Island travel is high on the list for many travelers—and for good reason.
Whether looking to explore tropical beaches, hike through picturesque forests, or explore the heritage of a unique culture, islands tend to pack a punch.
Unfortunately, they’re usually pricy compared to nearer destinations. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable islands that will deliver a fantastic trip.
In my first series on affordable islands that feel ultra-lux, I covered Koh Phi Phi (Thailand), Zanzibar (Tanzania), and the Isle of Skye (UK).
This time around, I’m heading back to some of the coolest islands in Asia and Europe.
Want to feel fabulous while traipsing around an island without bleeding your wallet dry? I’ve got three more affordable islands for you to check out.
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan has been on my list for years.
This stunning archipelago looks like it’s straight out of James Cameron’s Avatar.
Dark, jagged rock makes up most of the islands, topped with lush greenery. The waters are bright cerulean and shallow, hugging the rocky beaches.
To be fair, this is your trade-off: an untouched tropical landscape that you won’t find elsewhere for larger and more expansive beaches. Though there are beaches throughout the Palawan archipelago, they’re pretty small.
One of the best ways to explore Palawan is by taking an island-hopping tour. Or if you want to sink in and enjoy the absolute lushness, you can stay at a resort or a hotel. Some cost as little as $30 a night.
Shop around for hotels and resorts in Palawan. I recommend staying on El Nido Island—it’s central and will make your island-hopping goals much easier.
Havelock, India
Havelock is the main island of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
If you’ve read my work on this region before, you know that it’s one of the last truly unspoiled corners of our planet. The beaches are expansive and untouched, surrounded by mangroves, jungles, and volcanic mud pits.
If you’re looking for remote and affordable island trips, start here.
Similar to the Philippines, you might need to work a little harder to find a deal on flights. That being said, you’ll pay almost nothing to stay on Havelock and enjoy its long list of amenities and activities.
On Havelock, you can find dozens of unique outdoor activities, from jungle treks to glass-bottomed boat trips. Even camping options are available for outdoorsy types.
Like Palawan, you can island-hop around the Andaman Islands very easily, packaging many trips into one.
Shop around for hotels and resorts on Havelock—some lux options are under $100/night. I recommend staying on Havelock Island and then taking tours to explore other hotspots like North Andaman, Neil Island, Ross Island, and Diglipur Island.
Sicily, Italy
Sicily is one of the most intriguing places I’ve ever been.
To be brutally honest, I wasn’t impressed by Palermo or Catania. (I ate too much horse.) I also found the countryside to be desolate, if not depressing.
That being said, its beaches are absolutely breathtaking.
The water has that unique Mediterranean color that you won’t see elsewhere, while its rocky shores and cliffs are straight from Hollywood glam magazines.
There are sandy beaches (spiagge), rock-pebble beaches (falesia), beaches lined with cabanas and loungers (lido), coves (rada), and small islands (isolas).
In other words: you’ll have options on where to lounge. I recommend heading to Syracuse (Siracusa) on the island’s southern shores.
It’s close to a tiny island called Ortygia that has tons of ancient ruins and dozens of spectacular beaches nearby. I’ve been there twice—and will probably go again.
Check out options across Sicily or nearby Syracuse.
