Best Summer Destinations in Europe: Where to Spend Your Summer Vacation in Europe

Summer is many people’s favorite time of year, and for good reason. In Europe, the summer means vacation, freedom, relaxation, and usually great weather.

For some, it’s all about soaking up the sun on the beach. For others, it’s hiking through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Whatever your travel style, summer is Europe’s peak tourist season, when the continent truly comes alive.

It’s the perfect time to explore. Everything is open, and there are endless opportunities for adventure. While summer officially runs from June to August, in recent years both May and September have brought warm, sunny weather as well. That means summer in Europe can stretch to four or even five months of travel-friendly conditions.

In this article, we’ll recommend fantastic destinations for both beach lovers and mountain enthusiasts. In some cases, you can even enjoy both in a single trip.

We’ll start with a quick overview of the best summer destinations in Europe. After that, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each place. Finally, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about traveling around Europe in the summer season.

Best summer destinations in Europe: Our top picks for 2025

Here are the best European holiday destinations to choose for summer:

1. Provence, France

Provence is one of the best summer destinations in Europe. This beautiful region offers a bit of everything: beaches, mountains, gorges, waterfalls, flower fields, and charming villages, all within a short distance of each other.

In the south, you’ll find the stunning beaches of the French Riviera and excellent hiking opportunities in the Calanques near Marseille and Cassis.

In the central areas, the famous lavender fields bloom from mid-June to mid-July. It’s the perfect time to visit if you want to see those iconic purple landscapes. Close by, the Verdon Gorge offers kayaking, swimming, and scenic hikes in one of Europe’s most beautiful canyon areas.

To the northeast, the lower Alps provide cooler mountain trails and peaceful natural scenery, ideal for active travelers looking for a break from the heat.

Throughout the region, you’ll enjoy delicious French food, long summer evenings with beautiful sunsets, and well-developed infrastructure that makes getting around easy and comfortable.

Provence is diverse, colorful, and full of charm — a region worth visiting at least once in your life.

2. Bavarian Alps, Germany

Located in southeastern Germany along the Austrian border, the Bavarian Alps are one of the country’s most stunning natural regions. As the northern edge of the Eastern Alps, this area stretches from Salzburg to Allgäu and is easily accessible from major Bavarian cities like Munich, making it a popular destination nearly all year round.

The region is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with dramatic landscapes that include mountain peaks, deep gorges, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and charming villages. Historic castles and traditional Bavarian architecture add even more character to this scenic part of Germany.

Summer is the ideal time to visit the Bavarian Alps. The weather is generally mild with low rainfall, and the natural attractions are at their most vibrant. Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or simply relaxing in nature, the Bavarian Alps offer a peaceful holiday.

Spend a few days, or even a week, exploring the area. You’ll be captivated by the views, the rich local culture, and the sense of serenity that comes with alpine life.

It’s also a great base for continuing your journey into other parts of Germany or neighboring Austria and Switzerland.

3. Croatian Coast

Croatia is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe. With over 5,000 kilometers of coastline, clear turquoise waters, and numerous islands, the Croatian Adriatic offers a wide variety of places to visit.

Important cities along the coast include Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split, and especially Dubrovnik, which is known for its historic old town and medieval walls. Dubrovnik is busy in high season but remains one of the highlights of the Adriatic.

Among the islands, Hvar stands out as a favorite. It’s well-known for its sunny weather, small beaches, and lively town, but quieter parts of the island are also available for those looking to relax.

For a less crowded and more laid-back option, Omis is worth considering. Located between the sea and steep cliffs, it offers both beaches and outdoor activities such as rafting and hiking in the nearby Cetina Canyon.

The Croatian coastline is mostly rocky or pebbly, so sea shoes are recommended. The water is usually very clean and calm in summer, which is part of the region’s lasting appeal.

While Croatia used to be known for being much cheaper than other Mediterranean destinations, prices have increased in recent years. Still, many visitors feel that the natural beauty and variety the coast offers make it worth the cost.

