Summer Backpacking Europe: 15 Pros & Cons!

1. PRO: Summer is the most lively time of the year

Summer is undoubtedly the most lively time of the year in Europe.

Apart from some cities that are part of the European Christmas Markets Route and skiing destinations, but we will not address those here. 

This rule applies to both coastal destinations and big cities that are inland.

Little coastal towns and islands, like Paros, Greece, start living from the end of June until the beginning of September, as people who usually live in the capital relocate to the seaside for the summer. 

At the same time, people backpacking Europe replace the usual residents in the capitals. 

There are tourists, local and international, everywhere. It is easy to meet people and make friends as a solo traveler.

2. CON: Expect crowds everywhere

There is no getting around this, there will be crowds of people everywhere you go.

If you consider visiting some of Europe’s best holiday destinations this summer, be prepared that there will be many people.

You might be envisioning empty, charming cobblestone streets of Santorini, but you will find long lines of people expecting the same thing as you.

Even the less popular destinations, that travel blogs will tell you are the hidden gems, will be not as secret as expected.

Beaches are full of people, especially on the weekends. If you are looking for a secluded beach you will need a boat to take you to some not easily accessible on foot.

The photo of an empty secluded beach you had on your vision board for backpacking Algarve, Portugal since January, will not be empty and relaxing.

3. PRO: Plenty of summer events

Unlike cold winter nights you want to spend inside your house, European summer nights are delightful!

Everybody goes out, meets up with friends, and strolls around the city. Thus, local authorities organize a lot of events.

For example, every coastal town in Croatia has its night. It is a public event with live music, street food, and sometimes even a fair. Some regions go so far that every neighborhood has its night!

There are similar traditions all over Europe.

Many regions organize festivals during the summer. There are open-air concerts, cinemas, and exhibitions everywhere. 

4. CON: Cost of backpacking Europe

Europe is the most expensive to backpack in the summer.

It is a simple law of supply and demand. There are many people, so the prices can be high, and there will still be customers.

Coastal destinations like Portugal, Spain, and Greece easily become some of the most expensive European countries to visit!

If you want a better experience, meaning to get away from the crowds, you will have to pay for it. And you will have to pay a lot. 

My best tip is to start saving money to travel to Europe as soon as you know you’d like to do it!

Accommodation prices in Europe in the summer

Accommodation is typically at least 50% more expensive in the summer, especially in coastal destinations, and it applies to staying in hostels as well!

It is not just coastal destinations – I have noticed that the same thing applies even to the big cities that are European backpacking hubs, like Budapest, Berlin, Krakow, etc. 

Expect to pay €20 to €40 per night in a hostel in most places in Europe.

Transportation prices in Europe in the summer

The price of transportation around Europe skyrockets in the summer. While during the year, you only see the spikes in price on the weekend, in the summer, that spike is constant.

Flights get very expensive, so it gets hard to fly around Europe on a budget.

If you are flexible with your itinerary, I use this website to browse flights to multiple destinations at the same time to see what works best.

The same thing happens with trains in countries where train tickets fluctuate, so make sure you book your train tickets well in advance!

Luckily, operators in some countries do not change the price depending on when you book. For example, in Croatia, bus prices are the same regardless of when you book if you travel with a local operator (Flixbus has its own policy).

Restaurant prices in Europe in the summer

Food will be slightly more expensive in coastal destinations that depend mostly on tourism.

Big cities keep their prices generally the same throughout the year. However, islands and coastal towns try to make the most out of the short tourist season they get in the summer months. Prices will be inflated!

The cost of backpacking Europe in summer can be a crucial factor in deciding whether you want to save the trip for a less busy time of the year.

5. PRO: European Beaches

If you are planning a beach holiday in Europe, that is only possible in summer. Even in the southernmost countries like Greece and Spain, you won’t be able to swim in winter.

But once summer rolls around, the beaches are full of life!

Luckily, you can choose between many beaches in Europe.

From long sandy beaches around Bordeaux, France to small pebbled beaches in Pula, Croatia – there is something for everybody!

In some countries, you can easily swim until October, but most people find the European sea best from June until September. 

If you want to enjoy beaches in Europe on your backpacking Europe trip, you will want to visit in the summer. Ideally, in July and August.

