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Best summer destinations in Europe: 9 places to visit this summer
Visit the nine best summer destinations in Europe for your next holiday, including Amsterdam, Saint Tropez, the Amalfi Coast, and more.
If you want to visit Europe this year, the summer is a great time to explore. In addition to the fantastic weather, summertime features a variety of seasonal events that capture the true essence of the season. From music festivals to sporting events, there’s no time to travel Europe like the summer.
Here’s our list of the best European summer destinations and what you can’t miss out on while there.
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Oslo, Norway
Fantastic food, trendy neighborhoods, and marvelous architectural design — Oslo is at the top of our list of best summer destinations in Europe. Numerous beaches, forested hills, and intertwining fjords make up a picturesque summer holiday destination.
Oslo is also ideal for travelers who like to be more active or outdoorsy while on holiday. You’ll find hiking trails, promenades for cycling, and lush green parks perfect for a picnic while soaking up the sun. An amazing nightlife is the cherry on top; the Norwegian capital comes alive at night with Michelin-star restaurants, food markets, and a diverse shopping scene.
What not to miss on an Oslo summer holiday
Go on a sauna fjord sightseeing tour. While the pairing may seem strange initially, Norwegians and sauna culture go hand in hand. And with Oslo’s scenic fjords, who wouldn’t love to spend some time in a wood-fired sauna and immediately plunge into the fjord for a refreshing bath?
You can find Oslo’s fjordside saunas along the harbor promenade in the city center. The sauna rafts can hold up to 10 people — perfect for a large group — and offer 3-4 hour-sightseeing trips on the fjord. Feel the invigorating steam of the sauna, have a refreshing swim afterward, and, overall, enjoy the great social atmosphere.
Saint Tropez, France
Travel to one of the best European destinations for your next summer holiday: the South of France. Here lies a traditional European seaside village combined with the luxury and sophistication of a metropolitan city — Saint Tropez. Saint Tropez is the perfect European summer destination, warm, sunny, and vibrant, especially if you prefer walk-friendly locations, winding cobble-stoned streets, and colorful bougainvillea draping every building.
Since Saint Tropez has abundant beautiful, pristine beaches, the beach club culture is loud here. You’ll find a variety of beach clubs hosting various events, such as live music nights, DJ evenings, and unique dining experiences.
What not to miss on a Saint Tropez summer holiday
Visit Plage de Tahiti or Tahiti Beach on your summer holiday in Europe. This summer destination grew popular, especially after Brigitte Bardot starred in the movie And God Created Woman. But that’s not the only reason why this beach is popular. It is one of Saint Tropez’s most pristine beaches and boasts a relaxing atmosphere. You might even spot a few celebrities here, often seen landing in helicopters on the beach or sailing in luxury yachts.
With soft reggae music in the background, kids frolicking in the shallow waters, and sun loungers scattered all over the golden sands, Tahiti Beach is definitely a place to visit for the best summer vacation in Europe.
Kotor, Montenegro
Located on the ethereal Adriatic coast, Kotor, Montenegro, is a great summer destination in Europe, especially if you want to avoid large tourist crowds. Kotor is criminally underrated, with its fascinating history, famous city walls, culinary delights, and affordable prices. It’s also on the UNESCO list of protected cultural heritage, with old fortresses, churches, and museums.
The Adriatic Sea is nearby and is one of the world’s cleanest and clearest bodies of water. Similarly, the beaches are clean and unspoiled, and you can even visit the famous Blue Cave on a speed boat tour.
What not to miss on a Kotor summer holiday
When exploring Kotor and the Montenegro region in the summertime, there’s one thing you can’t miss: the wine experience. Montenegro is home to over 100 registered wineries that produce over 50 types of wine and 17 million liters a year. You can also find one of the most extensive European vineyards here. Summer is the perfect season to visit Montenegro’s vineyards as the grape vines are in full bloom.
All in all, this is a wine-enthusiasts paradise. But even if you aren’t well-versed in the winery world, go on a wine tour from Kotor and visit Plantaze on Sladar Lake for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience.
Antalya, Turkey
While Antalya is geographically located in Asia, as Turkey is a transcontinental country, its cultural and historical connections to Europe are why it’s on the list. Long days, warm temperatures, and sunny beaches are what you’ll find on your summer trip to Antalya.
The weather remains warm and pleasant, especially in June, which is one of the best times to travel, and you won’t have to worry about rainy days. It’s also one of the top destinations if you’re looking for hot weather in Europe in May, with plenty of beach days to enjoy in late spring.
There’s a little bit of everything here, from mountains and beaches to parks and gardens, and you can’t forget the fantastic Turkish cuisine. If you enjoy spending time in nature, spend a summer holiday in Antalya, with beautiful waterfalls, plateaus, and ancient historical sites.
What not to miss on an Antalya summer holiday
Go on a tour from Antalya to ancient Hierapolis and experience Pamukkale’s calcium pools (also known as the Pamukkale Antique Pool) — a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The water is warm and sits just under 100°F. Locals say it has healing properties as well due to being extremely mineral-rich.
You can also explore and learn interesting facts about the Greco-Roman spa town of Hierapolis and take some aesthetic Instagram-worthy pictures by the stark white terraces.
Balearic Islands, Spain
The Balearic Islands in Spain are a great European summer destination. They have unspoiled beaches, adventurous biking trails, and an unbeatable clubbing scene. Four islands comprise the Balearic Islands: Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca.
