Top 5 Cheapest Summer Vacation Destinations in Europe 2026

Do you want to enjoy sun, culture, and adventure in the summer of 2026 without raiding your bank account? A budget-friendly summer vacation in Europe is closer than you think. While prices in popular hotspots are rising, there are still plenty of hidden gems where you can enjoy a top vacation for a fraction of the price.

In this overview, you will discover the top 5 cheapest vacation countries and cities, including handy budget tips and insider hacks for 2026.

Why, Sofia?

Sofia is currently one of the absolute frontrunners for those looking for a cheap city trip in Eastern Europe. Many savvy travellers are already on the lookout for cheap flights to Sofia early on, as prices often remain surprisingly low outside of the major holiday periods. The Bulgarian capital offers a fascinating mix of Roman ruins and golden domes. It is the ideal base for a low-budget holiday in Bulgaria where you combine culture with nature.

• Cost indication: Daily budget of €30–€45 per person.

• Best travel Time: June–September; perfect for terraces and walks.

• Transportation: The metro is modern and incredibly cheap.

• Family tip: For those planning a budget-friendly city trip with children, the Muzeiko museum is interactive, educational, and very affordable.

Top attractions & activities in Sofia:

1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and one of the most beautiful free attractions in Sofia.

2. Vitosha Boulevard: The main shopping street where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll and drink affordable coffee with a view of the mountains.

3. Serdica Ancient Complex: Admire the Roman city that was uncovered during the metro construction, fully accessible for free.

4. Vitosha Mountain: Take the bus to the foot of the mountain for affordable hikes and a stunning panorama of the city.

5. Free Sofia Tour: The best way to discover what to do in Sofia with a local guide on a tip-based system.

Budget tips & insider hacks:

• Drink the mineral water from the public taps at the Central Market Hall; it's free, warm, and healthy!

• Do you really want to stay overnight cheaply in Bulgaria? Choose a hostel or guesthouse in the Oborishte district for the best value for money.

• Eat at a 'Mehana' (traditional tavern) and order a Shopska salad; it's filling, healthy, and often costs less than €4.

👉 Plan your budget-friendly vacation to Sofia today and discover the best-kept secrets of the Balkans!

Why Porto?

Are you looking for an affordable alternative to Lisbon? Porto is often just a bit cheaper and more compact, making it an excellent choice for an affordable city trip to Porto. This city on the Douro River is the perfect setting for a romantic budget holiday for couples. The favorable prices for food and drinks in Porto make it possible to enjoy culinary delights without worries.

• Cost indication: Daily budget of €45–€65 per person.

• Best travel time: May to September for guaranteed sunshine.

• Transportation: The historic trams are fun, but the metro and bus are the most economical with the Andante card.

Top attractions & activities in Porto:

1. Ribeira District: Wander through the colorful streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site by the waterfront.

2. Dom Luís I Bridge: Walk across the upper deck for the most iconic view of the city (completely free!).

3. Livraria Lello: Known as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world; make sure to add this to your top 10 sights in Porto list.

4. Port cellars in Gaia: Organize your own budget wine tour by visiting the cellars across the river for a tasting.

5. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: Beautifully landscaped gardens with peacocks and a great view of the Douro.

Budget tips & insider hacks:

• Order a 'Prato do Dia' (daily special) at lunchtime; it often includes soup and a drink for less than €10.

• Avoid the terraces directly on the Ribeira quay and walk two streets up for local prices.

• A cheap sun holiday in Portugal is not complete without the beach: take bus 500 along the coastline for a beautiful ride to the beaches of Foz.

👉 Book your sun-soaked holiday to Porto now and enjoy culture and wine at the best prices of 2026!

Why Bucharest?
Bucharest is a surprising discovery for those who want to travel cheaply in Europe. The architecture, with its wide boulevards, is reminiscent of Paris, but an affordable dinner in Bucharest is the norm here. Many tourists try to fly cheaply to Bucharest to then visit the luxury spas for a fraction of the price in Western Europe.

• Cost indication: Daily budget of €35–€50 per person.

• Best travel Time: June to August for the best atmosphere in the city.

• Transportation: Use apps like Uber or Bolt; the ride prices are extremely low here.

Top attractions & activities in Bucharest:

1. Palace of the Parliament: A bizarrely large building that you have to see to believe.

2. Lipscani (Old Town): The place for cozy terraces and nightlife in Bucharest on a budget.

3. Therme Bucuresti: Relax in a tropical paradise; the prices at Therme in Bucharest make luxury affordable.

4. Herastrau Park: A gigantic park around a lake, ideal for an inexpensive afternoon in the sun.

5. Carturesti Carusel: According to many, the most beautiful bookstore in Europe and a perfect (free) photo spot.

Budget tips & insider hacks:

• Read online experiences about a holiday in Romania beforehand; many travelers recommend the local bakeries ('Covrigarie') for a quick lunch for €1.

• Many museums are free to enter on the first Wednesday of the month.

• Drink the local beer (like Ursus or Ciuc) instead of imported beer to save money.

👉 Discover how to plan a budget-friendly summer vacation in Bucharest and be surprised by Romania!

Why Sarandë?
Albania is currently the rising star for an affordable beach holiday in 2026. The coastal town of Sarandë offers crystal-clear blue water that looks almost unreal. It is currently the best option for travelers looking for an affordable sun getaway this summer and seeking the cheapest sun holiday in Europe this year.

• Cost indication: Daily budget of €40–€60 per person.

• Best travel time: July and August for the ultimate summer atmosphere.

• Transportation: The local 'furgon' buses are cheap and an experience in themselves.

