I have spent years traveling across the globe, and I have a secret to share with you. You do not need a million dollars to enjoy a world-class summer vacation. Many people think that a beach party in Europe requires a massive bank account. They see photos of celebrities in Saint-Tropez or Mykonos and assume those are the only options. However, I have found that some of the best party and beach destinations in Europe are actually the most affordable ones.
First of all, we must talk about what “cheap” really means. For me, an affordable european beach destination is a place where you can find a private room for under 50€ per night. On top of that, you should be able to grab a nice dinner for 10-15€ and a drink at a bar for under 10€. Does that sound impossible? It is not. You just have to know where to look. I have navigated the crowded clubs of Ibiza and the quiet pebble shores of Croatia to bring you this list. These are my top 12 picks for cheap beach party destinations Europe that will give you the most bang for your buck.
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: The Budget King
If you want to party until the sun comes up without checking your bank balance, you must visit Sunny Beach. This place is a legend among young travelers, but mature adults who love a high-energy vibe will find plenty to enjoy here too. It has earned a reputation as the cheap party beach europe choice for anyone who wants a “budget Ibiza” experience.
The prices here are almost hard to believe. You can find a pint of beer for around £1.75. Additionally, entry fees for major clubs like PGV are often as low as €10. That is ten times cheaper than what you would pay in Spain! The beach itself is a massive stretch of white sand and clear water.
What is the vibe? It is loud, it is bright, and it is very fun. The Cacao Beach Club is a major hotspot for electronic music. If you seek a more organized experience, you can join the Solar Summer Festival.
The Albanian Riviera: A Rising Star
Albania is quickly becoming one of the most popular affordable european beach destinations. I was surprised by how much it reminded me of the Greek or Croatian coast, but at half the price.
The town of Vlorë is a fantastic option if you are on a strict budget. Though, if you want the “Maldives of Europe” experience, you should head to Ksamil. It is a bit more expensive than other parts of Albania, but it is still much cheaper than its neighbors. You can expect to spend between 30-50€ per day here.
One thing you should know is that you will likely pay for sunbeds on almost every beach. This was a surprise to me at first. However, the crystal-clear water and the growing party scene in Sarandë make it worth every penny.
Corfu, Greece: The Pink Palace Legend
Greece is a classic choice, but Corfu offers a special kind of value. I once spent a week here and only spent about 350€ for everything, including eating out every single night.
If you are a fan of wild social scenes, you have likely heard of the Pink Palace Hostel. It is famous for its booze cruises and on-site nightclub. Similarly, the town of Kavos in the south is where the wildest parties happen.
First of all, you should stay away from Corfu Town if you want to save money on accommodation. Instead, look at beach towns like Palaiokastritsa or Sidari. You can find cocktails for 5-7 euros in many spots, which is a great deal for a Greek island.
Budva, Montenegro: The Adriatic Alternative
I often tell people that Montenegro is the best alternative to Croatia. The Montenegro Riviera sits right on the southern border of Croatia, and the sea is just as blue and clear.
Budva is the heart of the action here. It is a beautiful seaside town with stone houses and a very lively night scene. You can enjoy the Jaz and Trsteno beaches during the day and hit the bars in the Old Town at night.
The average cost per day is roughly 40-50€. Montenegro uses the Euro, but because it is not in the EU, the prices stay lower than average. It is a perfect cheap beach holiday destinations europe option for those who want beauty and a great atmosphere.
Antalya, Turkey: Where the City Never Sleeps
Turkey is famous for all-inclusive resorts, but the city of Antalya offers so much more than just buffets. The nightlife here is incredible and often beats out big cities like Paris or Brussels.
The weak Turkish Lira means your money will go very far here. You can find budget airline flights for as little as £15 to £20 one way during the low season. I love the mix of ancient history and modern clubs.
Where to party? The areas around Lara and Konyaaltı beaches are packed with options. Plus, if you want a more backpacker-focused vibe, you can head to Olympos. It is a unique spot on the Turquoise Riviera that you will not forget.
Zrce Beach, Croatia: The Electronic Music Mecca
If you are serious about your music, you must go to the island of Pag. Specifically, you want to be at Zrce Beach. It is home to four of the top clubs in the world: Papaya, Noa, Aquarius, and Kalypso.
At that time when I visited, the energy was unlike anything else I had felt in Croatia. It is basically one big party all summer long. However, Croatia has become more expensive lately. To keep it cheap, you should stay in the nearby town of Novalja rather than right on the beach.
You can expect to see world-class DJs here like Robin Schulz and Timmy Trumpet. It is a high-quality experience for a price that is still lower than the big clubs in Ibiza.
Costa Blanca, Spain: More Than Just Benidorm
Spain is a favorite for many, and the Costa Blanca is the king of value. Everyone knows Benidorm for its nightlife, where a pint of beer costs about £2.50. It is a budget-friendly destination that really delivers on the party front.
But there is a more “mature” side to this region too. Towns like Javea offer a medieval vibe with hidden coves. You can spend your day at Arenal beach and your night in the lively Old Town.
The experts say a seven-night all-inclusive trip here averages around £1,113, which is great for a full week of fun. If you prefer to be independent, you can find very cheap flights to Alicante for under £20.
Crete, Greece: Huge Island, Huge Fun
Crete is the largest island in Greece, and that means there is a party for everyone. The area of Malia Beach is famous—or perhaps notorious—for its intense party scene, especially with British tourists.
On the contrary, if you want something a bit more stylish, you should check out Rethymno. The coastal strip there has some of the nicest bars and clubs on the island. I found the nightlife there to be electric but a bit less “touristy” than Malia.
