5 Budget-Friendly European Destinations To Visit This Summer
Europe likes to play hard to get for budget conscious travelers during the peak summer months. But if a European summer on a budget is what you want, then a European summer on a budget is what you’re going to get. In this travel guide, we’re going to teach you how to explore Europe without spending all your money, by visiting these 5 beautiful destinations and following a few budget travel tips. Without further ado, here are the top 5 budget-friendly European destinations to visit this summer:
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Old Town Marbella, Spain
Andalusia, Spain
5 Budget-friendly European Destinations
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
We know what you’re thinking. Cinque Terre is not cheap in the summertime. In fact, it’s arguably one of the more pricey and popular destinations to visit in Italy during peak season. But this destination doesn’t have to break the bank! To travel to Cinque Terre on a budget, start with flexible travel dates. Explore accommodation options for different dates to compare prices, and be open to staying just outside one of the 5 main towns if you need to. Additionally, plan to cook some meals in during your stay, and pack picnics to enjoy while hiking the trails between the 5 towns.
Speaking of hiking, that’s a great way to explore these towns for free, and hiking offers stunning views of the coastline. Thankfully, many of the activities in Cinque Terre, such as hiking, swimming, and sunbathing, cost nothing! Compared to the cities in Italy where you will pay for all of your activities, Cinque Terre is a more affordable destination.
Public transportation is also affordable and reliable, with a train connecting the five towns of Cinque Terre for just a few euros. With a little planning and creativity, it’s possible to make Cinque Terre a budget-friendly European destination. See below for some affordable accommodation options available in Cinque Terre this summer, and be sure to read our Cinque Terre Travel Guide before you go.
Vernazza, Italy
Manarola, Italy
Where to stay in Cinque Terre, Italy
Just for you, we went ahead and found a few great rental properties that are located directly in one of the 5 towns. Book one of these and you won’t have to compromise on location to meet your budget goals!
- Vernazza apartment for $176 per night (sleeps 4)
- 2 bedroom apartment in Corniglia for $168 per night (sleeps 4)
Alternatively, staying in a hostel is an excellent way to save money while traveling in Italy, for solo travelers. Hostels allow you to stay in prime locations and meet fellow travelers, making your trip both affordable and social. Unfortunately, there aren’t many hostels in Cinque Terre – but you can find a few on Hostelworld.com.
Budget Travel Tip: Travel with a group
Traveling with others is the best way to cut costs on accommodation. If you book an Airbnb or VRBO that’s $200 for 6 friends, each person pays only $33 per night. That’s a hostel price for a great private home! Plus, when traveling in a group, you can often split costs of additional things like transportation (car rentals), and even some excursions (like a sunset sail on the Italian coast).
Budget Travel Tip: Book accommodations in advance
Prices for accommodation can skyrocket during the summer months, so it’s best to book in advance to secure the best deals. Play with different dates on booking platforms to see what’s available and most affordable.
Monterosso, Italy
Vernazza, Italy
2. Marbella, Spain
Marbella is a popular summer destination, but it’s still possible to enjoy this stunning coastal town on a budget. Start by looking for affordable accommodations, such as budget hotels or apartments (see below). Don’t be afraid to stay outside the main tourist areas or in nearby towns. The surrounding area of Marbella is beautiful and there are many great places on the beach that are only a short drive from town. You can take advantage of public transportation to get around, or book a rental car and split it with the other members of your travel group. We rented a car during our month in Marbella, and loved being able to drive daily between Marbella’s Old Town and our Aibnb on the beach.
Speaking of, Marbella is known for its beautiful beaches and natural landscapes, which can be enjoyed for free. Pack a picnic, rent a bike or take a walk to explore the area’s natural beauty. If you want to get to know Marbella, check out our other posts on this Spanish town:
@baggagegirls Traveling to Marbella, Spain? Find this beachfront Airbnb on our blog at baggagegirls.com 🌴🌺🌅 #marbella #spain #spaintravel #airbnbfinds #marbellavilla #baggagegirls #traveltiktok
♬ original sound - Gracieeee
@baggagegirls Top 5 reasons you need to visit Marbella’s Old Town ✈️ #traveltiktok #marbellaspain #travelspain #baggagegirls
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Where to stay in Marbella, Spain
Anywhere you stay in Marbella should have a pool, so of course we’ve lined up a few villas where you can step out your door and take a dip.
- 2 bedroom apartment with pool for $106 per night (sleeps 4)
- 2 bedroom apartment with pool for $166 per night (sleeps 4)
- 2 bedroom apartment with a terrace and pool $162 per night (sleeps 6!)
- 2 bedroom apartment with pool right in Marbella $196 per night (sleeps 6!)
Old Town Marbella, Spain
New Town Marbella, Spain
Budget Travel Tip: Travel off the beaten path
During peak summer travel season, popular destinations can be crowded and expensive. Destinations like Mallorca, Barcelona, and Ibiza are busy and pricey. That’s why it’s a great idea to explore a less touristy destination like Marbella, which can be just as beautiful and offer an authentic experience at a lower cost.
Budget Travel Tip: Book Longer Stays
It might seem counterintuitive to stay longer to save money, but it’s true! Booking sites like VRBO and Airbnb often offer discounts for stays longer than 1 week, and even bigger discounts for a full month! Plus, your flight is a fixed cost that will be the same regardless of how long you stay – so why not make the most of it with an extended stay?
