Discover 12 budget-friendly islands in 2023 offering stunning views and unforgettable experiences. Plan your dream getaway without breaking the bank. Save this article for your next adventure!
These places have white sandy beaches and clear blue water where you can have amazing adventures without spending too much money. There are no expensive hotels and no places full of tourists.
Just natural beauty and real culture that won’t cost a lot. Here are some of my favorite affordable islands to visit in 2025. I saved the best ones for the end!
My top advice for booking budget-friendly island flights
Most people think flights to islands cost a lot. But here’s a secret: I’ve used a service called Going (it used to be Scott’s Cheap Flights) for five years, and it’s saved me tons of money. Imagine flying to the Caribbean for just $199, or $280 to visit the Mediterranean.
You just type in where you’re flying from, and Going sends you special flight deals you wouldn’t see on Google, like super cheap mistakes and quick sales.
The free version is good, but I pay $49 a year for the Premium Version to get alerts faster, which is helpful because these deals go away quickly.
The cheapest islands to visit in 2025
As someone who writes about travel, I’ve been to many islands, each with its own special adventures. While places with sunny beaches and clear blue seas are popular, there are other exciting spots too. Imagine the wild beauty of Scotland’s Isle of Skye or the lively traditions in Sri Lanka, as well as well-known favorites like Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Islands might take some extra time to get to, but believe me, they’re really amazing. Are you excited to explore? Here are the 12 least expensive islands to visit in 2025!
1. Siargao, Philippines
Siargao really amazed me. Last year, I stayed on this island in the Philippines for two weeks, and it changed my life. It’s famous for surfing, especially at Cloud 9. But there’s more than just the surf. Picture roads lined with palm trees, clear blue lagoons, secret rock pools, and trips to fun places like Naked Island and Sugba Lagoon. Plus, the places to work and exercise outside are super cool!
Siargao is special because it’s still very natural and peaceful. There aren’t big hotels or touristy spots—just nice people, fun scooter rides, and a relaxing feel that makes you happy.
It’s also super cheap. I stayed in a little house by the beach for less than $20 each night, had yummy seafood meals for $3, and rented a scooter for only $5 a day. It feels like Bali used to, with its low prices and simple comforts.
When you want to visit a place that’s really cheap and makes you feel special inside, Siargao is the perfect choice. I went there excited for fun and adventure, but I left with something much more meaningful in my heart.
2. Sao Miguel, Azores (Portugal)
São Miguel, the biggest island in the Azores, is a great place to visit without spending a lot of money. When I went, the flights from Boston were less than $300 roundtrip.
You can find these good deals often on Going.com. They have a free version for flights in the country and a paid one for trips to other countries, which I think is worth checking out.
In Furnas, you can relax in warm water springs for just a few euros, which feels great after walking a lot. If you hike to Lagoa do Fogo early, you’ll see it without fog.
Then you can have a tasty stew for €5 cooked underground. Don’t miss visiting the big Sete Cidades crater, looking at tea plants (it’s free!), and swimming in ocean pools near Mosteiros.
Staying on São Miguel doesn’t cost much. I found a guesthouse with clean rooms and ocean views for just $45 a night. You won’t need a tour guide if you rent a car.
Gas is cheap, roads are calm, and you can see the whole island in about 3 to 5 days. Food from grocery stores and restaurants doesn’t cost much, and you can drink the tap water. It’s peaceful, full of beautiful sights, and won’t break your piggy bank.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods! Everyone dreams of visiting here and it’s easy to see why. Bali has beautiful beaches, green rice fields, lively culture, and friendly locals. And guess what? It’s one of the cheapest places to visit, so you can enjoy all its wonders without spending too much money!
Bali is special because of its mix of culture and nature. You can wake up early to hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano. Later, you can do yoga at sunset near the rice terraces in Ubud. During the day, you can see sacred temples, shop at local markets, and enjoy tasty Indonesian food.
If you want to visit Bali without spending a lot of money, think about where you’ll stay. In places like Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, there are hostels, homestays, and guesthouses that can cost between $8 to $20 a night. If you’re with friends, renting a villa and sharing the cost can be a fun and affordable option.
You can eat at small local places called warungs or at night markets, where dishes like fried rice and noodles cost just $1 to $3. You can also find smoothie bowls and fresh juices almost anywhere for less than $4.
You can rent a scooter for about $5 a day instead of taking taxis. It’s the cheapest way to explore—just make sure to wear a helmet and be careful with the traffic. You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy Bali’s beautiful nature, yummy food, and amazing culture. Plan wisely, eat where the locals eat, and skip expensive tours when you can.
4. Island Grande, Colombia
Isla Grande is one of the islands in the Rosario Islands of Colombia. It’s only an hour away from Cartagena by boat. Going there is a simple and affordable way to leave the city and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sea without spending a lot.
Day trips cost about $15–$25 and come with a ride, food, and a visit to a beach club. If you want to sleep there, simple huts or eco-hostels cost $25–$40 per night. Since electricity is limited, make sure to charge your devices during the day.
