From the Balkans to the coast of Spain, Europe has plenty of affordable and fascinating destinations worth a visit - not just for their famously cheap beer. With the cost-of-living crisis pushing the price of a pint ever higher, finding a cheap pint can feel like a rarity. But for travellers willing to do a little research, there are still destinations that have, at least in part, escaped the steep rise in prices, keeping the cost of a beer at a much more wallet-friendly level.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is world-famous for inventing and perfecting the Pilsner, invented in 1842 in the city of Plzeň (Pilsen). Perhaps for that reason, Czechs like to boast to tourists that their beer is cheaper than water. Perhaps not the healthiest option for the population, the saying is at least partially true.
You can pick up a pint of fresh Czech lager for as little as £1.60, while a more typical price is still a very reasonable £2.50. Better still, you can enjoy your pints against the stunning backdrop of this beautiful medieval city, with hundreds of pubs scattered throughout the historic centre. Prague is particularly good for beer lovers because the city combines a centuries-old brewing tradition with an incredible variety of traditional pubs, beer halls and modern craft breweries.
Peniche, Portugal
Cheaper than the Algarve further south, Peniche is best known for its thriving surfing community and is an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts. But this historic seaside town on Portugal's Atlantic coast has plenty more to offer, from a nearby UNESCO-designated nature reserve and the striking 16th-century Fortress of Peniche to a bustling working fishing port renowned for its fresh seafood.
Another major bonus? The cheap beer, of course. The classic is the Portuguese Super Bock, which is sold at around £1.50 in a bottle. However, even some craft brews are available at as little as £2.
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
In Bulgaria's largest and best-known seaside resort, located on the Black Sea coast, some of the cheapest beers can be found for around £2.50, while visitors on Facebook have claimed to have paid even less for a pint. This purpose-built holiday resort is packed with modern restaurants, bars and lively nightclubs lining its high-rise waterfront.
Just a 15-minute drive away is Nessebar, a UNESCO-listed historic town founded by the Thracians. The Greeks and Romans later left their mark, building temples dedicated to Apollo and imposing fortress walls.
Ksamil, Albania
Known for its crystal-clear waters, small sandy beaches and views across to the Greek island of Corfu, the Albanian resort has become increasingly popular in recent years. Visitors can spend the day swimming or taking a boat out to the nearby Ksamil Islands before enjoying fresh seafood and a cold beer at a fraction of the price charged in many better-known European resorts.
Here, enjoying turquoise views doesn't mean having to break the bank - with an average pint at just £2.50.
