If you dream of turquoise seas, quiet beaches, and fresh seafood without emptying your wallet, then discovering the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe might be the smartest travel decision you make this year.
Islands are often linked with high-end resorts and pricey cocktails, yet scattered across the continent are places where ferries are cheap, family-run guesthouses welcome you for €30 a night, and dinners cost no more than €10.
While glossy magazines rave about Santorini sunsets or Ibiza nightlife, seasoned backpackers and long-term wanderers whisper about quieter gems: sleepy harbors in Greece, volcanic ridges in the Azores, and pine forests along Croatia’s coast. These are the islands where time slows down — and so does the rate at which money slips from your wallet.
Here’s our pick of the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe—revealed as journeys to savor, not just names on a list.
Table of Contents
What Makes an Island “Cheap”
Before diving into the list, some criteria:
- Affordable accommodation (hostels, budget guesthouses)
- Cheap or moderate food & drink costs
- Affordable transport (ferries, local buses rather than expensive flights)
- Free or low-cost natural or cultural attractions
- Lower costs in shoulder or off-season
1. Naxos, Greece – More than a Cheaper Santorini
The ferry slips into Naxos harbor with the grandeur of the Cycladic islands all around: whitewashed houses, the crumbling Portara arch from 530 BC, and fishermen pulling in nets. Unlike Santorini or Mykonos, Naxos hasn’t been consumed by mass tourism. A budget traveler can find a guesthouse for under €40 a night, eat stuffed tomatoes or grilled fish in a taverna for €12, and rent a scooter to explore mountain villages for €15 a day.
What sets Naxos apart, and why it belongs on the list of the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe, is its scale. It’s the largest island in the Cyclades, with fertile valleys producing their own cheeses, wines, and potatoes. You don’t need to import luxury here—the island grows its own abundance, and visitors benefit from local prices.
2. Korčula, Croatia – Adriatic Charm Without the Crowds
Sitting on a terrace in Korčula town, you could swear you were in a miniature Dubrovnik, with medieval walls and red rooftops tumbling into the sea. But look at the bill: two seafood pastas and local wine, under €25. That’s when you realize why Korčula has become a favorite among budget-conscious travelers.
The island avoids the cruise ship chaos of Dubrovnik and the party pricing of Hvar. Ferries from Split or Dubrovnik are cheap, and once there, you can cycle through vineyards, swim in hidden coves, or sip grk, the island’s white wine, for a fraction of what you’d pay on the mainland.
In conversations with Croatian locals, many emphasize that Korčula’s economy still leans on agriculture and small-scale tourism. That balance helps it maintain a spot among the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe.
3. São Jorge, Azores, Portugal – A Volcanic Bargain
The Azores are one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, and São Jorge might be their most budget-friendly outpost. Fly in from Lisbon (tickets often under €60 if booked early), and suddenly you’re standing on an island of dramatic cliffs and volcanic “fajãs,” flat coastal areas formed by lava flows.
São Jorge is not a place of five-star resorts. Instead, you’ll find rural lodgings and family-owned B&Bs charging €30–50 a night. Food is hearty and local: try the famous São Jorge cheese, fresh tuna steaks, and limpets grilled on the spot. Hiking trails wind along the cliffs and through hydrangea-lined paths—all free.
4. Thassos, Greece – The Pine-Scented Gem
While islands like Rhodes and Crete fill up with charter flights, Thassos remains under the radar. Reached by a short ferry from the northern Greek mainland, it feels more like a secret escape than a tourist hotspot.
The air smells of pine and honey, both products of the island. Prices mirror that simplicity: guesthouses in small villages go for €25–35, and meals of grilled souvlaki or fried calamari can be found for under €10. Beaches are free, and many lie framed by green hills.
Travelers who stumble upon Thassos often rave that it feels like Greece 30 years ago—a crucial reason it lands among the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe.
5. Gozo, Malta – Slower, Cheaper, Greener
A short ferry from Malta brings you to Gozo, an island that locals often describe as “what Malta used to be.” Green valleys stretch between limestone villages, and the atmosphere is laid-back. For budget travelers, Gozo is kinder to the wallet: small B&Bs from €30, traditional ftira bread and rabbit stew for €12, buses covering the island for a few euros.
Unlike Malta’s main island, Gozo hasn’t been fully overtaken by package tourism. This allows it to shine as one of the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe, combining affordability with authentic culture.
6. La Graciosa, Spain – Barefoot in the Canaries
La Graciosa has no paved roads, and you’ll feel that simplicity the moment you step off the ferry from Lanzarote. Life moves slowly, barefoot on sandy paths. You can camp or rent simple apartments for €30–40 a night, eat freshly caught fish in tiny restaurants for under €15, and spend your days hiking or cycling to untouched beaches.
Because of its stripped-back lifestyle, La Graciosa naturally belongs to the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe—minimal infrastructure, minimal costs, maximum beauty.
7. Vis, Croatia – A Remote Escape
Vis was a military base until 1989, closed to foreigners. That late start in tourism means it has fewer resorts and more authentic guesthouses. Ferries from Split bring you here for €8–10, and once on the island, a night in a family-run pension costs €25–40.
Meals are simple but fresh—octopus salad, grilled sardines, homemade rakija. Beaches like Stiniva, framed by cliffs, are free to visit. In interviews with travelers, Vis is often described as “what Hvar was before the party boats.”
8. Ischia, Italy – Thermal Springs without the Price Tag
Ischia sits in the Bay of Naples, often overshadowed by glamorous Capri. Yet Ischia offers natural hot springs, gardens, and charming villages at half the cost. Ferries from Naples are cheap, and accommodation in family-run pensions can be found for €40–60.
Soaking in thermal waters is either free (many springs are public) or costs just a few euros. Meals—pizza, pasta, local seafood—rarely top €15 in casual trattorias. For budget-conscious Italians, Ischia has long been a getaway, which secures its spot in the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe.
9. Mljet, Croatia – National Park Paradise
Mljet is a quiet island covered in pine forests and dotted with saltwater lakes. Its national park entry fee is €20, but beyond that, most activities—swimming, cycling, hiking—are free. Rooms in local houses go for €25–40, and meals of pasta or grilled fish average €10–12.
The island’s tranquility and low-key tourism make Mljet a strong contender among the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe.
10. Samothraki, Greece – The Wild Outlier
Far from the Aegean tourist trail, Samothraki feels almost untouched. Known for waterfalls and rugged landscapes, it attracts adventurous travelers rather than luxury seekers. Guesthouses and hostels start at €20, meals at €8–10, and much of the island’s draw—hiking to waterfalls, swimming in natural pools—is free.
It’s not for everyone; transport connections are limited, nightlife is minimal. But for those who want wild beauty on a budget, Samothraki belongs firmly in the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe.
Direct Ferries
Routes, Schedules, Prices
Ferries in Europe
In an age where travel often feels commodified, these ten islands prove that paradise doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. Whether it’s sipping wine in a Croatian vineyard, hiking volcanic cliffs in the Azores, or eating grilled sardines on a Greek beach, the top 10 cheapest islands for travel in Europe invite travelers to slow down, spend less, and experience more.