Am I? When it comes down to it, I don’t like swimming with plastic bags and other things that I won’t describe here.

So, when I go to the beach to take the waters, I head out of Barcelona. Here are a few swim-friendly destinations I’d stick a big toe in:

Best beaches near Barcelona

Sitges

I’ll admit that Sitges beaches are a bit packed in the summer months, mostly with men (this is a gay getaway). It can be hard to find a plot of sand upon which to lay. Get a sun umbrella and a chair for €5-€10 a day and enjoy.

Garraf, Spain. Photo: Eduard Maluquer

Sitges also makes my list because it’s close to Barcelona (45 minutes to the south), easy to get to by Renfe train, and is basically just a really fun little city. Lots of choices here for eating out, bars, nightlife and cafes. Makes for an excellent day-trip or weekend away from Barcelona. Read more here.

Garraf

I looked at houses here and imagined moving to Garraf, a small village a couple train stops before Sitges, snug in the mountains and overlooking the Mediterranean.

Sigh. It’s lovely.

Alas, the issue with Garraf is that not all trains stop in this petite beach town, so be careful to get a Renfe train that hits all the stops or you might chug right on by. Also note that Garraf is a village, but also a region. In the village there are two main beaches: one which is large and more popular, and another which is much smaller on the other side of the port. It takes about 35 minutes to get to Garraf from Barcelona’s Pssg de Gracia station.

The beaches of Sant Pol de Mar. Photo: Olivier Bruchez

Sant Pol de Mar

About an hour north of Barcelona in the Maresme area of the Catalan coastline, Sant Pol is about as charming as Mediterranean fishing villages come.

Does it have all the boutiques and cafes that Sitges does? No, not even close. It’s tranquil, not crowded and I recall the sand being especially fluffy (that may just be me). An ideal day-trip for those who want to swim, read, nap and snack on a picnic lunch.

More beaches near Barcelona

Farther away from Barcelona and only accessed by bus and car, I recommend the Costa Brava, especially Cap de Creus, Tamariu and Begur. To the south try some of the many beaches around Tarragona. Tarragona, the city, also has an ample beach (Tarragona is reached by train).

Also in our guide: If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and looking for the perfect affordable place to stay, make sure you check out our budget hotel recommendations. Our editors have scouted out the best deals on accommodation in the city’s historic center. Read more in our Barcelona guide.

The post Best Beaches Near Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Located in beautiful San Diego, California, La Jolla has a lot to offer budget travelers looking to save on a beach vacation. Best of all, the weather here is ideal year-round with temperatures almost always warm. Just pack a jacket if 60°F winters bother you.

Interested in exploring more beaches nearby? Check out our guide to the best beaches along the West Coast.

What to do at La Jolla Cove

One of the things I love most about La Jolla are the sea lions and seals! You have to take care to not get too close, but it’s amazing to watch the marine life bask in the sunshine and play with one another. Best of all for cheapos, it’s completely free to watch these creatures thrive in their natural habitat.

La Jolla Cove is also, as its name implies, a cove, which makes for great exploring. The cove is safe enough to traverse for beginners and kids but still feels adventurous. You can also snorkel here. Stop by the tide pools to watch smaller marine life like crabs and fish — you’ll have the best experience from December through March.

Exploring the cove is completely free. Photo: Paige Bennett

Affordable restaurants in La Jolla

San Diego is a hot spot for Mexican food, fresh fare and wine. Duke’s La Jolla is a popular local spot where you can get fresh fish and traditional burgers and salads plus beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails. If you’re in the area for Taco Tuesday, you’ll get deals on tacos and margaritas, too. Cove House offers seasonal menus, so you know you’re always enjoying something fresh. Stop by for brunch for crab egg’s benedict, or grab grilled fish tacos. Are you a beer-drinker? Stop by Karl Strauss Brewing Company for beers and grub focused on sustainability.

