TOP Summer Destinations in Europe!

Wondering where to go in Europe this summer?

These enchanting summer destinations in Europe will captivate you! 

Summer in Europe can seem daunting with crowds of tourists in all major cities, but it's also an incredibly beautiful time to discover the continent.

While some cities might have a stifling atmosphere from the heat, the coastal and mountainous regions of Europe are idyllic during the months of June, July and August.

From sandy beaches to road trips and verdant islands glistening under the sun, check out below some of the best destinations you can visit in Europe during the summer months!

The best destinations for summer holidays in Europe

Andalusia, Spain

Known for its stunning beaches, the coastline of Andalusia in Spain is one of Europe's top summer destinations!

Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain, offers breathtaking natural beauty, with whitewashed villages and the famous Spanish sunshine.

The most famous coastal area in Andalusia is the Costa del Sol, between Malaga and Gibraltar. Here you will find some of Europe's most beautiful sandy beaches. As a bonus, a holiday in Andalusia will be considerably more affordable compared to the neighbouring coasts of France or Italy.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Croatia's dazzling coastline has made it a popular summer destination for Europeans and beyond. Whether you choose to explore the walls of Dubrovnik, admire the palace in Split, or swim off the coasts of Hvar or Korčula, the Dalmatian Coast offers a magical summer journey. If you are a sea lover, Croatia's 79 large islands are also perfect for boat exploration!

Want to explore the rest of Croatia, not just the Dalmatian Coast?

The famous Plitvice Lakes National Park is an excellent choice to combine with your summer holidays! 

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve, located in southwestern Portugal, is a former secret European summer destination that has gained immense popularity.

The Algarve's growing popularity is mainly due to its wild beauty, affordable prices and stunning rock formations along the coast.

Although you can enjoy charming towns like Lagos and visit beautiful places like the Lighthouse of Portugal and many sandy beaches here, the real attractions are the sea caves, arches and rock formations that give the Algarve a unique beauty among Europe's other summer destinations.

Don't forget to visit the stunning Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (part of which offers views of the famous Praia do Marinha) or the iconic Benagil Cave during your stay there!

However, keep in mind that the Algarve's beaches, while generally sandy and beautiful, tend to have colder waters compared to many other summer destinations.

If you are from colder climates, you will likely enjoy swimming, but for those used to warm waters, you might find them a bit cool!

Provence, France

With its sprawling lavender fields, charming small villages, and amazing open-air markets, Provence has been a classic European summer destination for many years!

To have the best chance of admiring the lavender fields at their peak, plan your trip between mid-June and mid-July. But even if you miss seeing them, Provence has so much more to offer!

Destinations like the Verdon Gorge and the Calanques National Park are also among the best places to visit in southern France.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Italy's coastline has been one of Europe's most iconic summer destinations for thousands of years, attracting everyone from Roman emperors to Hollywood stars and, of course, many tourists. 

With its impressive cliffs, turquoise waters, Italian gastronomy and impressive art and beautiful villages, it's easy to see why these coasts are a magnet for tourists from all over the world. 

French Riviera

Like the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera is iconic among summer destinations in Europe.

From Saint-Tropez to Cannes and Nice, the French Riviera is renowned for its beaches, boundless beauty, historic towns and numerous yachts.

A summer trip to Southern France often combines time spent both in the lavender-filled inland areas of Provence and on the French Riviera, both well worth a visit during summer in Europe!

Turkish Coast, Turkey

The Turkish Coast is located in the southwest of the country and offers enchanting beaches along both the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

With small, picturesque villages, imposing ancient ruins (including Ephesus) and almost impressively low prices compared to other nearby coastal destinations, the Turkish Coast is an underrated summer destination, ideal for travellers who want to avoid the crowds.

Ireland

Ireland is one of our favourite places to visit in Europe in summer!

Although it's not a classic destination in the sense of a beach holiday, the Emerald Isle is so bright and beautiful during the summer months that it's worth a chance.

The last weeks of spring and all of summer offer the sunniest days you'll ever see in Ireland!

