Western European countries seem to get all the glory, and granted many of them are stunningly beautiful, flank the Mediterranean Sea and have glorious weather, but unfortunately almost everyone in the world knows exactly just how picturesque they are. This means high tourist numbers and even higher prices, with countries like Italy, Portugal and France being firm favourites for Britons and other European countries.
Many of Europe’s Eastern countries are just as lovely as their Western counterparts, and offer a whole different set of attractions. They are full of charm and culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and old towns sure to take your breath away. For some reason these countries are often overlooked, which may be a result of the lingering East-West divide synonymous with the cold war, or the fact that they take a bit more energy to get to. Missing out on these unique and incredible countries is not just a pity for their aesthetic and cultural appeal but also because there are less tourist numbers and prices are much lower than other popular European hotspots.
Here is our list of affordable European holidays that should be in your travel plans:
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina tops our list of affordable European holidays as it offers a mixture of fascinating history, architectural masterpieces, incredible natural landscapes and a really low price tag. The capital city of Sarajevo is steeped in history, and while it is one of the most charming old cities in the Balkan Peninsula, it is just as fascinating for what has come many years before. Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on the city’s Latin Bridge, which was the motivation for the First World War. Away from the cities you will find natural landscapes that will leave you breathless. Lakes with azure waters surrounded by wild mountain habitats bursting with birds, mammals, and unique local fauna. This is a cheap and beautiful getaway that has a little something for every traveller.
Romania
Romania has seen a massive rise in tourist numbers since it joined the EU a few years back. However, it remains a relatively inexpensive and unique destination, which is why it is one of our affordable European holidays. Bucharest is the capital city and the most visited place in the country, and while it is rich in history and is beautiful – tourist numbers have driven up costs and we would advise only a short trip here. There are other places in Romania that you should rather visit, such as Transylvania, where you can get your fix of vampire inspired history, but also get a look at some awesome historical castles and immerse yourself in nature. Further out the Carpathian mountains and stay in a small settlement that seems to have remained unchanged in centuries. It’s the perfect mix of old-age charm and nature that will have you wanting to return as soon as you leave.
Latvia
Latvia is a gem amongst our affordable European holidays and that’s because of the sheer diversity of options that it offers. The capital city of Riga is a melting pot of historical charm and modern city life, it is a little more fast-paced than the rest of the country and it is a great place to visit for a combination of cultural experiences and modern city life. Latvia also has massive beaches that are good for not just sunbathing and relaxing, but also a party. The Gauja Valley offers a more laidback experience – visit tiny settlements underneath the beautiful pine trees, which seems to have retained the same pace of life and culture that they had hundreds of years ago.
Balearic Islands
You may not have heard of the Balearic Islands as a collective term before, but you probably heard of its most popular islands: Ibiza and Mallorca. Renowned for its international party scene, prices on Ibiza are pretty high and the rest of the islands are a much better choice if you are looking for somewhere a bit quieter. All the islands, big and small, are flanked by the Mediterranean Sea, which means that they have some of the most stunning beaches in the world. The smaller islands such as Cabrera and Dragonera offer beautiful beaches, and stunning nature, and are largely unaffected by tourist numbers – perfect for a completely relaxing visit. Mallorca, the largest island – offers the same beautiful beaches, and awesome experiences like horse riding, scuba diving and kayaking – as well as a more cosmopolitan visit with restaurants and hotels serving up world class cuisine and service. This diversity between the islands is exactly why the Balearic Islands make it into our top affordable European holidays.
If you are looking for an affordable holiday in Europe that combines culture, adventure, nature, beaches and incredible cuisine, then a visit to the Balearic Islands should be on the cards. If you’re coming to Mallorca and need accommodation, contact us. Our hotels in Mallorca are world-class and offer only the best service and experiences to our guests.
