Summer is one of the best times to visit Europe, due to the sun and warmer temperatures, which makes sightseeing a lot easier and more enjoyable.
If you would like to plan a summer trip to Europe but you’re pretty sure where to go, our guide will be able to help you narrow down your list of potential destinations.
Before we get started, if you are looking to explore this continent you might like to view our featured tours. Or for doing more than sightseeing, check out summer jobs.
1. Spain
Spain is one of the best most visited countries in Europe and it’s easy to see why. You can visit world-famous cities, experience countryside and quiet little times and villages or visit some of the most beautiful islands on the continent. The weather in Spain is better the most places in Europe and almost all year round you’re almost guaranteed sun and warm weather. Millions of tourists visit islands like Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Tenerife every year due to the beaches, resort, and restaurants and entertainment. Whether you fancy a short city break or want to more relaxing song holiday in Spain has so many destinations you can go to.
View gap year programs in Spain.
2. Portugal
Portugal has one of the most sunny and warm climates in Europe and summer really is the perfect time to visit the country. You can choose to visit one of the most popular cities like Porto and Lisbon, or head to the southern region the country and explore places like the Algarve which have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Due to the climate Portugal is a great place to do adventure sports, you could learn to surf with lots of camps located on the coast.
Find gap year programs in Portugal.
3. France
If you’ve never been to Paris before a really is a city you need to visit at least once in your life just to go up the Eiffel Tower and get the iconic Paris Caroline chart. In summer there are lots of popular holiday destinations throughout the country whether you fancy countryside retreat, holiday camps, campsites or beaches. We highly recommend going to visit the southern coast and visiting places like Nice, Monaco and St Tropez.
Search gap year programs in France.
4. Hungary
Hungary has been coming more and more popular every year and it is a really alternative destination to visit from the more famous and well-known countries in Western Europe. Budapest is an amazing city to visit and there are lots of great attractions to check out in summer including. One of the most popular places we recommend this thing is the bath, located outdoors they are really unique and special. Hungry is also great value for money and from a few but if you visit Budapest there are lots of great places you can visit nearby including the stunning lake Balaton.
View gap year programs in Hungary.
5. Croatia
Ever since Game of Thrones was brought to the TV screens around the world Croatia is now one of the most desirable summer destinations in Europe. Croatia is a really beautiful country with ancient historic kissed cities, some of the most beautiful national parks in Europe, islands, beaches and much more. Places we recommend visiting include Split and Dubrovnik.
Find gap year programs in Croatia.
6. Greece
We can’t write an essential places in Europe during summer guide without including Greece. For decades Greece has been one of the most popular tourism destinations on the continent and it’s easy to see why millions of people visit every year. Athens, the capital city is a fantastic place to explore where you can see places like the Acropolis and Pantheon. There are also beaches located very close to Athens city centre and the local food and hospitality is very special. One of the main attractions is the absolutely beautiful islands of which there are lots to choose from. The most famous being Santorini and Mykonos, both have picture perfect postcard shot around every corner.
Find gap year programs in Greece.
We hope all this to the best places to visit in Europe during summer has given you some inspiration for way to visit. We have missed lots of countries of our list which was really difficult decision to make but we hope our featured places has given you some ideas for where to go. View more Europe gap year opportunities if you need more ideas.