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Some of the cheapest and most affordable countries to visit in Europe – perfect if you want a getaway on a budget!
Thanks to the vast array of budget airline routes, it’s easier than ever to reach the more affordable destinations in Europe.
Whether you’re backpacking, interrailing, or looking for an affordable luxury break, travelling around Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. A bit of research when planning your Europe trip can go a long way: shop around, keep an eye out for the best deals, and read up on money-saving tips.
Here’s my round-up of the more budget-friendly destinations to add to your European bucket list…
21 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe
I’ve teamed up with some awesome bloggers from around Europe, many of them locals, to put together this list of budget destination ideas. I don’t really like the word “cheap”, as prices are all relative, and one person’s cheap is another’s expensive. But for travellers from the UK, USA, and Western Europe, these destinations are certainly more affordable than other parts of Europe.
RELATED POST: 33 Hidden Gems in Europe
1. Georgia
Recommended by: Emily from Wander-Lush
There are few places in Europe where you can stretch your dollar further than Georgia. Tourism is taking off in the former Soviet Republic, and travelling in Georgia has never been safer or more affordable.
Georgia’s greatest virtue is its natural beauty, which is completely free to enjoy. The top things to do include hiking in the Caucasus mountains (Svaneti is a popular choice), biking around the Javakheti lakes, and – if it’s the right season – skiing.
Travel costs: Intercity marshrutka buses cost between €0.50 to €5 depending on the journey. Car hire is also incredibly cheap if you opt for a local company. In the capital, Tbilisi, expect to pay around €15 for a restaurant meal for two, and a couple of Euros for a glass of local wine. If you’re on a budget, stay in one of Georgia’s many family-run guesthouses, which offer cosy private rooms and a generous home-cooked breakfast for around €20 per night.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Svaneti Towers Private Tour – 4-Day Private Tour in West Georgia
2. Malta
Recommended by: Michael, The World Was Here First
Famed for its history, architecture, beaches, and delicious cuisine, the island nation of Malta has something for everyone.
You’ll find great value at many mid-range and high-end restaurants offering delicious fresh food. Similarly, drink prices are quite reasonable, with many bars and restaurants offering happy hour specials.
Travel costs: You’ll find prices in Malta very reasonable. A budget of €65-70 per person per day for couples who want an occasional splurge is reasonable. Prices are higher in Valetta, and accommodation is usually more affordable if you stay a little away from the coastline.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch
3. Bulgaria
Recommended by: Bilyana, Owl Over The World
When telling people about Bulgaria, I always highlight how budget-friendly the country is. You can see and experience a lot without spending too much. It’s also home to some of Europe’s most affordable ski resorts.
The more affordable areas are the Rhodopes region and the north of Bulgaria. However, by the UK’s standards, even big resorts are very affordable. Plus, most of the best things to see and do are absolutely free, such as monuments, national parks, beaches, museums, and festivals.
Travel Costs: In Bulgaria, you can easily find great, luxurious hotels for about £45 per night, or dine at fine restaurants for as little as £25-30 GBP for two people. Skiing is also very reasonable here: in Bansko, one of Europe’s top ski resorts, a day pass costs £32!
4. Portugal
Recommended by: Sarah, CosmopoliClan
Its abundance of natural beauty makes Portugal a beloved European holiday destination. Unfortunately, most visitors don’t venture beyond the golden Algarve beaches. Yet, travelling a little further allows you to discover so much more while making your money go further.
Explore the lagoons and deserted beaches of Portugal’s Ria Formosa Nature Reserve or the wildflower-dotted dunes of the Southwest Alentejo. From the mountainous green lands of the Azores to the adventurous trails of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s natural diversity is breathtaking.
Cosmopolitan cities such as Lisbon, Porto and Funchal can be just as budget-friendly thanks to a vast range of accommodation and dining options. Especially if you visit during the off-season – Lisbon in January can be much more affordable than in the height of summer!