A daily budget of 40-60€ is usually enough to have a great time here. Additionally, renting a car is a smart move so you can find the cheaper, remote towns to stay in.
Ayia Napa, Cyprus: Turquoise and Neon
Ayia Napa is easily one of the best party and beach destinations in europe. It is perfectly set up for tourists, making it a very easy place to visit with a group of friends.
Nissi Beach is the place to be if you want to stay in the heart of the action. By night, the clubs like Club Ice and Makronissos Beach Club take over. The lights are bright, the music is loud, and the drinks are flowing until the early hours.
If you want a night that is a bit more relaxed later in your trip, you can head over to Paphos. It offers a lower-key nightlife and is often ranked as a top value spot for families and mature travelers.
Varna, Bulgaria: The Charming Choice
While everyone talks about Sunny Beach, I actually prefer Varna for a more well-rounded trip. It is a charming seaside town with a massive sandy beach.
The beach is lined with restaurants and bars that stay busy all night. It feels a bit more authentic than the purpose-built resorts of Sunny Beach. Plus, the city itself has beautiful historical monuments to explore when you need a break from the music.
You can still enjoy those legendary Bulgarian prices here, with daily costs ranging from 30-50€. It is a fantastic affordable european beach destination for someone who wants more than just a dance floor.
Sicily, Italy: The Italian Summer Dream
Italy can be expensive, but you can skip the Amalfi Coast and head to Sicily to save a lot of money. I was quite surprised by how much cheaper the beaches and food were here compared to Rome or the north.
Mondello Beach near Palermo is a beautiful spot with a long sandy shore. For a more picturesque setting, Cefalu and Taormina are hard to beat. They have a great evening “passeggiata” vibe that turns into a lively bar scene as the night goes on.
You should plan to spend about 50-60€ per day. It is the perfect place to enjoy the “Dolce Vita” without the “Dolce” price tag.
Mamaia, Romania: The Black Sea Surprise
Romania might not be the first place you think of for a beach holiday, but Mamaia will change your mind. It is the most popular resort in the country, and it is packed with high-end resorts and nightclubs.
The beach is long and sandy, and the party vibe is very strong. If you want something a bit different, you can go south to Vama Veche. It has a more bohemian, alternative nightlife scene that I found very refreshing.
A budget of 40-50€ per day is usually plenty. Romania is an amazing all-around choice because you can combine the beach with hiking in the mountains or sightseeing in the cities.
How to Save Even More Money
Finding a cheap beach party destinations europe is only the first step. You should also be smart about when you travel. The shoulder season—which is May to June or September to October—is my favorite time to go. The weather is still warm, but the prices drop significantly.
Also, you should consider self-catering. If you buy some groceries and make a few meals in your room, you can save a lot of money. However, in places like Bulgaria or Turkey, eating out is so cheap that you might not even need to cook.
Finally, you must be careful with transport. Airport buses are almost always cheaper than taxis. If you are traveling in a group, renting a manual, compact car can also be a great way to split the costs and see more of the coast.
FAQ
What is the cheapest beach holiday in Europe?
Albania is the most affordable spot for a beach trip. Turkey and Bulgaria also offer very low prices for travelers.
Where to go in Europe for beach clubs?
You should visit Ibiza to see world-class spots like Amnesia. Zrce Beach in Croatia is another top choice with famous clubs like Papaya and Noa.
Which European country is best for nightlife?
Greece is a leader because it has so many islands that love to party. Spain is also a great pick with its famous party towns and islands.
Which beaches have the best nightlife?
Sunny Beach in Bulgaria has a huge party scene that is very cheap. Nissi Beach in Cyprus is also famous for its lively bars. Zrce Beach offers music all summer long.
Where to go in Europe is not expensive?
The Montenegro Riviera is a great place that does not cost much. Additionally, the coastal towns in Bulgaria and Albania stay very budget-friendly.
Where is the least expensive beach vacation?
Albania is the least expensive place for a holiday on the coast. You will find that your money goes twice as far there compared to other countries.
Which beach is best for nightlife?
Zrce Beach is the best choice for high-quality electronic music. However, Sunny Beach is the top spot if you want a party on a very tight budget.
What is the biggest beach party in Europe?
The Ultra Europe Music Festival in Split is a massive event. It attracts about 150,000 people to the city every summer.
What is the best party island in Europe?
Ibiza is known as the party capital of the entire world. Pag in Croatia and Mykonos in Greece are also incredible islands for a fun trip.
Where to go clubbing in Europe?
You can head to Ayia Napa for great light shows and music. Mykonos Town is another hotspot where you can find many trendy bars and clubs.
What is the party city of Europe?
Split becomes a huge party hub during its summer festivals. Ayia Napa and Benidorm are also famous cities that never seem to sleep.
Which country is best for partying?
Greece offers a lot of variety for every kind of traveler. Spain remains a classic choice for anyone who loves a good night out.
What are the top 5 nightlife cities?
The top five include Ibiza Town, Split, Ayia Napa, Mykonos Town, and Sunny Beach.
How to plan a beach party for adults?
You should pick a spot like the Albufeira Old Town if you want a more mature vibe. Also, you can plan your trip for the shoulder season to avoid the wild crowds of the summer peak.
Concluding words
First of all, you can have an epic summer without a massive budget. Bulgaria and Albania offer the best value for your money. Greece and Spain provide world-class clubs and beautiful sand. Montenegro is a perfect alternative to more expensive spots. This list helps you find the best value for your next trip. You will find sun, music, and fun. Total energy. Pure joy.
