A European summer holiday seems to be on all of our bucket lists and all over our Instagram feeds. But it’s hard to deny that Europe is not exactly a cheap destination to travel to. If you’ve found yourself putting off spending the summer in Europe because you can’t find the cash, look no further.
While Positano or Santorini might not be on the cards for all of us, there are plenty of destinations you can head to during summer that will be a little more friendly to your wallet.
Scroll on for the underrated destinations to head to this summer that won’t completely break the bank.
01
Albania
Boasting historical cities, a pristine coastline and jaw-dropping mountain ranges, Albania has something for every type of traveller. Head to Himare for a taste of the Albanian Riviera, with coastlines that rival neighbours like Greece and Croatia, but for a fraction of the price. Or, if you’re more of the adventure type, Shkoder is a small city rich in history and is a popular stop-over for those wanting to head into the mountains in the north. From there, venture into the mountains for one of the many hikes it has to offer, and stay in Theth, a small mountain village that connects you to all the hikes the mountains have to offer.
02
Budva, Montenegro
There is nothing more quintessentially “Euro summer” than swimming in crystal clear waters, surrounded by medieval buildings. Budva in Montenegro is a coastal dream that is perfect for travelling on a budget. Take a day trip to Kotor Old Town for a taste of medieval Europe, do a boat trip to the blue grotto for water that glows underneath you or spend your days exploring the many pristine beaches Budva has to offer.
03
Porto, Portugal
For a major European city, Porto is no where near as expensive as the likes of Paris, Rome or even Lisbon. Offering a mix of culture and cuisine, Porto is an all round location, perfect to add to your summer itinerary. Visit the many churches it has to offer, or spend the day eating your way through the city. A must-try is the city’s signature Francesinha sandwich and of course, you must do a wine tour, where you try the city’s namesake wines. Much like many European cities, Porto is best discovered on foot, so best to bring comfortable shoes, and prepare yourself for lively nightlife.
04
Türkiye
Türkiye has everything you want from a European summer destination. If you want to explore a city rich in history and culture, head to the country’s capital city, Istanbul. Budget-friendly and bordering both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a traveller’s dream. If you’re looking to relax along the European coastline, Bodrum is the perfect place to visit this summer. A combination of pristine beaches and iconic Turkish culture, it is the ideal destination for your summer holiday.
05
Prague, Czech Republic
Boasting lively nightlife, beautiful historical architecture and amazing restaurants, Prague is the perfect city-break for a budget-friendly trip. Unique in it’s fairytale-esque architecture, with bars, restaurants and historical sites at every turn, Prague has everything you could want from a European city.
06
Valletta, Malta
Malta is one of the more iconic summer destinations, but who said it can’t be done on a budget? Malta has a fascinating history and beautiful beaches and can be explored without breaking the bank. Dine like the locals in the capital city of Valletta and use the city as a base to explore the island. Sitting off the coast, not far from Sicily, you can experience the famous coastlines and culture of the Mediterranean for a fraction of the price.
07
Corfu, Greece
One of the cheapest Greek islands, but still boasting the iconic scenery the nation is famous for, we can all experience a Mamma Mia summer without going broke. Explore the Old Town for a vibrant Greek experience, or stay in a small village for quiet yet incredible beaches and eat your way through the delicious and iconic food Greece has to offer. We’ve all dreamed of a summer spent in the Greek islands, exploring on a boat tour or relaxing at a beach club, and Corfu offers all of this, without the price tag of Santorini or Mykonos.
