Europe is a gift waiting to be unwrapped, a hidden assortment of gems beyond all the old familiar places. From the Portuguese Algarve to the wonders of the Balearic Islands, Europe and, in particular, the Mediterranean has no shortage of beach destinations. That being said, however, it’s also host to a vast array of beach destinations that are unspoiled by tourists, unblemished by rising prices and unashamedly excellent in terms of value.
I’ve had the opportunity to hop around some of Europe’s most loved seaside spots and in this post, I want to share some of the best that you might want to look into for your future European adventure.
Kos, Greece
It’s fair to state that the Greek Islands are fairly popular and whilst, on the face of it, Kos, an immaculate, idyllic location based in the Aegean Sea, seems to be cheating a little, it’s one of the more well-developed islands, larger than its exotic brothers and sisters and features some exceptional value in terms of hotels and various other places to stay. Naturally, as an island, there are plenty of beaches to laze about on as well as an abundance of opportunities to get out onto the water and there are a number of Yacht Charter establishments on the island.
Pula, Croatia
Croatia is often overlooked as a tourist hot-spot unless it’s a trip to the well-loved, walled city of Dubrovnik. Pula, on the other hand, is a charming, rustic little city in the Istrian region of Croatia and sits on the Adriatic. It has its own airport as well as a fantastic Old Town faction, perfect for quaint walking tours. Its Amphitheatre is one of the largest surviving remnants of the Roman Empire and Brijuni, a collection of attractive islands just off the Pula coast, is well worth a visit with its own hotel selection and a National Park, adding a little something extra to proceedings. When visiting Pula, try to also spend a day in Zagreb, especially if you fly via the capital city.
Porto, Portugal
Portugal isn’t all about the Algarve, and Porto, one of the country’s most established cities, is great for cheap package holidays with flights as low as £25 and features so much to see and do, ideal for someone on a strict budget. Porto has a penchant for mixing the old with the new and features a World Heritage Site in its very centre whilst the night brings with it a thriving club-life, particularly out on the riverfront. Outside the city, the Torre dos Clerigos will prove something of a challenge but besting it will reap rewards of stunning, clear views out over the city. And naturally, drink some port wine while you’re there!
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Chances are you’ve never considered Bulgaria to be an optimal summer holiday destination but you’d be pleasantly surprised by the quiet, clean beaches stretched across the nation. Sunny Beach caters to those looking to enjoy a proper seaside vacation with its renowned beach zones. It may not be an accurate representation of the country as a whole but it’s not as loud as some of the party spots across Spain and the Mediterranean and has caught headlines recently as one of the best seaside destinations in Europe for value, offering the standard fare of sun, sea and sand for low, low prices. You can also head to nearby Nessebar to see it’s stunning old city.
