I have spent years exploring the winding streets and sun-soaked coasts of the old world. Every year, I look for the perfect balance of warm weather and low costs. I have discovered that May is the golden month for travelers who want to avoid the heat and the high prices of summer. If you are a mature traveler like me, you want comfort and culture without spending all your savings. You want to see the world, but you also want a good deal. Therefore, I am sharing my personal guide to the Cheap Places To Travel in Europe in May. I have visited twenty-eight countries across this continent. I have lived out of a campervan for months and stayed in charming boutique hotels. I know where the coffee is cheap and where the views are free.
The spring shoulder season offers a perfect mix. Lower prices. Fewer crowds. It is the ideal time to see the sights before the summer rush begins. Whether you love historical sites, nature walks, or sitting in a café with a cheap glass of wine, there is a spot for you. Additionally, many of these places are part of the top 10 cheapest countries to visit in europe. I have calculated my spending down to the last Euro to help you plan.
Why May is the Best Time to Visit
First of all, the weather is finally pleasant. In places like Cyprus, you can expect 300 days of sunshine a year. In May, it feels like summer but without the scorching 99°F heat that hits in July. It is a “Goldilocks” season. Not too hot. Not too cold. On top of that, your money goes much further. I have noticed that flight prices and hotel rates are significantly lower than in June or July.
Gradually, I learned that the best way to save is to head east. Many of the cheapest countries to visit in europe 2026 are in the Balkans or Eastern Europe. These are often ex-Soviet states or places with a complex history, but they are absolutely incredible to visit. They offer authenticity that you cannot find in “tourist traps”. Plus, these areas are perfect for cheap europe trips for students and mature adults alike.
Albania: The Hidden Gem of the Balkans
Albania was a huge surprise for me. It is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen. It shares borders with Greece and Montenegro, but it is much more affordable. I spent time in the capital, Tirana, and then headed to the coast. The Albanian Riviera is where you will find the finest beaches.
In Tirana, you can visit Bunk’Art 1. This is a museum inside a massive Cold War bunker. The entry fee is only about €4. I also spent many evenings at Radio Bar. The cocktails there are under €5. If you enjoy nature, you can hike in the Albanian Alps or visit Lake Ohrid.
The costs here are very low. You can survive on a budget of $30 to $50 a day. A meal at a cheap restaurant costs between $5 and $15. Additionally, it is legal to camp anywhere in Albania. You can save a lot on hotels if you have a tent or a van. For those looking for cheap destinations in europe with beach, the towns of Saranda, Vlore, and the Ksamil Islands are perfect choices.
North Macedonia: A Land of Statues and Lakes
I simply could not believe how little I had heard about North Macedonia before I went there. It is one of the 12 cheapest countries to visit in europe. It is a fantastic place because it has not been hit by huge crowds of tourists yet. The capital city, Skopje, is jam-packed with history. It has an authentic old town and a very quirky vibe.
I highly recommend a walking tour in Skopje. I learned about the country’s recent independence and the birthplace of Mother Theresa. Later, I traveled to Lake Ohrid. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. The town of Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is breathtaking.
My daily budget was around $30 to $50. Hostels are only $15 to $25 per night. You can get a meal at a restaurant for as little as $4 to $12. This country is perfect if you are not bothered about being on the coast.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: History and Hospitality
Bosnia has so much to offer travelers. It is one of the cheapest countries in europe for tourists. I have visited twice, and the warmth of the people always stays with me. Sarajevo is the bustling capital. You must visit the Bascarsija bazaar and the Sarajevo war tunnel.
From Sarajevo, I took a train to Mostar. It is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The tickets start at just $6. Mostar is famous for its iconic bridge and the divers who jump from it. If you want to see nature, visit Kravice Falls or Una National Park.
A meal at a restaurant in Bosnia costs between $4 and $12. You can expect to spend about $45 to $65 a day. Bosnia’s markets are also great for grabbing fresh produce if you want to cook for yourself.
Montenegro: Rugged Beauty on the Adriatic
Montenegro is often overlooked because of its neighbor, Croatia. However, it is one of the cheapest european countries to visit in summer or spring. I spent two weeks there exploring the coast and the mountains. The coastal town of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is over 2,000 years old.
If you visit in May, the prices for hotels are much cheaper than in the peak summer. I also recommend visiting the national parks like Durmitor and Lake Skadar. They offer spectacular scenery and great hiking trails.
The daily budget is roughly $40 to $60. A meal at a restaurant ranges from $6 to $18. I entered the country from a remote border crossing in the mountains. The rugged countryside is stunning.
