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Planning your summer Europe adventure? You’re about to find discover why European summers are absolutely magical.
There’s something irresistible about Europe in summer… the warm sunshine, pristine beaches, incredible food, and those unforgettable moments that make every trip special. My ideal summer getaway includes sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and the perfect spot to unwind with a good book (or an afternoon nap).
When Woody and I lived on the French Riviera, we made many summer trips to Greece — our favorite destination for relaxation and unwinding. However, beachy destinations are not the only type of summer trip Europe has to offer!
Nature lovers can explore stunning national parks, history enthusiasts can wander through a historic old town, and families can create once-in-a-lifetime memories together while exploring hidden gems.
Below are a few of my favorite European destinations to visit in the summer. They range from the narrow cobbled streets of Prague to the ancient city of Athens and the breathtaking beaches of the French Riviera. Ready to discover which destinations should top your list? These carefully selected spots represent the absolute best that European summers have to offer!
Also Read: Underrated European Destinations to Visit in 2025
Best Summer Destinations in Europe in 2025
- Best Beach Destination – French Riviera, France
- Best Affordable Destination – Sarandë & Ksamil, Albania
- Best Island Destination – Corfu, Greece
- Best Family-friendly Destination – Crete, Greece
- Best Nature Escape Destination – Split, Croatia
- Best City Destination – Barcelona, Spain
- Best Romantic Destination – Lake Como, Italy
Sandy Beaches and Coastal Getaways
Unwind on Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Each of these coastal getaways offers an entirely different vibe and different activities from each other.
French Riviera, France
I don’t mind admitting I’m biased: the French Riviera deserves a top spot on this list. The French Riviera — the stretch of France from Menton to Saint-Tropez — offers something for many types of travelers: nature lovers, beach bums, foodies, families, and party animals.
Spend at least one week taking in all that the French Riviera has to offer, but two weeks would be even better. Visit the famous beaches of Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, and enjoy the glamorous atmosphere. Take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea and then end the night bar hopping in Juan-les-Pins or Nice. Or, dress to the 9s and push your luck at the famous Monte-Carlo Casino in Monaco.
Top Activities in the French Riviera
- Try your hand at a perfume-making workshop
- Go on an exciting Snorkeling and Swimming Cruise
- Indulge in a Provencal food walking tour
- Check out the glitzy superyachts in Antibes or Saint-Tropez
Top Restaurants in the French Riviera
- MAMO Michelangelo (Antibes)
- Ceto (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Michelin-starred)
- La Pecora Negra (Menton)
- Le Plongeoir (Nice)
Top Hotels in the French Riviera
- Hotel du Cap Eden Roc (Antibes)
- Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel (Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat)
- The Maybourne Riviera (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin)
- Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo (Monaco)
Sarandë & Ksamil, Albania
Ksamil is one of the most underrated summer destinations in Europe. But it offers most of the things that other popular tourist destinations in Europe do as well! You can visit the stunning Blue Eye, enjoy the breathtaking clear waters at a stunning beach club, or indulge in the vibrant nightlife that goes on all night long.
Ksamil is excellent for young travelers, including solo travelers, couples, and groups. It’s not the most family-friendly place I’ve visited, so opt for somewhere else if you’re traveling with young kids.
Something I love about Albania is that it’s just as gorgeous as Greece or Croatia, but you’ll pay half the price for everything — making it my pick for the best affordable summer destination. Make sure you have cash on you and always process your transactions in the local currency (lek) to avoid additional transaction charges.
Top Activities in Ksamil
- Visit the Blue Eye and Lekuresi Castle
- Spend a day at Pema e Thatë beach club (and call to make reservations in advance)
- Try a traditional cooking class
Top Restaurants in Ksamil
- Guvat Bar
- Black Pearl Ksamil
- Legisi Beach Restaurant
Top Hotels in Ksamil
Also Read: The Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece
The Algarve, Portugal
The mesmerizing Algarve region is located in the southernmost part of Portugal. It’s known for its gorgeous Atlantic beaches, golden sand, and golf resorts. Soak up the sun on the Algarve’s stunning beaches, and enjoy water sports and outdoor activities.
The Algarve is the perfect destination for a sun-drenched family vacation. Many resorts in the area cater to families, with features such as kids’ clubs, kid pools, and menus tailored specifically with children in mind. If your family enjoys activities like boat tours, kayaking, and playing in the sand, this is the place for you!
