13 Surprising Places to Travel in Europe in Winter That Are Still Cheap

As with affordable European summer destinations, this post about cheap places to travel in Europe in winter also consists of locations that I visited on my own (and where I am spending a good chunk of time from December to February), so I can vouch for their budget-friendliness. Even this coming season they are going to be quite inexpensive, especially if you make reservations with some time in advance.   

Not all these places are equally cheap (some are more expensive than others) but they still fall within the range of affordable European winter getaways.

What do I consider cheap winter travel in Europe? Well, with nowadays prices and constant inflation, by ‘cheap’ I mean accommodation costing around €40-€50 per night (and very good quality for this price), possibly with breakfast included (or if a flat then with a kitchen), food expenses no more than €30 per day for 2, availability of free or low-cost activities, and where there is no need to spend much on transport.

So I’d say that planning a winter trip to one of the destinations from my list will cost you between €80-€100 per day (or even lower if you stay in hostels), these are all real numbers based on my experience!

But note, this post is not about cheap countries to visit in Europe in winter because none of the countries is fully cheap these days.

Instead, I am highlighting specific regions in different countries (even though some of the countries are considered expensive), so it is better to say this post is about the best cheap places to vacation in Europe rather than just countries. Plus, most of these places are also unique, I bet you didn’t hear about some of them at all!

Cheap Winter Holiday Destinations in Europe – Budget-Friendly Places to Consider

Turkey (Cheap Winter Destination For Any Month)

As someone who lived in Turkey for a few years (and still returns every year to check on my property and travel around), I can say that Turkey to this day is among the cheapest countries for winter travel with soft and relatively sunny winters. Although some people will say that the winter months are fairly cold in Turkey, in my experience they are still much warmer than in most of the countries on the continent.

There can be enough sunny days when it gets warm enough to hang out on the beach and even sunbathe when visiting coastal villages or towns in the west or south.

The water in all seas is already too cold to swim, but the beauty about Turkey lies in the fact that beaches are a great bonus, not the main reason why to travel there. Winter is perfect for budget trips to go sightseeing, visit centuries-old beautiful cities, try delicious Turkish foods, and do some activities that you can have only in Turkey. It is also the quietest time to visit this country.

Winter is also great for having a cheap all-inclusive holiday. Many hotels reduce prices so much that it is cheaper to stay in one of them than to live somewhere. Just some examples to prove that – Sealife Family Resort in Antalya costs around €800 per week for 2 (all-inclusive) right before Christmas or Elite World Hotel in Marmaris for a bit more than €500 for 2 per week. 

And of course Istanbul. There are so many incredible sightseeing spots, places where to eat, and always lots of things to do in this vibrant city. Istanbul neighborhoods have so much that you can stay busy for a long time. And in the winter season, Istanbul can turn into a wonderland.

Below you’ll find some of my guides on winter travel in Turkey:

• Turkey in December – what to expect
• January in Turkey – is it a good month to visit?
• Istanbul in Winter – should you go?
• What Car to Rent For Winter Travel in Turkey – tips & personal recommendations

Montenegro (Where Is Warm & Cheap in December) 

Montenegro is one of the best places in Europe to travel in December on a budget as the weather around the whole country is very nice. January and February are quite cheap but in terms of climate, it can be hit or miss. Rains are frequent along the coast and in central part of the country which can ruin the whole impression but northern part gets snow which is ideal for a winter escape and some skiing.

I lived through the winter in Montenegro (and still spend a good chunk of time in this country every year), and can tell that December together with the last week of February are the best times when to be there in terms of weather. But in terms of prices and expenses, you can come at any time since prices drop in October when the official tourist season is over.

When visiting in December, you have a high chance of doing sightseeing, checking out some of these hidden gems, driving one of Montenegro’s scenic roads, and combining snowy winter activities with soaking up the sun in one of the coastal towns, thanks to the diverse climates and quick travel between different elevations.

My best advice (if you want to have a meaningful cheap winter vacation in Europe) – plan your trip for December and beginning of January since it is then when vacation can be the most diverse.

Dubrovnik in Croatia (Beautiful & Cheap Place to Go For Christmas)

Fairly recently, I discovered a new place for cheap winter breaks in Europe, and that is Dubrovnik – a city of impressive medieval architecture, bright Christmas events, fewer crowds compared to the summer season, and low prices from December to February. 

