5 Budget-Friendly Island Getaways That Aren't In The Caribbean

There's nothing like an island getaway, but sometimes, there's also nothing that costs as much as an island getaway. Islands tend to be pricier to visit, as many of their goods are imported and can be more expensive to reach in the first place. But, don't get too discouraged because there are affordable islands all over the world. In fact, some are among the most affordable countries in the world to visit. 

You don't need to splurge on the Caribbean for your next tropical getaway. From Europe to Africa to Asia, there are plenty of islands that'll give you the island vacation of your dreams without leaving you flat broke. This selection of the best five budget-friendly island getaways includes a Mediterranean gem, an African escape, an Indonesian jewel, and Portuguese paradise — but it's only the beginning of what the world's islands have to offer. 

Despite being in the European Union, the island nation of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea has managed to stay off most travelers' radar, which means that the prices have stayed reasonable, especially compared to its neighbor Italy. And visitors will be delighted to discover that it does not compromise on seaside beauty. 

Malta is compact, home to just three inhabited islands. Yet it is incredibly diverse, with destinations ranging from Valletta — the gorgeous capital with impressive architecture and rich history – to hidden coves, sleepy fishing villages, and ritzy resorts. Budget travelers generally spend at least $80 USD per day while in Malta, although mid-range travelers will likely be in the neighborhood of $160 USD per day, according to Budget Your Trip. Cut costs by staying outside of the major tourist areas, like the island of Gozo or in the colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk, and visiting in the off-season. Unlike many islands, Malta is easy to get to. Most major European hubs have direct flights to Valletta on budget airlines like RyanAir.

When it comes to the best tropical vacation destinations on the planet, Africa has its fair share, and one of these is Zanzibar Island, also known as Unguja, an island off the coast of Tanzania. A quintessential Indian Ocean island, fringed with palm trees and white sands, Zanzibar was traditionally known as the "Spice Island" due to its prolific production of pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and other spices. 

Nowadays, another one of Zanzibar's biggest industries is tourism. It's popular among sun-seekers hoping to stay on a budget while still experiencing some of the world's best beaches. On average, the typical traveler in Zanzibar spends around $63 USD day, per Budget Your Trip. Travelers on a shoestring budget could spend as low as $30 USD per day. Even the most frugal of travelers will feel as if they're on a luxurious vacation in Zanzibar, surrounded by pristine beaches, colorful coral reefs, and the historic streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Indonesia is well known for its tropical escapes, particularly the famed Bali. And while Bali is truly special, not far from Bali is one of the most beautiful islands on the planet: Nusa Penida. Nusa Penida still belongs to the Bali province, yet retains more of an off-the-beaten-path feel. Stay several nights to truly soak in the atmosphere and experience the island without the crowds of day-trippers from Bali.

Although Nusa Penida is getting more popular, attracting over 1 million visitors in 2024, Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, still considers it "a hidden paradise that has not been fully touched," reports Antara News. The typical traveler can plan to spend between $60 to $80 USD while exploring Indonesia, according to Budget Your Trip. Staying in hostels will bring the cost down even more. Highlights of Nusa Penida include Diamond Beach, famed as one of the world's most beautiful, snorekling in Crystal Bay, Tembeling Beach and Forest, and the iconic Kelingking Beach.

When it comes to Portugal's top sights and destinations, sandy beaches, yellow trams, colorful tiles, and wine all come to mind. And yet, one of Portugal's best and often overlooked destinations is located far beyond the mainland in the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores. This archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal known for its incredible volcanic beauty, undiscovered beaches, and unique culture. And, like much of Portugal, the Azores are quite budget-friendly for travelers. 

Consider the island of São Miguel, with a plethora of free activities, including some of the best hot springs on the planet. Budget travel to the Azores costs roughly $155 USD per day, according to an estimate by Tourlane, although prices may be lower outside of the summer months. This amount may add up over time, but compared to other destinations in Western Europe — we're looking at you, France — the Azores are still considerably more affordable. 

For those in the know, Mauritius can bring to mind images of pristine beaches and fancy resorts, making it a popular place for honeymooners. Yet this little island country in the Indian Ocean is also an ideal spot for an affordable getaway. Budget travel guru Lauren Juliff of Never Ending Footsteps reports spending roughly $50 USD per day on average in Mauritius. In addition to affordable accommodations and food, Mauritius has a host of free activities, from beaches to waterfall hikes to local markets. The island nation has a reliable public bus system for getting around. 

Visitors in Mauritius will find a variety of comfortable family-run guest houses, often with breakfast included, for a fraction of the price of luxury resorts. So if you are a honeymooner on a budget, Mauritius may be the solution. Mauritius also has countless options for all-inclusive vacations at a variety of price points, which can provide better value than booking accommodations, meals, and activities separately. 

To narrow down this list of budget-friendly islands outside of the Caribbean, we combed through blogs, online forums, and reputable travel publications, in addition to the author's personal experience when applicable. We looked to budget travel experts like Never Ending Footsteps and Nomadic Matt for their expertise and experiences. We also utilized the travel budget planning tool on Budget Your Trip to estimate the daily cost of visiting each destination. Finally, we relied on tourism boards for information about local attractions and sightseeing opportunities.