7 Most Expensive Vacation Destinations In Europe (& Cheaper Alternatives) (2024)

Most of us love to kick back and get some luxury treatment when we're on holiday, especially in a popular vacation spot like Europe, famed for its stunning summer beach towns and historic medieval cities.

As the cost of living continues to rise worldwide, and stress levels are skyrocketing to match it, many people are eager to get away from it all for a while so they can relax and be fussed over. While Europe remains one of the most popular vacation destinations among Americans, it's not always within reach for those with less cash to spare, given that it's not exactly one of the world's most affordable places to visit.

Fortunately, there are many lower-cost destinations that are just as gorgeous as the mega-metropolises and five-star resorts that the rich and famous frequent in Europe. Discover some of Europe's most expensive vacation destinations and cheaper alternatives to each, proving that you can enjoy an affordable European trip without spending your life savings.

7 Marbella, Spain

This exquisite escape in Andalusia has drawn Hollywood royalty for over 75 years

This stunning resort town is the most expensive spot on the Costa del Sol (the Sun Coast) and has attracted elites from around the world since the early 1900s. Although tourism in Spain took a dive during the Spanish Civil War, it exploded into action in the Hollywood Heyday of the 1950s and hasn't stopped since.

Marbella is known for its exquisitely luxurious hotel accommodations, breathtaking views, multi-star Michelin restaurants, and some of the best historical attractions in Spain. In addition to famous actors and musicians, heads of state and various royal family members have been known to make Marbella their preferred holiday destination.

As you might imagine, the price tag for spending time in Marbella is more in line with an A-lister's income than that of the average person. Between flight costs, expensive hotel rooms and suites, and dining, you can expect to spend several thousand dollars for a one-week stay here.

Cheaper Alternative: Algarve, Portugal

Chapel "Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Rocha", Algarve, Portugal

Just a few hours northwest of Marbella lies the beautiful region of Faro, Portugal, where the lovely resort town of Algarve (which is even cheaper in winter) is situated.

Although it has been an important trade hub since the Roman era, it's best known as a stunning tourist spot. With its gorgeous views, perfect climate, and abundant seafood and locally grown produce, it's a perfect, affordable alternative to Marbella for the budget-savvy traveler.

In contrast to the exorbitant prices you'll find in Marbella, the Algarve is delightfully affordable. You'll get the same stunning views, lovely accommodations, and tantalizing food, all for less than you'd spend on a single day just down the coast in Spain.

6 Cavtat, Croatia

A stunning vacation destination on the Adriatic sea

The turquoise water near Cavtat, Croatia

Located in the Konavle region — sometimes referred to as the Balkan version of Tuscany — Cavtat is renowned for luxury and is among the best destinations in Croatia for well-off travelers from around the world.

With its mountain views, turquoise waters, lush palm trees, and magnificent dining options, it's no surprise that people flock to this destination for some much-needed pampering. It's also highly prized as a honeymoon getaway, as it's a quiet, peaceful area that's far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Its popularity is one of the reasons why it's incredibly expensive to visit. Additionally, it's full of Michelin restaurants and yacht clubs, which cater more to the affluent than the average Joe.

Cheaper Alternative: St. Paul’s Bay, Malta

St. Paul's Bay (San Pawl il-Baħar), Malta

This gorgeous Mediterranean archipelago has similarly beautiful turquoise water, palm trees, boat tours, some of Malta's top historic sites, and blissful relaxation options, all at a fraction of Cavtat’s prices. St. Paul's Bay (San Pawl il-Baħar in Maltese) doesn't get nearly enough attention, but it's a must-see location for scuba divers and history buffs alike.

When you've finished exploring Malta's 4,000-year-old megalithic temples and visiting one of the most gorgeous cathedrals in Europe, stop by the harbor for exquisite seafood and live music performances.

5 Zermatt, Switzerland

A postcard-perfect little town tucked into the Swiss Alps

Zermatt is a picturesque, car-free mountain village in the German-speaking region of the Swiss Alps. It's an ideal spot for avid skiers and hikers, and many famous folks flock to this village in the hope of climbing the nearby Matterhorn mountain.

Many of the town's A-lister visitors stay at the Chalet Zermatt Peak, which is one of the most luxurious destinations that the rich and famous visit in Europe. It's so lush that a single week's stay can cost between $60k and $150k, depending on the season and the package purchased.

There are significantly more affordable hotels nearby, of course, but even the cheapest ones can set a person back several thousand dollars for a week's stay. These costs are all well and good if one has a bottomless trust fund to tap into, but skiers with more modest budgets can be discouraged by the steep costs of visiting this place.

Cheaper Alternative: Bansko, Bulgaria

Bulgarian ski resort, Bansko, Bulgaria

If your goal is to enjoy outdoor winter sports in an equally picturesque location that won't put you into life-long debt, then Bansko is an ideal alternative to Zermatt. Located in Bulgaria's Pirin mountains, Bansko is a must-see destination for avid skiers.

Many locals have competed in World Cup Alpine Ski races, as well as Olympic ski events, and there are also plenty of local cultural sites and museums to visit in between ski outings.

Bansko is known for its warm hospitality and great food, and the village never gets so crowded with tourists as to feel uncomfortable. Additionally, if you aren't big on skiing but would still love to spend time in the mountains, Bankso also hosts the annual Digital Nomad Fest, where remote workers (and avid travelers) can get together to make connections with other nomads while enjoying all the beauty the area has to offer.

