The Best Summer Hostels

What’s top of your summer holiday list? Somewhere with a pool? Somewhere close to the beach? Or somewhere with sea view where you can enjoy a drink at sunset? Well, if you want all this without leaving a hole in your pocket, take a look at some of these places which promise budget fun in the sun.

And the best bit? Most of these properties are offering 20, 30 or 40% their normal rates in HostelBookers Summer Sale! So go on, you deserve it.

Málaga

Nothing beats heaving portions of fresh seafood on a summer holiday and Málaga tapas bars, restaurants and the nearby fishing villages of El Palo and Pedregalejo will leave you mouth watering. There are some sensual gardens within the 11^th century Alcazaba fortress and views across to the Mediterranean. To escape the midday heat, take refuge in the Picasso Museum or window shop along the marble paved Marqués de Larios. La Cohiba is a laid back beach bar playing Cuban tunes while the terrace at Café Negro is the place to be seen. Out of town, the Jardin Botánico Histórico La Concepción combines the opulent taste of a local aristocrat with verdant rainforest wilderness. If you like beach coves try Playa Palo next to El Candado marina. Further afield, the dark sand at Playa Benajarafe in Velez Malaga is considered one of the best beaches in the area.

Oasis Backpackers Hostel Málaga

Sunbathe or hangout with fellow guests on the roof terrace complete with summer bar at the Oasis Backpackers Hostel Málaga. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and the dorms have sturdy wooden bunks for a comfortable sleep. They offer a free city tour, free breakfast and a welcome drink. Decor is bright with nice plants and flowers bringing a touch of the outdoors in. Now with 30% off 10-bed dorm rooms in HostelBookers Summer Sale.

MARRAKECH

It’s certainly hot but Marrakech has turned the humble oasis into something of an art form. Your riad will no doubt have a spectacular roof terrace, or candlelit courtyard where you can spend balmy evening sipping cooling mint tea. The seductive restaurants trickle with water features and the verdant Majorelle Gardens with design touches by Yves Saint Laurent offer respite from the oppressive summer heat. Many of the souks are covered in canopies providing shaded shopping and haggling opportunities and visitors can feel the wind in their hair on an escorted quad bike ride through the desert taking in Berber villages en route.

Kasbah Le Mirage

Four kilometres outside on Marrakesh, in the leafy Palmeraie neighbourhood, Kasbah Le Mirage and Spa is a summer retreat. Complete with hammam, an exfoliation room and massage, guests looking for the ultimate summer escape are guaranteed relaxation. Spend idle days by the swimming pool and enjoy cocktails under the umbrellas at the poolside bar taking views of the Atlas Mountains. Why not try your hand at French boules, climbing tennis or archery? All private and family rooms are air-conditioned. Now with 40% off double and twin rooms in HostelBookers Summer Sale.

Riad Amira Victoria

For traditional Moroccan hospitality, Riad Amira Victoria offer authentic cuisine with a free breakfast served in their colourful courtyard as well as tasty homemade dishes for lunch or dinner for an additional cost. The ornate rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, bath robes and en suite facilities including a tadelakt shower – glorious for cooling off after a day in the city. Ask staff about hot-air balloon rides or excursions to the Atlas Mountains. Now with 20-40% off rooms in HostelBookers Summer Sale.

SANTORINI

Drink in the glorious sunsets and wonder at ancient civilisations gone by, Santorini is a place of breathtaking beauty and an idyllic summer retreat. And of course, a glass of local white Assurtiko wine in hand makes it all the more glorious from the terrace of a Greek taverna. You can still get your cultural injection at the Art Space near Exogonia and the archaeological museum in Fira makes a pleasant morning. Arrive by slow ferry to make the most of the boat ride.

Caveland

Ideally located for exploring the island, Caveland offers cooling air-conditioned shared and private rooms carved straight out of the rock. Although it is 1 mile from the coast, staff offer a transfer to and from the best black-sand beach and the vista from the terrace is magnificent. Here you will be staying in traditional and charming accommodation compared to the high-rise blocks beside the beach, but they organise bar crawls and trips in to town as well as a ride home at the end of the night. There is a swimming pool, yoga classes and a tennis court nearby. Now with 20% off dorms rooms in HostelBookers Summer Sale.