Each island has its specialties and activities to enjoy. Whether it’s sunbathing, paddling in glass kayaks on the blue Mediterranean Sea, or unwinding with music, seafood, and wine, the Balearic Islands have something for everyone.
What not to miss on a Mallorca summer holiday
One fun summer festival not to be missed in the Balearic Islands is Noche de San Juan, or the eve of St. John’s Day. This event takes place on 23 June and celebrates the solstice. The shortest night of the year brings lively music, street dancing, and events throughout the capital.
You can also enjoy the daring correfoc (fire run) at 11 PM when groups of people dressed in devil costumes run down the streets, streaming firecrackers behind them.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
With perfect beach weather, the Amalfi Coast should definitely be on your list for a European summer holiday. If you’re a beach-goer, you’re in for a real treat, as Amalfi Coast beaches are among the most scenic in Europe. The coast is also a part of UNESCO’s list, and justifiably so, with sloping wine terraces and lemon groves.
The Amalfi Coast has many beaches to explore. You can also rent a Vespa and dedicate a day to authentic Italian beach-hopping. Classical music enthusiasts can attend many summer festivals on the Amalfi Coast, such as the Ravello Festival.
What not to miss on an Amalfi Coast summer holiday
While there are many things to enjoy on the Amalfi Coast, one cannot simply visit Italy during the summer and not go to Marina Grande Beach in Positano. This beach is one of the most sought-after destinations on the Amalfi Coast. Golden sands, turquoise blue waters, and a lush emerald backdrop — Marina Grande Beach screams summer.
Spend a beach day lounging around in the comfy sunbeds, tour the Mediterranean Sea on a jet ski ride, or explore the underwater world in the clear waters.
Santorini, Greece
Greece is one of the best European countries to visit in summer, and your trip won’t be complete without a stop at Santorini, one of Greece’s star islands.
The island’s unique landscaping, clustered around the sunken caldera of an active volcano, makes the trip even more enjoyable. Nothing screams summer more than the white-washed villages terracing the blue waters below. There are also many incredible beaches, such as Perissa Beach’s volcanic black sands.
What not to miss on a Santorini summer holiday
The Ifestia Festival. This festival celebrates the island’s volcano yearly to pay homage to Santorini’s volcanic origins. It is named after the Greek god of fire, Hephaestus. Enjoy volcanic fireworks and the vibrant colors lighting up the sky, similar to a volcano eruption.
You can even go out on a boat in the caldera’s waters to enjoy the spectacle right over your head! Live music acts as a dramatic touch, and this summer festival makes Santorini one of the best destinations for a summer vacation in Europe.
The Algarve, Portugal
Unsurprisingly, the Algarve is one of Europe’s top summer destinations. Portugal’s Algarve region boasts one of the most breathtaking coastal areas in the world, with 96 miles (155 kilometers) of unspoiled sandy beaches. The weather during summertime fluctuates around 79°F, which is just perfect. The rich Mediterranean cuisine is the cherry on top, with fresh seafood at every corner.
The Algarve also hosts many summer festivals, such as the Open Summer Festival, Costa Festival, Fatacil, and the Afro Nation Festival.
What not to miss on an Algarve summer holiday
If you visit the Algarve during the summertime, book a boat tour of one of the most famous sea caves in the world: the Benagil Caves. Witness the unusual rock formations, skylights, and the turquoise water inside. On your way to the cave, you might get lucky and spot a few dolphins!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Another destination for your summer vacation could be the Dutch capital and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Amsterdam. Art and canal lovers will definitely enjoy their summer holidays here; you can’t walk for more than a mile without coming across a masterpiece or a canal. Tour the famous Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, some of the best museums in Europe, to learn more about the city’s most celebrated sons.
Amsterdam is also the perfect summer destination for a laid-back holiday. It’s travel-friendly and easy to get around, especially on a bicycle. Hop on a bike like a local and cycle past the picturesque canals, colorful buildings, and landmarks like Anne Frank House.
What not to miss on an Amsterdam summer holiday
If you’re planning your summer vacation to Amsterdam, plan your trip around the Grachtenfestival or the Canal Festival! Approximately two hundred concerts occur in the city during this event, and you can enjoy the lively atmosphere while cruising down the canal.
Sometimes, classical music concerts are held in canal boats! The festival incorporates the canals, water, and historical architecture, making a beautiful summer scene.
Stay connected in Europe with Holafly
Traveling to some of the best summer destinations in Europe, it’s crucial to think about how to stay connected. On average, a traveler in Europe uses about 1 GB of data daily for things like navigation, delicious food recommendations, translating, or simply sharing exciting updates about their adventures with loved ones.
Let’s say you plan to tour Europe for the summer. You’ll only need one eSIM for 40+ destinations! Hop all over Europe without having to worry about a reliable internet connection, switching data plans, or paying hefty prices just to stay connected. A Holafly eSIM gives you peace of mind as you travel with unlimited data in more than 200+ destinations, 24/7 customer support, and affordable prices:
- 4-day plan: $16.90 USD ($4.22/day)
- 7-day plan: $29.90 ($4.27/day)
- 14-day plan: $47.90 ($3.42/day)
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From the canals of Amsterdam to Saint Tropez's beaches, stay connected at all times.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