A sunset view over the Pacific Ocean as spotted from Inn by the Sea. Photo: Booking.com

Budget Hotels in La Jolla

Beach Haven Inn

Double rooms starting at $99

Just a block from the beach, the Beach Haven Inn is a safe and affordable bet. Rooms include full kitchens, so you can save money by whipping up something at your home base. Don’t feel like cooking? The nearby boardwalk features 3 miles of restaurants. Crystal Pier is also nearby, and the cove is a few miles away.

Residence Inn La Jolla

Double rooms starting at $110

Positioned further from the beach but still in a great location, Residence Inn La Jolla offers sunny suites complete with kitchens, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included for free. The Birch Aquarium is close by, and La Jolla Cove is only 2.5 miles from the inn.

Inn by the Sea

Double rooms starting at $129

You can walk to the cove from the charming Inn by the Sea. Simple, blue-and-yellow rooms are air conditioned and include free Wi-Fi, TVs and balconies or patios. Be sure to book in advance to get the best rates.

Big windows means big view! Photo: Booking.com

La Jolla Cove Suites

Double rooms starting at $142

You can’t get closer to La Jolla Cove than the beachfront La Jolla Cove Suites. Such a premium location comes at a price, but booking ahead of time (and considering off-season travel, although the weather is perfect all the time!) can make this hotel an affordable option. Rooms are sleek and modern with amenities including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and ocean-facing balconies.

The post Budget travel guide to La Jolla Cove appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Zuma is tucked into the coastline near Malibu. Many people head straight for Malibu, where you can expect crowds and astronomical parking fees — if you can even find a parking spot. But Zuma is quieter, more secluded. And parking is definitely more affordable. With fewer crowds, you’ll also enjoy cleaner beaches and more space to stretch out.

Zuma Beach parking fees are typically around $8 a day. I’ve spent nearly $20 in the off-season at Malibu, for comparison.

Interested in other West Coast adventures? Check out this post on the best beaches in the western U.S.

What to do in Zuma Beach

There are a few must-see things when you are in the area. First and foremost, Zuma Beach is in an area popular for whale watching. Head to nearby Point Dume for the best chance at spotting whales for free, although you can also book boat tours for a closer look. The whales migrate from the north to Mexico for the winter (and back again in the spring), so you are most likely to see them from December to May.

You also must — and I really mean MUST — get up early enough to catch what may just be the best sunrise of your life. Everyone raves about West Coast sunsets, but from my experience, the winter sunrises are some of the most incredible performances of the sky you’ll ever witness. Each day is different, one day might display the brightest golden hour, while other days burst in pinks and deep purples.

In non-pandemic times, I also recommend the Malibu Wine Safaris. This is more of a splurge, but you’ll get to do a wine tasting, tour the vineyards and see many animals. During the pandemic, you can still book smaller parties and tours.

When it is open, Malibu Wines is a fun (and delicious) tour to consider. Photo: Paige Bennett

Affordable restaurants in Zuma Beach

I have two must-stop places for dining near Zuma Beach. The first is Neptune’s Net, a popular spot for motorcyclists and Adam Sandler — yes, the actor. Neptune’s Net offers incredibly fresh seafood and a few options for plant-based diners. During COVID-19, Neptune’s Net is only open via drive-thru, but it is located directly across from the beach. The restaurant’s clam chowder also rivals anything you’d find on the East Coast. Prices are reasonable, to boot.

Don’t miss the clam chowder at this Malibu staple. Photo: Elizabeth Albert

Another popular spot in this area is Malibu Farm. There are two Malibu Farm locations, one is a full-service restaurant at the start of the Malibu Beach pier, and the other is a cafe at the end of the pier. Locals eat this up, and this is also said to be a popular spot for celebrity sightings. (If you do see a celeb on your trip, play it cool like the locals do!) At $16 for a bowl of yogurt, fruit and granola, this isn’t exactly a budget pick, but if you want to rub elbows with L.A.’s elite, this is the spot for you.

Budget hotels in Malibu

Malibu is notoriously expensive to visit, especially when it comes to hotels. Here is one option that won’t break the bank (meaning rooms around $200). Please keep in mind that this area is definitely hard to get around without a car, so the best budget hotels are a short drive from the beach.