If you’re planning a summer holiday, the Croatian coast remains a strong choice, whether you’re looking for vibrant cities, island holiday, or peaceful nature.

4. Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most famous countries in Europe, visited by millions of tourists every year. If you dream of exploring the Swiss Alps, walking through stunning landscapes, and enjoying a clean, well-organized country, Switzerland is the place for you.

If you love nature, hiking, or skiing, Switzerland is a must-visit destination. The Swiss Alps cover a large part of the country and offer views that will inspire you. You can visit charming mountain villages, turquoise and green lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and rocky peaks. Many large lakes are surrounded by picturesque towns, adding to the country’s charm. You will also find Switzerland very safe, orderly, and clean, making your travel easy and comfortable.

Summer is the best time for you to visit, especially if you like hiking.

Some of the top places you should visit include Oeschinensee, a beautiful mountain lake; Lauterbrunnen, famous for its waterfalls; Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn; and Lucerne, a charming city with historic sites.

Whether you want to hike, relax by the lakes, or enjoy the mountain views, Switzerland has something special for you in the summer.

5. Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

If you’re looking for a beautiful and less crowded destination in Europe, the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro is a great choice. This coastal area in the Balkans is often called one of the most scenic spots in Southern Europe — and it’s still a bit of a hidden gem compared to more famous places.

The bay is actually a fjord, with steep mountains rising straight from the sea. Along the coast, you’ll find small medieval towns, old churches, and quiet villages. Kotor, the main town, has a well-preserved old town with narrow streets, stone buildings, and amazing views if you climb the city walls.

Nearby, you can visit Perast, known for its baroque palaces and the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks. The area is small and easy to explore, whether by car or boat.

The best time to visit is early summer: the weather is warm, everything is open, but it’s still not too crowded. If you plan to spend time on the beach in nearby Budva, summer is ideal, but expect more tourists during July and August.

The Bay of Kotor is perfect if you want a unique summer destination with nature, history, and coastal charm.

6. Slovenian Coast

The Slovenian coastline is short (just 47 km), but it still offers a lot to see and do, making it a popular summer destination for many European tourists.

There are four main towns along the coast: Koper, Izola, Piran, and Portoroz. All of them get quite busy in summer, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip ahead.

Koper is a port city with plenty of shops and restaurants. You can enjoy a nice walk along the seafront promenade on the west side of town, especially at sunset.

Izola is smaller and quieter, with a charming old town and a long coastal path. One of the best viewpoints is Jagodje Viewpoint, just west of Izola — it offers a great view of the town and the sea.

Piran is the most popular tourist spot on the Slovenian coast. Its old town is car-free, so you’ll need to park outside and walk in. It’s worth it: narrow streets, coastal views, and beautiful architecture await. For the best views, head up to the Walls of Piran (ticket required), which you can reach by car.

Portoroz is Slovenia’s classic beach town, with hotels, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to swim and relax by the sea.

Most beaches in Slovenia are free to use, you only pay for parking, which is easy and affordable using the EasyPark app. The beaches are well-equipped.

If you’re visiting Slovenia in summer, a day by the coast is definitely worth it. Whether you’re walking through Piran or swimming in the Adriatic Sea, the Slovenian coast offers a great mix of culture and relaxation.

7. Dolomites, Italy

If you love spending time in nature, taking photos of beautiful landscapes, hiking in the mountains, or exploring wild places, then the Dolomites are the perfect destination for you.

The Dolomites are one of the most stunning mountain ranges in Europe. Located in northern Italy, this area is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. In winter, it’s a paradise for skiers, and in summer, it’s a dream for hikers. Since this article is about summer destinations, we’ll focus on hiking.

Summer is a wonderful time for nature lovers. During this season, the Dolomites are full of colorful flowers, the hiking trails are open and easy to follow, and many of the top spots are easy to reach.

