Summer in Europe means sun-soaked coastlines, lively festivals, and cobblestone streets buzzing with energy. Picture yourself chasing midnight sunsets, diving into turquoise waters, and savoring gelato under a golden sky. From iconic cities to tucked-away gems, this guide rounds up the best places to visit in Europe this summer—perfect for sparking your wanderlust.
Santorini, Greece
Picture-perfect sunsets, whitewashed villages clinging to volcanic cliffs, and the Aegean Sea sparkling below—Santorini is summer magic personified. Explore Oia’s blue-domed churches, sail to the volcanic hot springs, or lounge on the unique black-sand beaches. For a quieter vibe, head to lesser-known villages like Pyrgos or Megalochori. Stay in Fira for nightlife or Imerovigli for romance. Don’t miss a sunset catamaran cruise!
Amalfi Coast, Italy
This UNESCO-listed coastline is a dream of lemon groves, pastel towns, and cliffside vistas. Positano’s colorful cascading houses, Ravello’s gardens, and the Path of the Gods hike are highlights. Capri’s Blue Grotto and fresh seafood pasta add to the allure. Rent a scooter to navigate the winding roads, and visit in June to beat July/August crowds.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The “Pearl of the Adriatic” dazzles with its medieval walls, marble streets, and Game of Thrones fame. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Banje Beach or kayak around Lokrum Island. Take the cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic views.
Book a day-trip to the Elafiti Islands for secluded coves and olive groves.
Barcelona, Spain
Gaudí’s surreal architecture—whimsical mosaics, melting facades—sets the tone for Barcelona’s creative energy. Stroll La Rambla’s flower stalls, marvel at Sagrada Família’s kaleidoscopic light, and unwind on Barceloneta Beach. As night falls, join locals sipping vermouth in Gràcia’s plazas or dance until dawn in a beachside chiringuito. Don’t miss the Montjuïc magic fountain’s water-and-light symphony or a day trip to Costa Brava’s rugged cliffs and hidden calas.
Provence, France
In summer, Provence becomes a living Impressionist painting. Endless lavender fields stretch toward villages like Gordes and Roussillon, their ochre walls glowing under the sun. Sip rosé at a vineyard in Aix-en-Provence, then hike the Verdon Gorge—Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon—where turquoise waters carve through limestone. Time your visit with Avignon’s theater festival, where the city’s papal palace becomes a stage for Shakespeare under the stars.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Under the midnight sun, Iceland’s wild beauty feels otherworldly. Soak in the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, chase waterfalls along the Golden Circle, or trek glaciers in Vatnajökull National Park. Venture west to the remote Westfjords, where puffins nest on sheer cliffs, or drive the Ring Road for volcanic deserts and fjord-side villages. Pack a cozy sweater—even summer here is brisk—but the endless daylight? Priceless.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s seven hills are a playground of pastel neighborhoods, vintage trams, and miradouros (viewpoints) buzzing with guitar tunes. Feast on custard tarts in Belém, surf the Atlantic waves in Ericeira, or escape to Sintra’s misty forests, where palaces seem plucked from fairy tales. Summer nights come alive during the Santo António festival, when grilled sardines and fado music spill into the streets. For the best sunset, climb to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte—the city unfolds below like a golden mosaic.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Swap ski slopes for emerald meadows dotted with wildflowers. Interlaken’s adrenaline junkies paraglide above Lake Thun, while Zermatt’s hikers gaze up at the Matterhorn’s jagged peak. Ride the Glacier Express through snow-capped passes, or paddle a kayak on Lake Geneva’s glassy waters. In Lauterbrunnen Valley, 72 waterfalls cascade down cliffs, and alpine guesthouses serve fondue with a side of starry skies.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Scandinavian summer is a mood—long, golden evenings, bike rides along canals, and picnics in blooming parks. Copenhagen’s Nyhavn Harbor, with its candy-colored townhouses, is a postcard come to life. Tivoli Gardens’ twinkling lights and roller coasters charm all ages, while Reffen street food market dishes global flavors with a harbor view. Take a train to Helsingør, where Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle guards the Øresund Strait, or cycle to Freetown Christiania’s quirky art communes.
Split, Croatia
Emperor Diocletian’s retirement palace is now Split’s beating heart—a maze of Roman ruins, cafés, and marble streets. After exploring the palace cellars, catch a ferry to Hvar for lavender fields and yacht-studded harbors. Back in Split, hike Marjan Hill’s pine-shaded trails for Adriatic vistas, then feast on fresh seafood at a konoba (tavern) where squid ink risotto and Dalmatian wine reign.
Edinburgh, Scotland
August transforms Edinburgh into a stage for the world’s largest arts festival. The Fringe Festival spills comedy, theater, and music onto every corner, while the Royal Mile buzzes with bagpipes and pop-up performances. Climb Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views, then descend into the haunted vaults beneath the city. For a breath of Highland air, day-trip to Loch Lomond or Stirling Castle, where history echoes through misty glens.
Bergen, Norway
Norway’s fjord country is best explored from Bergen, a Hanseatic gem with a backdrop of seven mountains. Stroll Bryggen’s UNESCO-listed wooden wharf, then cruise the Sognefjord—the world’s longest fjord—where waterfalls plunge from cliffs. Thrill-seekers can hike Trolltunga’s iconic rock ledge, while casual explorers ride the Fløibanen funicular for city-and-sea vistas. Just keep a raincoat handy—Bergen’s nickname, “City of Rain,” is well-earned!
Rhodes, Greece
Medieval knights, ancient Greeks, and Ottoman sultans all left their mark on Rhodes. Wander the Old Town’s cobbled streets, where stone arches lead to hidden courtyards, then climb Lindos’ acropolis for views of St. Paul’s Bay. On the east coast, Tsambika Beach’s golden sands meet turquoise waters, while Symi Island’s neoclassical harbor—a short boat ride away—feels like stepping into a watercolor painting.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s thermal baths are summer’s secret oasis. Soak in Széchenyi’s outdoor pools, then cross the Chain Bridge to Buda Castle as the Danube shimmers at sunset. Ruin bars like Szimpla Kert—hidden in abandoned buildings—pulse with live music and eclectic art. August brings Sziget Festival, a week-long explosion of music and culture on an island in the river. For a local snack, bite into lángos, a crispy fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese.
Mallorca, Spain
Beyond its party reputation, Mallorca hides serene mountain villages, citrus orchards, and coves with water so clear it glows. Drive the Serra de Tramuntana’s winding roads to Deià, a village beloved by artists, or hike to the Torrent de Pareis canyon. In Palma, the Gothic cathedral’s stained glass bathes the nave in rainbows, while Valldemossa’s stone lanes tempt with flaky ensaïmadas pastries. For the best swim? Cala Llombards’ turquoise lagoon is pure magic.
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Trace history in Split, dance through the streets of Edinburgh, or float peacefully in the Adriatic—these destinations are your invitation to write an unforgettable summer chapter. Pin this post to save it for later:
