I love to travel when the air feels fresh and the crowds are thin. April is my favorite time to explore because the winter cold is gone but the summer heat has not yet arrived. I find that this month is the perfect shoulder season for a budget getaway. You get that wonderful mix of lower prices and fewer tourists. It is truly the ideal time to see the world without the rush. My bank account always thanks me when I choose these weeks to fly. I want to share my personal experiences and the data I found to help you find the Best Cheap Places To Travel in Europe in April.
First of all, I look for places where the sun shines bright. Europe has many spots that feel like summer even in the spring. I am a mature traveler who enjoys history and nature walks, so these choices reflect that passion. I do not like to waste money, but I do love a good adventure.
Sun-Drenched Escapes in Spain and Portugal
I always start my search with the Canary Islands. These islands sit off the coast of Africa and stay warm all year. Tenerife is a highlight for me. The average temperature in April is a lovely 72°F (22°C). I found that I could survive on a budget of just $72 a day. This island is famous for its stunning landscapes and pristine beaches. April is a very quiet time there, so you will not see many crowds. I enjoyed seeing the primrose and magnolias start to bloom. I also recommend the Romería de San Marcos festival on the last Sunday of April. It is a beautiful event with traditional costumes and folk music.
Additionally, Lanzarote is another great choice in the Canaries. The average high is 73°F (23°C), and the daily cost is around $87. I used the public transport system there to save cash. I spent a lot of time at Papagayo Beach, which is one of the best free attractions. The emerald waters and golden sand are absolute perfection.
However, if you prefer the mainland, Seville is a dream come true. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. I stayed there for less than $60 a day. I spent my time exploring the Royal Alcázar, which is the oldest royal palace in Europe. An audio guide tour there costs only $15.80. I suggest eating at El Rinconcillo, one of the oldest tapas bars, where a meal is around $10 to $12.
On top of that, Lisbon, Portugal is a fantastic capital city for budget travelers. I spent less than $80 a day there. April is the best time to visit because the jacaranda trees and cherry blossoms explode with color. I paid only $5.11 to enter the Lisbon Botanical Garden to see the blooms. I also took a ride on Tram 28 for just $7 to see the historic neighborhoods.
Similarly, Faro in the Algarve region is very warm and cheap. The temperature is usually 70°F (21°C) and the daily cost is $74. I relaxed at Praia de Faro, a beach with five kilometers of golden sand that is free to visit. I recommend dinner at O Castelo for traditional seafood rice for about $13 to $16. These are some of the cheap places to fly in europe in april if you want to avoid the cold.
Ancient Wonders and Island Magic in Greece and Cyprus
Greece is always on my list for spring. Athens is iconic and surprisingly affordable. I found that I could manage on less than $100 a day. The temperature stays around 68°F (20°C). I visited the Temple of Hephaestus because it has fewer crowds than the Acropolis. I also loved the street art in the Psiri neighborhood. I grabbed a koulouri snack from a street vendor for just $1.
Gradually, I moved to the islands. Rhodes is a very cheap place to travel in europe in april. Budget travelers spend about $78 a day there. I explored the Palace of the Grand Master, which is a medieval castle built in the 7th century. I also visited the ancient ruins of Kamiros for just $6.
Crete is the warmest place in Greece during this time. The temperature ranges from 12°C to 21°C. I enjoyed the lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers. The rainfall drops to only 21mm over six days in April. I found that flights and hotels are much cheaper in the shoulder season than in the summer months. I suggest a self-drive trip along the coast for ultimate freedom.
On the contrary, if you want something even more affordable, try Naxos. It offers postcard views at half the price of Santorini. I found guesthouses there for only €35 to €45 a night. You can eat at a family-run taverna for under €15.
Finally, do not forget Paphos, Cyprus. It is one of the cheapest places to visit in europe in april with family. I lived there for less than $60 a day. The Tombs of the Kings is a must-see and costs only €2.50. I ate at 7 St. Georges Tavern, where a fresh meal costs about $26 per person. It is truly one of the cheapest places to travel in europe in april.
The Secret Gems of the Balkans
The Balkans are where your money really stretches. Sarandë, Albania is a hidden gem along the Albanian Riviera. It is one of the most affordable beach spots in Europe. Even if you want a little luxury, you can get by on $115 a day. I spent my days swimming at Mango Beach. I recommend the savory burek pastries from local stalls for less than $1.
