Lunar white sand beaches, turquoise water and tropical temperatures— it’s no wonder the Maldives is one of theꦉ world’s most d𒈔esirable holiday destinations.
But paradise comes at a price, and in the case of this south Asian destination, it’๊s a hefty one. A week in an Instagrammable over-water villawill set you back at least £2,000 during peak season, which runs from D🌟ecember to April.
The Maldives also recently increased its infamous departure tax, which means economy claꦍss passengers will be charged the equivalent of £40 just to leave the archipelagic state.
The island nation is on track to reach its goal of receiving a record-breaking two million tourists in 2024, but this comes amid its frontline battle with the climate crisis.
As the lowest-lying country in the woಞrld, rising sea levels threaten to make the islands uninhabitable, meaning there the beautiful beaches so many as🌠pire to lounge on could soon vanish into the depths of the Indian Ocean.
To protect the ecosystem — and your pockets — Metro has rounded up the best destination dupes for the Maldives, perfect for travellers looking for cheap deals that don’t compromise on beauty.
From European coastlines to remote islands, theseꦚ getaways offer spectacular scenery for a fraction of the Maldives price tag.
Malta
Much like the Maldives, Malta is🌱 known for sparkling azure wat꧟er and Instagrammable swim spots.
If you’re interes⛦ted in getting up close and persoꩵnal with sea creatures, the Maltese archipelago boasts dozens of inlets teeming with colourful marine life, while the crystal clear ocean makes for excellent visibility.
An alternative to the bright blue depths of the Maldives is Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon in Comino, where rugged cliffs peppered with gorse surround what is arguably the🧸 country’s best💧 swimming spot.
In 2023, Malta received almost three million tourists, and it’s easy to see 🌜why.
Clarissa Cappelletti, UK Country Manager at group travel provider , told Metro: ‘Malta is a Mediterranean gem offering crystal-clear waters, historic charm, and stunni𒀰ng beaches at a fraction of the Maldives’ cost.
‘Its mix of culture, history, and seaside beauty provides✱ a range ♉of adventures beyond just lounging on beaches.’
Ideal for💖 a budget break, Malta holiday packages start from arou💃nd £500 per person for a week’s stay.
Thailand
Known as ‘The Land of Smiles’, Thailand’s white s💦andy beaches and az♈ure water will surely leave you grinning.
Railay Beach, in Krabi, is famed for its limestone forma🍃tions — which are popular among rock climbers — while the islands of Ko Samui and Phuket are also home to some of the country’s most popular beaches.
Clariss🍒a said: ‘With its crystal clear waters, vibrant culture, and tropical beaches, Thailand is a perfect 💖Maldives alternative.
‘The country also offers🔯 rich cuisine and adventure opportunities at a lower price point.’
Unlike European✅ alternatives, Thailand offers a closer climate to the Maldives, both of which are tropical.
Visit between November and April to🍸 avoid t𒊎he rainy season and make the most of the drier, sunny weather, when a week’s package holiday can cost little more than £1,000 per person.
Albania
Albania has been dubbed ‘the Maldives of Europe’, thanks to the white sa🌌ndy beaches and crystal clear water along its Riviera.
It’s far from undiscovered, with tourists flocking to the region in increasing numbers, but it certainly won’t break the bank — luxury accommodation is available for a fraction of the price of other European holiday spots.
Beachfront apartments c✱an be rented for less than £20 a night, while it’s not unusual to pay around £15 for a full meal with drinks.
Flights to Albania are also remarkably affordable, with Ryanair flying to Tirana from as little as £30 🎐f𒁏or a return trip.
Made popular by TikTok videos of sparkling oce🌄ans and bright white sand, Albania certainly offers a taste of the Maldives lifestyle🌠, boasting a Mediterranean climate with highs of 30°C in the summer months.
To top it off, the Albanian Riviera is also home to exquisite seafood and plenty of cultural sites, such as the historic settlement of Lin, said to be Europe’s oldest inhabited village, and Gjirokaster, a mountainous city and UNESCO world heritage site.
