The Maldives Beach Holiday Dupes Just Hours Away From Home

If you’re seeking unrivalled luxury, powdery sands and awe-inspiring scenery, you don’t have to travel all the way to the Maldives to find it. You can discover all this and more much closer to home in and around the Mediterranean.

Idyllic temperatures and consistent sunny days make delightful destinations like Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Portugal and the Canary Islands superb choices for last-minute October half-term holidays or an exciting summer 2026 getaway. Wonder and excitement awaits wherever you choose, as well as world-class luxury, stunning surroundings and crystal-clear waters to rival that of the Maldives. Exceptional family holidays, romantic retreats as a couple, carefree honeymoons and laid-back escapes with friends can be enjoyed in each. Short-haul flights and a superb choice of budget-friendly accommodation also means you can spend the money you’ve saved on exciting activities, visiting renowned cultural attractions and dining on world-class cuisines. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to find out that paradise is closer than you think.

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Greece

Greece and its islands promise luxury and bliss to rival that of the Maldives and, with its year-round sunny weather, it’s the perfect place for a once-in-a-lifetime beach holiday. Escape to Crete and soak up the sun on Tripadvisor’s “best beach in the world”, Elafonnisi Beach. The pink-hued sand is super for families to play on and makes for unique holiday snaps. Halkidiki’s Blue Lagoon Beach is another unmissable spot. Regarded as one of the best in Europe, this stunning shoreline is surrounded by pine forests and awe-inspiring natural beauty that will make you feel like you’re in heaven. Spend the day at Myrtos Beach while on a holiday to Kefalonia. This crescent-shaped bay is the most popular expanse on the island and is nestled in a picturesque spot between the feet of two mountains. Rhodes’ Pefkos Beach and Kos’ Marmari Beach are hives for water sports, and enthusiasts should head there for an unforgettable time.

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Spain

A beach holiday to Spain will leave you feeling rested and rejuvenated, just like a trip to the Maldives. Though on this getaway, you can look forward to smaller costs and shorter flight times. A holiday to Costa del Sol, Spain’s “Coast of the Sun”, offers delightful beach resorts, including Nerja, Torremolimos and Banalmádena. There’s also the family-friendly area of Fuengirola, which is perfect for making memories with your children. Get active with some water sports like paddleboarding, snorkelling and paragliding, or enjoy a day of relaxation blended with culture by visiting the nearby castle. Alternatively, you could jet off to Costa Blanca, the “White Coast”. Named for its gorgeous sugary sand, there’s plenty of postcard-like shores to choose from. Levante Beach in Alicante is bursting with lively restaurants, bars and activities to suit families, couples and friends, while Playa del Poniente in Benidorm provides a quieter, more laid-back experience suited to those wanting a break from the action and excitement.

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Turkey

Turkey’s sun-kissed coast offers beach holidays on par with the Maldives, and you can enjoy the sun, sea and scenery at a fraction of the price. Summers in Turkey see temperatures peak to a sensational 40℃ in some areas, perfect for coming home with a bronze tan and a new lease on life. Visit Antalya, the Turkish Riviera, for idyllic Blue Flag beach resorts, like Side, Lara and Manavgat, and experience unadulterated relaxation and excitement. Alanya, also located on Antalya’s coast, boasts the legendary Cleopatra Beach, where you’ll find lively bars, restaurants and party boats. For a quieter experience, Patara Beach is a huge stretch measuring 11 miles-long. Explore the nearby ruins, relax on the soft sand and keep an eye out for nesting turtles between May and September. Oludeniz, in Dalaman, has its own charming blue lagoon and is a hotspot for adrenaline-inducing activities as you can paraglide to the shore from the Babadag mountain.

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Egypt

Sun-seekers will be wowed by the divine conditions Egypt promises on a luxury beach holiday. The Red Sea is well known for its amazing snorkelling and scuba diving spots, with colourful coral reefs like Sha’ab Abu Nuhas and the El Quesir Reef, and diverse marine life. There’s also the chance to get active with other aquatic sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing and jet skiing. Hurghada boasts a 40 kilometre-long coastline brimming with sensational luxury beachfront hotels. Old Vic Beach is one of the oldest in the resort and where you’ll find an array of umbrellas and sunbeds to make your day even more relaxing. Its central location makes it easy to access for families. While Makadi Bay is a little further away, it’s nonetheless spectacular, with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs to explore. Escape to Sharm El Sheikh for Naama Bay, a central hotspot for parting, excitement and relaxing, and the less-crowded El Fanar Beach that boasts amazing local amenities.