Motel rooms feature simple style, mini-fridges and boxed water. Photo: Booking.com

The M Malibu

Just a few steps from the beach, this is one of the few cheap-ish options in the area. We love the free parking and you can stroll to the Malibu Pier in about 10 minutes. Rooms are simple but decorated with cheery splashes of color, and the small outdoor pool is a nice bonus. Some rooms even feature partial ocean views!

Search more than 30 hotels in Malibu.

The post Budget travel guide to Zuma Beach, California appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Exploring more of the western U.S.? Here’s our guide to the best West Coast beaches.

What to do at Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is great if you’re looking for a no-frills destination. First and foremost, just enjoy the clean, uncrowded beach! You can also walk along the pier to take in the views, with ocean on one side and mountains on the opposite side. Fishing is free, or pole rentals and bait are available along with kayak and paddleboard rentals. You can also visit Veteran’s Park, a massive local park, where you can picnic, jog, or just soak in the sunshine. On Thursdays, stop by the farmers market at the park for delicious local produce.

A huge, warm churro? Yes, please! Photo: Paige Bennett

Affordable restaurants in Redondo Beach

As soon as you have arrived, head straight for Churros Pier Bakery at the pier. Here, you’ll find huge, foot-long churros for cheap, but make sure you have cash, as this is a cash-only establishment. Paired with caramel, strawberry, or chocolate sauce, these churros are a must.

Aside from the churros, there are several dining options along the pier. Oriental Breeze offers affordable sushi and other Japanese fare. Old Tony’s has fresh seafood dishes and cocktails. For delicious, fresh local Thai cuisine, visit The Shrimp Lover, or indulge in tacos by the beach at El Cinco de Mayo.

Take in salty ocean breezes at Grandview Inn. Photo: Booking.com

Budget hotels in Redondo Beach

Ready to book your stay? Here are some surprisingly affordable hotel options in the Redondo Beach area.

Seaside Motel

Double rooms starting at $99

Located just 10 minutes from LAX, the Seaside Motel is an unassuming option with easy access to the beach via car (a 5-minute drive on a good traffic day), bike or public transit. Rooms offer basic amenities like fridges, TVs and Wi-Fi, plus enough room to stretch out.

Grandview Inn

Double rooms starting at $119

With a modern design and beachfront access, the Grandview Inn is a solid bet if you plan to hit the beach from sunrise to sunset. Rooms are sleek and spacious with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and movie rentals and fridges. Rates tend to fluctuate, so book well ahead if possible; for a bit extra, you can score a room with ocean views, too.

Chill out by the pool at Redondo Beach Hotel. Photo: Booking.com

The Redondo Beach Hotel

Double rooms starting at $149

Just a short walk to the pier and a plethora of restaurants, the inviting Redondo Beach Hotel includes extras like a hot tub, heated pool and fitness center, although you could just walk out the front door and swim, soak or run along the beach. Either way, you’ll enjoy this hotel’s modern, comfortable rooms; check when booking to grab a room with marina or city views.

The post Budget travel guide to Redondo Beach appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Exploring more of the coastline? Be sure to visit our guide to the best West Coast beaches.

Things to do at Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach is in the famous Olympic National Park (so you’ll need to pay the national park fee), which means there is an abundance of nature for you to explore. Be cautious in and near the aggressive waters here, but the views of this rocky beach are not to be missed. Make sure to find your way to Hole-in-the-Wall, a stunning trail that ends in a massive rock archway. In the winter months, temperatures in the Pacific Northwest can be particularly chilly and wet, so be sure to pack accordingly. The Hoh Rain Forest is also close by if you need a break from the beach.

Affordable restaurants in Rialto Beach

Three Rivers Resort Restaurant offers famous burgers and seafood at impressively low prices to fuel you after a day of adventure. The West End Taproom is another popular option if you need to quench your thirst with an ice-cold beer; there’s an extensive beer and wine menu plus snacks like paninis if you need something to munch on.

A cozy queen room at Forks Motel. Photo: Booking.com

Budget hotels in Rialto Beach

Stay in nearby Forks, Washington for the best rates.

