín Botánico de Ajuda and a tangle of pastel streets with azulejos decorative tiles in Alfama, the old Moorish quarter.

 [Just a boat ride from Corfu, Ksamil enjoys the Mediterranean sunshine]
Image Credit: The Independent [Just a boat ride from Corfu, Ksamil enjoys the Mediterranean sunshine]

This charismatic city is one of western Europe’s cheapest capitals and exudes romance, with neighbourhoods filled with street art, budget-friendly Baroque landmarks and hundreds of restaurants serving up world-class wine and fresh seafood – you can even bag an espresso for 50p. Read more: How to spend a day in Principe Real, Lisbon’s often overlooked centre of cool. Hotel Borges Chiado is located near Bairro Alto’s buzzing fado clubs, is walking distance from a wealth of Lisbon’s delights, and embodies Portuguese charm. One of Lisbon’s oldest hotels, Borges Chiado’s fusion of traditional and modern styles is reflected in the grand lobby and elegantly styled rooms, some of which have private balconies overlooking Chiado Square.

 [Krakow, the cultural heart of Poland, is a maze of vibrant market squares]
Image Credit: The Independent [Krakow, the cultural heart of Poland, is a maze of vibrant market squares]

Sixty-four countries around the world still criminalise homosexuality, meaning traditionally romantic or budget holiday destinations may not offer the same warm welcome to LGBT+ travellers that may be extended to their heterosexual counterparts. While Berlin might not strike readers as the prettiest city for romance, it’s a vibrant and unique destination which is perfect for lovers of art and culture, as well as consistently ranking as one of most LGBT+ friendly cities in the world. And if your preferred evening out with your beloved is more bass bins and flashing lights than love letters and candle-light, Berlin is just the ticket, with a nightlife that continues to push boundaries and attract music lovers from around the globe.

 [Find plush boutiques and seafront eats on the shimmering Adeje coast]
Image Credit: The Independent [Find plush boutiques and seafront eats on the shimmering Adeje coast]

The morning after, soothe your senses with a gentle stroll through the beautifully landscaped Baroque gardens of Charlottenburg Palace, before visiting the Schwules Museum, an archive of queer people in Germany that dates back to 1985. Finish up with a visit to Hamburger Bahnhof, Berlin’s foremost contemporary art gallery for some healthy debate. Read more: Techno, punk and opera – a weekend exploring Berlin’s music scene.

 [It’s fine art, patisseries and quaint B&Bs for lovers in Lille]
Image Credit: The Independent [It’s fine art, patisseries and quaint B&Bs for lovers in Lille]

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