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As autumn sets in across the UK, with darker nights and cooler temperatures, a beach escape to the Maldives might sound tempting.
With its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and year-round sunshine, it’s easy to see why the tropical paradise is on so many bucket lists – but a holiday there can come with a hefty price tag.
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to find turquoise seas and sandy shores. Across Europe, there are beautiful beach destinations where the weather is still warm in autumn and stays cost a fraction of the price.
From Albania’s pristine beaches to overwater bungalows in Crete, here are the European escapes offering a taste of the Maldives for less.
Ksamil, Albania
Ksamil, in Albania, has been frequently referred to as the 'Maldives of Europe'
Often dubbed the 'Maldives of Europe', Albania offers a beautiful getaway without the need to travel far or spend a lot of money.
Part of the increasingly popular Albanian Riviera, Ksamil offers clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches and mountain scenery with a slower pace than many Mediterranean resorts.
It is located within Butrint National Park and offers both nature and history, from eucalyptus-lined hiking trails to the ancient ruins of Butrint, where Greek, Roman and Venetian influences overlook the Ionian coast.
Weather forecasts show it is currently around 22C (72F) in Ksamil, so an autumn break there wouldn't be at all chilly.
Holidaymakers can book a partial sea view room at Hotel Olive Ksamil for just £617 per person in October, flying from London Gatwick.
The hotel is situated near Paradise Beach – a sandy spot where it would be easy to close your eyes and imagine you were in the Maldives.
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is a boat trip away from Suluada (pictured), dubbed the Maldives of Turkey
With crystal-clear waters and dreamy beaches, Turkey can feel like the Maldives too.
The Turkish resort city of Antalya is currently around 23C (73F), and offers good value as well as historical sites and spectacular coastal views.
Holidaymakers can book a boat tour from Antalya to Suluada, dubbed the Maldives of Turkey.
The rocky island has secluded coves, white sand and calm bays perfect for taking a dip.
Boat tours are available to book on Tripadvisor for £27 per person; the trip lasts between ten and 11 hours.
You can grab a week's stay in Antalya for a fraction of the price of the Maldives.
Numa Port Hotel offers ocean views, an infinity pool and beautifully decorated rooms for £503 per person for seven nights in October.
Crete, Greece
Crete has beautiful beaches and warm temperatures of around 20C in October
Like many destinations in the Maldives, Crete is a dreamy island with sandy beaches but is much more affordable than the tropical spot.
The Greek island is still forecast to have warm temperatures of around 20C (68F) at the moment too.
Aelius Hotel and Spa is a four-star establishment with modern rooms and a pool. It's only a 15-minute walk from the beach and offers a week stay in October for just £337 per person.
For those wanting to splash the cash a little more and really indulge in a Maldives-style escape, the adults-only Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa in Crete has overwater bungalows blending peace and quiet with stunning views.
The floating paradise offers options such as an overwater nest for two, with direct access to the lagoon pool, a three-sleeper bungalow with a hot tub and a smaller, simple bungalow.
Prices start from £394 a night for two guests, £197 each.
Kefalonia, Greece
Kefalonia is home to Myrtos Beach (pictured) which is covered in smooth white pebbles
Kefalonia offers a Maldives-style island escape with spectacular beaches, beautiful scenery and turquoise waters.
In October, the Greek destination sees highs of 21C (70F), so it's still warm enough to enjoy an autumnal getaway and Kefalonia Grand Hotel offers a week's stay for just £773 per person.
Myrtos Beach is widely known as being one of Greece's most-photographed beaches and its shore is covered in smooth white pebbles.
'Surrounded by tall marble cliffs and looking out onto the azure waters of the Myrtos Gulf, this stunning beach makes for a dramatically breathtaking sight,' says Tripadvisor.
Comporta, Portugal
Comporta, in Portugal, is a dreamy spot for a Maldives-style getaway
British Airways' High Life recommended Comporta as a place to find 'Maldivian magic in Europe', and it's easy to see why.
With more than 40 miles of white sand on Comporta beach, the area is a beautiful destination for an autumn getaway.
Adding to the tropical feel, Comporta's Sado Estuary Nature Reserve is home to greater flamingos, and October to March is the best time to see them.
At the time of writing, Comporta is a balmy 26C (79F) – perfect for escaping from the UK's cooler weather.
AlmaLusa Comporta is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the village; it offers a week's stay for £820 per person in October.
Malta
Golden Bay is one of Malta's many spectacular coastal spots
Malta is another spot often compared to the Maldives and is a budget-friendly option to the string of tropical islands.
It boasts several impressive beaches, including Golden Bay which lives up to its name with a long stretch of sand scattered with sunbeds and water sports activities.
Malta sees highs of 25C (77F) in October, so it should certainly feel tropical compared to the UK.
Be.Hotel, located in St. Julian's, offers a week's stay for £995 per person.
Croatia
Croatia is home to Kašjuni Beach, a pebble beach with breathtaking views
It might lack the overwater villas that the Maldives is famous for, but Croatia can certainly match the bucket list destination with its beaches and coastal views.
Croatia sees highs of 21C (70F) in October – warm enough to enjoy its shores.
Travel + Leisure named Mali Lošinj, set on the Croatian island of Lošinj, as a good Maldives alternative for its clear waters.
Elsewhere in Croatia, Kašjuni Beach, in Split, is a pebble beach often hailed for its clear and calm waters, breathtaking views and snorkelling opportunities.
Further along the Dalmatian coast, Hotel Plaza Duce offers an affordable £513 per person for seven nights in October.