Dew Drop Inn

Double rooms starting at $93

The warm and welcoming Dew Drop Inn features standard hotel décor with plenty of amenities, including TVs, coffee makers, in-room seating areas, free Wi-Fi and even balconies and patios. The beach is about a 20-minute drive from the inn, which is near Forks, Washington and plenty of great hiking spots.

Forks Motel

Double rooms starting at $93

Also near Forks and 20 minutes from Rialto Beach, Forks Motel offers low rates for its simple hotel rooms. The amenities include TVs, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There’s a seasonal swimming pool and lovely garden on-site.

Pacific Inn Motel

Double rooms starting at $99

The comfy Pacific Inn Motel, a 20-minute drive from the beach, includes basic amenities like private bathrooms, TVs, and air conditioning. Some rooms feature a standard hotel style, while others are outfitted in posters and red-and-black color schemes in a nod to the Twilight saga, a book and movie series that takes place in Forks, Washington, where the hotel is located.

The post Budget travel guide to Rialto Beach in Washington State appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Located in Southwestern Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach is great for athletic types who love to move when they’re out in the sun. So run, don’t walk, to book a stay for the best rates!

Other affordable beach destinations to explore on the West Coast:

• Zuma Beach
• Rialto Beach
• La Jolla Cove
• Redondo Beach

Looking for a slower-paced stay along the coast? Here’s our budget travel guide to the best West Coast beaches.

What to do at Manhattan Beach, California

With some of the gnarliest waves along the coast, you’ll see a lot of surfers catching the waves. If you love to surf, test the waters yourself, or just admire those practicing this sport. The Manhattan Beach Pier is more simplistic than the piers you’ll find in Santa Monica or Redondo, but it still offers great fishing opportunities.

The Strand is a walking and bike path along the beach, which makes it much easier to run and take in the views compared to running in the sand. Manhattan Beach is believed to be where beach volleyball originated, so don’t hesitate to play a game or two. This is an incredibly active community, so you can also join yoga classes or other fitness classes right on the beach.

During non-COVID-19 times, you can also explore the free Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Walk, jog, run, or bike along The Strand. Photo: Peter Woodman

Affordable restaurants in Manhattan Beach, California

Move over, IHOP. Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is the place to go for breakfast by the beach, and it is one of the more affordable options in this affluent area. Customize your own Cream’wich at the ever-popular Manhattan Beach Creamery, and finish your day with farm-to-table, artisanal dishes at Manhattan Beach Post, and sip cocktails with a view or enjoy a dinner for four for just $50 at zinc@shade.

The swanky Hotel Hermosa is near both Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches. Photo: Booking.com

Budget hotels in Manhattan Beach, California

There are multiple options for Cheapos to sleep easy in Manhattan Beach and the surrounding area. Here are a few of our top choices with rates under $150.

Seahorse Inn

Double rooms starting at $95

The sleepy Seahorse Inn is a quiet, modest spot that includes an on-site restaurant and a location just a mile from the Manhattan Beach pier. Simple rooms feature light wood furnishings and floral bedspreads; amenities are more contemporary and include flat-screen TVs, fridges, free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms.

The Belamar

Double rooms starting at $133

The Belamar boasts modern, minimalist rooms outfitted with stylish décor and handy amenities like free Wi-Fi, coffee machines and fridges. The hotel also includes a restaurant that dishes up organic fare. It’s not the closest to the beach, you’ll need to drive or catch a bus, but the lower rates and proximity to not just Manhattan but multiple beaches make it worthwhile.

The spacious and sunny outdoor patio at Hotel Hermosa. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Hermosa

Double rooms starting at $139

Near Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches, Hotel Hermosa offers stylish hotel rooms plus an on-site yoga facility, a heated pool and a fire pit. Check when booking to choose a room with city, courtyard or beach views, depending on your preference.

The post Budget travel guide to Manhattan Beach, California appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you love the beach as much as I do, you might wonder which beaches along the “best coast” are worth your while.

Truthfully, you’ll find a little bit of happiness no matter what beach you visit, but we’re sharing a few favorites.

