Three of these cities are located in Greece.
Amid growing economic challenges around the world, tourists have become less likely to book a summer vacation in Europe. Those who still do not refuse to travel, mostly try to save as much as possible. But how to make sure that the savings are not at the expense of quality?
Experts of the travel portal Which? Travel, analyzing the data of the Kayak search engine and the results of a survey of more than 3,500 readers, identified the five best coastal cities in the Mediterranean region, where you can relax relatively cheaply.
1. Rhodes, Greece. Here you can stay in double rooms of three-or four-star hotels for an average of 87 pounds sterling (about 102 euros) per night. At the same time, the picturesque island pleases tourists with excellent conditions for a beach holiday, stunning views, delicious food and many monuments of ancient architecture. The only problem is the devastating forest fires that have been engulfing Rhodes in the middle of summer for years.
2. Porto, Portugal. A night in a decent hotel here will cost an average of 93 pounds sterling (about 109 euros) for a double room. Located on the north bank of the Douro River, Porto offers many taverns, wine bars and beautiful azulejo tiled buildings in a maze of cobbled streets that run down the hill. There is much to see and do here, including climbing the Clerigouche Tower, exploring museums and visiting the Museum of Modern Art. The nearest beach to the city is Foz do Douro Beach on the Atlantic Ocean, about 10 minutes away by car. However, there are also more beautiful options, 15-30 minutes away, such as Praia de Miramar and Praia de Espinho.
3. Chania, Crete, Greece. In the second largest city on the island of Crete, you can spend an average of 93 pounds sterling (about 110 euros) in a double room. This city has mixed in itself something from the Greeks, something from the Romans, something from the Turks, something from the Venetians. The city is also known for its kilometer-long beach and many coastal fish restaurants. Read more about your holiday in Crete in our separate article.
4. Nerja, Spain. A night in a good hotel in this Spanish city will cost an average of 97 pounds sterling (about 113 euros). This resort on the popular Costa del Sol has so far managed to fend off developers who have made it to cities like Torremolinos and Fuengirola. As a result, it is one of the most charming towns on this sunny stretch of the Spanish coast. Instead of imposing multi-storey buildings blocking the view of the Mediterranean Sea, tourists are greeted by beautiful white buildings balanced along the cliff and set among palm trees above perfect coves.
5. Athens, Greece. Average prices in double rooms of decent hotels in the Greek capital are 99 pounds sterling (about 116 euros). Yes, as befits a major city in the country, Athens can be noisy and crowded, but it also has a lot to offer – incredible architecture, rich history, colorful neighborhoods, delicious cuisine and a general atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Aegean Sea is located in the southeastern part of the city’s newly named Athens Riviera suburb. The nearest Eden Beach can be reached by tram in 25 minutes, but it is worth driving a little further to enjoy a more peaceful and beautiful beach.
