Where in Europe Feels Like a Tropical, Thailand Trip Without Destroying Your Wallet

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If your heart says Thailand but your passport or budget says Europe, don’t worry there are more than a few destinations on this side of the world that bring that same exotic energy. We’re talking hidden beaches, limestone cliffs, turquoise water, and even the occasional jungle vibe. Here’s where to go when you want Europe to feel like Southeast Asia or like in some other tropical paradise, at least for a little while.

Algarve Sea Caves – Portugal

The Algarve coastline boasts some utterly crazy limestone cliffs and hidden sea caves out of Krabi. Paddle or boat into Benagil Cave, it’s Phi Phi Islands but with pastel-topped houses and custard tarts nearby. What’s not to love? It’s even right by the Atlantic, so you can have a shorter flight, feel at home but still somewhere totally different.

Where in Europe is like Thailand?

Ksamil – Albania

Turquoise sea, white sand, little islands nearby, full tropical archipelago lookalike situation, Ksamil has all the ingredients of a Thai island without the long flight. The beaches are remarkably unspoiled, the prices are low, and the water is basically live Photoshopped. It is a recent favorite with tourists wanting something different. Bonus for Eastern is generally cheaper.

Calanques National Park – South of France

For a slice of tropical-meets-Mediterranean, head to the Calanques between Marseille and Cassis. These steep, forest-covered inlets carved into the coastline feel like hidden Thai coves. You’ll need to hike or boat to reach some of them, but the blue-green water is absolutely worth the effort, also, hikes are just cool. If you like the idea of France, keep in mind that there’s more to do in the South than just Calanques, check those other spots out too.

Mljet Island – Croatia

Shaded by pine forests and rimmed by that telltale Adriatic blue, Mljet is an island jungle getaway. It’s got a national park with seawater lakes and peaceful trails, no full moon raves here, but loads of peace, swimming, and wildlife. Again, I just love hiking in pretty places, but if that’s not your cup of tea, there’s still everything else there, also, Eastern Europe is cheap(er).

Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece

With crystal shallows and pink sand, Elafonissi is not your typical Greek beach. It’s more tropical lagoon feel, especially when the sandbar emerges at low tide. You may be in Greece but it looks like somewhere off the coast of Phuket. And since you’re in the land of the gods, you can again, island-hop like you’re in Indonesia, do it like you’re in Bali. If you’re curious abou other great Greek beaches, look no further.

La Gomera – Canary Islands, Spain

If you’re craving the rainforest, green vibe in the tropical East, La Gomera brings those lush vibes. With misty valleys, deep green forests, and barely-touched beaches, it’s an under-the-radar option for travelers who want something wilder than the usual beach town. To be fair, it’ll run you a pretty penny, but honestly, you get your nature blast, tropical holiday time, and a Spain vacay, it’s like knocking 2 birds with one stone. If Spain is your cup of tea, there’s another region that might strike your fancy, especially if rocky, mountain, warm, village, museum and culture are your dram keywords.

As always, we hope that our article was helpful and that you know where in Europe you should go for your tropical, Thailand-like dream holiday. Follow our Insta to stay up to date!

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