Written by: Charlene Asuncion
Europe is often described as a “Peninsula of Peninsulas.” With its rich history, culture, top-rated tourist attractions, and numerous scenic wonders, Europe offers a wide array of travel experiences for both long and short trips. Despite being the second smallest continent in the world, it's the perfect place to explore and make unforgettable memories for you and your family.
Europe is known to be expensive especially if you are coming from East Asia. You have to take a long-haul flight to arrive. When people think of Europe, they only think of famous cities such as Paris and Rome. However, there are also affordable options if you are on a budget.
TOP 5 SUMMER DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS
1.Crete, Greece
The largest island in Greece, Crete is a diverse and vibrant land packed with ancient ruins, buzzing cities and breathtaking beaches. Many people come here for the sun, sea and sand yet the best things to do in Crete include much more than the standard package vacation.
Crete has a fascinating and dynamic geography, with mountainous regions, unique coastlines, and lowlands of arid land.
Famous Dish/Food - Souvlaki is deliciously tender meat which has been marinated in a red wine sauce and grilled on skewers. Pork, lamb or chicken can be used. Souvlaki is often served with salad and pitta bread.
Must Do Snorkelling expedition to the sunken Messerschmitt aeroplane
2. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. Whitewashed fishing villages on low cliffs overlooking sandy coves were transformed in the 1960s, and now its central coast between Lagos and Faro is lined with villas, hotels, bars and restaurants.
Famous Dish/Food - Bacalhau is dried and salted codfish, which is usually soaked in milk or water before cooking. The Portuguese have been eating bacalhau since the 16th century when their fishing boats brought it back from Newfoundland.
Must Do Photographing Sagres’ red-hatted Lighthouse of Cabo de Sao Vicente
3.Costa Del Sol, Spain
It won't surprise too many people to hear that the Costa del Sol is famous for its beaches. The towns along Spain's 'Sunshine Coast' each have several beautiful stretches of sand, though that is often their only similarity. Each has a unique atmosphere and style.
Traditional dishes – sopa cachorreña, gazpachuelo, and so on – are part and parcel of local cuisine in both. Casares and Benahavís lie between the shoreline and the sierras. Typical dishes here include zarzuela de marisco (seafood stew), rabbit casserole and suckling pig.
Famous Dish/Food - Fish and seafood are the most popular dishes at the chiringuitos (beach bars) of the Costa del Sol, but sardine skewers are the star dish.
Must Do Free walking tours and art in Malaga’s rejuvenated city centre
4.Auvergne, France
Best known for its natural highlights, especially the volcanoes around Puy-de-Dome itself, this Auvergne department also has an interesting selection of villages and towns to discover. Highlights of the Regional Natural Park of Auvergne Volcanoes include the Monts-Dome, Monts-Dore and Cantal mountains.
Famous Dish/Food - cassoulet. A bean-centric ragout that originated in the southern town of Castelnaudary, the cassoulet can have different ingredients, depending on the region.
In Castelnaudary, the white beans are prepared with duck confit, pork and sausage.
Must Do Pilgrimage town Le Puy-en-Velay, huddled below plumes of petrified lava
5. Gozo, Malta
Comments