A LITTLE-known resort with white sands, a Unesco-listed old town and beer for less than £2 tops a new listing of most affordable autumn beach breaks in Europe this year.
Nessebar, on a peninsula in Bulgaria, is No1 in budget airline easyJet’s Cheap Beach Index, thanks to its affordable hospitality and dependable deals on flights and hotels.
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The research analysed areas within easy reach of airports that offer affordable direct routes from the UK, and the costs of a typical holiday “basket” of essentials including beer, ice cream and family meals out.
The Budva Riviera in Montenegro came second, followed by Spain’s Costa de Almeria then Costa Dorada.
Next came Croatian towns Nin and Medulin.
Lisa Minot describes what makes these autumn breaks winners, and offers some great deals . . .
NESSEBAR, BULGARIA
THIS little gem offers the best of both worlds with golden sands on South Beach and plenty of charm in the Old Town with its Roman and Ottoman architecture, 19th-century wooden houses and cobbled streets.
It’s not all culture, though – the resort has plenty to keep visitors happy with lots of bars and restaurants and a lively nightlife.
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The report found beers would cost on average £1.60, while a three-course meal will set you back around £22 for a couple.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Festa Panorama, Nessebar is from £477pp including flights from Manchester departing on September 30, 23kg luggage and transfers.
BUDVA RIVIERA, MONTENEGRO
LOCATED on Montenegro’s gorgeous Adriatic Coast, the Budva Riviera has more than 35km of stunning coastline.
There are several beaches, from the lively, expansive Jaz and Slovenska Plaza to the picturesque coves of Mogren.
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At its heart is the charming medieval Old Town (Stari Grad) with its Venetian walls and historic churches.
The index found beers will set you back just £1.90, a meal for two is £30 and ice creams a bargain £1.50.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Eurostars Queen of Montenegro is from £452pp, from Gatwick on September 30, 23kg luggage and transfers.
COSTA DE ALMERIA, SPAIN
FOR a more authentic Spanish experience, distinct from the more crowded Costas, the Costa de Almeria is Europe’s only desert landscape, providing a dramatic backdrop.
Highlight is the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, a protected area with volcanic geology, hidden coves like Monsul and vast, unspoiled beaches for you to set aside the pressures of life.
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Roquetas de Mar is a perfect beachfront town with lots of shops, bars and restaurants close by.
The report found beers will cost just £3 and a meal for two £36.
GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the Best Roquetas Hotel, Costa de Almeria is from £372pp including flights from Southend on September 27, 23kg luggage and transfers.
COSTA DORADA, SPAIN
ALWAYS among the best value of the Costas, this area is known as the Golden Coast – perfect for families with its long, gently shelving golden sand beaches.
Salou has a buzzing nightlife scene and direct access to the ever popular PortAventura World theme park.
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Head to Cambrils for great seafood restaurants while Tarragona has a magnificent Roman amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The index found beers would cost £2.55 and a meal for a couple around £36.
GO: Seven nights’ R/O at the 3H Hotel Eurosalou is from £306pp including easyJet flights from Southend on September 30, 23kg luggage and transfers.
MEDULIN, CROATIA
THIS family-friendly resort on Croatia’s Istrian Coast stands out with its kilometre-long sandy Bijeca beach with shallow waters.
The sheltered bay is also ideal for watersports such as paddle boarding.
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For nature lovers, the rugged Cape Kamenjak reserve has stunning cliffs, secluded coves and walking trails.
The nearby city of Pula with its historic Roman remains, is a short bus ride away.
The report found beers would cost around £3.10 and a meal for two £40.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Park Plaza Belvedere Medulin is from £580pp including easyJet flights from Luton, 23kg luggage and transfers.
See love holidays.com.
NIN, CROATIA
THE ancient Croatian town is on an islet within a lagoon on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea.
Known as the birthplace of Croatian kings, its historic centre is linked to the mainland by two 16th-century stone bridges.
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Nin is famous for beautiful sandy lagoons, among them Queen’s Beach, a 3km stretch of sand in a shallow, warm bay.
Nearby, you can experience the tradition of applying therapeutic mud, renowned for its healing properties.
The index found beers were £3.20 and a meal for two £40.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering in an apartment is from £473 in total, based on four sharing, from Sep 23 – novasol.co.uk.
Fly EasyJet from Gatwick to Zadar from £136pp return.
See easyjet.com.