Top 8 Cheap Places in Spain for Students

Holidays in Spain have been a student staple for years now. Not only is Spain filled with beautiful beaches and popular hotspots, it is also a very cheap destination for students who don’t have a lot of money to spend.

If you wish to have a nice holiday that won’t cost you the world, Spain is a great option for you. Here are some of the best Spanish destinations for students for this year that are bound to help you stay on your budget.

Marbella, Costa del Sol

Located in the south of Spain, Costa del Sol or “Coast of the Sun” is one of the most beautiful regions Spain has to offer. It is a world-renowned tourist destination. Marbella is situated on the Mediterranean Sea and offers some of the best beaches and beach clubs. The beaches are quite clean, and when I visited was the first time I enjoyed sunbathing.

With its Moorish defensive walls, the city has a great archaeological heritage. Most of the old buildings can be found in the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), which was built after the reconquest. The city offers resorts and activities for all budgets and you are bound to find something that can cover your needs. I took a cheap hostel that cost me $30 per night.

Ayamonte, Costa de la Luz

Located near the Guadiana River, Ayamonte is a town near the borders with Portugal. While staying there, you can easily, and for a very low cost, take the ferry to Portugal to explore the Portuguese Vila Real de Santo Antonio. The price of a ferry is only 1.75 euros, extremely cheap, and totally worth it. I do not know why the local authorities do not raise the price, as this ferry route is quite popular, and definitely worth it.

The town has only 20 thousand residents. Ayamonte is a great option for students on a budget as you can find accommodation for as little as 30 dollars per night. I took a hostel here as well: quite comfortable and as hospitable as any Spanish locality.

Cantabria

Would you like to visit national parks filled with wildlife, go surfing in gorgeous beaches or even go climbing? If you love adventure then Cantabria is the place for you. I actually visited on the road to Madrid and did not have enough time to take a closer look at the whole place, but all the activities are affordable and very close to the capital and you can definitely have a great time there while still staying on your budget.

Tamariu, Costa Brava

Tamariu is a great place for you to choose, especially if you’d like to find cheap accommodation right by the beach through Airbnb (which I took, only $20 per night). Apart from the amazing landscapes and seaside, it is a perfect place to find inspiration for your creative work.

When I visited Tamariu was the second time when I spent the whole day on the beach, eating local fish and drinking cocktails made of local beverages. Being very close to Barcelona, Tamariu is a great place for you to take a break from your studies and enjoy the natural habitat and medieval villages without spending too much on your stay.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands

If you’re looking for the place with the best nightlife, then Santa Cruz should definitely be your pick. There are so many options to choose from and you will definitely find places that are more budget-friendly. Because of its high volume of tourists, Santa Cruz has you covered when it comes to finding cheap accommodation.

Palma de Mallorca

If you’d like to spend some days away from everything in one of Spain’s most beautiful islands, Majorca is a great choice. Thanks to big hotels and tourist attractions, you can easily find cheap accommodation as well as cheap food. Located in the Mediterranean, it offers some of the best beaches and fresh seafood.

The capital, Palma is full of attractions, from their gorgeous Gothic cathedral to the old town that is bound to captivate you with its medieval buildings and mansions. Personally, I liked the mix of modern and ancient architecture.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a great destination for any student as it can not only offer unique sights like churches, parks, and monuments but also some of the best nightclubs and restaurants. You’ll never see anything like the Sagrada Familia cathedral, this is one of the most authentic and outstanding architectural masterpieces I’ve ever seen. In 2020, the year of Gaudi’s anniversary, the Sagrada Familia will be completed, and I can’t imagine what we’ll see.

The best way for you to book your holidays in Barcelona and still stay on a budget is to book your tickets and hotel when the Spanish high season (April-October) ends. You can still enjoy this beautiful city and pay half of what you would normally pay in hotels.

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Madrid

Madrid is probably the go-to place for any student that wants to visit Spain. Not only is it the capital of Spain, but it also is one of the three largest cities in the European Union. Filled with museums, parks, and palaces to visit, you can benefit from using student discounts to discover many beautiful monuments at a very low price.

Accommodation can be very cheap thanks to how big the city is. You can choose to stay a little further from the center and truly get a great deal. You do not have to worry about transportation even if you are not staying in the center as the city offers a good subway system.

Travel on a Budget but don’t put a limit on the fun

No matter where in Spain you decide to go, you are bound to come across good people, delicious food and beautiful scenery. Thanks to all the tourists that visit each year, you will be able to find affordable prices not only for accommodation but also for food and activities.

Pick the place that fits your needs the best and choose the company you will take with you. Have your student cards ready and be prepared to have the time of your lives!

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