Top 10 Summer Destinations in Europe

10. Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is one of those Mediterranean hotspots often overlooked by Western vacationers, even though it boasts some of the best beaches, and even some of the most impressive landmarks in the league.

It is easy to understand why it is frequently referred to as Turkey’s crown jewel; it is situated in the southern part of the country. That’s because Antalya is ancient! In fact, it is 2,172 years old.

You will be met with a spectacular Roman-era city as you approach the ancient area of the town; the so-called Hadrian’s Gate was constructed to honor the Roman Emperor’s visit in the year 130.

Additionally, you can explore the ruins of a long-gone, ethereal era like the Yivliminare Mosque or the Ottoman Clock. The primary entryway onto the renowned Turkish Riviera, where miles of sandy beach meet some of the purest waters in the basin, is Antalya, which is located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

As a result, travelers that arrive in Antalya straight don’t even need to travel far to choose their own beach area. It is a long-time summer favorite for many travelers because it is an area where all the ancient civilizations from History textbooks originated and where there is unquestionably no shortage of natural landmarks.

9. Rome, Italy

Rome is a lovely destination to visit in Europe at any time of year, but the scorching summer is among the best times to go. Rome is a special city with a harmonious fusion of ancient structures, popular destinations, and contemporary culture, not to mention mouthwatering cuisine.

Make time to visit the Colosseum, the city’s most well-known and recognized landmark, whenever you are there. Summertime lines can be lengthy, so bring water, a hat, and sunscreen to keep you cool as you wait to explore this fascinating location.

You can also visit the Vatican, or even take a stroll through Appia Antica, one of the oldest roads in the Roman empire. Italy takes pleasure in having one of the world’s best cuisines, so go ahead and fill up on some famous pizza before cooling off with some refreshing gelato.

Visit the city’s top museums and palaces to take in the history that penetrates the old walls after you’ve enjoyed gelato near Piazza Navona, you can also then head down to the Trevi Fountain. 

8. Zurich, Switzerland

If you wish to travel to Switzerland during the summer, our top choice is Zurich, with the highest quality of life in all of Europe. Zurich is bustling with activity during this time of year as its residents take advantage of the lakeside promenades, town squares, and garden terraces.

Zurich is worth visiting because it offers a ton of museums, streets that are steeped in history, and city events where you can learn a ton about Swiss culture. Thrilling nightlife and delectable food will also be a part of your overall Zurich experience.

In Zurich, there are literally dozens of activities. Even if it isn’t as big as New York or Paris, it is nevertheless a sizable metropolis with too many adventures to list.

There are tons of interesting museums, and if you want to take a break you can head over to Lake Zurich to see scenic views.

7. Amsterdan, Netherlands

This Dutch capital draws almost 20 million tourists a year for good reason—what’s not to love about art museums, famed canals, and gorgeous architecture?

We advise traveling to Amsterdam in the summer since the weather can be a bit erratic and cold in the fall and winter. When it comes to music culture, the Netherlands is unmatched.

In fact, some of Europe’s most well-known music events are held in Amsterdam, like the Amsterdam Open Air, Mystic Garden, and more! If you want to start off with laid-back tours, we recommend visiting the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest Van Gogh collection in the world.

Additionally, you can also visit Rijksmuseum, which features masterpieces by Rembrand, as well as other impressive artists. To cool off, you can go ahead and explore the Vondelpark, the largest and most popular city park in Amsterdam.

You can also stop by Anne Frank’s House, where you can discover stories, videos, and objects from the most tragic times in human history. 

6. London, UK

London, the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, is one of the world’s most significant centers and has a well-balanced blend of tradition and modern amenities.

There is so much to see in London that you’ll need a few days, including Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, The Shard, Buckingham Palace, Borough Market, The Tower of London, and many more.

On a particularly beautiful day, Londoners perfecting their tans throng the city’s green spaces, including the notorious Hyde Park.

To take advantage of the pleasant weather, pick up some food from a nearby restaurant and eat it in a park such as Kensington Gardens, Kew Gardens, or St. James’ Park.

A hop-on, hop-off bus is the best way to travel swiftly and clearly, even if you scoff at the concept. The tube and bus systems can be easily used by urbanites with some street savvy.

Who knows, if the Queen is in town, you could be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her.

5. Brac, Croatia

The highest island in the Adriatic Sea and one that is nearest to the Split County mainland is Brac. When you get to the island, you should stop by some well-known locations. Supetar, the island’s capital, will be the first settlement you see if you arrive by ferry boat.

