Student Holidays

Spanish resorts offer a fabulous combination of well-kept beaches with excellent facilities and affordable places to eat, drink and have fun. Generally, Spain tops the list for cheap student holidays. Some of the best student destinations in 2018 and 2019 include Benidorm, which has two enormous sandy beaches, a lively little old quarter, and a dazzling choice of shops, bars and restaurants in every price range. Marbella, a pretty whitewashed town full of orange trees, has a glamorous, upmarket reputation, but there are plenty of affordable hotels, tapas bars and clubs that make it a great option for budget-conscious students. Calella de la Costa features long, sandy shores, a slightly less frenetic nightlife, and you can hop on the train to visit beautiful Barcelona in under an hour.

Located just northeast of the coast of Africa, the beautiful Canary Islands encompass a heavenly coastline, extraordinary landscapes, unique culture, buzzing resorts and electric nightlife. A hugely popular student destination, Lanzarote boasts a magnificent volcanic interior and breathtaking beaches and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Top accommodation can be found at the Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, where you can have a go at every imaginable water sport, try the tasty local cuisine, party till dawn, or simply laze in the sun.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is another top choice for students. The main resorts, which include Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas and Costa Adeje, are situated in the south of the island, while slightly quieter Puerto de la Cruz is located in the greener north. All offer a superb choice of beaches, bars, clubs and activities, and, if you want to escape the crowds, you can head to the Pico del Teide, Spain’s highest peak and a still-active volcano, which is the focal point of a huge national park that covers much of the island.

There is something about the Greek light and the languid, laid-back island vibe that makes a holiday in Greece truly relaxing. The Greek islands offer varied attractions, from gorgeous coastlines and buzzing resorts to historic towns and quiet hill villages. Holiday deals including all inclusive packages can make the islands affordable for even the most cash-strapped students.

One of the most popular choices for a cheap student holiday in the Greek islands include Zante, where you can soak up the sun on an idyllic beach, party all night in lively Zante Town, Tsilivi, or Laganas, seek out the island’s famous population of loggerhead turtles, or stroll through the traditional little town of Aghios Sostis.

Crete is another top choice, an enormous island that encompasses everything from picture-postcard historic towns like Chania to magnificent gorges, and from ancient ruins to huge stretches of completely unspoilt coastline. Best resorts for nightlife include Malia, Stalis and Elounda, while Agios Nikolaos is a little quieter and retains more of its traditional character.

Corfu is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and, of course, wonderful coast. The seductive island capital, Corfu Town, entices with its historic buildings painted pink and ochre, and offers all manner of places to eat, drink and make merry. Kavos, Gouvia and Aghios Georgios are among the liveliest resorts, or you could kick back in tranquil Glyfada, which is also a good starting point for hiking.

Magaluf in Majorca (‘Mallorca’ in Spanish and Mallorquin) is one of the biggest party destinations on the Mediterranean, massively popular with students in search of a cheap holiday in the sun. The infamous ‘strip’ in Punta Ballena is packed with bars and clubs, but the resort offers scores of other attractions, from water parks to watersports, along with a beautiful, kilometre-long Blue Flag beach. And if you want a hit of culture, you can hop on a bus to reach the charming island capital of Palma de Mallorca, or head inland to hike and bike in the beautiful Tramuntana mountains.

The party destination to top all others is Ibiza, where some of the world’s biggest DJs headline at scores of mega-clubs.  Top resorts for partying include San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa, while the island capital, Ibiza Town, has an enchanting whitewashed old quarter overlooking the bay to go with its gorgeous beaches and glittering nightspots. If you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet, then consider Santa Eulàlia or Cala Llonga, where you can take your pic from sandy shores and secret coves.