Summer is right behind the corner and it’s time to decide where to spend your summer of 2022. If you’ve always wanted to visit Europe but you were never sure due to its price, in today’s Europe travel guide you’ll find cheap summer destinations in Europe.
Every part of this continent is full of history and interesting things to do or places to visit, so don’t let your budget limit you and opt for more affordable summer destinations. I’ve selected 5 countries from East to West Europe, and for each country I’ve talked about 2 different cities.
Remember that Europe is not only Paris, London or Venice. Find out today some other incredible summer destinations in Europe, where you can enjoy your holiday and not spend all your money.
If you’re ready, let’s find out these cheap summer destinations in Europe!
Table of Contents
Greece
Andros
Andros is one of the Cycladic islands and it’s a good alternative to the famous Mykonos and Santorini. This island is safe from the crowd of tourists but it still has a lot of incredible things to offer.
Andros is the right place to spend your European dream vacation, because it’s the right combo between nature and history. The island is well-known for being the most rich in nature between the Cycladic islands.
What To Do In Andros?
Once you’re there you can’t miss visiting the island’s Chora. There you can visit the remains of an antique Venetian castle, or at the beach you’ll see the lighthouse. Beside these things you can also visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Nautical Museum and the Archeological Museum.
Another famous attraction in Andros are the Foros Caves, which is located in the village of Aladino. The caves reach a depth of 350 meters and where there are many stalagmites and stalactites. The cost to visit the Foros Caves is €8,00.
Other things you can do here: trekking around the island, visit the streams and waterfalls, visit the village of Ormos and go to the Remata village.
Where To Stay In Andros?
Anemomiloi Andros Boutique Hotel from €57,60/night for 2 people;
Hotel & Apartments from €34/night for 2 people;
Andros Holiday Hotel from €63/night for 2 people.
I suggest you to always check here, Andros Accommodations, to make sure to get the best choice for you for the best price, since prices can change a lot depending on when you go there.
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and it’s also the largest city. It’s a famous destination, but still very underrated by tourists. Many people just do a quick pit stop in Athens – it’s just a transition place to get to other islands.
Still, Greece’s capital city has many interesting things that you can visit, like historical sites and some of the best beaches of the country.
What To Do In Athens?
Athens is really budget friendly, indeed there are many things that you can do for free.
On the first Sunday of each month from November 1 till March 31, every archaeological site in Athens is free. Another museum that you can visit that has a free entrance every Thursday is the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture.
Everywhere you go around the city, you can capture Greek culture and art. You can also enjoy traditional Greek cuisine at the Meet Market or you can dive into the Athens Riviera waters.
Where To Stay In Athens?
Athens Choice from €41,72/night for 2 people;
Economy Hotel from €50,50/night for 2 people;
Omiros Hotel from €51,50/night for 2 people.
You can always check here, Athens Accommodations, the availability of rooms and compare different accommodations.
Croatia
Sibenik
Sibenik is the perfect stop if you want to have a real Dalmatian experience. Between the Dalmatian’s coastal cities is the least visited, but it’s so packed with amazing cultural things to visit.
The medieval town is built on a slope, but while you go around you still can enjoy the view of this place. One interesting thing is that it’s situated near two national parks: Kornati Islands and Krka Waterfalls.
What To Do In Sibenik?
Sibenik is so full of culture and history, and there are many churches and cathedrals that are worth a visit. One cathedral that you cannot miss is the St. James Cathedral, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other two churches that you can visit are the Church of St. Barbara and the Church of St. Francis.
While you’re in Croatia you have to visit some of the most beautiful nature there, like Krka Waterfalls. It’s a place where you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the moment beside the view.
Other things that you can visit or do are: visiting the Old Town Hall and the Sibenik City Museum, or you can explore the Dalmatian Ethno Village or the islands of Zlarin and Prvic.
Where To Stay In Sibenik?
