Cheapest European Holidays 2026: 5 Destinations from Riga with Prices

At the beginning of every year, thousands of travelers from Latvia ask the same question: where to find the cheapest holidays in Europe? The 2026 tourist season offers excellent opportunities for those who want to enjoy quality seaside holidays without overstretching the family budget. Direct charter flights from Riga allow easy access to popular resorts, and early booking guarantees the lowest prices. In this detailed guide, we will look at the five most affordable destinations, analyzing costs, weather, flight times, and who each resort is best suited for.

Why choose a budget holiday in 2026?

Travel habits are changing. People increasingly value the "All Inclusive" concept, which allows them to plan expenses precisely. By choosing budget-friendly travel destinations, you do not sacrifice quality, but rather take advantage of countries' economic benefits and efficient tourism infrastructure. For instance, Bulgaria and Turkey historically offer lower hotel rates than Western European nations. Our analysis shows that with early planning, a week-long getaway starting from €199 per person is totally achievable.

1. Bulgaria – Europe's Cheapest Resort (from €199)

Bulgaria undoubtedly maintains its leading position as the cheapest summer destination in Europe. Sunny Beach and Golden Sands offer wide sandy beaches, ideal for families with small children. The Black Sea water warms up to +26°C in summer.

Price level: A week's holiday with breakfast in a 3-star hotel often starts from €199 in the spring and autumn months. During peak season (July and August), expect about €350-€450 for a good "all-inclusive" hotel. Local prices in restaurants and shops are still 20-30% lower than in Latvia, meaning even without an All-Inclusive package, spending money is minimal.

2. Egypt – Hot Sun All Year Round (from €319)

Although Egypt is geographically in Africa, for Latvian travelers it has become an essential "European-style" budget holiday destination, especially during the winter and spring seasons. The Red Sea is a paradise for divers and snorkelers with gorgeous coral reefs right by the hotel beaches.

Price level: Due to the large number of hotels in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, competition is huge, driving prices down. "All-inclusive" deals start from €319 per person. It is recommended to choose 4 or 5-star hotels, as Egypt's star system may differ from European standards. The most profitable time to travel is November and March.

3. Turkey – The Queen of "All Inclusive" (from €350)

Turkey offers unbeatable value for money, especially for families. The Antalya region, Alanya, Kemer – these names guarantee high-level service, entertainment for children, water parks, and abundant buffet tables.

Price level: During early booking promotions, prices start from €350 for a week in a 4-star "all-inclusive" hotel in May or October. Turkey's biggest advantage is that you hardly need to spend money on-site – everything is already paid for. The 3.5-hour flight duration is also highly optimal.

4. Greece – Islands, History, and Romance (from €399)

If you want to combine beach relaxation with exploring history, Greece (especially the islands of Crete and Rhodes) is an excellent choice. Greek nature is breathtaking, and the local cuisine is unforgettable.

Price level: Greece is slightly more expensive than Bulgaria or Turkey, starting from €399 for a week, often with just breakfast or half-board. However, spring (May) and autumn (September, October) offers are highly attractive. Renting apartments and visiting local tavernas fits perfectly here.

5. Spain – Cosmopolitan Relaxation (from €449)

Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, or even the Canary Islands – Spain offers high-class European service. This is a great destination for those who enjoy active nightlife, excursions to Barcelona, or simply the atmosphere of a Spanish fiesta.

Price level: The most expensive of our "budget five", prices start from €449. The flight from Riga takes about 4.5 hours. By choosing early spring or late autumn flights to the Canary Islands (Tenerife), you can secure a truly fantastic deal for a warm holiday.

Destination Comparison Table for 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which month has the cheapest holidays?

The lowest prices are usually found in the "off-season" or "shoulder" months. For European resorts (Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece), these are May and October. The weather is pleasantly warm (22-26°C), but tourist crowds are smaller, and hotels significantly drop their rates.

2. What is included in the starting price (e.g., €199)?

The starting price (from €199 to Bulgaria) typically includes direct round-trip flights from Riga, 7 nights in a budget-class hotel (2-3 stars), airport transfers, and hand luggage. Meals may not be included, or it may only be bed & breakfast.

3. Is it worth waiting for Last Minute deals?

Last-minute deals can be highly profitable for couples without children who have flexible schedules. However, for families, early booking in winter is highly recommended, as the best rooms in popular All-Inclusive hotels sell out by January.

4. Which country is best for families with small children?

Turkey and Bulgaria are the absolute leaders. In Turkey, the large hotel infrastructure is perfectly tailored for kids (animators, kids' clubs, pools with slides). Bulgaria's advantage is the very short flight (1.5h) and flat sandy beaches.

5. Is Turkey warm enough in May?

Yes, in May on the Turkish Mediterranean coast (Antalya, Alanya), daytime temperatures consistently exceed +25°C. The sea water is around +20°C to +22°C. It is an ideal time for those who cannot tolerate summer heat but want a comfortable vacation.

6. Which Greek island to choose for a budget trip?

Crete and Rhodes offer the widest selection of budget accommodations and the highest number of direct flights. Crete is larger and offers more excursions, while Rhodes attracts with beautiful old towns and charming beaches on both coasts.

7. Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes, popular tourist resorts (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) are heavily guarded and completely safe for European holidaymakers. Hotel territories are fenced, and flights/transfers have strict security controls. We advise avoiding independent trips deep into the desert.

8. Can I change a passenger's name after booking?

It depends on the tour operator's rules. In most cases, name changes are permitted for an additional fee (usually €30 to €50), provided they are made in advance (at least 7-14 days prior to flight). Contact Beltravel.lv agents to clarify.