These three cities in Bulgaria, Italy and Greece are less crowded and more budget friendly.
Summer has already started, but you still haven’t decided where to go on vacation – so that it will be interesting, but not so crowded and not so expensive? Then there are three interesting ideas prepared by travel experts from Travel Off Path.
Obzor, Bulgaria
This peaceful beach town in Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast is a hidden gem that locals don’t want to tell tourists about. Unlike the bustling cities of Burgas and Sunny Beach, Obzor is much more suitable for a family holiday, without the bustling nightlife and crowded resort areas.
It is also one of the few places in Bulgaria where you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains, as it is sandwiched between the Black Sea and the Balkan Mountains, and its main beach is one of the longest in the country: 8 kilometers of golden sands washed by warm azure waters.
It is also much more affordable: on average, ordering a main course at a restaurant in the city center will cost $ 11.50, and a three-course meal for two will cost $ 46.50. At the same time, prices for accommodation in local guest houses or 3-star hotels near the main beach start from $ 32 per night.
Otranto, Italy
This underrated coastal town on the heel of an Italian boot has all the charm of Rome’s Old World, the mouth-watering cuisine of Amalfi and the architectural grandeur of Florence, but it has nothing to do with over-tourism.
The main attractions of the Old Town of Otranto are the medieval Aragonese Castle and the stone cathedral topped with a rose window that can rival Notre-Dame de Paris, while climbing the Torre Matta, one of the old fortifications of Otranto, you can enjoy stunning views of the harbor. But despite the grandeur of its narrow cobbled alleys and squares, it is rare to see large tourist groups or crowds here.
Meanwhile, a cappuccino here costs only $ 1.65, and lunch in an inexpensive restaurant will cost an average of $ 15.35 – $ 21.80. Meanwhile, a 3-star hotel just steps from the beach, with reasonably comfortable facilities and good public transport, can be found starting at $ 77.
Samothrace, Greece
This mystical island in Greece has recently been gaining popularity for its wild nature and ancient charm, but it is still largely untouched. It doesn’t have an airport, so the only way to get there is by ferry from the mainland of Northern Greece, or rather from the port of Alexandroupolis.
Fonias Gorge is one of the main natural attractions of the island. This beautiful natural park is dotted with cascading waterfalls that flow into easy-to-swim pools.
At the same time, the entire coast of Samothrace is surrounded by sandy or pebble beaches and secret coves that receive foreigners only once a month.
For history lovers, Samothrace has a ruined sanctuary of the Great Gods, which was once one of the most symbolic places in Ancient Greece: it hosted the Samothrac Mysteries, an important religious initiation ritual, and is the birthplace of the famous Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The island’s sleepy capital of Chora is no less wonderful: this labyrinthine set of trails at the foot of a fortified hill is filled with family-run taverns and stone houses that have been passed down from generation to generation.
At the same time, a set lunch and drinks at a local diner will cost an average of $ 16.35, and a night when booking an entire studio apartment in the heart of Khora will cost quite an acceptable $ 70.