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Canaries

Like the Maldives, the Canaries offer island bliss and mesmerising beaches to make this Europe holiday the best yet. Escape to Fuerteventura, the paradise destination boasting 150 different beaches. Caleta de Fuste is a family-friendly haven measuring 800 metres-long. Have a blast during the day, with a range of bars and restaurants to keep you nourished. Gran Canaria’s bustling resort of Las Palmas is where you'll find Las Canteras beach. This sanctuary features a lava rock reef which makes the water perfect for swimming. For stunning vistas of a luxury marina and the opportunity to rent a pedalo, Mogan Beach is the perfect choice. Strong winds are a highlight at Playa de Famara, situated on Lanzarote’s jaw-dropping coast, making it a hub for surfing some epic waves. Jet off to Tenerife for 40 miles of beachfront, including golden and volcanic black sands. Playa de Troya is the main beach on this island, located close to the exceptional resorts.

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“If you want unadulterated luxury and serene beaches, you don’t have to travel to far-flung destinations like the Maldives to experience this. There’s a plethora of divine destinations a lot closer to home in and around the Mediterranean.

“Short-haul flights to Europe and its surrounding destinations means families can jet off to heaven and be lounging on a blissful beach in no time. Save on accommodation too, with many luxury resorts offering great deals on family holidays, honeymoons and more.

“With amazing weather all year round, you can opt for slightly cooler holidays in September and October, when temperatures are still warm and pleasant, or you can choose to soak up the sun on a glorious summer beach getaway.

“Shallow, crystal-clear waters make the Mediterranean a wonderful choice for an array of water sports. Paddle in the waves or head out for some epic aquatic activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, surfing and water skiing.

“There’s nowhere better for stunning beaches, expansive views and pure luxury than the Mediterranean and beyond. Book your holiday to Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Portugal or the Canary Islands now.”

Gran Muthu Golf Plaza, Tenerife

Soak up the sun on Tenerife's enchanting coastline by staying in the luxurious 5-star Grand Muthu Golf Plaza. Perfect for family getaways or relaxing couples’ holidays, there’s an array of exceptional facilities waiting to be taken advantage of. Closely located beside multiple beaches, you can explore the local area and relax on pristine shorelines, or stay in a resort and make use of the incredible All-inclusive package. Spend your days in the pool, spa or on the nearby golf courses.

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Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort

The ultimate family-friendly hotel waits to wow you in Lanzarote, with a multitude of incredible amenities to suit visitors of every age. Splash and play under the sunshine in one of the many swimming pools, including a kids-only and an olympic-sized one. There’s also the adjacent beach which is perfect for water sports, sandcastle building and topping up your tan. The modern guestrooms provide a sanctuary for relaxing after days of memory making, boasting balconies, plush beds, a TV and minibar.

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Parrotel Beach Resort, Egypt

Serenity, relaxation, romance, adventure and family fun are all the things you can expect on a holiday to this exceptional Sharm El Sheikh resort. Bordering the Red Sea, you’ll be treated to an array of aquatic experiences, while the on-site facilities promise tranquillity and excitement. Relax in the sauna and spa before taking a dip in the swimming pool – there’s even an exclusive children’s area to keep everyone entertained. Evenings consist of delicious food and unparalleled coastal views at sunset.

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Aska Lara Resort & SPA, Turkey

Situated in the picturesque Turkish Riviera, this 5-star resort promises unforgettable family holidays in paradise. Kids will love the myriad of amenities exclusively for them, including a waterpark, children’s club, play area and games room. There' s also a blissful beach only a stone’s throw away for building sandcastles, playing in the turquoise waters and making lifelong memories. Adults will also enjoy visiting the spa, watching the evening entertainment and dining on mouthwatering dishes.

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Coral Beach Hotel & Resort, Cyprus

Relax in this 5-star beachfront resort on the coast of Cyprus, enjoying the sun-kissed shoreline of the spellbinding Coral Bay. The beauty of this hotel oozes from its traditional white-washed walls and lush gardens that encompass swimming pools, loungers and an array of outstanding facilities. Spend your day on the sports courts or melting away in the spa, sauna and steam rooms. Children will have the best time on the water slides, in the activity area and in the kids’ club.

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Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection, Portugal

An idyllic holiday to the most picturesque region of Portugal awaits. While away the hours by the sparkling swimming pools as a gentle breeze sways the palm trees around you. Pamper sessions promise serenity in the Soma Spa, or you can tee off on the nearby luxury golf course. Dine each night on a different cuisine, including Portuguese, Japanese, American and Greek, while the bars offer tantalising beverages whenever you want them.

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