From beach days to exploring Europe’s rich cultural heritage, summer provides many ways to make beautiful memories. So where will you go this season?
Explore a magical city like Venice and take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal or stroll its cobblestoned streets; or head to Croatia for island hopping and delicious seafood dishes!
1. Paris
Paris is always popular during summer, so prepare to find crowds at iconic sights like Eiffel Tower and Louvre museums. However, this makes an excellent opportunity to stroll the 777-kilometer Seine River, dine at cafes, and shop boutiques!
Paris is an idyllic summertime escape, perfect for lovers. Not only is the city beautiful and romantic, but its sights include Sacre Coeur, Versailles and the lavish Place de la Concorde – making for an enjoyable sightseeing tour experience!
Seville may get less notice than other Spanish cities, but this charming southern gem makes an excellent summer visit. Enjoy tapas, explore beautiful architecture and learn flamenco dance – all within an enjoyable cultural capital! Take part in festivals or visit Stonehenge during its solstice sunrise ceremony for a truly magical sunrise experience.
2. Barcelona
Trip to Barcelona is an absolute must for summer travellers. Discover its historic stretches of coastline like Playa de la Concha or take in views from Montjuic hilltop fortress.
London and Brighton in southeastern England are also highly-sought-after destinations for European summer tourism, offering iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and independent shops along The Lanes.
Stockholm in Sweden offers visitors looking for a sunny getaway an array of attractions. Visit the Vasa Museum to gain insight into a 17th-century warship that sunk in its harbor or stroll along Stortorget and take in its colorful historical buildings. Copenhagen, too, makes an excellent summertime stopover with historic palaces, delicious food offerings from its numerous eateries, breweries and canals – not forgetting bike- and pedestrian-friendly streets to traverse.
3. London
London offers everything from beach clubs and historic old towns to lush gardens and breath-taking mountain scenery for an enjoyable summer visit. Tourists to London can also pay their respects to Queen Victoria at her former mansion Frogmore or tour Westminster Palace where Britain’s Parliament meets.
Music enthusiasts should plan a trip to Europe during the summertime for outdoor festivals that feature various genres and attract large audiences, from Belgium’s indie-oriented Pukkelpop festival, rock, pop and everything-in-between at Glastonbury in England or Mozart’s Salzburg Festival in Austria; there is sure to be something suitable for every musical taste that awaits them.
Lavender season in Provence begins in mid-June when fields of this fragrant bloom fill the air. Take a hike through quaint Luberon villages or head over to Valensole Plateau where smaller fields surrounded by stately country houses await your discovery.
4. Baku
Travel experts often advise travelers to visit Europe in either spring or fall in order to avoid peak summer crowds, however for those who seek festivals, vibrant city environments or the lively, extrovert feel of European beaches and clubs then summer should be your preferred time for travel.
Azerbaijan’s capital offers something for everyone. Sunny beaches provide the ideal setting to relax, while elegant theaters and quirky museums cater to cultural enthusiasts. Furthermore, its Old Town’s cobblestone streets and charming shops make an impressionful statement about Azerbaijani history and culture.
Baku offers numerous lush parks to provide relief from the scorching heat; Officer Park in particular provides a serene green oasis complete with shaded pathways, graceful poplar trees entwined with ivy vines, cute statues of children playing chess and adorable statues depicting adorable youngster. You may also enjoy strolling through local markets which sell everything from spices and clothing to carpets.
5. Tenerife
Tenerife offers something for every visitor – from its bustling party scene to stunning beaches such as Playa de las Americas or volcanic black sand of El Medano – making this Canary Island truly paradise-like.
Puglia in southern Italy is an underrated summer travel destination. Home to stunning cliffs, breath-taking landscapes, and some of Europe’s top beaches – Puglia should not be underestimated!
Roundtrip flights to Copenhagen start from only $386* one-way, providing access to its picturesque streets dotted with 17th and 18th century townhouses, and the world-famous Tivoli amusement park. Copenhagen offers the perfect blend of fun and affordability and has been named one of the happiest places on Earth by Forbes magazine.
6. Teide National Park
Teide National Park, Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country’s premier travel destinations. At lower altitudes, idyllic fields gradually give way to pine forests that eventually give way to low scrub as you ascend in elevation.
Provence’s lavender fields reach their full glory from mid-June to mid-July. Along with stunning countryside scenery, Provence also features charming villages and some of France’s top farmer’s markets.
European summer hotspots attract thousands of tourists each year, creating the ideal conditions for skilled pickpockets to strike. Be mindful to always keep an eye on your belongings and consider using an anti-theft backpack; apply sunscreen regularly; it may even be wise to bring an umbrella along so you can relax on the beach or streets without fear of sunburn!
7. Croatia
Croatia offers beaches, a UNESCO-listed old town and delicious seafood and wine to create a dreamy summer destination. Take in Pula’s tranquil waters or walk among cypress and palm tree-lined streets in Cavtat for some truly relaxing strolling – don’t miss our Racic Family Mausoleum or Our Lady of Snow Franciscan Monastery as highlights!
Hvar Island is a prime European summer destination. Filled with partygoers, history enthusiasts, and luxury travelers looking for gorgeous beaches and delicious cuisine.
Slovenia may be overlooked when considering European summer trips, but its small coastline should not be overlooked! When gazing over Kotor Bay you could easily mistake for being looking at an impressive fjord; head inland for an incredible scenic drive via Plitvice Lakes National Park!
8. Slovenia
Slovenia often gets overlooked because of its small coastline, yet this Mediterranean country offers everything necessary for an ideal European summer adventure – gorgeous beaches, dramatic mountains and an inviting capital all rolled into one small nation!
Take a stroll along Paris’ Champs-Elysees and discover Montmartre, while in Provence explore lavender fields and discover Pont du Gard, with Aix-en-Provence providing a gourmet tour through its pastel colored houses and delicious offerings for lunch!
Baku offers an exceptional mix of European and Asian influences that makes for an incredible active experience. Push yourself or simply relax in one of its soothing thermal spas; just don’t forget to try some of its world-famous street food!
9. The French Riviera
French Riviera shines during summer with golden sun-kissed beaches and incredible blue skies, creating an idyllic summer destination. Provence stands out as an especially stunning choice, boasting famous lavender fields dotting its landscape and charming small towns that invite exploration. Plus there are farmer’s markets as well as cultural events making use of its warm temperatures!
Roundtrip flights to Paris (CDG) start from $497* or $296* one way and make an ideal vacation destination. Soak in culture, stroll through beautiful gardens, and indulge in some of the world’s best croissants on this unforgettable European trip!
10. Croatian Islands
Croatia is best-known for its scorching summer temperatures and breathtaking turquoise waters, but there’s much more to explore in Croatia besides these attractions: lush national parks, secret caves and charming hilltop medieval towns. For an intimate experience head to Korcula Island-famous for its wine production and spectacular Old Town.
Vis Island offers excellent hiking trails through karst terrain that has been likened to Mars by locals, or visit its wild mountain scenery and donkey tracks for even more adventures.
Montenegro, an exquisite corner of the Balkans that’s becoming more and more popular with cruise ships, provides a beautiful alternative. However, Kotor, Perast and other towns along the Bay of Kotor provide a quieter option with stunning fjord-like coastline views – located only a few hours from Dubrovnik but featuring similar architecture but significantly fewer people!
