Top 10 International Beach Destinations That Aren’t in Europe

If you feel priced out of Europe’s beach destinations, don’t worry. We have the top 10 international beach destinations that aren’t the Amalfi Coast or Santorini, but just as wonderful.

European coastal areas have become expensive for spontaneous getaways, with average holiday prices increasing by over 10% in 2025. European beach destinations are often pricier due to a combination of factors including high demand, limited space, and the perception of luxury associated with certain coastal areas—from the South of France to the Balearic Islands.

Many popular beaches in Europe are privately owned or require fees for access via upmarket beach clubs, contributing to the overall cost. Additionally, the seasonality of tourism in these areas leads to price increases during peak periods. Think of places like St. Tropez, when the billionaire yacht set decides to dock. And the Euro has a slight edge on the American dollar at the moment.

A new study by the influencer platform Heepsy analyzed beach destinations worldwide to identify where travelers can find the best value alternatives to Europe’s popular coastlines.

The research evaluated destinations based on beach infrastructure, accommodation availability, weather conditions, pricing, and safety standards. Each destination received a travel rating from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better overall value for beach travelers seeking alternatives to European destinations.

Here are the Top 10:

Mexico ranks first as the most affordable coastal destination outside Europe. The country offers a total of 80 beaches supported by excellent tourism infrastructure. Visitors enjoy comfortable temperatures of 21°C, while the country’s nearly 30K hotels offer good ratings averaging 8.79 stars, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous beach getaways. Shop top beach hotels in Mexico here.

Brazil takes the second spot, offering 38 beautiful beaches complemented by the largest hotel network among all destinations. The country features nearly 98K accommodation options. Brazilian hotels average a solid 8.45-star ratings. Travelers experience warm temperatures at around 25°C, perfect for beach activities throughout the year. Shop deals on Brazilian beach hotels here.

South Africa secures third place as the top African alternative to European coastal options. The country has 47 beaches and an extensive hotel infrastructure. Tourists in South Africa rate the local accommodations with an average of 8.74 stars. Mild temperatures of 18°C create pleasant conditions while South Africa also offers well-developed beach infrastructure, including marinas. Shop for deals on South Africa beach hotels here.

India ranks fourth with its budget value for beach travelers. The subcontinent offers 13 coastal destinations with the most affordable accommodation rates. Tourists in India will have diverse accommodation options from 64K hotels. The average accommodation here is rated at 8.13 stars. The country shows tropical warmth with 25°C temperatures. India also ensures safe conditions for travelers. Check out the top 10 beach hotels in India for this year.

The UAE captures fifth position as the best Middle Eastern option in the rankings. The Emirates has 41 beaches and offers the safest environment for tourists. The year-round temperature in the UAE stands at 28°C. The country registers 14K hotels with good 8.37-star ratings. Top hotels are here.

Morocco holds sixth place as the second African alternative to Europe. Visitors here can explore 29 beaches and over 22K hotels offering an 8.87-star average rating. Traveler-friendly temperatures of 18°C suit beach time across different seasons. The country provides safe travel conditions and features modern marinas for boat enthusiasts. Browse the top resorts in Morocco here.

Colombia takes seventh position with 8 beaches and the lowest accommodation rates. The country operates 22K hotels that post solid 8.62-star ratings. Visitors in Colombia will be welcomed with perfect tropical conditions at 25°C. This allows for beach activities all year round. Some good choices are here.

The Dominican Republic ranks eighth as the Caribbean alternative to Mediterranean tourist hotspots. The island nation has 26 beaches with over 4K accommodation options that offer good 8.4-star ratings. The island’s consistently warm weather at 25°C creates perfect conditions for beach relaxation. Top resorts are here.

Jordan secures ninth place, offering 10 coastal destinations with budget-friendly accommodation. The Middle Eastern country provides around 2.5K hotels for tourists with an average 9.02-star ratings. This makes the local hotel infrastructure both the cheapest and the most highly rated at the same time. Visitors in Jordan will experience pleasant temperatures of 20°C and decent safety standards. Here are the 10 best beach hotels in Jordan.

Argentina completes the top 10, competing with Brazil as another South American option in the list. The nation offers 10 beaches and nearly 30K hotels featuring excellent 8.93-star ratings. Argentina’s cool but comfortable conditions at 16°C provide perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Check out fully-refundable, affordable Argentina beach resorts.

“Tourists have many alternatives to Europe, and if they’re booking late and looking for budget options, these study findings offer great choices,” says Tabi Vicuña, Founder of Heepsy. “The diverse destinations that made our list span across continents and price ranges, offering everything from ultra-affordable accommodation to excellent beaches and ideal temperatures. This shows that travelers can find quality beach experiences worldwide without paying European premium prices.”

Access the complete research findings here. Email us if you know of a secret beach resort that should be on our gaydar.