Cheap European holidays are hard to find. But when you do, it’s a dream come true. And yes, while we do have a good amount of wallet-friendly European holiday deals, we feel like it might help if we pointed you in the right direction so that you start your holiday on your own terms! That’s why we’re highlighting some of the cheapest countries in Europe today.
That’s helpful, right? Who wouldn’t a list of the cheapest places in Europe?
Poland
Oh, look everyone – it’s the superior version of France (I will live & die by that statement).
Now, before you light your torches and grab the pitchforks, let me just acknowledge that I know Krakow & Warsaw are not always cheap. I mean, I work in a travel agency, of course, I know that. But what you should know is that if you avoid visiting in summer, you’ll find the shoulder season (March – April) nursing comparatively lower prices.
That’s right, during its offseason, you’ll see Poland transform into one of the cheapest places in Europe.
You see, during the shoulder season, most famous attractions are less crowded, very cheap or free to access. Plus, you can get almost anywhere via bus for very little. No trains, though! Your wallets will hate trains in Poland.
So, yeah, that’s how you make cheap European holidays come to life in Poland.
Bulgaria
Please tell me you saw this coming. You can’t talk about the cheapest countries in Europe and not recognise Bulgaria.
Call it what you want, but the truth is Bulgaria is one of the cheapest places in Europe. And to be honest, I have no idea why some people take it for granted. Emphasis on ‘some’, though.
The country remains largely undiscovered by tourists, and accommodations, flights, and entertainment cost a fraction of what you would pay in Western Europe. In the offseason (once again), the prices drop even further. Meaning, you can ski, stuff your face and travel around the country for a tenth of what it costs in the west.
Oh, and get this; the best parts of Bulgaria are either free or very cheap to visit. I’m talking medieval castles, soul-stirring villages, and awe-inspiring hiking trails. Also, while Sofia is the first stop for many visitors, smaller cities such as Plovdiv — home to over 200 archaeological sites — are even cheaper to explore. So yeah, that’s your ‘at a glance guide’ to one of the cheapest countries in Europe.
Greece
Cheap European holidays and Greece don’t belong in the same sentence together. The irony is monumental, and it’s an abomination.
Hear me out, though! We’re talking about the cheapest places in Europe, and what some of you might not realise is that not everything about Greece has to involve Santorini or Mykonos.
*Crowd erupts into a hysterical mix of laughter & anger*
Yes, that’s right. I said it. If you shift your gaze away from those two islands, Greece actually has the potential to be one of the cheapest countries in Europe… if you’re Elon Musk or Bill Gates.
Just kidding.
Listen, if you avoid peak travel months during the summer, Greece may surprise you as a budget-friendly country. Get off the beaten path and head outside the main cities. Smaller Greek islands, such as Hydra, Poros, Tinos and Lefkada, have immaculate vibes and are kind to your wallet.
Slovakia
Ever heard of Slovakia? No? What a shame! It must be awful to miss out on one of the cheapest countries in Europe!
Nestled in Central Europe, Slovakia gives you lots of room to roam and keep in mind that Slovakia is undiscovered compared to many other European destinations, so you won’t have to fight your way to a good time.
Plus, there are tons of exciting and affordable outdoor attractions in Slovakia. One popular option is hiking or skiing throughout the High Tatra Mountains. But if you’re more into exploring the cities, try Bratislava. It’s one of the main cities where most budget travellers love to visit! With accommodations and local eats, you won’t have to spend a lot to enjoy your time in Slovakia, but that’s kind of by default since it’s one of the cheapest places in Europe.
Croatia
Is it the ultimate place for cheap European holidays? Yes & no! While Croatia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, it really depends on you and how you manoeuvre your expenses.
The costs depend per season, of course. May and September are both shoulder season months with lower prices than usual. But from October – March, which is the official low season, you will find the lowest prices.
Romania
Say hello to one of the cheapest European destinations ever! With attractions that have stepped out of time, dazzling sacred spaces, rocky mountains & rolling hills, Romania seems to be the full package, doesn’t it?
Now, you can add its status as one of the cheapest European destinations to the vast number of reasons you should visit this rewarding country.
Getting off the beaten path in Romania is easy. Spend your time relaxing on the beach by the Black Sea or hiking in the Carpathian Mountains. Of course, sightseeing is always a great option. So why not explore some of Romania’s beautiful castles? Two of the most popular castles are Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) in Transylvania and Peleș Castle in Sinaia.
Slovenia
Stable, prosperous and welcoming, Slovenia is a charming and comfortable place to travel! With architecturally grand, cultured cities and lush pine-forested countryside, I see it as a major win for everyone that it’s one of the cheapest European destinations out there.
While the summer season means more expensive accommodations along the coast, the beaches are all public and free, so it’s possible to keep the costs to a minimum even during the high season.
Koper beach and nearby Mestna beach, Moon Bay, and the famous seaside resort of Portoroz are all very affordable in late spring when temperatures are already summery.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has long been known as one of the cheapest European destinations.
Good beer, historical towns, medieval castles, chateaus, national parks, what more could you ask for? Honestly? Not much! The Czech Republic is a big deal when it comes to cheap European holidays.
The only non-budget-friendly exception is Prague city centre. If you are searching for accommodation there, try to look outside of the city centre. Don’t hesitate to jump on a train or bus and explore the country. And oh, the best & cheapest bus companies are RegioJet & Flixbus in case you were wondering.
Malta
Why hello there endless sun, sea, shore! What a pleasure to see you on a list that favours cheap European holidays. While you can certainly have a luxurious stay here, you’ll find prices in Malta very reasonable if you want to visit on a budget.
You can save the most if they choose to stay a little bit away from the coastline on the main island or by choosing to be on the smaller island of Gozo. Word of advice, you might want to avoid staying and eating in Valletta, it’s not exactly what you & I would call ‘cheap’.
Lithuania
Lithuania might be a small country, but the experiences it provides are stark different. This fascinating country has stunning architecture, electrifying street art and food that’ll make your taste buds quiver in anticipation with every bite.
The glorious capital city, Vilnius, offers several pay-what-you-wish walking tours of both the historic district and the old Communist buildings. You can spend an evening to remember walking to the Three Crosses, which costs absolutely nothing and just immerse yourself in the country’s otherworldly quality.
Well, there you go! Those are ten of the cheapest European destinations that are worth the visit. If you’re a fan of one of these places, be sure to book your cheap European holiday with us. All you have to do is leave a comment, call us or send us a message and we’ll be with you shortly.