My favorite stay in the Algarve was at The Pine Cliffs Hotel. This Marriott Luxury Collection Resort includes eight restaurants, a watersports center, a nine-hole golf course, and even a cat sanctuary.
Top Activities in the Algarve
- Visit the Bengali Caves
- Go on a kayaking tour
- Take a ride on a pirate ship
- Visit Cabo de San Vicente, the southernmost point of mainland Europe
Top Restaurants in the Algarve
- Casa del Mar (Albufeira)
- Restaurante The Garden (Lagos)
- BARBOSA Bar & Kitchen (Lagos)
Top Hotels in the Algarve
- The Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort (Albufeira)
- Algarve Casino Hotel (Portimão)
- Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort Hotel (Vilamoura)
- Tivoli Carvoerio (Carvoerio)
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Charming town after charming town – the Amalfi Coast truly feels like a piece of heaven on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit summer destination if you’re looking for a laidback, luxurious vacation with your friends, family, or even just by yourself.
Explore the picturesque towns, breathtaking landscapes, and crystal-clear waters of the Amalfi Coast. The easiest and most cost-effective way to get to the Amalfi Coast is to rent a car and drive yourself, but be prepared for twisting turns and narrow roads. The drive might be a little challenging, but the views are absolutely worth it.
Amalfi is best experienced from the sea, so a boat tour is an absolute must. I also recommend shopping in local boutiques and driving all the way to the end of the coast to Amalfi town for some delicious seaside gelato. And, of course, sampling other mouthwatering Italian delicacies.
Top Activities on the Amalfi Coast
- Take a small group boat tour of the iconic Amalfi Coast
- Indulge in a food tour at a local family farm in Sorrento
- Go shopping in Positano
- Prepare classic Italian dishes in a fun cooking class
Top Restaurants on the Amalfi Coast
- Lido Azzurro (Amalfi)
- Da Gemma (Amalfi)
- Il Tridente (Positano)
- La Cantinaccia del Popolo (Sorrento)
Top Hotels on the Amalfi Coast
- Le Sirenuse (Positano)
- Hotel Piccolo Sant’Andrea (Praiano)
- Minori Palace (Minori)
Island Hopping in the Mediterranean
Explore Hidden Gems in the Mediterranean. From rugged islets with secluded beaches to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, European islands are hard to beat for the perfect summer vacation.
Corfu, Greece
Corfu is one of my favorite Greek islands. Its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and Mediterranean atmosphere make it a great place to explore. This is one of those destinations in Europe that is great for everyone – families, solo travelers, and couples.
The thing I most enjoy doing in Corfu is lounging at the upper pool of the Domes Miramare while reading a book on my Kindle and sipping a delicious cocktail. What can I say? I’m a simple girly.
But if you’re looking for a bit more adventure, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. I highly recommend renting a boat from Palaeokastritsa to visit sea caves and beaches that are only accessible by boat. Another stunning beach is Kassiopi, which boasts clear waters and a view of the Albanian Riviera.
Top Activities in Corfu
- Get a half-day boat rental at Palaeokastritsa
- Visit the Corfu Donkey Rescue
- Go on a scenic sunset cruise
- Check out the old-town charm of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Take a day trip to nearby Paxos and Antipaxos
Top Restaurants in Corfu
- Veranda (Corfu Town)
- Kastro KitchenBar (Kassiopi)
- Aquarius Restaurant (Sidari)
Top Hotels in Corfu
Also Read: The Island’s Best Resort: Our Domes Miramare Corfu Review, With Photos
Crete, Greece
While Corfu has several family-friendly activities and places to explore, Crete offers the most family-friendly fun in the Greek Islands. Aside from lounging around the beach all day, Greece’s largest island is home to an incredible amount of historic sites to visit as well as adventurous outdoor activities.
While Crete is an island – it’s huge! Plan to spend at least five to seven days here in order to explore all the island has to offer. One day can be all about exploring the natural beauty of the island, like at Samaria Gorge National Park. You could also take a boat trip around the island, a thrilling ATV tour, or explore Crete’s famous pink sand beach.
Make time for some of the historic sites, too. The Old Venetian Port of Chania, the island’s capital city, is lovely, as is Knossos Palace, which dates back to the 14th century.
The island is home to countless beaches to enjoy during your summer holidays. And if you prefer the pool, there are many kid-friendly resorts around Crete that can provide hours and hours of fun under the sun.