The main hiking season in the Dolomites runs from June to October. Since the weather can be cool and rainy, the best time to visit is usually the middle of summer. In July and August, you can enjoy clear mountain views and fresh alpine air, with comfortable daytime temperatures between 18–25°C (64–77°F) and lots of sunshine.

There are many amazing hiking spots in the Dolomites. Most summer trails take you to impressive mountain peaks like Tre Cime, Cinque Torri, or Seceda, or to beautiful mountain lakes like Lago di Sorapis. Some scenic mountain passes, such as Passo Giau and Passo Gardena, are also very popular.

The Dolomites are the perfect summer destination if you enjoy spending time outdoors, breathing clean air, and being surrounded by incredible mountain views.

We’ve written several blog posts about the Dolomites, but what we recommend most is our Dolomites travel guide. You can find it by clicking here.

8. Iceland

Iceland has become a very popular travel destination in recent years. It’s a country full of amazing natural wonders, which is why we highly recommend it for nature lovers and hiking fans.

Many people call Iceland the Land of Fire and Ice because of its extreme and beautiful landscapes. It’s a place with many different faces: magical waterfalls, bubbling geysers, active volcanoes, the northern lights, ice caves, stunning fjords and canyons, and unique wildlife. Iceland is full of extraordinary colors and shapes.

Besides the breathtaking scenery, you can also enjoy Icelandic food. Try a warm lamb soup or taste some of the fresh, delicious local fish. And don’t miss the chance to relax in one of Iceland’s famous thermal spas.

Summers in Iceland are short and cool. Average daytime temperatures are between 10–15°C (50–59°F), but the weather can change quickly, and it often rains. One important thing to know: the Icelandic highlands are only open to visitors from about June to September. That’s one of the main reasons why summer is the best time to visit.

Another reason is that hiking in Iceland is best in summer. The weather during the rest of the year is often too harsh for safe and enjoyable travel. In summer, there are fewer storms, less rain (though still quite a bit), less wind, and sometimes even sunny days. The only thing you won’t see in Iceland during summer is the northern lights. But instead, you’ll experience something just as special: almost 24 hours of daylight.

If you’d like to read more about Iceland, don’t miss our Iceland itinerary article, and check out our other blog posts about this amazing country.

9. Tyrol, Austria

Tyrol in Austria is one of the best European summer destinations, especially if you love the mountains. Like other parts of the Alps, Tyrol is a paradise for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. During the summer, you can visit amazing places like Schlegeisspeicher in the Zillertal, Seebensee and Drachensee near Ehrwald, or the beautiful city of Innsbruck. Tyrol is full of peaceful mountain lakes, with snow-covered peaks and breathtaking views all around.

The summer months are the best time to visit Tyrol because all the roads are open. Some mountain areas are only accessible in summer, so this is when you can really explore everything the region has to offer.

The weather is mild in summer, with fresh air, comfortable temperatures, and only occasional rain. It’s perfect for hiking, enjoying nature, or just relaxing outdoors.

So if you enjoy spending time in the Alps, taking photos of beautiful landscapes, or tasting delicious Austrian food, don’t miss Tyrol.

10. Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera is a hidden gem in Southern Europe and one of the most exciting places to visit during the summer months. If you’re looking for sunny days, turquoise seas, and relaxing vibes, this is an ideal destination for your next summer trip.

The coastline is full of charming towns and villages. Popular spots include Saranda, a lively seaside city; Ksamil, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters; and Himare, a peaceful town with traditional charm. You can also visit the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or drive through the stunning Llogara Pass for amazing views over the sea and mountains.

Albania has many beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. You’ll also find small bars and beach clubs along the shore where you can relax with a cold drink and watch the sunset.

With its friendly locals, delicious food, and affordable prices, this region is quickly becoming a must-see place in Europe. If you love beach holidays and want something less crowded than other Mediterranean spots, the Albanian Riviera definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list.

11. Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve in southern Portugal is one of the best European summer destinations, famous for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and sunny weather. It’s an ideal destination if you love swimming, relaxing by the sea, and exploring amazing coastlines.

