Traveling in Europe in 2026 doesn't have to be expensive, despite the general rise in prices. Analysts have compiled a rating of the most affordable destinations where you can combine relaxation, impressions, and moderate costs. Find out more about the budget locations in Europe that you should consider for your vacation in 2026

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Amid predictions of rising airfares and accommodation costs in 2026, more and more tourists are looking for ways to spend their vacations in Europe without spending too much. The British edition of The Mirror has prepared a rating of the most budget-friendly travel destinations for the new tourist season.

The list includes both popular resorts by the sea and European cities with a rich history and affordable prices for housing, food and transportation. Below are 10 destinations where you can plan a vacation in 2026 with comfort and without a serious blow to your budget.

In the previous article, we talked about the TOP-10 tourist destinations according to Time Out, which are definitely worth visiting in 2026.

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Budva, Montenegro

Budva is one of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic coast, combining a beach vacation with the atmosphere of an ancient Mediterranean city. Here you can stroll through the Old Town with its medieval walls, climb up to the citadel for panoramic sea views, and spend a day on the sandy and pebbly beaches near Budva and on the island of St. Nicholas. The resort is suitable for both a relaxing vacation by the sea and for those looking for an active nightlife with bars and clubs.

In terms of prices, Montenegro remains more affordable than most Western European destinations. In Budva, a glass of local beer costs about $2.5 to $4 on average, lunch in an inexpensive cafe costs about $11-$13, and a bus ride within the resort or between neighboring cities will cost about $6-$10. Budget airfares to Montenegro in 2026 can be found from $45-$50, and accommodation is represented by a large selection of apartments and guesthouses at reasonable prices, especially outside the peak season.

Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw is one of the most atmospheric cities in Poland for a city trip on a budget. You should definitely take a stroll through the Market Square with the Gothic Town Hall, walk through the old neighborhoods around Tumski Island, and make a route along the embankments of the Odra River with its numerous bridges. The city is convenient for walking: in 1-2 days you can explore the historic center, visit museums, and spend the evening in local bars and pubs serving traditional Polish dishes and craft beer.

In terms of prices, Wroclaw remains one of the most affordable cities in Central Europe. Lunch in an inexpensive cafe costs about $8-$12, a glass of local beer about $2-$3, and public transportation about $1-$2. A night in a good hotel will cost from $110-$130, and budget airfare to Wroclaw in 2026 can be found from about $35-$40.

Earlier we talked about the 13 best places for a spring trip in Europe in 2026.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is a region where it is easy to combine a cultural trip with a leisurely vacation in small towns among the vineyards and hills. During your trip, you should plan to spend time in Florence with its museums and Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Siena with the medieval Campo Square, and Pisa with its famous tower. To get to know the region in more depth, it is convenient to rent a car and build a route between wine towns, tasting farms, and viewpoints with panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape.

Despite its popularity, Tuscany remains relatively affordable due to the large selection of housing: apartments, agritourism and small hotels are often much cheaper than the popular resorts. The approximate cost of a week-long trip with flight and accommodation starts from $1,150-$1,200, lunch in a trattoria will cost about $12-$18, and airfare to Florence in 2026 can be found from $50-$55.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is a compact capital with one of the largest Old Towns in Eastern Europe, listed by UNESCO. During the trip, it is worth walking through the narrow streets of the historic center, climbing Gediminas Mountain for a panoramic view of the city, and visiting the Užupis neighborhood with its creative atmosphere and small galleries. The city is convenient for slow walking routes and short weekends, and the green terrain allows you to combine city walks with parks and observation decks.

In terms of prices, Vilnius is suitable for budget travel in Europe. Lunch in an inexpensive restaurant costs about $8-$12, coffee - $2-$3, public transportation - about $1-$1.5. The average daily budget for food and small expenses is about $50-$60, and airfare to Vilnius in 2026 can be found from $35-$40.

Alicante, Spain

Alicante is a popular resort on the Costa Blanca, which conveniently combines beach vacations with walks in the historic center. During your trip, you should climb the Santa Barbara fortress for panoramic views of the city and the sea, stroll through the old Barrio de la Santa Cruz district with its narrow streets and colorful houses, and spend a day on the city beaches or go on a boat trip along the coast. The resort is suitable for both a relaxing beach vacation and an active vacation with evening walks along the promenade.