Top Activities in Crete
- Visit Crete’s famous pink sand beach, Elafonisi
- Wander through the picturesque streets of Chania
- Take a boat trip to the nearby island of Dia
- Go on a guided horseback riding tour
- Visit the Palace of Knossos
- Enjoy a full-day excursion of Samaria Gorge
Top Restaurants in Crete
- Mina’s Taverna (Milopotamos)
- Kouzeineri (Heraklion)
Top Hotels in Crete
Also Read: The Best Greek Islands to Visit
Malta
Malta is both an island and a country all in one. Its incredible blend of cultural heritage from across the Mediterranean Sea and ancient buildings, juxtaposed with the island’s notorious vibrant nightlife, makes this a summer hotspot like no other.
We opted to stay at the Holiday Inn Express in St. Julian’s, which was convenient and close to many amazing restaurants and a shopping area. We also decided to use public transportation instead of renting a car and had no issues there. Public transportation was super easy to navigate, and we were able to get to all parts of Malta that we wanted to see.
One of the benefits of visiting Malta as opposed to other destinations in Europe like Greece or Italy is that English is one of the official languages, so you won’t have to worry about language barriers here!
Top Activities in Malta
- Take the ferry to the Blue Lagoon
- Go on a walking tour of vibrant Valletta
- Visit the ancient city of Mdina, which dates back to the 8th century BC
- Take a day trip to Popeye Village
Top Restaurants in Malta
- ION Harbour by Simon Rogan (Valletta, Michelin-starred)
- Paranga (St. Julian’s)
- de Mondion (Mdina, Michelin-starred)
Top Hotels in Malta
Milos, Greece
Milos is the epitome of what a Greek vacation is all about. If you love adventure, laying out in the sun, and enjoying the clear waters, I highly recommend Milos. It is my favorite Greek island!
First things first — you’ll need to rent an ATV. Many of Milo’s best spots are only accessible on an ATV. Second, a boat trip to Kleftiko is an absolute must. You can go on a small group tour or rent your own boat for the day. My husband and I have done both multiple times and loved each experience.
Milos’ perpetual sunny weather is what keeps us coming back year after year. The friendly people, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage make Milos the perfect summer destination.
Top Activities in Milos
- Enjoy the secluded snorkeling paradise of Kleftiko
- Take in the breathtaking landscapes of Sarakiniko Beach
- Watch the sunset from Plaka (with a to-go cocktail from Kokkino Podilato)
- Visit the picturesque village of Klima
- Check out Kostantakis Winery
Top Restaurants in Milos
- Medusa (Mandrakia)
- Kokkino Podilato (Plaka)
- Zorbas Milos Greek Tavern (Adamas)
- Empourios Taverna (Empourios, off-road vehicle required)
Top Hotels in Milos
Also Read: Best Beaches in Milos, Greece
Capri, Italy
Capri is awesome on its own or as a day trip from the Amalfi Coast. This glitzy island escape is the perfect destination for luxury travelers.
For regular folks like us, we took the ferry from Naples and visited as a day trip and were perfectly content, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t envious of the people lounging at Da Luigi – where a sun lounger starts at a whopping 115 euros per person.
If you don’t have that type of money to shell out for beach chairs, don’t worry. There are a few small beaches surrounding Marina Grande where you can enjoy the sun and the sea. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to get a frozen limoncello served in a giant lemon from one of the restaurants fronting the marina.
Top Activities in Capri
- Take a boat tour around the island
- Go shopping in Anacapri
- Take the funicular train from Marina Grande
- Visit the Gardens of Agustus and Via Krupp
- Get custom, handmade leather sandals
Top Restaurants in Capri
- Ziqù Restaurant & Terrace
- Da Tonino
- Villa Verde
Top Hotels in Capri
City Breaks Across the Continent
Experience vibrant cities this summer during your European vacation. While the beach and mountains sound amazing in the sunny weather, it’s also one of the best times to explore the cities. Restaurants are open, there are more activities to enjoy, and the sun is out later.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona was one of the first cities we visited in Europe together. It was the middle of summer, the weather was gorgeous, and it was the perfect blend of a beach vacation and a city break. It’ll be hot – so be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks from the sun often.
If you’re short on time, there are three things I recommend adding to your must-see list. The first is Sagrada Familia. This iconic chapel has been under construction for over 140 years, starting in 1882, and is absolutely the most striking piece of architecture in the city.