Some of the most popular places to visit in the Algarve include Lagos, known for its stunning cliffs and caves; Albufeira, with a lively old town and fun nightlife; and Faro, the region’s capital with plenty of history and nearby beaches. Don’t miss the famous Benagil Cave or the wild beauty of the western coast.

The Algarve’s beaches are perfect in the summer months, with golden sand and crystal-clear water. You can spend your days relaxing at a quiet cove, enjoying water sports, or visiting a trendy beach club for music, food, and cocktails by the sea. The region also offers many summer offers for visitors looking for fun and relaxation.

Besides the beaches, you’ll also love the local seafood, friendly people, and charming whitewashed villages.

If you’re thinking about your next trip to Europe, the Algarve is definitely a top vacation destination to consider.

Common questions about summer travel in Europe

After checking the list of top summer destinations in Europe, here are some useful things to know if you’re planning a summer trip there.

This guide is mainly for people who don’t live in Europe, but even Europeans might find some helpful tips.

Benefits of summer travel in Europe

• Predictable and excellent weather in most places

Summer weather in Europe is the best time to have fun. In summer, you can swim in natural waters, do water sports, camp, hike, walk, sunbathe… whatever you like.

This is thanks to the good weather. In Europe, daily temperatures in summer are almost everywhere between 20°C and 35°C, which is a good climate for spending time outdoors.

In addition, the weather is quite predictable. Only summer storms need to be prepared for, but these are usually predicted by the weather forecasts. However, good temperatures are almost always guaranteed.

• All places are open

During the high season, in summer, everything is usually open. This is not always true for the rest of the year. On European beaches, for example, many restaurants and hotels close in the autumn and only reopen in the spring. So if you are not travelling to a beach in the summer, you may find it more difficult to book a hotel or eat out.

In the Alps, too, there are high seasons, the winter and the summer. Winter is for skiers, summer for hikers. In between, there are fewer places open in spring and autumn.

Exceptions to this are the big cities, where the places are open all year round.

• Long days

Let’s take an example. In Italy, in the Dolomites, there are about 8.5 hours of daylight in winter. In summer, it can be close to 16 hours. We don’t need to explain why it’s worth going in summer (unless you want to go skiing). In Marseille, France, daylight hours are about 9 hours in winter and 15.5 hours in summer. This is an advantage, especially for late risers, but in reality everyone can benefit.

• Fewer clothes to take with you

Yes, this is also a factor for the person organizing the trip. In summer, you don’t need different coats and several layers of clothing. Just a simple, casual summer outfit, a pair of sneakers or sandals, and it’s done. And don’t leave your straw hat at home.

Downsides of summer travel in Europe

• Crowds, traffic jams, parking problems

Yes, in the summer, unfortunately, you have to encounter these at a very large percentage of destinations. There can be huge traffic jams on the way, and you almost always have to be prepared to avoid a major one.

It is difficult to park in many places, and you often have to wait for a parking space to become available. In the best case, you don’t have to fight for it, but there are examples of that.

And at the entrances there is a queue almost everywhere. Sometimes there is even a long wait at restaurants. In the intense heat it is not pleasant to wait in long queues. This is why we always remind you to prepare in advance and book what you can in advance. Some queues can be avoided this way.

• Too hot for a city break

In summer, cities can be even hotter than the countryside. That’s why we don’t recommend big city breaks in summer. Walking around the city centre and visiting the sights is much more enjoyable in spring and autumn. Of course, if you can only travel in summer, you have no other choice. But in summer, it is better to choose rural destinations or the coast.

• High prices

As prices are higher everywhere in high season, summer travel is the most expensive in most places in Europe. For example, a trip in July can cost twice as much as a trip to the same place in April.

If you are curious about where to go in April, click on the link to read our article about the best April destinations in Europe.

If you want better prices but still want to travel in summer weather, we recommend late May, June or September. At that time the weather is usually warm, but prices are not the highest.

