The Mediterranean region is popular among travelers who want to explore the spectacular views, historical places, and delicious cuisines. Most people consider it a luxury. But it is not true!
If I say you can now explore the Mediterranean region on a budget? Here’s our list of the top cheapest Mediterranean cities to visit in 2025 that you can explore with your friends and family.
7 Cheapest Mediterranean Cities
1) Valencia, Spain
Valencia is one of the cheapest Mediterranean cities to visit because it blends modern flair with historic charm. From attractions like the pretty Malvarrosa Beach and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the city has an excellent combination of affordable options to satisfy every visitor’s requirements.
One of the most popular tourist spots in Valencia is Turia Gardens which is a vast park over an old riverbed that is free to visit and provides a calm haven. Local restaurants offer very good paella at relatively cheap prices; regional specialties and fresh produce are also available at cheaper prices in the Central Market.
You can find accommodation in Valencia at a reasonable price; most of them are found in the center of the city, so it is easy to find.
In March, you can attend the famous Las Fallas Festival. It is full of free cultural events, parades, and spectacular fireworks displays.
2) Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is Portugal’s capital, an affordable Mediterranean destination for travelers in 2025 with rich culture and beautiful scenery. This city’s yellow trams, which are so iconic, are very charming and economical ways of getting up the steep hills and along the historic neighborhoods.
With a low price, you can visit some attractions, such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and other landmarks, such as Alfama district, for free.
Dishes like hearty bifanas (pork sandwiches) and pastel de nata (custard tarts) are reasonably priced in Lisbon. Large portions of seafood and Portuguese specialties dished up at the local restaurants don’t cost much.
Budget hotels and small hostels are available for accommodation, and they are usually located near key attractions. Add day trips to nearby Sintra or Cascais to your Lisbon holiday for a memorable Mediterranean experience.
Also read: 10 Best Cheap Places to Stay in London on a Budget
3) Seville, Spain
The lovely capital of Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville offers you a rich combination of history, culture, and affordability. When looking for the cheapest Mediterranean cities to visit in 2025, Seville could be a great option while witnessing the iconic Alcázar of Seville and the Seville Cathedral.
Experience Santa Cruz: the narrow streets and old Jewish quarter feel free and delightful in as much as they carry you into the past.
Tapas culture: a treat to the stomach, with foods like jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, and gambas al ajillo.
Flamenco shows are an exciting display of the vibrant culture in Seville. There are places around to enjoy them for free.
From affordable hostel options to small boutique hotels, Seville presents tourists on a budget with a chance to have the best Mediterranean experience.
4) Naples, Italy
Naples is a historic, energetic, and affordable Mediterranean city with great deals for budget travelers. Known as the birthplace of pizza, Naples offers the best food experiences at a very cheap price.
The markets are bustling with fresh seafood and street food like sfogliatella pastries. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site that can be explored for free, wandering the alleys and walking in the historic churches.
For a small fee, visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which preserves one of the world’s greatest collections of Roman artifacts.
Naples is a great city to explore southern Italy on a budget. You can get affordable day trips to places like Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Amalfi Coast. Budget accommodations, from cozy hostels to family-run guesthouses, often lie within walking distance of major landmarks.
5) Budapest, Hungary
Although not a Mediterranean destination, Budapest offers a good alternative for travelers seeking the cheapest Mediterranean city experience.
Divided by the Danube River, this beautiful city has a vibrant culture, historic spas, and architectural marvels at prices unbelievable. Visiting all these landmarks such as Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and St. Stephen’s Basilica, costs little to nothing. Whereas a walk along the Chain Bridge or Danube Promenade offers unbeatable views for free.
Goulash, chimney cakes, and langos are some of the low-cost local dishes that can be found in Budapest.
The accommodation ranges from budget hostels to quaint hotels close to the major attractions. With its unique mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, Budapest is an excellent addition to any affordable Mediterranean location to visit list.
6) Athens, Greece
The heart of historic Greece, Athens, has a fantastic combination of old monuments and low-budget options. For example, the famous Acropolis, a place to be visited, costs only a small entry fee; most museums in the city are free or charge discounted prices on certain days.
The bustling Plaka district is great to wander around in, with its color shops and affordable restaurants serving traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki and moussaka. Exploring Athens on a budget is easy, partly due to the efficient metro system and budget accommodations from hostels to family-run hotels.
Consider the affordable Mediterranean city for your day trip to Cape Sounion for views of the outstanding Temple of Poseidon. With its ancient splendor, Athens offers so much beauty in blending antiquities with modern charm to entice any traveler.
7) Malta, Malta
Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean that offers a cheap Mediterranean experience and treasures history, culture, and natural beauty. One can explore the historic streets of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for free, and there are even many attractions where one would have to pay minimal entrance fees to go inside, e.g. St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
Also read: Packing Smart: 9 Tips for Solo Travel on a Budget
Explore stunning views and crystal-clear waters abound at beaches such as Golden Bay and Blue Lagoon for free. Public buses service the major cities and major attractions around the island with convenient and budget-friendly ways of transportation.
Dining in Malta is a culinary delight for the wallet, having local specialties such as pastizzi and rabbit stew at reasonable prices.
You would find budget accommodations, including hostels and guesthouses, with much ease, often at doorstep distances from the country’s major attractions. Historical monuments, coastal scenery, and affordable Mediterranean getaways combine very well in Malta.
Conclusion
In 2025, vacation in the Mediterranean doesn’t have to be costly. These 7 cheapest Mediterranean cities, each bursting with history, culture, and stunning scenery, offer incredible experiences for budget tourists. From paella in Valencia, ancient streets in Athens, or crystal-clear waters in Malta, there’s something here for everyone. Plan your affordable Mediterranean adventure today and discover the beauty of this iconic region without overspending!
