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Visiting the best places in Europe in the summer has long been a grand procession. Outdoor enthusiasts rave about Europe’s magnificent natural scenery and memorable wild places. Culture vultures flock to the best European cities to revel in grand cultural history, with magnificent museums, opulent palaces, brooding castles, and glorious artistic legacies. Many fun-seekers plunge into Europe’s vibrant nightlife, colorful festivals and heaving live entertainment. Once you've ticked off the must-see places in Europe on your bucket list, you can indulge your culinary desires with Europe’s fine dining, street food, chic cafés and cheeky bars.

Here is a brief introduction to some of the best destinations for summer, European holidays on offer, listed in no particular order.

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1. Cappadocia, Turkey

The surreal natural structures of Cappadocia in Turkey resemble something that is out of this world. Towering boulders stand side-by-side to traditional houses, caves and underground tunnels. Here, you can admire the stunning beauty of this semi-arid region by hiking to a scenic cliff or by taking a hot air balloon ride over the magnificent boulders.

  • Where to go and what to do: Take a hot air balloon over Cappadocia’s landscape, visit cave hotels and spend the night there, explore Kaymakli underground city, visit the numerous valleys such as Love valley, Red valley and Pigeon valley and Fairy valley.
  • What to see: Stunning sunsets, Fairy Chimneys in Gerome Open Air Museum and Uchisar Castle.
  • Best time to visit Turkey: End of April to October when there are least chances of rain and strong wind has subsided allowing for hot air balloon rides.
Hot air balloons in the sky over the landscape of Cappadocia in Turkey.
Experience the best of Cappadocia on a hot air balloon during your trip to Turkey.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia

It’s hard not to fall in love with this jewel located in Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. Home to one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities, Dubrovnik’s ancient walls, baroque buildings and labyrinthine streets are endlessly enchanting. Here delightful seaside charm merges seamlessly with civilized retreat. Whether you’re lazing on a beach, sightseeing or strolling through its botanical gardens or just people watching, Dubrovnik will weave its own special spell on you.

  • What to do: The Old Town for sightseeing, Buza 1 and 2 for cliff jumping, Adriatic coast for swimming, Lokrum Island for snorkeling and exploring
  • What to see: Roland's Column, Bell Tower, Sponza Palace, Pile Gate, Fort Lovrijenac, City walls, Franciscan Monastery, Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
  • Best time to visit Croatia: May to June or September to October when it’s not too hot but the water is warm and crowds are minimum.
Houses and trees in Dubrovnik overlooking the sea on a clear day.
If you wish to explore a medieval city that takes you back in time, Dubrovnik in Croatia is the perfect destination in Europe.

3. Porto, Portugal

Languidly reclining on the banks of the Rio Douro, Porto is a city in Portugal that is compact enough to enjoy in 48 hours. Yet the city is rewarding to visitors willing to take their time to explore its labyrinthine medieval heart with its cathedrals and gold-leaf-bejeweled churches. Take in its brash in-your-face contemporary architecture and linger over many a fine meal and seductive tipple or two. Portugal is one of the best summer destinations in Europe. 

  • Where to go and what to do: Visit the wine caves for port tasting, São Nicolau for its historical buildings, Matosinhos for fabulous restaurants, Boavista for its cutting-edge architecture and Ribeira and Foz do Douro to discover Porto’s history.
  • What to see: Igreja de São Francisco’s baroque finery, neoclassical Palácio da Bolsa, Palácio das Carrancas, Serralves museum, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal and the Museu da Misericórdia do Porto.
  • Best time to visit Portugal: May through September when it is sunny but the sea breezes keep you cool.
A view of Porto with boats on the river and compact houses in the background on a clear day in Portugal.
Explore the narrow streets, discover medieval culture and explore Portugese dishes in this city.

4. Cinque Terre, Italy

A picture-postcard set of five UNESCO World Heritage site villages; Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso fit to rival the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre in Italy is one of the best places to travel in Europe for a vacation. Accessible only by train or boat, Cinque Terre or Five Lands offers extraordinary coastal scenery and exhilarating hiking along serpentine paths cut through imposing cliffs.

