Discover some of the cheapest places in Europe to enjoy an affordable weekend away, including a popular Greek island and one of the cheapest capital cities in the EU.
With bargain breaks as popular as ever, Brits are constantly on the look out for a cheap getaway destination. Eastern Europe has always been known for its cheap booze, food and accommodation, but there are a couple of other holiday hotspots you might want to consider. Whether you’re looking for culture, sunshine or £1 pints, we should have you covered with these outrageously cheap places in Europe for a weekend away.
ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC
Why Go?
We’ve all heard about the charm and affordability of Prague, yet head just over two hours south of the capital and you’ll find Czech Republic’s second most visited city where your pound may go that little bit further. Cosy cafes, a fairytale-stricken town centre and plenty of restaurants, this small medieval city is regarded by many as one of Europe’s undiscovered romantic destinations. With weekend return flights to Prague found for under £100 all year round, Český Krumlov is the perfect getaway for couples.
Top things to see/do:
Best cheap places to stay:
- Travioor top pick: Horní Brána is a spacious, cheap and centrally loacted apartment with self-catering facilities, a modern en-suite and a terrace that offers beautiful views towards the city and mountains in the distance.
- Affordable luxury: Take advantage of Booking.com’s special offers on Hotel Ruze, one of the finest five star properties in the Czech Republic boasting charming Renaissance decor, a first-class spa and an enviable location along the Vltava river. When available at a discounted rate, this refurbished former monastery is an absolute steal.
RIGA, LATVIA
Why go?
Latvia’s cultural hub is considered one of the cheapest and best value-for-money capital cities in Europe. Cheap return flights from the UK can be found for less than a new pair of trainers. Riga’s nickname is the ‘Paris of the North’ which in itself attracts couples who come to enjoy the German Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant restaurant scene. However, there’s something for everyone here and in particular, for groups of holidaymakers looking for buzzing nightlife and super-cheap booze.
Top things to see/do:
Best cheap places to stay:
- Travioor’s top pick: Basic, yet comfortable and incredibly cheap accommodation can be found right in the heart of the city and Kolonna Hotel Riga boasts excellent reviews by most who have stayed here. This hotel is in the perfect location to head out and explore the city.
- Affordable luxury: The Wellton Centrum Hotel & SPA is one of Riga’s best value-for-money hotels with stylish decor and a wellness centre that includes a sauna, an indoor pool and a Jacuzzi. Found in the heart of Riga Old Town, a night at this top-class hotel will cost you under £100.
THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
Why go?
Portugal’s southernmost region is home to alluring sandy beaches, pretty fishing villages and gorgeous scenery. Popular towns and cities such as Faro, Lagos and Albufeira are blessed with tasty restaurants, historic attractions and Portuguese charm, and the cost of living is surprisingly inexpensive with the top-quality, yet cheap, seafood and wine particularly appealing. Flights to Faro have become more affordable over the years, and the Algarve has also become a go to destination for large groups seeking affordably luxurious villas in the sun.
Top things to see/do:
Best cheap places to stay:
- Travioor’s top pick: Under 10 minutes from the beach and the town centre of Albufeira, Apartamentos Cerro Malpique houses a selection of cheap and suitably furnished apartments that share a communal pool, while each of them also have balconies with superb views towards the coastline. A studio apartment can cost under £50 a night.
- Affordable luxury: Villas are a great option for large groups who are looking for a little luxury and their own private space. One of our favourite properties and one of the best finds in Lagos is this luxurious four bedroom villa with its own private pool, sleeping up to eight people.
WARSAW, POLAND
Why go?
The rehabilitation and rise of Warsaw has been impressive since WWII, but it’s only over the last twenty or so years that tourists started flocking here in their numbers. While a reputation for a cheap and cheerful nightlife scene is prominent, the Polish capital is also appealing in other areas, with the charm of its Old Town and the Market Square popular among visitors. Beer, food and gifts are available at a cut-price of many other European capitals and you’ll find return flights from the UK for less than the price of a day’s work.
Top things to see/do:
Best cheap places to stay:
- Travioor’s top pick: Stay close to all the attractions at the heart of the city in a clean, modern and comfortable studio apartment at Bunga Apartament.
- Affordable luxury: Five star hotels are incredibly affordable in Warsaw, even those that are located in the city centre. The Sofitel Warsaw Victoria is just one of our favourites, with elegant rooms, a heated swimming pool and a fitness centre.
CORFU, GREECE
Why go?
With the recent economic turmoil over the last few years in Greece, some great bargain holidays can be found to one of its many islands. Corfu is usually one of the cheapest to fly to, although flights to here may set you back a little more than the cost of a flight to the other cities we’ve mentioned previously. However, groups will find an array of beautiful and incredibly affordable luxury villas here, not to mention a selection of cheap beachfront hotels, making this a great choice for groups looking for Mediterranean sun, sea and sand.
Top things to see/do:
Best cheap places to stay:
Travioor’s top pick: In Paleokastritsa, a gorgeous cliff-top hotel called Akrotiri Beach sits peacefully overlooking the Ionian Sea. It homes two pools and a delightful sea-view restaurant, and can be snapped up for as little as just over £100 for a double room per night.
Affordable luxury: Head for Barbati with your party and bag yourself this stunning four bedroom villa with luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the Ionian Sea, and an infinity-edge swimming pool. Sleeping eight people, this villa can be yours for around £60 per person, per night.
Originally published at www.travioor.com.