The more southern the destination is, the longer you will be able to enjoy swimming there.

For example, I was swimming when backpacking the Cyclades, Greece in September and when I was backpacking the Algarve in late October/early November.

6. CON: Summers in Europe are hot

It is hot in Europe in summer.

It will be hard to explore some destinations in the scorching sun and 35-degree heat.

Think about whether you would like to discover ancient Greek ruins in the scorching sun.

I was backpacking Andalusia in late June/July and only wanted to live during the night. It was way too hot during the day to do anything, after my early morning free walking tours I’d go for a siesta in my hostel until dinner time!

At the same time, going on a Benagil cave tour in the Algarve is best in summer when you can also swim in the cave!

7. PRO: You can pack light

Summers in Europe are hot. Therefore, you will wear fewer clothing items.

It will be easier to pack more outfits and stay within budget airlines’ luggage size limits. Summer clothes are also a lot lighter, and it is an important aspect when you carry your bag on your back!

Because Europe is expensive in summer, you can save money on flight tickets!

Summers in Europe are pretty predictable. If you go to the south, you can expect it to be hot. You are packing for one season, hence no need to bring your whole wardrobe. 

It is a bit more complicated if you visit the north of Europe and locations known to have unpredictable weather. In that case, you will have to use other tricks to keep your luggage light.

Learn how to pack in a personal item-sized backpack, so you never pay Ryanair luggage fees!

8. cON: You have to plan everything

Because there are so many people, things tend to sell out. This means you can not be as spontaneous as you might want to be.

You will have to have a general idea of the things you want to visit and when you want to do that, so you can book it in advance. Some attractions need to be booked at least two weeks in advance!

If you plan an extensive backpacking Europe trip, you will want to know where you want to be at a certain time.

Not only the main tourist attractions, but transportation tends to sell out as well. Prices of flights skyrocket in the summer, so it is hard to be spontaneous about that.

If you already know the destinations you want to visit, you should book as far in advance as possible, while budget airlines still have their promotions.

You do not need to have your whole trip planned out day by day, but it is wise to have a general idea of when you would like to be where and have the tickets booked while the prices are still acceptable. 

9. PRO: places recommended on Google Are open

As tourists leave, so does commerce. A lot of places only work seasonally.

If you want to try that vegan restaurant you saw on the Happy Cow app, chances are high it will close and move to the capital once summer is over.

It is not uncommon to find notes on the front door saying that the place is closed for the winter.

Also, do not expect to find all those open-air cinemas, theatres, and concerts in the winter either.

10. CON: You have to book hostels in advance

You will have to book your hostel in advance to avoid the risk of it selling out on your dates.

This is especially important if you wish to stay in one of the most popular hostels at your destination.

There are many hostels in Europe, but some are simply better than others. Good hostels are hard to come by and be sure, every backpacker in Europe knows about them. Therefore, everybody will try to stay there.

If there is a hostel you know you want to stay at – book your hostel as soon as possible. Go for hostels with free cancellation in case your plans change!

11. PRO: You‘ll meet so many people

Following the previous note, many people mean you can easily make friends, even if you are hesitant to travel because your friends don’t want to travel.

As a solo female backpacker, there are opportunities to meet people everywhere – in your hostel, on free walking tours or activities.

Since most backpackers do the same route, you will notice the same people in your hostel and on the free walking tours. It is easy to make friends in a hostel who will then join you on your adventures.

As previously mentioned, there are a lot of events in the summer, and you can invite your new friends on a night out.

The summer atmosphere in Europe is very relaxed, and even the locals enjoy their holidays. There will be a lot of opportunities to meet the locals and learn more about the place you are visiting.

12. CON: Locals can be less friendly

If you are the type of traveler who likes to get friendly with the locals, you might notice they are less friendly during the high season.

Some might blame the tourists for constant traffic jams, waiting in lines, or taking up a seat in their favorite bar. Everybody is tenser with high temperatures and crowds, especially those who are not on vacation.

But don’t worry, this doesn’t apply to everyone – you can meet so many friendly locals in the summer!

Crowds in top tourist destinations make less-visited countries like Romania and Albania the best European countries to backpack in summer.

13. PRO: Budget airlines have many seasonal flights

Since there are more people around, there are also more transportation options.