If you combine that with stunning natural landscapes, delicious food and picturesque villages like Doolin and Cobh, you can't help but fall in love with Ireland.

Although popular destinations like the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher will certainly be busy, Ireland as a whole can be a great escape from Europe's crowded coastal towns during the summer months.

Even in June, July and August, it's very easy to discover beautiful places where you can enjoy your peace and quiet on the Emerald Isle.

Slovenia

Slovenia's small coastline is often overlooked due to neighbouring Croatia, but this is unfair. Filled with beautiful beaches, impressive mountain peaks and a distinctive capital, Slovenia should not be missed! We highly recommend a road trip in Slovenia for those seeking natural beauty. From Lake Bled to Triglav National Park and the Soča River Valley, Slovenia is stunning. And its cities are not far behind: relax by the sea in Piran or visit Ljubljana. 

Balearic Islands, Spain

These islands off Spain's eastern coast are known to everyone. Whether you visit the famous Ibiza, charming Mallorca or Menorca, the Balearic Islands have much to offer, even to those who aren't keen on partying. If you're looking for a Spanish coastal town, then the Balearic Islands are the perfect destination as you can find quiet beaches and picturesque villages. 

Cinque Terre, Italy

The villages of Cinque Terre in Liguria are among the most picturesque places in Europe in summer, but you should be prepared for the crowds of tourists. They are popular, but worth it. Admire the colourful houses, quaint harbours and delicious food. We recommend staying at least two to three nights for an authentic experience. 

United Kingdom

From the Scottish Highlands to the Cotswolds, and from London to the British countryside, the United Kingdom is ideal for a summer trip. Although the weather isn't always the best, summer offers the best chances for pleasant days. Discover the most beautiful landscapes and warm beaches for an unforgettable trip.

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Take a look at the stunning Bay of Kotor in Montenegro and you might think you're in the fjords. This captivating location, just a few hours away from popular Dubrovnik in Croatia, remarkably resembles its famous neighbour – but with fewer visitors and more affordable prices. Picturesque Kotor (don't miss climbing to San Giovanni fortress during your visit!), Perast, Tivat and many more, offer you the chance to discover a beautiful corner of the Balkans.

Although Kotor is becoming increasingly popular as a frequent cruise ship destination, the Bay of Kotor itself remains a relatively peaceful destination. If you embark on a road trip in Montenegro this summer, you can extend your exploration beyond the bay – the Tara River Canyon and Durmitor National Park are also unmissable destinations in Montenegro.

Jungfrau, Switzerland

I am absolutely convinced that the Jungfrau region of Switzerland – located around (literally, above Interlaken) – is heaven on earth in summer. If you dream of the Alps, book a hotel in Wengen, Mürren or Grindelwald (for the best views) or Interlaken (for a little more variety) or Lauterbrunnen (to be literally in the centre of the action) and experience the trip of your dreams. The legendary trains will help you explore the entire region wherever you choose to stay. Hiking from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, taking Europe's highest train to Jungfraujoch (also known as the “Top of Europe”), walking from Mürren to Gimmelwald and riding the historic cogwheel train to Schynige Platte are just some of the unforgettable experiences you will have here. Whether you want to push your limits or simply admire the Alpine views accompanied by local cheeses, Switzerland's Jungfrau region is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Europe in June, July and August.

Albanian Riviera

Among all the destinations you can visit in Europe in summer, the Albanian Riviera stands out as one of the most intriguing for travellers coming from outside the continent. With low prices compared to many other summer destinations in Europe, fantastic beaches and plenty of coastal towns to choose from, the Albanian Riviera offers a lot. 

Iceland

Iceland in summer is a country full of magic. It is the land of the midnight sun, natural hot springs, endless plains of blooming lupines, glaciers, incredibly green landscapes and, of course, ethereal waterfalls.

From horseback riding through enchanting landscapes to snorkelling between tectonic plates, from enjoying some of the world's most beautiful hot springs to gazing at the golden light of the midnight sun long after the average person should be asleep, taking a road trip in Iceland in summer is an unforgettable experience.

