Looking for an affordable beach holiday? Head to Eastern Europe and the Balkan countries of Croatia, Bulgaria, Albania and Montenegro which have warm sunshine and great places in the shoulder season of June and September, Guardian writes. The Guardian’s UK edition recommends that tourists head to Bulgaria and in particular to the beaches north of Bulgaria’s marine capital Varna.

“When picturing Bulgaria’s 235-mile Black Sea coastline, most people think of the big party resorts such as Sunny Beach and Sozopol. But head further north towards the Romanian border and past the port of Varna, and the coast is less busy side”, the author of the publication Mary Novakovic wrote.

“Until 2016, the town of Kavarna used to throb to the sound of heavy metal every summer during the Kavarna Rock Fest, but it’s now an agreeably laid-back place with a long town beach and a large nature reserve practically on its doorstep. Hike up the cliff to Chirakman to get glorious views of the coast, as well as a look at the ruins of the Byzantine Bison Fortress”, Mary Novakovic notes.

“If you happen to be in Kavarna from 30 June to 1 July, you’ll see one of Bulgaria’s more intriguing rituals. People gather round campfires on certain beaches along the Black Sea coast, play music and watch the sun come up on the first of July – originally in honour of the Uriah Heep song July Morning”, Mary Novakovic writes. She advises tourists to stay in the local hotels which offer cosiness and comfort at affordable prices, and to visit the nearby mussel farm to get wonderful views of the sea.

“Follow the coastline as it curves into the Kaliakra nature reserve and the mile-long Kaliakra Cape. When you’re not keeping an eye on the cape’s rich birdlife, you’ll spot the ruins of an eighth-century citadel. Look down and you’ll see one of the coast’s most appealing beaches tucked into Bolata Bay, whose turquoise waters contrast vividly with the surrounding sandstone cliffs”, the author of the publication writes further.

Mary Novakovic also admires the beauties of the Albanian beaches stretching from the port of Vlorë on the Adriatic to the resort of Sarandë on the Ionian Sea. The publication advises tourists to stay in the quiet resort village of Milna (Croatia) and rent a bike to explore the surrounding area. As for Montenegro, the author notes that its relatively small slice of the Adriatic gets madly busy in July and August, especially around Budva and the Bay of Kotor. Acording to the author, “the town of Petrovac, south of Budva, makes a convenient base, with a sandy beach in town, and the Reževići hiking trail starting on its northern side and running through an old army tunnel towards cute little Fenix beach”.

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