Take cash with you because there aren’t any ATMs on this lovely island. Eating at local places is about $5–$10, and fresh fish is a tasty choice. You can also rent snorkels or go on boat trips to see cool things like mangroves, colorful coral, and glowing plankton at night.
Wi-Fi isn’t really available there, making it a nice place to take a break from screens. Wear water shoes for rocky places, and if you’re just visiting for the day, try to arrive early. The boats back to Cartagena get crowded quickly.
5. Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye is a beautiful and wild island in Europe. If you go between November and March, it’s cheaper, and there aren’t as many people. You can stay in guesthouses for less money and see amazing winter views that aren’t there in the summer.
Get a car and visit famous places like the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools. Sometimes, you’ll have these places all to yourself.
Portree is a nice town to stay in with cheap B&Bs and warm pubs open all year. On your way, see Eilean Donan Castle or stop by the Talisker Distillery to feel cozy. The old castles are really cool!
The days on the Isle of Skye are shorter, and the weather can be rainy, so it’s best to plan your hikes early and bring a raincoat. While some shops might close when it’s colder, the island’s beauty stays open for everyone to enjoy.
If you like exploring, driving around, and quiet places, visiting Skye in the winter is something special—and it costs less than in the busy summer.
6. Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka is a small island near India in the Indian Ocean and a great place to visit without spending too much money.
While there are fancy hotels that are very expensive, you can find cheaper places to stay like hostels or homestays. These are good choices if you want to save money.
Planning your visit
Sri Lanka is like the Isle of Skye because you can have fun outside without spending much money. You can walk around any city and find cheap fruits and veggies.
The beaches are really pretty and don’t cost anything to enjoy. If you want to see cool old buildings, there are lots of Buddhist temples. You can also visit national parks to see animals and plants.
Traveling in Sri Lanka is quite simple. There are lots of ways to get around, like buses, taxis, and trains. You can use these to get places and it doesn’t cost much, just a few dollars.
In the end, Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest islands to visit. The best time to go there is between November and April because that’s when the weather is warm and mostly dry.
7. Roatan, Honduras
Roatan is a lovely island in Honduras that feels like a treasure. It’s got beautiful beaches, super clear water, and a relaxed Caribbean style. The coolest thing is that it’s not expensive to go there, so it’s great if you’re looking to save money.
Roatan is a fun island to visit if you want a chill vacation. You can lie on the beach, enjoy the sunshine, and drink fresh coconut. For adventure, try snorkeling or scuba diving in the colorful coral reefs. Roatan is also cool for eco-friendly activities like exploring forests and seeing unique animals.
Exploring the island in a budget-friendly way
Roatan is a place where you don’t have to spend a lot of money to visit. You can find cheap places to stay, like small hostels and nice guesthouses. Eating there is not expensive either, with lots of tasty Caribbean food that doesn’t cost much.
In Roatan, you can have a great time without spending much money. You can walk through the green jungles, visit pretty villages, or just relax on the beach all day for free.
Getting around the island doesn’t cost much either. There are always taxis and buses you can use. If you feel bold, you can rent a scooter or bicycle to see everything your own way. You’ll soon understand why this is one of my favorite places to visit without spending lots of money.
8. Aruba, Caribbean Sea
Aruba is next on the list of affordable islands to visit. It’s in the Caribbean Sea, just above Venezuela.
You might have heard about Aruba because lots of people love visiting to escape their everyday routines and enjoy the tropical vibe. Even though it’s well-known, you don’t need a lot of money to have fun there!
Getting by on the cheap
Many hotels on the island have nice rooms for less than $100 a night. You don’t have to stay at the fanciest places to have a good time. The nature around is so lovely that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy it.
Go visit Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital. The sand is white and the sea is calm and blue. At night, there’s a lot to see in Aruba, or you can head north to see the tall California Lighthouse and snap some photos.
There’s plenty to do without spending much. You can explore the rocky land in east Aruba to find the Natural Pool. It’s free to visit the Donkey Sanctuary and see how they help protect the island’s donkeys. Or just take a walk around Oranjestad and take pictures of the fun buildings.
Aruba is always warm, but if you want the best time with the nicest weather, go between December and March. It’s really great then!
9. Oahu, Hawaii, Pacific Ocean
Oahu, in Hawaii, is a great place to visit if you’re looking to save money. Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, is on this island. There are lots of hotels, so you can find a place to stay that doesn’t cost a lot like the fancy resorts.
Spending time outdoors
Why not try an amazing and low-cost adventure outside? From Waikiki in Honolulu, you can hike up the big hill called Diamond Head and see a beautiful view. Afterward, you can have fun at Waikiki Beach by swimming, surfing, or just relaxing on the sandy shore.
If you want to have fun on Oahu without spending too much, there are lots of things to do. You can see the pretty Buddhist Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples. For some quiet time, visit the peaceful Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. There are also lots of trails where you can hike and discover new places.
