Cheapest travel destinations in Europe: top 10 places to see
Last Updated on August 15, 2024 by Ingrid
If you’re looking for the cheapest travel destinations in Europe, look no further! I’ve gathered the top 10 places to consider, and I can help you plan your ultimate vacation.
What recommends me? I’ve lived in Europe for most of my life and have traveled extensively to most of its countries. I also come from Romania, one of the main contestants in the “cheapest country” pageant.
Many people might say that no cheap countries are left in Europe, but I know you can optimize your costs with the correct information.
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Table of Contents
What are the cheapest travel destinations in Europe?
Romania
Even though Romania might not be as cheap as it used to be, you can still visit without breaking the bank.
Many people who visit recommend Romania for its fantastic scenery and hiking opportunities. Additionally, the food is delicious, and plenty of affordable restaurants exist.
Bucharest is well-connected with most of Europe’s capitals, so finding a low-cost flight shouldn’t be an issue. Try booking beforehand, with the soft spot around 2-3 months in advance.
If you really want to experience Romania on a budget, don’t stay in Bucharest. Take the train, which is highly affordable compared to many Western European places.
Go to Transylvania and try lesser-known tourist areas such as Cincșor, Sibiu, or Brașov.
If you have more time and want an unforgettable vacation, head over to the western part of Romania and visit Oradea and the Apuseni Mountains.
Romania is my home country, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is our neighbor, and it is cheaper than Romania in terms of food and accommodation. Sure, it might be a little harder to get around, but renting a car is affordable when you book ahead of time. We always use DiscoverCars, an aggregator that helps us find the best deals and save up to 70%.
Fly to Sofia, grab a car, and drive to the mountains during winter or the Black Sea during summer. Bulgaria has lots of affordable 5* resorts in both locations.
During winter, visit Bansko or Borovets. They have top-quality slopes, hotels with great facilities, and many restaurants and other fun activities.
During summer, book one of the Grifid Hotels in Golden Sands at the Black Sea, or Voya Beach Resort in Sveti Vlas when traveling with kids.
We also love to spend time in Balchik or Veliko Tarnovo, but there are plenty of other affordable and beautiful places in Bulgaria.
Serbia
Even though I think Serbia is often overlooked as a travel destination, I absolutely love Belgrade. We have good friends who live there, and we often visit.
Belgrade is an Etihad Airways hub, and you can fly directly from many towns worldwide, including the US. That means that if you look ahead, you can find excellent prices without changing planes.
Serbia’s capital town is vibrant and full of life; there’s no chance of getting bored there. It also has a nice promenade and park along the Danube River, as well as some amazing food!
If you get there, go for lunch or dinner at the Kalemegdanska terasa. Apart from its setting and interiors, the food was some of the best I’ve ever had!
Additionally, when you stay longer in Belgrade, you can enjoy many day trips to beautiful natural locations. Here are only a few of the best day trips to take outside of Belgrade:
Certain parts of Italy
Italy might be perceived as an expensive destination. However, with so many towns connected by direct flights to many worldwide destinations, it would be a pity to skip it and not look for cheap locations.
I have been traveling to Italy for the past 15 years and have done it on a shoestring on many occasions. On our latest vacation, we spent one month in Puglia and were surprised at how cheap everything can be.
The closest airport is in Bari, but the further south you go, the cheaper it gets. Places like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, or Ostuni are already packed with tourists, so they tend to be pricier.
We stayed in a small village 15 minutes outside Lecce and explored the entire Salentine Peninsula. Lecce was such a wonderful surprise, but the whole region is stunningly beautiful and offers many things to do and see.
You must rent a car to see the best the region offers and visit places like Nardo, Gallipoli, Punta Prosciutto, Porto Cesareo, and more.
When you choose Lecce as your base camp, expect affordable coffee, pastries, and food prices, as well as nice and cheap accommodation options. Get the best prices in Lecce!
Additionally, if you really want to save, plan your trip outside of the peak season. We visited in March and April and even got to spend time at the beach.
