There is nothing like summer in Europe. People from all over flock to Europe during the summer to enjoy the relaxed, indulgent and wonderful continent. Europe is famous for its charming streets swarming with history, rich cuisine, and interestingly diverse culture that will make you want to visit every country on the continent.
The glittering beaches and coastal towns along the European coast offer excellent weather and even better conditions for visiting during the summer. Have you been thinking about going to Europe during the summer? Here are the top 10 summer spots to consider for your trip.
Reykjavik, Iceland
When considering destinations to visit in Europe, Reykjavik might not be the first place that comes to mind, but it should be. While many visitors to Iceland book flights hoping to spot the Northern Lights, some decide to visit in the summer when the sun is always shining. Because of its geographic location, Reykjavik has no darkness from mid-April to mid-August. And when we say endless, we do mean never-ending.
Summer in Reykjavik boasts some of the most beautiful hiking paths and vistas if you don’t mind using blackout curtains so you can get some rest. Imagine this: acres of vibrant greens and flowers, brilliant skies against the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon, and almost ideal 60 to 70-degree temperatures.
Andalucia, Spain
The coast of Spain’s Andalucia region is one of Europe’s top summer vacation spots because of its stunning beaches! The area offers breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by whitewashed villages. The Costa del Sol, situated between Malaga and Gibraltar, is Andalucia’s most famous coastline for summer vacations in Europe.
There are some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Europe, even though the continent doesn’t always have them (though pebble beaches also have their appeal). Additionally, a holiday in Andalucia may be had for a lot less money than one on the surrounding French or Italian coasts.
The inland cities of Andalucia are less ideal destinations due to the intense heat. However, beautiful cities like Seville and Granada, home to the famed Alhambra, can still be fantastic additions to a trip to southern Spain if you’re willing to brave the heat!
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is ideal for people who don’t like the heat in the summer. You may pleasantly stroll between Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Calton Hill. Also, don’t forget to visit the well-known Princess Street Gardens, which are incredibly lush at this time of year.
The location is ideal for a picnic and offers stunning views. Finally, follow it up with some regional craft beer or a typical Scottish whisky tasting.
Lisbon, Portugal
Without visiting Lisbon, no vacation to Europe is complete. The Portuguese will greet you with warm grins and hearty feasts since they are naturally generous and cheerful people. Moreover, accessing Portugal’s neighbors has never been more convenient or less expensive, thanks to an increase in direct flights in recent years.
Prepare for a workout when you arrive in this Portuguese capital by plane: this area is known as the “city of seven hills,” and you can anticipate experiencing ups and downs as well as ups and ups repeatedly. In addition, you can easily take a break from using your legs thanks to hop-on, hop-off buses and trolleys, like in San Francisco.
Sicily, Italy
Summertime is the ideal time to visit Italy’s most southern province. Sicily is a terrific destination for a summer road trip in Europe since it has fantastic Italian beach resorts, top-notch cuisine and wine, a magnificent volcano, and surprisingly affordable rates (especially compared to much of Italy).
Don’t forget to see the beaches in Cefalu and Avola, the charming towns in Val di Noto, Palermo’s lively streets, Taormina’s breathtaking views, and the Greek theater while you’re there. Siracusa, the Aeolian Islands, and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento are other must-see destinations for tourists who have more time to enjoy Sicily in the summer.
Barcelona, Spain
Summer in the city of Barcelona is colorful, savory, and full of fun. It’s one of Europe’s hottest summer attractions, both literally and figuratively. First, you must see landmarks like the Gothic Quarter and the Sagrada Familia Church. Following that, you can take a stroll in Parc Guell to cool off or relax on Bogatell Beach.
While relaxing on a shaded terrace for sampling is equally enjoyable, visiting the vineyards surrounding Barcelona is a lovely way to sample the local wine.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s moniker as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” is justified. This gem of a city in southeast Croatia, encircled by ancient stone walls and dotted with orange-tiled rooftops, is among the most beautiful on the Dalmatian Coast and one of the best summer destinations in Europe. So it makes sense that this was chosen as one of the filming locations for the television series Game of Thrones.
Summertime vacationers flock to Dubrovnik because of its old-world charm, alluring tourist sites (the view from Mount Srd is unrivaled), and well-liked day trips to the Elafiti Islands.
The Azores, Portugal
Despite the small size of the area, the nine islands that make up the Azores, which are situated off the main coast of Portugal, are a gem. On these verdant isles, which are both tranquil and fascinating, you can find hot springs, erupting geysers, bubbling mud pots, dark caves, and enchanting grottos. Summer is the finest time to visit and enjoy the outdoors when the weather is most agreeable.
So Miguel, the biggest of the Azores islands, is a magnificently beautiful island full of adventure, and its metropolis, Ponta Delgada, has a wide variety of tourist attractions. So prepare for an entertainment extravaganza on this and the other gorgeous isles.
Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Turkey’s breathtaking Turquoise Coast, also referred to as the Turkish Riviera, is situated southwest of the nation and boasts stunning beaches along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
The Turquoise Coast is an underappreciated summer vacation spot ideal for anyone seeking to venture off the beaten route in Europe. It has charming tiny towns, magnificent sites (like Ephesus), and rates that are almost shockingly affordable compared to other neighboring beach destinations (or, in this case, near Europe).
Budapest, Hungary
Although Budapest is fascinating year-round, there are some unique things you can do in the summer that you can’t do the rest of the year. For example, ride the Gellért Spa’s outdoor wave pool, the first of its kind in the world, or get beverages and listen to music at the urban beach to cool off.
Every weekend in July, Budapest’s Liberty Bridge becomes a pedestrian area where you can attend morning yoga sessions or sip the local favorite effervescent drink, Fröccs, popularly known as wine spritzers, at dusk.
