Tiny seaside town right by Spain’s biggest holiday resorts is much cheaper

Staff
By Staff

A charming seaside town in Spain has been named one of the best value destinations for summer 2025 and it’s right by the biggest Spanish holiday hotspots

Beautiful beach sunny day sand sea ocean sky estepona mountain in Manilva
Manilva is an underrated gem in Spain(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A tiny town hidden away on the edge of one of Spain’s busiest holiday hotspots has been revealed as one of the country’s best value destinations this summer.

Spain’s Costa del Sol is famed for its incredible beaches, brilliant nightlife and plethora of hotels, but there’s one lesser-known destination that’s often overlooked by tourists.

The charming town of Manilva is about a 40-minute drive from the likes of Marbella and Malaga, and it’s well worth having on your radar this summer. That’s because according to research from TravelSupermarket, Manilva is Spain’s top destination where you can get more bang for your buck, with a week’s holiday coming in at around £371pp between May and September. This underrated hilltop town is surrounded by lush green countryside, picture-perfect vineyards, and has plenty of great beaches just a stone’s throw away.

For the intrepid explorers, there’s plenty to discover including the El Castillo de la Duquesa fortress, the Ingenio Chico aqueduct, and a number of museums and archaeological sites. Those who love a hike won’t be disappointed with plenty of trails that offer spectacular views of the mountains and ocean.

Spanish vineyards overlooking Duquesa Manilva through to Marbella
There are plenty of vineyards in the area(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Steph Marinkovic, Head of Editorial at TravelSupermarket, said of the town: “What makes Manilva truly special is that it’s actually three distinct experiences in one destination. Visitors can base themselves in the traditional whitewashed pueblo up on the hill with its stunning coastal views, the more polished Puerto de la Duquesa marina area, or the authentic Spanish beach town of San Luis de Sabinillas – all at incredibly competitive prices. With this variety, travellers can find the perfect spot for any type of holiday – all without the premium costs of more developed resorts like Marbella or Estepona.”

Another highlight not to be missed? The surrounding vineyards are tipped as “one of Manilva’s best-kept secrets” with tours of the wineries and sample the dry white wines on offer. For sun-seekers, the nearby Blue Flag-certified Sabinillas Beach is a must-visit with its dark sands and calm waters, not to mention as it’s lesser-known you won’t have to battle out the crowds for a spot on the beach.

If you are looking for more inspiration for your next getaway, the good news is that the experts at TravelSupermarket uncovered the top 10 most affordable beach destinations in Spain for the summer, and not just on the mainland, but some of the islands including Tenerife and Majorca too.

You can check out the full list below:

  1. Manilva, Costa del Sol (£371)
  2. Costa del Silencio, Tenerife (£424)
  3. S’illot, Majorca (£449)
  4. Calpe, Costa Blanca (£470)
  5. Cala Ratjada, Majorca (£488)
  6. Callao Salvaje, Tenerife (£498)
  7. Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava (£508)
  8. Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife (£512)
  9. Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava (£522)
  10. El Arenal, Majorca (£535)

Steph added: “Across the top ten, we see a mix of established resort towns and lesser-known gems, giving budget-conscious travellers plenty of options for their summer getaway. No matter your beach holiday style – whether you prefer authentic villages, vibrant resorts, or family-friendly beaches – there’s a bargain destination in Spain to match.”

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