Best Places in Europe for a Summer Vacation
Europe may be an all-year-round destination, but the most popular time to explore this lovely continent is during summer when the sun shines brightly.
You can expect thick crowds of tourists during your visit, but it’s worth it. During this time, the beaches are at their best, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
If you have not yet decided which destination you’d like to visit in Europe this summer, we’re here to help.
Here’s our list of the best places in Europe for a summer vacation.
- Greece
Greece is one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations, not only for its numerous picturesque islands but because of its gorgeous beaches, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history.
Whether you’re into culture and history or a beach lover, there’s plenty to enjoy in Greece in summer.
If you want to see numerous islands in one trip, the best way to explore Greece is to go for an island-hopping tour. It’s a popular activity in summer, and you’ll find many tour companies offering day trips from or around each island.
If you’re heading to popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete, it’s best to book tours in advance since they could get booked in the summer season.
You can base yourself on one Greek island if you have limited time.
The islands of Greece will captivate you with their unique charm and have some of the world’s most stunning beaches, so you can easily spend the day hanging out at the beach on your summer holiday.
It’s hard to decide which beaches are the most beautiful, but from Mykonos to Crete and everywhere in between, you will surely find something you’ll love.
- Croatia
Croatia, with its glistening deep blue sea, is a gorgeous summer destination, much loved by sailing fanatics, sports enthusiasts, beach bummers, and history buffs.
The Adriatic coast is warm enough to swim in summer, and if you want to take up fun outdoor adventures such as cycling and hiking, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy them.
To make the most of your summer holiday, consider booking a private tour in Croatia to see the best things the country has to offer in summer.
Istria, a picturesque region in northern Croatia, is an excellent destination for a summer holiday due to its gorgeous beaches and historic cities like Rovinj and Pula.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the Kamenjak Peninsula to try cliff jumping. The peninsula is home to the Galebove Stijene beach, with incredible cliffs where you can jump to an altitude of 13 meters!
If you only have time to visit one place on your summer holiday in Croatia, make it Hvar, a stunningly beautiful island on the southern coast of Croatia.
While it is a popular party destination, there’s more to the island than the beach bars and clubs. It has a lovely port town that’s a joy to stroll around, private villas and beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing.
- Slovenia
Slovenia may be a small country, but it’s a stunning place to visit during summer. Compared to many other European countries, it’s relatively uncrowded in summer, allowing you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Here, you can spend your holiday exploring caves and castles, hiking the scenic nature trails, enjoying a picnic, and many more!
Walking is one of the best ways to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Slovenia, especially in Lake Bled, a glacial lake that’s truly gorgeous. There’s a well-maintained path around the lake, perfect for scenic strolls and jogging.
If you’re craving more thrilling adventures, try spelunking in the Karst Region. The region is home to stunning caves, the Postojna and Škocjan, which are fascinating to explore.
Hop aboard a train in the town of Bohinjska Bistrica for some sightseeing. It will take you to Nova Gorica, a lovely town on Slovenia’s border with Italy.
The train will pass through stunning mountains via a tunnel and into the majestic Soca River, which makes for a truly scenic journey.
- Iceland
Summer is a perfect time to visit Iceland. It’s the warmest time of the year, and the long daylight hours mean you can visit as many attractions as possible.
Most visitors will do a road trip around Iceland to see the country’s top sights. Driving through Iceland’s famous Ring Road will take you to popular attractions like the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Summer is the best time to drive through the highlands since the region is impassable during winter. Exploring this remote region will reward you with spectacular views of the mountains, glaciers, and towering volcanoes.
Another great thing about road-tripping in Iceland in summer is you can witness the midnight sun, a spectacular sight where the sun will not set below the horizon.
While it’s possible to go on a road trip in Iceland in winter, the Ring Road will not stretch to the area of Westfjords, a gorgeous peninsula with unspoilt natural landscapes and one of Iceland’s sparsely populated regions.
- Switzerland
Summer is the best time to visit Switzerland to admire the country’s breathtaking scenery and take on fun outdoor adventures, from hiking to cycling, paragliding, and more.
The gorgeous lakes look even more magical during this time of the year, and the weather is pleasant enough for outdoor exploration.
The mountain town of Lungern is one of the most picturesque places you can visit in Switzerland in summer. Surrounded by incredibly stunning lakes with turquoise waters, it is the perfect destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Take advantage of summer’s warm climate to explore the lake for a fun-filled summer adventure.
Bern is an undoubtedly beautiful city that looks even more stunning in summer. Most tourism activities are centered around the Aare River, where you can enjoy water sports like rafting, surfing, and more.
With temperatures rising and the sun shining brightly, one can appreciate the beauty of the Aare River even more.