A guide to Europe: Cheap but unique cities

I’ve researched, looking at live prices, tourism levels, social media coverage, photos and my own knowledge from thousands of local experts, to uncover 6 options for you.

Santa Margherita, Italy (Secret beach city 🏖️)

Santa Margherita Ligure is a small, pretty-looking seaside town on the Ligurian Riviera, between Rapallo and Portofino.

• Price: Affordable to moderate
• Population: 8,000–9,000 residents.
• Safe and walkable
• Highlights:
  • It has elegant Belle Époque hotels,
  • a lively harbor,
  • and older quarters like Corte and San Siro that feel more traditional and residential.

Why to go: Lovely beaches, excellent seafood (notably red shrimp), good hiking into Portofino Park, and easy boat and train links. This is a hidden secret of Italy.

Annecy, France (Fairy-tale river city 🌷)

Annecy is a beautiful lakeside city in southeastern France, near the Swiss border, known for its turquoise lake, canals, and dramatic Alpine surroundings.

• Price: Affordable to Moderate
• Population: 130,000+ residents in the wider urban area.
• Safe and walkable
• Highlights:
  • It has a charming medieval Old Town,
  • canals running through the historic centre,
  • and Lake Annecy surrounded by mountains, beaches, and cycling paths.

Why to go: Stunning Alpine scenery, crystal-clear lake waters, excellent food, and an atmosphere that feels far more luxurious than its price tag. It offers a taste of the French Alps without the extreme prices of places like Chamonix. One of France's most beautiful hidden gems.

Matera, Italy (Unique old city 🏛️)

Matera is a unique ancient city in southern Italy, famous for its remarkable cave dwellings carved into the rock and its dramatic landscape. Feels like you’re in a James Bond scene.

• Price: Affordable to moderate
• Population: Around 60,000 residents.
• Safe and walkable
• Highlights:
  • The ancient Sassi districts carved directly into the cliffs,
  • centuries-old stone churches and cave homes,
  • and spectacular viewpoints across the surrounding ravine.

Why to go: One of the most unusual cities in Europe, with an almost otherworldly atmosphere and plenty of affordable accommodation and food. It feels like stepping into another era while still offering a lively modern restaurant and cultural scene. A truly unique Italian experience without the prices of Rome, Florence, or Venice.

Valletta, Malta (Capital City 🏛️)

Valletta is Malta's compact and historic capital, built on a peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean and surrounded by dramatic harbours.

• Price: Moderate
• Population: Around 6,000 residents in the city itself.
• Safe and highly walkable
• Highlights:
  • Golden limestone Baroque architecture,
  • narrow streets filled with balconies and cafés,
  • and spectacular views over the Grand Harbour.

Why to go: An incredibly dense concentration of history, architecture, and Mediterranean atmosphere in a tiny, walkable city. Malta's relatively affordable accommodation, food, and transport make it possible to experience a distinctive island destination without the costs of more exclusive Mediterranean hotspots. A small capital with an enormous amount of character.

Ksamil, Albania (City by the beach 🏖️)

Ksamil is a small seaside town on the Albanian Riviera, famous for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and nearby uninhabited islands.

• Price: Affordable
• Population: Around 3,000–4,000 residents.
• Safe and easy to explore
• Highlights:
  • Crystal-clear turquoise beaches,
  • small islands just offshore that can be reached by boat,
  • and the nearby ancient ruins of Butrint.

Why to go: One of Europe's most exotic-looking beach destinations at a fraction of the price of places like the French Riviera or the Greek islands. The combination of Caribbean-like water, Mediterranean food, and low costs makes Ksamil a great option for an unusual summer destination on a budget. A budget alternative to Europe's more famous beach paradises.

Naxos, Greece (Affordable Alternative to Mykonos 🧿)

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands, combining beautiful beaches and traditional Greek villages with a more relaxed and affordable atmosphere than its famous neighbours.

• Price: Affordable to moderate
• Population: Around 18,000 residents on the island.
• Safe and easy to explore
• Highlights:
  • The iconic Portara monument overlooking the Aegean,
  • long sandy beaches and crystal-clear water,
  • and traditional mountain villages surrounded by olive groves and farmland.

Why to go: You get much of the beauty and charm of the Greek islands without the extreme prices and crowds of Santorini or Mykonos. Excellent local food, affordable accommodation, and a wide variety of landscapes make it one of the best-value islands in the Aegean. A more authentic and affordable alternative to Greece's celebrity islands.