Compared to Montenegro, Croatia in winter is not the best idea (why exactly so, I tell in this post) but Dubrovnik during this season is a totally different story. It is quiet, very affordable, and interesting (even outside the holiday season).

For a better understanding, you have to read my guide to winters in Dubrovnik to understand what to expect and when to plan a cheap trip there.  

Berlin (Cheap Outside Christmas & New Year)

I have been to Berlin in November and December and last week I booked another trip to return there this coming January because prices are the lowest during this month (together with February) and the number of activities in this city is endless!

Any other season in Berlin as well as Christmas and New Year time are quite expensive but first and second winter months are perfect for budget travel. For the most part – because accommodation prices are the lowest during this time.

Well, okay, do not expect to find a luxurious place for just a few dollars (because sleeping options are rather modest) but if you’re fine with lodging choices like hostels, 2-star Inns, and rooms in someone’s home, then it is very possible to find a place to stay for around €35-€40 per day. Some examples of such accommodations are Central Calm Apartment for (€74 for 2 nights in January) or Hostel Mitte (€45 per person for 2 nights).

And if you are ready to eat street food and buy pre-cooked food in grocery stores, then it will be possible to plan the whole trip for €60-€70 per day (including transport).

Berlin is well connected with many cities in Europe and the US by air travel, so it is possible to fly there without breaking the bank. There is also a wide offer of various free tours (my favorites are Beyond Berlin’s History and Wall & Cold War Special from this company) and some museums have low entrance cost (or free on some days).

Andalusia in Spain (Cheapest in January & February)

I’ve traveled all over Spain during the winter season (as this is where I’m based and travel frequently), and I can confidently say that finding affordable vacation spots in this country from December to February is not a problem.

However, one of the best places where quality meets price is Andalusia where prices drop significantly after the Christmas holidays and where travel is quite pleasant since it is the sunniest place in Europe. I’d say that this region of Spain is the best European destination in January and February for winter sun on a budget.

Malaga (where I spent one of the last winters) is probably the most expensive place, but there are hundreds of other locations worth visiting – Cordoba, Ronda, Granada, Seville cities all have lower accommodation prices compared to any other season. (Examples of such accommodations – Hotel Parraga Siete in Granada, San Clemente Suite in Sevilla, or El Atajo apartment in Ronda.

So you can plan to fly to Malaga to spend there a couple of days, then rent a car in the city center or airport (as car rentals at this time of the year are quite cheap too, even possible to find deals for €50 for the whole week), and drive around to explore the region in full.

Just make sure to book accommodations early as they are booked fast!

Lithuania (Cheap Country to Visit For Snow)

Lithuania is one of the lesser-visited countries in Europe during winter, even though its capital, Vilnius, is well connected by air travel with many countries, making it easy and affordable to get there (it is also among the cheapest places to fly to in December).

I have been to this country on different occasions, including January and February last year on a quick weekend break, and was able to spend €70 per day for 2 (airline tickets excluded) which included food and accommodation in the capital, Kaunas (we stayed in a studio booked in the fall), and Klaipeda which was rainy but even cheaper than that.

Also, in my experience, Vilnius has the lowest price of apartments and small hotels around Christmas time among all capital cities in the Baltic countries. Even more luxurious hotels (like Hotel Vilnia for instance) cost between €70-€80 per night during the week of Christmas.

Lithuania is also a good choice for cheap winter travel for people who like hot springs. They are open all year round, even during the cold winter days. The best places to find them are Druskininkai, Birstonas, and Palanga Spa Towns. Druskininkai Resort Town and Anyksciai are also decent choices where to go to ski.

Timisoara in Romania (Cheap European City for Christmas & More)

Among all the places in Romania to choose from for a winter getaway or vacation, Timisoara is the least expensive one. This is true for any winter month, but especially so for the Christmas season.

It has the lowest prices for accommodation (both apartments and hotels, some examples – Coco Hotel which costs less than €55 in December or City Center View Apartment at the same price), activities, and some products (such as tours, Christmas markets, and even some cafes) that are lower than in Transylvania, Sibiu region, and of course Bucharest.

