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Budget-friendly vacations in Europe? It's entirely possible. n fact, the continent abounds in fascinating destinations where you can enjoy a memorable vacation without breaking the bank. Of course, to get away without breaking the bank, you can use flight comparisons and book your accommodation in advance, but it's also a good idea to find out what the local prices are: for food and drink, leisure activities or even car rental. Many travelers are keen to discover new European regions, and pleasantly surprised, there are plenty of options for the thrifty traveler. In this article, we present the top 10 destinations for cheap travel in Europe.
1. Romania, an exceptional destination
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For architecture lovers, Romania is an exceptional destination and one of the cheapest in Europe. Castles, palaces and monasteries abound. As for the latter, it's hard not to fall in love with the ornate walls of the Sihla monastery or those in Bucovina. You can also take a stroll through the streets of Bucharest to observe the city's transformation in recent years, or take in the few architectural traces of the Communist era. For more intimate communes, head for Sibiu, with its colorful facades and medieval atmosphere. When it comes to nature, Romania also has many surprises in store, such as hiking in the Transylvanian Alps .
Read more: What to do in Romania? 16 must-see places to visit
2. Moldavia, one of the cheapest destinations to visit in Europe
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Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is a countryyou don't hear much about, but it's well worth the detour. And what's more, it's cheap! The capital, Chisinau, is a very pleasant city, lush with greenery and with many lakes nearby for swimming in summer. Stefan Cel Mare Avenue is one of the city's most emblematic avenues, with its stores, markets and restaurants. It's all there for you to enjoy yourself and have a good time. Just a few hours away, Orhei Vechi is an area of outstanding beauty, with the remains of ancient towns and villages, but also hills and forests. The panoramas are breathtaking. In Moldavia, the monasteries and rural landscapes of Gagauzia in the south of the country are other must-sees.
Read more: Travelling to Transnistria: A Ghost Nation
3. Hungary, one of Europe's cheapest destinations
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Let's stay in the Eastern part of Europe, which includes many of Europe's cheapest destinations, and put down our suitcases to discover the charms of Hungary. A trip to Hungary often includes a visit to the capital, Budapest. And when you consider the beauty of its monuments, you're bound to want to do just that. The Chain Bridge, the Parliament and the Great Synagogue are must-sees. A radical change of atmosphere with a trip on another day to Hollók, a typical Hungarian village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also take the opportunity to stroll and admire the animals in the Hortobágy National Park, before hitting the road and heading for the Tokaj wine region, especially to taste the Tokay wine.
Read more: What to do and see in Budapest in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips and What to do in Hungary? The 15 most beautiful places to visit
4. Slovakia with its lakes, forests and waterfalls
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Slovakia is a wonderful place to visit. There are a multitude of small historic towns where you can stroll for hours and simply open your eyes wide. These include Bojnice, with its medieval charm, Trnava, with its Baroque style and religious highlights, and Bardejov, with its traditional atmosphere. One of Slovakia's most important fortified sites, the ruins of Spi Castle cannot leave anyone indifferent, thanks to their exceptional location at the top of a rocky hill. Slovakia also has something for nature lovers, with the Paradiso National Park and its caves, lakes, forests and waterfalls. And before finishing with the beautiful monuments of the capital Bratislava, a trip to the Tatras, a mountain range in the Carpathian mountains, promises unforgettable panoramas!
Did you know? Slovakia is one of the best destinations for family skiing at low prices
5. Poland, a sublime country for history lovers
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Renowned as one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, Poland is a sublime country for lovers of characterful cities, history and nature. The cultural city of Lods boasts incredible architecture, and a stroll down Piotrkowska Street is truly unique. Gdansk and its port are another stop on the tour, for the beauty of its facades and the pleasure of a boat trip. Of course, Warsaw's Old Town and a panoramic view of splendid Krakow are undoubtedly among the must-sees in Poland. Not forgetting the city of Malbork and its formidable medieval castle ruins. Poland is also a country of natural beauty. You'll soon realize this when you stroll through the Ojcow National Park, where limestone cliffs, caves and dense forests are a sight to behold.
