A lesser-known European coastal destination featuring pristine white beaches, a UNESCO-recognized ancient town, and budget-friendly beer prices under £2 has claimed the top spot in a recent ‘Cheap Beach Index.’
In the ongoing quest for affordable beach getaways, Nessebar, situated on a small Bulgarian peninsula, has emerged as the top-value choice. The index, crafted by EasyJet, aims to entice travelers to explore lesser-visited beach locales during the off-peak season.
Often referred to as the Pearl of the Black Sea, Nessebar stands out as one of Bulgaria’s most captivating destinations, blending historical significance, cultural richness, and coastal allure. The town boasts picturesque cobblestone streets, a renowned seafood scene, and a UNESCO heritage site.
Nestled beneath the scenic backdrop of the Strandzha Mountains and surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Ropotamo Nature Reserve, Nessebar offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and discovering the quaint Strandzha villages.
With a history dating back over 3,000 years, Nessebar was originally a Thracian settlement before evolving into a vibrant Greek colony in the 6th century BC. The town’s architectural heritage includes remnants from the Hellenistic era, such as the acropolis, a temple of Apollo, and well-preserved 19th-century Black Sea-style houses.
Beyond its cultural allure, Nessebar is a hub for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities like jet skiing, windsurfing, and diving along its scenic coastline. Families can enjoy the thrilling water slides and pools at Aqua Paradise Park.
As night falls, Nessebar transforms into a bustling hub of affordable nightlife, featuring an array of bars and clubs. According to EasyJet’s findings, the town offers remarkably low prices, with options like £1.60 beers, £1.20 ice cream cones, £28 family meals, and £45 per night accommodations.
For travelers from the UK, the most convenient way to reach Nessebar is via Bourgas Airport, located a short transfer away from the resort. Flights from various UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Nottingham, and London Luton, are available for as low as £19 one-way in October.
Following closely behind Nessebar on EasyJet’s Cheap Beach list are the Budva Riviera in Montenegro, known for its scenic Adriatic coast, and the Costa de Almería in Spain, famed for its golden beaches and the unique Tabernas Desert.
Kevin Doyle, EasyJet’s UK country manager, highlighted the abundance of affordable beach destinations in early autumn across Europe. He emphasized the wide range of budget-friendly beach breaks accessible through EasyJet’s extensive flight network, catering to passengers seeking affordable yet enjoyable summer getaways.
The top 20 destinations in the Cheap Beach Index were selected based on their proximity to airports offering direct routes to the UK, with pricing determined by a standard holiday ‘basket’ criteria including beer costs, ice cream prices, and expenses for a family meal out.