The Top 10 European Summer Destinations

Planning a European summer trip? Then you're at the right place! Europe is brilliant for a summer holiday, with its diverse natural scenery, varied cultures and vast things to do.

Read on to discover your perfect European destination.

Austria

Vienna

Perfect for classical music lovers 🎼

Average summer highs of 25–27°C ☀️

Vienna, the 'city of music', is Austria's capital and one of our top choices for a European summer destination. Soak in the culture, history and natural beauty of the city.

Vienna is home to some of the world's most influential musicians, including Strauss, Mozart and Beethoven. See where they lived and hear renditions of their music at the Vienna State Opera House.

There's a whole host of things Vienna has to offer, from the Naturhistorisches Museum, an evening cruise along the Danube, a visit to Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) or dinner in one of the city's many prestigious restaurants.

How to get to Vienna ✈️

• The city is served by Vienna International Airport (VIE), which has airlines flying to and from Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Airlines flying to VIE include Austrian Airlines, Wizz Air and Ryanair.
• VIE is well connected to the city with trains, buses, and the public metro that connect to downtown Vienna.

Czech Republic

Prague

The perfect fairytale destination🧚‍♀️

Average summer highs of 22-24°C ☀️

Another great European summer destination is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic/ Czechia — formerly Czechoslovakia. Prague is a dichotomy between ancient Gothic architecture and modern futuristic designs.

Feel as if you've stepped into a fairytale through Prague's winding cobblestone pathways. Much of the city's architecture is believed to have inspired the designs of Disney, Grim, and other fairytale novelists and filmmakers.

Head over the Charles Bridge and take in the city surroundings. The bridge has featured in many films, such as Mission: Impossible!

Prague isn't overly expensive, making it an excellent destination for students as it won't eat away at your bank balance.

How to get to Prague ✈️

• Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) serves the city and has airlines flying to and from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and North America.
• Common airlines flying to PRG include Smartwings, Eurowings and easyJet.

Croatia

Split

Perfect for good wine 🍷

Average summer temperature of 23–26°C ☀️

Split is a beach town in Croatia. It runs along the Adriatic Sea coast and is the country's second-largest city.

Along the coast, you'll find many hotels, resorts and villas. Choose to either lounge by the pool or lie on the beach.

The city is famed for its ancient Diocletian's Palace, which was built during the Roman Empire. Visit Saint Domnius Cathedral or snap pictures of the Grgur Ninski Statue.

Visit one of Split's bars and restaurants and try some of the delicious local cuisine. Dine by the Riva harbour and watch the boats head out to sea. Visit one of the many local vineyards and sample some Croatian wine. Split is the perfect European summer destination to relax, wine and dine.

How to get to Split ✈️

• The city is served by Split Airport (SPU), which is about 20 minutes from downtown.
• Many airlines fly across Europe to SPU. If you're travelling from further afield, you may have to get a connecting flight to SPU.
• Airlines that commonly fly to SPU: Croatia Airlines, Volotea, and Lufthansa.
• The airport has several bus links that makes travel quick and efficient.

France

Côte d'Azur - French Riviera

Perfect for luxury travellers 👑

The average summer temperature is in the mid-20°C ☀️

The French Riviera is France's premier beach destination. It's the ideal place for a European summer if you've got the finances.

Each city along the Côte d'Azur has its own unique charm and history. Visit San Tropez, Nice, Cannes or Monaco. Or for a more relaxed vibe, visit the smaller and quainter towns such as Antibes, Juan-les-Pins or Cagnes-sur-Mer.

Explore the casinos of Monte Carlo or browse through one of the many luxurious boutiques along the promenade.

The fun doesn't stop at night. When the sun goes down, the French Riviera knows how to party. Head to one of the many popular nightclubs along the coast and dance into the early hours.

Prefer a more relaxed evening? There are many Michelin-starred restaurants serving traditional food to please the tastebuds.

How to get to the Côte D'Azur ✈️

• Nice Côte D'Azur International Airport (NCE), Toulon-Hyères International Airport (TLN) and Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS) all serve the region, but different airports are closer to specific areas.
• If you're visiting Nice, Cannes, Monaco or the surrounding areas, then it's best to fly to NCE.
• Those going to San Tropez should fly to Toulon-Hyères.
• Major international airlines such as Air France, Delta, and Qatar Airways operate at these airports.

Hungary

Budapest

Perfect for active travellers 👣

Average summer temperature 21-22°C ☀️

Budapest is renowned for its relaxing thermal baths with rumoured healing properties. Visit one of the many public open-air baths at any time of the day, but beware — they get busy! You can also visit them at night when the city turns them into open-air clubs, a fun and distinctive nightlife experience.

Visit Buda Castle for spectacular views of the city. This is especially enjoyable at night when you get to see the city skyline humming with lights. Stroll down the banks of the Danube and take in the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament building.

For a sombre but important trip, visit the Holocaust Memorial Centre, which remembers the many Jewish lives lost during Nazi rule.