5. Croatia
Recommended by: Ilse, Digital Travel Couple
With cheap flights departing from many European cities, you can book a return ticket to Croatia for less than €100. Although cities like Dubrovnik are increasingly popular, lesser-known areas like the Istria region and the sleepy island of Vis have fewer crowds and (generally) lower prices.
Travel Costs: An average private room costs around €20 – €30, and your total average daily budget could be around €45 – €50.
Top Tip: May and September are shoulder season months, with lower prices than normal. But from October to March, which is the official low season, you will find the lowest prices.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour
6. Slovenia
Recommended by: Nichola, Globalmouse Travels
Slovenia is perfect as a destination for an affordable trip. Ljubljana, the overlooked capital city, is beautiful and packed with history – take a walking tour like this one to discover it!
Best of all, the relative lack of tourists means prices for attractions and historic sites are much lower. Eating out, in particular, is very well-priced, and we found the street food in Slovenia was the cheapest we’d come across on our trip through Europe!
Don’t miss Slovenia for a winter trip, either. Slovenia is home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe for families, with beautiful resorts like Kranjska Gora boasting prices significantly lower than its French and Austrian counterparts.
7. Lithuania
Recommended by: Stella Jane, Around the World in 24 Hours
Lithuania is a small but fascinating country with plenty to entice visitors. And much of it is free: it’s possible to take an amazing trip to Lithuania without spending a single penny on attractions!
The capital city, Vilnius, has stunning architecture, great street art, and delicious food for a fraction of the prices in many other European capitals. Plus many attractions, like the Three Crosses, are free. Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, also has a vibrant street art scene, a beautiful Old Town, and the famous Liberty Boulevard, all of which cost nothing to visit.
8. Spain
Recommended by: Joanna, the World in my Pocket
Spain is one of Europe’s most popular destinations, with millions of tourists choosing to spend their holidays here every year. But despite this popularity (or perhaps because of it), it’s still a reasonably affordable country. Budget flights and fierce competition between the thousands of hotels in southern Spain help keep costs down.
Less touristy regions like Asturias, Galicia, and Andalusia tend to have lower prices, but even the south coast has plenty of budget-friendly choices. Try the popular Costa del Sol or the Costa Calida and the nearby city of Murcia.
Travel costs: During one of my recent trips to Granada, I paid €70 for two nights in the four-star Barcelo hotel located in the city centre. Food in Andalucia is very affordable as well, with a three-course meal for two, with wine, in a restaurant, priced at around €40.
9. Hungary
Recommended by: Angeline, Go Around Philippines
In Hungary, you’ll find rich folk traditions still thriving alongside cosmopolitan cities with vibrant nightlife scenes. The capital, Budapest, is a delightful combination of two historical cities facing each other across the Danube River.
In Buda lies the historical Buda castle, while Pest’s side is flanked by the imposing Parliament building, busy streets, and centuries-old architecture. The countryside is also charming, and a great place to discover Hungary’s vibrant winemaking culture.
Travel Costs: In Budapest, a bowl of spicy goulash was around €4-5 at a local restaurant. You’ll find that even fast-food dishes are very affordable, around €3-4. Make sure to try palinka: locals drink this before meal to cleanse their palate.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Buda Castle District Walking Tour
10. Cyprus
Recommended by: Baia from Red Fedora Diary
Rich in history, Cyprus boasts gorgeous castles, pristine Mediterranean waters, delicious cuisine, and almost year-round sunshine. Prices here are similar to other mid-range European destinations.
Northern Cyprus, a de facto state administered by Turkey, is even more affordable due to the devaluation of the Turkish Lira. Despite the political situation, travelling here is safe, and there are plenty of things to do in Kyrenia, the main city of the region. Check out this guided tour of North Cyprus to discover the area with a local.
Travel costs: Transportation, food, and accommodation prices can range between €20-50 depending on the city and what kind of traveller you are, but it can definitely be cheaper. Inner-city bus tickets cost around €7 for a round-trip, while dining out can be as low as €4-6.
