Inexpensive European Destinations to Explore: 21 Options
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Europe, a continent known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, is not always synonymous with affordability. However, there are numerous budget-friendly destinations that offer a unique and memorable travel experience without breaking the bank. Here are 21 affordable European destinations that should be on your radar.
The Czech Republic, with its beautiful cities, excellent cheap beer and wine, and affordable travel costs, remains a great budget option. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, going out for dinner rarely exceeds more than €10 per person. Serbia, particularly Belgrade, is a budget-friendly destination, with attractions like the Kalemegdan Fortress, Church of St Sava, and the Nikola Tesla Museum.
Croatia offers lower prices in lesser-known areas like the Istria region and the island of Vis. The Canary Islands, particularly the lesser-known resorts, offer amazing weather all year round and are a perfect budget-friendly destination. Romania is one of Europe's most underrated countries, with an abundance of nature, delicious traditional food, culture, and history, and affordable travel costs.
Poland is a budget-friendly country with affordable prices in big cities like Gdansk and Warsaw, as well as natural beauties like the Tatra National Park and resort towns like Sopot. In Serbia, meals can cost as little as €10 per person, and beers cost €1.5-2. In Romania, dinner for two with drinks included will cost you about €20 per person, even in the most expensive cities.
The Tirana Walking Tour is recommended for exploring Albania's capital. In North Macedonia, a decent holiday apartment costs between €25 and €30 per day. Portugal offers natural beauty, with lower prices in off-season and affordable accommodation and dining options. Northern Cyprus, a de facto state administered by Turkey, is even more affordable due to the devaluation of the Turkish Lira.
Malta is another destination, famous for its history, architecture, beaches, and delicious cuisine, with reasonable prices. Crete is known for its delicious cuisine, exotic beaches, archaeological sites, and authentic hospitality. In Albania, a full BBQ feast can cost less than £10. Hungary offers rich folk traditions, cosmopolitan cities, and affordable food and drink.
Cyprus offers year-round sunshine, gorgeous castles, pristine Mediterranean waters, delicious cuisine, and affordable travel costs. Greece offers a variety of budget-friendly destinations, including Athens, Thessaloniki, Paros, Milos, and Crete. Research is important when planning a European trip to save money. Bulgaria is also budget-friendly, with affordable ski resorts and many free attractions.
It's easier to reach more affordable European destinations due to budget airline routes. Beyond the commonly listed 21 cheapest European countries, additional budget-friendly destinations include Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Moldova, Georgia, and Turkey. These places offer affordable accommodation, food, and attractions while being less tourist-heavy or off the typical EU list.
Specifically, Albania stands out for its stunning mountains, historic towns like Berat and Gjirokaster, and the beautiful Albanian Riviera with very low meal and lodging costs. Kosovo is one of the least traveled, cheapest countries with rich culture. Bosnia & Herzegovina offers natural beauty and historical sites at low prices, appealing for remote workers and travelers seeking affordability.
Montenegro is a nature lover’s paradise using the Euro but remains affordable outside of peak tourist zones. Serbia is cheap outside of its capital; places like Novi Sad offer good value. Moldova is an off-the-beaten-path choice with inexpensive living, vineyards, and monasteries. Georgia and Turkey, though partly outside Europe or non-EU, offer inexpensive travel with abundant expat communities and cultural experiences.
Additional affordable places in Europe not always on the cheapest countries list include some specific islands and towns: Gran Canaria (in summer) offers relatively affordable accommodation and rentals due to lower off-season demand. Sorrento, Italy is emerging as a cheaper alternative to crowded and expensive Italian spots like Florence and Rome.
These destinations offer a variety of cultural, natural, and historical experiences at lower costs than many Western European cities traditionally considered expensive.
Sources: - Key affordable countries beyond the EU list: Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia, Montenegro, Serbia, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey [1][2]. - Budget-friendly European cities and towns: Sorrento, Gran Canaria in summer [3][5]. - Tirana, Albania offers apartments for half the price of hostels in Western Europe. - Latvia offers a budget-friendly holiday with interesting sights and history, particularly in Riga. - In Poland, a central private double room or a fully equipped apartment can cost less than £25 per night. - Slovakia offers a lot to visitors, including its amazing countryside, historic cities, caves, castles, and the Tatra Mountains, at a budget-friendly price.
- The Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, and Albania are destinations known for their affordability, rich culture, natural beauty, and delicious food.
- Meals in Serbia can cost as little as €10 per person, while in Romania, dinner for two with drinks included will typically cost about €20 per person.
- In Albania, a full BBQ feast can cost less than £10, and apartments in Tirana are often half the price of hostels in Western Europe.
- Beyond the commonly listed budget European countries, Montenegro, Moldova, Georgia, and Turkey offer affordable accommodation, food, and attractions with many unique cultural experiences.
- Gran Canaria and Sorrento are emerging as more affordable alternatives to traditional expensive spots like Florence and Rome, offering cultural, historical, and natural experiences at lower costs.
