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Europe in the summer is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to explore, relax, and enjoy all that this incredible continent has to offer. Home to some of the world's most stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and forests, the summer months are ideal for exploring Europe's natural wonders. The continent is steeped in history and culture, with many historic landmarks, museums, and galleries to visit. Whether you're taking in strolling lakeside, sipping fine wine, visiting local museums, or enjoying lazy days on the coast, the summer weather in Europe is typically warm and sunny, making it an excellent time to visit. Plus, the days are longer, giving you more time to enjoy the sights. Check out our list of top exceptional summer destinations and book your dream European summer vacation today!
Mykonos is a Greek island in the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea. It is famous for its picturesque whitewashed buildings, turquoise waters, and iconic windmills. The island also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal-clear waters and soft golden sand.
Mykonos, a magical island of nearly 9,000 people, offers visitors an air of leisure during the day and vibrant energy at night. The island is a masterpiece in and of itself, with its beautiful Cycladic architecture and picturesque beaches, making it the perfect summertime escape. Walk the streets in the Mykonos town of Chora, and you’ll view dazzling pink and purple blossoms hanging from door frames and shutters in a truly dreamlike setting.
It’s never a bad time to hit the beach in Mykonos, where natural beauty and sunshine await. From Agrari Beach to Fokos Beach, there will be plenty of time to stretch out with a book and a glass of something fruity. On the quieter side of the island, you can explore narrow winding alleys full of tempting boutiques in the labyrinth of Old Town and marvel at the many Mykonos windmills, churches, and lighthouses.
Beaches, architecture, boutiques
Lake Como is known for its breathtaking views, stunning scenery, rich history, and many museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks to explore. The area is also known for its delicious cuisine and local wines.
If you want to relax like an Italian, visit Lake Como in the summer. The lake is surrounded by mountains and dotted with charming towns, villas, and gardens. The summer weather is ideal for enjoying the picturesque surroundings, with clear blue skies and lush greenery. Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce, seafood dishes, local wines, and craft beers.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities around Lake Como. A boat tour of Lake Como is one of the best ways to take in the stunning scenery and picturesque towns along the shoreline. There are many beautiful towns and villages to explore around Lake Como, including Bellagio, Varenna, and Como. The Lake Como region is also home to many excellent wineries, producing a variety of wines such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Pinot Noir. Summer visitors can enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours.
Scenic beauty, relaxation, food & wine
The historic hillside city of Porto is known for its river, the Douro, and of course, its famous wine. Also recognized for its combination of historic buildings and cutting-edge architecture, Porto will grant you a seaside experience of cosmopolitan suburbs and fabulous fortified wines.
If you love romance, history, and wine, Porto is your place. With a hip, laid-back vibe, the moodily romantic city is a longtime hub of the port wine trade with colorful multi-story townhouses sheathing the hills that climb precipitously from the Douro estuary. Imagine baroque church towers crowning the hilltops, beautiful bookstores along the historic streets, and ships setting sail up toward Entre-os-Rios.
In Porto, you can wander through medieval alleys that snake through UNESCO-designated neighborhoods enclosed by 14th-century walls. Or, you can visit the unmistakable landmark, the Clérigos Tower, which is visible from almost anywhere in Old Town. The vibrant city has a lively riverside area full of bars and restaurants around every corner, a perfect setting for a stroll or to mix and mingle with locals.
Port Wine, Douro River and Valley, cosmopolitan suburbs
Located dreamily on the water of the Cantabrian Sea, San Sebastián is full of pristine white beaches, pure relaxation vibes, and mouth-watering cuisine. A complete oasis in the Basque country of northern Spain, it experiences fewer tourists than the average destination and is characterized by glam and easy-going attitudes.
The lush hillsides, white sandy beaches, delicious food at every corner, and grand architecture of San Sebastián are meant to be seen and experienced. With historic buildings dating back to the 19th century and the Napoleonic Wars, the city offers plenty to absorb intellectually, visually, and experientially.
San Sebastián’s most famous beach, Playa de la Concha, is known for its arced bay and prime sunbathing territory. This area is also perfect for swimming, kayaking, and other recreational water activities. Take a stroll down San Sebastián’s boardwalk, where you’ll eventually happen upon its beautiful harbor of fishing boats or wander through the romantic Old Town, known for having the highest concentration of bars in the world.
White, sandy beaches, delicious food, glamorous past
The tranquil city of Dubrovnik is situated along the spectacular Adriatic coast and has also served as the film location for many scenes in the famous TV series Game of Thrones. The city is known for its Roman heritage, Renaissance and Gothic structures and walls, dramatic views, and laidback fishing village atmosphere.
You are not the only one drawn to Dubrovnik's unique majesty and white limestone streets. Lord Byron, the famous poet and a leading figure in the Romantic movement, and playwright George Bernard Shaw also felt the allure of the city's shimmering beaches and relaxing atmosphere. A catalyst of leisure and inspiration, Dubrovnik's well-preserved buildings and distinctive Old Town will have you in awe.
The terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik beckon, as do the city’s large medieval walls that show breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Visit one of the city’s many wine bars to sample true Croatian and Montenegrin wines. Fresh fish and seafood are served at many restaurants around the city, although plenty of other cuisines are available, including Italian, Japanese, and Bosnian. Sightseeing opportunities include Rector’s Palace, Onofrio’s Fountain, and Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Fishing, walkable Medieval Walls, Adriatic Coast
Essentially an Eden tucked away in the northwesternmost nook of Switzerland, Lucerne is known for its relaxed lakeside atmosphere, historical galleries, monuments, and mesmerizing views of the majestic Alps.
Lucerne, as a city, is a unique piece of history situated in paradise, where you can have a summertime vacation straight from a storybook. Ideal for exploration, relaxation, and romance, the city is full of opportunities that will take you to another time or make time stand still. With decorative signposts and ornate facades lining the streets, it’s impossible not to feel intrigued. The more you discover Lucerne’s medieval roots, scenic novelties, and mysterious landscapes, the longer you’ll want to stay.
This city beckons you to wander the tranquil lakeshore and enjoy the mountains with panoramic alpine views. Specifically, you can revel in the beauty of Mount Pilatus, also known as “Dragon Mountain,” and see Mount Stanserhorn by way of the cable car. Before shopping in the Old Town for Swiss souvenirs, watches, and chocolates, you should cross the solid wooden Chapel Bridge that dates back to the 14th century and overlooks the Ruess River. There are plenty of historical relics to be seen, like the solemn Lion Monument, Vitznau Artillery Fortress, and many munition halls, galleries, and armaments, which date back to World War II.
Mountains, lakes, medieval guildhalls
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