Cheat code unlocked – resort-level destination dupes

Throwback to our first ever cheat code, destination dupes 😭 They were such a hack, we had to give them another go, but this time… we’re going resort level. Think same vibes as your favourite Spanish towns or go-to island spots, but way less people.

If you’re new to our cheat code series – welcome! They’re our money-saving hacks to get those holiday savings without the spreadsheets. We’ve already shown you how swapping Barcelona for Porto and Croatia for Montenegro etc. can save you some serious cash. So now, we’re going niche. Specifically, where you stay counts, too. By just booking a hotel in the town over from a more popular pick, you can still see all the sights but pay way less. Plus, you arguably get a more authentic experience because people overlook these places.

Read on for our best resort-level destination dupes…

Swap Taormina for Giardini Naxos

If you love the look of Taormina but not the crowds or hotel prices, Giardini Naxos is one of the best-value alternatives in Sicily. Just down the coast, it shares the same Ionian Sea views, dramatic Mount Etna backdrop and easy access to Taormina’s historic sights – but with a far more relaxed, beachy feel. Giardini Naxos is known for its long, pebbly bay, where lidos line the shore offering sunloungers, umbrellas and beachfront dining all day long. It’s ideal if you want a classic Italian beach holiday with the option to dip into Taormina’s headline attractions, like the ancient Greek Theatre or Corso Umberto, without staying in the thick of it. Evenings here are calmer and more local, spent wandering the promenade or settling into family-run restaurants for fresh seafood, pasta alla Norma and Sicilian wine. For travellers looking for a cheaper, less crowded alternative to Taormina, Giardini Naxos delivers the same scenery with a slower pace and better value.

Swap Montego Bay for Negril

Montego Bay might be Jamaica’s most famous resort, but Negril is often considered the island’s best alternative for a more laidback beach holiday. The star attraction is Seven Mile Beach, a long sweep of soft sand and calm, shallow water that’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling and watersports straight from the shore. Resorts here tend to be lower-rise and more spread out than in Montego Bay, giving Negril a more open, relaxed feel. Days revolve around beach time, boat trips and sunset swims, while evenings are all about reggae rhythms, rum cocktails and casual beachfront dining. You probably already know Rick’s Café is a must for its cliff diving and sunset views here. But even with that iconic spot to its name, if you’re searching for a quieter, more authentic alternative to Montego Bay, Negril is all about that same Caribbean warmth and beauty, just with fewer crowds and a slower pace.

Swap Marbella for Estepona or Torremolinos

Marbella may be the Costa del Sol’s most recognisable name, but Estepona and Torremolinos are two of the best alternatives if you want similar sunshine and beaches for less. Estepona is the more traditional option, known for its charming old town, flower-filled streets and relaxed Andalusian vibe. It combines well-kept beaches with a lively but low-key marina and amazing local dining, where tapas like espetos and fried fish are the stars. Torremolinos, meanwhile, is energetic and sociable, with a long beachfront promenade, modern beach clubs and easy access to Málaga’s cultural sights. It’s particularly popular with travellers who want nightlife, inclusivity and a buzzing resort scene without the Marbella prices. Both destinations deliver the same warm climate, Mediterranean coastline and resort facilities, making them cheaper, lesser-known alternatives to Marbella that still tick all the Costa del Sol boxes.