If you don’t have too much time, go at least on one of these day trips from Lecce:
Certain parts of Greece
Yes, Greece is not only Santorini or Mykonos – places with luxury hotels and high prices. You can spend time at beaches in Greece with clear blue water on a budget.
For the most affordable Greek vacation, head to the Peloponnese Peninsula. We spent a month in Leonidio, this authentic Greek village set between mountains and the sea.
In the region, you will find primarily small villages that cater to Greek tourists. Thus, we didn’t have to pay for sun lounges; coffee and restaurant prices were affordable.
Unlike Puglia, this region does not have sandy beaches, but the water is crystal clear. To maximize your savings, come during the shoulder season—we left at the beginning of October, and temperatures were still nice.
Don’t think you will get bored in the Peloponnese because there are plenty of things to do and see:
- Nafplio is a beautiful small town with plenty of things to do
- Mycenae & Epidaurus
- Ancient Olympia
Montenegro
Montenegro holds a special place in my heart, and I visited it with a very limited vacation budget. We were a group of four friends and rented an apartment with a view over the Bay of Kotor. Even so, accommodation was cheap, and the facilities were perfect.
Kotor is one of the main resort towns in Montenegro. It has a charming old town and a hilltop fortress that offers beautiful views over the Bay.
The nearby Perast is smaller but very picturesque. It is so beautiful that, years after visiting, we’ve seen it in a movie claiming it was Lugano in Switzerland. I guess they also had a small budget and couldn’t afford the actual Lugano.
Budva is Montenegro’s most popular seaside town, set at the Adriatic Sea. It is famous for its sandy beaches and its nightlife. That said, I loved the old town surrounded by Venetian stone walls.
Another reason to consider Montenegro as your base and one of the cheapest travel destinations in Europe is that you can also visit Croatia from here. At least go on a day trip to Dubrovnik, the town made famous by the Game of Thrones.
Albania
It looks a lot like a Greek town, right? Albania is an emerging destination offering a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
Places like Saranda or Ksamil have been popular for Romanians for many years now. They have pristine beaches with crystal-blue waters that can compete with those in Greece or Italy.
On the other hand, the Albanian Alps offer thrilling hiking adventures.
Depending on where you are coming from, you can fly into Tirana, Albania’s capital. Another option is to fly to Bari and take a ferry to Durres – the trip will be longer, but more options might be available.
North Macedonia
Neighboring Albania and Greece, North Macedonia offers an enchanting mix of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural richness.
If you only visit one place in North Macedonia, let that be Ohrid. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with plenty of ancient churches, a picturesque old town, and a vibrant waterfront. Moreover, the Ohrid Lake is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes.
When you have more time, don’t miss other places, such as the Šar Mountains, which are ideal for hiking and skiing.
Land in Skopje, explore the bustling bazaars and visit the impressive Kale Fortress. Getting around is difficult without a car, so I suggest renting one.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The historic city of Mostar, with its iconic Stari Most bridge and charming cobblestone streets, is one of the country’s most famous destinations. You can spend a few days there without boredom, especially since the region has beautiful natural scenery.
If you like rafting and water sports, visit the Kravica Falls.
Just one note for when you plan to rent a car and drive around the country: prepare for scary driving. Roads are very winding, and locals are willing to surpass on blind corners.
People are very open and sociable. However, if you decide to visit, plan your vacation around Ramadan. Otherwise, you will miss much of their culture’s social aspects.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is also a great destination for skiing and winter sports. However, make sure to always respect the established slopes and trails.
Poland
While Poland might not be as cheap as some other destinations on this list, it is still affordable.
Additionally, it has plenty of impressive towns waiting to be discovered. Look no further than the medieval streets of Krakow, with its stunning Market Square and the historic Wawel Castle, or the modern, bustling capital of Warsaw, where history and contemporary life coexist harmoniously.
If you are a winter sports lover, plan a skiing trip to Zakopane, the gateway to the Tatra Mountains. On the other hand, if you would rather spend time by the sea, Poland’s Baltic coast provides beautiful beaches and a fascinating maritime history.
In conclusion, with so many destinations, it should be easy to plan an affordable vacation in Europe.
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