{"id":490316,"date":"2025-10-11T06:30:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T06:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/490316\/"},"modified":"2025-10-11T06:30:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T06:30:28","slug":"affordable-autumn-city-breaks-in-europe-that-avoid-new-brexit-border-checks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/490316\/","title":{"rendered":"Affordable autumn city breaks in Europe that avoid new Brexit border checks"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\t\t\t\t\tWith new border formalities coming to Europe, these countries offer a pleasing alternative for a short getaway\t\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n

This weekend, the European Union finally begins to roll out its new Entry\/Exit System (EES)<\/a>. With third-country nationals required to provide biometric information (including fingerprints and facial photographs) when entering the Schengen<\/a> Area<\/a>, Britons will face longer queues and more red tape at passport control.<\/p>\n

If you prefer your city breaks <\/a>without added bureaucracy, it is time to look at the continent\u2019s lesser-visited destinations, where border formalities are a breeze. From Tbilisi\u2019s buzzing wine bars to a sun-soaked bayside city in Montenegro, here are the best destinations outside Schengen for an autumn escape\u2026<\/p>\n

Izmir, Turkey<\/p>\n

\"StreetCity life and coastal relaxation: Izmir (Photo: Elif Bayraktar\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Perched on Turkey\u2019s<\/a> sun-drenched Aegean coast, Izmir<\/a> is the country\u2019s third most populous city. \u201cIzmir provides the perfect blend of city life and coastal relaxation,\u201d says Kelly Jackson of tour operator Trafalgar<\/a>. \u201cAnd with more than 8,500 years of history, it is the gateway to ancient treasures.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of those treasures is nearby Unesco World Heritage-listed Ephesus<\/a>, where you can stroll through Greek and Roman ruins before admiring the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.<\/p>\n

Izmir\u2019s \u201cCittaslow<\/a>\u201d designation also ensures the city is your gateway to local, traditional food and a slower pace of life. Look out for street food including boyoz pastries from traditional bakeries in Alsancak and bagel-like gevrek.<\/p>\n

Take a relaxed walk along Kordon promenade, visit the ruins of the Roman Agora, or enjoy a slow journey along the Urla Vineyard Route<\/a>. Several mineral hot springs also lie nearby.<\/p>\n

Trafalgar\u2019s 10-day Highlights of Turkey tour <\/a>includes both Izmir and Ephesus, from \u00a31,764pp.<\/p>\n

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina<\/p>\n

\"Sarajevo,Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Photo: Adnan Bubalo\/Getty\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

\u201cSarajevo is the heart of Bosnia & Herzegovina,\u201d says Charlotte McCutcheon at Headwater Holidays<\/a>, which has had a 19 per cent increase in bookings for Balkan destinations this year. \u201cIt\u2019s renowned for its multicultural history, and the perfect destination for history lovers.\u201d<\/p>\n

She recommends sipping strong Bosnian coffee and digging into \u0106evapi (Bosnian-style kebab) in Ba\u0161car\u0161ija, the Ottoman-era bazaar. From there it is a short walk to Latin Bridge, scene of Archduke Franz Ferdinand\u2019s assassination in 1914.<\/p>\n

Husrev-Beg Mosque<\/a> and Sacred Heart Cathedral <\/a>showcase the city\u2019s religious diversity, while the Tunnel of Hope provides an account of the Siege of Sarajevo, when conflict tore Bosnia apart in the 90s. <\/p>\n

The city is also good value for British visitors \u2013 a meal in a mid-range restaurant typically costs less than \u00a330 for two people, while a beer costs around \u00a32.30 and a coffee less than \u00a32.<\/p>\n

Ryanair flies from Stansted to Sarajevo. Pino Nature Hotel<\/a>, in pine-forested hills just outside the city, has doubles from \u00a395. In the city centre, Hotel Baskuca<\/a> has stylish doubles from \u20ac233 (\u00a3202) B&B.<\/p>\n

Headwater\u2019s week-long Walking the Olympic Mountains of Bosnia<\/a> tour uses Sarajevo as a base for mountain hikes and the bobsleigh track used in the 1984 Winter Olympics, from \u00a31,189pp.<\/p>\n

Tbilisi, Georgia<\/p>\n

\"Tbilisi,A wine cellar in Meidan Bazaar in the Old Town of Tbilisi (Photo: efired\/Getty\/iStock Editorial)<\/p>\n

With minimal red tape (visa-free visits of up to a year) alongside new direct flights from easyJet and BA, it\u2019s never been easier to visit the capital of Georgia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This is a welcoming city where the old town is a network of cobbled streets and medieval buildings dotted with caf\u00e9s and galleries, while Vera is a bohemian neighbourhood of Soviet architecture and cool caf\u00e9s such as sourdough specialist Pulp and brunch restaurant Aureo Dining<\/a>, with dishes costing around \u00a37.<\/p>\n

Discover an 8,000-year-old winemaking heritage in Tbilisi\u2019s wine bars (try a degustation at 8000 Vintages<\/a> , or sample the extensive Wine Library at Wine Factory No 1<\/a>) before visiting the winemakers in the surrounding countryside.<\/p>\n

Eat This Tours offers Wine Harvest Tours<\/a> in late October and early November from \u00a395pp. Doubles at the boutique Rooms Tbilisi from \u00a3112.<\/p>\n

