Inspirations

Where to go this summer on a budget? Top affordable destinations in Europe

Going on holiday in July or August without breaking the bank is possible, as long as you pick the right destinations.

Going on holiday in July or August without breaking the bank is possible, as long as you pick the right destinations. While prices soar along the French, Italian and Spanish coasts during peak season, several countries in Europe and the Mediterranean basin offer a great trip at very accessible prices.

Discover our pick of the best affordable summer destinations, and our tips for keeping your holiday budget under control.

At a glance

Comparing summer holiday budgets

DestinationType of tripAvg. budget / day / pers.*Accommodation (night)Restaurant meal
Albania (Riviera)Beach & sun€45 - €65€35 - €50€8 - €12
Poland (Krakow & Baltic)Culture & nature€40 - €60€30 - €45€7 - €11
Bulgaria (Black Sea & mountains)Beach & hiking€35 - €55€25 - €40€6 - €10
Portugal (Centre & North)Culture & coast€55 - €75€45 - €65€10 - €15
MontenegroScenery & sea€50 - €70€40 - €60€9 - €14

*Estimated average budget per person, including shared accommodation (2 people), food and local transport (excluding flights).

The details

The 4 destinations, one by one

1. Albania: Mediterranean paradise at a gentle price

Albania is the star pick for an affordable summer holiday. Between the turquoise beaches of the Riviera (Dhermi, Himara, Ksamil) and the mountains in the north, the cost of living runs 40% to 50% below Western Europe. It's also one of our trending destinations for 2026.

Why it's affordable

  • Affordable stays: plenty of guesthouses and seaside apartments from €35 a night.
  • Accessible dining: a full fresh-fish dinner for under €12 per person.

TripCompanion tip: avoid the heavily built-up resort of Saranda and head instead for more authentic villages like Himara or Borsh.

2. Bulgaria: Black Sea beaches and mountain hikes

Often overlooked, Bulgaria actually offers one of the lowest costs of living in Europe. It's the ideal pick for alternating beach days with high-altitude hikes in the Rila and Pirin mountains.

Why it's affordable

  • Cheap transport: a very affordable bus and train network to get around the whole country.
  • Affordable seaside towns: Sozopol and Nessebar offer historic-town charm on the Black Sea at a low price.

3. Poland: between medieval towns and Baltic beaches

For a cooler summer combining history, culture and nature, Poland is a great alternative. From vibrant Krakow to the fine sandy beaches of the Baltic coast (Sopot, Hel), the country guarantees a very affordable trip. To extend the trip, see our guide to Krakow in autumn too.

Why it's affordable

  • Generous, low-cost food: Bar Mleczny (traditional milk bars) serve home-style local dishes for €4 to €6.
  • Affordable culture: museum entry and guided tours at very reasonable prices.

4. Northern and central Portugal: accessible dolce vita

While the Algarve carries high summer prices, the north (Porto, Douro Valley) and central Portugal (Coimbra, Silver Coast) remain very competitive for a sunny summer trip.

Why it's affordable

  • Cheap dining: tascas (family-run bistros) serve full daily set menus (prato do dia) for €9 to €12.
  • Easy low-cost flights: plenty of daily connections from France to Porto and Lisbon.

Editorial transparency

What to check before booking

Budgets are estimates, not guaranteed prices. Entry requirements, opening hours, prices, availability and access rules can change, so confirm relevant details with official sources and providers before booking.

Travelling with a dog? Check pet acceptance, fees and restrictions directly with each accommodation, transport provider or attraction. Spotted something that needs correcting or updating? Contact TripCompanion.

One of these destinations calling your name?

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Our tips

5 TripCompanion tips to cut your summer holiday budget

  1. Travel light: stick to cabin luggage to avoid extra fees from low-cost airlines.
  2. Book flights very early or last-minute: fares for summer destinations are generally lowest 3 to 4 months before departure.
  3. Choose accommodation with a kitchen: alternating between local restaurants and self-catered meals can cut your food budget by 30%.
  4. Use local public transport: avoid tourist taxis and stick to local bus or train networks.
  5. Aim for late August or early September: rates drop by 20% to 35% from the last week of August onward.

Frequently asked questions

Planning an affordable summer

Where can you go to the seaside cheaply in summer?

Albania, Bulgaria (Black Sea coast) and Montenegro are Europe's cheapest coastal destinations for the July-August period.

What is the cheapest country in Europe to travel to in summer?

Bulgaria and Albania remain the two European countries with the lowest cost of living for summer travellers.

How can you cut your holiday budget without changing destination?

Travel light with cabin luggage only, choose accommodation with a kitchen, use local public transport, and shift your trip towards late August for rates 20% to 35% lower.

How do you plan an itinerary that fits your budget?

The TripCompanion team designs your personalized travel journal, selecting accommodation and stops that fit your financial constraints.

Want a great summer without breaking the bank?

I'll help you find the right balance between budget and adventure.

Let's talk about your project