The summer season is approaching and many Romanians are looking for a perfect balance between low costs and dream landscapes. Well, there is a solution, quite close to Romania. The Balkans manage to offer almost unsuspected surprises for those passionate about sand, beach and azure waters. All at affordable prices.
The summer season is approaching and many Romanians are making vacation plans. Everyone dreams of dream locations, but unfortunately, most of the famous destinations are less affordable from a financial point of view. That’s exactly why many end up settling for surrogate vacations, just to be able to say they’ve gone somewhere. Well, there are solutions for dream vacations at human prices. There are places that most Romanians have not even heard of, but which are true paradises at affordable costs. In addition, they are not very far from Romania and offer a lack of crowding, inspiring landscapes and tranquility.
The Maldives or the Bali of the Balkans at affordable prices and with dreamy landscapes
If you don’t have the money or inclination to fly all over Asia, there is a much cheaper and at least as scenic option as the Maldives or Bali. It is about the Albanian Riviera, located 12 hours from Bucharest by car.
One of the hidden pearls of Albanian beaches is Ksamil. It is about a resort on the coast of the Ionian Sea, included by the publication The Guardianin 2013, in the top 20 best beach holidays in Europe. The main attractions are the incredible white sand beaches, as if detached from the Caribbean landscapes, but also the nearby Ksamil islands. Ksamil is unique in that it has numerous wind-sheltered bays, great for sunbathing, very different from the rest of the Albanian Riviera, and boasts miles of beaches such as Drymades Beach and Borsh/Qeparo. The main beach, located in the heart of the village, is Ksamil 7 Beach.
“It’s the kind of place that looks straight out of a postcard — powdery white sand, incredibly clear water that runs through shades of blue and green, and views of nearby islands. A wooden pontoon juts out into the water, where taxi boats await their customers.”say beach travel bloggers at Sunshine Seeker.
Another famous beach is Abiori, famous for its rounded platform that stretches over the turquoise water. This picturesque view, with the islets in the background, is what made the resort of Ksamil famous on social media a few years ago. It was an iconic image that everyone thought came from Southeast Asia; in reality, he was from Ksamil, right in the heart of the Balkans. The beach has white, fine sand and clear, inviting waters, making it an ideal place for relaxation and swimming. “I paid €60 for one of the overwater net cabanas where you can relax,” say the bloggers from Sunshine Seeker. Probably the most spectacular area in Ksamil is “The Last Bay” or “Blue Area”. It starts with beach clubs on white sand, similar to those on the world’s luxury beaches, and continues with a gravel stretch towards the last bay, also called Augustus Beach. This is the second quietest beach area in Ksamil.
“Every time I come here, I feel like I’m back in the Bali of old: partly dirt roads, palm trees, a bit of rubbish on the side of the road and people trying to convince you to choose their bar. If you get there early enough (about before 10am) you can park for free in the shade under the trees”the bloggers say.
In Ksamil is a real paradise at affordable prices. White sand, as if from the Caribbean, blue sea and quiet atmosphere, with sunbeds for around 11 euros. It should be noted that the music is muted, and the world is relaxing. At the same time, Last Bay beach it’s the perfect place to rent a paddleboard or canoe and enjoy the tranquility.
The beauty of secret Adriatic beaches
Among the most beautiful beaches and, at the same time, accessible destinations for a stay at the sea are those in Montenegro, a country located approximately 12 hours from Bucharest by car. In addition to the famous beaches of Budva and Sveti Stefan, Ulcinj is also worth noting, one of the most picturesque locations on the Adriatic Sea, still little known by Romanian tourists. in Ulcinj, the southernmost coastal town in Montenegro, you’ll find fine sandy beaches and a protected wetland ideal for bird watching. In addition to being an excellent place for relaxation and outdoor walks, the city impresses with its history and culture.