Many coastal destinations only get budget airline flights during the summer.

For example Zadar, Croatia only gets Ryanair and Easyjet flights from April until October. That makes summer the easiest time to visit that destination if you do not have a car.

A lot of coastal destinations and islands are in the same situation. 

Similarly, a reliable ferry network in Greece connects the islands and the mainland in the summer months. However, once the tourists are gone, the ferries get less frequent. Moreover, some ferry lines get canceled once summer is over! 

If you want to be sure that you can easily access all of the places on your wish list, summer is the best time to go.

14. CON: Local transport is less frequent

While it probably won’t impact your trip too much, you’ll notice local transport is less frequent in the summer.

Many public transport operators switch to a “school holidays” schedule, which usually means fewer departures during the day.

It is important to keep in mind if you’re the type of person to leave for the airport at the latest possible time.

If you’re planning some day trips out into the countryside by public transport, you’ll have to work with fewer options.

15. PRO: The backpacking spirit in Europe

There are some unwritten backpacking rules. For example, you visit Thailand in the winter months. However, backpacking in Europe is done in the summer. 

Hostels and tour companies follow the rule that Europe is a summer destination.

Hostels organize many free events in the summer when many people stay there. You can join the events your hostel organizes, or you can find a tour company you enjoy. Even if it is your first solo female backpacking trip, you’ll blend in quickly!

Some tour companies only operate in the summer. Free walking tours go multiple times a day in different languages, while there might be one or two hours a week in winter.

You can safely go on a night out as a solo traveler, as there are backpackers everywhere! You will see them in the bars, on trains, and on the street.

Why is everybody visiting Europe in summer?

So the big question is, why is Europe so busy in the summer months?

The simple answer is that everybody gets their annual leave. It is a European tradition to have your annual leave during the summer months.

Some companies do not even let you choose but impose taking your vacation in July or August. However, many people also like having their annual leave in the summer.

Life gets much more laid back in Europe during the summer heat.

Children are out of school, and state bodies work on their summer schedule. Fortunately for you, you will probably not need to visit the retirement services office, but if you do, they will probably only work one shift. 

Meaning, that we have a lot of Europeans traveling around, to begin with. If we add people from all over the world, we get a big crowd of people in Europe.

Moreover, the weather is at its peak in many European countries.

Days are long and sunny, and the weather is pleasant. Nordic countries are generally freezing in the winter, and there are not many events happening. As the weather gets warmer, so does the urge to visit the said countries.

As for the countries in the south, the Mediterranean Sea gets just warm enough for pleasant swimming, as well!

To summarize, we have two main reasons why Europe is so popular in the summer.

• Firstly, widespread annual leaves for European workers and students.
• Secondly, the weather in Europe is perfect for spending your days on the beach.

Is it worth backpacking Europe in the summer?

It depends on your priorities. Do you want to see the main tourist attractions in peace or do you enjoy the backpacking vibe and parties more than the history? Are you traveling to the beaches or the cities?

The truth is that every destination will have a different vibe depending on the time of the year you visit.

Europe is a big and diverse continent. Different destinations offer different experiences based on the time of the year you visit. 

If you decide to visit the Croatian islands in the summer, you might think they are the best place in the world and want to spend the rest of your life there.

However, when you visit the same islands in the winter, you get a realistic idea of island life. The islands are empty, and it is hard to get back to the coast because the ferry only runs once or twice a week if you are fortunate. Also, there is no commerce but the necessities. 

On the other hand, Budapest is one of the best places to backpack in Europe in winter, and there is not that much difference in the city’s liveliness.

It is an amazing experience whenever you visit. It is an ultimate year-round destination, the only thing you have to worry about is if you prefer to be too hot or too cold!

Final Thoughts: Backpacking Europe Summer Guide

Now that you read about the positive and the negative sides of backpacking Europe in the summer, it is up to you to decide if summer in Europe is for you.

While summer could be the best time to backpack Europe if you like the beaches, summer parties in Europe, and lively atmosphere, you might be overwhelmed by crowds.

Summer is the most expensive time to visit Europe but you can still find budget-friendly destinations.

If you are not convinced, check out my guide on backpacking Europe in winter to compare what it is like!