Additionally, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a city that captured my heart. It is a very cheap place to visit in europe in april. I spent between $45 and $75 a day. I watched local divers jump off the Stari Most bridge, which is a famous tradition. The Old Town is very walkable and filled with cheap cafes.
Belgrade, Serbia is another incredible value. I stayed in a hostel for $12 a night and ate for about $15 a day. The nightlife there is intense, especially at the floating boat clubs on the river. I visited the Belgrade Fortress for free and enjoyed the view.
Montenegro is also a highlight. Budva has golden beaches and a historic Old Town. Local beers cost only £2 to £3. I found that a day of eating and drinking would not cost more than £20. Kotor is equally beautiful. I took a boat tour of the bay for €35. The nature there is comparable to Norway but at a tiny fraction of the price. It is one of the cheapest places to fly in europe in april if you look for deals into Tivat or Podgorica.
Unlocking Eastern Europe on a Dime
Eastern Europe offers serious value for your money. Krakow, Poland is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable cities. I found that I could spend between $30 and $50 a day. Hostels cost around $17 a night. I ate at Milk Bars, which are Communist-era cafeterias that serve huge meals for $5. I walked the Main Market Square, which is the largest medieval square in Europe.
Budapest, Hungary is another great choice. You can still get a hotel room for €45 to €80 in the shoulder season. I loved the thermal baths like Szechenyi, which cost about $28 for a day of relaxation. Ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter are a unique experience where a beer is only $2. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in europe in june as well, but April is even better for avoiding heat.
Prague, Czech Republic is like a fairytale come to life. While it is a bit more expensive than Krakow, it is still 40% to 50% cheaper than Western Europe. I spent about $45 to $65 a day. I walked across Charles Bridge at sunrise to avoid the crowds. I recommend the Prague Beer Tour for about $40 to experience the world’s best beer culture.
Later, I visited Ljubljana, Slovenia. It is known as the greenest city in Europe. I spent about $50 a day there. I took a day trip to Lake Bled, which looks like a postcard. I also visited the Postojna Cave, which is one of the most impressive cave systems in Europe. These are some of the cheap cities to visit in europe in april.
Unique Island and Coastal Breaks
I must mention Valletta, Malta. It is the southernmost capital in Europe and very warm. I spent an average of $63 a day. I visited St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which is a masterpiece of art. I recommend lunch at Nenu the Artisan Baker for a traditional ftira flatbread for about $12.
Sicily, Italy is another winner. I managed to live on less than $70 a day. The temperature is usually 70°F (21°C). I visited the Valley of the Temples for $18. I ate delicious arancini rice balls for just a few euros.
Even Reykjavík, Iceland can be a steal if you plan it right. I found a combined average flight and hotel cost of $859 for a spring trip. In April, the city begins to thaw and geothermal pools like Sundhöllin offer a cheap way to warm up.
On top of that, Djerba, Tunisia is a Mediterranean island that is incredibly cheap. I saw all-inclusive resorts starting at €70 per night. Flights from Europe can be under €100 return. The local food and transport are very inexpensive. It is one of the cheapest places to travel in europe in april if you count the nearby Mediterranean neighbors.
Travel Tips for Saving More Money
I have learned many tricks to keep my costs low. First of all, I use low-cost carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air. I book my flights 6 to 8 weeks ahead to get the best prices. In April, fares can drop to as low as €50 on some routes.
Additionally, I use the train system whenever possible. I found that inter-city trains in countries like France, Italy, and Spain use airline-style pricing. This means that the fares go up as the departure date gets closer. I book my tickets months in advance to save significant money. For example, a train from Prague to Budapest can be as low as €21 if you book on the right website.
I also recommend city cards. I used the Lisboa Card in Portugal to get free transport and access to major sites. In Krakow, a city card for 72 hours costs only $53 and covers 40 attractions. This is a great way to save if you plan to see many things.
Gradually, I started staying in hostels or Airbnbs instead of fancy hotels. Hostels in the Balkans can be as cheap as $10 a night. Airbnbs are great for families because you can cook your own meals to save on food costs. I always eat away from the main tourist squares. If you walk just 10 minutes into a side street, the prices drop by 30% to 50%.
