13 Most Affordable Islands to Explore Worldwide

Milos, Greece

“While Mykonos and Santorini often steal the spotlight, it’s easy to forget the other gems in the Cyclades,” says Jay Ternavan, T+L A-List travel advisor and founder and CEO of JayWay Travel. “However, Milos could be the perfect setting for your serene Greek island getaway … and at a much more budget-friendly rate.” Even during peak summer, you can discover highly-rated accommodations ranging from $150 to $250 per night — including Golden Milos Beach and Milos Hotel. “We’ve been consistently impressed by the combination of exceptional service, authenticity, and breathtaking natural beauty that Milos offers,” he adds.

Puerto Rico

“Puerto Rico remains a consistently budget-friendly choice, especially when you compare it to more expensive destinations like the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos,” states Hudson. “For instance, average hotel prices in San Juan last June were well below $300 a night, whereas the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos ranged from $500 to $650.” The period from December to April is considered peak season on the island, with flight and accommodation prices generally falling from August to November — though travelers should stay informed about any weather updates during this timeframe. As per Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook, the typical ticket price to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) near San Juan is about $410 — which, while not cheap, is significantly better than the four-figure fares to the Maldives.

Korčula, Croatia

“Dubrovnik's ‘little sister,’ Korčula old town is the perfect spot to enjoy the atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds of cruise ship tourists that flock to Dubrovnik,” shares Ternavan. He points out, however, that Korčula is “at least three hours away from the nearest airport,” requiring a bit more effort to reach. “This adds a sense of exclusivity and encourages a longer stay compared to the nearby jet-set favorite, Hvar,” he adds, mentioning that visitors can still discover highly-rated accommodations for around $175 per night. Aminess Lume Hotel offers a budget-friendly option with excellent access to the Adriatic Sea.

Curaçao

“Curaçao is another fantastic choice — and one of Expedia’s 2024 ‘dupe destinations.’ It lies outside the hurricane zone and boasts a vibrant Old Town that's worth visiting whenever you can pull yourself away from the pool,” notes Hudson, adding that average accommodation prices last summer were below $300 a night. If you’re looking to spend long, lazy days under an umbrella, consider Avila Beach Hotel or Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort; both have received high praise from previous guests and offer rooms for under $300 this summer.

Bali, Indonesia

If you’ve been saving up credit card points and airline miles for a memorable getaway, think about using them for a trip to Indonesia — particularly, Bali. “While flights to Bali might be expensive from the U.S., once you arrive, your budget stretches far,” explains Hudson. “Last year, average hotel prices during the dry season (April to October) peaked at $225 per night.” For a perfect blend of beach days and town accessibility, consider staying at Como Uma Canggu; in July, most nights range from $272 to $328. Bali also offers a variety of affordable activities, such as waterfall excursions, hot spring soaking, volcano hikes, and relaxing afternoons on the beach.

Brač, Croatia

“Brač is a beautiful island that is … easily reachable from Split,” notes Agnos. It boasts the renowned Zlatni Rat, one of the finest beaches in Croatia. Prices can fluctuate based on the city or town you choose to stay in on the island, but overall, Brač offers numerous accommodation and activity options. “In contrast to its more famous neighbor, Hvar, Brač presents a greater sense of local authenticity. Moreover, there are hotels available throughout the island, whether by the beach or in town. In Hvar, hotels are mainly concentrated around Hvar town, resulting in limited availability,” Agnos adds.

Malta

Planning some European escapades for summer or fall? Consider adding a trip to the island of Malta. There are convenient, budget-friendly flights to Valletta — offered by airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Air Malta — from numerous major European cities, including Rome, Venice, Milan, and Florence. “Malta is an excellent choice, with average daily hotel rates significantly lower than those in other popular Mediterranean destinations,” states Hudson. She even notes that last summer’s average daily accommodation cost was “less than half” of what you'd pay in Santorini.

Hispaniola (Dominican Republic)

“A great way to discover an affordable getaway is to look for islands with all-inclusive resorts… [as] this will help you gauge your overall trip expenses before arriving,” suggests Studebaker. One of her top picks for such a trip is the Dominican Republic, situated on Hispaniola, one of the largest islands in the Greater Antilles. “The Dominican Republic features several quality all-inclusive resorts … and offers direct flights from numerous U.S. cities, making it easy to find a budget-friendly flight,” she elaborates.

Naxos, Greece

For those seeking more budget-friendly island vacations, Agnos emphasizes the importance of considering longer travel times: “The more challenging it is to reach a destination, the better the value often is.” A prime example is Naxos. Frequently regarded as one of the more economical Greek islands, Naxos is accessible by a four-hour ferry from Athens. After that additional leg of travel, you'll find luxurious island accommodations — such as Hotel Kymata or Crystal Mare Suites — starting at $170 per night during the summer months.

Sicily, Italy

While San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel might stretch your budget, you can still enjoy Sicily affordably. “As Italy's largest island, it welcomes visitors year-round, except for a few coastal towns like Taormina and Cefalù … [and] traveling during the offseason (from November to April) is a delight, featuring reasonable hotel prices and some of the best dining deals in all of Italy,” explains Ternavan. To save even more, focus your itinerary on the island’s top free experiences: from exploring its beaches and local festivals to visiting churches, cathedrals, and markets.

Aruba

You can find a more affordable Caribbean getaway in Aruba, especially if you plan your visit between May and September — and there’s little concern about hurricanes in late summer. “Aruba benefits from ample direct flights from the U.S., making it easier to find competitive airfares, and it sits outside the hurricane belt,” explains Studebaker. While on the island, she mentions that car rentals are quite reasonable and “navigating is relatively straightforward.” Be sure to explore the capital, Oranjestad, which Studebaker calls a “must-visit for its vibrant buildings, excellent restaurants, and trendy cocktail bars for evening outings.”

Sifnos, Greece

Trade the crowded streets of Mykonos for the charm of Sifnos, where Agnos notes that “the relaxed lifestyle captivates visitors” and you’ll discover “pristine beaches … delightful flavors, cherished traditions, and quaint villages.” Like many Greek islands, accommodations can be on the pricier side, but a little digging can reveal numerous options with more budget-friendly nightly rates. For instance, Smaragdi typically charges around $100 per night in July.

Jamaica

As one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica provides a wide range of vacation options — from romantic getaways to family adventures — across various price ranges. “You can discover accommodations that fit multiple budgets in Jamaica … and excursions are also reasonably priced, with many options available for under $100 per person (including transportation) from trusted tour operators like Amstar,” shares Studebaker. For those seeking a boutique experience, Sandy Haven Resort offers summer rates of about $278 per night. For an all-inclusive experience, Studebaker suggests Secrets St. James: “I adore staying at the Secrets St. James in Montego Bay, which boasts one of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever encountered.” On Expedia, rates for this all-inclusive, adults-only resort begin in the low $400s during late summer.