20 bargain beach holidays in Europe
Rfugium, Germany
Doing an excellent line in Nordic cool, this pared-back refuge on Rgen Island is right by the Baltic and has an outdoor sauna, underfloor heating and a glossy kitchen. Sleeping eight and set within a biosphere reserve (biosphaerenreservat-suedostruegen.de), it's a great spot for nature lovers. Lobbe, a 5km-long, white sand beach, is a few minutes' bike ride away and the beech forests and chalk cliffs of Jasmund national park are within easy reach.
Seven nights from $1160 (no phone,ruefugium.de). EasyJet flies to Hamburg (two hours away) from Luton, Edinburgh, Manchester and Gatwick
Casa Diso, Italy
One of those places you half want to keep to yourself, Casa Diso is a newly-restored townhouse apartment in the village of Marittima, Puglia, sleeping four and 15 minutes' walk from the beach. The rustic chic interiors have whitewashed walls, stone floors and vaulted ceilings. There's a small courtyard and a roof terrace with sea views. Although it's a self-catering let, rental is per night, so it's a good bet for a short break.
From $159 a night (01223 460100,essentialitaly.co.uk). Fly to Brindisi from Stansted with Ryanair (ryanair.com)
Citta dei Nicliani, Greece
Opened last year, this boutique hotel in Kitta on the Mani peninsula is a family-run, 18th-century tower-house with seven suites. There are plenty of frills, from original engravings to Korres smellies, but the price is frill-free. Horse riding, wine and olive oil tastings and fishing are possible nearby, as well as hikes to attractions such as the Unesco world heritage site of Mistra. But you can also spend days lazing on the peninsula's beaches.
Doubles from $109 B&B (+30 27330 51827,cittadeinicliani.com). Fly to Kalamata from Manchester with Thomas Cook (flythomascook.com) and Thomson (flights.thomson.co.uk) and from Gatwick with easyJet (easyjet.com) and Thomas Cook
Club Amazon, Turkey