Want to make the most of the May Bank holidays and fit in a beach holiday or exciting break? We've cherry-picked 8 cheap hotels perfect for bank holiday getaways  - what better excuse for a short haul stint in the sun? 

MALTA

A hidden gem in the Mediterranean, Malta holidays boast rugged coastlines, hidden coves, thrilling scuba diving, pristine bays that hide gin-clear water and blonde beaches. The traditional Maltese charm is palpable in its capital Valletta or the sister islands of Gozo and Comino, which is a welcoming contrast from the modern, cosmopolitan vibe of Sliema
and Bugibba.

Where to Stay: The Baystreet Hotel enjoys a central location with amazing views across St George’s Bay, Malta and the sea. Or how about the affordable 4-star Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa at just £228*pp, in a tranquil setting in Mellieha resort?

CROATIA

With hundreds of picturesque islands, amazing beaches, breathtaking natural beauty, atmospheric cities and scintillating nightlife, Croatia has something for everyone. Outdoor clubs, music festivals and beach parties are the vibe of lively resorts like Hvar, Dubrovnik and Split, while Korcula and Mljet have a laid-back ambience. If you love watersports, hit the resorts along the Dalmatian coastline.

Where to Stay: You can stay at Vranjica Belvedere Apartments for just £172*pp - it's close to the beach in Seget Vranjica and offers great-value self-serviced apartments. If you want a romantic getaways, couples can check in at the 3-star Hotel Splendid in Dubrovnik, that comes with its very own private sand-and-pebble beach.

SPAIN

Image: Sun Palace Albir

Spain is a firm favourite thanks to its amazing all-round resorts and hotels, coupled with short flight times from the UK and sunny climes. There are so many holidays in Spain to choose from, any group will be happy. While Barcelona and Madrid are the perfect choices for short haul city breaks, the Spanish Costas are all about golden sands, jugs of Sangria and spectacular famimly-friendly entertainment!

Where to Stay: If you want to stay near the beach, Sun Palace Albir in Costa Blanca and H-Top Molinos Park Hotel (£168*pp) in Costa Dorada are great options. The boutique hotel Bremon in Barcelona charms with its warm ambience and central location.

TURKEY

Image: Bodrum Beach Resort

Crystal-clear seas, golden beaches, fascinating sights and exhilarating watersports – Turkey is an action-packed destination whether you’re travelling with family or friends. The sun-kissed coastline of Antalya or Dalaman are the ideal spots to top up the tan, but if you want a taste of Turkish culture, extraordinary sights and amazing nightlife, Istanbul is a must-visit.

Where to Stay: Bodrum Beach Resort is an excellent beachfront hotel at the superb price of £173*pp and the 4-star Drita hotel in Antalya is also a great spot close to the Mediterranean shore. If you’re travelling with kids in tow, Kervansaray Marmaris is a good-value option that offers all-inclusive accommodations.

GREECE

Image: Elounda Water Park Residence Hotel

Palm-fringed beaches, aquamarine coastlines, whitewashed towns and romantic sunsets – that’s Greece for you! From the cultural capital of Athens and the tranquillity of Ithaca, Santorini and Skiathos, to unspoilt sandy beaches on mainland Halkidiki and party islands of Rhodes and Crete, Greece has something special for every sun-seeker.

Where to Stay: If you're a nature lover, the Elounda Water Park Residence Hotel located in Crete is surrounded by beautiful farmlands. City lovers can head to lively Aelia Resort in the heart of Rhodes and beach bums can flock to the pretty Gelina Village hotel (£204*pp) by the shore in Corfu – take your pick!

PORTUGAL

Image: Auramar Beach Resort

An ideal sun-soaked destination for bank holiday getaways, Portugal boasts spectacular beaches, vibrant cities and fantastic family-friendly resorts. While the Algarve is famous for its sweeping golden beaches backed by captivating burnt-orange cliffs, Porto and Lisbon are packed with amazing sights, cosmopolitan neighbourhoods and irresistible nightlife. Nature lovers must visit Madeira for its beautiful coastline and colourful flora.

Where to Stay: Located on the edge of Praia dos Aveiros, Auramar Beach Resort is a pocket-friendly 3-star hotel at just £150*pp, with views that overlook the glittering sea. If you want to stay near the action, Amazónia Lisboa is located in the heart of Lisbon for fun in the city sun.

COSTA BRAVA

Image: Aqua Hotel

The Spanish Costas are a hot spot for holidaymakers looking for cheap, short haul bank holiday getaways. Costa Brava serves up unspoiled beaches, charming seaside towns and spectacular scenery – offers the best of both worlds. Discover fabulous beach resorts of Lloret de Mar, Calella and Santa Susanna, or soak in Spanish culture and nightlife in the nearby Barcelona – whatever you’re in mood for.

Where to Stay: Located on the seafront promenade of Santa Susanna, Aqua Hotel Aquamarina is great option for families and couples. If you’re seeking an affordable beach holiday with 3-star luxuries, go for Aqua Hotel Bertran Park  in Lloret de Mar at just £145*pp.

BULGARIA

Sitting pretty on the Black Sea coast, Bulgaria is fast becoming a European holiday bestseller, thanks to its fantastic Blue Flag beaches, sparkling blue waters, whacky watersports, luxury hotels, stylish waterfront restaurants, and lively nightlife. Lounge on the golden sands at iconic Sunny Beach, or explore the urban hearts of the coast’s two big resorts, Varna and Bourgas.

Where to Stay: Party lovers can stay in the midst of the action at the resort's famous Sunny Beach, where you can choose from Hotel Ivana Palace or Hotel Aquamarine – both within walking distance from the beach.