Spring and fall are the best times to go to Oahu. The weather is nice because it’s not too rainy, and there aren’t too many people around yet.
10. Puerto Rico, US Territory
Puerto Rico is part of the United States, so people from America can visit without a passport or changing money. I often say it’s one of the cheapest islands to explore because there are many things you can enjoy for free.
Getting around on the cheap
If you know about history, you’ll know Puerto Rico was once ruled by Spain starting in the early 1500s. Because of that, when you visit, you can see special old buildings from that time.
The best place to see them is in Old San Juan, in the city of San Juan. There, you can look at the ancient buildings, Spanish forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and the beautiful main square called Plaza de Armas.
Puerto Rico has lots of fun things to do, so you might not have enough time for everything! You can go shopping on Ashford Avenue in San Juan or visit the Casa BACARDÍ distillery close by. Plus, you can relax on the beautiful white beaches and enjoy the clear blue waters.
You can stay in inexpensive hotels in Puerto Rico, with some rooms costing less than $100 a night. They use U.S. dollars there because it’s part of the U.S.! It’s one of the cheapest islands to visit.
The ideal time to visit is during the winter months, from December to April. For cheaper hotel rates, visiting between April and June is a good idea.
11. Boracay, Philippines
Next up on our adventure to affordable islands is Boracay in the Philippines, located in Southeast Asia. It’s just one of over 7,100 islands in the country, and it’s a special one. You can’t fly right into Boracay, so you’ll take a quick boat ride from Panay Island. The nearest airport is the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport on Panay.
One of the best islands
People from all over love Boracay and often say it’s one of the best and cheapest island spots to visit. They’re right! This special island has some of the prettiest beaches. The bright blue water meets white sand, with big ocean views and nearby mountains in the background.
Even though Boracay is really beautiful, you can still find places to stay that don’t cost too much. You don’t need a fancy hotel to have a great time.
You can go snorkeling, parasailing, shopping, or hiking and really enjoy your adventure on this lovely island. And if you’re looking to just take it easy, spending a week relaxing on the sands of one of the world’s best beaches will feel amazing.
In Boracay, the weather is nicest from November to April, when it’s warm and sunny. March to May is really lovely, like springtime! Lots of people visit then, but you can also go when it’s quieter, between July and November.
12. Malta, Mediterranean Sea
Malta is a sunny island in the Mediterranean Sea where you don’t need a lot of money to visit. It’s located just below the Italian island called Sicily.
History and beaches
Malta is a really cool island to visit, no matter where you’re from. It’s special because it’s like a bridge between different worlds. Malta has been around for thousands of years.
You can see super old Stone Age temples there. Its history even includes the time of the Crusades. It’s a spot where the West and East have met over the years.
You can visit lots of old places in Malta. There’s a really fancy church called the Rotunda of Mosta. You can also check out a royal palace named Casa Rocca Piccola.
If you want to take it easy, Malta has amazing beaches on its three islands. You can also walk along the Valletta Waterfront and enjoy looking at the boats and the sea.
You don’t need a lot of money to travel to Malta. You can stay in inexpensive hotels and do many fun things outside without paying. If you like to see old places and relax on nice beaches, you’ll really enjoy Malta. It’s a great place to visit without spending too much!
Common Inquiries About Budget-Friendly Islands to Explore
Here are some common questions people have about the least expensive islands to visit in 2025.
How can I save money traveling to these cheap islands?
Even though going to these islands doesn’t cost much, flying there can be pricey. Plane ticket prices can change a lot, and it’s hard to know when. But I’ve found a way to help with that. There’s a thing called Going (it used to be Scott’s Cheap Flights) that helps me save on plane tickets.
You just tell them where you’re starting from and where you want to go, and they send you emails with super cheap flight deals. These are deals you can’t usually find anywhere else. They also have a special $49-a-year option for even quicker alerts. Going has saved me lots of money, and it can do the same for you.
What is the cheapest Caribbean island to visit?
The Caribbean is a beautiful place with amazing beaches that lots of people love to visit. If you’re feeling cold during winter and you live in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s a nice place to escape to for some warm and sunny days.
The best place to visit in the Caribbean if you’re looking for something cheap is the Dominican Republic. You can find low-cost places to stay, enjoy relaxing on the beach, and spend less because of the money exchange with the U.S. dollar. Many people love vacationing there, and you can have a great time without spending too much.
What are the cheapest airlines in the world?
Traveling to lots of affordable islands worldwide can be tricky because no single airline goes everywhere you might want to visit. But I can help by naming some of the cheapest airlines for you to consider.
Want to Explore More?
- AirAsia (Malaysia)
- easyJet (England)
- Ryanair (Ireland)
- IndiGo (India)
- Spirit Airlines (United States)
- JetBlue (United States)
- Tigerair Australia (Australia)
- Air Arabia (United Arab Emirates)