Bulgaria: Beaches and Budget Ski Resorts
Bulgaria is another top choice for the top 10 cheapest countries to visit in europe. You can visit any time of year. In the winter, there are cheap ski resorts. In May and the summer, there are pristine beaches on the Black Sea. I spent several weeks there in the autumn and loved the colors of the trees.
Sofia is the capital and it is very affordable. It has incredible architecture and culture. If you like a lively scene, Sunny Beach is a famous party destination with very cheap deals. For a quieter experience, head to the Belogradchik Fortress to see unique rock formations.
I spent about $30 to $50 a day here. A meal at a restaurant is about $7.50 to $22. Additionally, Bulgaria often hosts free festivals throughout the year.
Romania: Castles and Culture
Romania is a country that is very close to my heart. I road-tripped through it for three weeks. It is easily one of the cheapest places to visit in europe. You get a lot of “bang for your buck” here.
The capital, Bucharest, is beautiful. You can explore the old town and the world’s largest parliament building. I also loved visiting Brasov and Sighisoara in Transylvania. If you like spooky history, you must visit Bran Castle, which people associate with Dracula.
The daily budget is $40 to $60. A hotel room is usually $25 to $45. I also recommend the Therme Spa in Bucharest. It is one of the best spas in the world and very affordable.
Poland: A Modern Country with Old World Prices
Poland has become one of my favorite destinations. It is one of the most up-and-coming tourist spots in Eastern Europe. It feels modern and exciting, but it does not have the high prices of Germany.
Krakow is a must-visit. It has a beautiful main square and the historic Wawel Castle. I also spent time in Warsaw and Gdansk. These cities are very walkable and photogenic. If you like nature, head to the Tatra National Park for amazing hiking.
You can travel on a budget of $35 to $55 a day. A meal at a restaurant is $6 to $18. Plus, many museums in Poland have free entry days, especially on Tuesdays.
Hungary: Thermal Baths and Ruin Bars
Hungary is a fantastic country for a cheap getaway. Budapest is famous for its thermal baths and its unique “ruin bars”. I loved soaking in the Szechenyi Baths and walking along the Danube Promenade.
In May, the weather is perfect for exploring. You can visit the Hungarian Parliament building or the Central Market Hall. I also took a sightseeing cruise on the river. It was very cheap and even included wine.
The daily budget is $40 to $60. Street food like langos (fried dough) is only a few Euros. Many cities in Hungary are very walkable, which helps save on transport costs.
The Baltic States: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
I visited the Baltic states on a whim, and I was not disappointed. They are some of the most scenic countries on the continent.
- Lithuania: The capital, Vilnius, is known as the “cheapest city” for some travelers. Rent and beer are very low cost. I recommend visiting the Uzupis Republic, which is an alternative artsy hub.
- Latvia: Riga has stunning architecture and a bustling central market. It is much cheaper than places like Denmark or Switzerland.
- Estonia: Tallinn has a great medieval old town vibe. I spent two weeks there and loved the history and the cuisine.
In these countries, you can expect to spend $35 to $60 a day. Wild camping is even legal in Lithuania, which can save you a ton on hotels.
Spain: Affordable Mediterranean Living
Even though Spain is a developed economy, it remains incredibly cheap. Popular spots like Barcelona and Madrid can be pricey, but if you head to the south, the deals are great.
I love Seville and Granada. Granada has amazing tapas and the beautiful Alhambra palace. In many bars in the south, they will give you free tapas when you order a drink. Alicante is also very affordable for a beach getaway.
The daily budget is $50 to $70. If you rent an Airbnb and cook for yourself, you can save even more. I once road-tripped the coast of Spain and spent less than 5 Euros a night on camping. This makes it one of the best cheapest european countries to visit in summer or spring.
Portugal: Old World Charm on a Budget
Portugal is another surprising addition to the budget list. While prices have gone up lately, it is still much cheaper than France or Italy.
Lisbon and Porto are the main cities. I recommend walking as much as possible because they are very hilly but beautiful. The Algarve region has some of the best beaches in Europe, and they are free to use.
A budget of $45 to $65 a day is reasonable if you stay in modest places. Wine is incredibly cheap. You can find a great bottle at a restaurant for $10. Additionally, many museums are free on Sundays.
Greece: Ancient Sites and Island Hopping
Greece is a dream destination for many. It is still very affordable compared to the UK or the USA. In May, the weather is nice and there are far fewer people.
I love island hopping. Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos are popular, but you can find better deals on islands like Naxos, Paros, or Milos. On the mainland, Athens is less expensive than other European capitals.
