Cheap Islands to Visit: The Best Options Without Overspending

You don't need a large budget to enjoy an island getaway. In Spain, there are several destinations where ferry tickets are affordable, the cost of living is low and accommodation options suit every budget, without giving up the kind of beaches featured in travel magazines.

Here is a selection of the cheapest islands to visit, all connected by ferry, and how to reach each one at the best price.

The cheapest islands to visit

1. La Graciosa: the cheapest of them all

With only 700 inhabitants and hardly any cars, La Graciosa is probably the most affordable island in Spain for a one- or two-day getaway. The ferry from Órzola, in northern Lanzarote, takes just 25 minutes and usually costs between €16 and €30 return. Once there, everything can be explored on foot or by bicycle, reducing transport costs to zero.

Beaches such as Las Conchas or villages such as Caleta del Sebo are free to visit, and accommodation in local guesthouses is usually among the most affordable in the Canary Islands.

How to get there: first travel to Lanzarote and, from the Port of Órzola, take a local ferry to La Graciosa. With Kikoto Ferries, you can book your Órzola - Caleta de Sebo (La Graciosa) Ferry ticket.

2. Fuerteventura: endless beaches at a good price

Fuerteventura combines some of the longest beaches in Europe with a noticeably lower cost of living than other tourist islands, both for dining and accommodation outside the main hotel areas.

It can also be easily combined with Lanzarote thanks to the ferry between the two islands, one of the most affordable inter-island connections in the Canary Islands and perfect for those who want to see two destinations in the same trip without increasing their budget too much.

How to get there: with the Arrecife – Puerto del Rosario Ferry, the direct connection between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. You can book it from the Port of Arrecife with Kikoto Ferries and compare schedules and prices before your trip.

3. Formentera: an affordable Balearic Islands getaway

Contrary to what many people believe, Formentera can be one of the most affordable Balearic Islands if visited as a day trip or with simple accommodation outside the most exclusive areas. The key is the ferry: the crossing from Ibiza takes only 30 minutes, allowing you to visit without staying overnight and save on accommodation.

Beaches such as Ses Illetes, with turquoise waters comparable to the Caribbean, have no entrance fee, and getting around the island by bicycle is cheap and very common among visitors.

How to get there: You can travel to Formentera from mainland Spain by combining the available ferry routes to Ibiza or using direct connections when they are available depending on the season.

The most common options are:

• Dénia – Ibiza Ferry, followed by the Ibiza – Formentera ferry, a crossing of only 30 minutes with very frequent departures throughout the year.
• Barcelona – Ibiza Ferry - Formentera, with a connection via Ibiza.
• Valencia – Ibiza Ferry - Formentera, also with a connection via Ibiza.
• Dénia – Formentera Ferry, available as a direct route.

4. Gran Canaria: the most affordable island in the archipelago

According to several travel price analyses, Gran Canaria is usually the most affordable Canary Island overall: inexpensive public transport, a wide variety of accommodation and dining options for every budget.

It is also an excellent starting point for island hopping to other islands in the archipelago at a low cost, taking advantage of the maritime connections between Canary Island ports.

How to get there: You can travel to Gran Canaria by ferry from mainland Spain thanks to regular connections with the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The most common routes are:

• Cádiz – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Ferry
• Huelva – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Ferry

Once on the island, you can also use the inter-island connections to travel to other destinations in the archipelago.

5. Tips for travelling cheaply by ferry between islands

• Book as a foot passenger whenever possible: on short journeys between nearby islands (such as Ibiza-Formentera or Lanzarote-Fuerteventura), it is usually much cheaper than travelling with a car.
• Avoid July and August if your dates are flexible: spring and autumn offer lower fares and fewer crowds.
• Book in advance: ferry prices usually increase as the departure date approaches.
• Compare several ferry companies and schedules: on many routes, more than one company operates, and prices can vary considerably from one departure to another.

With Kikoto Ferries, you can compare routes, schedules and prices for all these connections and book your ticket at the best available price for your next low-cost getaway.