The most significant time to travel to Europe is during the summer. This wonderful season’s longer days and warmer weather make it easier to create those priceless summertime recollections. Visualize yourself in a café in Paris or on the beach in Santorini, sipping wine and watching the world go by. What about wandering the villages of Cinque Terre or Barcelona, stopping in tapas bars, and gawking at Gaudi’s architecture? Europe’s summer months of June, July, and August include everything a traveler could want: history, culture, beach days, and long seafood meals.
For your 2023 summer holiday, we have compiled a list of the best European summer destinations, including breathtaking seaside villages, picturesque countryside landscapes, and lively European metropolis. Wherever you go in Europe this summer, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Keep reading to find out our top eight recommendations.
Paris, France
Springtime and autumn in Paris are two of our favorite times to visit this city. We adore Paris in the colder months when it’s foggy and wet, and of course, we adore it in the warmer months when it’s sunny and hot. A trip to the capital of France is almost always a wise choice. Still, it is gratifying in the summer when the city comes to life thanks to abundant sunshine, extended days, and entrancing evenings that seem to go forever. With an increase in hours of daylight, one has more opportunities to wander the city’s neighborhoods and take in its stunning architecture.
Lunch in one of the city’s parks or stroll along the Seine. Visit the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, or take in a performance at the Opéra Garnier during your time in Paris. Stroll around open-air food markets like the Marché Bastille, or take time to unwind by sitting in a café and watching people go about their day. Regarding European summer vacation destinations, Paris is often at the top of the list.
Santorini, Greece
Want Europe’s most incredible beaches? Santorini summers are fantasies. The volcanic Greek island’s stunning scenery, perfect weather, famous whitewashed houses, and turquoise blue waters make it a favorite European summer destination.
Warm days are great for beach lazing or touring Oia and Fira. Santorini’s sunsets explode into sherbet pinks, purples, and oranges. Magical, romantic nights here are unforgettable.
Spain’s Barcelona
Barcelona, a beachfront city, is the place to be in the summer. Every other weekend, music, art, and cuisine festivals bring the lively streets of the Spanish coastal city to life. Additionally, locals and visitors throng the city’s sandy beaches at Barceloneta and Sant Sebastià to enjoy the pleasant Mediterranean environment.
Discover Barcelona’s numerous Gaudi, art, and museum attractions, and spend your evenings hopping between tapas and bars in the Gothic Quarter. You can sample local fare and purchase handcrafted goods at street markets like the La Boqueria Market, or you can simply unwind at a rooftop bar and take in the summer sights across the city.
Croatia, Dubrovnik
Any summer tour of Europe will be memorable if you visit Croatia. During the summer, the country provides unlimited island hopping, sunlight, and seafood along the Adriatic Sea. The southern city of Dubrovnik offers the ideal combination of urban excitement and beachfront pleasure.
Spend mornings visiting the UNESCO-listed heart of the walled city, as well as its rich cultural legacy and unique sites. Spend hot days sunbathing on some of Europe’s best beaches, or enjoy a day trip to adjacent islands. Return to the historic streets later, where a lively nightlight setting means you may party until the sun rises!
The Cinque Terre in Italy
Cinque Terre’s vibrant villages, terraced vineyards, and clear blue waters come to life in the summer thanks to the mild weather and refreshing sea breezes. The romantic destination in Italy provides unparalleled natural beauty with breathtaking views at every turn.
Active tourists will enjoy exploring the coastal footpaths that connect Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Alternatively, admire the scenery from a boat and explore the local coves and beaches. Bring your swimwear and enjoy sea swimming, sunbathing, and seafood picnics. Cinque Terre is one of the most ideal summer destinations in Europe.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a vibrant and active city throughout the year, particularly in the summer. Expect vibrant streets with flower markets, cafés with tables spilling out onto terraces, and festivals every weekend.
Explore the works of Van Gogh and Rembrandt in the city’s numerous museums and art galleries. Then, enjoy the pleasant weather by strolling through local parks or charming streets. Rent bicycles and ride along the city’s picturesque canals while people-watching and bask in the sun. This is a joyful and enjoyable time to be in the Dutch capital.
The Côte d’Azur, France
The French Riviera, or the Côte d’Azur, is calling you. The sophisticated stretch of sun-kissed shoreline is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, high-end resorts, and Mediterranean climate. All of these are essential parts of a great summer vacation in Europe.
You can visit top European summer spots like Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez along the coast. If you have time, you can also make a side trip to glamorous Monaco. Laze around on beaches with a drink in your hand. Then eat rich French food at bistros and bars in the area.
The Portuguese capital of Lisbon
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most charming summertime cities. Residents may escape to the city’s sandy beaches, where the calm Atlantic Ocean awaits. The city’s colorful streets adorned with azulejo tiles shimmer in the sunshine.
The capital of Portugal is a unique travel destination thanks to its ability to combine old-world charm with buzzing modern energy. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and a rickety yellow tram while you’re there. You should stuff yourself with pasties de natas and then run away from the city. At some of Europe’s finest beaches, you may take surfing lessons or just relax with a seafood lunch while your toes are in the sand.
How about a summer trip to Europe this year? Where are you going this summer? Let us know in the comments!