11. Albania
Recommended by: Arabela, Spicy Travel Girl
Albania is a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s the perfect choice for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking for crowd-free sandy beaches with turquoise water or a hike in the country’s beautiful mountains, Albania will never disappoint you.
You can book entire apartments in Tirana for half of what you would pay at hostels in Western Europe. Intercity buses across the country will cost nothing more than some spare change. Food prices are so low that you can enjoy a full BBQ feast for less than £10!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Tirana Walking Tour
12. Greece
Recommended by: Elena, Passion for Greece
Greece is a beautiful country with hundreds of destinations which cater to all tastes and budgets. Other than popular islands like Mykonos and Zante, which can be pricey (by Greek standards), this country offers endless holiday destinations for those seeking a low-budget getaway.
The major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are particularly affordable, but there are also plenty of islands to explore whatever your budget. Alternatively, seek out one of the more off-the-beaten-track islands like Paros or Milos. The largest Greek island, Crete, is known for its delicious cuisine, exotic beaches, archaeological sites, and authentic hospitality – stay in Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, or Lasithi for the best prices.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Guided Mythological Walking Tour of Athens
13. Poland
Recommended by: Or, My Path in the World
Whether you’re looking to go on a city break, visit charming small towns, take a road trip full of nature, or have a beach vacation, Poland is a budget-friendly country that has it all!
From gorgeous cities like Gdansk and Warsaw to natural beauties like the Tatra National Park to resort towns like Sopot, you can enjoy the diversity of Poland without breaking the bank.
Travel Costs: Poland is a part of the EU, but the local currency is Zloty (PLN), and £1 is worth about 5 Zloty. In big cities, you can find a central private double room or a fully equipped apartment for less than £25 per night, and in the countryside, the prices can get as low as £10! As for the food, it depends on the type of eatery, but even in big cities, you can have a full meal for less than £10. Also, many attractions are free to visit.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Warsaw Old Town Guided Walking Tour
14. Serbia
Recommended by: Chrysoula, Historic European Castles
Serbia is a brilliant, underrated destination for a weekend break or summer getaway. Belgrade has a wealth of attractions such as the Kalemegdan Fortress and park, the Church of St Sava, the cafes and shops of Dorćol, and the Nikola Tesla Museum.
Check out this 3-hour sightseeing tour for an overview of Belgrade’s main highlights. Nearby, there’s also the Ada Ciganlija lakeside beach, the nearby suburb of Zemun, and Avala Mountain. Alternatively, there’s the second city, Novi Sad. Here, you can explore Freedom Square, Bishop’s Palace, and Novi Sad Synagogue, many of which are free to visit.
Travel Costs: Meals in a restaurant can cost as little as €10 per person (cheaper for takeaway snacks). Beers cost €1.5-2 and coffee just €1. The average price for a 4-star hotel is around €80 a night.
15. Latvia
Recommended by: Coni, Experiencing the Globe
Latvia is full of interesting sights and history. For the ultimate budget-friendly holiday, base yourself in Riga and explore the chic Art Nouveau capital on foot. Get lost in the Old Town (or join a free walking tour) to see the amazing architecture that defines the city – don’t miss the House of the Black Heads and the Three Brothers.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Riga Old and New Walking Tour
Don’t leave Riga without visiting the Museum of Occupation and the Corner House, to learn about the country’s tumultuous history. From Riga, you can explore some other Latvian sights as day trips for less than €10 each. Head to Jurmala for some time at the beach, to Gauja National Park for a nature escape, or to Salaspils memorial if you’re interested in history.
16. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Recommended by: Ellis, Backpack Adventures
Bosnia isn’t a very popular destination yet. But with its incredible nature, rich culture, and delicious food, it makes for a perfect holiday. Being in the heart of the Balkans, this is where East meets West.
Some of the highlights include the multicultural capital of Sarajevo, with its historic Ottoman centre, and Mostar, with its iconic bridge over the stunning Neretva River. In summer, Bosnia’s green rolling hills, waterfalls, and rivers offer a setting for adventure: you can go hiking or white water rafting. In winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding in the mountains.
