12 Cheap Beach Getaways in Europe That’ll Make You Wonder Why You Ever Paid More
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Are you looking for cheap beach getaways in Europe? If so, you’re spoilt for choice. Europe is home to countless destinations that offer sun, sea, and sand. While Europe is generally considered an expensive place to travel, there are still plenty of places we can explore without a large budget.
Europe has it all, from picturesque islands in Greece and lively beach resorts to hidden-gem beach destinations and stunning white-sand beaches. Therefore, deciding where to travel can be time-consuming and challenging. Luckily, we’re here to help.
To create this list, we reviewed a mix of traveler reviews, expert recommendations, and data on affordability, so that each destination offers great value without compromising on beauty or experience. These destinations were chosen for their affordability, accessibility, and undeniable charm. Below, you’ll find a list of 12 affordable European beach vacation destinations.
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Santander, Spain
One of my favorite inexpensive European beach getaway destinations is Santander in Northern Spain. This gorgeous coastal city offers travelers several pristine golden sand beaches, sunny skies, and authentic Spanish charm. When you’re not soaking up the sun on the beach, explore the coast and tuck into Spanish cuisine.
Santander’s average daily travel cost is only $150. This is much less than the average daily travel cost in famous beach destinations like Mykonos, Greece, which is $296.
Must-visit locations in Santander include Playa de Mataleñas, Playa de la Magdalena, El Sardinero, and the museum district. I also highly recommend the coastal walk to Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor.
Travel Tips
- Visit the Mercado de la Esperanza: You can find fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and local produce in this historic market.
- Take a Day Trip to Santillana del Mar: This medieval town is known for traditional Spanish architecture and local cuisine.
Read also: Best Beaches You Can’t Miss in Spain
Rhodes, Greece
Greece is the best place for a beach getaway in Europe. Hundreds of exotic islands offer hot weather, white sand beaches, historic landmarks, and magnificent architecture. However, not everywhere in Greece is low-priced.
Don’t panic, though, because Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, offers an exciting beach vacation experience at a cheaper price. You only need $147 daily to visit Rhodes.
Rhodes is famed for its historic Old Town, lively beach resorts, and tropical-esque beaches. Noteworthy points of interest on the island include Pefki Beach, Waterpark Rhodes, and Lindos Acropolis. Meanwhile, popular places to stay include Pefkos, Rhodes City, Faliraki, and Lindos.
Travel Tips
- Explore the Valley of the Butterflies: Visit between June and September when thousands of butterflies flock to the area.
- Try Local Cuisine: Enjoy specialties like moussaka, fresh seafood, and local wines.
Read also: Must-See Beaches of the Greek Isles
Chania, Greece
Chania, a coastal city on Crete island, is also one of Europe’s best cheap beach getaways. Like Rhodes, Chania is well known for its historic landmarks, turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and traditional architecture. However, you can visit Chania on a smaller budget.
The average daily travel cost in Chania is only $101. In Chania, you’ll spend most of your time exploring the city’s most famous attractions, walking around the 14th-century Venetian harbor, and relaxing on the many beaches.
You don’t want to miss the 16th-century Lighthouse of Chania, the Maritime Museum of Crete, and Nea Chora Beach. Chania is also an excellent base for exploring the rest of the island.
Travel Tips
- Explore the Old Chania Market: Pick local produce, cheeses, and traditional Cretan delicacies.
- Visit the Chania Archaeological Museum: This museum has artifacts from the Minoan period to Roman times.
Read also: Greek Islands with Pristine White Sands
Sarandë, Albania
One of Europe’s best hidden-gem beach destinations is Sarandë, a spectacular coastal city along the Albanian Riviera. Despite offering travelers crystal-clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and hot weather, few tourists ever consider Albania as their next beach destination. As a result, now is the perfect time to visit.
