Sunshine doesn't have to be expensive. Here are 10 European destinations that combine consistently high weekend weather scores with genuinely affordable prices.
1. Alicante, Spain
Alicante is one of Europe's best-value sun destinations. Cheap Ryanair and Wizz Air flights from most European cities, budget hotels from €40/night, and tapas for €2–3 each. Weather scores are consistently 7–9/10 from April through October.
2. Faro, Portugal (Algarve)
The Algarve's airport town is cheaper than Lagos or Albufeira but equally sunny. Use it as a base to explore the coast. Accommodation is significantly cheaper than western Algarve.
3. Thessaloniki, Greece
Greece's second city is often cheaper than Athens with equally good weather. Great food scene (souvlaki, bougatsa), Byzantine history, and beach access 30 minutes away.
4. Catania, Sicily
Budget airlines have made Catania very accessible. Sicily is cheaper than mainland Italy — excellent street food (arancini, granita), stunning baroque architecture, and Mt Etna on the doorstep.
5. Skopje, North Macedonia
One of Europe's most underrated capitals. Quirky mix of Ottoman and 80s neo-classical architecture, very cheap food and accommodation, and good sunshine from May through September.
6. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Europe's oldest inhabited city, with a beautiful old town and a growing food scene. Bulgaria is consistently one of Europe's cheapest countries, and Plovdiv has great summer weather.
7. Split, Croatia
Flights to Split have become very affordable in recent years. Croatia is pricier than it used to be, but Split's old town hostels and apartments are still good value. Beaches and islands within easy reach.
8. Chania, Crete
Crete's western capital is less touristy than Heraklion and arguably more beautiful. Late-season visits (September–October) offer great prices with perfect weather.
9. Timișoara, Romania
Romania's cultural capital and European Capital of Culture 2023. Cheap to fly to, very cheap once you're there, and warm summer sunshine. A hidden gem.
10. Tangier, Morocco (via ferry from Spain)
From Málaga or Algeciras, you can take a ferry to Tangier in 35 minutes. Morocco is significantly cheaper than Europe, sunny year-round, and completely different — great for an adventurous long weekend.
How to Always Find the Best Deal
The trick to cheap sunny weekends is flexibility. Let the weather decide — instead of booking a destination and hoping for sun, use LastMinuteSun to find which destination has the best sunshine this specific weekend, then book.
Last-minute flights and hotels are often cheaper than you think, especially on budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.