What are the best summer destinations in Europe?

Looking for the best summer destinations in Europe? Unsurprisingly, summer is the most popular time of year for travel. The kids are off school and many of us take a break from work to spend time with our families and friends. To make the most of this free time and warmer temperatures, why not plan a trip to some of the best summer destinations in Europe? From Mediterranean beaches to captivating cities bursting with culture, plan a trip to Europe with a little help from our selection of these top summer destinations:

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s vibrant capital, Lisbon is ideal for a visit at any time of year but comes into full bloom during the summer months. As temperatures rise, so does the city’s lively nightlife, as locals head out after dark to enjoy their city in the cool of the evening. On the other hand, the long summer days are all about soaking up the sunshine and sightseeing.

A stroll along the River Tagus followed by a spot of lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants is a must-do! Once you’ve checked out the magical Belem Tower, uncovered the heritage of Fado in the Alfama District and eaten your fair share of pastel de nata, you can head to the city’s beaches! With the nearest stretch of coastline just 20-minutes away by train, Lisbon offers the best of both worlds: sightseeing and beach lounging. Therefore, we think it’s one of the best summer destinations in Europe!

Reykjavik, Iceland

Perhaps not your first choice for a summer holiday, Iceland is actually a fantastic place to visit during the summer! Although you’re unlikely to spot the Northern Lights, you will experience another very special natural phenomenon: the Midnight Sun! Between May and August, the sun remains in the sky almost 24 hours a day due to Iceland’s geographical location. Therefore, if you travel to Reykjavik at this time of year you can enjoy all kinds of excellent activities and some pretty lively nightlife!

Transforming into the ‘city that never sleeps’, the Icelandic capital abounds with activities and events during the summer. Stay up late and join the crowds at the Solfar Sun Ship Sculpture to watch the setting of the Midnight Sun, enjoy the extra daylight hours to embark on hiking trips to Heidmörk Nature Reserve or spend a long evening relaxing at the famous Blue Lagoon! Furthermore, Reykjavik is well connected to other sights across Iceland, such as the famous geysers and waterfalls of the Golden Circle. Across the country you’ll find an array of outdoor activities to suit your tastes, making Iceland one of the best summer destinations in Europe!

Budapest, Hungary

One of the best places to visit in Europe in the summer is the historic Hungarian capital of Budapest. Budget-friendly and bursting with sights, you can’t go wrong with a summer trip to this city! Enjoying warm temperatures, Budapest is split into two parts: Buda and Pest. Explore both for a good overview of the city, using the famous Chain Bridge to cross the Danube which separates the city into two halves. Buda is where you’ll find some of the most historic sights, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle. Across the river, Hungary’s enormous Parliament Building and Széchenyi Thermal Baths are among the must-visit attractions. So, for excellent sightseeing, beautiful riverside ambience and budget-friendly Hungarian beer, you’ve got to consider Budapest for your summer vacations in 2022!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

A firm favourite for its charming canals and excellent museums, Amsterdam is an absolute delight in the summer months. The perfect city to explore on two wheels, what could be better than navigating the canalside streets and atmospheric alleyways of Amsterdam by bicycle on a glorious summer’s day? Don’t expect sun-bathing weather, but the pleasant warmth of July and August are ideal for sampling the city’s outdoor eateries, strolling through the expansive Vondelpark or taking a canal boat tour. Furthermore, a day trip to Keukenhof Flower Gardens offers the chance to immerse yourself in the rainbow-coloured blooms of Holland’s most famous flower: the tulip!

Barcelona, Spain

If you think the best summer destinations in Europe should offer sun, sea and sightseeing, then head to Barcelona! Perched on the Mediterranean Coast, Barcelona’s beaches are full of fun-loving revelry at this time of year! After a stroll along the promenade, why not explore the old fisherman’s neighbourhood of Barceloneta? Alternatively, enjoy a little retail therapy on the upmarket shopping streets of Passeig de Gracia and Rambla Cataluyna. Take in the architecture of Gaudi at La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell or wander the historic alleyways of the Barrio Gotico. Barcelona’s electric atmosphere, neighbourhood festivals and sun-drenched beaches make it one of the best destinations to visit in Europe in the summer!

Crete, Greece

Nothing says summer like the Greek Islands. 500 kilometres from the Greek mainland, lies Crete, the largest of all the Greek islands. A travel destination that perfectly captures the spirit of Greece, Crete is a paradise of seductive beaches, jaw-dropping archaeological sites and charming mountainside villages. Of course, summer is the best time to enjoy the natural beauty of this incredible island. From the beautiful Balos Lagoon to the towering White Mountains, there’s plenty on offer here for lovers of the great outdoors. Furthermore, the capital of Heraklion boasts excellent archaeological museums, historic architecture and heaps of authentic bars and eateries to enjoy once the sun goes down.

Ready to travel to some of the best summer destinations in Europe? Explore our incredible travel deals and start planning a European getaway for summer 2022 today!

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