Travelling through Europe is one of the most fulfilling experiences you can have, as it offers the chance to explore some of the most beautiful places in the world. There are so many countries with underrated towns that take you away from the popular destinations of London and Paris, providing more unique experiences to enjoy. However, in our opinion, the most wonderful places to explore are the hidden coastal towns dotted around the most niche European regions.
While many travellers like to move from place to place, finding a location you love and want to return to can further enhance your experience. Once you’ve found that dream coastal town, purchasing or renting a holiday home can provide the perfect accommodation to enjoy when you revisit.
In this guide, we will explore the best hidden European coastal towns that are perfect for a holiday home. Continue reading to find out more.
Beautiful Coastal Towns for Families
Cavtat, Croatia
This charming coastal town is based 30-minutes away from Dubrovnik, where they filmed a lot of the hit TV-show ‘Game of Thrones.’ Cavtat is a very picturesque location that provides you with beautiful scenery, no matter where you look. The waterfront gives you plenty to get on with too, as there’s a lot of local restaurants and swimming spots that will prevent you from boredom. It has rocky beaches with crystal-clear water that, while not ideal for sunbathing, gives you plenty of watersports to enjoy.
Many 2-3 bedroom houses or apartments range between €100 and €300 per night, if you’re renting and €300,000 for smaller, older homes to well over €1 million for luxury villas with a view of the sea.
Cascais, Portugal
Cascais is an upscale coastal town in Portugal that’s only 30-40 minutes west of Lisbon, meaning that it has great connections to the capital city. It’s often known as the summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, proving it to be a very high-quality town that has a sense of prestige about it. You’ll find some beautiful sandy beaches, a bustling marina and 19th century architecture that is perfect for a holiday home.
Holiday rentals typically range up to €270 per night depending on the season. For buying, entry-level one-bedroom apartments start around €250,000, while detached homes begin near €600,000. You’ll be looking into the millions for luxury villas.
Asturias, Spain
Known as one of the most green regions of Spain, Asturias is based on the northern coast and is the home of the Picos de Europa National Park which attracts thousands of tourists every year. The coast features over 40 stunning beaches, including the unique inland Gulpiyuri beach and the scenic Playa del Silencio, so you will have plenty of choice. Let’s not forget the adventure sports you can do, such as canoeing down the Sella River.
Rentals start around €42-€52 per night for apartments with purchase prices ranging from €100,000 to over €400,000 for renovated houses.
Sozopol, Bulgaria
As one of the oldest towns on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, visitors can explore the Old Town’s ancient ruins and get the chance to see 2,600 years of history. It has some of the best dining experiences in the whole of Bulgaria too, as you enjoy fresh food that is reasonably priced. The most high-quality seafood is at cliff-edge restaurants offering spectacular bay views.
Family holiday homes in Sozopol, Bulgaria, generally range from €55,000 for small studios to over €200,000 for sea-view apartments or villas. You can also rent for cheap with prices starting as low as £7–£11 per night for budget options.
Sarandë, Albania
Known for its vibrant nightlife, excellent seafood and proximity to UNESCO sites like Butrint, it is a lively seaside gem that often goes overlooked when travellers plan a trip to Albania. Sarandë is a Mediterranean destination on the Albanian Riviera that has plenty of crystal clear beaches to explore. The town features a busy promenade filled with restaurants, cafes and bars, creating a bustling atmosphere in the evenings.
Family holiday homes generally range from €15–€40 per night for budget apartments to over £100 per night for luxury villas. Alternatively, you can purchase a sea-view apartment for €120,000 which is definitely worth the money if it’s within your budget.
Final Thoughts
The exploration of Europe’s hidden coastal gems proves that dream family holiday locations can be found in niche locations. These locations offer unique charm and favourable prices for both rentals and purchases. For those looking to potentially lock in a lower purchase price for a holiday family home before construction is complete, exploring an off plan property option in a developing coastal area can be a smart strategy that can give you a great place to stay when on vacation.
Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to travelling around countries in Europe and Asia. She is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others to broaden their horizons. Darcy has a big ambition to establish herself in the world of home travel blogging.