3. Split, Croatia
Split is a beautiful destination that offers a blend of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. To travel to Split on a budget, start by looking for affordable accommodations. Apartments and guesthouses (see below) can offer great value, and many have kitchens so you can save on eating out. When it comes to food, look for local markets, bakeries and street vendors for affordable and delicious options.
Split is also home to a variety of free or low-cost activities such as hiking, swimming, and exploring the historic Old Town. Public transportation in Split is affordable and easy to use, with local buses connecting the city with other destinations in the region.
Split, Croatia
Split, Croatia
Where to stay in Split, Croatia
- Studio Apartment on the water for $108 per night (sleeps 2)
- Cozy 2 bedroom apartment for $168 per night (sleeps 4)
- Beautiful downtown Split apartment for $163 per night (sleeps 4)
Budget Travel Tip: Shop for groceries
If you’re traveling for more than a few days, one of the best ways to save money is to book accommodation with a kitchen and shop for groceries at the local stores and markets. If you were at home, you’d purchase groceries for the week just the same (we all have to eat!) so this cost won’t be significantly different from what you’re used to.
Budget Travel Tip: Eat like a local
Rather than eating at expensive restaurants geared toward tourists, try locally owned restaurants and visit local markets to save money and experience authentic cuisine. Avoid restaurants right next to major tourist attractions like Diocletian’s Palace in Split, as these are often overpriced.
@baggagegirls Sharing everything I did solo in Split, Croatia on baggagegirls.com 💌 #splitcroatia #traveltiktok #baggagegirls #thingstodoinsplit #Splice
♬ Moments / Tides - Goth Babe
4. Olden, Norway
Olden is a breathtaking destination that’s sure to make you fall in love with Norway’s natural beauty. Camping and budget hotels make Olden a surprisingly great budget-friendly European destination. This type of accommodation offers great value and a chance to embrace nature. Hiking in the surrounding mountains and fjords is a must, and you’ll find yourself obsessing over the stunning views and landscapes.
Additionally, explore local markets and shops to find delicious and affordable Nordic cuisine. Olden is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, and you’ll leave with more than a small crush on the natural beauty of Norway.
Where to stay in Olden, Norway
- Olden Camping Gytri ($633 for the week)
- Nesset Fjordcamping ($460 for the week)
Budget Travel Tip: Take advantage of free activities
Many European cities offer free walking tours, museum visits, and other activities. Check local tourism websites for free or low-cost events, or simply explore the city’s parks and neighborhoods on foot. Norway is a great example of a budget-friendly European destination where you can spend your days hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the country for free.
Olden, Norway
Olden, Norway
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a vibrant and charming city and one of the top budget-friendly European destinations. To travel to Lisbon on a budget, start by looking for affordable accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels (see below). Consider neighborhoods such as Alfama, Graça, or Mouraria, which offer affordable options and an authentic Portuguese experience.
When it comes to food, Lisbon is known for its delicious and affordable street food and local markets. Try traditional Portuguese dishes such as pastel de nata, bifanas, or sardines, which can be found for a great value. Explore the city on foot or use the extensive public transportation network, which includes trams, buses, and metro lines. Lisbon is also home to a variety of free or low-cost activities such as visiting museums, parks, and historic sites.
Time Out Market in Lisbon, Portugal
Dear Breakfast in Lisbon, Portugal
Where to stay in Lisbon, Portugal
We found so many adorable and affordable options for places to stay in Lisbon, that we just couldn’t choose! We’ve listed them all below so you can decide which place is perfect for you.
- Charming 1 bedroom apartment for $75 per night (sleeps 4)
- 1 bedroom apartment with a water view for $101 per night (sleeps 3)
- 2 bedroom apartment for $160 per night (sleeps 4)
- 2 bedroom apartment for $150 per night (sleeps 4)
- 3 bedroom apartment for $194 per night (sleeps 5)
Hostels in Lisbon
Lisbon is an amazing destination to book a hostel, because it’s a bigger city. Not only is it the most affordable option – it’s also the best way to meet fellow travelers to explore with! If you’re a solo traveler, check out this Eco-Hostel in Lisbon that focuses on water conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainability. What’s more, this boutique hostel promotes health for its guests, with daily herbal teas; build your own yogurt bowls; and vegan and vegetarian options for “family style” dinners.
Selina Secret Garden is another great hostel to book in Lisbon, located near the city center with everything you need. This is a trendy space offering yoga, co-working spaces, and a vibe that will make you feel like you’re on vacation, even in a hostel. Additionally, this hostel is walking distance to bars, markets, restaurants, and historical sites – which will help you save money on transportation.
That’s a Wrap on Budget-friendly European Destinations
There you have it – 5 budget-friendly European destinations. You’re now fully equipped to fall head over heels for the best budget-friendly European destinations this summer. From the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, Italy, to the sunny beaches of Marbella, Spain, and the historic city of Split, Croatia, there’s something for every type of traveler.
For those seeking breathtaking natural beauty, the picturesque town of Olden, Norway, offers incredible fjord views and easy access to hiking trails. And for those looking to soak up the sun and vibrant culture, Lisbon, Portugal, is a must-visit destination with its charming streets, historic landmarks, and delicious cuisine. Grab your travel partners and pack your bags – these budget-friendly European destinations are going to steal your heart.
xoxo,
Baggage girls
