I love the sun. I love the sea. But I do not love high prices. As a traveler who has seen many summers, I know the struggle of finding a bargain. This guide shares my secrets. If you want to find the Cheapest Beach Resorts in Europe, you must look beyond the famous names. Many people burn through their savings in places like Amalfi or Mykonos. I prefer to keep my cash. There are so many affordable beach resorts in europe where the water is just as blue and the beer is much cheaper.
First of all, I want to talk about Bulgaria. I found that the southern Black Sea coast is a gold mine for budget travelers. I spent time researching where to go to get the best value. Most people think of Sunny Beach, but it can be a trap. Though package deals there look good, the cost of taxis and sun loungers adds up fast. I found that Kiten is actually the least expensive spot. The price of a double room per night between June and September is just 33 Euros. That is a total steal. Ravda and Sozopol are also great, with prices between 36 and 42 Euros.
I enjoyed Sozopol because of its history. It is a small town with old architecture and narrow streets. A user named Monolith_Preacher_1 said the boat station there is beautiful in the evening when the sun reflects off the water. I agree. Similarly, Nessebar is an UNESCO heritage site that you must see. It is right next to Sunny Beach, so you can enjoy the history without the noise. However, I must warn you. Driving and parking in these towns in July can be a pain. I suggest you find a hotel with its own parking lot.
Italy on a Budget? Yes, It Is Possible!
Many people tell me that Italy is too expensive for a cheap beach holiday. They are wrong. I found a hidden gem called Rimini. This city sits on the Adriatic coast. It has been a favorite for local Italian families for years. The Adriatic side is much cheaper than the west coast. I saw hotels there for less than $40 per night. One hotel, Hotel Parigi, was only $35 per night. Plus, there are over 190 listings on booking websites for under $100. You will never find that in Amalfi.
The food in Rimini is also a bargain. I found restaurants in the old town where a lunch menu with a drink costs only $14. You must try the piadina romagnola. It is a local flatbread often filled with fresh fish. The beaches are sandy and stretch for 10 miles. Therefore, it is perfect for those who do not like rocky shores. Later, I looked into Tuscany. Most people think of rolling hills, but it has a coast too. It is the second cheapest place for a summer package in 2026 at about £929 per person. This is because there are so many bed-and-breakfast and self-catering options.
The Rising Star: Albania
I have heard so much about the Albanian Riviera. People call it the “Maldives of Europe” on social media. I wanted to see if the hype was real. I spent weeks there in late 2024. The water is incredibly clear, but it is not exactly like the Maldives. Ksamil is the most famous spot. It has white sand and emerald water. However, it is very crowded now. Sun loungers are packed tight. Additionally, prices are rising fast. I heard from locals that prices in 2024 were 50% to 100% higher than the year before.
If you want the best cheapest beach vacations in europe, I recommend Himarë. It is my favorite part of the coast. It feels like a real town where people live, not just a tourist park. You can find nice guesthouses for 25% to 50% less than in the party towns. I suggest taking a boat tour with Lido Boat Tours. They take you to hidden coves like Grama Bay. First of all, you avoid the crowds. On top of that, the views are mind-blowing. Borsh is another good choice. It has the longest beach in Albania. It is still under the radar, so it is perfect for peace and quiet.
Exploring the Spanish Coast
Spain is always a top choice for cheapest beach holidays in europe from uk. I found that Costa Blanca is the champion of value right now. It is the cheapest choice for a peak summer package in 2026. The average price for a week in August is £864 per person. I saw deals in Benidorm for as low as £535 for a week of self-catering. Though Benidorm is famous for being loud, a town like Altea is nearby. It is a hilltop town with stunning views.
Also, do not ignore Cadiz. It is at the southernmost tip of Spain. It was ranked as the cheapest city break in Spain recently. I found that a bottle of wine there can cost only £3.63. A beer is around £2.48. The weather is warm even in winter, so it is a great choice for any time of year. Similarly, Alicante offers great value. A meal can cost between £6 and £9. Spain has a lot of variety, which I appreciate.