Next is Park Guell. The surrounding area is a bit hilly, so be prepared for lots of walking and wear good, non-slip shoes. Lastly, spend a little time at the beach. It’s unique to have such a large city just steps from a nice, sandy beach, but in Barcelona it just feels natural.
Top Activities in Barcelona
- Visit the breathtaking Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Take a guided tour of Park Guell
- Take a day trip to Monserrat to view the famous basilica and Black Madonna
- Indulge in delicious sangria along La Rambla
Top Restaurants in Barcelona
- Viana Barcelona
- Caelis
- Bar Cañete
Top Hotels in Barcelona
Porto, Portugal
Porto is where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an incredible place to visit for those who love beautiful cities, delicious wine, and a laid-back atmosphere. Porto reminds me of San Francisco with a sprinkle of New York City. At every corner, you’ll find local eateries, a chic boutique, or a cozy cafe.
If you’re of drinking age, you absolutely must sample some Port while you’re here. Even better – go on a port wine cellar tour. We visited the Burmester wine cellars, which are right next to the Ponte Luis I bridge along the Douro River.
Don’t forget to indulge in one of my favorite Portuguese treats: pastel de nata. They’re basically mini custard pies in a flaky pastry crust and soooo delicious.
Top Activities in Porto
- Enjoy a sunset cruise through the city center along the Douro River
- Take a day trip to the stunning Douro Valley
- Go on a three-hour food and wine tour of the city
Top Restaurants in Porto
- Café do Cais
- Chama
- Patio 44
Top Hotels in Porto
- Torel Avantgarde
- GA Palace Hotel & Spa
- InterContinental Porto, Palacio das Cardosas
- Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Explore the city’s charming canals, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene. Amsterdam is one of those cities that can be enjoyed year-round. There’s always something fun to do and see, and it is beautiful in any season.
Amsterdam has an amazing cafe culture, which can be the perfect amount of outside time for those who’d rather spend their summer museum hopping and enjoying great coffee. And, of course, no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a boat ride on the city’s gorgeous canals.
Anytime I’m in Amsterdam, I have to stop at the Foodhallen. It’s an upscale food court with pizza, sushi, desserts, and a bar. Check it out when you’re there!
Top Activities in Amsterdam
- Visit the famous Rijksmuseum
- Learn to make delicious stroopwafel
- Visit a coffeeshop* (*not to be confused with a coffee shop)
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum
- Take a boat trip through Amsterdam’s iconic canals
Top Restaurants in Amsterdam
- Foodhallen (Renato’s and Petit Gâteau are my faves)
- The Pantry
- Winkel 43
Top Hotels in Amsterdam
- Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
- Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
- InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
- Conservatorium Hotel
Vienna, Austria
The historic city of Vienna is one of the best summer destinations for friend groups to explore a new city together. Vienna’s public transportation system is outstanding and extremely easy to use, so you’ll have no issue visiting all the sites and famous landmarks.
The city totally comes to life in the summer. With the longer days and warmer weather, fun activities like open-air cinemas, music festivals, and interactive art exhibits can be found throughout Vienna. The mild temperatures allow visitors to enjoy the city without breaking a sweat.
If you’re missing a bit of that beach vibe for your summer vacation, check out Strandbar Herrmann on the Donaukanal. Green spaces like Stadtpark and Volksgarten are great for people-watching or even a cute picnic.
Top Activities in Vienna
- Enjoy a classical concert at St. Peter’s Church
- Visit the gorgeous gardens of Schonbrunn Palace
- Take a romantic stroll along the Danube Canal
- Enjoy a thrilling ride on the summer toboggan at Hohe Wand Wiese
Top Restaurants in Vienna
- Wiener Wiaz Haus
- Bauernbraeu
- Café Landtmann
Top Hotels in Vienna
Also Read: The Best European Christmas Markets to Visit This Winter
Prague, Czech Republic
While Central Europe is often overlooked as a summer destination, Prague is one city that should not be missed. This gorgeous metropolis is jam-packed with so many iconic landmarks and fascinating museums and is just overall one of the coolest cities to visit in Europe.
To enjoy the most gorgeous panoramic views of the city, head up to the top of the Old Town Bridge Tower. Trust me – the views are worth the climb. The towers are located over the Charles Bridge from the city center.
Aside from the stunning views from the towers, another beautiful spot is the Old Town Square, where you’ll find the famous Prague Astronomical Clock, the National Gallery, and St. Nicholas’ Church.
