For many travelers, the idea of a luxury vacation – staying in a 5* accommodation, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, indulging in spa treatments, and experiencing exclusive activities– can feel a bit out of reach.
But it doesn’t have to be! Luxury travel doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. There are incredible destinations where you can experience the very best – the key is knowing where to go.
Here at Kinglike Concierge, we wanted to know which are the best countries where you can get a luxurious vacation at an affordable price. Our European Budget Luxury Travel Index ranks the top 20 countries where travelers can experience opulence without overspending.
Here are the 20 cheapest European countries for 5* Luxury:
How Does the European Budget Luxury Travel Index Work?
The Budget Luxury Travel Index looks at 20 of Europe’s most popular countries and ranks them from the cheapest to most expensive for a luxurious vacation based on the following factors.
Greece Revealed As Cheapest Country for a Luxurious Stay
Topping the list, Greece is the best destination for a luxurious, yet affordable vacation. With only $1,329, you can fly to Greece, enjoy a week in a 5-star accommodation, and indulge in luxurious activities such as high-end spa treatments and Michelin dining.
Greece is one of Europe’s dreamiest locations, with its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal clear water and blue-domed churches. It is also known for having some of the most ancient landmarks and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine.
Malta Revealed As Most Expensive Country for a Luxurious Stay
Ranking last on the list, Malta is the least affordable European destination for a luxury vacation.
Travelers would be looking at a total budget of $4,296 for a week per person, which makes it significantly more expensive than other European hotspots.
Malta is a beautiful island country in Southern Europe known for its historic sites, stunning coastline, and Mediterranean charm. However, the cost of indulgence here is notably steeper compared to other destinations on the list.
Cheapest European Countries for 5 Star Accommodation
When you think of 5-star accommodation, you might think of extremely high prices you’re not able to afford, and oftentimes, this might be the case. But some European countries offer exceptional luxury stays at a fraction of the cost, making five-star experiences more accessible than you might expect. Whether you’re traveling solo or as a couple, these destinations provide top-tier comfort without an overwhelming price tag.
The most affordable countries for five-star stays are:
- Turkey ($330 per week)
- Greece ($467 per week)
- Spain ($478 per week)
The same prices apply whether you’re booking for one or two people, which makes these countries a great choice for couples looking to experience luxury at a lower cost. Turkey stands out as the most affordable option by over $100, offering lavish accommodations at a fraction of the price you’d pay in other European destinations.
Cheapest European Countries for Business Class Flights
For those who want to start their luxury vacation in style, business class flights don’t have to cost a fortune. The most affordable European destinations for return business class flights from JFK New York City are:
- Greece ($620 per person)
- Italy ($762 per person)
- Germany ($783 per person)
Greece takes the top spot, making it the best destination for Americans looking to enjoy both affordable luxury flights and high-end experiences upon arrival.
Cheapest European Countries for High-End Spa Treatments
Luxury travel is all about relaxation, and a high-end spa treatment is a must. The most affordable countries for a luxury massage are:
- Turkey ($22 per session)
- Switzerland & Poland ($48 per session)
- Hungary ($51 per session)
Once again, Turkey comes in first position, offering the most budget-friendly high-end spa treatments, followed by Poland, and Switzerland which is quite surprising, given its known for its high prices.
Cheapest European Countries for Michelin Star Dining
For food lovers, indulging in Michelin-starred dining is a key part of a luxury vacation. The most affordable countries for Michelin dining are:
- Malta ($133 per person)
- Greece ($140 per person)
- Slovenia & Belgium ($144 per person)
Despite being the most expensive destination overall, Malta surprisingly offers the most affordable Michelin-starred dining experiences. Greece follows closely, proving once again that it is a top destination for budget-conscious luxury travelers.
Greece proves that luxury and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive. From Michelin dining to high-end spas, and waking up to endless blue skies in one of those dreamy Mykonos villas – you can have it all without emptying your wallet.
Methodology
In order to provide a ranking of the cheapest European destinations for 5* luxury holiday in 2025, Kinglike used several factors to determine a guideline overall price of an indulgent European summer getaway from the US.
We calculated the cheapest price of a 5* hotel in each of the destination countries, based on 7 nights from a Saturday in July, August or September 2025 using Booking.com. We then used Kayak to find the cheapest return business class flights from JFK, New York to anywhere in the destination country (usually the capital city offered the cheapest flight), with the date set as 6th-13th September 2025 (we weren’t able to get prices for Business class without a specific date, so we chose this week as prices were generally lower than in July & August). For the spa treatment, we took the average price of a massage in the destination country from massageprices.com, and for the few countries where information wasn’t available on this website we used Google to find the average. Finally, for the average Michelin Star restaurant prices, we used a study performed by Chef’s Pencil, titled “Exploring Michelin Dining Costs Across 40 Countries: A Global Analysis” to provide 2024 price data. The total price for each of the destinations is for one person.