Travel Costs: Going out for dinner is incredibly cheap and the bill rarely exceeds more than €10 per person. Renting a car for a week is possible for less than €100. A double room in a mid-range hotel costs between €30 and €40.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour
17. Czech Republic
Recommended by: Adriana, Czech the World
Despite growing in popularity, the Czech Republic is still a great budget option. There are many beautiful places to visit in the Czech Republic: historic towns, castles, chateaus, and national parks. Not to mention a lot of excellent cheap beer and wine!
The only exception is Prague – look for accommodation and restaurants outside of the city centre to save money. Alternatively, base yourself in Brno and explore the South Moravia region with these fun day trips. Don’t hesitate to jump on a train or bus to explore the country. The best and cheapest bus companies are RegioJet and Flixbus.
Travel Costs (outside of Prague city centre):
- 0,5l of draft beer in a restaurant: €1.5
- A meal in a restaurant: €5-6
- Regiojet train from Prague to Brno (205 km): €4-6
- Ticket to a castle: €5-6
- National Parks: free
- Apartment for 2: from €20 a night
18. Romania
Recommended by: Jade, the Migrant Yogi
The Balkan country of Romania is one of Europe’s most underrated countries, boasting an abundance of nature, delicious traditional food, culture, and history.
Even if you opt to stay in one of the major, expensive cities, a budget of €30-40 per person per day should be more than enough! Smaller cities such as Sibiu, Brașov, and Timișoara are usually cheaper (and arguably even more beautiful than their larger counterparts!).
Travel Costs: Dinner for two with drinks included will cost you about €20 per person, even in the most expensive Romanian cities, like Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest.
19. Canary Islands
Recommended by: Milene, Surf and Unwind
Located off the Northern African coast, you can’t really go wrong when choosing to travel to Spain’s Canary Islands. Due to its location, the islands boast amazing weather all year round. It’s a perfect winter sun destination – and outside of peak season, prices are often very reasonable. Read more in my guide to Lanzarote in winter.
The most popular destinations can be slightly pricier. If you’re looking to save some money, stay at one of the lesser-known resorts. On Lanzarote, some of the quieter areas to stay are Órzola or Caleta de Famara. And on Gran Canaria, consider the north of the island, like Agaete or Gran Canaria’s capital Las Palmas, which has great surf and one of the best city beaches in Europe.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Discover Gran Canaria Day Tour
20. Slovakia
Recommended by: Diana, Travels in Poland
With its amazing countryside and historic cities, Slovakia has a lot to offer. Not only in the major cities like Bratislava but also in the smaller towns. Tourists will find that their Euros get them much more than in many other places.
Get out of the city to explore Slovakia’s numerous caves, castles, and the Tatra Mountains. And don’t miss the country’s amazing spas, particularly the natural thermal spas, which are ideal in the middle of winter.
Travel Costs: Food and beer are relatively cheap, and great accommodations are budget-friendly, even in the capital city. For a recent one-night stay in Bratislava, we spent just under €140 on 2 meals and 1 night’s accommodation for 2 adults and 2 children. Outside of the city, food and accommodation were even cheaper.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Bratislava Grand City Walking Tour
21. North Macedonia
Recommended by: Anuradha, Country Hopping Couple
North Macedonia is one of the least popular countries in Europe. But little do tourists know that this landlocked Balkan country has so much to offer. It’s also very budget-friendly.
