These Are Europe’s 3 Cheapest Beach Getaways This Summer

Share The Article

Money talks, and we’re about to prove it.

Some travelers are like moths to a flame — or in my house, moths to a lightbulb — following the same well-worn path to the Greek islands, the French Riviera, or anywhere in Spain that sounds sexy to say out loud.

But today, with some help from local experts at BBC Travel, we’re switching gears and spotlighting beach destinations that deliver the goods without denting your bank account.

Yes, they may require longer flights, but all 3 are among Europe’s trendiest coastal escapes right now.

Without further ado, here are 3 European beach getaways we truly feel offer unbeatable values.

Latvia: Europe’s Biggest Beach Surprise

When you think of Latvia, the last thing you might picture is a beach.

The image conjured in your mind’s eye likely envisions old-world streets and brisk Baltic air, but we’re here to tell you it’s a full-fledged beach getaway come summertime.

Having the pleasure of visiting one of Europe’s hottest cities last winter (no, not temperature-wise), the capital city known as the “Paris of the East” was a far cry from sun and sand, yet instantly became one of my favorite European jaunts.

That’s right — if you’re a travel nerd like the Travel Off Path team, you know where we’re talking about Riga.

But Riga isn’t a one-trick pony despite housing Europe’s largest market, which is always a pleasure to wander.

It’s perfect to make a day trip to nearby Jūrmala, easily reachable by train. It’s one of the most renowned names on the Baltic coast, with Latvia boasting 300+ miles of scenic seaside in total.

Jūrmala is the crown jewel, a gorgeous resort town where a long ribbon of pale quartz sand, wooden villas, spa hotels, and calm Gulf of Riga waters make Latvia feel a whole lot more like a summer beach escape than most travelers would ever expect.

Its official tourism site describes Jūrmala’s beach as roughly 24–25.6 kilometers long, with fine white quartz sand and plenty of room to spread out.

According to our own Travel Dashboard data, here is what to expect with a beach trip to Latvia:

• Hotel (per night): $100 – $180
• Dinner for Two: $45 – $80
• Beer: $3 – $5
• Coffee: $3 – $5
• Taxi / Uber (10 min): $6 – $10

Not too shabby, huh?

For what it’s worth, travelers are scoring Latvia’s safety with 82/100 on our Safety Index:

Montenegro: Cash In Your PTO Before Its EU Era Begins

Not all of Europe is Europe, if you know what I mean.

There’s a difference between the continent and the official European Union.

What’s kept Montenegro under the radar is just that — it’s still outside the EU club, giving travelers Adriatic scenery without the Croatia-level crowds or prices.

But in the coming years, this Mediterranean gem is expected to become a member, making it one of Europe’s next major glow-ups if everything stays on track.

Political ping-pong aside, as BBC reports, it’s one of the best bangs for your buck this summer.

Whether it’s the fjord-like beauty of Kotor, the beachy buzz of Bar, or the marina-lined luxury of Tivat, your accountant will breathe a sigh of relief for choosing Montenegro as your vacation spot.

Per BBC, here is a Jim Halpert-style rundown of expected costs in Montenegro:

• Central four-star room: $117–$164 per night
• Dinner for two at a casual restaurant: $46–$70
• Regional bus: $2.93
• Museum entry: $5–$11
• Coffee and pastry: $3.50–$6

While you’re crunching numbers to make sure Montenegro is a fit, you might as well double-check the latest Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements before your trip too.

Travelers are scoring Montenegro’s safety levels with 83/100, just a smidge better than Latvia:

Albania: The Med’s Best Bang For Your Buck

We’re not saying Greece is old news by any stretch; we’re saying there’s far more to discover across the Med.

Albania has been rising on travelers’ radars for years and somehow hasn’t been ruined with touristy prices, which is a huge sticking point to me as I currently sip my $6.53 small coffee in Costa Rica.

Outrageous, right?

Whether it’s the “Maldives” of the Mediterranean, Ksamil, the laid-back beaches of Himarë, or the turquoise coves of Dhërmi, there’s no shortage of postcard coastline to plop down and take in some of Europe’s most pristine scenery.

I will say from personal experience, I would avoid Durres, and in the same breath, the capital Tirana is very underrated — especially if you’re a foodie like me.

Think of it as a mini Athens with no crowds.

According to BBC, here’s a detailed layout of pricing for Albania:

• Central four-star room: $70 – $129 per night
• Dinner for two at a smart-casual restaurant: ranging from $29 – $47
• Public transport ticket: $1.17
• Museum entry: $5 – $11
• Coffee and pastry: $1.76 – $3.52 (take that, Costa Rica!)

Travelers are scoring Albania’s safety levels with 84/100, making it both the safest and most affordable out of this trio:

Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.