11 Cheapest European Beach Destinations In 2024

With the rising cost of living,  you’re likely on the hunt for the cheapest European beach destinations this year. 

I often come across the usual recommendations for cheap holidays in Europe – Algarve and Croatia, but I don’t think they are an affordable option for those looking to save money.

As a Croatian myself, I can tell you that much of the Croatian coastline is no longer as budget-friendly as it was 10 years ago.

As we are priced out of enjoying our beaches, I’m an expert in finding cheap beach destinations in Europe.

Here are the places you’ll want to consider this summer!

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Cheapest European Beach Destinations

Before we get into the list, I wanted to set some expectations, as everybody has a different idea of what’s affordable. 

What is affordable for me as a solo traveler and backpacker might not be affordable for a family. 

Also, your idea of whether is Europe expensive will depend on if you’re coming from a country where the average salary is 700€ or 2000€. 

So, what do I consider cheap?

In all of these places, you should be able to find accommodation in high season for under 50€ per night – if you book in advance!

Also, you should be able to grab dinner for 10-15€ in an average restaurant, coffee for 2-3€, and a drink in a bar for under 10€.

The average cost per day is calculated based on the backpacker’s budget, staying in dorm rooms, or if you share the cost of a private room.

You won’t find the south of Spain or the Algarve on this list. 

While I absolutely loved visiting both of these destinations, I went in shoulder season as high season prices were through the roof.

I want you to have realistic options for beach holidays in Europe in July and June when most people have annual holidays. 

1. Montenegro Riviera

✈️ Closest airport: Tivat and Podgorica Airport
💸 Average cost per day: 40-50€

If you wanted to go to Croatia but decided it was out of budget this year, consider Montenegro!

I think Montenegro beaches are the best alternative to Croatian beaches. 

Montenegro Riviera is situated on the south border of Croatia, and beaches are quite similar to the ones in Croatia with small pebbles and a clear blue sea.

The most popular beach town in Montenegro is Budva. This beautiful seaside town with stone houses is the perfect place for a summer vacation. 

This is the area where you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro like Jaz and Trsteno beaches. 

Sveti Stefan with its picturesque beach connecting the small walled island should also be on your itinerary!

As we’re talking about the cheapest beach destinations in Europe you should venture off the beaten track and consider also Dobra Voda, Petrovac, and Ulcinj.

Montenegro uses the euro as a currency but it is not part of the EU, so the prices are way below the European average.

2. Albanian Riviera

✈️ Closest airport: Tirana Airport
💸 Average cost per day: 30-50€

Albania is quickly becoming one of the most popular beach destinations in Europe. 

Situated on the same coastline as Greece and Croatia, you know you can expect beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea. However, the real appeal of Albania is its affordability. 

The prices in Albania are half the price of its more popular neighbors.

Naturally, you’ll still find cheaper and more expensive areas along the coastline.

The most popular and the most expensive beach in Albania is Ksamil in the south of the country. 

This lovely beach was nicknamed the Maldives of Europe, attracting many tourists and increasing prices.

Don’t get me wrong! It is still quite affordable but more expensive than the rest of the country.

However, the coastal town of Vlorë is a better option if you’re really on a budget.

Other beautiful beaches in Albania are Dhërmi, Himarë, and Sarandë.

One thing to consider when planning your budget for Albania is that you’ll need to pay for sunbeds on nearly every beach. 

It surprised me because we usually just put our towels on the beach in Croatia.

3. Crete, Greece

✈️ Closest airport: Heraklion and Chania Airpors
💸 Average cost per day: 40-60€

Greece is one of the best summer destinations in Europe, but did you know you can also have a budget-friendly summer vacation in Greece?

With so many islands to choose from, most of Greece is actually quite affordable!

Crete is by far the biggest island in Greece, and if you’re backpacking through Greece it might seem far. However, you can fly into two different airports on the island! 

Naturally, it offers so many different beaches and areas to explore. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete are Elafonísi Beach, Mátala, and Frangokástello.

The best way to explore the island is to rent a car; that way, you can stay in smaller, more remote towns with cheaper accommodation. 

4. Corfu, Greece

✈️ Closest airport: Corfu Airport
💸 Average cost per day: 50-60€

Another Greek island you can visit on a budget is Corfu! It is one of the northernmost Greek islands, situated across the Albanian coastline. 

I spent about 350€ for a week in Corfu, all while staying in well-rated accommodation across the island and eating out every dinner.

You can easily save more money if you buy groceries and prepare meals in your accommodation. The price is also lower if you travel in a friend group, as most accommodations can easily fit 3-4 people!

The trick to staying on a budget is to pick wisely where to stay in Corfu and stay away from Corfu Town. 

The accommodation in Corfu Town is significantly more expensive than in coastal towns, and you’re not even close to the beach!

Some of my favorite beach towns in Corfu are Palaiokastritsa, Kassiopi, and Sidari.

Corfu is such a diverse island and you’ll find both sandy and pebbled beaches. While you can visit Corfu without a car, renting a car will make getting around and discovering the island easier.

5. Naxos, Greece

✈️ Closest airport: Naxos Airport (alternatively Athens and Santorini for international flights)
💸 Average cost per day: 50-60€

Finally, did you know you can also visit the famous Cyclades on a budget?

Sure, Santorini is expensive and you’ll have to skip the most popular islands like Mykonos, Santorini, or Milos, but there are many less visited islands to visit instead!

Naxos is one of my favorite Greek islands and a perfect destination for a summer beach holiday.

Beaches in Naxos are some of the best beaches in Greece. You can expect to find long, sandy beaches with crystal-clear water. 

You can also rent a car in Naxos to explore the entire coastline. The island is large and the coastline is lined with beaches.