Top Activities in Prague
- Take a sightseeing cruise along the Vltava River
- Visit the iconic Prague Castle
- Take a day trip to Kutna Hora to see the eerie Bone Chapel
- Take in all the famous landmarks of the city center, including the Astronomical Clock and St. Vitus Cathedral
Top Restaurants in Prague
- Dva Kohouti
- Hemingway Bar
- Bockem
Top Hotels in Prague
Nature Escapes in Europe
Discover Europe’s Natural Wonders. From incredible lakes to mesmerizing lavender fields and sprawling national parks – these European countries have it all.
Lake Como, Italy
If you’re searching for a romantic escape with your partner, Lake Como is one of the best summer destinations in Europe for you. As soon as we drove into Bellagio, I was immediately in love with the beautiful scenery.
My husband and I strolled through the charming streets for hours, stopping by cute boutiques, shops offering locally made products, and lively wine bars. You can take the ferry to the various towns around Lake Como or drive like we did. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible views.
If you want a little more activity than dining at great restaurants and strolling through picturesque villages, make your way to Como town. The town was much more built up than I expected, but also offers things such as museums and a much wider variety of shopping than the smaller towns do.
Top Activities in Lake Como
- Live out your Bachelor fantasy on a private boat tour of Lake Como
- Take a classic Italian cooking class in Bellagio
- Take the ferry to hop between the small villages on the lake
- Tour a Lake Como winery
Top Restaurants in Lake Como
- Bar Sanremo (Bellagio)
- Feel (Como)
- Tira, Mola e Mesed (Como)
Top Hotels in Lake Como
Fuschlsee, Austria
If I had to choose between the beach or the mountains – I’m choosing the beach 9 times out of 10. The only place I’d choose over the beach is Fuschlsee, and here’s why: Fuschlsee is truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. Photos will never do it enough justice.
We first stumbled upon Fuschlsee when we went to Oktoberfest and needed to find a hotel “nearby”. Since then, we’ve been coming back year after year – sometimes multiple times a year! There’s just something so relaxing about waking up next to the lake, surrounded by the gorgeous Austrian Alps.
There’s not much to do here, and that’s just the way we like it. Two of our favorite hotels – Rosewood Schloss Fuschl and Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee – both feature indoor pools and spas where you can relax and unwind all day.
Top Activities in Fuschlsee
- Rent a boat to take around the lake
- Spend a day at the spa
- Take a ride to the nearby villages of Saint Gilgen and Wolfgangsee
- Walk around Fuschl am See town
Top Restaurants in Fuschlsee
- Wirtshaus Cervus
- Halali Bar
- Schloss Fuschl Fischerei
- Steakhouse Fuschl
Top Hotels in Fuschlsee
- Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
- Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee (see our review below!)
- Waldhof Fuschlsee Resort
- Garni Haus Sonnleitn
Also Read: Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee Review, With Photos
Provence, France
You get it by now – Southern France has my heart. You can explore the region’s natural beauty, enjoy the lavender fields, and take in the scenic views of the French countryside. Provence is for those laidback guys and girlys whose ideal day consists of wandering cobblestone streets and sipping on a glass of wine.
There are an endless number of beautiful villages in Provence. My favorites are Gordes, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. My “perfect day in Provence” consists of kayaking through the Gorges du Verdon, lunch in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and driving around to find the perfect spot for a photo in the lavender fields.
A visit to Provence can be as busy or calm as you’d like, though I tend to prefer making loose plans with time to get lost roaming the streets of a new town or village. That’s just how life works best in the South of France.
Top Activities in Provence
- Visit the Gorges du Verdon, famously known as the Grand Canyon of Europe
- Take Instagram-worthy photos in the lavender fields of Luberon
- Dine like Emily in Paris at Airelles Gordes
Top Restaurants in Provence
- Clover Gordes (Gordes)
- Restaurant Les Magnans (Moustiers-Sainte-Marie)
- Le Comptoir (Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon)
Top Hotels in Provence
- Airelles Gordes (Gordes)
- Le Moulin (Loumarin)
- La Bastide de Calalou (Moissac-Bellevue)
- L’hôtel du Couvent (Vagnas)
Lucerne, Switzerland
Switzerland is just as great of a summertime destination as it is a winter wonderland. The snow that blankets the dramatic mountaintops and picturesque valleys that make up the country disappears to reveal rolling green hills and dozens of lakes. Our favorite is Lake Lucerne, right in the center of the country.
