7 destinations for a 4-star summer holiday under £400pp

1. Agadir, Morocco

Beach resort in Morocco? Agadir is your answer. With an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, plus a sweeping stretch of fine golden sand, it’s the country's top spot for a summer seaside escape. Take one look at the variety of stylish four-star hotels lining the coast (think palm-fringed pools and sun terraces), and it will soon be your favourite spot, too.

Almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1960, Agadir has since undergone a modern renovation. Contemporary buildings, street cafés and shop-lined boulevards create a Mediterranean feel to the city, but you’ll still find its traditional heritage in the bustling souks and hammam spas.

When you’re not basking on the beach, rent a surfboard to catch some waves, check out the hilltop ruins of Agadir Oufella or take a day trip to the Souss-Massa National Park to spot wildlife among the wetlands and dunes.

2. Majorca, Balearic Islands

Majorca is a package holiday mecca and whether you’re searching for an all-inclusive resort or self-catering stay this summer, you’ll find a four-star hotel to suit.

Some of the best deals can be found in the southern resorts of Santa Ponsa, Palma Nova and in the capital city, Palma. Spend lazy days lounging on sun-bleached beaches before choosing which tapas or cocktail menu tickles your fancy at one of the waterfront restaurants and bars. Come sundown, follow the party tunes to Magaluf if you’re game for a late-night boogie.

For the type of turquoise coves and picturesque fishing harbours that make your Instagram feed, you’ll want to head to the island’s east coast. Cala Figuera, Cala d'Or and Cala Ratjada are your quieter resorts brimming with rustic Spanish charm, while Cala Millor’s mile-long activity-filled beach is favoured by the family crowds.

3. Dalaman Area, Turkey

Awash with pine-clad hills, crystal clear sea and summer temperatures topping 30C, the hardest part of your Dalaman holiday is deciding where to stay.

Dalaman itself is a hub of restaurants serving up delicious Turkish staples like lamb koftas, meze and fresh seafood, and you can’t beat Kayacik Beach for sunsets.

Marmaris has the biggest array of hotels and a list of activities to match – from splash-filled days out at Atlantis Water Park to mountain hiking – while ancient rock tombs, mud baths and turtles await in Dalyan.

Go east to seek out Dalaman’s laidback side. Try Fethiye for top-notch spas, local markets and tranquil boat trips to the surrounding islets; next door, you’ll find one of Turkey’s – and Europe’s – best beaches in Olu Deniz. Hint: It’s a lagoon, and it’s brilliantly blue.

4. Corfu, Greece

For a taste of Greek life this summer, Corfu comes out top. Whether you plan to cram your days with adventures to old towns and waterparks or prefer the pace of leisurely exploring pretty coves, there’s not much this Greek island can’t deliver.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fantastic four-star deals, too. Kavos, Sidari and Kassiopi all made our line-up of the cheapest holiday resorts in Greece this summer. Low prices don’t mean they skimp on the good stuff though – you can expect superb sandy stretches and entertainment options to match any vibe. Choose Kavos for raving nightlife, Sidari for family fun and Kassiopi for laidback R&R.

You’ll find further bargains in the popular resorts of Agios Georgios North and Dassia. The former is a jack-of-all-trades with a sweeping crescent beach, excellent seafood restaurants and lush cypress forests all on hand to fill your holiday itinerary, while the latter is your best bet for combining boho hotels and Blue Flag beaches with a culture-hit in Corfu Town.

5. Costa del Sol, Spain

Fuengirola is frequently one of the cheapest resorts for a summer holiday on this stretch of Spanish coastline and a top pick for families. Its 8km-long (4.9 miles) beach is a frenzy of watersports and cafés but the sea is relatively calm and is watched over by lifeguards.

Benalmádena and Torremolinos are equally popular resort towns thanks to their soft, toffee-coloured beaches and fun-filled attractions. Little ones will love learning about marine life at Sea Life Benalmádena, big kids can hit the water slides at Aqualand Torremolinos and culture-cravers can admire the decadent Casa de los Navajas palace.

To combine sunbathing and sightseeing, make a beeline for Malaga. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, a visit to Museo Picasso is a must, as is a trip to the medieval Alcazaba fortress.

If your summer holiday vibe is more stylish beach clubs, sangria sundowners and boutique shopping, then it’s got to be Marbella.

6. Malta

Summer holidays can be whatever you want them to be in Malta. Seeking time out on the sand? Head to Gozo for Blue Flag beaches. All about food? Valletta has Michelin star restaurants. Activity addict? You won’t forget a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon anytime soon.

Whichever type of getaway you’re after, you can enjoy it without a price tag in one of the four-star hotels that scatter Malta’s coastline.

Mellieħa is a great choice for families with kids in tow. You’ve got two of Malta’s best beaches nearby, Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay, plus Popeye Village – a quirky theme park that had a former life as a film set in the 1980s.

Stay in St Paul’s Bay on Malta or Mġarr on Gozo and you can watch boats bob in the harbour as you sip your morning coffee, or choose a hotel in the UNESCO-listed capital to have incredible 16th-century architecture on your doorstep.

7. Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote is known for its year-round warm weather, but a summer holiday here just hits different – there are ten hours of glorious sunshine a day, the sea temperature averages an inviting 22C and the buzz of busy restaurants and bars creates a jovial atmosphere.

The summer months have a handful of festivals and concerts, too. Join the parades in honour of the Saint Carmen in the Nuestra Señora del Carmen festival that takes place throughout Lanzarote’s towns from 16 July onwards, or time your visit with the end of the Fiesta de San Gines to catch the dazzling firework display over Arrecife's beach. For one weekend in June (13-14) and July (25-26), the Lava Live music festival brings non-stop tunes to the island.

Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen are two of Lanzarote’s most popular resorts, and you’ll find all the holiday essentials (ice cream stalls, watersports rentals and souvenir shops), plus some great-value package holiday deals, in both.