Naxos is not the only cheap island in the Cyclades. However, they all have the same disadvantage – you can’t fly directly there from outside of the country.

You’ll have to fly to Athens or Santorini first and take a ferry to the islands. It is not complicated,  but it does add a journey to a flight.

6. Antalya, Turkey

✈️ Closest airport: Antalya Airport
💸 Average cost per day: 30-50€

Turkey is well known as one of the cheapest all-inclusive beach destinations in Europe. 

If you’re not into that type of travel, don’t worry – staying in all-inclusive resorts is not my idea of the perfect holiday either.

Prices in Turkey increased quite a bit in the past year, but it is still more affordable than the South of France, Croatia, or most of Spain in the summer.

Turkey has one of the longest coastlines in Europe and endless seafront villages and beach towns. 

While there are many beach towns along the Black Sea coast, I prefer the beaches along the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea.

Antalya is one of the most popular destinations, with pristine beaches and lots of affordable activities to add to your itinerary.

If you prefer smaller seafront towns you should consider Kaş, Alanya, and Oludeniz.

Those who are backpacking in Turkey should also add Olympos to their itinerary, it is the backpacker hotspot of the Turquoise Riviera.

I suggest you rent a car and drive along the coastline to find the more remote beaches and escape the crowds. 

Rental cars are quite affordable in Turkey and it gives you the freedom to explore this beautiful country at your own pace. 

7. Istria, Croatia

✈️ Closest airport: Pula Airport
💸 Average cost per day: 40-50€

While still more affordable than the south of France, Croatia is no longer a cheap beach destination. 

Still, the Croatian coastline is long and there are still affordable towns to discover.

The trick is to skip the most popular cities in the south like Split or Dubrovnik, and head to the northwestern region of Istria. 

If you have a car, staying in some of the smaller coastline villages is the best way to stay on the budget.

Pula is the largest city in the region, and it offers surprisingly affordable accommodation and amenities. 

Also, you can take many day trips from Pula and visit more expensive coastal towns like Rovinj and Poreč.

Beaches in Pula are pebbled or rock beaches like you’ll find in most of the country.

While you could just stay in Pula for a week and enjoy the beaches, it would be useful to rent a car to make the most of your time in Istria by taking day trips from Pula. 

Most tourists actually drive to the region, but you can also fly to Pula and rent a car there!

8. Sicily, Italy

✈️ Closest airport: Palermo Airport
💸 Average cost per day: 50-60€

It is possible to spend the summer in Italy without breaking the bank. However, you’ll have to skip the famous Amalfi Coast and head to Sicily!

I spent several weeks in Sicily and I was quite surprised by the beaches and prices here compared to the north of Italy and Rome.

My favorite spots along the Sicily coast were Cefalu and Taormina. They are some of the most beautiful places on the island.

A popular summer destination is also Mondello Beach close to Palermo. It is a long sandy beach nestled among the mountains. 

9. Varna, Bulgaria

✈️ Closest airport: Varna Airport
💸 Average cost per day: 30-50€

Moving to the Black Sea, we have the coastal town of Varna in Bulgaria. 

Bulgaria is well known as one of the cheapest countries in Europe for a beach holiday, so it had to be on this list.

The city of Varna is worth visiting by itself. It is a charming seaside town with plenty of picturesque corners to discover. You’ll also find several impressive historical monuments in the area. 

The beach in Varna is massive. It is an endless sandy beach lined with beach bars and restaurants. 

10. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

✈️ Closest airport: Bourgas Airport 
💸 Average cost per day: 30-50€

Sunny Beach in Bulgaria is one of the cheapest European beach destinations and has quite a reputation as a cheap summer party destination in Europe. 

It is known as the budget alternative to Ibiza in Spain and Zrće in Croatia, usually frequented by young British tourists who want to party on a budget.

I already visited some of the places that have a reputation as British party destinations, such as Albufeira in Portugal and Kavos in Corfu. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.

If I had to choose a beach in Bulgaria, I’d go for Varna over Sunny Beach.

Large beaches lined with resorts and nightclubs are not my idea of a relaxing summer holiday, but if you’re up for affordable nights out, it doesn’t get much cheaper than here!

11. Mamaia, Romania

✈️ Closest airport: Constanta Airport
💸 Average cost per day: 40-50€

Finally, we have Romania – another cheap beach holiday destination on the coast of the Black Sea. 

In all honesty, I wouldn’t go to Romania solely for a beach holiday.

While I loved backpacking in Romania, I found the mountains and the central region more impressive than the Romanian beaches. 

So, why is it on this list?

Romania is one of the best European countries for backpackers as it offers so many different experiences on a budget.

If you’re seeking a destination where you can enjoy sightseeing, explore cultural attractions, go hiking, and sneak in a quick swim, Romania is a fantastic all-around choice.

Mamaia Beach is the most popular resort in Romania, and the beach there is a long sandy beach lined with resorts and nightclubs. 

Alternatively, you can head to Vama Veche in the south, close to the Bulgarian border. It is also popular for nightlife but has a slightly different vibe.

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Final Thoughts: Cheap European Beach Holidays

There are still cheap summer destinations in Europe and you don’t need to go to Southeast Asia to enjoy beaches on a budget.

Sure, you’ll have to skip the most popular areas like France, Spain, or Portugal if you want to save money.

However, less-visited coastal countries like Montenegro and Albania are some of the cheapest beach destinations in Europe!

Also, you can find cheaper places in the most popular summer destinations like Greece and Croatia. 

Islands like Corfu and Crete in Greece, as well as the northwestern coast of Croatia, still offer affordable options for summer holidays.

There are pros and cons of spending summer in Europe, but there is a good reason European summers are so popular!