Each year, millions of bargain-loving holidaymakers descend on Spain’s bustling coastal hotspots in search of sand, sea and sun – not to mention cheap beer and budget resorts.
But for those looking to avoid the busy hubs of Alicante or Mallorca, a hidden gem on Spain’s southeastern coast might just offer the country’s most affordable escape yet.
The town and port of Mazarrón, nestled in the heart of Murcia’s Costa Cálida, not only offers a rich artistic heritage, but delivers some of Spain’s cheapest holiday experiences – from fresh seafood meals for £6 to overnight stays under £30.
Visitors can explore ancient architecture and unique landscapes, relax on more than 30 kilometres of golden sand beaches, and sample local cuisine in traditional tavernas that see significantly less crowds than elsewhere on the coast.
Popular sites include viewpoints over the Gulf of Mazarrón, abandoned Roman-era mining sites, sprawling natural parks like Sierra de las Moreras, and the striking rock formations of Bolnuevo.
Also known as Gredas de Bolnuevo, or the ‘Enchanted City,’ the geological site features mushroom-shaped sandstone structures sculpted by thousands of years of wind and water erosion, as reported by Atlas Obscura.
Despite these wonders, the town remains less commercialised than Spain’s major towns and resort areas, which helps keep food, accommodation and activity costs impressively low.
Public transport and parking are also cheaper than in busier coastal cities, making the region practical for budget travellers or families after a budget break.
For a more affordable and less crowded Spanish holiday, holidaymakers can visit the town and port of Mazarrón (pictured), nestled in the heart of Murcia’s Costa Cálida
In Mazarrón, travellers can explore, unique landscapes, relax on golden sand beaches, and sample local cuisine for a fraction of the cost
Pictured: Mining landscape of Mazarrón, Murcia, Spain, where a small red puddle can be seen due to the iron from the extracted minerals
The town is ideal for summer trips, with temperatures in July averaging 31C, while winter sees milder temperatures of between 6C to 16C.
For seafood lovers, Mazarrón’s coastal location and general affordability means local restaurants serve incredibly fresh fish, octopus, and paella at a low price.
At Freiduría Lute y Jesús, a fish and chips shop located near Playa del Puerto, diners can tuck into large cones of patatas fritas for €4 (£3.50) and calamari for €8.50 (£7.50). It also offers a ‘Fish of the Day’ option for just €7 (£6.15).
Craving something different? La Cala Restaurante in Mazarrón Bay boasts an extensive menu of Italian eats, from beef lasagna to margarita pizzas (both £5.10).
Meanwhile, according to Numbeo, a pint of beer costs just €1.50 (£1.30).
As for accommodation, the majority of holiday holiday lettings in Mazarrón (93 per cent) cost less than £100 a night, according to Holidu.
A one-night stay at a three-star hotel can be booked for as little as £28, while nightly stays at five-star resorts can be snapped up for £60.
The most direct way to get to Mazarrón from the UK is by flying to Murcia International Airport (RMU), located about 17 miles away from the town.
Pictured: Famous rock erosion formations along beach in Bolnuevo, near Mazarrón
The town is ideal for summer holiday breaks, with average temperatures in July sitting at 31C
Mazarrón sees significantly less crowds than in other Spanish coastal hubs
The town’s coastal location means local restaurants serve fresh fish, octopus, and paella at a low price
Flights to Murcia Airport, located 17 miles from the town, take about 3 hours from London
Once there, pre-booked transfers can get visitors to Mazarrón in just one hour. For a more economic options, holidaymakers can hop on a bus from the airport to Murcia’s main bus station, and then another bus to Mazarrón.
With one-way easyJet flights from London to Murcia costing just over £30 in January, taking about 3 hours, now is the time for travellers to consider an alternative – and affordable – destination for their next Spanish trip.
Meanwhile, the cheapest cities for food in Spain have been revealed – and the top spot boasts average meal costs of just £8.27.
Albox has been found to be the most affordable dining destination in Spain, with the average cost of a bottle of wine in the city priced at just £2.83 – and the cost of a meal for two is £19.36.