Budget-Friendly European Destinations to Explore: A Comprehensive List of 21

Budget-Friendly European Destinations to Explore: A Comprehensive List of 21

Affordable European Destinations: Exploring Beyond the Commonly Listed

Travelling on a budget doesn't always mean sacrificing experiences. Europe, with its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, offers a plethora of budget-friendly destinations that cater to budget-conscious travellers. Here are some lesser-known yet affordable European destinations that are worth exploring:

Moldova (Chisinau)

Moldova, especially its capital Chisinau, is often cited as the cheapest country in Europe due to its low average incomes. This results in very affordable prices for accommodation, food, and attractions such as Soviet-era sites and extensive wine cellar tours like Milestii Mici wine cellars.

Spain’s Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha

These regions in Spain are less touristy and cheaper than typical Spanish hotspots, offering cultural sites and family-friendly attractions at lower costs.

Georgia

Georgia, technically part of Eurasia, provides a rich travel experience on a tight budget. Daily expenses in Georgia are around €23, including vibrant cities, national parks, and renowned wines.

Moldova, Spain’s Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha, and Georgia complement popular budget-friendly countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary but may be missing from many “21 cheapest countries” lists, offering additional options for budget travelers seeking new experiences.

Romania

Romania is one of Europe's most underrated countries. Dinner for two with drinks included will cost you about €20 per person. Beers cost €1.5-2, and coffee just €1.

Albania

Albania is budget-friendly, with affordable accommodations, transportation, and food costs. A full BBQ feast in Albania costs less than £10, and intercity buses are inexpensive. Tirana offers affordable apartments for half the price of hostels in Western Europe.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is one of the least popular countries in Europe but has a lot to offer and is very budget-friendly. Food is cheap because there are many family-run small restaurants scattered everywhere. Public transport is not developed, so hiring a car is a wise choice, costing approximately €12 a day.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is still a great budget option, with many beautiful places to visit, such as historic towns, castles, chateaus, and national parks. A ticket to a castle costs €5-6, and a meal in a restaurant costs €5-6. Beers in a restaurant cost €1.5, and a 0.5l of draft beer in a restaurant costs €1.5.

Poland

In Poland, a central private double room or a fully equipped apartment can cost less than £25 per night in big cities. Food and prices for attractions are low, with many attractions being free to visit.

Slovakia

Slovakia offers a lot to tourists, and their Euros get them much more than in many other places. For a recent one-night stay in Bratislava, the cost was just under €140 for 2 adults and 2 children.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dinner for two with drinks included rarely exceeds more than €10 per person in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 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.

Portugal

Portugal offers natural beauty, with lower prices in off-season months.

Slovenia

Slovenia is affordable, with lower prices for attractions and food compared to other European capitals.

Malta

Malta is known for its history, architecture, beaches, and delicious cuisine, with reasonable prices.

Cyprus

Cyprus is similar to other mid-range European destinations, with year-round sunshine and beautiful Mediterranean waters.

Latvia

Latvia offers a budget-friendly holiday, with the chic Art Nouveau capital of Riga being affordable.

Hungary

Hungary offers rich folk traditions and affordable food, with the capital, Budapest, being a delightful combination of historical cities.

Lithuania

Lithuania is a budget-friendly destination with free attractions and affordable food.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is budget-friendly, with affordable ski resorts and many free attractions.

Georgia

Georgia is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, with affordable travel costs and natural beauty.

Research is important when planning a Europe trip to find the best deals and money-saving tips. Budget airlines make it easier to reach more affordable destinations in Europe.

1. Moldova, Spain's Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha, and Georgia, along with other countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary, may not always be on "21 cheapest countries" lists, but they offer affordable travel experiences, complementing the popular budget-friendly destinations in Europe.
2. A full BBQ feast in Albania costs less than £10, and intercity buses are inexpensive, making Albania a budget-friendly destination.
3. In Poland, a central private double room or a fully equipped apartment can cost less than £25 per night in big cities, and many attractions are free to visit.
4. Slovakia is a budget-friendly destination for families, with costs for a recent one-night stay for 2 adults and 2 children in Bratislava being just under €140.
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina is another budget-friendly destination, where dinner for two with drinks included rarely exceeds €10 per person, and renting a car for a week is possible for less than €100.

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