8 Budget European Holidays in July that Won't Break the Bank

There’s something special about July. A heady feeling of optimism and anticipation fills the air. The mood is one of long, balmy evenings at pavement cafés. Coffee in the warm early morning sun. Indulgent ice creams in the shade of a striped parasol. Peak season often means peak prices – but with a little bit of planning, there's a solution. Check out these eight affordable summer holidays to say hello to summer in style with the family, friends or on a solo adventure.

For some people, you can't have a proper summer holiday without the sea. These destinations for cheap holidays in July will keep the whole family happy.

When it comes to sunshine, you can’t go wrong with the South of France. Canet-en-Roussillon is a little seaside town near Perpignan. Never heard of it? That’s a good thing – neither have the throngs of tourists that flock to the big-name resorts. Grand Large beach is a huge stretch of golden sand that practically demands total relaxation, while the beachfront promenade is perfect for morning jogs and afternoon strolls. And if you fancy a change from contemplating the horizon, switch it up with a trip to the Canet-Saint-Nazaire Lagoon – it’s quieter, cooler and ideal for gentle lakeside walks.
 

July is all about night markets and street performances. The ibis Styles Perpignan Canet-en-Roussillon hotel makes the perfect base for an affordable holiday in July, with free parking, an outdoor pool and a gym. And if you want to explore the region, you can be in Perpignan in just 10 minutes.

Go further south to Spain to bag bargain holidays in July. Santander on the northwest coast pulses with water sports and city living, with beaches at El Sardinero featuring wide stretches of golden sand that are easy to access and close to the town. Take a coastal walk around Santander Bay, or cross the Magdalena peninsula on a sunny day.

The ibis Styles Santander hotel has family rooms, a 24-hour snack bar and a central location that makes getting out and about a breeze.

Are you more of a fresh-air-and-sweeping-ascents kind of holidaymaker? Get a full-on nature fix at these mountain destinations that deliver on bargain holidays in July.

Everyone knows the French Alps. The Jura mountains? Not so much. Book into the ibis budget Lons le Saunier hotel in Eastern France and fill up on mountain air. This budget-friendly hotel oozes nature with views of the great outdoors, and has hills and lakes on the doorstep. And it’s easy to get to, just off the A39 autoroute. It’s also close to the centre of Lons-le-Saunier, a little town with a big reputation – this is the home of The Laughing Cow® cheese!
 

The Jura department is ideal for affordable summer holidays. It abounds with lakes to keep you cool when the weather gets hot – perfect for toe-dips and picnics. The Jura wine route winds through vineyards and quaint villages. Don't miss Baume-les-Messieurs, officially one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Trek through the valley, see the impressive waterfalls and visit the hillside village Château-Chalon for endless views.

Like the sound of a July mountain getaway at a moderate altitude? Aurillac is the answer. Explore the Puy Mary Grand Site extinct volcano, just a 30-minute drive away, or trek the trails of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. Fill your days with hearty hikes, stunning views and leisurely strolls through charming villages, and spend your evenings sipping local Jura cheese and wine in the old town.
 

Economy hotel ibis Aurillac on the outskirts of the town is great for families and couples looking for a wallet-friendly holiday in July. With spacious rooms, free parking and an on-site restaurant that serves up local cuisine, it makes the perfect base.

Nothing gets you into the swing of summer than spending warm days and light nights being out and about. If you’re looking for a what’s on guide bursting at the seams, these towns will be right up your street.

For a cheap holiday in July full of fun and festivals, make a beeline for the French town of Arles. Balance historic must-see sights like the arena, the ancient theatre and the Saint-Trophime cloister with the latest modern art exhibition at the huge LUMA Arles arts centre. But what really brings the town alive in July is the annual photography festival. Les Rencontres de la Photographie puts on a packed programme of art and culture events showcased at venues throughout the city all summer long. Turn it into a trip with friends to soak up the summer vibe in a spectacular setting!
 

For accommodation, ibis budget Arles Sud Fourchon makes a great affordable summer holiday HQ. It’s close to LUMA Arles and the main road connections, so you can easily zip off to explore the idyllic places nearby: the Camargue and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer down by the sea, or inland towards Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Berlin is firmly on the map for weekend breaks in Europe. Yet there's plenty to do if you turn it into a proper holiday. July is one of the best times of year to experience the city’s vibrant music scene, with festivals and outdoor concerts galore:
 

• Head to the Klassik Open Air at Gendarmenmarkt for classical music in the summer breeze.
• Get down to a line-up of top pop acts at the Citadel Music Festival in Spandau, which is in full swing in July.
• Let your hair down at the two-day Lollapalooza Berlin festival, which showcases distorted guitars and urban music. There's even a special children’s section!

Want to intersperse concerts with culture? Don’t miss the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate or the Hamburger Bahnhof for some modern art.
 

Whatever you decide to do, pick an affordable and convenient base in the heart of the city. Staying at ibis Berlin Hauptbahnhof means you can get everywhere on foot or on public transport, with direct access to the main summer event venues. Plus, you’ll get a great night’s sleep in your comfy Sweet Bed™ by ibis.

If your idea of a luxurious holiday is savouring life’s simple pleasures in a stylish setting, then look no further.

For style without the splurge, head to the Italian lakes, where sophisticated slow living is a frame of mind. Stroll through Como’s old town, between Porta Torre, Piazza Duomo and the lakefront, then take the Brunate funicular for panoramic views of the lake and the Alps. Boat crossings make it easy to reach the neighbouring villages of Bellagio, Varenna or Menaggio, perfect for days that capture the essence of la dolce vita without breaking the bank.
 

A 15-minute drive from the centre, ibis Como is ideal for exploring the region, with a weekday restaurant, a 24-hour bar and easy access to the motorway. Save on accommodation, spend on gelato.

Nothing says summer in Provence like the chirping of cicadas serenading lavender fields in bloom. In July, the citadel village of Sisteron is a festival for the senses against an idyllic backdrop. Bring sturdy shoes and explore on foot. See the old buildings, Saint-Dominique cloister and the shaded terraces in the centre, then venture further out for dramatic natural scenery. Don’t miss the Gorges de la Méouge, the Valensole Plateau and Lake Serre-Ponçon for great hikes and refreshing breaks within an hour’s drive.
 

Pick the ibis Sisteron hotel for your bargain holidays in July. Just five minutes from the centre, you have everything you need on site to enjoy long summer days – an outdoor pool, restaurant, terrace and a bar that’s open day and night.

Travelling in peak season takes a little bit of planning if you want to cut down on costs and crowds.
 

• Avoid popular spots and opt for destinations that are slightly off the beaten track but well connected.
• If possible, start your trip before the school holidays.
• Choose accommodation near a train station or major roads to minimise your travel.
• Move around: it can be cheaper to stay in two or three places rather than spending two weeks in the same hotel.
• Pick a destination where you don’t need a car, to avoid the hassle of traffic and parking.
   

Once you've mastered the art of planning an affordable holiday in July, you'll never look back. You get to enjoy stunning landscapes and friendly places, but without the crowds and high prices.