Are you wondering where to spend summer in Europe?
Need help navigating romantic world of European summer getaways?
I’m Mel, a travel blogger from London, who loves exploring Europe in summer and has been to almost every European country!
From the sun-kissed beaches of Italy, to the ancient ruins of Greece, to the picturesque vineyards of France, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to planning your dream summer in Europe.
In this post, I’ll share the 6 best countries to spend summer in Europe, and the top 5 places for European summer in each country to help you make a decision.
Let’s dive in!
Best European Summer Escapes: Where To Spend Summer in Europe?
6 Best Countries To Enjoy Summer in Europe
1. Italy: For History, Culture & Cuisine
First and foremost, I recommend Italy for your summer European getaway.
The country has it all: romance, incredible food, stunning landscapes and more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else in the world!
You can start your journey in the Eternal City of Rome, where ancient wonders like the Colosseum and the Vatican await, then hop over to Florence for a dose of Renaissance art and Tuscan delights.
Don’t forget to explore the stunning beaches of Sicily and Sardinia, the rolling vineyards of Tuscany (there’s so much more to see than just Florence in Tuscany!), or the sun-soaked landscapes of Puglia.
I’ve always been blown away by Italy’s diversity – each region has its own flavour, beauty, and summer vibe. I’m confident you’ll be blown away by Italy too!
Want to know more? Check out my guides on the Best Things to Do in Rome and Amazing Places to See in Puglia.
Puglia: The Sun-Kissed Gem of Southern Italy
Best things to do in Puglia:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Discover the unique trulli houses of Alberobello, a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage site.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Explore the historic city of Lecce and marvel at its Baroque architecture.
- Where to stay in Puglia:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Masseria San Domenico – Luxury
- Want to know more? Check out my guide on 5 Amazing Places to Visit in Puglia
Rome: The Eternal City
Best things to do in Rome:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Wander through the Vatican Museums and marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Trastevere and try out authentic Roman street food.
- Where to stay in Rome:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel – Luxury
- Headed to Rome this summer? Check out my guide on the Best Things to Do in Rome
Florence: Renaissance Marvels and Tuscan Delights
Best things to do in Florence:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Explore the iconic Duomo and climb to the top for breathtaking views of Florence.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Cross the Ponte Vecchio and explore the Oltrarno neighborhood for artisan workshops and hidden gems.
- Where to stay in Florence:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – Luxury
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Sicily: A Blend of Culture, History, and Azure Waters
Best things to do in Sicily:
- Explore Palermo’s streets to see the blend of Norman palaces and Arab architecture.
- Check out Taormina’s ancient Greek amphitheater with views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
- Visit Siracusa’s Neapolis archaeological park, featuring a Greek theater and the Ear of Dionysius.
- See the well-kept Greek temples at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO site.
- Take a guided tour of Mount Etna to see its craters, lunar landscapes, and lava caves.
Bonus: Indulge in traditional Sicilian cuisine, including fresh seafood and hearty pastas. I personally loved Pesto alla Trapanese (a.k.a. the most AMAZING Sicilian pesto you will ever eat. For real.).
Where to stay in Sicily:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel (Luxury)
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Tuscany: Rolling Vineyards and Charming Villages
Best things to do in Tuscany:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Experience a traditional Tuscan cooking class and learn the secrets of Italian cuisine.
- Where to stay in Tuscany:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Il Castelfalfi – TUI BLUE SELECTION – Luxury
- Italy will always hold a special place in my heart for summer in Europe!
2. Greece: For Mythical, Sun-Drenched Islands
Get ready for a European summer adventure to the Greek islands: an archipelago of ancient legends and sparkling seas. If you love history, head to Rhodes, a large island home to gorgeous history and medieval culture, as well as beautiful beaches.
For a smaller island experience, you can escape to the picture-perfect island of Santorini for mesmerising sunset views and whitewashed villages, party the night away in Mykonos, or be a beach creature in Crete.
For me, though, Greece’s highlight is Milos. In my opinion, Milos is the best island in Greece for summer in Europe because of its untouched beauty, the perfect island for adventure and tranquility. Take me back!
Milos: Untouched Beauty and Turquoise Waters
Best things to in Milos:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kleftiko and snorkel among its underwater caves.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Explore the colorful fishing villages of Mandrakia and Klima and admire their traditional syrmata houses.
- Where to stay in Milos:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Santa Maria Village Milos – Boutique
- Curious about Milos? Dive deeper with my travel guide on the Top 10 Epic Things to Do in Milos.
Athens: Ancient Ruins and Modern Delights
Best things to do in Athens:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Explore the ancient Agora and imagine life in ancient Greece as you wander through its ruins.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Stroll through the charming neighborhood of Plaka and browse its artisan shops and cafes.