Ready for a European summer getaway? We’ve compiled a list of our top 5 destinations you’ll want to add to your bucket list this season. These countries offer a beautiful blend of rich history, diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and stunning coastal views, not to mention delicious food. They have a mix of vibrant cities and laid-back towns, with plenty of nature-filled experiences in between.
Each place is easy to navigate and well-equipped for both short trips and longer adventures. Whether it’s your first or fifth European trip, these are destinations we’d visit again in a heartbeat.
Italy
Italy ranks high on our list of summer must-visits for so many reasons. It’s a country we fell in love with when we first explored in 2016, and have found ourselves going back ever since. With world-renowned cuisine, timeless architecture, and charming cities and villages, it never falls short of unforgettable experiences. It’s also a relatively easy country to move through thanks to its efficient train system and airports.
>> Read our Italy blog by clicking here <<
From getting lost in the maze like city of Venice, to enjoying the country side and trying different wines in the Tuscany region, to soaking up the sun on Amalfi coast, Italy makes it difficult to pick a favorite destination.
One of our favorite parts of traveling through Italy was, of course, the food. From pasta and pizza to espresso and gelato, every region offers its own flavors and specialties. Whether you’re dining by the water in Positano or grabbing a quick bite in a Roman piazza, eating in Italy is a highlight in itself and our favorite activity every time.
Note: Did you know you could travel Europe on a budget? Click here to see how we did it.
Top Things To Do:
- Explore Rome and visit the Colosseum, Forum, and Vatican
- Go to Florence visit Piazza di Michelangelo for sunset and do a wine tasting
- Spend time in the Amalfi coast and take a boat trip to Capri
Tip: Italy has several airports, however the best and most affordable international hubs are in Milan and Rome.
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Greece
Greece easily earned its place on our list of top European summer destinations. We spent most of our time island-hopping through the Cyclades, and were surprised by how affordable and accessible it was, especially with ferries running regularly between islands. Whether you’re looking for crystal-clear waters, laid-back villages, or postcard views, Greece checks every box.
From beach-hopping by scooter in Milos, to snorkeling on a boat tour through the most turquoise waters, to catching golden sunsets in Naousa in Paros, every island brought something unique. We even made a stop in Ios, a smaller but equally stunning island where we found hidden beaches and peaceful corners.
Top Things To Do:
- Island-hop through the Cycladic islands
- Spend time exploring Milos on land and sea (Book your trip)
- Try the local cuisine (Gyros, kleftiko, and moussaka)
Tip: The easiest and most affordable international hub is Athens. From there, catch a ferry to your first island.
>> Here’s a blog post on the 4 Greek Islands we recommend you visit <<
Portugal
Portugal surprised us in the best way possible. At the time, it was slightly more affordable than other European destinations we’d visited, yet it offered a stunning mix of coastline, culture, and charm. Visiting in the summer gave us the perfect opportunity to explore not only its major cities, but also the vibrant beach towns of the south.
From riding vintage trams in Lisbon and wandering through colorful streets, to day-tripping to the famous castles of Sintra, exploring the Porto region, and road-tripping along the Algarve coast; Portugal quickly captured our hearts and left us wanting more.
Top Things To Do:
- Explore Lisbon and learn about its rich history
- Spend some time in Porto and do a wine tasting
- Kayak around some of the most famous beaches in Algarve
Note: Portugal is easy to navigate by public transport in the cities, but for exploring the southern coast, we highly recommend renting a car. It gives you the freedom to beach-hop and explore off-the-beaten-path spots.
Spain
Spain is a country we only scratched the surface of during a summer vacation. With limited time, we still managed to experience a mix of vibrant city life in Barcelona, impressive architecture in Sevilla, and delicious food all over the country.
From visiting one of the world’s most famous churches—La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, to exploring the Alcazar and watching a Flamenco show in Sevilla, we got a great taste of both the history and culture that Spain is known for. Those were two great locations to visit as first-timers in Spain, and they gave us a glimpse into just how much the country has to offer.
Top Things to Do:
- Explore Barcelona and visit La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
- Go on a Food tasting tour around Barcelona
- Visit the Alcazar in Sevilla also make sure to enjoy a Flamenco show
Spain is a renowned European destination, we’re already looking forward to going back and exploring places like Madrid, Tenerife, and Mallorca.
Tip: Ask locals for recommendations on where to eat authentic meals.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a country straight out of a fairytale, with unbelievably green landscapes, lakes, and valleys it is also a must visit destination. We were blown away by the scenic route we encountered during our quick road trip around the country, and loved all of the cows and lambs we saw along the way.
We took advantage of the fact that renting a car was more budget-friendly than train travel, and that it gave us the freedom to stop and explore towns like Lucerne, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and Grindelwald. These were some of the most picturesque places we’ve ever seen.
Though we didn’t get the chance to do it this time, Switzerland is also famous for its scenic train rides, like the Glacier Express — something high on our list for next time.
Top Things To Do:
- Visit the glacier caves in Mt Titlis and get views of the Swiss Alps
- Road trip through Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and Grindelwald
- Visit Europes largest waterfall and stroll through a medieval village
Note: Switzerland is the most expensive European country we’ve visited so far. From transportation to food, everything adds up quickly. Be sure to account for that.
Europe in the summer truly lives up to the hype. There’s something special about the cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways of old towns. From coastal escapes and island getaways to charming cities and scenic countryside, each country offered something unique to fall in love with. Whether it was the food, the culture, the landscapes, or all of it combined—our time in Europe reminded us how much there is to see and how accessible it can be with the right planning. We’re already dreaming of our next summer adventure and hope this guide inspires you to start planning yours too.
Are you excited for your European summer vacation? Let us know on @THETRAVELERINUS
Disclaimer: All the information shared is based on our research and experiences. Please note that we are not travel consultants, tour guides, or financial advisors and are not held liable for any misinformation. We give suggestions, but advise each person to do their own research and make the decision that best suits them. This blog posts also contains affiliate links, by using the links we provide you are helping us at no additional cost to you.
