9 Amazingly Cheap Islands to Visit in 2025

Ever caught yourself daydreaming about escaping to a sun-kissed island but worried about the cost? Trust me, you’re not alone. The good news? Some of the world’s most breathtaking islands are stunning and kind to your wallet. Imagine lounging on pristine beaches, diving into crystal-clear waters, and immersing yourself in vibrant cultures—all without emptying your savings. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s more achievable than you might think!

Let’s dive into nine of the most affordable islands to visit in 2025, where you can soak up that perfect beach aesthetic, capture envy-inducing travel photography, and create unforgettable memories. Plus, I’ll give you a ballpark of daily expenses to help you plan your adventure. Ready? Let’s island-hop on a budget!

Bali, Indonesia

Estimated daily cost: $25-35

Bali, often dubbed the “Island of the Gods,” is a paradise that caters to both luxury seekers and budget travelers. Beyond its renowned luxury resorts, Bali offers a plethora of affordable experiences:

• Accommodation: Cozy guesthouses and hostels are available for as low as $10-15 per night, especially in areas like Canggu and Ubud.
• Food: Savor local delights such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Satay at warungs (local eateries) for just a couple of dollars.
• Activities: Explore the lush rice terraces of Tegallalang, visit the sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, or relax on the serene beaches of Sanur—all either free or with minimal entrance fees.

Koh Rong, Cambodia

Koh Rong is Cambodia’s second-largest island, boasting pristine beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. Despite its growing popularity, it remains a budget-friendly destination:

• Accommodation: Beachfront bungalows and hostels are available starting at $15 per night.
• Food: Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Khmer dishes at local restaurants for around $5-7 per meal.
• Activities: Snorkeling, jungle trekking, and bioluminescent plankton tours are popular and affordable.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Estimated daily cost: $30-40

Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is rich in history and natural beauty:

• Accommodation: Guesthouses in Stone Town or beach bungalows in areas like Jambiani can be found for $20-25 per night.
• Food: Savor Swahili cuisine at local eateries for about $5 per meal.
• Activities: Explore historic Stone Town, relax on Kendwa Beach, or visit the spice farms to learn about the island’s spice trade—all at reasonable prices.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira, known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” offers a blend of lush landscapes, rich culture, and affordability:

• Accommodation: While Madeira isn’t exactly a budget destination, with accommodation being fairly expensive and relatively few hostels or budget options lonelyplanet.com, budget travelers can still find affordable guesthouses or consider staying in residential areas outside the main tourist spots.
• Food: Savor local specialties like espetada (grilled beef) and bolo do caco (garlic bread) at traditional eateries for around $10 per meal.
• Activities: Hike the levada trails, explore the Laurisilva Forest, or visit the Monte Palace Madeira—many of these attractions are free or have minimal entrance fees.

Isla Holbox, Mexico

Estimated daily cost: $35-45

Isla Holbox is a car-free island in the northern part of Quintana Roo, Mexico, between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. This laid-back destination offers pristine beaches and a relaxed atmosphere:

• Accommodation: Options range from basic camping to luxury suites, with budget-friendly hostels like Tribu Hostel offering dorm beds for about $15 per night.
• Food: Plenty of street tacos are available for a $5 meal, particularly in the evening. Breakfast and lunch can be found for $5-7 if you look around.
• Activities: Rent a bicycle for the day to travel between Punta Mosquito and Punta Cocos, or explore the island in general, usually for 200 pesos ($10).

Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands are an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, belonging to Spain. With diverse landscapes, from volcanic mountains to golden beaches, they offer a wide range of experiences at affordable prices. It’s a great destination for a budget-friendly tropical vacation with plenty of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Accommodation: The Canary Islands offer options for all budgets. You can find budget hostels or guesthouses starting at around $15-25 USD per night. Mid-range hotels typically cost $40-70 USD per night, while more luxurious resorts or beachfront accommodations can range from $80-150 USD per night.

Food: The local food is delicious and affordable. You can enjoy traditional dishes like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce) and gofio (toasted grain flour) for about $3-6 USD. A casual meal at a local restaurant will cost around $7-12 USD, and fresh seafood dishes are available at prices starting around $10-15 USD.