4 Côte d'Azur, France

The jewel of the French Riviera

View of the coast at the Côte d'Azur, French Riviera

Located along the gorgeous French Riviera, home to many beautiful towns, the "azure coast" in France truly lives up to its name. The hilly landscape overlooks almost impossibly blue waters, where the elite have been swimming and sailing for decades.

This is the place to be if you have a large bank account, love fine French cuisine, independent films, and some of the most luxurious accommodations that France has to offer. It's not unusual to see celebrities driving vintage sports cars around the area, or strolling around the immaculate cultivated gardens nearby.

Cheaper Alternative: Insel Mainau, Germany

Insel Mainau (Mainau Island) on Germany's Lake Constance (Bodensee).

Insel Mainau (Mainau island) is a little-known gem tucked into the woods near Lake Constance/Konstanz (Bodensee), Germany. Most people have never even heard of it, let alone visited it, making it a wonderful place to get away for a few days of affordable luxury.

This is a nature-lover's dream, as it's resplendent with gardens full of rare species from around the world, and is blissfully free from the larger crowds you'd find in Nice. Best of all, even though it has surprisingly warm weather for its location, the weather on Insel Mainau remains quite temperate year-round.

3 Mykonos, Greece

Turquoise water and gleaming white buildings grace this ancient holiday destination

Mykonos is a true island paradise to spend a weekend in (or even a longer couple-of-weeks-long retreat for those with more funds), resplendent with incredibly beautiful beaches, aquamarine water, and some of the best food you'll ever taste.

It's also a must-see location for those who love history and mythology: it's home to a vibrant archeological museum and has ancient Greek temple ruins for tourists to explore.

In terms of accommodations, the hotels and apartments that can be rented here are nothing short of lush, especially if they're west-facing for magnificent sunset views. Depending on where you stay and which attractions you choose to partake in, Mykonos can cost upwards of $500 USD per day.

Cheaper Alternative: Fethiye, Turkey

Fethiye, Turkey

The average person might have difficulty discerning Fethiye from Mykonos at a glance. With its astonishingly blue water, beautiful beaches, and bright white buildings, it looks more like an extension of Greece than Turkey, despite being 500km away.

That shouldn't be surprising, however, as Fethiye stands on the site of the ancient Greek city of Telmessos, and there has been significant cultural overlap (including architectural and art styles) between the two countries for millennia.

Just like in Mykonos, you'll find gorgeous, swimmable (and explorable) blue waves, relaxing beaches, and tantalizing dishes. As far as cost comparisons go, the average daily cost to stay in and around Fethiye is around $109 USD per person, versus the $500 you'd expect to spend daily on Mykonos.

2 Blue Lagoon Spa, Iceland

Luxurious geothermal waters for affluent travelers

Woman with closed eyes relaxes and enjoys of spa in hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland

People from around the world flock to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland to bask in its warm, stunning waters. This lagoon is one of the current 25 wonders of the world and is the result of water accumulation in the lava field next to the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, which began to form large pools in the 1970s.

The water has high concentrations of minerals, silica, and algae, which seem to have therapeutic effects on people's skin. Cost-wise, though, this luxurious spa destination is fit for those with deep pockets.

Cheaper Alternative: Loka Brunn, Sweden

If you're aiming for a luxury spa experience in Northern Europe that's a fraction of the price, try Loka Brunn in Sweden instead. It's a picturesque village between the Södra Loken and Norra Loken lakes and offers gorgeous accommodations at significantly less cost than... well, anything in Iceland.

This has been a pilgrimage site for health enthusiasts for several centuries, as visitors from various countries ventured there to bask in its healing waters. The Loka Brunn spa has therapeutic hot and cool pools with stunning mountain views and a spectacular menu for guests to enjoy.

1 Monaco

A small city-state with breathtaking views

An aerial view of The Rock of Monaco

After the Vatican, Monaco is the smallest city-state in the entire world. That said, good things come in small packages, and Monaco is one of the most beautiful locations in Europe. It's located on the French Riviera, just west of Liguria, Italy, and was a popular Phoenician port around the 6th century BCE.

Today, it's one of the sunniest spots on the planet, and its inhabitants have some of the longest life expectancy and highest quality of life anywhere on Earth.

Of course, this good health and great weather comes at a high cost. Property is twice as expensive here as it is in New York City, and its hotels and resorts tend to cater to those whose annual income is in the six-digit realm.

Cheaper Alternative: Montenegro

Montenegro is a stunningly beautiful country on the Adriatic sea.

With its Mediterranean climate, stunning Adriatic coastline, and UNESCO heritage buildings, Montenegro is a more affordable alternative to Monaco's majesty. You'll still be able to bask in the warm sunshine, feast on delicious local fare, and explore exquisitely beautiful architecture, but you won't have to sell any internal organs in order to do so.

You'll have fun exploring the islands and ancient structures here, with significantly less tourist traffic than you'll find in Monaco. Montenegro also has tons of budget-friendly things to do and see, perfect for travelers with fewer funds. Additionally, if you're keen on gambling, Montenegro also has some casinos that rival Monaco's in terms of elegance and overall fun.