17 Best Summer Destinations In Europe (2024)
If you’re planning a trip to Europe this year, you’re probably wondering what are the best summer destinations in Europe.
I live in Europe and I visited almost every European country during summer, so I’m here to help!
Europe is such a diverse continent, so you can spend the summer on the beach, backpacking, hiking, or sightseeing.
Whether you’re after classic European summer destinations like the Croatian coastline and the Greek islands, or cooler spots to enjoy nature and discover hidden gems like the Dolomites or Scotland, there’s something for everyone
Let’s find the best summer spots in Europe!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
1. Croatian Coastline
Croatia has been one of the top summer destinations in Europe for several years now. I’m Croatian, so I might be biased, but I’d argue we have one of the best coastlines in Europe.
With picturesque seafront towns and quaint islands, there are many reasons to visit Croatia as it is truly a unique place to spend summer.
Croatia might be a small country, but there are so many places to visit along the Croatian coastline from Pula in the north, Zadar in the center, and Dubrovnik in the south.
When you think of summer in Croatia, think of cobblestone streets, stone houses, crystal clear sea, boat tours, and delicious fresh food.
Places like Dubrovnik or Split get quite crowded in the summer, but you can still find hidden gems like Šibenik, Trogir, or the Istrian peninsula.
While you could pick one destination to visit, I love going on a road trip along the Croatian coastline and visiting several towns.
Another popular way to discover Croatian islands is to join an island-hopping boat tour!
Croatia is home to many picturesque islands! Some of the most popular places to visit are Hvar, Krk, Mljet, Korčula, and Vis where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed!
A thing to consider is that while Croatia gained popularity as a budget-friendly summer destination, that is no longer the case. Prices in Croatia are quite similar to prices in Portugal, Greece, or Spain.
Backpacking Croatia is a fantastic idea and you can still have a budget-friendly holiday in Croatia, as long as you’re aware that Dubrovnik is expensive and you pick cheaper places to visit in Croatia.
2. Greek Islands
Island hopping in Greece epitomizes the essence of a European summer like not many other experiences.
Imagine seafront whitewashed houses, blue domes, and vibrant pink bougainvillea trees, and you have the recipe for the most beautiful places in Europe in summer.
Greece backpackers have many islands to choose from, so it might seem hard to pick which ones to visit!
Island hopping the Cyclades is the most popular route to take, featuring destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, and Milos among its stunning array of islands.
These are the most popular and consequently priciest Greek islands. Still, there are many others in the area you can visit on a budget like Naxos or Paros.
I traveled to Greece several times, and I’m always surprised by how diverse different Greek islands are.
When I spent 1 week in Corfu in the Ionian islands in the northwest of the country, I thought it looked more like a Croatian than a Greek Island!
Alternatively, you can also head to Crete, Rhodes, or Kos. With so many islands to choose from, you can spend each summer in Greece discovering a new area!
3. French Riviera
Another iconic European summer holiday destination is the French Riviera.
Traditionally, the South of France is one of the more upscale summer European destinations and not really on the backpacking route.
However, I absolutely love the French Riviera. I visited several times, and it is the epitome of the luxurious European summer holiday.
If you want to treat yourself to French slow-living, with fine wine, fresh produce, and crystal clear seas, coastal towns along the French Riviera are the place for you.
While the water is chilly in the Atlantic beaches near Bordeaux even in the middle of summer, the Mediterranean Sea is warm and perfect for swimming.
You can also visit larger coastal cities like Nice or Marseille, or head to the countryside and lavender fields of Aix-en-Provence.
4. Amalfi Coast
Staying with the upscale summer in Europe theme, we have Amalfi Coast.
This beautiful Italian region south of Naples is a holiday destination for those who want to enjoy postcard-like cliffside villages, pristine beaches, and delicious fresh food.
I’m a big fan of backpacking Europe, but I’d say the Amalfi Coast is best enjoyed when you’re not on a budget.
In fact, I found it quite funny how different the atmosphere in these seafront villages was compared to the rugged and busy city of Naples.
Sure, you can still do it on a budget as I did, but there is a certain level of “expectations vs reality” you should be aware of.
Cliffside villages might look beautiful in the photos, but be prepared that you’ll have to climb a lot of stairs to get around.
Most beaches are covered in sunbeds that you’ll have to pay to use. Some beaches are strictly private, and you can’t even put your towel on the beach if you don’t want to pay for a sunbed.
Finally, I visited the Amalfi Coast before it was officially popular, and it was already packed! The area is beautiful, but far from a hidden gem anymore.
5. Turkish Riviera
As the prices in traditional European holiday destinations increased, Turkey emerged as one of the best cheap European summer destinations.