The cost of transport, accommodation, and food in North Macedonia is the lowest in the Balkans. Whether you want to sightsee Skopje, visit Mavrovo National Park or explore Lake Ohrid, you can experience them without having to spend a lot of Euros
Travel Costs: Places like Skopje and Ohrid Lake can be slightly expensive. However, they are still a lot less in comparison with Western European countries. A decent holiday apartment costs between €25 and €30 per day. Food is also cheaper, because there are many family-run small restaurants are scattered everywhere. Public transport is not developed, so hiring a car is a wise choice: it costs approx €12 a day.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Best of Skopje City Tour
The Quick Version
- Georgia
- Malta
- Bulgaria
- Portugal
- Croatia
- Slovenia
- Lithuania
- Spain
- Hungary
- Cyprus
- Albania
- Greece
- Poland
- Serbia
- Latvia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Czech Republic
- Romania
- Canary Islands
- Slovakia
- North Macedonia
Is there anywhere you’d add to this list of the cheapest and most affordable countries to visit in Europe? Scroll down to leave a comment!
Great post! I am definitely going to have to check out Croatia this summer. It has been on my list for ages!
Mine too! I’m hoping to go next month – it just looks so beautiful :)
I’d definitely recommend Serbia, probably instead of Poland, which is starting to see a lot of backpack traffic and make the most of it. Serbia, however, is still only starting to cotton on to tourism. It means less services, but it’s a fantastic experience and so so cheap!
Word on the ground in Croatia is that it’s noticeably more expensive than it was a few years ago because it’s becoming such a popular destination. My pick over Croatia would be popping down the coast to Montenegro – much much cheaper, less crowded and absolutely beautiful. Especially up in the mountains.
Ooh great tips, thank you! Although Poland is probably getting more backpackers, it’s still a very cheap destination – I actually chose it because two of Poland’s major cities are in the top ten of the cheapest cities on Price of Travel’s European Backpacker Index ( http://www.priceoftravel.com/1979/european-backpacker-index/). Zagreb and Split in Croatia also rank pretty highly on the list. Probably is picking up in terms of price, especially in Dubrovnik which is very popular, but still much cheaper by European standards – and there are lots of ‘undiscovered’ places outside of the major cities :)
I’ve heard a lot of great things about Montenegro so that sounds like a good option! And Belgrade in Serbia came 5th on the Backpacker Index so that’s obviously a great place for backpackers!
ESTONIA, has to be there, although Poland is the most similar, I would still include that. I never found Croatoia so cheap myself. Romania was amazingly cheap aftre the Caucesco regime fell, I was there the following winter, and a beer was 1 penny (sterling)
Woah that is cheap!! I was going by cities that were on the Backpackers cheapest cities list (the link is in the article), and since there were two Croatian cities high on that list I thought it made sense to include it! I think outside of the touristy bits most parts of Croatia are still very cheap!
I happen to be in Croatia now. While it is cheap, the research I have done on the other Balkan countries finds them to be cheaper, and the locals agree with me. However the cheapest flights are into Croatia, specifically Pula and Osijek, and you can get cheap ferries from Italy. But the people from Georgia I have met in my travels have convinced me they have the cheapest country to travel to. I’ll have to find that out for myself as soon as I can. And do get to Croatia as soon as you can. I just went through the Plitvice Lakes today and I can say they are the most beautiful place I have traveled to yet.
Excellent, thanks for the input! I’m actually headed there at the end of July for a week long blog trip which should be great fun. I can’t wait! Such a beautiful country! It’s probably not the cheapest any more but certainly one of the cheaper ones in Europe still, especially by comparison to places like Italy and Spain which get visited a lot more, and with the cheaper flights its definitely a good place for a budget trip – although perhaps not by backpacker standards!
We spent 5 weeks in Split earlier this year and while it is less expensive than most western European countries I would agree that it is no longer cheap. I would definitely add Hungary to the list though. We really loved Budapest and found it to be quite reasonable.
Awesome, thanks for the input!! A lot of people are staying that Croatia isn’t cheap anymore – but I think it still makes a good budget alternative to nearby countries like Italy and France. I’m thinking more about budget European holidays, places where you can get more for your money on a holiday or where (like Portugal) ‘expensive’ things like luxury hotels are cheaper than across the rest of the continent – and again these are just five of the best, not the five cheapest.