Hostel Scala from €47/night for 2 people;
Apartmani Rina from €44/night for 2 people;
Medulic Palace Rooms & Apartments from €49/night for 2 people.
If you want to check other accommodations or you’re looking for the best price, check it here: Sibenik Accommodations.
Pula
Pula is situated at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula and it’s also the largest city of Istria. If you like to swim in stunning waters surrounded by beautiful beaches, Pula is the right destination since it has some of the best beaches of Istria.
This city has a combo of different styles: Roman, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian style. Overall it has a rough style, but once you start to appreciate it you’ll discover very interesting things to do while you’re there.
What To Do In Pula?
Some of the Roman monuments that you can visit/see are: the Arena, the Forum, the Arch of the Sergii, the Temple of Augustus and the Gate of Hercules.
Other interesting things you can visit are the Kastel, the Archeology Museum and the Austro-Hungarian Fortresses. Some of the best beaches in Pula are Vaseline Beach, Ambrela Beach and Histria Beach.
Where To Stay In Pula?
Top Center Rooms & Studio from €63/night for 2 people;
Apartments Antic from €65/night for 2 people;
City Center Rooms from €41/night for 2 people.
To stay updated about the best prices and the availability of the accommodations, make sure to check Pula Accommodations.
Albania
Albanian Riviera
If you want to spend the summer in the Mediterranean atmosphere but you want to opt for less crowded places, then the Albanian Riviera is the right place. This summer destination is a perfect alternative to the Italian or French Riviera, but you can still experience the typical Mediterranean style.
What To Do In Albanian Riviera?
The Albanian Riviera has so many beautiful beaches that you cannot miss. The first place that has some stunning public and private beaches is Sarande, the main town in the riviera. Another amazing beach that you can’t miss is the Spiaggia Di Ksamil, located in the village of Ksamil.
Other places that you can visit while you’re there are the Butrint National Park, Himare, the Old Town of Gjirokaster and the Blue Eye.
Where To Stay In Albanian Riviera?
Spahiu Apartment from €18/night for 2 people;
Veranda Rooms & Apartments from €18/night for 2 people;
Villa Panorma from €29/night for 2 people.
The accommodations in the Albanian Riviera are affordable, to make sure to get the best deals always check here: Albanian Riviera Accommodations.
Tirana
Tirana is the capital city of Albania, and because of its recent past it’s still not under the category of “dream holiday destination”. But with its influence from Western Europe, Old Russia and the Middle East, Tirana is an interesting place to visit.
What To Do In Tirana?
One place that you can’t miss while you’re in Tirana is Skanderbeg Square – it’s the place where people gather to have a good time. Next to the square you can visit the National Historic Museum (200 lek for the entrance). It’s where you can learn more about the story and the past of Albania.
Another interesting place that you can visit is the Electric Box Street Art – they transformed an unattractive part of the city into a vibrant and colorful place. For free you can also visit the Grand Park of Tirana, where you can relax and unwind from the frenetic life of the city center.
Where To Stay In Tirana?
Tirana City Centre Folk Hotel from €23/night for 2 people;
T Hotel City Tirana – Hotel Driti form €26/night for 2 people;
Atomium Apartments from €38/night for 2 people.
To book the right accommodation in the period that you’ll be there, make sure to check Tirana Accommodations.
Portugal
Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a very vibrant and energetic city that won’t fail to make you fall in love. Once you step in Lisbon, you’ll be able to immerse yourself completely in their culture and costumes. It also has its unique folk music, its own food and its own interesting things to do and places to visit.
What To Do In Lisbon?
One incredible experience that you can have in Lisbon is riding the tram line #28. This tram will take you around the whole city, and you’ll enjoy some of the main attractions during the ride. Another way to enjoy the city is by taking a walking tour around the city, it will take a bit but it’ll be for sure worth it.
Where To Stay In Lisbon?