The town of Lucerne and its lake are at the crossroads of Switzerland’s German, French, and Italian populations, making this a very special place to visit. The small city is on the western bank of the lake, which weaves its way around the mountains that surround it. The result is a beautiful waterfront with 360-degree views of towering peaks, plus fantastic Swiss dining, shopping, and history.
Besides the peaceful city break that Lucerne and its lake can offer, we like to use it as a gateway to the tiny villages and remote mountain spots in the surrounding regions. You won’t want to miss the cable car trip up to Mount Pilatus, as it’s probably the top thing to do here. But also consider the hour-long drive to the famous town of Interlaken and the Lauterbrunnen Valley, or hop on a local ferry boat to villages along the lake’s shore.
Top Activities in Lucerne
- Visit the breathtaking Mt. Pilatus
- Take a day trip to Jungfraujoch, home to Europe’s highest railway station
- Go on a relaxing boat tour of Lake Lucerne
- Enjoy Lucerne from above on a tandem paragliding flight
Top Restaurants in Lucerne
- Ampersand Grillrestaurant
- Richemont Gastronomy
- Villa Schweizerhof
Top Hotels in Lucerne
Split, Croatia
The newest member of the European Union also just recently joined the Eurozone and the Schengen Area – meaning you no longer need to convert any money or go through any border checks when visiting. The long, scenic coastline of Croatia is quickly being discovered by summertime travelers, and the Dalmatian city of Split is definitely a top choice.
The historic city center of Split is enough of a reason for most travelers to visit. The centuries-old stone buildings and monuments you walk through were once the palace of Diocletian, the emperor of the Roman Empire. It really is one of the most fascinating old towns in the region, and its waterfront is a magnificent place for an Aperol Spritz – not to mention everything being a bit cheaper in Croatia.
There’s plenty to do in this region beyond the walls of Split, too, including one of the most breathtaking national parks in Europe. You can also take short ferry trips to the much quieter Croatian islands for a beach day or drive across the border into Bosnia for a day to experience a whole different country.
Top Activities in Split
- Visit the gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park (this is a guided tour, but self-guided is perfectly fine too)
- Take a full-day boat tour of the Blue Cave and Croatia’s surrounding islands
- Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Krka National Park
- Explore the old-town charm of Split
Top Restaurants in Split
- Adriana Restaurant
- ZOI
- Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar
Top Hotels in Split
Also Read: New River Gorge National Park: Exploring America’s Newest National Park
Lake Bled, Slovenia
We discovered Lake Bled far too late in life, because we would have been coming here much more frequently had we known how gorgeous it is. This is a semi-well-known tourist destination in Slovenia that’s not quite off-the-beaten-path, but also not a crowded and expensive hotspot.
The town of Bled is less than 40 minutes from the capital, Ljubljana, and less than a 3-hour drive from Venice in Italy. It’s more than worth it to make the day trip, but it’s also worth staying a night or two, as there are several lovely wellness hotels around the lake. The quiet shores of this lake in the Julian Alps are a beautiful gateway to fascinating history and the wonders of Triglav National Park.
You will not want to miss the castle on the clifftop above the lake, nor can you pass up the little boat ride to the lake island’s church. It’s a large lake, but we walked the trail around the entire thing, and it was definitely worth it. River gorges, caves, and all kinds of adventure sports surround the area.
Top Activities in Lake Bled
- Walk the entire (easy) trail around Lake Bled
- Take a ferry boat to the Assumption of Maria Church in the middle of Lake Bled
- Tour Bled Castle and take in the panoramic views of Lake Bled
- Enjoy a guided kayaking tour of Lake Bled in a transparent kayak
Top Restaurants in Lake Bled
- Oštarija Peglze’n
- Kavarna Park
- Picerija Briksen
Top Hotels in Lake Bled
Summer Vacation Tips and FAQs
How to save money while visiting European summer destinations
- Maximize earning and redeeming credit card and loyalty points.
- Always choose to process credit card transactions in the local currency.
- Check Google Flights to find the best deals on airfare.
- Be sure to specify if you want tap water when dining out.
Where to go on cheap summer vacations in Europe?
Consider destinations like Portugal, Greece, and Slovenia for affordable summer vacations.
What to pack for your summer vacation in Europe?
Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for a memorable summer vacation.
Why plan your summer vacation in Europe?
Europe offers diverse summer destinations, from charming towns to historic cities and from sandy beaches to pristine lakes.
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