In the summer, you can expect temperatures as high as 90°F (32°C), so pack your swimwear and sunscreen and head to the beach. You’ll spend most of your time on Sarandë Beach and Mango Beach.
There are also many things to see in Sarandë, such as Lëkurësi Castle and Saranda Embankment. The average daily travel cost in Sarandë is $118. What’s not to like?
Travel Tips
- Explore the Ancient Ruins of Butrint: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to well-preserved ancient ruins.
- Try Local Albanian Cuisine: Don’t miss out on tasting traditional dishes like byrek (savory pastry) and tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt).
Read also: Wallet-Friendly Beach Spots in Europe
Vlorë, Albania
Another affordable beach destination in Albania is Vlorë, where the average daily travel cost is only $92. Perfect for budget travelers, families, and couples, Vlorë is best known for its sunny climate, affordable beach resorts, and tropical-esque beach. Like Sarandë, summer temperatures in Vlorë regularly hit 90°F (32°C).
While there are a handful of things to see and do in Vlorë, most tourists find themselves relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sparkling waters, and tucking into Albanian cuisine. Plazhi i Ri and Plazhi i Vjeter are the best beaches for relaxing in Vlorë.
Narta Beach is also nearby. When you’ve had your fill of the beach, visit Vlora Old Town, Independence Monument, Muradie Mosque, and Lungomare.
Travel Tips
- Explore Oricum Archaeological Park: This park has ancient ruins from a Greek colony.
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum: The museum has exhibits on local costumes, tools, and everyday objects.
Read also: Top White Sand Beaches in Europe
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Sunny Beach is one of Europe’s best cheap vacation destinations for party-going groups of friends. This vibrant beach resort along Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast is famed for its scenic beaches, warm weather, and lively nightlife. It’s also well known for its affordable prices, with the average daily travel cost being $79.
In Sunny Beach, you can relax on the beach, swim in the emerald waters, and dance the night away along the party strip. When you’re not recovering from the night before or relaxing at the beach, there are also several exciting attractions in Sunny Beach.
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You should visit the Action Aquapark, the Sea Garden, and the Sunny Beach Amusement Park.
Travel Tips
- Visit Nessebar: This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its ancient ruins and cobblestone streets.
- Check Out Flower Street at Night: Flower Street is the go-to spot for nightlife, with bars and clubs perfect for party-goers.
Read also: Budget-Friendly Beaches in Europe
Klaipėda, Lithuania
Klaipėda might not be one of the hottest beach destinations in Europe, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most affordable. This beautiful port city’s average daily travel cost is less than $40. You’ll find Klaipėda on the Danė River, at the point it meets the Baltic Sea.
In the summer, average high temperatures reach 70°F (21°C), perfect for exploring the city and relaxing on the beach. Klaipėda is a charming city to explore, but the main draw is Smiltynės Beach. This long, white-sand beach is ideal for romantic strolls, sunbathing, and family fun.
When you’re not having fun at the beach, explore the city. You’ll love the 18th-century architecture and popular attractions like Theater Square.
Travel Tips
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- Explore the Klaipėda Old Town: Wander around German-style architecture, visit local shops, and look for unique sculptures.
- Visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum: This museum has exhibits on marine life and local ecology.
Read also: Must-See Beaches in Europe
Sopot, Poland
It’s unlikely you’ve ever associated Poland with a beach vacation, but you’re missing out on one of Europe’s cheapest beach getaways by not doing so. In Northern Poland, you’ll find a beautiful seaside town called Sopot. A short train ride from Gdansk, this town features a dazzling sandy beach, health spas, and unique attractions.
While spending most of your time on the beach can be tempting, there is much to see and do. For starters, Sopot is home to Europe’s longest wooden pier. Other notable attractions in the town include the Crooked House, the Sopot Museum, and the Sopot Lighthouse.
It might also be worth noting that Sopot has a lively nightlife. The average daily travel cost in Sopot is $75.
