These are digital nomads’ top picks for an affordable summer getaway in europe.
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Summer in Europe? Many of us dream of packing our bags and renting a beach villa or city apartment for the months of June, July and August.
But it’s no coincidence that this dreamy summer period coincides with high season. So where can you make your European summer dreams come true without spending a fortune?
According to users on Reddit’s r/travel forum, these are the most affordable places to live in Europe in the summer.
Relax on the sunny Adriatic coast in Budva, Montenegro
Looking to spend your summer by the sea? Head to Budvar in Montenegro to enjoy sunny Adriatic beaches, a charming medieval old town, and cheap rates: according to one Reddit user, monthly rental rates start at around €700 in high season.
For those who can’t afford to take the entire summer off work, there are a variety of co-working spaces dotted around the city.
When you’re not busy, explore tranquil coves such as Galiya Beach, a 20-minute drive from town, or head 40 minutes north to Kotor, a cat-lover’s paradise with stunning views over Kotor Bay from the top of its medieval fortress.
To escape the crowds at the beach, one Reddit user suggests heading to the mountains of Montenegro instead.
The Durmitor limestone massif in the northwest of the country is popular for its hikes, gorges and glacial mountain lakes. For a quieter, cheaper alternative, he suggests looking to nearby Pilzine’s Piva Valley or heading south to Lake Skadar, close to the Albanian border.
Spend your summers by the lake in Ohrid, North Macedonia
North Macedonia isn’t on most travellers’ radar, but that’s exactly what makes it the perfect affordable summer holiday destination.
Not only are prices cheaper than popular destinations like Spain and Italy, but renting an apartment on a short-term basis also means less disruption to locals.
Worried about visiting a landlocked country during the hottest time of the year? The popular tourist town of Lake Ohrid offers beach lounging and even a makeshift office.
If you prefer a more professional environment, head to one of the city’s coworking spaces equipped for remote workers.
“Ohrid has great weather and isn’t too hot in the summer, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 30-35°C during the day. It’s cool at night, so you can sleep well without air conditioning,” says one Reddit user. Other attractions include “cheap food,” “good internet,” and a lively nightlife.
July and August are the best months to visit Ohrid, when the city comes alive with the Ohrid Summer Festival, a showcase of Macedonian folk music and dance.
“Ohrid is definitely my favourite cheap place in Europe,” says another Reddit user.
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For even cheaper short-term rentals, head east to Bitola, where you’ll find neoclassical architecture, café culture and apartments for “200 euros a month,” according to one Reddit user.
Save on a riverside city break in Belgrade, Serbia
Choosing a city over a coastal location is one of the best ways to stay on budget, especially if you’re planning your summer vacation last minute, says one Reddit user.
For a low-cost holiday, he suggests heading to the Balkans, where you can rent an apartment in Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, for just 380 euros per month.
Summer temperatures hover around the high 20s Celsius, making it ideal for relaxing in the sun by the Danube or Sava rivers. The bohemian district of Zemun has riverside cafés, lively bars that stay open until late, and easy access to the Great War Island Nature Reserve.
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Escape to the mountains of Bansko, Bulgaria
Just a few hours south of Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, you’ll find this mountain town best known for its winter skiing, but there are plenty of reasons to visit Bansko in summer, too.
At the foot of the Pirin Mountains, the town is gateway to the hiking trails of Pirin National Park, where clear rivers meander through flower-filled valleys and coniferous forests inhabited by wolves and brown bears.
Between July and September, Bansko plays host to a range of cultural events and festivals, from movies under the stars to jazz and folk music festivals.
Monthly room rentals in summer start from just 230 euros and temperatures are warm but not as muggy as in the capital.
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