Have you noticed the surge of breathtakingly cinematic shots on social media, showcasing seemingly effortless getaways and idyllic beach escapes? It appears that these options are not exactly cheap.
Can you really have the perfect summer getaway for a fraction of what it would cost in many parts of the United States?
Here’s a budget-friendly destination in Europe that won’t break the bank: the Balkans.
This unassuming region, often overshadowed by more prominent destinations, conceals some of Europe’s most breathtaking coastlines. As a local who has explored nearly every one of these hidden gems, I’m delighted to share my insider knowledge with anyone seeking an authentic experience.
I’ll be exploring the five incredible Balkan countries where I’ve traveled on a shoestring budget, highlighting what makes each nation a must-visit destination for any adventurer’s bucket list.
Albania
The allure of affordability has made Albania a hotspot, drawing in travelers from far and wide like never before.
As the sun-kissed gem of the Balkans, this destination transforms into a veritable paradise during the warmest months, with its stunning Riviera and Ionian shoreline serving as a magnet for throngs of visitors seeking to indulge in the Mediterranean’s quintessential charm.
Along the Albanian Riviera’s stunning coastline, towns like Vlorë, Sarandë, Përmet, Gjirokastër, and Himara present a string of smaller yet equally impressive hubs that captivate visitors with breathtaking vistas and an array of options to suit every budget, making them truly one-of-a-kind destinations.
For a solo traveller, a typical daily budget in this destination might appear as follows:
- Accommodations: $40-$70 per night.
- Budget-friendly meal: $5
- Restaurant dinner: $12 – $20
- 1-mile taxi ride: $5
- Entry fees for popular tourist attractions typically range from $5 to $10.
Greece
Experience unparalleled vistas and mesmerizing diversity with a trip to Greece, where the boundaries of reality are pushed to new limits.
Greece boasts some of Europe’s most stunning coastlines, including Zakynthos, Lefkada, Crete, and Mykonos. With careful planning and early reservations for accommodations and activities, travelers can enjoy these picturesque shores while keeping their daily expenses under $100.
What to Expect When You Buy Travel Essentials
- Accommodations: $60-$100 per night
- Budget-friendly dinner: $8
- Restaurant dinner: $15 – $25
- 1-mile taxi ride: $6
- Admission fees to popular tourist destinations range from $15 to $20.
Turkey
Stretching over 8,000 kilometers, Turkey’s diverse coastline boasts a wide range of beaches catering to various types of tourists, from secluded coves accessible only to experienced hikers to extensive sandy shores lined with restaurants and beachside bars.
Based on my own experiences, I firmly believe that securing the most competitive rates is easily achievable when opting for a comprehensive all-inclusive getaway.
In sought-after summer hotspots such as Miami Beach or the French Riviera, luxurious resorts frequently command a nightly rate of $200 to $450 for their all-encompassing packages – these typically feature unlimited dining and amenities, access to pools, saunas, jacuzzis, private beaches, and arranged entertainment.
To estimate costs nationwide, consider this breakdown:
- Accommodation rates: $30-$200 per night.
- Budget-friendly meal: $8
- Restaurant meal: $25 – $30
- 1-mile taxi ride: $1.5
- Admission fees for top attractions typically range from $25 to $40.
Croatia
Croatia’s breathtaking Adriatic coastline requires little explanation – its meteoric rise in popularity over the past few years has made Dubrovnik and Split household names, with many of us now familiar with these stunning destinations.
As publicity surrounding a destination grows, so too does the risk of misinformation – leaving travelers wondering which beaches truly merit their attention and how much they can realistically spend on their experience.
My top recommendation would be to discover the stunning beauty of the Makarska Riviera, the charming town of Primosten, the picturesque island of Rab, and the tranquil gem that is Vis – all while keeping an eye on budgets, knowing that prices will be a crucial consideration.
- Accommodation: $70-$200 per night
- Budget-friendly dinner: $10
- Restaurant meal: $20 – $25
- 1-mile taxi ride: $2
- Entry fees for top attractions typically range from $15 to $30.
Montenegro
Finally, but by no means least, we have Montenegro.
The Balkans boast a plethora of stunning coastal attractions, but a few standouts include Budva, Kotor, Ulcinj, and the often-overlooked gem, Herceg Novi.
As a crucial consideration, let’s not overlook the substantial cost savings that accompany this approach.
- Accommodation: $45-$80 per night.
- Budget-friendly dinner: ten dollars
- Restaurant dinner: $15 – $20
- 1-mile taxi ride: $2
- Typical admission prices for well-known destinations: $5-$15.
No advertisements, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Regular Deals, Customers Forum & More!
Travelers from around the globe unite to explore, exchange stories and seek fellow wanderlust enthusiasts.
SUBSCRIBE the HOTTEST ARTICLES
Enter your email address to receive the latest breaking travel developments from Off Path, delivered directly to your inbox.
The views and opinions presented in this publication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the attitudes or positions of any financial institution, credit card company, resort, airline, or other organization. This content is not endorsed, authorized, or recommended by the entities mentioned in this post.
