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Picturesque pebbly beaches straddling azure bays (with what’s probably an ancient castle or Roman ruin in the background), soft lemon gelato, and blood-orange-tinged sunsets:
There’s nothing quite like a European summer, and if you’re anything like us, you’ve been saving up for months for that idyllic Transatlantic getaway in July-August.
But then again, there’s the fact that all of the usual hotspots, from Spain’s hostile Barcelona, to Croatia’s once-quaint, now-chaotic Dubrovnik, are filled to the brim with tourists—and don’t get started on the prices in these places.
If you haven’t made up your mind about where to go yet, and you’re weighing your options carefully with a limited budget, today’s your lucky day:
We’ve just narrowed it down to just 3 of Europe’s most affordable—and incredible, may we add—beach destinations, where you can let yourself be instigated by all that Old World allure, and bask in a sun-drenched beach without emptying your savings:
Obzor, Bulgaria
A laid-back beach town in Bulgaria, on the shores of the Black Sea, which is black in all but name, Obzor is that hidden gem locals don’t want tourists to know about.
Contrary to the bustling towns of Burgas and Sunny Beach, it is much more family-friendly, without the riotous nightlife and jam-packed resort zones.
It is also one of a handful of places in Bulgaria where you can enjoy both sea and mountains, as it is wedged between the Black Sea and the Balkan Mountains, and its main beach is one of the longest in the country:
That’s a whole 5 miles of golden sands hugged by warm, azure waters.
Needless to say, it’s much more affordable, too: on average, ordering a main dish in a downtown restaurant will set you back $11.50, or the equivalent in Bulgarian lev, while a three-course meal for two is $46.50.
Accommodation is equally cheap, with plenty of B&Bs and 3-star hotels near the main beach starting from $32 a night (check out the well-rated Family Hotel Jemelly).
Otranto, Italy
A criminally underrated coastal getaway at the heel of the Italian boot, Otranto has all of Rome’s Old World allure, Amalfi’s mouth-watering food scene, and Florence’s architectural splendour, yet none of the overtourism mess:
Its Old Town is dominated by a medieval Aragonese Castle and a stone-built cathedral, topped with a rose window that rivals Notre-Dame’s, and gorgeous as its narrow, cobbled alleyways and piazzas may be, you’ll rarely come across large tour groups or crowds here.
When exploring the historic center, don’t forget to climb up Torre Matta, one of Otranto’s old fortifications, for sweeping harbor views, and if it’s a relaxed beach day you need, look no further than Alimini:
A long stretch of soft, white sand straddling a turquoise Mediterranean, it has plenty of room for everybody, and even at peak summer times, it never feels packed.
As far as budget goes, a cappuccino here costs as cheap as $1.65, while a meal in an inexpensive restaurant averages $15.35–$21.80—for fresh seafood and pasta at affordable prices, try Terra Nostra.
For a 3-star hotel only a few steps from the beach, with comfortable-enough amenities and well-served by public transportation, look up nightly rates for Hotel La Punta (usually from $77).
Samothrace, Greece
A mystical island in Greece, Samothrace has been gaining traction lately thanks to its wild nature and ancient charm, but it’s still largely unspoiled.
It doesn’t have an airport, so the only way to get there is by ferry from mainland Northern Greece, more specifically the port of Alexandroupoli, which helps in preserving its authenticity and off-path appeal.
If its natural wonders you’re chasing, Fonias Gorge is a beautiful natural park peppered with cascading waterfalls, which empty into swim-friendly pools, and the entire Samothracian coastline is ringed by sand or pebble beaches, and secret coves that only host foreigners every once in a blue moon.
Now, for the culture buffs out there who couldn’t believe their own eyes when they saw the long lines going up Acropolis Hill in Athens, you have all the more reasons to rejoice:
Samothrace has no Parthenon, per se, but its ruined Sanctuary of the Great Gods was one of the most emblematic sites in Ancient Greece:
It is where the Samothracian Mysteries took place, an essential religious initiation ritual, and the birthplace of the Winged Victory of Samothrace—the headless, elegant-all-the-same winged mistress now exhibited in the Louvre.
Its sleepy inland capital, Chora, is equally marvellous: a labyrinthine set of pathways at the foot of a fortified hill, it’s filled with family-owned taverns and stone houses that have been passed down through generations.
By the way, in case you’re wondering how much a Samothracian escapade will cost you, just know this is no Santorini:
Think more like $16.35 for a meal-drink combo in a local eatery, and an acceptable $70 per night when booking an entire apartment studio in the heart of Chora.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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