It’s not too late to book the summer escape of your dreams. Whether you’ve been waiting on the right moment or just love a spontaneous trip, there’s still time to plan a warm-weather adventure without breaking the bank. Last-minute doesn’t have to mean expensive — especially when you use smart search tools like Travelupo.com to find the best deals on flights and hotels.
This guide spotlights 10 affordable destinations that are wide open for last-minute summer travel in 2025. From scenic European cities to beach escapes and underrated cultural gems, each one promises incredible value, stunning sights, and a smooth booking experience.
Powered by Travelupo — your global travel search engine for cheap flights and curated hotels.
1. Valencia, Spain
Why Go: Often overlooked in favor of Madrid or Barcelona, Valencia delivers golden beaches, futuristic architecture, and mouthwatering paella — all at a lower price point.
What to Do:
- Relax on Playa de la Malvarrosa
- Visit the City of Arts and Sciences
- Sample authentic paella where it was invented
Average Cost:
- Flights from major European hubs: under €100
- Hotels: 3-star options from €65/night
Travelupo Tip: Book cheap flights to Valencia and look for boutique stays near the historic El Carmen district.
2. Porto, Portugal
Why Go: With colorful riverfront facades, wine cellars, and sea breezes, Porto offers all the charm of Lisbon without the high summer prices.
What to Do:
- Cruise the Douro River
- Tour historic port wine lodges
- Climb the Clérigos Tower for panoramic views
Average Cost:
- Flights from Europe: often under €80
- Hotels: Starting at €60/night
Travelupo Tip: Find deals on Porto hotels and book a riverfront room in Ribeira
Articles Recommended:
- 10 Best Luxury Summer Hotels in the World for 2025
- Luxury Pop-Up Experiences in European Hotspots – Summer 2025 Guide
3. Kotor, Montenegro
Why Go: Nestled in a dramatic bay surrounded by mountains, Kotor is one of the most scenic (and affordable) spots on the Adriatic.
What to Do:
- Walk the fortified city walls
- Hike up to San Giovanni Fortress
- Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks island
Average Cost:
- Flights to nearby Tivat or Podgorica: €70–€120
- Boutique hotels: from €50/night
Travelupo Tip: Search Montenegro flight deals and stay within the UNESCO-protected Old Town.
4. Kraków, Poland
Why Go: Kraków is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities — and still one of its most affordable.
What to Do:
- Wander the Old Town and Wawel Castle
- Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau for a powerful historical experience
- Indulge in hearty Polish cuisine (for under €10!)
Average Cost:
- Flights: under €60 from many cities
- Hotels: 4-star options from €55/night
Travelupo Tip: Check deals to Kraków and search for hotels near Rynek Główny.
5. Corfu, Greece
Why Go: This Ionian island combines dramatic green hills, turquoise waters, and centuries of Venetian architecture.
What to Do:
- Lounge at Paleokastritsa Beach
- Explore Corfu Town’s UNESCO-listed core
- Hike through olive groves to mountain villages
Average Cost:
- Flights: from €70–€130
- Hotels: Beachfront stays from €60/night
Travelupo Tip: Book summer deals in Corfu and compare island hotels with beach access.
Articles Recommended:
- Where to Travel in September 2025: 10 Perfect Destinations for Shoulder Season Escapes
- Underrated Island Escapes (That Aren’t in the Brochures)
6. Tirana, Albania
Why Go: Albania’s capital is quirky, affordable, and within reach of stunning Mediterranean beaches.
What to Do:
- Discover Blloku’s cafe culture and nightlife
- Visit the National History Museum
- Take a day trip to the Albanian Riviera
Average Cost:
- Flights: Often €30–€80
- Hotels: From €35/night
Travelupo Tip: Fly to Tirana and look for stays near Skanderbeg Square.
7. Catania, Sicily, Italy
Why Go: Less crowded and more affordable than the Amalfi Coast, Sicily serves up dramatic landscapes, great food, and layered history.