Portugal vs. Spain: Which Is Cheaper?
I often get asked if Portugal or Spain is better for the wallet. I looked at the data for 2025. Portugal usually comes out ahead for costs. Housing and groceries are more budget-friendly there. If you live outside of Lisbon, rents are quite low. However, Spain has more major cities and better transport links.
I found Madeira in Portugal to be a wonderful budget spot. People call it the “Island of Eternal Spring”. It has massive volcanic cliffs and great hiking trails. On top of that, it is very affordable. A budget hotel is about 60 Euros, and a local beer is just 1.50 Euros. Gradually, I realized that both countries offer a high quality of life for a low price compared to the UK or Ireland.
Island Hopping on a Budget
If you love islands, you have many choices for cheapest beach holidays in europe august. Kos in Greece is a paradise. It is the third-largest island in its group. I found that a dinner in a cheap local spot is only 12 Euros. Crete is also a great option because it is so big. If you stay away from the luxury resorts, you can find bargain apartments and cheap local food. A beer there is about 3 Euros.
Croatia also has affordable islands if you know where to look. Mljet is the greenest island in the country. It is a sanctuary for nature lovers. A 3-star hotel there is about 75 Euros per night. Vis is another fascinating spot. It was a military base until 1989, so it stayed very authentic. It is ideal for a low-cost escape away from huge crowds. Finally, do not forget Malta. The capital, Valletta, is one of the warmest cities in Europe. You can buy a traditional pastry called Pastizzi for only 90p.
Timing Is Everything
I have learned that when you travel is just as important as where you go. The Mediterranean is most popular in the summer, but that is the worst time to visit. The crowds are too thick and the heat is unbearable. Therefore, I suggest the shoulder seasons. Spring and fall have the best weather. It is warm enough to swim by mid-April. Additionally, prices for flights and hotels are much lower.
The cheapest time to visit most of the Mediterranean is winter, from November to March. Demand is at its lowest. I saw that some hotels offer discounts of up to 50% during this time. Even big attractions like the Acropolis drop their ticket prices. However, winter is the high season for North Africa, so keep that in mind. If you want a city break without the crowds, winter is the best time for places like Barcelona or Dubrovnik.
Summary of Costs for 2026
I put together some numbers to help you plan your cheapest beach holidays in europe 2025 and beyond. Here is what I found for average costs in budget-friendly spots:
- Ksamil, Albania: Dinner for 8 Euros, beer for 1.70 Euros, budget hotel for 45 Euros.
- Kos, Greece: Dinner for 12 Euros, beer for 3.50 Euros, 3-star hotel for 85 Euros.
- Madeira, Portugal: Dinner for 10 Euros, beer for 1.50 Euros, budget hotel for 60 Euros.
- Hiiumaa, Estonia: Dinner for 10 Euros, beer for 2 Euros, budget hotel for 70 Euros.
- Rimini, Italy: One-week stay in a 3-star hotel averages $428.
I think these prices show that you do not need to be rich to have a great vacation. You just need to be smart. First of all, avoid the most famous tourist traps. Second, look for destinations where locals go. Finally, try to travel outside of the peak months of July and August.
My Personal Tips for Your Trip
I want to share a few more things that I learned on the road. First of all, always read reviews. In the Albanian Riviera, I found that standards can vary a lot. Some apartments do not have smoke alarms or elevators. Also, WiFi can be slow. Therefore, read what other travelers say before you book. Additionally, be careful with money. In Albania, ATM fees are very high, sometimes 8 Euros per withdrawal. I suggest you bring Euros with you to save money.
Safety is also something to think about. I felt very safe in most of the places I visited. However, I had some uncomfortable moments as a solo traveler in Sarandë and Ksamil. Men there could be very persistent with flirting. I recommend that solo women choose Himarë or other smaller towns instead. They felt much more respectful and safe. On top of that, always have travel insurance. Emergency services can be far away in remote beach areas.
