Is your budget getting tight, but travel is the last thing you want to give up? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But luckily for you, we have a solution. In fact, we have a few.
We did some research and put together a list of the 6 cheapest beach destinations in Europe for summer 2024 where you can holiday like a king. There they are.
Alanya, Turkey
Thousands of holidaymakers travel to Turkey every year. However, it has a very long coastline, so when it comes to choosing the right destination for you, it can be quite tricky. For us, Alanya is number one, and here are a few reasons why.
First and foremost, it has beautiful golden sandy beaches and crystal clear water, which always invites you to take a refreshing dip or a small snorkeling trip. You can also take a boat trip and explore the coast. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins.
On the other hand, Alanya turns into a bustling coastal town at night with plenty of authentic restaurants, bars, clubs and film locations to make memories.
As you can see, Alanya is suitable for people of all ages and interests. Holidays there are also excellent value for money. Every traveler can enjoy it without compromising on quality and experiences.
- The average price for a hotel room: between $40 and $95
- A meal in a cheap restaurant: $8
- A beer in a bar: $4
Sunny beach, Bulgaria
If you don’t like the Mediterranean, Sunny Beach is a fantastic option. As the name suggests, it is known for its beautiful coastline, vibrant nightlife and range of family-friendly attractions, making it one of the most popular (and budget-friendly) destinations in Europe.
- The average price for a hotel room: between $50 and $95
- A meal in a cheap restaurant: $8
- A beer in a bar: $2 (and it won’t be just any bottle, but a full pint)
Like any holiday resort, it also offers plenty of water sports and other fun activities. You can participate in jet skiing, parasailing, banana riding, windsurfing and paddle boarding. Do you like to be active, but prefer to stay on the ground? How about getting your hands on some beach volleyball, beach football or mini golf?
Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera, often referred to as the European Bali, has received a lot of attention in recent years. Not only does it boast beautiful beaches and clear, turquoise waters, but its coastline is also dotted with excellent resorts, seafood restaurants and cultural attractions. You can also take a day trip to Corfu, which is only a half-hour ferry ride from the town of Saranda.
All this for a fraction of the price compared to popular Mediterranean destinations.
- The average price for a hotel room: between $40 and $90
- A meal in a cheap restaurant: $10
- A beer in a bar: $3
Moreover, the beaches are not yet full of tourists. So hurry and book your trip before others discover this hidden gem of the Mediterranean, the Albanian Riviera.
Algarve, Portugal
Compared to its neighbor, a holiday in the Algarve maybe cheaper even in high season.
- The average price for a hotel room: between $60 and $100, but it kinda depends on the exact location here
- A meal in a cheap restaurant: $14
- A beer in a bar: $3
And it certainly has a lot to offer. It boasts incredible beaches and around 300 days of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest places in Europe. It is also home to untouched nature and cute fishing villages full of unique charm and history.
The coastline is quite long, so what are the spots you should definitely not miss? Visit Praia da Falésia for its breathtaking cliffs, explore Benagil Cave, birdwatch in Ria Formosa or try some excellent wines in the local vineyards. The options are endless.
Algarve is also popular for surfing. Whatever your skill level, there are plenty of locations to choose from for all levels.
Budva, Montenegro
Budva is another option for those who want to spend their holidays in Europe without spending a lot of money. Travelers going there for the beaches and nightlife is nothing new. But there is still much, much more to do.
Enjoy the medieval atmosphere of Budva’s old town, take a walk on the beautiful boulevard or go for a walking or cycling tour. A must visit, right next door, is Sveti Stefan Island and spend a day on the beach there.
Oh, and did you know that Budva is also called the Miami of Montenegro? Come and see why, this is how much you need.
- The average price for a hotel room: between $50 and $100
- A meal in a cheap restaurant: $12
- A beer in a bar: $3
Crete, Greece
Greece is made up of dozens of idyllic islands, perfect for summer escapes to the beach. And because you are the greatest, Crete is one of the most sought after destinations there. Besides being on the cheaper side, there are several reasons why you might want to go there this year.
First of all, they are the fascinating remains of ancient civilizations. The archaeological ruins, such as the Palace of Knossos or Gortyna, are worth a visit even if you are not a history buff.
There is also beautiful natural scenery, ideal for walks, and many traditional mountain villages where you can experience the relaxed Cretan way of life.
Last but not least, the coastline is beautiful and suitable for everyone: you will find busy beaches and cozy bays. And the accommodation? There are hundreds of hotels and resorts to choose from.
- The average price for a hotel room: between $60 and $120
- A meal in a cheap restaurant: $17
- A beer in a bar: $5
