These places are perfect for a beach vacation during the summer season at affordable prices.
Against the backdrop of growing economic instability and global turmoil, some people have had to cancel their vacation plans for the summer of 2025. Those who are not willing to deprive themselves of a well-deserved vacation or postpone it to the off-season are looking for ways to save money on travel arrangements.
However, choosing a more budget-friendly travel destination does not mean that you have to sacrifice the quality of your vacation or the experience you will have.
“If you’re planning a trip to Europe this summer but haven’t yet decided on a destination, you’re probably already overwhelmed by the last-minute price increases. From the sun-drenched Spanish Costa Brava to the French Riviera, all the way to the Amalfi Coast in Italy and the idyllic Dalmatian coast in Croatia, the daily budget can range from $194 and up, not to mention the influx of tourists. Fortunately for budget-conscious travelers, not all European summer destinations are as expensive as Positano. In fact, there are some completely undeservedly neglected charming Old World places that offer cheaper accommodation and food, ” said tourism expert Vinicius Costa in his article for Travel Off Path.
1. Vlora, Albania. Located between the mountains and the sea, this is the main resort on the Albanian coast, a former hidden gem of the country that has become a popular vacation spot in Europe.
Vlora is a peaceful city with a recently restored historic center that revives Albania’s rich Ottoman heritage, and a rapidly developing coastline lined with high-rise condominiums, lively beach bars, and welcoming taverns serving fresh seafood throughout the day.
“In a sense, this is a ‘newcomer’ to the Mediterranean: for years, tourists ignored it due to the lack of proper infrastructure and even direct flights. But that will change in 2026, when Vlora International Airport finally opens for intra-European flights, ” Costa said.
At the same time, the expert noted that a budget lunch at a restaurant or cafe in Vlora costs an average of $8, and a three-course dinner for two costs $28. A night in a hostel costs a modest $14, while mid-range accommodations cost $59-69, and five-star hotels cost $184-295. Meanwhile, a kilometer ride in a taxi costs $1.9.
2. Ohrid Lake, North Macedonia. The largest lake in North Macedonia rarely receives the attention it deserves. With a length of 30 km and a width of 15 km, it is often referred to as the inner sea of the Balkans.
“Imagine a series of charming coastal towns with cobblestone streets, colorful boats docked in picturesque harbors, beautiful old churches that seem to have no sense of time, and even a few pebble beaches located near yacht clubs,” the expert notes.
At the same time, Costa advises you not to overlook the city of Ohrid itself, a cultural center with Byzantine ruins, the quiet fishing village of Pestani, famous for its trout, and the popular beach club Cuba Libre.
According to him, a budget lunch at a restaurant or cafe on the shores of Lake Ohrid costs an average of $6.50, while a three-course dinner for two costs $29.85. A night in a hostel costs a modest $14, while mid-range accommodations cost $30, and five-star hotels cost $80 to $150. Additionally, a kilometer-long taxi ride costs $0.88.
3. Nesebar, Bulgaria. Located on the Bulgarian coast of the Black Sea, this city occupies a tiny peninsula connected to the mainland by a causeway. And here is concentrated everything you love and expect from the European summer.
There are many thousand-year-old churches and temples, which have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status, beautiful wooden townhouses with verandas where locals still live, many family-run restaurants serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine, and, of course, the sea.
“Nesebar is tiny, but the golden sands that start from the dam and lead to Sunny Beach, a bustling resort area, stretch along the azure waters for miles – and, if you’re interested, it’s as warm as the Mediterranean,” Costa said.
The expert added that a budget lunch at a restaurant or cafe in Nessebar costs an average of $6.5, while a three-course dinner for two costs $29.85. A night in a hostel costs a modest $14, while mid-range accommodations cost $30, and five-star hotels cost $80 to $150. Additionally, a kilometer-long taxi ride costs $0.88.