Related: Search for cheap hotels in Los Angeles

A guide to the best beaches on the West Coast

As the pandemic drags on, escaping to nature is really one of the safest and most exhilarating ways to break up the monotony of each day. So before you hop in the car and travel to the West Coast, here are the best West Coast beaches to consider adding to your itinerary.

Note: Please be aware of all local and national guidelines for traveling before making the trip. Stay safe!

Zuma Beach

When people think of West Coast beaches, Malibu likely comes to mind with its iconic pier and celebrity homes. As such, the area can get crowded and pricey. Luckily, more secluded spots like Zuma Beach offer the same excellent views and soothing ocean breezes but with a cheaper price tag for things like parking and dining.

Check out our Zuma Beach article for what to see, do and eat plus a few spots on where to stay in the area.

Redondo Beach is south of Santa Monica and not far from LAX. Photo: Paige Bennett

Redondo Beach

While its pier is not quite as festive as nearby Santa Monica’s pier, Redondo Beach is a gem with a spotless shoreline, mountain views, a nearby park and fresh, foot-long churros for cheap. What’s not to love? Read our budget guide for tips on traveling to Redondo Beach.

Exploring the cove is completely free. Photo: Paige Bennett

La Jolla Cove

Located in San Diego, California, La Jolla Cove offers free street parking, perfect year-round temperatures, and free sights of seals and sea lions basking in the sun. Sound intriguing? Plan your trip with our La Jolla budget travel guide.

Walk, jog, run, or bike along The Strand. Photo: Peter Woodman

Manhattan Beach

Gnarly waves, a peaceful pier, and beach volleyball are the name of the game at Manhattan Beach in southern California. Do as the locals do with our budget travel guide to Manhattan Beach, an athlete’s paradise.

You’ll need to pay the Olympic National Park access fee to reach Rialto Beach. Photo: Olympic National Park

Rialto Beach

Let’s head up the coast to scenic Washington, where you’ll find the misty, picturesque Rialto Beach. Find out how to access this beach, what to see, where to eat, and of course, where to rest your head after long days of exploring with our Rialto Beach travel guide.

The post Budget tips for the best West Coast beaches appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But don’t despair: there are still plenty of nicely priced options for Cheapos who crave a bit of sand and surf on their European vacation, and there are even ways to save at some of the most popular beaches in Europe.

Related beach tips:
• Best affordable seaside escapes in Spain
• Beating the heat in Rome: 4 Beaches easily accessible by train
• Four beach trips close to Lisbon

Our favorite budget beaches in Europe

Below we’ve listed six of our favorite budget beaches in Europe, with plenty of tips to help you save.

Montenegro

With its beautiful coastline, Montenegro is becoming popular with the Russian jet set, with yachts galore docking in the fancy new Porto Montenegro marina in Tivat. However, the area remains largely undiscovered by Western tourists, and there are still plenty of bargains to be had.

Some great places to check out are the town of Herceg Novi, located at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, and Ulcinj, which has a lovely old town with a distinct Ottoman flair.

Budget Tips

• Hotels: Hotel rooms with easy beach access can go as low as $30 a night for a double room. Search and book over 5,300 hotels in Montenegro.

• Eating cheap: Food and drink, including excellent local beer and wine, is very cheap throughout the country.

• When to go: If possible, try to visit during the warm shoulder seasons from May to June and September to October, with an average high of around 70 degrees. The area gets very crowded in July and August and prices can easily double in some places.

The beautiful sands of Algarve, Portugal. Photo: Ricardo

Algarve, Portugal

Located in the southernmost area in Portugal, Algarve is very popular with beach-loving tourists from Europe and beyond. Besides frolicking in the waves and lounging in the sand, tourists in Algarve can indulge in a little lively nightlife, some of it directly at the beach, like Restaurante Bar | Caniço, a lively hangout which is nestled between two cliffs in a seaside cove in Portimão.

If you need a break from the beach, Algarve also has many charming villages such as Santa Luzia, famous for its octopus fishermen, who still use traditional fishing methods to catch “polvo” (Portuguese for octopus), a popular delicacy in the country. Algarve is also well-known as a family-friendly destination, so feel free to bring along the tots and sand toys.