The city is both very walkable and bikeable, providing a more affordable alternative to public transport.

How to get to Budapest ✈️

• The city is served by Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), which has flights arriving from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
• Some popular airlines flying to BUD include KLM, Brussels Air and Iberia.
• Several bus and train services run from the airport to the city centre.

Italy

Amalfi Coast

Perfect for romance🌹

Average summer highs of 29°C 🔥

The Amalfi Coast has grown in popularity since it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. It's located in the region of Campania in Southern Italy and is bordered by the Gulf of Salerno and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Amalfi Coast is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, thanks to its picturesque scenery and delicious local food.

Visit one of the region's many public piazzas and feel like a local as you experience the hustle and bustle of the town. Set sail along turquoise waves and see all the ancient Roman villas that line the coast. Head to the La Galli islands, where legend says the sirens sing divine melodies to lure sailors.

Great for history-lovers, explore the ancient churches, cathedrals and towers dating back to the Roman Empire.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast ✈️

• The best airport to fly into is Naples International Airport (NAP).
• European, Middle Eastern and North African airlines will fly to NAP.
• Some popular airlines flying to NAP include flydubai, TAP and Turkish Airlines.

Cyprus

Paphos

Perfect for history buffs 🏺

Average summer highs of 30°C 🔥

Paphos is a beach town on the western end of Cyprus. Its traditional architecture and mosaics have helped it to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Paphos is the perfect destination for a European summer holiday, with hundreds of hotels and miles of beaches to relax on.

Make sure to visit the tombs of the kings. These are ancient Egyptian catacombs carved into the rock and used as burial sites. The area also has the world-famous House of Dionysos, which is excellent for viewing ancient and traditional Greek mosaics and artwork. The Temple of Aphrodite isn't something you should forget to see either. Visit the ruins of the ancient temple and look out across the Mediterranean Sea from the island's hills.

How to get to Paphos ✈️

• The beach town is served by Paphos International Airport (PFO), which is about 6.5km from the centre of Paphos, making transfer times quick.
• Ryanair, Jet2 and Transavia all commonly fly to PFO.

Greece

Naxos

Perfect for being amongst nature 🚵

Average summer temperature of 23–25°C 🔥

Greece has many islands to explore, including popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini. However, of all the islands, we recommend Naxos.

Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades group and offers a lot of what the other locations have, while being less busy. It's a more authentic and uncommercialised part of Greece. If your dream European summer involves somewhere peaceful, then Naxos is the place for you.

The island is home to Mount Zas, the highest point of the Cyclades islands. Hike to the mountain's peak, look out across the island and the South Aegean Sea, and take in all its natural beauty.

Stay in one of the island's many hotels, with some available along the beach and others rising into the mountainside. Naxos is the perfect destination for nature lovers, where you can retreat from the chaos of city life.

How to get to Naxos ✈️

• You'll fly into Naxos Island National Airport (JNX).
• Because it's a lesser-known travel destination, you may have to get a connecting flight before arriving in JNX.
• Aegean Airlines and Sky Express serve JNX.

Portugal

Algarve

Perfect for delicious local food 🍓

Summer highs of 28-29°C 🔥

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal. It's one of Portugal's premier agricultural heartlands, producing some of the highest-quality fruits and vegetables, including juicy oranges, raspberries and strawberries. Enjoy an abundance of fresh, healthy meals that incorporate all of the locally grown produce.

Along the coast, there are numerous cities to explore. There's the capital of the Algarve, Faro, with its traditional cathedrals and plazas. Then there's the town of Silves, which offers a glimpse into the preserved Arab charm of the Iberian Peninsula's Reconquista era.

Looking to have fun when the sun goes down? Be sure to visit Albufeira and Portimão and experience their bustling nightlife.

How to get to the Algarve ✈️

• Faro Airport (FAO) is the primary international airport that serves the Algarve region.
• Many airlines fly to FAO from Europe, and some from North America (during the summer). If you're travelling from another international destination, you may have to connect via Lisbon.
• Condor, Luxair and Norwegian Air are some of the airlines that commonly fly to FAO.

Spain

Valencia

Perfect for food-lovers 🥘

Average summer temperatures of 26-30°C 🔥

Located on the eastern coast of Spain, Valencia is full of culture, fun and food! Spain's most famous dish, Paella, traces its origins to Valencia, giving you an authentic dining experience. The region is also known for its Arroz Negre, rice cooked with squid ink, Gazpacho and Allioli.

Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona. It's a place where the past meets the future, with ancient buildings dating back to 1238 as well as futuristic models.

Stroll through the city and see the grand cathedral or the Gothic Lonja de la Seda building. Learn about scientific discoveries at the City of Arts and Sciences and the Prince Felipe Science Museum.

Valencia has plenty of beaches, so you can enjoy a city break and a beach vacation all in one!

How to get to Valencia ✈️

• Valencia Airport (VLC) is the city's major international airport.
• Plenty of European and North African airlines operate to VLC.
• Vueling, Air Europa and Swiss all fly to VLC.

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