Travel Guide
These Are 4 Of The Cheapest Mediterranean Beach Destinations This Summer
May
Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re thinking what we’re thinking, it’s time to start planning a little getaway across the pond.
The Ancient Sea is calling, after all.
That’s an affectionate way to refer to the Mediterranean, for those who don’t know, and in any case, we’re not about to give you a rundown of all the most Instagrammable corners in Italy, or the top 5 best Michelin-featured restaurants in the South of France.
We’re not exactly fans of the overcrowded, overpriced destinations either, but hey, we still love any excuse to beach-hop across the pond, ride vespas along cliffsides, and bask in the balmy sun in the shade of a medieval citadel.
It just doesn’t have to be Positano.
If you’ve got your heart set on the Med, but you’ve been a bit low on savings lately, worry not, you can still have that idyllic European vacation without breaking the bank in these 5 lesser-known spots:
Blanes, Spain
Only a one-hour drive west of bustling Barcelona, Blanes is one of Spain’s least-celebrated coastal towns, despite its Mediterranean charm and lower prices than the average.
With around 40,000 inhabitants, it is far more offbeat than its world-famous neighbor, and it is equally charming, with its Marimurtra Botanical Garden straddling the sea, hidden beaches bathed by turquoise waters, such as Cala Bona, and historical appeal:
The Old Town is littered with medieval sights, including a Gothic fountain right at the heart of it all, a 14th-century church, Iglesia de Santa María, partially damaged during the Spanish Civil War, and a hilltop Castillo de San Juan, offering views of all of Blanes and its coast.
As far as prices go, a menú del día meal in a downtown restaurant can cost anywhere from a mere €8 to €14 (roughly $9 to $17)—at the foot of the Sa Palomera Rock, Racó is highly sought-after for their affordable seafood paella—while private rooms cost as cheap as $66-a-night in summer.
Tangier, Morocco
Something most people fail to realize is that the Mediterranean doesn’t border only Europe.
Directly to the south of Spain lies the coast of Africa, and more specifically, at one of the closest points between both continents, the lively port of Tangier, in Morocco, with its timeless medina, modern waterfront promenade, and chill vibes.
Were it not for the calls to prayer, you could easily mistake it for any other city in Andalusia: it has the labyrinthine Old Town with narrow alleys lined with whitewashed houses, the historic citadel, and even a thriving cafe culture.
A short drive from the city center, Achakkar is a sandy beach featuring a wide range of amenities, including Café Barsol. There, they serve Mediterranean staples with a Moroccan twist, from grilled fish to tagine. You should expect to pay around $10 for a dish (or the equivalent in Dirham).
Don’t get us started on all the amazing, budget-friendly riads you can find here for only a small fraction of the price of Marrakesh’s… if we were to pick one, it would be the family-run Dar Mora: double or twin rooms for $51-a-night, medina views, and breakfast included.
What’s not to love?
Kos, Greece
We’re moving it next to the Eastern Mediterranean, to a small island in Greece just off the coast of Turkey, the Santorini and Mykonos party crowds are yet to ruin.
Welcome to Kos, a laid-back alternative to your usual, $200-a-night Greek escapade: it is home to Kos Town, a picture-perfect cobbled settlement backed by a monumental medieval castle, ancient temples overlooking the sea, and dreamy beaches.
We guess it’s safe to say Kos is one of Greece’s most beautiful islands, and the best part is, it is not usually crowded, or at least not jam-packed like its Aegean counterparts, nor necessarily awfully expensive:
Getting yourself a tzatziki starter, an ‘apaki‘ smoked pork, and some beer in a local tavern will set you back by $15 (for that, we love the no-frills, Greek-frequented Sxolarxeio), while visiting the Castle of the Knights, or even bathing in the Therma Hot Springs, are completely free of charge.
If you’re going to Sxolarxeio for dinner, we know you’re on a tighter budget, and when it comes to accomodation, don’t worry, we got you: Veroniki Hotel, a short walk from all the main sights, costs only $56 per night.
Vlorë, Albania
The fourth and last entry, Vlorë is that hidden gem you’ve been waiting to hear about.
Nestled in the Adriatic Coast of Albania, a lesser-known Southeastern European country that was under the iron first of a communist dictator for much of the 20th-century, it is expected to become a major player in the Mediterranean in the years to come.
With an airport opening this year, set to host low-cost flights from numerous European destinations (yet to be announced), and a revitalized historic center, Vlorë is one of the most exciting new destinations if you’re looking for something more offbeat and yet to be discovered in 2025.
When it comes to culture, it is home to a picture-perfect Old Town, with stone-paved streets lined by colorful facades, a 16th-century Ottoman mosque, and perched on a hill overlooking the town, Kanine Castle is both a medieval treasure, and a great sunset spot.
The town’s main golden-sand beach is also lined with seafood eateries and no-frills cafe terraces. It’s teeming with visitors in summer, though if you seek a quieter ambiance, the (often) deserted Jale Beach is a short drive away.
On that note, a triple room in the secluded GuestHouse Hamiti Llogara, an Albania-level luxurious experience overlooking a beach, will set you back by $57-a-night.
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