Dreaming of a European summer getaway? ☀️ From sun-soaked beaches to charming old towns, Europe is full of magical destinations perfect for the warmer months. Whether you’re craving island vibes, scenic mountain towns, or vibrant cities by the sea, this guide covers 12 of the best places to visit in Europe during summer — with a mix of iconic hotspots and underrated gems.
Ready to plan your sunshine-filled escape? Let’s dive in! 🇪🇺🌊
1. Santorini, Greece
Famous for its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches, Santorini is a summer dream. Enjoy sunset views over the caldera, hike from Fira to Oia, and relax on volcanic beaches.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit in early June or late September for warm weather without the peak crowds.
2. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Colorful cliffside towns, lemon groves, and Mediterranean breezes — the Amalfi Coast is pure summer magic. Explore Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi by bus or boat, and enjoy gelato with a view.
💡 Pro Tip: Ferries between towns offer stunning coastal views and are less crowded than buses.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
A hilly capital full of charm, trams, and tiled facades. Lisbon is budget-friendly, sunny, and just a short ride from Atlantic beaches. Try pastéis de nata and watch the sunset from a miradouro.
💡 Pro Tip: Take a quick trip to nearby Sintra for fairy-tale castles and cooler air.
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Wander the walled Old Town, swim in the Adriatic, and enjoy seafood by the sea. Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones fame adds to its allure, but its true magic lies in its historic streets and coastline.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit Lokrum Island (10 mins by boat) to escape the crowds and explore quiet beaches.
5. Nice, France
The heart of the French Riviera, Nice combines elegant boulevards with sunny beaches and Mediterranean charm. Great base for visiting Monaco, Eze, and Antibes.
💡 Pro Tip: Check out the local markets at Cours Saleya and walk the Promenade des Anglais at sunset.
6. Budapest, Hungary
Europe’s most beautiful affordable capital. Enjoy thermal baths, Danube river views, and grand architecture. Perfect for backpackers and culture lovers alike.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t miss the outdoor Széchenyi Baths — especially magical at night.
7. Barcelona, Spain
A vibrant blend of beach and city life. Gaudí’s surreal architecture, tapas culture, and a buzzing seaside atmosphere make Barcelona a top summer destination.
💡 Pro Tip: Book Sagrada Familia tickets in advance — even in summer, it sells out fast.
8. Ljubljana & Lake Bled, Slovenia
A small but stunning country. Ljubljana is artsy and walkable, while Lake Bled offers peaceful summer vibes, a castle on a cliff, and rowboat adventures to the island church.
💡 Pro Tip: Rent a bike and cycle the entire lake for the best views and photos.
9. Cinque Terre, Italy
Five pastel-colored villages built into cliffs above the sea. Hike between them, eat fresh seafood, and swim in turquoise coves. A bucket-list summer experience.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Cinque Terre Card for easy train access and trail entry.
10. Mallorca, Spain
A Mediterranean island full of surprises — from hidden beaches and pine-covered hills to cute towns like Sóller and Deià. Rent a scooter or car and explore freely.
💡 Pro Tip: For quieter stays, head to the north coast or the Tramuntana mountains.
11. Tbilisi, Georgia
Off the beaten path but unforgettable. Tbilisi offers cobbled streets, historic baths, amazing food, and friendly locals — all at very affordable prices.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit in late summer to enjoy wine harvest season in nearby Kakheti.
12. Paris, France
Yes, it’s classic — but for good reason. Summer in Paris means picnic evenings by the Seine, open-air jazz, and golden hour under the Eiffel Tower.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy a baguette, wine, and cheese and enjoy a sunset picnic in Champ de Mars.
🧳 Final Tips for Summer in Europe
- Book early: Summer is high season — flights, hotels, and activities fill up fast.
- Pack light: But bring layers. Even warm places can get cool at night.
- Mix famous with hidden gems: Big cities + small towns = best of both worlds!