Finally, I always carry a money belt for my cash and passport. I have never had a problem, but it is better to be safe. I also suggest getting an eSIM with a data package so you do not get hit with roaming charges. These small steps make a huge difference over a month of travel.
Why April is the Best Choice
I believe that April offers the best value for your time and money. The cheapest places to travel in europe in april are often the most beautiful. You get to see the flowers bloom and feel the warmth of the sun without the sweat of the summer. The summer months like June can be much more expensive. In fact, cheapest places to travel in europe in june are often 20% to 30% more costly than in April.
I have visited almost 90 countries and I still find myself returning to Europe in the spring. Whether you choose the beaches of Albania, the history of Poland, or the sunshine of Spain, you will find something to love. These cheap countries to visit in europe in april offer a rich experience for a mature traveler.
I recommend starting with one of the cheapest places to fly in europe in april like Budapest or Krakow. From there, you can use the cheap trains and buses to explore the rest of the continent. Europe is calling, and your bank account does not have to be afraid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which European country should I visit in April?
I suggest you visit Spain, Greece, Italy, or Cyprus if you want warmth. These countries offer cities like Seville, Athens, and Paphos where temperatures stay above 68°F (20°C). You will also see fewer crowds and beautiful flowers in bloom during this month.
Which part of Europe is the cheapest to visit?
The Balkans and Eastern Europe are the most affordable regions. Cities like Pristina, Skopje, and Sarajevo offer the best value for your money. You will find that accommodation and food costs there are much lower than in Western Europe.
Where to go for a 3 day trip to Europe?
Prague and Krakow are perfect for a three-day visit because they are very compact and easy to walk. You can see the main highlights of these fairytale cities in a short weekend. Reykjavík, Iceland also makes a great long-weekend escape if you fly from the East Coast of the United States.
What is the cheapest holiday destination in Europe?
Pristina, Kosovo is currently the most affordable city for travelers. It offers a “hat trick” of cheap hotels, food, and transport. Additionally, Krakow, Poland is a top choice for a budget city break with very low daily costs.
Which country is cheaper to visit in April?
Albania is significantly cheaper than its neighbor Montenegro. You will spend about €42 a day in Albania compared to €59 in Montenegro. Poland is also cheaper than the Czech Republic or Hungary for a spring trip.
What is the cheapest time to go to Europe?
The shoulder seasons, which are April to June and September to October, offer the best prices. You will pay about half the price of the high summer season for hotels and tours. While January is the absolute cheapest month, it is often too cold and gloomy for most travelers.
Which country is best for travel in low budget?
Albania offers the best “bang for buck” for anyone on a tight budget. You can enjoy world-class beaches and mountains for a fraction of the cost of Greece or Croatia. Romania is another great choice where your money stretches remarkably far.
Where is still cheap in Europe?
You will still find great value in Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, and Portugal. Slovakia and Romania also remain very affordable for budget explorers. Even Malta becomes a bargain if you visit during the shoulder season.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
Yes, $100 a day is plenty for many parts of Europe. You can live well in Athens for less than that amount. In Eastern Europe, budget travelers often spend as little as $30 to $60 a day.
What are the top 3 tourist destinations in Europe?
Italy, France (Paris), and Greece are the most popular places for travelers to visit. These locations offer famous landmarks and rich history that most people want to see at least once.
How much does a 7 day Europe trip cost?
A mid-range seven-day trip combining two cities like Krakow and Prague costs between $750 and $950 per person. This total includes your hotels, meals, and transport between the cities. Though prices are rising, Central Europe remains the best-value region.
Which country is best for 3 days?
Poland is excellent for a three-day trip, especially if you stay in Krakow. You can enjoy the medieval Old Town and take an essential day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau site. Slovenia is also a great choice for a short break near Lake Bohinj.
Concluding words
April is the perfect time to find the Best Cheap Places To Travel in Europe. You can escape to warm spots like Tenerife and Sicily or explore the history of Krakow and Budapest without the summer crowds.
The Balkans and Eastern Europe offer the lowest prices for your food and hotels. Plus, you will save a lot of money by booking your flights and trains early. Follow these tips to have a wonderful spring adventure that fits your budget.
