The cheapest destinations for early summer sun

1. Costa Brava, Spain

Early summer temperatures: 23C

The Costa Brava treads the balancing act between mass appeal and unspoiled seclusion like a tightrope walker.

On the one hand, you’ve got the likes of Lloret del Mar and Blanes – every bit classic beach destinations – the other, long, untouched stretches of the typically wild, rocky coastline that gives the Costa Brava its name. With Girona and Barcelona nearby, plus the tiny fishing village of Cadaques (Dali’s old stomping ground) to the north, there’s plenty of culture too.

You’ll find some of good-value deals in Calella and Lloret del Mar.

2. Costa Dorada, Spain

Early summer temperatures: 22C

It’s hard to beat the action-packed Costa Dorada if you’re travelling with little ones this summer. The kids will love PortAventura, an enormous theme park complex containing PortAventura, Ferrari Land and the PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park.

Nearby Salou, with its brilliant beaches and bargain prices, makes an ideal base. Chilled Cambrils is a little more sedate, while Sitges has a more cosmopolitan vibe. For a quick culture fix, head out to the Roman ruins in Tarragona.

3. Agadir, Morocco

Early summer temperatures: 26C

Early summer sun isn’t all about the Med, not when Morocco’s Atlantic-battered resort of Agadir is also a short hop away.

Fly-and-floppers head straight for the golden sweep of Plage d'Agadir beach, complete with all the resort trimmings from sun-loungers to jet-skiing. Culture cravers add souk shopping and walks through history at the Kasbah ruins to the itinerary.

Nearby Taghazout has some of the best breaks for confident surfers and the wildlife haven of Souss-Massa National Park is an easy day trip away.

4. Bourgas region, Bulgaria

Early summer temperatures: 20C

If you didn’t already know how brilliant-for-your-bank-account Bulgaria holidays are, we’ll say it again: it’s cheap. And the beaches aren’t too shabby, either. With plenty to choose from in this sunny stretch, the Bourgas region is a real Black Sea beauty for an early summer holiday.

There’s culture, too. The old towns at Nessebar and Sozopol, two seaside towns in the region, are packed full of delightful things to see: historic churches, cobbled streets, pretty 18th-century Bulgarian architecture and ancient ruins can be found in the towns.

5. Majorca, Spain

Early summer temperatures: 23C

Beat the peak summer crowds and discover a different side to Majorca in May or June. It’ll be warm, but not sweltering, which makes it the ideal time to get sate your adventurous side.

Pick up a hire car and venture inland to the island’s quiet towns, follow coastal hiking paths or get a rural foodie experience to sample local wines and olive oil. Then, relax on any one of Majorca’s best beaches – you’re still on holiday, after all.

Popular resorts such as Palma Nova, Cala Millor and Santa Ponsa are good picks for cheap accommodation.

6. Dalaman, Turkey

Early summer temperatures: 24C

Well-connected Dalaman is the ideal jumping-off point for some of Turkey’s most idyllic coastline. Base yourself in party town, Marmaris – picture pine-covered mountains plunging down into a sparkling bay and a bustling marina, and you’re there – for some great-value deals in early summer.

Eating and drinking won’t cost the earth either around here, with pints coming in at around £2.

Olu Deniz, with its so-blue-it-looks-fake lagoon (honestly, it is that colour), and Dalyan, home to remarkable cliff-hewn tombs, are also popular spots around these parts.

7. Costa Blanca, Spain

Early summer temperatures: 24C

Spain’s Costa Blanca needs no introduction. King of package holidays, Benidorm, is here after all. Stick to this classic for a lively seafront promenade, sandy beaches – including twin bays Levante and Poniente – and a compact old town crammed full of bars and restaurants.

You’ve also got Aqualandia and Terra Mitica parks right on your doorstep (both open in late May), while romantics can take boat trips to the tiny island of Tabarca, and enjoy sunset strolls out to the scenic Balcón del Mediterráneo, a lookout that juts right out into the Med.

Beyond Benidorm, there’s bustling Alicante, traditional Torrevieja and, to the north, lovely little Calpe.

8. Fuerteventura, Spain

Early summer temperatures: 24C

Endless sandy beaches – shimmering gold, striking black or sugar-white, depending where on the island you are – are Fuerteventura’s bag.

With 304km (189 miles) of coastline, you’re never far from a photogenic swathe of sand here – head to smaller fishing villages, such as El Cotillo and Tarajalejo, for a bit of quiet. Then, there’s the 9km (5.6 miles) of sand at Sotavento, one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots on Fuerteventura.

Take a day trip to pretty Betancuria, smack bang in the centre of the island and its first capital, and Antigua, home to the Majorero Cheese Museum, which is dedicated to Fuerteventura’s world-renowned export. Tastings are encouraged.

9. Gran Canaria, Spain

Early summer temperatures: 20C

Gran Canaria is one of Spain's premier sun traps. Which is handy, because this island is fringed with gorgeous golden beaches that you'll want to hopping between over a week-long say.

Two favourites – Amadores Beach and Puerto Rico beach – are much quieter in early summer, so it’s unlikely you'll be fighting for a sun bed.

Fill your days with dolphin watching off the coast, walks along its epic dunes or an all-day hike through its mountainous interior – there’s a reason they call this island the ‘Mini Continent’.

10. Montenegro

Early summer temperatures: 24C

Montenegro wouldn’t have made it on to many lists a few years ago, but this tiny Balkan country is fast approaching mainstream status. Good news, of course, if you’re after a cheap package holiday there.

Most deals will plonk you on to Budva’s pebbly shores, Montenegro’s best-known – and busiest – beach town, but strike out south along the coast and you’ll find plenty of quieter spots.

If you’re up for an adventure, Durmitor National Park delivers adrenaline in spades; more low-key daytrippers will prefer the jaw-droppingly pretty Bay of Kotor, where you’ll find the ancient city of Kotor.

*Please note: The research looks at 7-night package holiday searches made through TravelSupermarket between 17 March and 17 April 2024 for departures between 1 May and 30 June 2024. The order of the destinations is based on the median price. Deal prices may not rank in the same order.

All early temperatures based on average high temperatures in May.