• Difficult bookings

Similarly, as summer is the high season in Europe, it is the busiest tourist season of the year. This means that you will not only meet crowds when visiting popular destinations, but you will also need to book your accommodation and possibly your flight well in advance. Accommodation in the most popular destinations can sell out months before summer.

In our experience, it’s best to book essentials such as accommodation, flights and rental cars 3-6 months before you travel. There are still plenty of choice and prices are more affordable. If you are thinking about last minute travel, it will be more difficult. Prices will be higher and there will be less choice in the summer. In the case of last minute travel, we have had a few occasions when we were unable to travel because there was no accommodation available in the summer.

Things to keep in mind

• When using the highway

Almost all southern European countries have a gated payment system on highways. This not only causes traffic jams, but is usually very expensive. Before each trip, get information about the toll system, which varies from country to country. ViaMichelin’s route planner will help you calculate roughly what tolls you can expect on your European journey.

• Be always properly prepared for summer travel

You may have to spend hours in a hot car in the sun in a traffic jam. Or you may have to walk around hot city streets a lot more than you planned. So always carry enough water and some food. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also often necessary, so always be prepared with them.

• Book what you can in advance

Because of the crowds mentioned above, you may often need to pre-book accommodation, tickets or even a restaurant table. So book what you can in advance, especially accommodation and tickets.

Things to know for those coming from outside Europe

Summer weather in Europe

In Europe, summers are hot and dry in most places. Exceptions are the northern and mountainous areas. It’s very easy to get sunburned, whether on the coast, in cities or in the mountains. You should be prepared for dry heat.

However, summer weather can be quite changeable. Summer storms can come in a flash, sometimes bringing hail. This is particularly common in Central Europe.

Always check the weather forecast and be prepared for most possibilities. The weather is generally good in summer, but you can also be prepared for sunburn, rain and wind.

In Southern Europe, you need to protect yourself against sunburn and extreme heat. Storms are rare there.

In the mountains, rain is the most common thing to be prepared for. But remember that in the summer, when the sun is strong in the mountains, you can get sunburned in temperatures of as low as 15°C.

What to pack for a summer trip in Europe

What to pack for your summer trip to Europe depends on your destination. Therefore, we have separated the two main types of destination, the beach holiday and the mountain trip.

When going to the beach

If you are planning a beach holiday in summer, you will need the following essentials:

• swimwear
• towel
• bath slippers
• sea shoes (if the beach is pebbly)
• sunglasses
• waterproof sunscreen
• change (some beaches require cash)
• lockable bag (unfortunately, there are thieves in many places)

When you travel to the mountains

• outdoor clothing
• backpack
• raincoat
• hiking boots
• hiking poles (in some cases)
• sunglasses
• in sunny weather: sunscreen
• food
• drinks
• basic medicines, if needed
• flashlight (if you are hiking in the dark)

Of course, always take your personal documents and mobile phone with you. It also helps if you have some cash in local currency. If you don’t want to change various European currencies, you can pay in euros in most places (but not everywhere!).

How to dress for your European holiday

This part is only for those traveling from outside Europe.

It is worth noting that everywhere in Europe people dress relative simply. Nothing flashy, nothing too colorful or patterned to make you stand out from the crowd. The best way to look local in Europe is to wear simple trousers or shorts and a T-shirt. For women, a simple summer dress is also OK. Sneakers are in fashion, and more recently white sneakers in summer.

So in Europe, it’s best to choose a simple, casual style of clothing.

This was the list of the best summer destinations in Europe, along with important things to know if you plan to travel in Europe during summer.

Europe has perfect places for everyone in summer, which is why it is so popular. The list showed the best spots on the continent for a great summer vacation.

No matter which place you choose, a good holiday there is almost guaranteed. Whether you want a beach trip or a mountain trip, I hope you found enough ideas and inspiration for your next summer trip in Europe.

If you did, read more of our articles about these destinations. Once you decide where to go, plan your trip, book your flight, hotel, and everything you need, and head to one of the best summer spots in Europe!