Keen to see the best of Europe but don’t have a lot of money to spend? You’re not alone!
Europe as a travel destination is perceived as expensive by many Brits. That’s understandable, given some of the closest countries – Norway, France, Belgium – are some of the more expensive on the continent.
Cheapest countries in Europe
But there are so many budget options and best of all, you don’t need to miss out on an outstanding European travel experience. Much of the continent remains largely undiscovered by British holidaymakers, yet there are historical cities, outstanding architecture, incredible food experiences and more just waiting to be discovered.
Many of the cheapest places to visit are in central or eastern Europe, which are off the radar for many travellers. However, we’re going to start with two places – a country and an archipelago – that offer terrific value for money alongside a more familiar culture.
Portugal
Our top pick in Western Europe has gotten a little pricier of late, but you’ll be spending a lot less on accommodation, eating out and attractions than you will in breezy Britain.
It’s a country that everyone assumed is basically the same as Spain given its geographic position on the Iberian peninsular, but Portugal has a culture, language and history all of its own. Award-winning wines, historic cities, beautiful ancient castles, and incredible hiking opportunities are just some of the reasons to go.
Where should you go? Well, parts of the capital Lisbon could be a time machine with their rickety wooden trams and funicular railways moving people around the old-fashioned streets. Its Baixa district is the city’s heart, home to spacious plazas, grand avenues and boutique shopping opportunities.
Or for something a little different, how about exploring the narrow alleyways and fairytale facades and gardens of Sintra, which make it one of the most charming and romantic destinations in the country.
And of course, not forgetting the Algarve. A popular destination with tour operators, cheap package holiday deals can be snapped up by booking in advance and travelling off-season. If you go a week or two before after the summer holidays in schools, then you can combine great weather with a value price.
Canary Islands
Wait! Before you stereotype the Canary Islands as a boring beach and nightlife destination, there is so much more to know about this archipelago. Due to its location west of the Sahara desert, many of the islands enjoy a warm climate even through the winter months.
The winter is an ideal time to explore some of the islands’ great hiking opportunities. While Tenerife’s Mount Teide is most famous, you don’t have to be an experienced mountain climber to enjoy the National Parks and hiking trails that cover every one of the islands.
It’s also a great family destination, with family-friendly restaurants and attractions peppering the islands. But the best reason for travelling to the Canaries is the price. Where else can you enjoy a beer for little more than a Euro in the sunshine, in October or November?
While there are museums and historic sites on the Canaries, there’s no denying it is not a destination for culture vultures. But if you’re looking for one of the cheapest European destinations for a simple fun or relaxing holiday, why not give it a try?
Bulgaria
From the familiar to the complete opposite, at least as far as many British holidaymakers are concerned. But please read on, for this Balkan country is an undiscovered gem that many visitors find themselves returning to over and over again.
The impressive Belogradchik Fortress, also known as Kaleto, is an ancient fortress on the north slopes of the Balkan Mountains, and is the primary tourist attraction for the region. It’s just one example of why history lovers will adore exploring Bulgaria to learn more about the stories rarely taught in British schools.
The capital city Sofia is the perfect place to dig into the local cuisine such as banitsa – the local equivalent to tsatziki – and tarator – a baked pastry with feta cheese and eggs. The laid-back capital is often skipped over by visitors heading to the Black Sea resorts, but it’s worthy of at least a day or two’s exploration.
Sofia, and indeed the whole of the country, is incredible value for money. Everything from public transportation to eating out is bargain priced for British travellers, which means your travel cash goes much, much farther in Bulgaria.
Romania
Our next suggested destination is immediately to the north, so it could be a perfect way to extend your trip. To many, Romania conjures up images of Transylvania, but what many don’t realise is that the region is indeed a real place with castles straight out of fairytales!
Described by many as the last truly medieval landscape in Europe, Transylvania extends between grand mountain ranges, filled in by hardwood forests and quaint villages where horse-drawn carts still trot along dirt roads. The warm salty waters of Bear Lake are rumoured to cure infertility, while thousands of bears are said to roam the region’s forests.
The Romanian capital Bucharest offers a huge array of museums and attractions, none of which will cost you more than a few quid. Thanks to its curious mix of Art Nouveau, French-inspired grand municipal buildings, and utilitarian buildings from the decades of communist rule, the city’s architecture is something you won’t forget in a hurry.
Needless to say, if you’re prepared to eat as the locals do, it’s outstanding value. Savvy Brits combine cheap flights on budget airlines to Sofia and Bucharest for a great value dual-city break in eastern Europe.
Slovakia
While not as cheap as Bulgaria or Romania, Slovakia still has a lot going for it if you’re looking for a cheap country to visit, especially if you want to show off. For Slovakia doesn’t attract hordes of tourists and it doesn’t have the hipster appeal of Bulgaria or Romania.
So what can you expect? Kosice is an outstanding historic city but unlike other similar spots in Europe, you can eat outside enjoying the atmosphere at a fraction of the price. Hiking in the Tatras Mountains is popular during the summer and early autumn, while the region’s ski resorts are some of Europe’s cheapest in the winter months.
There’s many castles and monasteries to explore too, without the tour groups bumping you out of the way. And don’t forget the capital city Bratislavia, one of Europe’s lesser-known capitals among British travellers. It’s surprisingly small, surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, and home to a lovely 18th-century old town with plenty of places to eat and drink.
So, what do you think of our list? Has it inspired you to look for a cheap holiday in Europe? Or is there a cheaper country or destination that we’ve missed off the list?
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