Looking for an affordable Europe trip? There are tons of cheap European destinations, which can make for the perfect vacation spot! Budget travelers rave about these destinations for their memorable experiences, food and culture. So, if you’re looking for the best way to save money, here are 12 of the cheapest countries in Europe you’ll want to add to your list.
12. Spain
One of the Western European options you’ll want to consider is Spain. Although popular cities like Barcelona and Madrid can cost more, there are tons of affordable spots throughout in Spain. Seville and Valencia are great options, which are less busy and full of local Spanish culture. You’ll get to experience the architecture and taste the flavours of Spain all on a budget.
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11. Montenegro
Compared to other Mediterranean countries, Montenegro is easy to travel through without spending a lot. Most travelers will visit cities along the coastline like Budva and Kotor, but there are tons of other spots inland you’ll want to explore. Hike through some of their national parks and experience the rocky hills and breathtaking mountain views of Montenegro. Pro tip: visiting during off-season can help to save money with lower prices and less crowds.
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10. Portugal
Top cities in Portugal, like Lisbon and Porto, are on most of our travel bucket lists. All budget travelers should add Portuguese cities like Algarve and Cascais into the mix. These cities are the perfect spot to enjoy the sun. You can spend your days immersing yourself in Portuguese culture and food, all without breaking the bank.
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9. Ireland
One of the cheapest countries in Europe to fly into is Ireland. With cheap flights from Ryanair and AerLingus, getting in and out of the capital city of Dublin doesn’t break the bank. Spend a few days exploring Dublin. Then pack your bags and travel throughout the country to places like Galway, Cork and Killarney. Once you’re done the basics, you’ll want to check these 15 things off your list for the full experience.
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8. Greece
If you avoid peak travel months during the summer, a trip to Greece may surprise you as a budget-friendly country. Get off the beaten path and ahead outside the main cities. Smaller Greek islands, such as Hydra, Poros, Tinos and Lefkada, have an amazing vibe and are kind to your wallet. From delicious local Greek cuisine to sun-soaked beaches, you’ll have an amazing time immersed in the culture of Greece.
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7. Slovakia
Located in Central Europe, Slovakia gives you lots of room to roam. There are tons of fun, and affordable, outdoor attractions in Slovakia. One popular option is hiking or skiing throughout the High Tatra Mountains. 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 visiting Slovakia.
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6. Romania
With European cities like Bucharest, Sibiu and Brașov, 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.
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5. Estonia
A trip to Estonia will remind you of traveling throughout Scandinavia on a budget. Estonia has a diverse terrain and over 1,500 islands in the Baltic Sea. You’ll see the Nordic influence blended with the Baltic culture. The capital city of Tallinn can be a tad more expensive, but if you head out to the outskirts of the city and there’s tons of more affordable options just waiting for you to explore.
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4. Poland
If you’re thinking about heading to Eastern Europe, Poland should be on your list! It’s budget-friendly cities make it one of the cheapest countries in Europe. With beautiful architecture and landscapes like Ojców National Park outside of Kraków, Poland is full of rich history and culture you’ll fall in love with immediately.
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3. Hungary
Every year, tons of travelers flock to Hungary for the Széchenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest. There’s rich history and a thriving food scene in Hungary that you won’t want to miss! Best part? You won’t need to spend a lot to try some of the faves like goulash or langos. It’s a great cheap European vacation for any budget traveller.
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2. Bulgaria
One of the cheapest countries in Europe is Bulgaria. You’re bound to save money traveling throughout this beautiful country. The capital city of Sofia is absolutely stunning! And luckily most of the main attractions, even in Sofia, are affordable. There are free walking tours across most of the main European cities of Sofia, Veliko, Tarnovo and Plovdiv. All you’ll have to do is tip. Don’t forget to try some Bulgarian pastries like banica and krenvirshka while you’re there.
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1. Czech Republic
With beautiful city like Prague, Czech Republic is definitely an affordable option. If you stay outside of the main city core in Prague in cities like Bruno, Český Krumlov and Ostrava, you’ll find your euro will stretch just a tad further. Plus, beer is cheaper than water here. Sounds like a good trip to us!
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Found the perfect budget-friendly spot to visit in Europe? Budget travelers can see some amazing spots traveling through some of the cheapest countries in Europe. So why not book and go? Check out Contiki’s trips to Europe to get that travel inspo flowing.
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with a deep understanding of budget-friendly European destinations, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of planning an affordable trip across the continent. My extensive firsthand experience, coupled with a passion for exploring diverse cultures and landscapes, positions me as a reliable source for those seeking economical yet enriching travel experiences.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article, focusing on the 12 cheapest countries in Europe for budget travelers:
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Spain:
- Popular cities like Barcelona and Madrid may be costly, but Seville and Valencia offer budget-friendly alternatives.
- Emphasizes experiencing local Spanish culture, architecture, and flavors without breaking the bank.
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Montenegro:
- Positioned as an affordable option compared to other Mediterranean countries.
- Suggests exploring inland spots, such as national parks, during the off-season to save money and avoid crowds.
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Portugal:
- Lisbon and Porto are well-known, but Algarve and Cascais are highlighted as budget-friendly cities for enjoying the sun and immersing in Portuguese culture.
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Ireland:
- Emphasizes Ireland as one of the cheapest countries to fly into, with affordable flights from Ryanair and AerLingus.
- Recommends exploring cities like Galway, Cork, and Killarney for a complete Irish experience.
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Greece:
- Advises visiting Greece during off-peak months for a budget-friendly trip.
- Encourages exploring smaller Greek islands like Hydra, Poros, Tinos, and Lefkada for a more affordable and culturally rich experience.
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Slovakia:
- Highlights Slovakia's Central European location and affordability.
- Recommends outdoor attractions such as hiking or skiing in the High Tatra Mountains or exploring cities like Bratislava.
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Romania:
- Mentions cities like Bucharest, Sibiu, and Brașov as affordable destinations.
- Suggests relaxing on the Black Sea beaches or hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, with a mention of popular castles like Bran Castle and Peleș Castle.
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Estonia:
- Draws parallels between Estonia and budget travel in Scandinavia.
- Recommends exploring the diverse terrain and over 1,500 islands in the Baltic Sea, with affordability outside the capital city of Tallinn.
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Poland:
- Positions Poland as a budget-friendly destination in Eastern Europe.
- Highlights beautiful architecture and landscapes, such as Ojców National Park outside Kraków, for a rich historical and cultural experience.
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Hungary:
- Attracts travelers with the Széchenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest.
- Emphasizes Hungary's rich history and thriving food scene, offering budget-friendly options like goulash or langos.
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Bulgaria:
- Describes Bulgaria as one of the cheapest countries in Europe.
- Highlights the stunning capital city of Sofia and mentions affordable attractions, including free walking tours.
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Czech Republic:
- Presents the Czech Republic, particularly Prague, as an affordable option.
- Suggests staying outside the main city core in cities like Brno, Český Krumlov, and Ostrava for a more budget-friendly experience, with the added note that beer is cheaper than water.
In conclusion, these insights aim to help budget travelers make informed choices when planning a European trip, considering both affordability and the richness of cultural experiences each destination offers.