Turkish Riviera reminds me a lot of the Croatian coastline and Greek islands, which is not surprising as they are so close!
Several years ago most people went to Turkey in package tours and all-inclusive resorts. While that is still an option if you’re into it, I prefer backpacking Turkey on my own!
There are so many towns along the coastline that you can easily escape the crowds and swim in secluded beaches and hidden bays.
Apart from pristine beaches and crystal clear sea, Turkey’s main selling point is affordability.
Turkey is cheap compared to France or most of Italy and Spain, so spending your summer vacation in Turkey is an affordable alternative to the more popular European beach destinations.
Finally, Turkey is dotted with impressive historical monuments and unique landscapes like Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
6. Algarve, Portugal
Portugal could easily be the best place to visit in Europe in summer.
With beaches from the north to the south of the country, it is no surprise it is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations.
While the whole country is a fantastic place to visit when backpacking around Portugal, the southernmost region of the Algarve with its dramatic cliffs and endless sandy beaches is the main attraction.
I spent a week in the Algarve exploring the beautiful coastline, and I could have easily stayed longer!
The Algarve coastline is lined with beautiful sandy beaches, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and intricate rock formations.
When deciding where to stay in the Algarve, you can’t go wrong with any of the coastal towns.
Albufeira is known as the nightlife hotspot in the region but the whole area is quite lively in the summer.
However, my favorite town in the region is Lagos, as it has a more local atmosphere and it has more beautiful beaches.
7. Albania
Albania is quickly becoming one of the most popular countries to backpack in Europe.
If you’re a budget traveler, you’ll be glad to know that prices in Albania are way lower than in the rest of the continent.
At the same time, this small country packs a punch when it comes to things to do.
From breathtaking mountains and hiking trails to pristine beaches with crystal clear seas, Albania has it all.
History lovers will love exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites and quaint mountain villages of Berat and Gjirokastra hiding stories from different times.
Finally, Albania is really affordable!
It is one of the last places in Europe where you can lay by the beach sipping cocktails without worrying about the bill, especially if you’re coming from Western Europe.
8. Scotland, UK
Moving away from beach destinations, summer in Europe is a fantastic time to enjoy the dramatic landscapes of Scotland.
Picture lush green rolling hills as far as you can see, with single-track roads winding on the horizon leading to picturesque villages.
Summer is the best time to visit Scotland if you want to escape the heat of southern Europe and breathe the fresh air in the great outdoors.
9. Dolomites, Italy
If you want to go completely off-grid this summer, the Dolomites mountain range in Italy is the place for you.
Forget about the crowded cities and screaming children jumping over your towel on the beach and book a trip to the Italian mountains!
There are two ways you can visit this region, as a thru-hiker or a tourist.
As a tourist, I suggest you rent a car and book accommodation in quaint mountain villages. You can go on a hiking day trip every day or a road trip by staying in different villages every night.
I only visited the Dolomites as a tourist and a hobby hiker, so I didn’t sleep on the trail, only hiked during the day and back to my bed at night.
However, my mom went on a several-day-long hiking expedition while sleeping in mountain homes and she said it was incredible.
You can also combine a trip to the Dolomites with a visit to the Austrian town of Innsbruck for even more breathtaking landscapes!
10. Norway Road Trip
Another option for those who are looking for cool places to go in Europe in summer is Norway.
This Nordic country boasts some of the most incredible landscapes in Europe, combined with Norway’s right to roam, makes for a perfect summer destination for nature lovers.
Norway is pricey, so a fun way to stay on a budget and discover the most remote areas of the country is by renting a campervan.
If you ever wanted to try van life, this is your moment.
There are more than a thousand campsites all over the country, but sleeping in nature and waking up to breathtaking scenery is an option too!
I visited Norway in the summer, and the weather was just perfect – not too cold, not too hot.
I was wearing long pants and short sleeves in the north when visiting the glaciers, but it was hot enough for shorts in the south of the country.
11. Baltic Countries
Crowds and high prices are the biggest disadvantages of summer in Europe, but you won’t have an issue with that if you opt to discover Baltic countries this summer.
Baltic countries are some of the best European summer holiday destinations for backpackers, as they are quite affordable, somewhat off the beaten path, and easy to get around.
Backpacking Baltic countries is also a fantastic way to visit multiple European countries on the same trip, as they are well connected by bus and train network.
While Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are similar, there is something special in each of these countries.
Tallinn and its fairytale-like walled city center was my favorite, but I also loved the colorful houses of Riga.
12. Switzerland
If you want to switch up your usual beach vacation for a mountain holiday, Switzerland is one of the best places to visit in Europe in summer.
Yes, I know Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe, but it is worth it!
In fact, you can easily stay on a budget in Switzerland as most things to do, like sightseeing and hiking, are completely free.