What is great about Timisoara as a destination for winter travel is that it has its own airport and is connected with some European cities (mainly big ones like London, Brussels, Paris) by direct flights and it is next to the Hungarian border what makes travel by land easy from Budapest too.

So people who want to have a winter city break in Europe by visiting a few cities can go to Vienna or Bratislava (visiting Vienna on a budget is possible too), then go for a couple of days to Budapest and from Budapest hop on a bus to Timisoara. For something shorter, it is easy enough to plan a cheap flight to Timisoara when booking in advance. 

In January and February, Timisoara is just like any other city in Europe that lives its life without much happening around. But for tourists who are visiting, it is possible to explore it on tours, indulge in the culinary scene, visit museums, go ice-skating, and just walk around to get acquainted with this easternmost city of Romania.

However, the most magical season is December when Christmas season with markets is on. Although it is also one of the cheapest New Year destinations in Europe when the city feels special.

Eastern Hungary (Cheapest Place for Hot Springs & Winter Breaks)

Eastern Hungary is my other favorite pick for cheap winter holidays in Europe. It was my very first destination where I started to travel from Ukraine as a teenager for hot spring breaks in winter (because it was always cheap and special at the same time) and what I continue doing until this day (not only because of the cheapness but also because the region is just full of surprises).

Its thermal baths, such as those in Eger, Miskolctapolca, Debrecen, Hajdúszoboszló, and Szeged in the southeast offer a unique and relaxing experience, with their warm waters providing a cozy retreat from the cold weather. Additionally, all these are charming towns with scenic countryside that provide a lovely backdrop for winter exploration.

So imagine this – you come to explore old (lesser-visited) beautiful European cities partially blanketed in snow, where the crisp winter air bites at your cheeks. After some explorations through charming, wintry streets, you go to unwind and soak in thermal waters, followed by a hearty bowl of goulash and a glass of robust red wine. 

And if the weather is on your side, you might even get to see snow-covered rooftops and cobblestone streets.

The best thing about this region – it’s not only a good place where to travel in December, but also the cheapest place to visit in January and February. You can have a very nice budget trip (although expect to pay a bit more during Christmas) and enjoy all the same activities throughout the whole season.

Cyprus (Cheap European Country for a Bit of Winter Sun & Nice Road Trips)

Overall, Cyprus is not considered a really cheap destination. But that changes once winter comes. Holidays in Cyprus are the cheapest in winter, especially if you are making reservations at the last minute.

In the second part of November at the end of the season, prices for rental cars and accommodation drastically fall which allows to go on road trips around the island without spending much.

Yes, you won’t be able to swim in the sea (or maybe you will, the water temperature is around 15 degrees Celcius) but there is so much to do beyond the beach. Go on a scenic hike or walk with panoramic views, rent a car in one of many cities and go on a drive (like the one from Larnaca to Limassol or across the island from Paphos to Paralimni), visit a winery, one of the oldest villages, or spend a day in a spa that Cyprus is famous for.

Also do not forget that Cyprus is divided into two countries and if you go to the Turkish part of the island, your vacation will be even more cheaper. At the same time, you can safely go on excursions to the north but at the end of the day return to the hotel in the southern part. North Cyprus has quite a few chick all-inclusive hotels to stay in.

Check my winter travel in Cyprus post to find out more!

Georgia (All-in-One Winter Destination)

All in one because in Georgia (due to its size) you can enjoy a mix of winter activities, from skiing in the mountains to cool sunny walks along the beach, while also exploring historical sites, wineries and monasteries, all within easy travel distance.

It is a cheap country where to travel in winter but in my experience, the best months to be there are December and January. December for the holiday spirit and New Year time and January for Orthodox Christmas, Epiphany, and Tbilisi’s markets that stay open for almost the whole month.

Also, January is a good time to go on a few excursions around the country, do wine tasting, ski on the road to Kazbegi (in Gudauri) or in Upper Svaneti, or even go on of these road trips. Even though skiing is a more expensive activity, it is still much cheaper than in most places in Europe. 

Among all places, Tbilisi and Batumi are going to be the most pricey destinations but it is still possible to find many flats and hotels under or around €50 per night.

On the coast, between Batumi and Ureki, many accommodation options are even cheaper, plus the temperature is often around +10C degrees (and even higher) during the day which allows to get vitamin D and traverse two coastal regions.