Budget Tips

• Hotels: Algarve does have a number of hotels catering to budget tourists. If you want to splurge, there are vacation homes available with a swimming pool, so you can still take a quick dip even if you decide not to trek out to the beach every day. Search over 5,000 hotels in Algarve

• When to go: July and August are busy and pricier months to visit, so if you would like to visit during this time, make sure and book well in advance or the best deals will be gone.

Playa Jardín en Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. Photo: Jaume

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife is also the most popular with tourists, catering to everyone from the luxury traveler to the bare-bones backpacker. With nearly 7.5 miles of beautiful coastline stretching from Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos, beach lovers have plenty to choose from.

However, choose your beaches wisely, as the price for sun lounger rentals varies greatly. To save, make sure you choose a beach in the yellow zone, not the green zone, where sun loungers cost 20 percent more. Better yet, spread a towel out on the sand old-school style for an absolutely free experience.

For day trips, check out the old town and African market in the island’s capital city, Santa Cruz. And make sure to pack your hiking boots along with your sandals: No trip to Tenerife is complete without a visit to Mount Teide, the world’s third largest volcano, which you can reach easily by bus.

Budget Tips

• Getting around: One of the best ways to explore the island is by car, and luckily rental cars on Tenerife are inexpensive. However, be sure and book before you go to snag the best deals. Use CheapoSearch to find rental car prices.

• When to go: Although Tenerife belongs to Spain, the island is located off the coast of Morocco, so you lots of sunny days and warm temperatures throughout the year. The average high dips down to 68 degrees from December to February, stays in the mid-70s in spring and late fall and rises to around 80 degrees from July to September.

• Off-season: Because of the weather, the island is perfect for off-season budget travelers in search of warmth throughout the year as well as high season summer travelers who prefer the thermometer to stay well below 100 degrees.

• Meals: To save on dining, do as the Spanish do and eat your larger meal at lunchtime when prices are lower.

• Hotels: Search more than 2,800 hotels in Tenerife

Antalya, Turkey

Located in the Gulf of Antalya, Antalya boasts a beautiful stretch of Mediterranean coastline in southwest Turkey, an area known as the Turkish Riviera. Although technically in Asia, this area is incredibly popular with tourists, and many cheap flights are available from across Europe. The place is famous for mega-resorts, with a network of pools and gigantic buffets, which can be booked at a variety of different price classes.

Be sure and take a break from the beach to have a stroll through Antalya’s old town to take a walk through history. Many of the city’s winding streets and buildings hail from the Ottoman Empire and there are also many Roman Era highlights, like Hadrian’s Gate, which was built in the 2nd century.

Budget Tips

• When to go: Although highs in Antalya from July to September usually range in the mid-80s, the water also matches the temperature outside at this time, so don’t expect a swim to cool you down.

• Politics: The current political situation in Turkey these days has reportedly been very hard on the Turkish tourism industry, so this likely a good time to find some truly great deals. However, be sure to keep abreast of political tensions and travel warnings before you do.

• Hotels: If you’d prefer something in town, check out White Garden Hotel or Hotel Twenty, a budget hotel located six minutes from the beach. Want more options? Search over 500 hotels in Antalya.

Diving into the sparkling waters of Cala d’Or in Mallorca. Photo: Adria

Mallorca Island, Spain

Mallorca is particularly popular with British and German tourists, with hotel high-rises catering to their sun-starved populations since the 1960s. For Germans, it’s also a popular place to retire; in some places, you’ll be just as likely to see signs in German as in Spanish.

Unless you’re in the mood for some spring break-like partying, be sure and avoid places like El Arenal and Cala d’Or. However, if you are in the mood for lively nightlife to mix in with baking in the sun, Cala d’Or is the better choice.

Make sure and take a stroll through the old town in the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca. A ride on the old wooden train to Soller and Valldemossa is also a fun outing and well worth the price.

And if you rent a car, be sure to check out the island’s east coast, where German jet-setters dock their yachts and have million dollar homes tucked away in the cliffs. This side of the island has some of the most breathtaking views as well as many less crowded, rocky beaches favored by locals.