The town of Bol, located in the southern portion of the island, is a must-see destination because of its internationally renowned Zlatni Rat beach.

For those seeking a quiet location with some gorgeous beaches, the small serene village of Splitska on the northern side of the island, not far from the island’s capital, will be the perfect vacation.

A little fishing community called Milna is nestled on the west coast of the island, facing the neighboring Solta island in the deep bay. Milna has some lovely sandy and pebble beaches strewn on both sides of the bay.

The small settlement of Pucisca, a well-known hub of the stone-cutting heritage with three sizable quarries nearby, is located on the island’s northern coast.

These quarries are the source of the white, high-quality stones that are used in numerous well-known structures all around the world. This stone was used to construct numerous famous buildings, including the Diocletian Palace, the White House in Washington, the Vienna Parliament, some of the Budapest Parliament, the Regent’s Palace, and many more.

4. Paris, France

Paris being a finalist on our list shouldn’t come as a surprise, right? This renowned capital of Europe is stunning all year long, but the summer months just sparkle and serve as a constant reminder of why this great city is still at the epicenter of art, culture, and cuisine.

Paris, known as the “city of love and lights,” is the epitome of everything classy, romantic, smart, and lovely. Paris’ status as one of the most costly cities in the world is therefore nothing new. But if you’re on a tight budget, this doesn’t mean you have to lose out.

Paris has everything, whether you prefer visiting museums, breathtaking architecture, picnics, or strolls through parks. You can visit other free stuff like the Eiffel Tower, and then take a stroll down the glamorous Champs-Élysées and window shop the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Some of our top picks include the Louvre, the Cathedrale Notre Dame, Moulin Rouge, Sainte Chapelle, Musee d’Orsay, and even the Seine River cruise. 

3. Majorca, Spain

Majorca, the biggest of the Balearic Islands, is a well-known tourist destination. But contrary to what many people believe, it offers a number of services that are frequently overlooked.

The island features historical sites and breathtaking scenery along with a half-kilometer-long coastline of sandy beaches. Additionally, Mallorca provides the Tramuntana Mountains, a Spanish UNESCO World Heritage Site that cannot be missed because of its quaint little towns and stunning vistas.

With 262 beaches, Majorca is renowned for its wealth of stunning coastline. One of the most well-known is Alcudia Beach. Families will love its huge stretch of white sand, crystal-clear water, and excellent infrastructure.

Cala Mondrago Beach, which is enclosed by the Natural Park of Mondrago, is one of the most stunning beaches on the east coast. This double bay is flanked by pine trees that provide wonderful shade and is covered in white sand.

There are also other things to look for like the Cathedral of Santa Maria, or the Crown of Aragon. 

2. Rhodes, Greece

Looking for a stunning setting for your summer vacation? Look no further than Greece’s magnificent Rhodes. The largest of the Dodecanese Islands, this historical marvel is surrounded by immaculate beaches and a town that is ablaze with vivid colors and the aroma of food that will make you want to nibble all day.

The Old Town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a charming maze of twisting alleys, obscure passageways, and striking architecture from before the Byzantine era. It is where people go to find stores and restaurants and is built within a fort with a crescent shape.

The magnificent Palace of the Grand Masters is also located here. Be aware that during the warmer months, the area can become rather congested. Lindos lies a short way from Rhodes and is home to an archeological site and the iconic Acropolis of Lindos.

1. Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve’s burgeoning fame is largely attributable to its untamed beauty, and affordable costs, which, it should be mentioned, are rising just as quickly as its fame, and its amazing rock formations along the coast.

The Algarve is one of the most beautiful areas in Europe to visit in the summer, and while it has wonderful towns like Lagos, Portugal, and a lot of sandy beaches, the major draws are the sea caves, arches, and rocky cliffs.

Though often sandy and beautiful, keep in mind that the Algarve’s beaches typically have colder water than many other summer vacation spots.

If you’re used to warming waters, you could find it a little cool, but if you’re from a northern climate, you’ll probably be happy to go for a swim!

Conclusion

Although these destinations are unique in their own ways, they do share one thing in common – the contagious summer vibe! Isn’t it amazing there are so many other destinations in Europe that have spectacular summers?

These are the Top 10 Best Summer Destinations in Europe. Did you find any of our picks interesting? Which of these places would you consider exploring on your next summer vacation?

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