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Summer is just around the corner, making it the ideal time to plan your European getaway!
Europe is enchanting all year round, but the warmth of June brings the perfect weather to explore. From the sunny South to quaint small towns, there are countless beautiful destinations to choose from.
While most countries boast stunning locales, we've rounded up some of Europe's best beaches and hidden gems for your summer adventure. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit across the most picturesque continent in the world.
Quick facts about summer in Europe
Bask in the beauty and warmth of Europe this summer! Credits to Ezequiel Garrido on Unsplash.
For many tourists, Europe is the quintessential year round destination—from the cold weather of winter to the shoulder season, which are Spring and Autumn. However, the peak season and sunny weather during summer truly stand out as the best time to visit.
Before your much-awaited vacation, you might want to know these fun facts about the summer season in Europe:
- The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, occurs in June, which means there are more daylight hours to explore the continent's cities and landscapes—this could be the perfect time to spend on the beach!
- In some parts of Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, it's common for businesses to close during the summer months. This is because most Europeans go for a siesta (a midday nap or break) to avoid the intense heat during the hottest hours of the day.
- During the summer, some European cities offer free outdoor concerts and movie screenings in parks and public spaces—allowing locals and tourists to enjoy cultural events in a relaxed setting. How exciting!
Where to go and what to expect for your European summer vacation
From European countries' awestriking beaches to its breathtaking architecture, there are a lot of incredible attractions to explore as you enjoy the delightfully warm weather. Here’s a list of must-visit destinations. Get ready to make some unforgettable memories!
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
Soak up the Mediterranean sun at Cinque Terre. Credits to Noah Mayer on Unsplash.
Want to explore Italy’s most charming villages? Take a quick trip to Cinque Terre! It’s a collection of five colorful coastal villages on the Italian Riviera, each with its unique character and views of the Mediterranean Sea. You hike along the scenic coastal trail or simply relax and spend time with your loved ones on one of the picturesque beaches while basking in the sunset.
Be sure to sample the region's famous white wine, Sciacchetrà, which is made from locally grown grapes!
2. Jardin des Plantes, France
Step into a botanical paradise at Jardin des Plantes. Credits to Daphné Be Frenchie on Unsplash.
Planning a summer picnic? The Jardin des Plantes is a botanical garden perfectly positioned in the heart of Paris. It is a great destination to check out in June when the weather conditions are ideal for outdoor relaxation.
During your picnic, you can enjoy views of the garden's themed areas, including the Alpine Garden and Rose Garden. If you’d rather dine in, you can try the garden's restaurant, La Baleine, which offers delicious French cuisine in a serene and charming setting.
3. Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Sample the freshest seafood when you visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Credits to Alessio Bachetti on Unsplash.
Lay under lemon trees as you take in the dazzling views of Europe’s best beaches.
At Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and visit cliffside villages like Positano and Ravello as you sample fresh seafood and traditional Neapolitan pizza. If there's good weather, other popular activities you can try include hiking along the famous Path of the Gods or exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
You can also go on an eight-hour day tour from Naples!
4. Costa Brava, Spain
Unwind in the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Brava. Credits to tavarez88 on Pixabay.
One of the best beaches to go to when you visit Europe has to be Costa Brava in Spain! This is the ideal destination for day-trippers looking to engage in exciting water activities.
You can try various activities there, such as hiking, water sports, or simply soaking up the sun. Don't miss out on local specialties, such as seafood paella or crema catalana, a delicious traditional dessert similar to crème brûlée.
5. Venice, Italy
Ride through Venice on a gondola. Credits to adrian krajcar on Unsplash.
With its impressive architecture, romantic canals, and rich history, Venice is truly a city unlike any other. It's no wonder it is one of the most popular tourist spots all year round.
Here, you can ride in their iconic gondolas through the winding canals and marvel at the city's bridges and buildings, including the iconic St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Their local cuisine includes cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas) and fresh seafood dishes, making great pairings for their specialty wines!
What to wear
Prep your most fashionable outfits before your trip! Credits to sterlinglanier Lanier on Unsplash.
In general, temperatures during a European summer vacation varies. Depending on the location, the weather can be cold, hot, or something in between the two. Coastal areas tend to be more temperate, while inland areas can be hotter and more humid. However, unexpected summer showers can still occur even if you're visiting during the peak season. This is why checking the weather forecast before packing for your holiday is always a good idea.
In general, though, lightweight clothing such as shorts, dresses, and T-shirts is appropriate for daytime activities, especially from mid-June until late August. For the anticipated cooler evenings and occasional cold weather, don't forget to bring a light jacket or sweater.
Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for sightseeing and exploring. Plan your outfits accordingly so you can take the cutest travel pics to post!
Now that you know what the ultimate European getaway entails, it's the perfect time to plan your holiday journey across this continent.
Keep in mind that the peak season ends in October. Fewer crowds mean a more pleasant time to explore! On the contrary, during the peak season from June through August, destinations can become extremely busy, and hotel prices tend to rise.
Planning ahead will help you make the most of your trip and enjoy the best of Europe without the hassle.
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