Grayson West
Imagine sipping coffee beneath a centuries-old archway or waking up to the sound of church bells over stone rooftops, all without breaking the bank. Across Europe, small historic towns are keeping their magic alive at prices few would believe. If you want to find the most enchanting and affordable corners of the continent, add these ten places to your list.
Gjirokaster, Albania
Known as the “City of Stone” for its striking slate-roofed houses, Gjirokaster feels like a walk through a living museum of Albania’s Ottoman past. It’s no wonder UNESCO named it a World Heritage site. The property prices in nearby areas start at an inviting €500 ($579.28) per square meter, according to Investropa.
Berat, Albania
Few places capture Albania’s layered past like Berat. Born in the 4th century BC and refined through Ottoman artistry, it lives up to its name—the “Town of a Thousand Windows.” Its cascading homes have also earned UNESCO acclaim, while real estate between €600-€1,000 ($695-$1158) sq m keeps this heritage remarkably accessible.
Vlore Hinterland Towns, Albania
Sure, Vlore’s coastal homes sparkle with seaside prestige at €1,200 ($1390.27) sq m, but the real gems may lie just inland. In the city’s charming hinterland towns, historic properties start around €500 ($579.28) sq m. These areas, steeped in the spirit of Albania’s 1912 independence, are projected to grow 10-25% annually through 2026.
Olvera, Andalusia, Spain
Journey along Andalusia’s famed Pueblos Blancos route and you’ll find yourself in Olvera—a hillside town wrapped in silvery olive groves and crowned by a Moorish castle. Its whitewashed homes spill down the slopes, many priced under €50,000 ($57927.75) as per Rightmove.
Bolognano, Abruzzo, Italy
Framed by the breathtaking Majella National Park, Bolognano captures everything travelers dream of in Italy. Yet despite its postcard perfection, property here remains incredibly accessible. The price range starts with €15,000 ($ 17,378), making the average price just €704 ($815) sq m.
Bomba, Abruzzo, Italy
Believe it or not, you can still find a renovated stone house in Italy for about €14,000 ($16220). Welcome to Bomba! A hilltop haven where property runs as low as €399 ($463) sq m. Don’t be fooled by the low price tag, though: the views of Lake Bomba and the Majella mountains are worth a million.
Small Borgo Villages In Calabria, Italy
GlobalPropertyGuide says that owning a piece of Italian history costs €1 ($1.16). In Calabria’s tiny borgo villages—some with fewer than 100 residents—that dream is real. Beyond these symbolic sales, rural homes average €500-€1,000 ($579-$1158) sq m. These communities are launching revitalization projects to preserve their culture.
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Most come to see the grand Tsarevets fortress, but Veliko Tarnovo’s magic runs far deeper. Once the proud capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this “City of the Tsars” blends royal history with modern livability. Here, you can find historic homes from €100,000 ($115855) or charming rural retreats under €50,000 ($57927), according to RightMove.
Plovdiv Old Town, Bulgaria
This town has been continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years. Despite its rich legacy and European Capital of Culture status, property remains attainable at €1,000-€2,000 ($1158-$2317) sq m. Imagine living steps away from an active Roman amphitheater, where ancient history meets vibrant, modern Bulgaria.
Novi Sad Old Quarter, Serbia
While Belgrade’s property prices soar, Serbia’s best-kept secret lies further north. In Novi Sad’s old quarter, stately Austro-Hungarian buildings and cozy squares line the Danube. With average prices at just €2,483 ($2876) sq m, it’s an elegant yet feasible corner of Serbia’s architectural past.