For beautiful sunsets over the Ionian S𒁃ea, visit Lekuresi ♏Castle near Sarande, where you can take in the beautiful view over the town and bay below.
Bali, Indonesia
This Indonesian destination caters to luxury seekers and backpackers on a budget alike, home to an abundanc💃e of both sprawling villas with infinity pools and hostels that know how to throw a party.
Bali has plenty to offer tourists, from temples and waterfalls to rice paddies 🅰and rain forests, but if it’s a Maldives-like experience you’re after, check out Nusa Dua or Seminyak Beach.
The former is an idyllic stret🍨ch of sand on the southeastern edge of Bali’s Bukit peninsula, offering a host of watersport activities, while Seminyak is a li🥂vely slice of coastline and home to the famous Potato Head Beach Club, where guests can soak up the sun by the beachside infinity pool.
Clarissa told Metro: ‘K💃nown for its breaౠthtaking beaches, luxurious yet affordable villas, and spiritual ambience, Bali is a great substitute for the Maldives.
‘The island offers a mix of relaxation and aꦉdventure with its ♌surf-friendly waters, temples, and lush rice terraces.’
An all-inclusive trip to Bali will set you back around £1,000 for a week’s sta🔴y— half the price of an equivalent trip to the Maldives.
The dark side of tourism in Albania and Bali
As holidaymakers continue to flock to Albania and Bali, dri🍬ven by their striking beaches and favourable climates, the consequences for local communities are not always positive.
In Albania, the ever-increasing construction of hotels and resorts threaten to destroy its spectacular scenery, while in 🗹peak season🎉 tourists sunbathe shoulder to shoulder on overcrowded beaches.
Meanwhile, Bali’s beaches are being bu⭕ried under rubbish left by tourists, with the region’s waste management struggling to keep up.
And they’re not the only popular holiday spots struggling with the increasing number of holidaymakers, with anti-tourism protests taking place across the Canary Islands, while Seville, Rome, Paris and Czechia have all cracked down on short-term rentals.
Corfu, Greece
Cobalt-blue waters and picturesque sunsets are two things you can find in the Maldives, but they’r💜e also in abundance on the Greek island of Corfu, too.
Clarissa said: ‘Corfu com♒bines the beauty of turquoise waters and lush greenery with Greek island charm, all at a much more affordable rate thanꦰ the Maldives.
More Trending
‘Its cultural richness and quaint villages make it a versatile destination for relaxation and exploraꦍtion.’
Offering a mix of beaches, cultural sites, adventure activities and exquisite cuisine, the island is one of Greece’s most popular holiday destinations — visit during the shoulder seasons and yoꦉu can enjoy pleasantly warm weather and quieter beaches, rather than the scorching temperatures an✅d flocks of tourists that are a staple of the summer months.
Flights and a week’s stay in🥃 Corfu during low season can cost as little as £500 per person.
Book your dream holiday now!
Set sail to the Mediterranean in 2025 – here's all you need tဣo know
Private beach clubs, Art Deco delights a꧟nd the wor🃏ld’s second-largest reef on the ultimate Caribbean cruise
Top 10 🏅tr💜avel brands you need to know about for tour next adventure
All the UK Christmas marketꦿs that are still open this wee𝐆kend
I embraced my holiday redℱ flag — it turned out to be the best par🐻t
Plu👍s, Corfu is just a ferry ride away from Albania, perfect for ticking off two countries from the bucket list.
More 'destination dupes'
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE: World’🔯s 100 bes✤t cities for food revealed — and Brits won’t be happy
MORE: British woman, 36, found dead in 𒉰hotel room aft⛎er taking lethal cocktail of drugs
MORE: Crocodile dragged woman underwater and emerged wi💫th her corpse an hour later
The Getaway
Fuel your wanderlust with ෴travel dꦆeals, guides and inspiration.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the and apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
