Simon Calder has shared his top two underrated European picks for 2025, in a bid to encourage tourists to choose destinations off the beaten path – and they’re both ideal for summer holidays
After a record-breaking year for globetrotters, many are already plotting their 2025 adventures.
Europe saw an impressive 11% jump in international tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the previous year, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels. Yet, it seems travellers can’t resist the allure of traditional hotspots like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. Spain is poised to smash tourism records with over 90 million visitors, while Paris basked in a 18.9% surge in tourists during the 2024 Olympic Games.
Travel guru and journalist Simon Calder spoke to the Daily Express about broadening horizons in 2025, saying: “All the indications that we’ve seen, for instance the figures of people going through airports and the latest figures from travel companies show that we have an insatiable appetite for travel. And 2025 is going to be fantastic in having wider horizons than ever”, reports the Express.
But he warned eager holidaymakers, “we will be paying quite a lot for it”. Calder also shared a tip for those seeking value: “If you want a bargain destination, then I would head for the Balkans – Bulgaria is always very good value for package holidays.”
Bulgaria, nestled in the eastern Balkans just south of the Danube and west of the Black Sea, shares borders with Greece and Turkey, enjoying similarly sizzling summer temperatures. In 2023, Bulgaria hit a tourism high with 8.6 million visitors, marking a 13% increase from the previous year, although still dwarfed by Greece’s 33 million and Turkey’s staggering 49 million tourists.
Tourism remains a key player in Bulgaria’s economy, with hotspots like Sofia, Plovdiv, and the coastal resorts of Albena, Golden Sands, and Sunny Beach, not to mention winter favourites Bansko and Pamporovo, drawing crowds. History buffs can delve into Bulgaria’s rich past, once home to Thracians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans, offering a treasure trove of historical sites including Boyana Church, Madara Rider, and the ancient Rila Monastery. The country boasts tranquil coastlines with sandy stretches and crystal-clear waters, promising a more serene beach experience than you might find in Greece or Turkey.
Travel expert Calder also tipped: “I’ve also got my money on Albania as an up and coming destination – fantastic beaches, friendly people and prices back to the 20th century”. Boasting breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient castles, a lively capital and idyllic beaches that can compete with any Mediterranean hotspot, it’s surprising that only 10 million overseas tourists made their way to Albania in 2023.
Albania is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. You can bag a luxury hotel room for as little as 50 euros (£41.50), while a hearty meal will set you back just around 10 euros (£8.30). Just across the Straits of Corfu, a comparable hotel room on the popular Greek island would likely set you back £86 per night, according to current figures from Booking.com.