Some of the places that should be on your Switzerland itinerary are Zurich, Geneve, and Interlaken.
Swiss cities are quite picturesque, and I loved strolling the cobblestone streets of Zurich. You won’t miss the sea if you visit in the summer, as you can simply go for a dip in Zurich lake!
You can’t come to Switzerland in the summer and not go hiking! Some of the most scenic hiking trails in Switzerland are the Oeschinen Lake Trail, Stoos Ridge Hike, and Schäfler Ridge Hike.
13. Poland
Poland might seem like an unusual choice, but I decided to backpack Poland solo one summer, and I absolutely loved it!
Summer is not the high season in Poland, so you can enjoy most tourist attractions without crowds.
That is not to say that you’ll be alone, far from that. Still, it is much more enjoyable than the crowds during the Christmas Market season.
While most people only visit Krakow or Warsaw, the country is home to many hidden gems and you can easily spend more than a week in Poland.
From the seafront town of Gdansk in the north to the stunning mountains of Tatra National Park in the south, there is something for every type of traveler.
It is easy to get around Poland by public transport, and it is still quite an affordable destination if you’re worried about the cost of backpacking in Europe.
You should spend at least 2 days in Krakow and visit the infamous Auschwitz, next head to Wroclaw to find all the dwarf sculptures and escape into nature in Zakopane.
14. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona might be my favorite European city to visit in the summer. There is simply no other place like it.
It is a fantastic destination for every type of traveler. You have a vibrant town with lively nightlife, so many cultural attractions, and a beach right in the city center!
Barcelona is also great for day trips to smaller seafront towns along Costa Brava or Girona. Lloret de Mar is especially well known as the party
I love Spain so now I can’t stop talking about it, but the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca) are the perfect destination to add to your itinerary if you have more than a week in Spain this summer.
Spanish islands are some of the best party places in Europe during summer!
The rest of Spain is lovely too, but deciding between visiting Barcelona or Madrid in the summer is an easy choice.
I spent a week in Andalucia in June and it was so hot that I can’t even imagine how bad it gets in July and August, and there are no beaches!
15. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of my favorite places in Europe and one of the best places to start backpacking in Europe.
I visited Budapest more than 5 times so far, and it is really a year-round destination.
While it is a charming Christmas Market destination, the city truly comes alive with the warm weather.
I loved strolling the streets and sightseeing during the day and grabbing a drink by the river or in one of the ruin bars at night.
Hungary is a central European country, so it is a great budget-friendly alternative to popular places like Berlin or Paris.
Budapest is also a great destination for foodies with many food courts popping up in the summer.
It is easy to reach Budapest from all over Europe, as it is one of the biggest budget airline hubs. I once took a flight with a 2-day layover in Budapest just so I could get a vegan burger from one of the stands!
16. Prague, Czechia
Prague is a popular stop on every Christmas Market itinerary, but you might enjoy it even more in the summer!
I visited Prague in the summer, and I loved how lively the city is during the warmer months.
You’ll get to wander the cobblestone streets, explore the rich history of this royal town, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
It is no secret that Prague is a popular party destination in Europe, and Czechia brews some of the best beers.
If you’re a beer lover, Czechia is the perfect destination for you, as beer is practically synonymous with the country.
17. London, UK
Finally, we have London. The capital of the UK is one of the most popular places to visit in Europe.
London is a year-round destination, so why should you visit in the summer?
Simply because it is the best time weather-wise to enjoy this vibrant city!
I visited London several times, and visiting in June was perfect. The weather wasn’t as hot as it gets in the south of Europe, but it was sunny and the days were super long.
London is expensive, but there are so many free things to do in London if you’re visiting on a budget!
I loved strolling the markets, having a picnic in Hyde Park, and watching the sunset from Primrose Hill.
Also, so many London museums are free to visit, including the popular British Museum and Tate Modern art gallery.
London is a great base for day trips to the countryside, and you can visit Cambridge, Oxford, and Bath. All by public transport!
Final Thoughts: Best Summer Destinations In Europe
Europe is such a diverse continent with something for every type of traveler.
You don’t need to be a beach lover to enjoy European summer! This is the best time to visit hiking destinations like the Dolomites in Italy and the Swiss Alps!
Summer is also a great time to visit large European capitals without crowds like Prague or Berlin.
Finally, if you’re dreaming of the classic European summer, head to the south of Croatia, the Greek Islands, or the South of France.
You’ll get to enjoy the laid-back southern atmosphere, crystal clear seas, and long sunny days.
Also, don’t dismiss the Balkans for cheap beach holidays in Europe!
Hey,
Vey cool post, thanks for sharing.
What do you suggest for a 34 year old guy, solo, looking for fun at a beach destination this summer?