These 12 Cheap European Fall Destinations Will Make You Wonder Why You Ever Paid Full Price

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There are several cheap European destinations in the fall. Whether you’re searching for somewhere spooktacular to spend Halloween, magical fall foliage, fewer crowds, or a more affordable vacation, Europe has you covered.

Autumn is an excellent time to visit Europe. The crowds have dissipated, you can find better hotel and flight deals, and the temperatures in some places are still pleasant.

In fact, the only struggle you’ll have is finding somewhere to stay. Luckily, though, we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find a list of 12 of the most affordable European destinations for fall. The places on our list were selected because they offer many things to see and do and an affordable average daily travel cost.

Lisbon, Portugal

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Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit Lisbon, Portugal’s lively capital city. Famed for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and exceptional cuisine, Lisbon offers something for every kind of traveler. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike to the best viewpoints, and foodies can tuck into local delights like pastel de nata.

History buffs can explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, and loved-up couples can enjoy a romantic meal by the waterside. Must-visit attractions include Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Castelo de São Jorge. Better yet, you can expect fewer tourists, more affordable accommodations, and colorful fall foliage. The average daily travel cost for one person is $145.

Zadar, Croatia

Zadar, a picturesque city along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is an excellent place to stay if you want to experience some of Europe’s finest fall foliage for low prices. While this glorious city has much to offer, including an affordable average daily travel cost ($99), one of its biggest draws is its proximity to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Zadar is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from the national park. For those who don’t know, Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, limestone canyons, and verdant cliff faces. In the fall, the park displays mesmerizing emerald waters and a lush landscape with a kaleidoscope of colors. Meanwhile, must-see attractions in Zadar include the Sea Organ, Saint Donatus Church, and the Roman Forum.

San Andrés, Tenerife

If you’re looking for an affordable beach getaway this fall, consider booking a vacation to San Andrés, a charming village on the northeast coast of Tenerife, Spain’s largest Canary Island. Autumn is a great time to visit this scenic coastal village. The crowds have disappeared, the temperature still reaches 79°F (26°C), and you can find many affordable deals.

The average daily travel cost in Tenerife is only $142. You’ll likely spend most of your time in this hillside village soaking up the sun on Playa de Las Teresitas, swimming in the turquoise waters, and hunting down the most impressive viewpoints. Of course, you’ll also spend many evenings sipping wine and eating Greek cuisine at the beachside.

Budapest, Hungary

Instead of chasing the remnants of summer this fall, why don’t you spend it embracing the onset of winter in Budapest, Hungary’s historic capital? The mist that descends on the city and the golden hue of the trees that line the Danube River create a magical atmosphere. The city’s spectacular architecture and rich culture only add to its allure.

When not strolling along the Danube River or admiring the beauty of Chain Bridge and the Hungarian Parliament Building, ride the funicular up Castle Hill and get lost exploring Buda’s Old Town. You don’t want to miss Trinity Square, the Budapest History Museum, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Regarding costs, the daily average travel cost in Budapest is $93.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Best Islands To Visit Skye — © EyesTravelling / Adobe Stock

Outdoor enthusiasts seeking a wild and rugged fall escape should look no further than the Isle of Skye, a breathtaking island connected to Scotland’s northwest coast by the Skye Bridge. The Isle of Skye is comparable to Iceland. It offers tourists endless mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and charming towns to explore.

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However, the Isle of Skye is much more affordable. The average daily travel cost is only $150. That’s almost $60 less than in Iceland. In Skye, you’ll spend most of your time hiking and exploring. Noteworthy points of interest include the Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Pools, the Fairy Glen, and Neist Point Lighthouse. In the fall, you can expect the landscape to display vibrant yellow, red, and orange foliage.

Livorno, Italy

The next affordable European fall destination on our list is Livorno, a gorgeous port city on the west coast of Italy’s iconic Tuscany region. This vibrant city is best known for its colorful harbor, excellent seafood, and Renaissance-era fortifications. However, it’s also on the doorstep of Tuscany’s magnificent landscapes, which look incredible in the fall.