Tirana, Albania<\/p>\n

\"NamazgahNamazgah mosque in Tirana (Photo: Avatarmin\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Albania\u2019s visitor numbers have more than doubled in the past decade. For Ben Colbridge at Exodus Adventure Travels<\/a>, this is no surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe country offers visitors stunning landscapes and an interesting history,\u201d he says. \u201cTirana<\/a>, the capital city, is known for its colourful architecture, Ottoman and Italian influences, and also a great caf\u00e9 culture.\u201d<\/p>\n

The best way to experience those multicultural influences is in restaurants such as Era, where wood-fired pizza and handmade ravioli are served alongside Kosovar sausages and Elbasan casserole.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, pick up cheap byrek pastries filled with spinach or tomatoes from bakeries that will fuel a walk from Skanderbeg Square to the hip Blloku district and Tirana Lake Park<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Explore the legacy of Enver Hoxha, Albania\u2019s paranoid Communist dictator, in Cold War bunkers now transformed into art galleries, or ride the Dajti Express Cable Car<\/a> to Dajti Mountain\u2019s 1,600m-high summit for sweeping panoramas. <\/p>\n

Art\u00e9 Boutique Hotel in Blloku<\/a> has doubles from 14,500 Lek (\u00a3130), while Lot Boutique Hotel has doubles from \u20ac68 (\u00a359). Tirana is served from the UK by British Airways, Ryanair and Wizz Air.<\/p>\n

Exodus\u2019s 10-day Highlights of Albania tour <\/a>visits the Albanian Riviera\u2019s turquoise bays, Gjirokast\u00ebr\u2019s Ottoman streets, and the serene shores of Lake Ohrid, from \u00a31,219pp.<\/p>\n

Kotor, Montenegro<\/p>\n

\"PanoramicBeautiful Kotor bay in Montenegro (Photo: Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Montenegro<\/a> may use the euro, but it is not yet part of the EU, nor Schengen. And while prices may be high next door in Dubrovnik<\/a> on Croatia\u2019s Dalmatian coast, 60 miles south-east, Kotor offers a quieter and more economical alternative.<\/p>\n

\u201cKotor offers fantastic weather and stunning bay views,\u201d Jet2holidays\u2019<\/a> James Pieslak says of the walled city. \u201cWith low prices and warm Adriatic waters, it\u2019s a relaxed, scenic destination.\u201d<\/p>\n

It is ringed by mountains and imposing Venetian walls, inside which you can explore winding medieval streets before enjoying panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor after a steep hike to Kotor Fort.<\/p>\n

Take a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, a picturesque \u201cfloating\u201d church located on an artificial island in the bay, or head to nearby Tivat, where white sands await. <\/p>\n

Jet2Holidays<\/a> has a week\u2019s B&B at four-star Palma Hotel Tivat<\/a> from \u00a3559pp, including Stansted flights and transfers.<\/p>\n

Larnaca, Cyprus<\/p>\n

\"LarnacaThe promenade at Finikoudes beach in Larnaca (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Cyprus<\/a> is another EU country outside the Schengen Zone, meaning there is no EES to worry about before soaking up sunny October highs of 28\u00b0C. <\/p>\n

Known as the gateway to coastal resorts such as Ayia Napa, overlooked Larnaca merits a few days\u2019 exploration. Tania Peck from Visit Cyprus <\/a>says: \u201cIt ticks all the boxes for a great city break, particularly in the shoulder and winter months.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Old Town is compact and walkable. The long Finikoudes promenade offers Mediterranean seafront strolls and places to pause for a coffee or a beer.<\/p>\n

Or you could climb the ramparts of Larnaca\u2019s 14th-century medieval castle. Another historic highlight is the ninth-century church dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have resurrected.<\/p>\n

Zephyros Beach Tavern<\/a>, by the fishing shelters on Kastella Beach, is the place for authentic seafood mezze. <\/p>\n

Peck describes Larnaca as a \u201cmelting pot of cultures\u201d \u2013 something you can see with a visit to the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque<\/a>, which sits on the shores of Larnaca Salt Lake. The perfect place, she adds, to watch the sun set. <\/p>\n

Larnaca is served by easyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2 and BA. Doubles at the adults-only Hotel Indigo Larnaca<\/a>, which has a rooftop swimming pool, from \u00a3145 B&B.<\/p>\n

Cork, Ireland<\/p>\n

\"CORKThe 19th century English Market in the centre of Cork City (Photo: Allan Baxter\/Getty)<\/p>\n

The Republic of Ireland is an EU member, but has never joined Schengen. Ireland and the UK instead form the Common Travel Area, and Britons technically don\u2019t even need a passport to visit the Emerald Isle. <\/p>\n

On Ireland\u2019s southern shores, Cork<\/a> is a hassle-free city break. \u201cIt\u2019s a walkable city, with a thriving restaurant scene, cosy pubs hosting trad music sessions, and city parks which come alive with autumn colours,\u201d says Judith Cassidy at Tourism Ireland.<\/a> \u201cCork is also considered Ireland\u2019s foodie capital, so it\u2019s an ideal time to tuck into the abundance of seasonal produce.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cassidy recommends specialities Gubbeen cheese, smoked fish and Clonakilty black pudding at the Victorian-era covered English Market. It is perfect fuel for events including Cork\u2019s annual Dragon of Shandon parade on Samhain (arounf the time of Halloween) and the Cork Jazz Festival (23-27 October).<\/p>\n

Fly to Cork with Ryanair, or take advantage of Rail and Sail fares with Irish Ferries, Brittany Ferries and DFDS. The Dean Cork<\/a> has an indoor swimming pool and sauna, with doubles from \u00a3121.<\/p>\n

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