The best example is the charming fortress that dominates the coast, making for a spectacular sunset vantage point while enjoying a Balkan-style dinner. Ulcinj has a very extensive beach area, with diverse sectors in terms of landscape and structure. Among the most famous are Miami Beach, Havana Beach, Mojito Beach and Tropicana Beach, equipped with Caribbean style bars, seafood restaurants and water sports facilities. A major advantage is the fine, dark sand and the width of the beach; thus, compared to other resorts, it seems less crowded and offers enough free space for those who do not want to rent sunbeds. For families with children, the place is ideal, the entrance to the water being smooth and shallow.
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“Ulcinj is one of my favorite towns in Montenegro and one of the most underrated places in the Balkans. I really mean it. It’s a place that just seems like a perfect backpacker town. While it doesn’t have the sheer beauty of Kotor or the glitz of Budva, it makes up for it with its authenticity and one of the best beaches in the country.”say the bloggers at “Sandal Tan Man”.
An impressive beach it is “Long Beach”, which, as the name suggests, stretches over 13 kilometers along the coast of Montenegro. It is famous for its extremely fine sand and smooth entry into the water. “It’s possible to wade hundreds of meters into the sea before you’re even waist-deep. I couldn’t help but imagine myself as the ‘monster king’, water dripping from my body as I slowly walked back to shore.”the bloggers at “Sandal Tan Man” add.
It’s not just a deserted beach, but a gigantic one, with options for everyone: party clubs, sunbeds for relaxing, or even dedicated areas, like the nudist beach on the island of Bojana.
The “Caribbean” pearl four hours from Bucharest
However, the closest destination to Romania remains Nessebar, a pearl with a Caribbean air, but also with that old Balkan scent. Nessebar in Bulgaria is a historic town with some of the most beautiful beaches on the Bulgarian coast, especially Hi Beach, located not far from the famous Sunny Beach. The resort is only 4.6 kilometers from Sunny Beach, 40 kilometers from Obzor and about 100 kilometers from Varna and harmoniously combines summer relaxation with great cultural experiences. The old town, considered one of the oldest in Europe and included in the UNESCO heritage, is connected to the modern part by a narrow isthmus, and a walk of about 10 minutes takes you from the contemporary hustle and bustle directly into the historical atmosphere of the peninsula.
Nessebar is the ideal choice for those who want a quiet holiday, but who do not want to give up modern amenities or nearby nightlife. In the new town you will find large hotels, restaurants and shops, while the old town impresses with its narrow, cobbled streets, traditional houses from the Bulgarian Renaissance, still inhabited, but also with its many churches and historical ruins. The atmosphere is complemented by welcoming terraces and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local dishes.
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Another important advantage is the extended summer season, which stretches until the end of September or even the beginning of October, being ideal for those who prefer less crowded periods. The climate is pleasant, with temperatures above 27°C in July and August, while in September and early October the average values stay around 18–19°C. The sea water reaches around 25°C in high season, remaining warm enough for swimming in early autumn.
The resort has two main beaches. The first connects Nessebar to Sunny Beach and is a wide strip of fine sand, well laid out and equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants and facilities for tourists, but also with a generous free beach area. The second, located in the south of the resort and known as South Nessebar Beachstretches for approximately two kilometers; it offers both private areas and free portions, being appreciated for cleanliness and organization. Nearby there is a large park and many places where you can eat or relax.
The old town, located between the two beaches, is the real gem of the area. There were once about 40 churches here, and today the vestiges of 26 of them can still be identified. At the entrance to the peninsula, you are greeted by the famous windmill, symbol of the city, followed by the walls of the old fortress, which still impresses with its size and history. Among the most important objectives are the Church of Saint Stephen, famous for its well-preserved frescoes, but also other places such as Christ the Pantocrator, Saint Sophia or Saint John the Baptist.
It is very easy to reach Nessebar from Bucharest, the distance being approximately 325 kilometers. The best route is: Bucharest – Giurgiu – Ruse – Razgrad – Šumen – Varna – Sunny Beach – Nessebar.”