Activities: The Canary Islands are packed with outdoor activities. Many beaches, like those on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, are free to visit. Hiking in national parks like Teide National Park on Tenerife is a fantastic and inexpensive activity. For those looking for adventure, scuba diving, boat trips, or whale watching are available for around $30-60 USD. Renting a car or a bike to explore the islands costs around $25-30 USD per day.

Accommodation: There’s something for every budget, from basic camping to luxury suites. For a more affordable option, you can stay at hostels like Tribu Hostel, where dorm beds go for about $12 CAD per night.

Food: The local street tacos are a must-try, offering a delicious meal for just $5. For breakfast and lunch, you can easily find local eats around $5-7, especially in the quieter corners of the island.

Activities: Renting a bicycle is a great way to get around and explore the island. You can ride from Punta Mosquito to Punta Cocos or just wander through the area for about 200 pesos ($10).

Langkawi, Malaysia

Estimated Daily Cost: $35-50

Langkawi is a beautiful archipelago of 99 islands off the northwest coast of Malaysia, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. It’s an affordable tropical paradise for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Accommodation: Langkawi offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Budget travelers can find dormitory-style rooms or simple guesthouses starting at around $10-15 USD per night.

Food: Street food is cheap and delicious, with local dishes like nasi lemak (coconut rice with sambal) and roti canai(flaky flatbread) available for $2-5 USD per meal. Casual restaurants and seafood stalls offer meals for $5-10 USD.

Activities: Langkawi offers plenty of budget-friendly activities. You can take the iconic Langkawi Sky Bridge for stunning views (around $5 USD entry) or enjoy the Langkawi Wildlife Park, which costs around $10 USD. Renting a scooter is a great way to explore the island for $10-12 USD per day.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, known for its diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural history. It offers an affordable travel experience with plenty to explore, from ancient temples to stunning national parks.

Accommodation: Sri Lanka has a wide range of accommodation, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Budget options like guesthouses and hostels start at around $10-15 USD per night. Mid-range hotels can range from $20-40 USD per night.

Food: Sri Lankan street food is cheap and flavorful. You can enjoy a kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir-fry) or hoppers(crispy pancake-like dish) for about $2-4 USD. A meal at a local restaurant or beachside cafe will cost around $5-10 USD, and many places offer fresh seafood dishes at affordable prices.

Activities: Sri Lanka offers plenty of activities that cater to different interests. Visit the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Sigiriya for around $30 USD, explore tea plantations in Kandy or Nuwara Eliya, or enjoy a safari in Yala National Park for around $20-30 USD. Surfing in popular coastal towns like Mirissa or Arugam Bay is another affordable option, with surfboard rentals starting at $5-10 USD.

Mauritius

Estimated Daily Cost: $50-70

Mauritius is a stunning island in the Indian Ocean known for its crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. While it’s slightly more expensive than other destinations in the region, it’s still possible to enjoy a budget-friendly trip with a little planning.

Accommodation: Mauritius offers a wide range of accommodation, from budget hotels to luxurious resorts. Budget travelers can find guesthouses or hostels starting at $20-30 USD per night. Mid-range hotels and resorts generally range from $40-60 USD per night, offering comfortable amenities and beachfront views.

Food: Street food in Mauritius is both affordable and delicious. You can try local dishes like dholl puri (flatbread stuffed with yellow split peas) or biryani for around $3-5 USD. Meals at casual restaurants typically cost $6-10 USD, and seafood lovers can enjoy fresh fish and prawns at coastal eateries for around $10-15 USD.

Activities: Mauritius has plenty to offer in terms of both relaxation and adventure. Visit the famous Seven Colored Earths in Chamarel for around $5 USD or explore the stunning Black River Gorges National Park for free. Snorkeling trips are affordable and start at around $20 USD, while a catamaran cruise can be around $40-50 USD for a half-day outing. For diving enthusiasts, prices range from $40-60 USD per dive.