Let's face it — some beach destinations are a dud, and there's nothing more disappointing than spending money to traverse the globe only to be left bored and unimpressed.
As experts ourselves here at Travel Off Path, we know when to hand over the baton to trusted travel outlets such as TimeOut, which just revealed a hefty list of cheap beach getaways in Europe.
Dissecting it like a forensic file, we cut out a couple of places that don't fit the bill due to both current conflicts in the Middle East and personal experience of aforementioned disappointment.
With that said, these 3 European beach destinations are actually worth visiting despite being a trek to reach.
But first, no matter where you decide to book your next vacation, be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements before your trip
3) Heraklion: Greece's Most Visited Beach Is Also The Cheapest!
At first glance, one would think Santorini would be Greece's most visited destination.
Nope — that would be Heraklion, a city equally historical as it is beautiful on the blissful island of Crete.
Boasting timeless ruins without the zig-zagging lines of Athens and ample paradisal shores to lounge seaside and take in sweeping views of the vast Mediterranean, Heraklion isn't a name that rings a bell to most in the States, but locally beloved across Greece and fellow EU countries.
Of course, there are so many postcard-perfect beach escapes to choose from worldwide, but many of them draw a hefty price tag.
Heraklion, fortunately, isn't one of them — not with Crete's Blue-Flag sands of Ammoudara.
It's a far cry from Santorini's aforementioned $500 per night villas.
Here, you'll find much more palatable pricing:
- Aquila Atlantis Hotel (5-star) – $99 per night
- Taxi from the airport – $17
- Coffee – $3.50
- Street Food – $5
- Tour of Palace of Knossos – $34
- All beaches – FREE
That's just a sample size, but you get the idea.
Plus, away from the gritty, graffiti-lined streetscape of Athens, Greece is largely considered safe.
See below what travelers are saying in real time:
2) Aberystwyth: A ‘Wale‘ Of A Beach Town
Your first thought might be “where in the world is Aberystwyth?”, and rightfully so.
My first thought is “please, don't make me spell it again”.
Wales is one of the UK's unsung destinations for culture, as a large percentage of the population still speaks Welsh, and also for beach vacations, as most visitors are solely focused on the thrills of London over the highly underrated coastline.
Aberystwyth (success!) is a rare spot offering pristine, Blue-Flag designated beaches without breaking the bank.
You see, many travelers have the wrong impression of the UK since London is typically the entry point.
In Aberystwyth, and neighboring towns, the population is relatively young being a university town, so you can expect cheap drinks and eats, all while still visiting authentic pubs.
Here's another sample size of what to expect:
- Castle Hotel (next to Castle Aberystwyth) – $155 per night
- Coffee – $3
- Beer – $4.50
- Train from London – $95
- Tour of Castle Aberystwyth – FREE
- Hiking the Ceredigion Coast Path – FREE
Again, outside some wild London headlines, travelers tend to claim the UK is safe across the board.
See below what they're are saying in real time:
1) Neum: The Must-Visit Neighbor To Croatia
One European country that's still largely undiscovered by the masses boasts just 12 miles of coastline, but within that stretch of whitewashed villages and turquoise coves is a true dreamscape most vacationers overlook.
Bosnia & Herzegovina (which we'll just call “Bosnia” from here on out) is more know for its storybook towns — and to be frank — it's very dark history.
But there's been a real turnaround for this lesser-known nation and the next turning of the page is for travelers to discover the beach oasis of Neum, roughly an hour by public transit from Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Bosnia's only Adriatic beach town is more low-key and a great escape from what seems like unavoidable crowds across the border in the Med's summer hotspot.
Here's a sample size of what your bank account can expect to see:
- Hotel Jadran (4-star) – $70 per night
- Coffee – $2
- Beer – $2
- Meal for Two – $30
- Public transit (one-way ticket) – $1.80
- Public beaches – FREE
Note that some hotels control access to private beach areas, so you’ll need a reservation to use them.
Given Bosnia’s major glow-up, and outside a few still-edgy corners of Sarajevo, travelers say the country feels safe to visit.
Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!
Find Your European Beach
What is your primary goal for this beach vacation?
What kind of landscape do you prefer?
Which of these budget-friendly perks appeals to you the most?
Your Match: Heraklion
Crete, Greece
Why It Fits: You want a classic Greek island experience without the $500/night Santorini price tag. Enjoy the Blue-Flag sands of Ammoudara, cheap $5 street food, and timeless ruins like the Palace of Knossos.
Your Match: Aberystwyth
Wales, UK
Why It Fits: You want pristine beaches without the massive international crowds or the heat. With cheap pub drinks, free castle tours, and access to the Ceredigion Coast Path, it's a stellar off-path choice.
Your Match: Neum
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Why It Fits: You want to avoid the unavoidable crowds of neighboring Croatia while still enjoying turquoise coves. With $70/night 4-star hotels and $2 beers, this 12-mile stretch of coastline is the ultimate budget escape.
