Europe without unnecessary expenses: where is it profitable to travel in 2026?

Travelling around Europe in 2026 may be much more affordable than it seems at first glance. Some resorts and cities are already attracting travellers with their reasonable prices, diverse leisure options and tourist-friendly amenities. Find out more about the best budget destinations in Europe to consider when planning your travels in 2026

Electronic road vignette for traveling in Europe

BUY

Recently, The Mirror reported that even amid rising prices in the tourism sector, Europe remains open to affordable travel. The main thing is to choose the right destination and start planning in advance.

In 2026, tourists are increasingly paying attention to the price-to-experience ratio. That is why budget destinations with comfortable infrastructure, history and the sea are in the spotlight.

Which European cities and resorts allow you to travel without overspending? We will tell you more in this article.

The Adriatic coast at an affordable price: Budva

Budva remains one of the most attractive options for those who dream of the sea but are not ready to pay Western European prices. The resort combines Adriatic beaches, an ancient city with narrow streets and an active nightlife. Even in high season, you can find reasonable prices for accommodation, food and transport, which makes this destination particularly attractive for a long holiday.

How to save money while travelling in Europe — we explain here.

A city weekend with European character: Wrocław

The Polish city of Wrocław is often called one of the cosiest cities in Central Europe. The market square, numerous bridges and islands on the Oder River create an atmosphere where it is easy to combine culture, gastronomy and walks without spending a lot of money. Prices here are significantly lower than in many EU capitals, making the city convenient for short and eventful trips.

Photo: Getty Images

Italy without overpaying: Tuscany

Tuscany remains on the list of affordable destinations in 2026 thanks to its small towns and rural areas, where accommodation and food are cheaper than in tourist metropolises. Vineyards, historic towns and local cuisine allow you to experience the real Italy without excessive spending.

The top most popular places among travellers for travel in 2026 — collected at the link.

The Baltic alternative to megacities: Vilnius

Vilnius attracts visitors with its compact size, history and relaxed pace of life. The old town, cafés and museums are affordable, which is a pleasant surprise for travellers. For those looking for a cultural trip without crowds and high costs, the capital of Lithuania is a great choice.

Spanish sun on a moderate budget: Alicante

Alicante offers a classic Mediterranean holiday — beaches, seafood and a warm climate at significantly lower prices than in the popular resorts of Spain. The city is suitable for both a beach holiday and leisurely strolls through the old quarters.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Less well-known Cyprus: the Karpas Peninsula

Karpas is a quiet part of Cyprus with wild beaches and minimal development. It is much easier to find budget accommodation here, and the atmosphere is ideal for those who want to escape mass tourism.

Photo: Getty Images

Atlantic Spain: Cadiz

Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Europe, located on the Atlantic coast. The city offers a combination of history, ocean beaches and affordable prices, especially outside the peak season.

About the most underrated cities in Europe to visit in 2026, we talked about in our previous article.

A proven classic for holidays: Antalya

Antalya remains a popular destination thanks to its large number of hotels, convenient transport and competitive prices. The resort is suitable for family holidays and those who appreciate the ‘all-inclusive’ format.

Photo: Tripmydream

A compact capital on an island: Valletta

Valletta combines historical heritage, the sea and compactness. Short distances allow you to save on transport, and off-season trips make Malta more affordable.

The 10 most overrated tourist destinations in Europe in 2026 — here.

Poland's favourite for short trips: Krakow

Krakow attracts tourists with its architecture, museums and affordable prices. The city is convenient for both a weekend getaway and a longer trip with a busy itinerary.

Planning a road trip?

If you are going to explore Europe in your own car, it is worth taking care of the travel formalities in advance. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can quickly obtain a vignette for European roads online — without queues or unnecessary time expenditure.

Travel confidently and comfortably — buy a vignette on Visit Ukraine now and focus on your experiences, not bureaucracy.

Reminder! When planning trips for 2026, travellers should consider not only ticket and accommodation prices, but also additional costs in the form of tourist taxes. Read about 5 popular destinations where tourist taxes will increase in 2026 here.

Photo: Viator

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.