These are the 3 cheapest beach outings in Europe this summer

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Money talks, and we’re about to prove it.

Some travelers are like moths to a flame – or in my house, moths to a light bulb – following the same well-worn path to the Greek Islands, the French Riviera or anywhere else in Spain that sounds sexy to say out loud.

But today, with some help from local experts at BBC Travel, we’re shifting gears and spotlighting beach destinations that deliver the goods without denting your bank account.

Yes, they may require longer flights, but all three are among the trendiest seaside destinations in Europe right now.

Without further ado, here are three European beach holidays that we think offer unbeatable values.

Latvia: Europe’s biggest beach surprise

When you think of Latvia, the last thing you think of is a beach.

The image that appears in your mind’s eye probably depicts old-fashioned streets and fresh Baltic air, but we’re here to tell you that it’s a full-fledged beach holiday in the summer.

With the pleasure of visiting one of the warmest cities in Europe last winter (no, not in terms of temperature), the capital known as the “Paris of the East” was far from sun and sand, but immediately became one of my favorite European trips.

That’s right: if you’re a travel nerd like the Travel Off Path team, you know what we’re talking about in Riga.

But Riga is not a one-trick pony, despite being home to Europe’s largest market, which is always a pleasure to wander around.

It’s perfect to take a day trip to nearby Jūrmala, which is easily accessible by train. It is one of the best-known names on the Baltic coast, with Latvia having a total of more than 300 miles (480 kilometers) of scenic coastline.

Jūrmala is the crown jewel, a beautiful seaside resort where a long ribbon of pale quartz sand, wooden villas, spa hotels and the calm waters of the Gulf of Riga make Latvia seem a lot more like a summer beach holiday than most travelers would ever expect.

The official tourist site describes Jūrmala beach as approximately 24-25.6 kilometers long, with fine white quartz sand and plenty of room to spread out.

According to our own Travel Dashboard data, here’s what you can expect from a beach trip to Latvia:

• Hotel (per night): $100 – $180
• Dinner for two: $45-$80
• Beer: $3 – $5
• Coffee: $3 – $5
• Taxi/Uber (10 min): $6 – $10

Not too shabby, eh?

For what it’s worth, travelers score Latvia’s safety at 82/100 on our safety index:

Montenegro: cash in your PTO before the EU era begins

Not all of Europe is Europe, if you know what I mean.

There is a difference between the continent and the official European Union.

What has kept Montenegro under the radar is just that: it’s still outside the EU club, giving travelers an Adriatic landscape without the crowds or Croatia-level prices.

But in the coming years, this Mediterranean gem is expected to do just that become a membermaking it one of Europe’s next big booms if everything stays on track.

Political ping-pong aside, as the BBC reports: it’s one of the best bang for your buck this summer.

Whether it concerns the fjord-like beauty of Kotor, the beach bustle of Baror the marina-lined luxury of Tivat, your accountant will breathe a sigh of relief after choosing Montenegro as your holiday destination.

According to the BBC, here’s a Jim Halpert-style overview of expected costs in Montenegro:

• Central 4-star room: $117 – $164 per night
• Dinner for two at a casual restaurant: $46 – $70
• Regional bus: $2.93
• Museum admission: $5 – $11
• Coffee and pastries: $3.50 – $6

While you’re crunching the numbers to make sure Montenegro is suitable, you might as well check the latest travel warnings and entry requirements before your trip.

Travelers score Montenegro’s safety level at 83/100, slightly better than Latvia:

Albania: the best value for money in the Med

We are not saying that Greece is absolutely old news; we say there is much more to discover throughout the Mediterranean.

Albania has been on the rise on travelers’ radars for years and has somehow not been ruined by tourist prices, which is a huge sticking point for me as I currently sip my small $6.53 coffee in Costa Rica.

Scandalous, right?

Whether it is the “Maldives” of the Mediterranean, Ksamil, the laid-back beaches of Himarë, or the turquoise bays of Dhërmi, there’s no shortage of picture-postcard coastline to plop down on and enjoy some of Europe’s most unspoilt landscapes.

I will say from personal experience: I would avoid Durrësand at the same time the capital Tirana is very underrated, especially if you are a foodie like me.

Think of it as a mini Athens without crowds.

According to BBC, here is a detailed breakdown of prices for Albania:

• Central 4-star room: $70 – $129 per night
• Dinner for two at a smart-casual restaurant: ranging from €29 – €47
• Public transportation ticket: $1.17
• Museum admission: $5 – $11
• Coffee and pastries: $1.76 – $3.52 (take that, Costa Rica!)

Travelers score Albania’s safety level at 84/100, making it both the safest and most affordable of this trio:

Take this quiz now to find your perfect match!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego, has visited 44 countries and written more than 1,500 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.