If you’re looking for a budget-friendly getaway in Europe, you may want to consider one of these lesser-known destinations.
Europe is full of stunning destinations which can get crowded during peak season – particularly in the school holidays or when it’s warm. However, for those of us who prefer the path less trodden, there are still plenty of holiday hotspots to check out that won’t break the bank.
Taking to Instagram, travel enthusiast Sandy Breitmeier shared her top three lesser-known spots that are just hours away from the UK by plane – and not only are they ‘budget-friendly’, but they’re also perfect if you want to ‘avoid the crowds’.
Riga, Latvia – for quirky eateries and vintage shopping
Sandy’s first recommendation was to enjoy an ‘underrated city break’ in Latvia’s capital. “If you’re looking for a colourful and cozy place full of coffee shops, flea markets, vintage shopping opportunities and a quirky bar and art scene, add Riga in Latvia to your list,” she said.
Riga is Latvia’s largest city and sits at the mouth of the River Daugava on the Baltic Sea. Its Old Town is fully pedestrianised and home to a number of shops and restaurants, as well as the buzzy Livu Square, home to many of the city’s bars and clubs.
Andalusia, Spain – a holiday hotspot with hidden charms
Home to the famous Costa del Sol, this region in southern Spain is already pretty well-known to Brit holidaymakers. But there’s more Andalusia than beach resorts.
Sandy said parts of the region look “like [they] could well be in Morocco” thanks to the many Arab cultural influences you can find there alongside Spanish traditions. She said this makes Andalusia “one of my favourite places in Europe.”
Andalusia also boasts rolling hills and rivers set against Spain’s southern coast. The region’s capital city, Seville, is known for having some of the best and most affordable food in the country and makes for a perfect weekend getaway.
Gdańsk and Sopot, Poland – for a trendy city break and relaxing spa treatments
You may have already heard of Gdańsk. Situated on the Baltic coast of northern Poland, this quaint city is already a draw for tourists thanks to its stunning architecture and, Sandy says, “trendy, colourful and cool” vibes.
However, Sopot is a little bit more off the beaten track. Described as “one of Europe’s best spa towns officially,” Sopot is the perfect place to unwind after exploring bustling streets and enjoying an ice-cold Tyskie.
Sandy booked a spa break at the Marriott, but there are plenty of other relaxing destinations to choose from. And if hot tubs and massages aren’t your thing, Sopot also boasts an excellent food and clubbing scene, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