DuMont Lisbon Guesthouse from €61/night for 2 people;
Hotel Dom João Lisboa from €63/night for 2 people;
Avenue Rooms & Suites from €47/night for 2 people.
The prices will go up and down depending on when you go there, so don’t miss out on the best prices and check Lisbon Accommodations.
Porto
Porto is another interesting place in Portugal, it’s not as big as Lisbon, but it still has amazing things to offer. This Portuguese city is situated on the banks of the Douro River, and it’s also well-known for the Port wine.
What To Do In Porto?
Porto is full of amazing things to visit and fun things to do. As I mentioned before, Porto is known for its Port wine, so make sure to go on a guided tour and on a wine tasting. Another thing that you have to do in Porto is to go on the Ponte Dom Luis I – from there you’ll see a stunning view over the city.
If you like reading books, then there’s a place just for you – Livraria Lello, it’s a neo-gothic bookstore. Or if you like nature you can always visit the Crystal Palace Gardens. While all museums have a free entry every Sunday morning till 2pm.
Where To Stay In Porto?
GuestReady – Cedofeita Pool Suites from €47/night for 2 people;
ML Apartments River from €69/night for 2 people;
MyStay Porto Sao Bento from €71/night for 2 people.
To always get the best deals for the time you’ll travel there, make sure to check Porto Accommodations.
Spain
Barcelona
I believe that this one doesn’t even need an introduction. Whole Spain is amazing and it’s a must visit country at least once in your life. All over the country you can have amazing experiences, but Barcelona is a must even if it’s always full of tourists. Barcelona can be considered as Spain’s cultural capital, even tho each and every part of the country screams culture.
What To Do In Barcelona?
Here I will list for you all the things that you can, and you must visit in Barcelona: Park Guell, Barri Gòtic, Boqueria Market, Catedral de Barcelona, Museu Picasso, Montjuic Castle and la Barceloneta Beach.
Other things that you can visit are Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces: Casa Milà, Casa Batllo and La Sagrada Familia.
Every corner of this incredible city is full of things to visit and enjoy, the ones that I listed above are just a few of the many things that Barcelona has to offer.
Where To Stay In Barcelona?
BCN Urbaness Hotels Bonavista from €74/night for 2 people;
Hostal Fina from €79/night for 2 people;
Hostal Nova Barcelona from €78/night for 2 people.
Mind that compared to other destinations, the accommodations in Barcelona are a bit more pricey. If you want to spend less, you can always opt for an accommodation that is out of the city center. Make sure to always check Barcelona Accommodations, so you can get the best deal.
Mallorca
Mallorca, off the East coast of Spain, is a perfect summer travel destination. This island lies between two mountain ranges: Serra de Tramuntana and Serra de Llevant. It’s full of fun activities to do, and it has amazing long sandy beaches with warm water.
What To Do In Mallorca?
Mallorca is a place where you’ll never be bored. One reason why people choose this island as their destination is for the beaches. Mallorca has soft and sandy beaches with warm water. And if you like this kind of scene, you should also visit Cap de Formentor and Cala Figuera.
Other incredible places that you should visit are Tramuntana Hills, the Markets of Palma, Bellver Castle, Alcudia Old Town and Catedral de Mallorca.
Where To Stay In Mallorca?
Can Font from €58/night for 2 people;
Casal de Petra – Rooms & Pool from €70/night for 2 people;
Hostal de la Caravel-la II from €53/night for 2 people.
As always, If you want to get the best price then make sure to check Mallorca Accommodations.
Conclusion
Greece, Croatia, Albania, Portugal and Spain are all must-visit summer destinations in Europe. Not only they are all beautiful places with amazing history, but they are also very affordable if you’re on a budget but want to visit Europe. Remember that to enjoy this incredible continent you don’t always have to spend lots of money.
If you love visiting Europe then you have to check these 7 Affordable Travel Destinations In Europe. Have you ever been to any of these places? Let me know below!
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