Reckon that the cost of a European break is just too high? Well think again – not all European countries have sky high prices. It’s just a case of looking a little further afield than normal. We’ve picked out ten European countries where accommodation prices hardly stretch the budget and a beer will rarely cost more than £1.50. And, of course, we’ve chosen the best place to go in each…
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Macedonia
Where to go: Ohrid
Ohrid is a gorgeous town, sat on the banks of a mountain lake. It can either be a beachy place – little boats constantly ferry sun-lovers to lakeside beaches – or a more cultural destination. Walking trails lead to gorgeous churches, castles and monasteries that make for amazing photos with the mountains in the background.
And best of all, everything is dirt cheap while you’re there.
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Hungary
Where to go: Keszthely
Like Ohrid, Keszthely is a fantastic lake destination. It lies on Lake Balaton, which is colloquially known as the Hungarian Sea.
It’s a great place for kids, as there are all manner of water slides and playgrounds at the water’s edge, and bizarre dinosaur-shaped pedalos to go out on the water with.
Accommodation prices can be staggeringly low – supply outstrips demand for most of the year, and you could find yourself with a three bedroom apartment for a pittance.
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Montenegro
Where to go: Kotor
Arguably the most beautiful town in Europe, Kotor combines mountains, an atmospheric Old Town and what is billed as Europe’s most southerly fjord.
You’ll struggle to pay more than £10 for a restaurant meal, drinks are cheap and the Old Town turns into a party zone at night.
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Lithuania
Where to go: Vilnius
European Capital of Culture 2009, Vilnius is one weird and hugely engaging place. Highlights include the breakaway artists suburb of Uzupis, which has declared itself independent and even has its own constitution, and the cathedral square.
If you want something more beachy, head for the Curonian Spit on the Baltic Sea.
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Albania
Where to go: The South Coast
Now that Croatia has been well and truly discovered and prices have gone up, the backpacker crowd has been forced to head elsewhere.
They can currently be found on Albania’s southern coast, to the south of Vlore. The beaches here are awesome, a series of little beach bars have set up, and life is wonderfully inexpensive.
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Serbia
Where to go: Belgrade
For the party animals, it’s hard to beat Belgrade. The city is booming at night-time, especially on the Danube river boats that have been converted into nightclubs. And with drinks rarely costing more than £1, it’s hardly surprising that there’s a party vibe.
It’s also a fascinating city to walk around. Swanky new joints mix with bomb-damaged building shells, while the extensive parklands surrounding the city offer merciful green respite.
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Bulgaria
Where to go: Veliko Tarnovo
Sat on the Yantra River, Veliko Tarnovo is the former capital of Bulgaria. It’s in a glorious setting and is crammed with historic buildings and monuments.
Prices are rock-bottom too; Bulgaria is often cited as the cheapest country in Europe. And the general rule of country towns being cheaper than the capital still applies.
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Where to go: Mostar
The name ‘Mostar’ generally conjures up images of the 1990s Balkan wars, and it is possible to do a walking tour around the shelled-out ruins, the joy lies in what has been rebuilt.
The town’s famous bridge – Stari Most – has been remade, and is now the hub of all the action. A gorgeous green river flows under it, madmen jump into the icy water from on top of it to please the crowds and Turkish-style bazaars can be found all around it.
And the best bit? You’ll get change out of a fiver for a feast-like meal and a beer.
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Turkey
Where to go: Erdine
The European section of Turkey (also known as Eastern Thrace), usually remains off the travelling radar. And for that reason, it’s usually very easy on the wallet.
Erdine is about as far west in Turkey as you can get before you hit Greece and Bulgaria, and it’s a history-packed city of mosques, ruined palaces and bizarre oil wrestling tournaments.
Europe’s Cheapest Countries – Romania
Where: Transylvania
Bucharest isn’t exactly expensive, but once you get out into the countryside, Romania becomes extremely easy on the wallet. The countryside, castles and churches in Transylvania make it an increasingly popular destination – but not so popular that the prices have been ramped up.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley
