Stretching Your Euros: Europe’s 12 Best Value Beach Destinations
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If you want to get the most bang for your buck, you may wonder which parts of Europe offer beautiful coastline stretches and pleasing prices. There are great value beach destinations across the continent, from Portugal and Spain in the west to Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and more in the west. Read on to discover which hot vacation spots are guaranteed not to break the bank.
Kos, Greece
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Kos is one of many great Greek islands of great value. With budget airline flights and many accommodation options, competition ensures this one remains within easy reach. Prices here reflect the fact that the Greek economy relies heavily on tourism.
Read also: Best Greek Islands for Beaches, Ranked
Sarandë, Albania
For bargain basement deals on vacations, head to Eastern Europe. Albania may be off the tourist radar, but of course, that leads to some of the best deals on the continent. The most popular resort of Sarandë offers it all – gorgeous beaches, historic sites, a great selection of places to eat and drink, and a picturesque setting between olive groves and the Ionian Sea.
Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe
Marmaris, Turkey
Though Turkey lies where east meets west, it’s generally categorized as Europe for travel insurance purposes. You can snap up cheap deals on everything from accommodations to clothing, gifts, souvenirs, activities, and dining out in the Turkish resort of Marmaris. And it’s hot, hot, hot, with highs of 95°F (35°C) in July and August.
Read also: Top European Cities for Spring Getaway
Dubrovnik, Croatia
It’s burgeoning in popularity for city breaks, but Dubrovnik in Croatia also doubles up nicely for beach stays. Here you can walk the old city walls for breathtaking views over the city and sea, and explore the wonderful old architecture. With beautiful beaches to boot, this is a very versatile destination.
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Read also: Perfect Destinations for Romantic Getaways in Europe
Benidorm, Spain
It might not be to everyone’s taste, but the bold Spanish resort of Benidorm offers incredible bang for your buck. The level of competition here contributes to cheap prices, with hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops all vying for your travel dollars.
Read also: How To Spend Two Weeks in Spain and Portugal
Zadar, Croatia
If Dubrovnik has too much of a city break feel for you, try Zadar instead. Also, in Croatia, it’s located on the Dalmatian Coast. Expect lots of Italian influence evident in the Venetian city gates and Roman ruins. You’ll also find great restaurants, a thriving arts scene, and white sandy beaches here.
Read also: Natural Wonders in Europe
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife tends to offer the best deals in the Canaries, as it’s the biggest and most developed island of the bunch. It’s not all about bucket-and-spade tourism, with an unspoiled interior to discover. Or head north to escape most package holiday crowds, which tend to congregate in the south.
Read also: Underrated Tropical Destinations
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s brash resort of Sunny Beach is a favorite among young European holidaymakers in search of sun and fun. This destination offers lively nightlife, a sun-drenched setting by the Black Sea, and pocket-friendly prices.
Read also: Low-Cost European Cities To Visit
The Algarve, Portugal
Though in Western rather than Eastern Europe, Portugal is one of the best-value vacation destinations on the continent. It’s not only about beach life here, either. The Algarve counts hiking trails, surfing beaches, road trips, and world-class golf courses among its top attractions.
Read also: Top Things To Do in Lisbon
Ulcinj, Montenegro
Montenegro is fast becoming a popular package holiday option but suffers from a shortage of sandy beaches. That’s not the case in Ulcinj, which boasts a broad white sandy stretch. This attractive and underrated resort on the Adriatic Coast also offers pocket-pleasing prices.
Read also: Top European Cities for Spring
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is a Mediterranean island that has something for everyone. There are family-friendly resorts, lively nightlife spots, lovely beaches, and exclusive villages famous for their celebrity residents. Expect orange groves, stone-built settlements seemingly untouched by time, and Moorish remains on this Balearic Island.
Read also: Hidden Gems in the Mediterranean
Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos is the capital of Cyprus, the island of love, and is one of Europe’s best-value beach destinations. The city on the southwest coast is awash with historical sights and surrounded by breathtaking beaches. It’s also easy to venture further from here to explore the Med’s third-largest island.
Read also: Underrated Cities in Europe