What to Do:
- Climb Mount Etna (or take a cable car)
- Explore the ancient Roman theatre
- Enjoy fresh seafood at the La Pescheria market
Average Cost:
- Flights: Around €60–€110
- Hotels: 3-star rooms from €50
Travelupo Tip: Book Sicily flights now and search accommodations in central Catania for walkability.
8. Paphos, Cyprus
Why Go: Ancient ruins, turquoise beaches, and a surprisingly mild price tag make this island city a top pick for summer sun.
What to Do:
- Visit the Tombs of the Kings
- Relax at Coral Bay
- Snorkel around Aphrodite’s Rock
Average Cost:
- Flights: From €80–€140
- Hotels: From €55/night
Travelupo Tip: Search Cyprus deals and stay near the beach promenade.
Articles Recommended:
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9. Belgrade, Serbia
Why Go: A dynamic, gritty city with booming nightlife and riverside bars, Belgrade is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals.
What to Do:
- Watch the sunset from Kalemegdan Fortress
- Cruise the Danube or Sava River
- Party on a floating river club (splavovi)
Average Cost:
- Flights: From €40–€90
- Hotels: From €45/night
Travelupo Tip: Find Belgrade flights and stay in the pedestrian Knez Mihailova area.
10. Braga, Portugal
Why Go: Less touristy than Porto but equally beautiful, Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities — and full of charm.
What to Do:
- Visit the Bom Jesus do Monte staircase
- Explore the city’s lively café scene
- Day trip to the Peneda-Gerês National Park
Average Cost:
- Flights to Porto + train to Braga
- Hotels: From €50/night
Travelupo Tip: Fly to Porto and take a scenic rail ride to Braga.
Why Last-Minute Travel Is on the Rise
In a post-pandemic world, travelers have become more spontaneous, and last-minute bookings have surged. Airlines and hotels are responding with dynamic pricing models, making flexible bookings more accessible than ever. Thanks to tools like Travelupo, travelers can take advantage of late-season price drops without sacrificing comfort or quality. With fewer people planning months ahead, spontaneous adventurers are winning big.
Travel Without the Crowds
One of the hidden advantages of booking last-minute is the potential to sidestep peak tourist crowds. By targeting shoulder-season destinations or traveling just outside of school holidays, you can enjoy major attractions without standing in hour-long lines. Whether it’s a nearly empty beach in Corfu or a quiet historic district in Kraków, traveling slightly off-rhythm can dramatically enhance your experience.
Articles Recommended:
- 10 Best Cities for First-Time Solo Travelers in 2025
- Best Affordable Beach Towns in Europe for Summer 2025
Sustainable Spontaneity
Spontaneous travel doesn’t have to mean irresponsible travel. In fact, last-minute travelers often tread more lightly — staying in locally owned accommodations, flying into smaller airports, and supporting regional economies. By using comparison platforms like Travelupo, you can also filter by eco-conscious hotels and select low-emission flight options, allowing your wanderlust to leave a positive footprint.
🧳 Tips for Booking Last-Minute Summer Travel
- Be flexible with dates: Even shifting by 1–2 days can save €100+ on airfare.
- Fly mid-week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheaper.
- Use Travelupo’s filters: Quickly compare dozens of booking platforms in one search.
- Avoid baggage fees: Pack light and check the airline’s carry-on policies.
- Set up alerts: Let Travelupo notify you when prices drop.
🌞 It’s Not Too Late to Travel Smart This Summer
Don’t let the calendar trick you — there’s still time to find affordable escapes across Europe and beyond. With Travelupo, last-minute doesn’t mean last-resort. You can score flights, hotels, and curated travel experiences without spending a fortune.
Whether you’re craving a beach, a castle, or a café-lined plaza, these destinations deliver sunshine, scenery, and value — fast.
👉 Start your last-minute summer search today at Travelupo.com