Would you say Croatia is still relatively cheap in terms of those standards, or is it generally quite expensive now? Also – do you know what prices were like outside of Split and in the smaller towns or on the coast at all? I’m curious to know more about it as I’m off to Croatia at the end of July!!
Hi Emily,
I’ve just got back from Budapest and could not believe how cheap it was. We were paying just over £1 a pint which is my book is amazing. Went to Riga in Latvia a few years ago and that was pretty cheap too. I’m looking at Bucharest for a trip early next year and I’m chuffed it’s on your list.
Wow that is cheap! I’m thinking I should write a follow up post just about the cheapest places to drink in Europe as that seems to be a guideline for many people haha!!
From what I can tell, Bucharest (and Romania in general) is very cheap, so that should be great. Any ideas when you’ll be going?
Shame on me! I haven’t visited any of these and I’m about to change continent. I visited the Spanish inlands where there were not many tourists and that is amazingly cheap as well.
I’ve heard that about inland Spain, would love to visit myself. Even Costa Brava, which gets a lot of tourism, surprised me by how cheap it was when I visited in May (especially the public buses), so I can imagine the parts that are tourist-free are great for saving money :)
I’m currently living/traveling in Czech Republic, which I’ve found to be one of the cheapest European countries for food, drink, basic accommodation, and travel. But only if you avoid Prague. Fantastic opportunities for cycling, hiking, swimming too.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve heard the same about the Czech Republic – cheap except for Prague! Going to have to go myself soon before the rest of the country gets taken over by tourists :)
Hey Emily, how are you? We met in Costa Brava About this post: Greece can be a budget destination for sure but Santorini (which is in the picture) is definitely not. Okay, there are some places where you can drink half a liter of wine for only 3 euro, but also a lot of places where you pay 6 euro for a glass! Food not very cheap either. BUT it sure is an amazing place where you have to go once in your live. I just came back and posted a photoblog about it. I you haven’t been there before, you want to go for sure. ;-)
Croatia the same. It can be very cheap, but when you go to Dubrovnik it’s not cheap at all inless you only wat pizza. But again, also this is a place you just have to see. It’s beautiful!
Of all these countries I think Spain is still a good one. Beautiful and cheap. I went three times this year (after our trip two times more, a bit further south, to Valencia and Costa Blanca), and as you said even in turistic areas you can be surprised, sometimes you only have to go a little bit to the right or left.
Hi Denise! So nice to hear from you on my blog :) How are you?
I’ve not been to Santorini myself but used the pic because that was the prettiest one that came up when I searched for ‘Greece’. The cities in Greece that I’ve visited recently have been crazy cheap though because of the economic crash and I have a feeling that even Santorini and other big tourist destinations will be cheaper than ever – even if they’re still pricier than other parts of Greece. For a lot of these countries, especially Croatia, the big cities are definitely not as cheap as the rest of the country.
I’m in Croatia at the moment though touring Istria and from what I’ve seen of the prices at restaurants and things this is a place where you can take a fairly extravagant holiday on a budget! It’s so beautiful and there are lots of relatively undiscovered small towns which make amazing destinations – plus lots of agritourism restaurants where you can eat homemade food fresh from the farm. It’s so good here and all you have to do is get our of the cities and explore!
All sound delightful! I don’t know which one to choose first ;)
Personally Id recommend Greece! Not only is it pretty cheap right now – but given the economic crisis the locals there really need the tourism!
Portugal is absolutely on my list for this year, but since they are all cheap perhaps I will just have to visit them all ;)
I was in the Czech Republic early last year and found that to be pretty cheap!
Emma x
Ah I keep hearing great things about the prices in the Czech Republic. I’m hoping to make it there later this year – planning more of Europe for Summer I think! I’ll do a revised post once I’ve done some more travelling! x
Top list, although I found Athens far more expensive than I was expecting. As many others have mentioned Czech Republic is great value, as is Slovakia for the most part. The price difference between these two and neighbouring Austria is nuts.
Also Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro are great alternatives for Croatia as they are even cheaper with smaller crowds and still plenty of similar things to do and see.
