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Turquoise seas, balmy weather, softly biting pistachio gelato as you explore a cobbled town dating back to immemorial: there’s nothing quite like a Mediterranean summer.
The only downside? Every single popular ‘Med’ country is battling an overwhelming surge in tourism right now, from Spain, where overtourism protests are erupting, to Italy, where Venice, Portofino and the like are enacting harsh anti-visitor measures.
A little-known fact about the Mediterranean, however, is that Europe is not the only continent to offer access to it: the ancient sea is also bounded by Africa, more specifically, its North Coast and the Western fringe of Asia.
Like their European counterparts, there are 4 North African and Western Asian countries bordering the Mediterranean with an equally-flavorful cuisine, beautiful coastal scenery and fascinating culture, with just one difference: they are far, far cheaper for tourists.
We’ll go through each of them, west to east:
Morocco
Morocco is the westernmost of the North African states.
It has coastlines on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and while the latter is far shorter in length (318 versus 1864 miles), it is still a pretty extensive coast, interspersed with quaint fishing villages and sandy beaches.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Spain, you’ve come to the right place: Morocco is littered with historic ruins, seaside medinas, and opulent Moorish palaces––at one point, Moroccans, then known as Moors, ruled a powerful empire that stretched from here into Southern Europe.
Not all of Morocco is Mediterranean in character, but if you’re holidaying anywhere between Tetouan and Nador, you’ll find the same whitewashed Old Towns, hilltop fortresses, exotic markets and lively marina scenes you’d commonly associate with its European neighbors.
The best part is, Morocco is much cheaper to visit than Spain and the like: according to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost for a single traveler is $67, or $469 for the whole week, with food and accommodation being particularly inexpensive.
Algeria
Moving over to Algeria, this is one of the last true hidden gems of the Mediterranean basin and a country most visitors to North Africa, as adventurous as they may be in nature already, tend to skip due to the complex visa regulations.
Yes, flying to Algeria is no hassle-free experience, as you either have to submit a visa application at the Consulate yourself, or via an authorized travel agency, but once you’re there, it’s long miles of sun-drenched soft sands bounded by teal waters that await discovery.
From the French-built colonial city center of Alger to the Turkish-influenced Port of Oran, with an Ottoman citadel still intact, to the magnificent Roman ruins of Timgad and the wild beaches of Jijel, the list of Algerian wonders, whether manmade or natural, truly is endless.
In terms of traveling costs, Algeria can be somewhat of an uncharted territory: very few tourists visit, so estimates can vary drastically between those who do, but if you’re a budget traveler, setting aside $201 for meals, and an additional $350 for hotels is a safe estimate.
Tunisia
If you can’t be bothered with the strict visa requirements and you don’t mind limited crowding, Tunisia can be the perfect alternative: it is home to the world-renowned ruins of Carthage, the UNESCO-listed Amphitheater of El Jem, second in size only to the Colosseum, and Santorini look-alike Sidi Bou Said.
Out of the North African countries listed here, it is the most ‘Mediterranean-like’: the ancient cobbled towns lining the azure shoreline are adorned with colorful bougainvillea, the seafood is fresh and plentiful, the local hospitality industry is fairly developed, and summers are long and hot.
The trendiest destination in Tunisia for beach lovers is Djerba, a stunning resort island surrounded by crystal-clear seas, where a five-night stay at the all-inclusive Djerba Resort (for families and couples only), start from a moderate $723 this July.
Overall, resort stays in Tunisia are less expensive than in Southern Europe, even though this is the same Mediterranean Sea, and near-identical weather conditions; luxury stays aside, the average hotel price per night is only $52, while single meals at simple restaurants can cost a negligible $3.
Türkiye
Over on the Asian side of the Med, Türkiye is the perfect destination dupe if you’re keen on a Mamma Mia summer: it’s just as historical as Greece, home to ancient cities like Ephesus and the legendary Troy, the small coastal towns are just as picturesque, and it borders the same Aegean Sea.
In Antalya, the Queen of the East Mediterranean, you’re as likely to stumble upon Roman monuments dating back 2,000 years as you are laid-back cafes offering full Turkish breakfasts for under $20, and there’s no shortage of cheap accommodation options along the Konyaaltı strip.
Over in Bodrum, a whitewashed city with bougainvillea-framed alleys that could easily belong in Greece, all-inclusive stays start from as low as $1,449 for the whole week at Parkim Ayaz Hotel, and you’ll notice food is on the cheaper end, too: you can spend as little as $46 per day on meals.
Let’s not forget Istanbul, the most popular destination in all of Türkiye: straddling both Europe and Asia, it is characterized by its spearing Ottoman minarets and Byzantine churches, and it’s probably one of the cheapest city breaks worldwide, with one-week stays averaging $874 per person.
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