Best budget beach destinations in Europe for summer fun
Photo: Budva in Montenegro and Bansko in Bulgaria (collage by RBC-Ukraine)
Many dream of renting a villa or apartment near the sea in June, July, and August. However, summer is the high season, which causes accommodation prices to rise. Where can you make your dreams of a European summer a reality without spending too much money?
Euronews Travel tells you where you can live affordably and work remotely in Europe this summer.
Sunny Adriatic coast in Budva, Montenegro
Planning to spend the summer by the sea? You can head to the town of Budva in Montenegro. In summer, you'll find sun-drenched Adriatic beaches, a charming medieval Old Town, and relatively low prices. Monthly rent starts at approximately 700 euros per month during the high season.
The city offers various coworking spaces for those who cannot afford to take a vacation all summer and need to work.
You can explore quiet coves like the Galija beach in your free time, just a 20-minute drive from the city. Or head north to Kotor, a paradise for cat lovers with stunning views of the Bay of Kotor from the top of the medieval fortress town.
Photo: Kotor Bay, a 40-minute drive from Budva (unsplash.com)
To avoid crowds on the coast, tourists suggest heading further into Montenegro's mountains. For example, the Durmitor limestone massif in the northwest of the country is popular for its canyons and gorgeous mountain lakes.
Even cheaper alternatives are near the Piva Canyon in Plužine or in the south, near Lake Skadar by the Albanian border.
Accommodation prices: from 700 euros per month if booked in advance and with discounts.
Picturesque lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
North Macedonia continues to surprise tourists with low prices for accommodation, food, and summer vacations, even at the peak of the season.
Prices here are lower than in popular destinations like Spain and Italy. Travelers particularly enjoy the town of Ohrid on the lake's shore, where you can relax on the beaches and, if necessary, set up a temporary office in your hotel room.
"Ohrid has super good weather, not so hot summer - around 30-35 max during the day - and colder nights so you can sleep well without AC," describes one Reddit user.
Other advantages of Ohrid include very cheap food, good internet, and a vibrant nightlife.
"Ohrid is my favorite cheapest place in Europe for sure," writes another traveler.
Accommodation prices: around 200-250 euros per month.
Summer in the mountains of Bansko Resort, Bulgaria
Just a few hours south of Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, lies Bansko, a mountain town known for its winter skiing. However, there are plenty of reasons to visit Bansko in the summer as well.
Photo: Bansko, Bulgaria (unsplash.com)
The town, situated at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, is essentially the gateway to the hiking trails of Pirin National Park. Here, rivers flow through flower-filled valleys and coniferous forests, home to wolves and brown bears.
July through September brings cultural events and festivals to Bansko, from open-air cinemas to jazz and folk concerts.
Accommodation prices: Summer room rentals start at 230 euros per month, and the summer temperatures, while warm, are less oppressive than in other regions of the country.