Budget Tips

• Getting around: Like Tenerife, one of the best ways to see Mallorca is by car, and thanks to the great tourist infrastructure on the island you should be able to rent one with ease for a nice price. Check rates for rental cars.

• Hotels: Many budget priced hotels are available in the area. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, try for a place on the less touristy northern side of the island, like Sa Boronia in Banyalbufar, which is a five-minute walk from the beach.

• Search hotels: Know your dates? Search over 5,000 hotels in Mallorca.

Related: Beyond the beaches in Mallorca and Sun, sea & schnitzel in Mallorca

The sun sets over a beach on Kos Island. Photo: Mycatkins

Kos Island, Greece

A European beach guide is simply not complete without a shout out to Greece, so here we go. Famous for its sparkling blue, gentle Aegean sea, Greece has many options for beach-loving budget travelers.

Budget Tips

• Just ‘Kos: Our favorite Greek island beach? Kos Island. Some recommended and budget-friendly places to stay include Ilios and Irene and Philippos Studio & Apartments, which is located almost directly on the beach and is less than five miles from Kos International Airport.

• Ferry tickets: If you decide to do some island hopping, be sure and book your ferry ticket in advance to save.

• Choosing islands: Although Santorini and Mykonos are among the most beautiful of the islands, they are also the priciest, and therefore better for short day trips.

• Day to avoid: If you can, try to avoid traveling to Greece on August 15. This is a major holiday in the country, and prices always skyrocket.

• Search hotels: Know your dates? Search over 375 hotels on the island of Kos.

Your favorite budget beaches in Europe?

Have an affordable beachy escape to add to our list? Tell us about your favorite budget beach in the comments section below!

The post Our 6 favorite budget beaches in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Why not cool down and relax at one of the nearby beaches? There are several beaches within an hour of Rome by public transport, and they all cost less than €10 to reach.

Related:
• Our favorite budget hotels
• Search all Rome hotels
• Our favorite free parks in Rome

The best beaches near Rome

Sun, sand and the sparkling Mediterranean offer the perfect break from Vatican lines and Colosseum tours. Here are four favorites beaches close to Rome:

Anzio

The turquoise water and golden sand beaches of Anzio are some of the prettiest near Rome, and also the cleanest, as you can tell from their Blue Flag designation. The colorful port is packed with great seafood restaurants, and the entire place holds an old fishing-town atmosphere.

You can’t go anywhere in Italy without running into something of historical significance, and Anzio is no different. It was first used as the base for Coriolanus’s rebellion against Rome, and later as a vacation spot for emperors, who built theaters and luxurious villas. More recently, and the reason it probably sounds familiar, it was where British and US forces landed in 1944 to liberate Rome from German occupation. You can visit the 77-acre American Cemetary where nearly 8,000 Americans are buried.

Getting there: Anzio is about an hour south of Rome on a regional train from Termini, and a ticket will only cost you €3.

Hotels: Search more than 100 places to stay in Anzio

Santa Marinella

A convenient and beautiful beach, Santa Marinella is only an hour north of Rome and has been a bathing resort since the days of the Roman Empire. The light sand is soft and the water is clear, and there are both free and private beaches. The small resort town also has good seafood restaurants and a few bars and shops.

Getting there: Best of all, it’s only €4.60 on the regional trains leaving from Termini, Rome’s main station.

Hotels: Search more than 50 accommodations in Santa Marinella

Ostia

Ostia Lido isn’t the most beautiful beach near Rome, but it’s the closest and does the trick when you’re in need of sand and sun. The dark sand beaches are split into public and private areas, and for about €10 on the private beaches you get a chair, umbrella, and towel. If you brought your own towel and don’t mind crowds, find yourself a spot in the free public areas.

Getting there: Take the Metro Line B from the Piramide stop in Rome, then take the Ostia-Lido train toward Cristoforo Colombo. You use the same ticket for both. You’ll get off at either the Ostia Lido Centro stop or Ostia Stella Polare.