Top attractions & activities in Sarandë:

1. Ksamil Islands: Visit these paradisiacal beaches of Ksamil for a fraction of the price of a Greek island.

2. Butrint National Park: An impressive mix of nature and archeology (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

3. The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): A magical, deep blue water spring in the mountains.

4. Lëkurësi Castle: Walk to this castle on the hill for a free panoramic view during sunset.

5. Mirror Beach (Pasqyra): A slightly quieter beach with crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkelers.

Budget tips & insider hacks:

• Our most important Albania vacation tip: pay as much as possible with the local Lek; when paying in Euros, restaurants often charge an unfavorable exchange rate.

• For the best deals, look for seaside hotels in Sarandë that are just outside the busiest center.

• Try the 'Byrek' at a local bakery, a filling savory pastry for less than €1.50.

👉 Plan your affordable beach vacation in Sarandë and enjoy the Albanian Riviera without paying a fortune!

Why Riga?

Riga is the perfect choice for an affordable city trip in Northern Europe. The city combines medieval history with a modern, trendy atmosphere. Moreover, it is an ideal starting point for an affordable nature holiday in Europe, as you can quickly find yourself in vast forests or on the beach.

• Cost indication: Daily budget of €40–€55 per person.

• Best travel Time: June to August for the long 'white nights.'

• Transport: Riga is very compact; everything in the old town is within walking distance.

Top attractions & activities in Riga:

1. Central Market of Riga: Located in old Zeppelin hangars, it's the place for cheap and fresh food.

2. Vecriga (Old Town): Admire the architecture and the famous sights of Riga, such as the House of the Blackheads.

3. Art Nouveau District: Walk through Alberta. Iela for a free open-air museum of beautiful facades.

4. Jūrmala: Take the train to this famous beach of Jurmala; a round trip costs only a few euros.

5. St. Peter's Church: For a few euros, you can get the best view of the Baltic Sea from the tower.

Budget tips & insider hacks:

• A budget holiday to Latvia is not complete without eating at 'Lido,' a high-quality buffet restaurant where you can have a full meal for €8.

• Score a good deal for a city trip to Riga by flying into Riga Airport, which has a very cheap bus connection (line 22) to the city center.

• Visit the trendy Miera Iela district for affordable coffee and vintage shops outside the tourist zone.

👉 Book your budget trip to Riga and discover the pearl of the Baltic states in the summer of 2026!

1. What is the cheapest country in Europe for a summer vacation?

For 2026, Bulgaria (especially Sofia and the surrounding mountains) remains the absolute budget champion for city trips. For a beach holiday, Albania is currently the cheapest country, as the prices for accommodation and food there are still significantly lower than in neighboring countries like Greece or Croatia. Additionally, Albania is also a hidden gem of Europe.

2. How do I find the cheapest flights for the summer of 2026?

The golden rule is book 4 to 6 months in advance. Use comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights and set up price alerts. Be flexible with your departure day; flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often up to 30% cheaper than a flight on the weekend.

3. Are the "Maldives of Europe" in Albania really that cheap?

Yes, compared to real tropical destinations or the French Riviera, the Albanian coast is extremely affordable. You often pay less than half for a seaside dinner in Sarandë or Ksamil compared to Italy or Spain. Keep in mind that prices in the peak month of August gradually rise due to increasing popularity.

4. How much budget do I need per day for a cheap vacation in Europe?

This strongly depends on the region:

• Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Romania): €35–€50 per day.

• Southern Europe (Portugal, Albania): €45–€65 per day.

• Northern Europe (Latvia): €40–€60 per day.

• This includes a budget overnight stay, local food, and public transportation.

5. What are the best budget tips for families in 2026?

Look for destinations with plenty of free nature and parks, and check if the city offers a "Family Card" for discounts on public transportation and museums. Also check the range of holiday homes/apartments through Leisure Time because prices can vary greatly, and at Leisure Time, we are known for transparent and fair pricing.

6. Is an all-inclusive vacation cheaper than booking everything separately?

In popular countries like Turkey or Egypt, all-inclusive is often more advantageous. However, in the cheapest European countries on this list, you are usually better off booking separate flights and eating locally at small eateries. This also gives you the freedom to discover the real culture.

7. How do I save on transportation costs during my trip?

Avoid taxis and use local apps like Uber, Bolt, or Citymapper. In many European cities, you can buy a day pass for the bus, tram, and metro for just a few euros. For travel between cities, the buses from FlixBus or the local train connections in Eastern Europe are often the most budget-friendly option.

8. Can I still go on a cheap vacation to popular countries like Spain or Italy in 2026?

Yes, but then you should avoid the well-known hotspots (like Ibiza or Rome). Choose regions like Puglia in Italy or the area around Valencia in Spain. Here, the prices for local products and accommodation are lower, while you still experience the authentic atmosphere.

Would you like to go on vacation during the summer holiday, but you don't know where to? Then check out our top lists for the summer vacation in 2026. Below you will find our other blogs, full of inspiration so you can also enjoy your vacation:

• Top 5 Budget-Friendly Summer Destinations in Europe 2026: Complete Guide

• Top 10 Summer Vacation Destinations in Europe (2026) - Let yourself be inspired by the most popular destinations in Europe, from sun-soaked beaches to cultural cities.

Additionally, you will find many more travel ideas, tips, and vacation inspiration for 2026 on our Stories page. Get inspired and plan your perfect vacation:

👉 Check out all the blogs and stories on our Stories page and discover the best destinations, accommodations, personal stories, and tips for your summer vacation!