6. The Czech Republic and its architectural splendors
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The Czech Republic is a destination that attracts many Europeans who come to enjoy its architectural splendors, surprising natural beauty and standard of living that allows them to indulge themselves for a weekend or a vacation. Its capital, Prague, is a marvel to visitors from all over the world, who come to admire its many monuments and learn about its tumultuous history. Other cities of interest include Český Krumlov, with its mix of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, and Karlovy Vary, a spa town surrounded by lush green countryside. Other experiences to enjoy in the Czech Republic: the Mikulov wine route, discovering Czech Switzerland and a walk in the heart of the Šumava National Park, classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Read more: Cheap trips to Prague: our tips and What to do and see in Prague in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
7. Latvia, a little-known destination in Europe
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Still little-known, Latvia is one of the cheapest destinations to visit in Europe. And yet it's synonymous with a memorable stay. You can start by exploring the country's history with a visit to Turaida, with its pretty village overlooking the Gauja River and its magnificent brick castle. Turaida is also home to one of the oldest wooden churches in the region. For a breath of sea air, head forthe Baltic coast and Liepaja, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing in summer, or Ventspils, a city of art and sport. If you like water sports in fine weather, it's always a good idea to spend some time on the shores of Lake Razna. Later, you can cross the peat bog of Kemeri National Park and marvel at the pine trees and clear-water natural pools. Last but not least, you can't leave Latvia without a visit to the bustling, seductive capital, Riga.
Did you know? Latvia is one of the best destinations for the All Saints' vacation
8. Sardinia, a Mediterranean getaway without breaking the bank
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For a Mediterranean getaway without breaking the bank, we recommend Sardinia, an Italian island less well known than Sicily, but which nonetheless boasts a multitude of must-see sights. We go there for the history and to see the incredible nuraghes, beehive-shaped stone constructions dating back to the Bronze Age. There are 7,000 of them on the island. Once you've passed through the capital Cagliari and enjoyed a superb panorama of the gulf, you can again indulge in a moment of architecture by visiting the Roman remains at Tharros or Nora. Of course, a vacation in Sardinia is also a great opportunity to spend time on the beach and swimming, as soon as the sun warms up. The beaches of Costa Smeralda and Li Coggi, as well as those not far from Cala Gonone, promise moments to enjoy beautiful Mediterranean sea views.
Read more: What to do and see in Cagliari The 15 must-sees
9. Bulgaria, with its lakes, pine forests and waterfalls
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Bulgaria is a Balkan country with many treasures. Starting with its capital Sofia. Home to such incredible monuments as Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the Rotunda of St. George. It also boasts fascinating art and history museums, as well as the Boyana district. Plovdiv, the country's second-largest city, is also fascinating, with its medieval old town and interesting cultural offerings. Bulgaria also offers charming seaside resorts on the Black Sea, such as Varna, for sunbathing in summer. For hikers, the Pirin National Park is perfect, with its lakes, pine forests and waterfalls. And what's not to love about relaxing in a thermal spring, such as Sandanski? Bulgaria has over 5,000 thermal springs!
Read more: What to do and see in Sofia in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
10. Lithuania
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Let's end this tour of cheap destinations in Europe with another country well worth knowing and visiting: Lithuania. First of all, its capital Vilnius is a charming city to explore. It's easy to get around on foot and is nicknamed the Baroque Pearl of the Baltic. Nearby, to the west, is the magnificent Trakai Castle, set on an island in the middle of Lake Galvé, which hosts numerous events in summer. For those in search of authenticity, the city of Kaunas offers typical Baltic architecture. With its churches and beautiful mansions, it's another urban stop to add to your itinerary. Lithuania is also home to the mysterious Žemaitija National Park, with its dense forests and lakes, and the Baltic Sea coast, where the water may be cold, but the scenery is sublime.
So, are you tempted? Take a look at our airfares and book now to avoid paying too much!