Dying to go to Romania, it being cheap makes it even more enticing.
Thanks David :) When were you in Athens? I was there last year and found it very cheap, but perhaps the prices are creeping back up?
I keep hearing amazing things about Romania. A lot of travel bloggers have settled there or spent time there to save money, rent and food is cheap and apparently the internet is crazy fast!
I highly recommend Portugal, particularly during low season. I spent January and February there, and it was fantastic. Much more affordable its neighbor, Spain. Lots to see and do, delicious food at great prices, and the wine is awesome. I never spent more than 2 Euros on a bottle,
Where in Spain did you find wine for 2 Euros a bottle?! I need to find this place. I’ve been to a few parts of Spain and they are pretty cheap but I’ve never found wine that cheap :)
Hey Emily, nice post! I must admit that Greece can be cheap when it comes to having food and drinks outside, if you don’t go to the most touristic places or like the mainland. But the rest is just as expensive as other countries. That is why they have such a hard time at the moment. Supermarkets are of the same price as in the Netherlands for example, crazy if you think they earn 1/3 of a Dutch salary…
And I saw someone already suggested Serbia, I agree! It is really cheap and SO beautiful. The people are really kind and helpful, more than Hungary in my experience, although they are so poor.
Romania is still on my list as well but haven’t been there yet. And Portugal well: awesome country and like Spain it can be cheap if you find the right spots yes!
I must admit I never thought yet of writing about places I haven’t visited myself, but I see you made a very nice post so I got some inspiration :) Thanks!!! And good luck…
Hi Sira! Thanks for commenting :) I know it seems odd to write about places I’ve not been to, but this was sort of an inspiration piece for me too, doing some research into the places where you can get a good quality holiday for less! I found a lot of good sources which show which cities/destinations in Europe are cheaper and went from those!
As for Greece, well, it’s definitely complicated there, and I know that the cost of living for locals maybe isn’t as cheap as it could be given the wages etc. But, in terms of a holiday there, I found that the food and drink in most restaurants was really reasonably priced, as were many of the hotels (especially in the mainland and the less visited places). I’ve visited Greece twice (and I’m going back next week) so I’m definitely talking from experience here :) Oh, and the food at markets (rather than supermarkets) was really well priced, I think that’s where most locals do their shopping ;)
Serbia sounds really interesting, quite a lot of people have recommended it to me lately. It’s definitely on my own personal list :)
Thanks again for commenting!
If only we could move these countries closer together…. hmmm…. Excellent post!
Haha yep!!! At least Europe has quite decent budget flights :)
Those Balkan photos look so dreamy. The region has been on my list for ages and I can’t wait to explore its idyllic gems. As soon as these crazy times are behind us, that’s where you might find me.
Me too – I’m dreaming of Albania after pulling this post together. It looks absolutely glorious!!
This is a great list! I love traveling and having unique experiences, but it’s a huge benefit not having to spend too much money on one trip. Thank you for including me :)
Thanks so much for being a part of it!! There are some really appealing places on this list aren’t there? Albania has now shot to the top of my wish-list for next summer, and thanks to you I’m eyeing up a winter trip to Portugal for as soon as the travel ban lifts!
What a fantastic list to come back to when planning a trip to Europe. Definitely saving it for later when we can travel once again. Thanks for writing this up!!
Thanks for reading! It’s going to be fun planning trips when travel opens back up – so many places on my wish-list now!
You put so much effort in your blogpost. Interesting to read. :-)
Thanks Melina!
Your anecdote about navigating the local transport made me chuckle. Travel mishaps can be so memorable, can’t they?
Thanks for reading!
Evergreen post! Thanks for the ideas on where next to go. I recently got back from Turkey and it is very affordable there. It’s probably the first place that I didn’t really care about how much anything costed, and assumed that it would be cheap.
Thanks so much for reading Leo! I went to Turkey in spring last year and I agree, it’s super affordable there. Great one to visit if you want to make your money go further :)