Apulia, Italy

Located in the "heel of the boot," so to speak, the Apulia region of Italy is known for its magnificent beaches, whitewashed villages and delicious food (especially seafood and orecchiette pasta).

Although you won't be able to see the famous Northern Lights when you visit in summer, the midnight sun, easy driving conditions and warmer weather (you'll probably still need to bundle up a bit, though!) make visiting this stunning country in summer a very special experience.

While its arguably most famous village, Alberobello, home of the trulli, is not on the coast at all, Apulia is generally considered a coastal destination in Europe.

While Apulia has been popular with European travellers for centuries, its profile has grown worldwide – and it certainly deserves the attention!

Consider adding a stop at the ancient city of Matera, which is technically next door in Basilicata, but is a common addition to trips to Apulia!

Faroe Islands

Distant and remote, if you're looking for a summer holiday in Europe without too many crowds, outside of the usual climate and without too much heat, consider the Faroe Islands.

This self-governing archipelago of 18 islands is an administrative region of Denmark and is located roughly halfway between Iceland and Norway.

The Faroe Islands, with their absolutely stunning ocean views, towering cliffs, waterfalls and the best birdwatching on the planet, are perhaps the most unique travel destination on this list.

Although it is an expensive destination (prices are said to be on par with Norway, arguably the most expensive country to visit in Scandinavia) it will certainly be worth it. 

Tips for Summer Holidays in Europe

If you're going to the beach, we recommend avoiding August if you can. In August, many Europeans choose to take their holidays by the sea, and coastal towns are then particularly crowded and expensive. We also highly recommend booking everything, from your hotel to your rental car, as early as possible.

Consider the shoulder season.

If you're seeking a summer vibe in Europe but want to avoid the peak months of June, July, and August, we suggest September instead of May.

While both can work, September usually feels more like summer in many of these places you can visit in Europe than May does, with the added bonus that the waters are typically warmer, as they've had all season to heat up.

September is one of our favourite months for travel in Europe, and you simply can't go wrong with a late summer trip! 

Book well in advance, especially if travelling to small towns.

Given the large crowds mentioned above, it is to be expected that hotels fill up faster than in other months. For some of these summer destinations in Europe - especially for small towns with limited accommodation, such as Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast - this means it's best to book as soon as you can commit to your dates. With a limited number of available accommodations and mostly small, family-run establishments with a handful of rooms catering to tourists rather than large hotels, smaller destinations fill up quickly.

Larger European coastal cities, such as Nice and Barcelona, usually have more availability – but if you've decided to stay in a specific area or have a small budget, it will be to your advantage to book your trip in advance! … and not just for hotels.

In addition to hotels, consider booking major attractions early. Also, be aware that more specialised tours or places that limit visitor numbers will sell out much sooner.

Be mindful of your belongings. 

While you should always be careful of pickpockets when travelling, this essentially applies to every major tourist destination that regularly sees thousands of visitors, and the more crowded it is, the more careful you should be! 

Be especially careful with your valuables when in dense crowds while exploring these summer destinations in Europe. When visiting Europe during the summer, consider starting your mornings as early as possible, taking a break in the afternoon (à la Spanish siesta or Italian riposo) and then resuming your sightseeing late in the afternoon/early evening. This way, you can avoid the worst of the heat and crowds, while maximising the most comfortable time of day.

Air conditioning is not a given.

When visiting Europe during the summer, double-check that your hotel or apartment has air conditioning before booking. Air conditioning is not always standard when travelling in Europe, but it's often very necessary in our opinion! 

Keep church-appropriate clothing in mind.

Although the strictness of the dress code varies across the continent, you should generally carry at least one outfit that covers your décolletage, shoulders and knees for visiting churches. Men can usually get away with knee-length shorts, but not always. When touring any of these places you can visit in Europe in summer, keep this dress code in mind as you plan your days.

It's no fun at all to be turned away from a tour you were looking forward to because you dressed for the weather and not for the church!