Lunar white sand beaches, turquoise water and tropical temperatures — it’s no wonder the Maldives is one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations.
But if you’re thinking of heading there to escape the dull UK weather, remember 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 villa will set you back at least £2,000 during peak season, which runs from December to April.
The Maldives also recently increased its infamous departure tax, which means economy class passengers will be charged the equivalent of £40 just to leave the archipelagic state.
The price hasn’t deterred some travellers, however, and the island nation received 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 world, rising sea levels threaten to make the islands uninhabitable, meaning there the beautiful beaches so many aspire 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 far-flung islands, these getaways are perfect for your 2025 travel plans, offering spectacular scenery at a fraction of the Maldives price tag.
Malta
Much like the Maldives, Malta is known for sparkling azure water and Instagrammable swim spots.
If you’re interested in getting up close and personal 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 2024, Malta received a record 3.6 million tourists, and it’s easy to see why.
Clarissa Cappelletti, UK Country Manager at group travel provider WeRoad, told Metro: ‘Malta is a Mediterranean gem offering crystal-clear waters, historic charm, and stunning 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 around £500 per person for a week’s stay.
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Thailand
Known as ‘The Land of Smiles’, Thailand’s white sandy beaches and azure water will surely leave you grinning.
Railay Beach, in Krabi, is famed for its limestone formations — 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.
Clarissa 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 the 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 sandy 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 can 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 for a return trip.
Made popular by TikTok videos of sparkling oceans 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 Sea, 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 abundance 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 stretch of sand on the southeastern edge of Bali’s Bukit peninsula, offering a host of watersport activities, while Seminyak is a lively 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: ‘Known for its breathtaking beaches, luxurious yet affordable villas, and spiritual ambience, Bali is a great substitute for the Maldives.
‘The island offers a mix of relaxation and adventure 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 stay — 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, driven 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 buried 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 and parts of mainland Spain.
Meanwhile Seville, Rome, Paris and Czechia have all cracked down on short-term rentals to combat overtourism.
Corfu, Greece
Cobalt-blue waters and picturesque sunsets are two things you can find in the Maldives, but they’re also in abundance on the Greek island of Corfu, too.
Clarissa said: ‘Corfu combines the beauty of turquoise waters and lush greenery with Greek island charm, all at a much more affordable rate than the Maldives.
‘Its cultural richness and quaint villages make it a versatile destination for relaxation and exploration.’
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 you can enjoy pleasantly warm weather and quieter beaches, rather than the scorching temperatures and 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.
Plus, Corfu is just a ferry ride away from Albania, perfect for ticking off two countries from the bucket list.
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This article was first published on December 21, 2024.
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