These four destinations attract tourists with their beauty, lack of crowds and pleasant prices.
As the summer holiday season approaches, prices at popular resorts are skyrocketing, so many tourists are trying to find more budget-friendly alternatives.
Experts of the travel publication Travel Off Path named the four cheapest destinations for a Mediterranean beach holiday this summer.
1. Blanes, Spain. Just an hour’s drive west of bustling Barcelona is Blanes – one of Spain’s least well-known coastal towns, despite its Mediterranean charm and below-average prices. With a population of about 40,000, this one is far more unusual than its world-famous neighbor, and just as charming, with its Marimurtra Botanical Garden stretching out on both sides of the sea, hidden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, and historical appeal.
The old town of Blanes is full of medieval attractions, including the Gothic fountain in the heart, the 14th-century Iglesia de Santa Maria Church, partially damaged during the Spanish Civil War, and the hilltop fortress of Castillo de San Juan, which offers views of the entire city and its coastline.
In terms of prices, dining at a downtown restaurant can cost anywhere from $ 9 to $ 17, while hotel rooms cost around $ 66 per night in the summer.
2. Tangier, Morocco. Most people don’t realize that the Mediterranean is not just about Europe. Just south of Spain is the coast of Africa, and one of the closest points between the two continents is the bustling port of Tangier in Morocco, with its modern waterfront and cool atmosphere. If it weren’t for the regular calls to prayer, it could easily be confused with any other city in Andalusia: it has an Old Town with a maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses, a historic citadel, and even a thriving cafe culture.
A short drive from the city center is Achakkar, a sandy beach with a wide range of amenities, including Cafe Barsol. It serves Mediterranean cuisine with a Moroccan twist, from grilled fish to tagine, for about $ 10 per dish. Meanwhile, double rooms in local hotels cost about $ 51 per night.
3. Kos, Greece. This small island is located just off the coast of Turkey, and it is not yet spoiled by the crowds of partygoers, like Santorini and Mykonos. The eponymous town of Kos is an ideal cobbled settlement with a monumental medieval castle, ancient temples with sea views and fabulous beaches. Kos is definitely one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.
At the same time, there you can try the Greek snack tzatziki, smoked pork “apaki” and some beer in a local tavern for just $ 15, and visiting the Castle of Knights or even bathing in the thermal springs on the island is completely free. Meanwhile, staying in a nice hotel within walking distance of all major attractions costs just $ 56 per night.
4. Vlora, Albania. Located on the Adriatic coast of Albania, this city is gaining more and more popularity among tourists every year. With the opening of the airport this year, which is supposed to take budget flights from numerous European destinations, and the revived historical center, Vlora is one of the most exciting new destinations for those looking for something more unusual in 2025.
In terms of culture, there is a beautiful Old Town with stone-paved streets lined with colorful facades, an Ottoman mosque of the XVI century and Kanine Castle, which rises on a hill overlooking the city-it is both a medieval treasure and a great place to watch the sunset.
The city’s main golden sand beach is dotted with seafood eateries and terraces of no-frills cafes. It’s packed with visitors in the summer, although if you’re looking for a quieter setting, the often deserted Jale Beach is a short drive away.
At the same time, staying in a three-person room in a luxury hotel by Albanian standards with a view of the beach will cost only $ 57 per night.