  • Where to go and what to do: The five famous villages to soak up the local atmosphere and sample local, fresh seafood; the coastline to swim and the dramatic coastal paths for a hike 
  • What to see: Magnificent natural scenery and the sunset from the coast, the colorful streets and houses
  • Best time to visit Italy: Mid-May through to mid-September for swimming and mid-March to mid-October for hiking. 
  • Good to knowSome of the trails are currently closed due to an ongoing construction work. The Vernazza to Corniglia, Corniglia to Manarola and Manarola to Riomaggiore routes are scheduled to reopen in April 2021. 
Cinque Terre in Italy with beautiful houses overlooking the sea on a clear day.
Hike through the famous Cinque Terre trail in Italy for picture-perfect sceneries.
Cinque Terre trail with traditional houses all around in Italy.
Hiking in Italy via Cinque Terre trail is a great way to spend your summer vacation.

5. Berlin, Germany

It’s little wonder that Berlin in Germany is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. This city has serious historical street cred. From Bismarck to Bowie, Einstein to Hitler and JFK ‘s speech, Berlin is endlessly fascinating, despite its chilled-out lifestyle vibe. Here gritty street life collides with glitzy glamour and is long on vibrant culture, brilliant architecture, flourishing arts scene, divine food and frenetic nightlife.

  • Where to go and what to do: Berliner Funkturm for a scenic view of Berlin, visit the Deutsches Theater, Deutsche Opera or the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra for some classical music and Mitte Berlin’s historical centre for sightseeing.
  • What to see: Pergamon and Altes, Museums Gemäldegalerie Art Gallery, Bode Museum, Schloss Charlottenburg, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Stasi Museum and Bundestag.
  • Best time to visit Germany: June to July when the weather is ideal for afternoon strolling around the city.
The Bode Museum on the Spree river during the evening in Germany.
The iconic Bode Museum is famous for its collection of arts from the Antique and Byzantine periods.

6. Malaga, Spain

Malaga is deservedly popular as a chic and unabashedly cosmopolitan destination in Spain. This is the city that gifted Picasso to the world. Malaga has recently and spectacularly transformed itself with a flood of brilliant art galleries, a radically re-imagined port district and Soho, an emerging art district. Malaga’s flourishing nightlife is complemented by a foodie culture spanning Michelin-starred restaurants through to tastefully distressed fish shacks.

  • Where to go and what to do: Visit Mitjana Square to experience Malaga’s hip nightlife, El Palo’s old fishing district for freshly grilled sardines on the beach, visit one of the beaches and laze around and Pier 1 Port of Malaga for a shopping spree.
  • What to see: Picasso’s original art at Picasso Museum, the artwork at Museo Carmen Thyssen, the Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre.
  • Best time to visit Spain: May through September is the perfect time to hit the beach by day and enjoy cocktails during cool, balmy evenings.
The Gibraltar rock by the sea with a big cloud at the top in Malaga, Spain..
Located on the southern tip of Spain, Gibraltar is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom famous for its caves and monkey-studded nature reserve, as well as its shopping and culinary scenes.

7. Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is Switzerland's adrenaline central. Flanked by the Thun and Brienz glacier-fed lakes and home to the imperious peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau; Interlaken is an outdoor and adventure sports fiend’s nirvana. Not up for sports? Interlaken is also home to some postcard worthy scenery of Switzerland and an old charming town where you can discover historical castles and peaceful Alpine gardens.

  • Where to go and what to do: Mürren, Kleine Scheidegg and First for summer skiing, Lütschine River for rafting, Saxeten for canyoning, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau for mountain climbing, Harder Klum for hiking and panoramic views of Interlaken and Unterseen for sightseeing and cultural experience.
  • What to see: Höheweg, Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn World Heritage site, alphorn workshop and St Beatus Caves.
  • Best time to visit Switzerland: May to August when the weather is pleasant and suitable for adventure sports.
A train passing through houses and snow-capped mountains in Interlaken in Switzerland.
Visit Interlaken in Switzerland for outdoor adventures and leisure activities.

8. Santorini, Greece

If you adore sublime romantic sunsets, Santorini in Greece is a “must-see” destination. Set in the enchanting Greek Islands, Santorini’s combination of sun, sea, refreshing sea breezes and picture-postcard-perfect, whitewashed buildings is made for lovers. The sunsets at Oia overlooking the crater are some of the world’s best and the views from the infinity pools over the caldera are sublime!

  • Where to go and what to do: Fira to Oia, Ancient Thira and the monastery for hiking, Black Beach and Red Beach for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling, Nea Kameni for volcano hiking and hot springs and Vothonas village for historical sightseeting.
  • What to see: Spectacular sunsets, cave houses and Santorini’s caldera bay.
  • Best time to visit Greece: May for hiking and early June to September for swimming.

