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We are conditioned to think that each A European getaway, let alone a fun beach holiday, is bound to dry up savings – have you seen the movie-like views people post all over social media? Those don’t seem like budget-friendly places.
But what if I told you there’s a very real way to get the summer you’ve been dreaming of for less than what you’d pay even in some places in the US?
That’s right, if you’re trying to plan the ultimate European vacation this season but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, I’ve got just the place for you: the Balkans.
The beautiful but so often overlooked region happens to be home to some of the most incredible beaches in Europe, and luckily for those of you looking for all the insider tips out there, I’ve been to almost all of them.
So today I’m going through the 5 most amazing Balkan countries I’ve vacationed in on a budget, and what makes each of them a worthy addition to your bucket list.
Albania
When it comes to value for money, few destinations are complete with Albania – which is why travelers are flocking to the country like never before.
Although this Balkan gem has a lot to offer travelers all year round, summer here is especially lively as just about everyone wants to get a taste of the incredible Riviera, especially the beaches along the Ionian Sea.
Saranda, Ksamil, Dhërmi, Himara and so many smaller but equally beautiful hubs welcome travelers with breathtaking views and prices that are hard to find elsewhere.
A typical budget for a solo traveler here would look something like this:
- Accommodation: $40 – $70 per night
- Budget-friendly meal: $5
- Restaurant meal: $12 – $20
- 1 mile cab ride: $5
- Average entrance fee to popular attractions: $5 – $10
Greece
If you’re looking for surreal views and incredible variety, Greece is not the best.
Between Zakynthos, Lefkada, Crete, Mykonos and even Chalkidiki, the country is home to what I consider to be some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and as long as you book your trip a little in advance and research where you are going to eat/if you go in advance, you can probably get by on less than $100 a day.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for certain traveler requirements:
- Lodging: $60 – $100 per night
- Budget-friendly meal: $8
- Restaurant meal: $15 – $25
- 1 mile cab ride: $6
- Average entrance fee to popular attractions: $15 – $20
Turkey
Turkey’s 5,000 miles of coastline are filled with beaches to suit just about any traveler – from secluded coves accessible only to the most experienced hikers to long sandy beaches lined with restaurants and beach bars.
However, my experience is that you get the best value for money here if you book an all-inclusive resort.
Places in popular summer centers like Antalya or Bodrum typically charge between €200 and €450 per night for their ultra all-inclusive packages – these include unlimited food and drinks, access to pools, saunas, jacuzzis and private beaches, as well as organized entertainment.
However, looking at the entire country, this is what you can expect to pay:
- Lodging: $30 – $200 per night
- Budget-friendly meal: $8
- Restaurant meal: $25-$30
- 1 mile cab ride: $1.5
- Average entrance fee to popular attractions: $25 – $40
Croatia
Croatia’s beautiful Adriatic coast needs no introduction by now – given the enormous popularity it has gained in recent years, it’s safe to assume everyone has heard of Dubrovnik and Split by now.
But so much publicity brings conflicting information, so which beaches are actually worth a visit and how much can you expect to spend during your stay here?
My top recommendation would be to explore the Makarska Riviera, Primosten, Rab Island and Vis, and in terms of costs:
- Lodging: $70 – $200 per night
- Budget-friendly meal: $10
- Restaurant meal: $20 – $25
- 1 mile cab ride: $2
- Average entrance fee to popular attractions: $15 – $30
Montenegro
Last but certainly not least we have Montenegro.
There are plenty of unmissable beach destinations dotted around the small Balkan hub, although I’d normally recommend Budva, Kotor, Ulcinj and my favorite hidden gem, Herceg Novi.
And let’s not forget the low prices:
- Lodging: $45 – $80 per night
- Budget-friendly meal: $10
- Restaurant meal: $15 – $20
- 1 mile cab ride: $2
- Average entrance fee to popular attractions: $5 – $15
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