Alicante remains more affordable than many other resorts in Spain. Beer in bars costs an average of $2.5 to $4, lunch in an inexpensive cafe costs about $7-$10, and public transportation costs about $1.5 to $2. Budget airfares to Alicante in 2026 can be found from $35-$40, and apartments outside the first line of the sea are usually much cheaper than hotels on the coast.

Karpas Peninsula, Cyprus

The Karpas Peninsula is one of the least touristy regions of the Mediterranean, suitable for those looking for a relaxing outdoor vacation. Here you can spend time on almost deserted beaches, visit the Dipkarpaz National Park, and see ancient monasteries and small coastal villages. The format of the trip is a slow trip along the coast, swimming in the clear sea and walking along natural routes without tourist bustle.

Due to the less developed resort infrastructure, the region remains more accessible than the popular resorts of Cyprus. Lunch in a local tavern costs about $8-$12, car rental for a day is about $25-$35, which is convenient for traveling around the peninsula. Flights to Larnaca in 2026 can be found from $75-$80, and accommodation in guesthouses and small hotels is often cheaper than in the resort areas of the southern coast.

In the article at the link, we have provided useful tips to help you save money while traveling in Europe in 2026.

Cadiz, Spain

Cadiz is a coastal city in southern Spain with a mild climate and the atmosphere of an ancient port center. Here you can stroll through the historic neighborhoods, visit Santa Catalina Castle and San Sebastian Castle, climb the Torre Tavira Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is compact, so in 1-2 days you can leisurely explore the main attractions, combining it with a vacation on the city beaches.

In terms of prices, Cadiz is considered one of the most affordable tourist cities in Spain. A night in a hotel costs an average of $120-$130, a glass of local wine is about $4-$5, beer is about $3, and lunch in an inexpensive restaurant is $10-$14. Flights to the nearest airport in Jerez in 2026 can be found from $85-$90, and it is convenient to get to the city by train or bus from the airport.

Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is a resort on the Mediterranean coast where it is convenient to combine a beach vacation with cultural trips. During your trip, you should take time to walk through the old town of Kaleici with its narrow streets and marina, visit the ancient ruins near the resort, and go to natural locations along the coast. The resort is suitable for both all-inclusive and independent itineraries with trips outside the city.

Turkey remains one of the most affordable Mediterranean vacation destinations. Lunch in a local cafe costs about $7-$10, a public transportation trip costs about $0.5-$1, and budget airfare to Antalya in 2026 can be found from $50-$55. Prices for accommodation in hotels and apartments are usually lower than in EU resorts, especially outside the peak summer season.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta is the compact capital of Malta with fortified walls, baroque palaces and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. During your trip, you should stroll through the old streets of the city, visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbor, visit St. John's Cathedral and several small museums. Valletta is convenient for hiking routes and is suitable for 1-2 days of sightseeing, as well as a base for trips along the island's coast.

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, prices in Valletta remain moderate for a Mediterranean capital. Street pastries or pastizzi cost about $1-$1.5, a quick snack starts at $5, and public transportation costs about $2. Budget airfares to Malta in 2026 can be found from $40-$45, and accommodation in guesthouses and small hotels is usually cheaper than in large resort complexes.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is one of the most beautiful historic cities in Central Europe with a large Old Town and the largest market square on the continent. During your trip, you should take a stroll through Rynek Główny Square, climb Wawel Hill to the royal castle, walk through the old neighborhoods of Kazimierz, and visit several museums in the center. The city is compact, so it's easy to combine the main locations in a 2-3 day itinerary without long travel times.

In terms of prices, Krakow remains one of the most affordable tourist cities in Europe. Lunch in an inexpensive restaurant costs about $8-$10, a sandwich or street food costs about $3, and a glass of beer in a bar often costs less than $2. Hotel accommodation starts at $70 per night, and budget airfares to Krakow in 2026 can be found from $30-$35.

Are you planning a trip and want to prepare without unnecessary stress? Visit World's travel guide contains key tips for travelers: rules of entry and stay, current requirements for tourists, basic safety, transportation and accommodation. Such a guide will help you quickly navigate a new country, avoid common mistakes during your trip, and plan your route taking into account practical nuances that often go unnoticed by tourists.

We remind you! Popular tourist destinations can be a trap. We have already told you which 8 places in the world Fodor’s advises to avoid in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tension – and what alternatives to choose instead.