Therefore, you’ll spend time in Livorno exploring the city, eating world-class cuisine, and hiking in Tuscany’s lush scenery. Notable attractions in the city include Terrazza Mascagni, Fortezza Vecchia, Venezia Nuova Quarter, and the Sanctuary of Montenero. Visit Cisternino di Pian di Rota, Area Naturalistica, and Riserva Naturale di Calafuria outside the city. The average daily travel cost in Livorno is $150.

Athens, Greece

If you want to combine ancient history, authentic charm, warm weather, and picturesque scenery this fall, book an autumn trip to Athens, Greece’s historic capital city. In autumn, the city is much quieter, still warm, and colorful. You can snap photographs of the world-famous Acropolis framed by mesmerizing fall foliage.

Better yet, you’ll find more affordable flight deals and accommodation. A single person can easily survive in Athens on $140 daily. The Acropolis of Athens and its ancient ruins are the city’s main highlight, but there is more to see. For example, you don’t want to miss the National Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum, and the Panathenaic Stadium. You can also hike up Mount Lycabettus for epic city views.

Riga, Latvia

Beautiful Places in Europe To Live for Less Than $1,500 Riga — © rh2010 / Adobe Stock

Riga, Latvia’s beautiful capital, is best known for its Art Nouveau architecture and Medieval Old Town. Fall is an excellent time to visit the city for a ton of reasons. First, you’ll find plenty of affordable accommodation options. Second, tourist numbers are particularly low in autumn. Finally, the city’s streets are lined with fall-colored foliage.

We should also mention that Riga’s average daily travel cost is low. You can easily get by on $114 daily. Some of Riga’s best free or inexpensive attractions include Riga Central Market, the Latvian National Museum of Art, the House of the Black Heads, and the Freedom Monument. You’ll also enjoy an autumnal stroll along the Daugava River.

Valencia, Spain

Not only is Valencia one of Spain’s most affordable cities, but it’s also one of Europe’s most beautiful fall destinations. The city’s iconic 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) walkway called Turia Gardens is a fine example of what the city offers in autumn. You can expect vibrant fall foliage, a relaxed atmosphere, and famous Spanish attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts.

As for the daily travel cost, the average person spends approximately $136 daily. For context, that’s almost $40 less than in Barcelona. Other significant points of interest in Valencia include Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Mercat Central de València, Serranos Towers, and Plaça de la Mare de Déu.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities. The city’s average daily travel cost is only $104. This charming city is a beautiful place to visit in the fall. The tall trees that line the streets display a gorgeous golden-orange hue, the crowds are much smaller, and there are many things to see and do.

However, the main draw is the city’s Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find stunning examples of baroque, Gothic, neoclassical architecture and the medieval Gediminas Castle Tower here. When not admiring the breathtaking architecture, explore the quaint shops that line the narrow streets and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Vilnia River.

Kraków, Poland

Kraków is one of the most affordable European destinations for fall. This city in Southern Poland is best known for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, vast squares, and impressive castle. Kraków makes our list for several reasons. For starters, it’s one of Europe’s more budget-friendly cities. According to Budget Your Trip, Kraków’s average daily travel cost is only $67.

Secondly, you’ll never be short of things to do in the city. You’ll find magnificent attractions in every corner of the city, such as Wawel Castle, Rynek Główny, Planty Park, and Sukiennice. Meanwhile, the fall is also one of the best times to visit Kraków because the city’s parks and squares come to life with brightly colored leaves. What’s not to like?

Sibiu, Romania

The final affordable European fall destination on our list is Sibiu, a fascinating city in Transylvania, Central Romania. This gorgeous city is best known for its Germanic architecture, medieval walls, and affordable prices. However, it’s also a fantastic place to experience fall foliage. Three mountain groups belonging to the Carpathian mountains are near the city.

Therefore, you can explore Romania’s picturesque fall landscapes when you’re not visiting the city’s most popular attractions. Must-visit attractions in or around Sibiu include Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park, the 13th-century Council Tower, the Brukenthal National Museum, and the Bridge of Lies. Regarding travel costs, Sibiu is the cheapest place on our list. You can get by on as little as $74 daily.