With its stunning coves, fine dining restaurants and luxurious hotels, Capri is one of Europe’s most desirable vacation destinations -- the only problem is the exorbitant price tag that often comes along with it.
Fortunately, Europe is dotted with alluring destinations that are more budget-friendly than high-profile Capri. From Italian islands to vacations in Spain, Croatia, and beyond, here are six budget alternatives that are so wonderful, they won't leave you pining for the famous island of Capri.
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1. Panarea, Italy
While it’s hardly undiscovered, the island of Panarea is a rustic yet refined alternative to the glamour of Capri. One of the eight Aeolian Islands near Sicily, Panarea is filled with the type of mountainous volcanic beauty that gets an island rewarded with Unesco-protection. Home to a mixture of affordable and luxurious hotels, Panarea isn’t too dissimilar to Capri in terms of accommodation options -- but its small size and relatively low profile seem to discourage huge tourist numbers, keeping prices in restaurants and stores lower than its Tyrrhenian cousin.
Hotel Pick:
2. Ischia, Italy
While Capri basks in its reputation for fame, glamour, and style (earned during the 1950s era of La Dolce Vita), the neighboring island of Ischia has been happy to allow itself to slowly develop into a destination of its own. Often overlooked for the more famous Capri, the largest island in the Bay ofNaples has great beaches, excellent restaurants -- seafood and rabbit are particular specialties -- and towns that ooze that quintessential Italian style; we really love the car-free harbor of Sant’Angelo.
Hotel Pick:
3. Cudillero, Spain
Close to Gijon (the largest city in Spain’s northern region of Asturias), the small fishing village of Cudillero will rival any depiction of Capri you might see on a postcard. One of Spain’s prettiest villages, here houses are painted an almost uniform white and matched with a variety of colored shutters, which gives the place the feel of a Spanish version of Cinque Terre. During the summer peak season it attracts high numbers of visitors but while the streets are busier than usual, the village continues to remain a living, working community -- albeit with a sleepy, picturesque appeal to it all. Spreading upwards onto the hillside from its small port, the narrow streets are rife for exploring. Accommodation options aren't particularly extensive, but nearby Gijon is an attractive prospect in its own right if you reserve Cudillero for a day trip.
Nearby Gijon Hotel Pick:
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