Cities & Mountain Villages of Albania (Best Place to Travel on a Very Tight Budget)

Albania is another best place to visit in winter for an affordable European vacation but do not expect luxury accommodations, bustling Christmas markets, abundant decorations, or the charm of classic European cities.

Instead, you’ll find a more laid-back atmosphere, where the focus is on natural beauty and local experiences rather than high-end amenities and festive extravagance.

Albania in winter is more about road trips, visits to historic towns (like Berat, Gjirokastër, Shkodër for example), slow time in Tirana, or soaking in hot springs in the southeast. It is also great for seeing the coastline (because it’s beautiful, even in winter when the sea is stormy) if you don’t care about swimming (unless you are okay with 15C degrees water).

There are also some ski resorts such as those in Dajti and Voskopoja, but they are quite basic compared to major European ski destinations and lack extensive infrastructure. During the last couple of years, they also stopped having consistent snowfall and these days it becomes less and less predictable. 

But still, Albania is a nice and cheap European winter destination with some treasures. It is also cheap for summer travel but especially cheap in winter. Even a few luxurious hotels that are built around the country offer huge discounts for stays (like Villa Pascucci for example or Imperador Palace).

Belgrade, Zlatibor, Vrnjačka Banja or Vrdnik in Serbia (Cheap Cold Country in the Balkans)

Serbia is another country that makes a list of the cheapest places to travel in Europe. It is not very popular for winter travel (maybe because it is not in the Schengen and traveling there takes more time) but the thing is – it has some secret mountains, ski resorts, and quite awesome hot springs where it is especially pleasant to go in winter (and they are cheap). 

If you like traveling for thermal waters and want to find a cheap place, then consider Vrnjačka Banja (has the hottest of the springs -96˚C) and Vrdnik (at the foot of the southern slope of Fruška Gora, Serbia’s first national park).

Kopaonik Ski Resort and Stara Planina Resort offer affordable skiing and Zlatibor, a mountain town, ski resort, and also a large natural park with beautiful landscapes, caves, frozen waterfalls, and pine forests.

Belgrade in the wintertime is also rather cheap and is an excellent pick for quick winter breaks, but many people may want to avoid it for longer vacations or visit it when traveling in Europe in spring. Because there is not much snow throughout the season and dark gray architecture with a lack of sun can make it look too depressing.

Yet, it is a nice city to explore, where you can hide away in cozy cafes and museums, and take strolls between historic sites and lovely streets. The energy here is always contagious, even in winter, making it a destination where there’s always something happening but prices are still on the lower side.

Mountainous Areas of Ukraine (Cheap Place to Go for Christmas & Skiing in Europe)

I know it is strange to recommend a country for any type of travel when it is at war, but I’ll explain why I put it on this list.

As someone from Ukraine who fled the war and doesn’t want to return until it’s over, I don’t promote travel to conflict areas. However, I can confidently say that western part of Ukraine, where the Carpathian Mountains are, is a peaceful and beautiful place for budget travel, even in winter when ski season is on.

This region is appealing to tourism, as it remains largely unaffected by war. Some Ukrainians vacation in the mountains of Ukraine these days but not many as the majority face challenges – men worry about being drafted and many women find it hard to relax knowing their loved ones are fighting. So the whole resort area stays half empty with many cheap hotels, even though it was one of the best places where to ski on a budget in Europe before the war.

And by the resort area, I mean Slavske, Bukovel, Pylypets, and a couple of other nice winter destinations. You can read more about each of them in my post about skiing in Ukraine but places on this list are not only for skiers but for anyone who loves snowy vacations and has a tight budget.

When visiting them, you can also include a stay in one of these safest cities (the majority are also in the west) to get a feel of what life in Ukraine is like today (in its safe area). Kyiv in winter is also magical but I’d recommend staying away from it 100%.

So if you are looking for cheap winter breaks in Europe that are also cold regions to visit, then choosing the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine can be a good pick. With this trip, you’ll be also able to contribute to the local and national economy and have a meaningful trip on a budget.

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Have you visited any of these countries in winter? I’d love to hear which one was your favorite! If you know of any other affordable winter destinations in Europe, share them in the comments below!

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