Travel Tips
- Stroll Along Monte Cassino Street: This pedestrian street is filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
- Check Out the Sopot Aquapark: Enjoy family-friendly water slides and pools.
Read also: Europe’s Secret Beaches
Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos might be one of the most popular beach getaways in Europe, but that doesn’t stop it from also being one of the cheapest. The average daily travel cost in Paphos is only $136. For those who don’t know, Paphos is a seaside city in the Mediterranean on the southwest coast of Cyprus.
A favorite with families and honeymooning couples, it’s well-known for its beaches, history, and vibrant nightlife. Personally, I like how Paphos has something for every kind of traveler. Beachgoers can relax on SODAP Beach and Alykes Beach.
History lovers can explore Paphos Castle and the Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos, and partygoers can dance all night at Agiou Antoniou Street.
Travel Tips
- Explore the Tombs of the Kings: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient burial site with underground tombs carved from solid rock.
- Try Local Cypriot Cuisine: Sample dishes like seftalies and halloumi cheese.
Read also: Affordable Beach Towns to Call Home in Europe
Madeira, Portugal
If you love the great outdoors, Madeira is one of the best beach destinations in Europe. Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago situated off the northwest coast of Africa. The most significant draw to this breathtaking island is its magnificent landscape.
Across the island, you’ll find rugged mountain peaks, lush forests, gorgeous beaches, and epic viewpoints. You’ll also come across many charming Portuguese towns and villages. Of course, year-round warm weather is also a nice bonus.
In the summer, you can expect temperatures as high as 81°F (27°C). Significant points of interest in Madeira include Porto Santo, Praia Formosa, Pico Ruivo, and Madeira Botanical Garden. Most people in Madeira stay in Funchal, the island’s capital.
Travel Tips
- Try a Tropical Toboggan Ride: Ride the traditional wicker toboggan down the streets of Monte.
- Experience Levada Walks: Explore scenic walking paths along irrigation channels, like Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada dos 25 Fontes.
Read also: Budget-Friendly Beach Towns in Portugal
Bari, Italy
Bari offers travelers affordable vacations, authentic Italian charm, and a glorious coastline with sandy beaches. We don’t know about you, but that sounds perfect. Add delicious Italian cuisine to the equation, and we’ll be in for a treat.
Bari is a port city on the Adriatic Sea in Southern Italy. Compared to other Italian coastal cities, it’s much quieter, so you won’t have to fight crowds.
Lido San Francesco is a beautiful white sand beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming. You should also explore Bari Old Town when you get a chance. Bari’s average daily travel cost is only $123, so you’ll have more money for pizza.
Travel Tips
- Experience Nightlife in Piazza del Ferrarese: This lively square is filled with bars and restaurants offering live music and outdoor seating.
- Explore Orecchiette Street: Head to Strada Arco Basso in Bari Vecchia, where you can see local women making orecchiette, a traditional pasta shape.
Read also: Top Italian Beaches You Can’t Miss
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Despite being one of Europe’s most highly sought-after tourist destinations, Dubrovnik is surprisingly cheap. The average daily travel cost in this Croatian coastal city is $132. While Dubrovnik has plenty of places to enjoy sun, sea, and sand, its main draw is its rich history.
Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town is recognized worldwide for its breathtaking architecture, fascinating history, and well-preserved ancient walls. You might recognize Dubrovnik Old Town from the Game of Thrones series, as parts of the city were used to film the show.
Must-visit locations in Dubrovnik include the City Walls of Dubrovnik, Fort Lovrijenac, Pile Gate, and Mount Srd. Meanwhile, beachgoers can relax on Banje Beach.
Travel Tips
- Take a Cable Car to Mount Srđ: Ride the cable car to Mount Srđ for stunning views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea, especially at sunset.
- Visit Lokrum Island: Explore its botanical gardens, swim in the clear waters, and visit the ruins of a medieval monastery.
Read also: Must-Visit European Beaches in May
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