Looking Forward to Your Next Adventure
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect spot for your next cheapest beach vacations in europe. Whether it is the sandy shores of Bulgaria, the historic streets of Italy, or the wild coast of Albania, there is a bargain waiting for you. Europe is full of hidden treasures that do not drain your savings. I believe that travel is about the experience, not the price tag. Gradually, you will find your own favorite cheap resorts.
Finally, I want to remind you to book early. Demand for these affordable beach resorts in europe is growing fast. If you wait until the last minute, prices will skyrocket. Therefore, start your planning now. I wish you clear skies and warm waters on your next trip. Money saved is more money for the next adventure!
I really enjoyed putting this together for you. It is a joy to share what I have learned from my years of travel. If you have questions about specific cities like Varna or Budva, just look at the details I provided. Budva in Montenegro is another gem where local beers are only £2-3. Wroclaw in Poland is known as the “Venice of Poland” and is incredibly cheap for food. There are so many options! First of all, pick a region that excites you. Then, use these tips to keep your costs low. Happy travels!
FAQ
Where is the cheapest beach holiday in Europe?
I found that Kiten, Bulgaria is the absolute winner for your wallet. You can get a double room there for only 33 Euros per night between June and September. Ravda and Sozopol follow closely with prices between 36 and 42 Euros.
Where is the cheapest place to vacation in Europe?
Poland stands out as a top budget choice. In Wroclaw, a full day of eating and drinking costs less than £20. Similarly, Vilnius, Lithuania is very affordable. You only need about £43 for a full day of food, stay, and travel there.
Where is the least expensive beach vacation?
If you want the lowest daily costs, head to Ksamil, Albania. You can eat a full dinner for 8 Euros and stay in a budget hotel for 45 Euros. On top of that, the water is crystal clear and beautiful.
Which European country has the cheapest hotels?
Bulgaria offers some of the lowest rates I have seen. Beyond the 33 Euro rooms in Kiten, even Burgas and Varna stay low at around 49 to 51 Euros. Additionally, Poland offers four-star hotels in Krakow for as little as £57.
Which part of Europe has the best beaches?
The Dalmatian coast in Croatia has world-famous spots like Stiniva Cove. Also, the Costa Blanca in Spain is famous for its white sand. I personally love the Ksamil Islands in Albania for their emerald water.
Where is the cheapest place to go on a sun holiday?
The Costa Blanca in Spain is the best value for a peak summer package. It is the only place where a week in August costs less than £900 per person. Benidorm offers self-catering deals starting at £535.
How to go to the beach on a budget?
I suggest you book your trip very early. First of all, avoid the peak months of July and August to save cash. Gradually, you will learn that staying in apartments with kitchens saves you money on food. Plus, look for “off-peak” travel deals in the spring or fall.
What is the most inexpensive island vacation?
Kos, Greece is a fantastic deal. You can find a 3-star hotel for 85 Euros and a beer for 3.50 Euros. Madeira, Portugal is even cheaper, with budget hotels at 60 Euros and local beers for just 1.50 Euros.
Where to go for a 3 day trip to Europe?
Vilnius or Krakow are perfect for short breaks. They are very cheap and easy to walk around. Therefore, you can see a lot without spending much on transport.
Which European country is the most budget-friendly?
Portugal is generally cheaper than Spain for daily life. Housing, food, and healthcare cost less there. However, Poland and Bulgaria often have even lower prices for tourists.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
Yes, it is more than enough in many spots. In Rimini, Italy, I saw that $50 a day covers your needs. Similarly, Vilnius costs about $55 per day. You can live very well on a $100 budget.
Concluding words
Finding the Cheapest Beach Resorts in Europe is easy if you avoid the famous tourist traps. I have found that Bulgaria, Albania, and the Adriatic coast of Italy offer the best value for your money. You can enjoy 33 Euro hotel rooms in Kiten or $14 lunches in Rimini without sacrifice. Remember to book your trip during the shoulder seasons and look for local gems like Himarë or Sozopol. Your next sunny escape does not have to break the bank.
