11 Best Destinations to Visit in Europe for the Summer

The best destinations in Europe should be visited during the summer for pleasant weather and a range of activities.
Author Anutara Shakya providing travel insights on 11 Best Destinations to Visit in Europe for the Summer
Written byAnutara Shakya
Alison Malcolm - Editor of 11 Best Destinations to Visit in Europe for the Summer
Reviewed byAlison Malcolm
    3 comments mins readJanuary 27, 2025

Visiting the best places in Europe in the summer has long been a grand procession. Outdoor enthusiasts rave about Europe’s magnificent natural scenery and memorable wild places. Culture vultures flock to the best European cities to revel in grand cultural history, with magnificent museums, opulent palaces, brooding castles, and glorious artistic legacies. Many fun-seekers plunge into Europe’s vibrant nightlife, colorful festivals and heaving live entertainment. Once you've ticked off the must-see places in Europe on your bucket list, you can indulge your culinary desires with Europe’s fine dining, street food, chic cafés and cheeky bars.

Here is a brief introduction to some of the best destinations for summer, European holidays on offer, listed in no particular order.

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1. Cappadocia, Turkey

The surreal natural structures of Cappadocia in Turkey resemble something that is out of this world. Towering boulders stand side-by-side to traditional houses, caves and underground tunnels. Here, you can admire the stunning beauty of this semi-arid region by hiking to a scenic cliff or by taking a hot air balloon ride over the magnificent boulders.

  • Where to go and what to do: Take a hot air balloon over Cappadocia’s landscape, visit cave hotels and spend the night there, explore Kaymakli underground city, visit the numerous valleys such as Love valley, Red valley and Pigeon valley and Fairy valley.
  • What to see: Stunning sunsets, Fairy Chimneys in Gerome Open Air Museum and Uchisar Castle.
  • Best time to visit Turkey: End of April to October when there are least chances of rain and strong wind has subsided allowing for hot air balloon rides.
Hot air balloons in the sky over the landscape of Cappadocia in Turkey.
Experience the best of Cappadocia on a hot air balloon during your trip to Turkey.
See also:
All Spain toursSpain Group ToursSpain Travel DealsSpain Private Tours

Tours in Cappadocia

Amazing Turkey by Land (5 & 4 Star Hotels)
  • Best time to visit Croatia: May to June or September to October when it’s not too hot but the water is warm and crowds are minimum.
    • Houses and trees in Dubrovnik overlooking the sea on a clear day.
    If you wish to explore a medieval city that takes you back in time, Dubrovnik in Croatia is the perfect destination in Europe.

    Tours in Dubrovnik

    Explore Croatia adrenaline central. Flanked by the Thun and Brienz glacier-fed lakes and home to the imperious peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau; Interlaken is an outdoor and adventure sports fiend’s nirvana. Not up for sports? Interlaken is also home to some postcard worthy scenery of Switzerland and an old charming town where you can discover historical castles and peaceful Alpine gardens.

    A train passing through houses and snow-capped mountains in Interlaken in Switzerland.
    Visit Interlaken in Switzerland for outdoor adventures and leisure activities.

    Tours in Interlaken

    Swiss Delight
    The famous lion statue with a landscape of Budapest in the background in Hungary.
    There is a lot to discover in Budapest, from history to dining and nightlife.

    Tours in Budapest

    Eastern Highlights
  • Best time to visit Sweden: June and July is a great time to see the midnight sun.
    • The city of Gothenburg in Sweden during the day.
    Take a walk through the Gothenburg in Sweden to immerse in the city's well-preserved history.

    Tours in Gothenburg

    A Taste of Scandinavia