1. Albania
If you’re looking for Mediterranean views, Albania is the hidden gem you’ve been glancing over and not giving a thought. With stunning beaches along the Riviera, delectable Balkan cuisine (so much protein!), and affordable spots, Albania gives you chill, similar vibes to Greece or Croatia, but on a budget that won’t make your wallet cry.
Public transport is cheap, hostels are cheap, and even eating out is cheap – a full meal might cost you just under or about the same as a sandwich and coffee in Amsterdam. Bonus: the locals are also incredibly hospitable.
Notable spots: Ksamil, Gjirokastër, a hike across the Accursed Mountains (yes, that’s their real name)
2. Portugal (beyond Lisbon and Porto)
Sure, Lisbon is pretty, pretty expensive, if anything. Yes, it’s not the same as other Western European capital cities, but we want to keep things cheap here, and unfortunately, big cities like Lisbon and Porto (while cheap-ish) are mostly out of question. Instead, pick a place like Évora, for example, which houses the famous Chapel of Bones, with one of the best lines to ever come out of the 19th century: We the bones that are here await yours.
Daily expenses can be low if you avoid the tourist hotspots – look for local restaurants, and stay in Airbnb’s/hostels whenever you can.
Notable spots: Chapel of Bones in Évora (and other Roman architecture in this city), Coimbra, Sagres
3. Slovakia
Slovakia is your answer to “I want to see fantasy mountains and fantasy castles, but I don’t want to pay Swiss prices.” Bratislava, as a capital city, is cheaper compared to other capitals, but the real treasure lies in the countryside. You are, after all, here to live out your medieval fantasy dreams – so take a hike in the High Tatras for alpine landscape and rocky trails! Just be aware of the vipers. Oh, and the bears.
Hostels are standardly priced, with some going below €30 a night if you look hard enough. Slovakia also borders a bunch of countries, making it a great stop on a longer trail or backpacking trip.
Notable spots: Hiking in the High Tatras, Orava Castle, Bratislava in general
4. Poland
Poland is where your Euro stretches like rubber. Whether you’re wandering Kraków’s old town, enjoying Gdańsk’s Baltic coastline, or visiting the war memorials, you’ll find that meals, beds, and transport all come with a low price tag.
I’ve heard so many good things about Kraków, so whatever you do, make sure to spend some time and explore there – there’s a lot to do and see, apparently. All in all, Poland’s a country that’s packed with history and culture, and wherever you go, you’re sure to find something worth looking at.
Notable spots: Kraków’s old town, Gdańsk’s WWII museum, and any place that sells pierogi (Polish dumplings)
5. Italy
Now, I know what you’re going to say – Italy? Compared to other entries on this list, Italy is notably more expensive, but not by too much. However, the value you get for the money you spend in Italy is unmatchable, especially if you’re into ancient Rome. I spent a week in Naples and got to see all the spots – Pompeii, bits of Herculaneum, Pizzeria da Michele – and what a vacation it was, all for under €800 (including flights).
Notable spots: Naples, Pompeii itself, Verona
6. Romania
Wonderfully spooky, with castles, mountains, and legends of vampires – Romania has as much charm as Western Europe, with none of the price tag. It offers rich culture, great architecture, and natural beauty, yet remains one of the cheapest countries to travel through in the EU.
Local food (think stews, soups, and sausages) is cheap and incredibly fulfilling. There’s a bunch to do outside the major cities – Top Gear called the Transfăgărășan Highway the best road to drive on, for example.
Notable spots: Bran Castle (the Dracula one), the aforementioned Transfăgărășan Highway, Sibiu
Wherever you choose to go, make sure you stretch your Euros thin and use whatever discounts are at your disposal. Go for Airbnb’s or hostels instead of hotels, and wherever you can, use public transport. If you can’t find cheap flights on RyanAir or WizzAir, you could maybe opt for a FlixBus (though do ponder the meaning of day-long bus rides). In any case, happy trails!
