20 of the Cheapest European Summer Vacation Spots

Sunny Beach on the Black Sea is Eastern Europe’s party capital, where the attitude is one of "anything goes". A wide range of all-inclusive resorts keeps prices down.

Sofia is Europe’s cheapest capital, with a fascinating combination of opulent churches and Soviet-style buildings. In summer it’s virtually deserted as the city’s residents head for the Black Sea resorts.

Portugal’s southernmost region has long been a vacation favourite because of its sunny weather, the diverse activities on offer and the 200 km of clean beaches, some of which are blissfully secluded. You can find great all-inclusive deals here.

Menorca is much calmer in summer than its more famous neighbours in the Balearic Islands, Mallorca and Ibiza. The island has plenty of sandy beaches and many hotels offer all-inclusive packages.

Located along the Turkish Riviera, Marmaris makes a great base from which to visit ancient sites such as Ephesus. The town really comes alive at night, when the cooler weather draws people outdoors.

Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, in the island’s Greek zone, Paphos is a treasure trove of archaeological sites, coastal paths and vineyards and is the 2017 European Capital of Culture.

The Costa Blanca in southeastern Spain covers about 200 km of coastline complete with beaches, hidden coves and high cliffs. It’s one of Spain’s most popular summer destinations, with resort towns for every taste.

Krakow is one of the best travel bargains you’ll find in Europe, with its Old Town, museums, festivals and nightlife giving you plenty of bang for your buck. It does get quite busy in August, though.

Croatia has become progressively more expensive in recent years but Poreč on the Istrian Peninsula on the country’s northwest coast is still a good budget option. The town dates from Roman times and the tourist infrastructure is spread along the coastline, so things don’t get too crowded.

Spain’s famous party island is surprisingly affordable thanks to its all-inclusive resorts and the large number of low-cost airlines that fly here. For the nightlife, choose to stay in or close to the town of San Antonio.

One of Greece’s Ionic Islands, Corfu is located off the country’s northwest coast. Steeped in Greek mythology and with plenty of all-inclusive options, it’s an especially good option for families.

Its weaker currency makes Turkey one of the more affordable options along the Mediterranean and Bodrum is home to a host of all-inclusive resorts that make things even cheaper. Along with beach and water activities, the city offers ancient sites and unique landmarks like Bodrum Castle and the peninsula’s windmills.

Along with neighbouring St. Julian’s, Sliema is Malta’s main resort destination. The town is renowned for its shopping and its cosmopolitan atmosphere, thanks to the many expats living here.

One of the cheapest capitals in Western Europe, Lisbon is coming into its own as a must-visit city. If you want to get a break from the city buzz, you’ll find some great laid-back options along the Lisbon coast.

Antalya has more than 350 all-inclusive resorts and the competition keeps prices down while giving you plenty of value for your money. While the area becomes very busy in summer, most visitors tend to stay in or near their resorts and you can explore the town centre without the crowds.

Tenerife has the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in the Canary Islands. You can cut costs even further – and avoid the crowds – by going in the fall, as Tenerife has warm beach weather all year.

Located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, Kos is actually closer to Turkey than it is to the Greek mainland. There are some spectacular beaches here and you’ll also find a hopping nightlife, especially in the village of Kardamena.

Also known as Zante, Zakynthos is located in the Ionian Sea off Greece’s west coast. Seasonal charter flights connect the island to many European cities and some low-cost carriers also fly to Zakynthos.

Sarajevo is still a little off the beaten track as a European destination, which means that it’s relatively cheap for now. It’s a vibrant city with a rich history and truly one of Europe’s hidden gems.

If you avoid staying or dining in the tourist traps near Castle Hill, you’ll find that Budapest is generally cheap. The long, warm and sunny summers make the city a good option if you want a bit of everything, from museums to outdoor activities and thermal baths.