The daily budget is $45 to $65. You can save a lot of money by eating street food like gyros. A meal at a restaurant is about $11 to $33. May is the perfect time for a cheap europe trip because the sea is starting to warm up but the crowds have not arrived yet.
Cyprus: Europe’s Sunniest Island
Cyprus is breaking tourism records for a reason. It is geographically in the Middle East but politically European. It is one of the sunniest parts of Europe.
Paphos is the highlight for 2026. It has an unspoiled coast and beachfront hotels starting at $50 a night. I also found Nicosia fascinating. It is split in two. The south is Greek, and the north is Turkish. You can walk across the border with your passport.
In May, the temperature is a perfect 79°F. It is great for sightseeing without the summer heat. Cyprus is definitely the new “cool kid” on the block.
Turkey: Where East Meets West
Istanbul is a city like no other. It balances the old and the new perfectly. In the spring, the city is covered in tulips for the Istanbul Tulip Festival. It is a free and photogenic event.
However, be careful. Some people say Istanbul has become expensive and “scammy” lately. You must watch your surroundings. On the other hand, the Turkish Riviera is still a wonderful place to visit. I spent a week in Kas and loved the clear water and friendly locals.
Turkey offers a unique mix of cultures. Centuries-old mosques share the skyline with glass towers. It is a place that everyone should experience at least once.
Practical Tips for Traveling Cheaply
I have gathered a few more tips to help you save money on your big adventure.
- Flights: Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Booking 6-10 weeks in advance is usually the “sweet spot”. Avoid flying on weekends. A Tuesday departure can save you €30-80.
- Buses vs. Trains: In the Balkans, buses are often better than trains. They are cheaper and run more frequently. I used the app traveling.com to book my tickets.
- Airlines: Look for low-cost carriers like WizzAir or Ryanair. But watch out for hidden fees for bags or seat selection.
- Food: Eat like a local. Street food is your best friend. In Poland, try pierogi. In Albania, try byrek. In Bosnia, try cevapi.
- Accommodation: Stay outside the city centers to save money. Hostels often have private rooms that are very economical.
- Cash: Always carry some local cash. Many small shops or buses in the Balkans do not take credit cards.
Safety and Wellness
I am often asked about safety, especially for solo travelers. Most of these countries are very safe with little violent crime. Just use common sense. Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket. Use a money belt for your passport and extra cash.
Many travelers now prioritize wellness. Sarajevo and Budapest are top picks for relaxation. Bucharest also has world-class thermal baths. In 2026, many people are looking for a calmer energy in their travels. They want to return feeling recharged.
Gradually, you will find your own favorite spots. Europe has so much variety. From the medieval streets of Tallinn to the sunny plazas of Seville, there is something for every budget.
FAQ
What is the cheapest European country to visit in May?
North Macedonia and Serbia are the most affordable choices. You only need about €30 per day for your expenses.
Which country is best to visit in May in Europe?
Cyprus is a fantastic pick. The weather is a perfect 79°F, which people call the “Goldilocks” season.
What is the cheapest country to visit in May?
Albania offers incredible value. You can get by on $30 to $50 a day while you enjoy the Albanian Riviera.
Which is the cheapest place to visit in May?
Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina is very inexpensive. A meal there costs only about £6.74.
Where is it cheap to go to in May?
You should look at Romania or Bulgaria. These countries have low prices for both food and hotels.
What is the most inexpensive European country to visit?
North Macedonia remains a top hidden gem for budget travelers. It is one of the cheapest places on the entire continent.
Where is hot in May and cheap?
Cyprus and Southern Spain are both warm and budget-friendly. Seville stays between 16°C and 21°C during the day.
Is May good for a Europe trip?
Yes. It is the shoulder season. You get lower prices and much smaller crowds.
Which European city is most beautiful?
Gdansk in Poland has a very picturesque old town. Many travelers think it is the most beautiful city in Europe.
Which country is ideal to visit in May?
Greece is ideal. You can see ancient sites like the Acropolis without the summer heat or the crowds.
What is the cheapest but safest country to visit?
Poland is very safe for solo travelers. It also has a low cost of living compared to Western Europe.
Is $5000 enough for a vacation?
Yes. A ten-day trip for two in Portugal costs around $5,443. If you go to the Balkans, that same amount of money will last for many months.
Concluding words
May is the best time for a budget trip to Europe. You can find sun and history without the high prices of summer. The Balkans and Eastern Europe are the winners for your wallet. You get to see amazing places like Albania, Poland, and Romania for a fraction of the cost. Less money. More memories. It is time to pack your bags.
