When people search for the best beach destinations in Europe, they often think Italy or anywhere along the Mediterranean Sea. And while a trip to the French Riviera in France or the Almafi Coast or Cinque Terre in Italy sounds idyllic, there are other places to consider for a beach holiday in Europe. For example, there are a plethora of more affordable beach holidays in the Balkan countries such as Croatia and Montenegro. So let me introduce you to a collection of gorgeous seaside towns along the Adriatic Sea at a fraction of the price you might pay anywhere else in Europe.

Did you know that Germany has a few islands? You’d have to zoom in on your Google Maps to see them, but they’re there. And one of the most popular islands to visit on the Baltic Sea is the relatively large island of Rügen. You’ve probably never heard of it, so allow me to tickle your travel buds and entice you to swap out your holiday in the Alps for a beach holiday on Rügen.

Montenegro is a Balkan nation located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, between Croatia, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. It’s an up and coming country to visit in the Balkans and is quickly becoming a popular alternative to Croatia. Easily one of the best countries to visit in Europe for its enchanting beauty, rugged mountains and alluring coastline, begging you to visit. I’ll be sharing with you five of the best places to visit in Montenegro in 2 days as part of our 2-week Balkan Road Trip!

Set on a rocky peninsula jutting out into the Black Sea, the ancient Bulgarian town of Old Nessebar is one of the country’s few UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, it is one of Bulgaria’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason: it’s packed with exceptionally picturesque wooden houses and churches. The small peninsula is connected to the main land via a man-made isthmus meaning “narrow strip of land connecting two areas of land” in Ancient Greek.

Ever dreamed of rubbing elbows with the rich and famous? Ever dreamed of laying on a private beach completely to yourself, without any screaming children, obnoxious tourists or loud cars? Ya, me too! Does a place even exist?

Budva (Будва) might seriously be my spiritual home. As one of the last Venetian outposts along the Adriatic, this fortified Stari Grad (Old Town) is simply oozing with charisma, backed by rugged mountains and vibrant turquoise waters. Budva is easily one of the most beautiful settlements and popular destinations in Montenegro. I could have stayed here forever as it’s without a doubt, one of the most stupid pretty towns in Europe!

Medieval fortress walls. Tiny cobbled-stoned alleys. Venetian architecture. Heart-stopping views. Romance and adventure. What’s not to love about Kotor?

Never heard of Kotor? **Gasp!!**

Well, then by all means, allow me to introduce you to this adorable town!

While recently visiting Bruges for a sporadic, last-minute change of plans we agreed that we would include a day trip to the Belgian coast line and have some beach time. After all, our original plans were to go to a lake in Germany to soak up the Vitamin-D, but that didn’t work out.

Our weekend trip to Bruges turned out to be the BEST, last -minute decision EVER! Not only did we get a great price on our hotel, pretty good weather, lots of waffles and fries and beer, but we were also blessed with amazing weather on our last day, so we headed straight for the beach!

Situated at the very southernmost tip of Croatia, sits the ancient city town of Dubrovnik which is still fortified by massive grey stone city walls. The stunning blue green waters of the Adriatic Sea hug its walls adding to the beauty of a place which seems more like a dream than a reality. It’s no wonder then that this beautiful part of Croatia is considered to be the “Pearl of the Adriatic!”

Set on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Split is the home to one of the largest and best preserved Roman palaces in the world. In 295 AD the Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered an enormous palace to be built here, where one day he intended to retire. Diocletian was an unlikely Emperor as he was born into a family with a low status. He worked his way up through the military ranks and eventually became a cavalry commander under Emperor Carus.