One of the best parts of Ostia Lido is its proximity to the ancient Roman ruins at Ostia Antica. To visit, get off two stops before Ostia Lido Centro.

Related: The Roman ruins at Ostia Antica, Italy’s best kept secret.

Sperlonga

Sperlonga is the most picturesque beach near Rome, but a bit of a hike. The whitewashed town is perched on a cliff over the sea, and the clear waters of the Blue Flag beach stretch below. The charming, narrow streets hold many shops, restaurants, and cafes, and the sandy beaches are exceptionally clean. Since ancient Roman times, Sperlonga has been a holiday favorite, and you can visit the old villa of Emperor Tiberius.

Getting there: Reaching Sperlonga is a bit of a commitment, but it’s worth it. Take a regional train from Rome’s Termini station to the Fondi-Sperlonga stop, about an hour away, then take the bus from outside the station to the beach, about half an hour. You can also take a taxi from the train station.

Hotels: Browse more than 200 properties in Sperlonga

The post Rome: 4 beaches accessible by train for €10 or less appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Southern Railway is currently offering excellent value £10 return train tickets on trains departing from St Pancras, Blackfriars and London Bridge, making a trip to Brighton even easier on the wallet. The cheaper fares are on a slightly longer route (the journey takes up to 1 hour 20 minutes as opposed to 55 minutes), but it’s well worth the extra travel time to save those pounds for an ice cream (or two) on the beach.

You can save even further by taking advantage of the 2for1 offers available to day trippers who travel by train. With a little forward planning, you can download vouchers with reduced entry and special offers for a number of Brighton attractions by claiming your voucher here. When you arrive at the museum / bar / restaurant / attraction of your choice, just present your voucher with your train tickets to take advantage of the deal.

Grab a bite to eat or pick up a few souvenirs in the Lanes. Photo: Iain H

Stroll through the Lanes

When you emerge from Brighton train station you’ll find yourself at the top of a relatively steep hill, which you just need to follow all the way to the bottom to reach the seafront. En route towards the beach, a great first stop is to dip into the Brighton’s famous Lanes, which are packed with quirky shops nestled within the twisting, narrow streets. Straddling either side of the main thoroughfare, North Street, you’ll find endless corners to explore in North Laine and the Lanes, all bursting with antiques, vintage clothes, jewelry, music and juggling shops, as well as lots of coffee shops and really tasty vegetarian cafes.

The dramatic Royal Pavilion is a must-see on any trip to Brighton. Photo: givingnot@rocketmail.com

Explore the Royal Pavilion

Carrying on down towards the sea, you can’t help but stumble across the Royal Pavilion—a building that looks like it might be more at home in India, but yet sits proudly in central Brighton. This original “pleasure palace” was built for the Prince Regent (later King George IV) between 1787 and 1823 as a summer house by the sea. It’s lovely to explore from the outside in the pretty gardens, but if you do want to go inside, be sure to print off your 2for1voucher and present with your train ticket to save on the entry fee.

A panoramic shot of the beach and pier. raindog

Hit the beach

On arriving at Brighton’s enormous pebbly beach, you may well be tempted to make like the rest of us during the Great British Summer and rent a deck chair or lay down your towel and have a paddle in the (icy) water. If the weather isn’t fine enough, there’s plenty to do along the beach, with tons of bars and restaurants serving up everything from traditional fish and chips to fine oysters. A nice spot for lunch is the Brighton Music Hall, with a big outdoor seating area where it’s easy enough to get a table even on a busy day, and free live music to set the summer scene. The food is reasonably priced and the Ocean sharing platter comes highly recommended—it’s big enough for three people and gives you a real taste of the sea!

The pier is packed with amusements and rides for kids and adults alike. Photo: future15

Fun at the pier

And before you take the journey back to London, make sure you leave enough time for some fun and games on Brighton Pier. It may be tacky, but who can say no to candy floss by the beach? Some of the roller coasters and bigger rides at the end of the pier will eat into your budget, but you only need loose change to while away hours in the arcade—air hockey tournament anyone?

The post London Day Trip: Visit Brighton for a low-cost seaside getaway appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.