Insider Tip: When eating in restaurants anywhere in Greece, it is not mandatory to leave a tip. Although it is completely optional, most Greeks tip well. — from Trip & Travel Blog

A sea-side view of Santorini with clear blue water and white painted houses.
Santorini is an enchanting coastal town in Greece that has everything for a summer vacation, from sun and sea to beautiful whitewashed houses and mesmerizing sunsets.

9. Budapest, Hungary

The splendid city of Budapest in Hungary straddling the languid Danube is a city of surprises. Budapest bedazzles from its vibrant old centre, magnificent Buda Castle, Saint Stephen's Basilica and the Parliament building to its delightful parks and historic Heroes' Square. Once you are satiated on Budapest’s sublime heritage, it is time to indulge in some serious dining before plunging into the city’s busy nightlife.

  • Where to go and what to do: Cruise down the Danube, Margaret Island for picnic by the musical fountain, Buda Castle for panoramic city views, Lake Balaton for vineyards and mineral treatments and sightseeing.
  • What to see: Royal Palace, Parliament, Vajdahunyad Castle, National Gallery, Fisherman's Bastion, Chain Bridge, House of Terror and Heroes' Square.
  • Best time to visit Hungary: March to May and September to November when the city isn’t over crowded but the weather is pleasant.
The famous lion statue with a landscape of Budapest in the background in Hungary.
There is a lot to discover in Budapest, from history to dining and nightlife.

10. Gothenburg, Sweden

Gotland is undeniably special. With its treasure trove of historical sites, unexpectedly delightful scenery, enchanting countryside, enigmatic forests, quaint fishing villages and idyllic sandy beaches, this ancient Baltic island is a fresh take on Sweden. Neoclassical architecture jostles politely with tramways amid sumptuous restaurants and thriving cafés.

  • Where to go and what to do: Haga to photograph the picturesque wooden houses, the City Centre for a stroll, Botanical Gardens to enjoy a picnic, ride the Lisebergslinjen vintage tram and Lake Delsjön for kayaking.
  • What to see: Gothenburg Art Museum, Gothenburg City Museum, 17th century Skansen Kronan fort, Maritiman world's biggest floating museum of ships and the Volvo Museum and Götheborg ship.
  • Best time to visit Sweden: June and July is a great time to see the midnight sun.
The city of Gothenburg in Sweden during the day.
Take a walk through the Gothenburg in Sweden to immerse in the city's well-preserved history.

11. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s vibrant capital also doubles as the world’s most northerly capital and is one of the best places to visit in Europe. Here you’ll discover a quirky culture; eons old, an emerging art scene and vibrant buildings set against a backdrop of raw, icy wilderness with wildlife. Reykjavik combines all the hedonistic pleasures you expect from civilization with a convenient base for exploring Iceland’s majestic natural landscapes straight out of Iceland’s sagas, complete with steaming natural hot springs!

  • Where to go and what to do: Laugardalslaug and Árbæjarlaug for swimming and hot tubs, Ægissíða and southern coast for coastal rowing, Öskjuhlíð for hiking and Faxaflói for whale watching.
  • What to see: The Reykjavik Settlement Exhibition or Alþingi, Grótta Lighthouse, Tjörnin, Einar Jónsson Art Museum and Reykjavík Botanical Gardens.
  • Best time to visit Iceland: June through to August is the best time for hiking and other outdoor activities.
The city of Reykjavik with boats parked on the marina and houses in the background in Iceland.
Reykjavik will have you discovering an emerging art scene, steaming hot springs and vibrant architecture.

Undoubtedly, Europe is a continent of enchanting experiences with a bewitching combination of culture, architecture, history and cuisine that sets it apart from other destinations. The best Europe destinations make for delightful memories and enchanting experiences that will last you a lifetime. If you haven’t already planned your trip to Europe, now is the time!

Published by Sofie, updated on July 12, 2023
3 COMMENTSWe welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.
  1. D
    David CowneyJan 28 2019REPLY
    Europe is an amazing place to spend some time with family and for children to avail of game zone, water park etc. Thanks for a good article.
  2. Rasmus Bookmundi StaffJun 20 2018REPLY
    Thank you very much for the compliment Alzbeta. We're putting a lot of efforts into every post so great to hear that you like them! Have a great day ahead.
  3. A
    Alzbeta MurphyJun 20 2018REPLY
    I just enjoyed reading this blog. I regularly visit your blog and every time I found & learn something different on travelling. So I want to thank the admin for putting your efforts in making this well-developed post and I’m looking forward for more post like this.