Sunny Escapes: Best Summer Holidays in Europe

Thinking about spending your summer in Europe? That is the best decision you will ever make. Every year, millions of visitors from around the world explore this continent, which is rich in historic sites, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. The continent is home to almost 44 countries, and you can have a tempting breakfast in France, lunch in Switzerland, and dinner in Italy without being tired (ok, joking). The continent might break your bank, and crowds may test your patience, but the experiences? They are all worth every expensive coffee and every tiring train ride. In this blog, let's explore the best summer destinations in Europe. Spoiler: aftereffects may cause booking a ticket to Europe right away!

The Egadi Islands are a famous group of islands near the western coast of Sicily; there are three main islands—Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. The climate in summer is mostly hot here, ranging from temperatures of around 28 to 32 degrees. Among the three islands, Favignana is the largest one and is known for its clean blue waters and expansive sandy beaches like Cala Rossa. For exploring the island, visitors can rent a bike and have an exceptional experience. Levanzo is comparatively smaller and quieter than the other two, ideal for adventures like hiking or exploring the old Genovese Cave that is home to cool old rock carvings. Marettimo is the quietest island of all; it is perfect for boat ventures or snorkeling to impressive sea caves nearby. To reach the Egadi Islands, you can always opt for a ferry ride from Trapani, especially in summer. The sea bordering the island is warm and calm, perfect for kayaking or swimming. Local cuisine includes seafood, pasta, and freshly caught tuna, which you can buy from small shops nearby.

Naxos is among the largest islands in the Cyclades group in Greece and a must-visit in summer! The climate ranges from 27–33 degrees in summer, and the island has many expansive sandy beaches like Prokopios and Plaka, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Naxos is also a prominent area with adventures like windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially at the Mikri Vigla Beach. You can visit places like Portara, a huge marble gate from an old temple, or the old town named Chora with narrow streets and white houses, along with a Venetian Castle. Naxos is famous for local potatoes, cheese, and freshly caught seafood, so do try those too. You can also hike to Mount Zas, the tallest mountain in the Cyclades region, for panoramic views. Ferries connect Naxos to Athens and nearby islands like Paros and Santorini. During the summer, Naxos hosts many fun festivals with dancing and lively music, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe in July.

Istria is an expansive peninsula situated in northwestern Croatia, famous for its beaches, old towns, and yummy food. In summer, the climate is mostly warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 32°C. The area is home to many rocky beaches and calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Known beach towns in Istria include Poreč, Rovinj, and Pula. In Pula, you can explore a Roman amphitheater that is over 2,000 years old (yes, it is very old). Rovinj has beautiful, colorful buildings and a gorgeous old town by the sea. You can also opt for biking or hiking in inland Istria, which features green hills and vineyards. The area is known for truffles, olive oil, and seafood, so do try it here! Summer is also a great time for boat trips and kayaking along the coastline. Ferries run to nearby islands and even to Venice, Italy.

Kotor is a lovely town near the Bay of Kotor in the southwest of Montenegro. In summer, the town is a must-visit with a mild climate; near the bay, visitors can easily go swimming, take boat trips, or kayak on the clear water. The old town of Kotor is a great sight to explore too. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features old churches and buildings along with stone streets. You can also ascend 1,350 steps to the San Giovanni Fortress for a gorgeous view of the bay (of course, you need to have good stamina for it). The town is home to many shops, eateries, and cafes serving fresh seafood, which is a must-try! You can also enjoy a wonderful day trip from town to places like Perast, or go hiking in the surrounding mountains. During the months of July and August, the town organizes many fun festivals and music events, so make sure to attend them.

Puglia is a famous region situated in the south of Italy, famous for its beaches, white houses, and olive trees. In summer, the town transforms into something mesmerizing with hot and dry weather, and temperatures ranging from 28 to 35 degrees. The area has a huge coastline bordered by beaches, especially in places like Polignano a Mare and Porto Cesareo. The water is warm and clear, ideal for snorkeling and swimming alongside boat ventures. Alberobello is famous for its trulli, round stone houses with cone roofs. You can even try tasting local food like orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, and olive oil for a mouthwatering adventure. Many towns host summer festivals featuring dancing, music, and a beautiful display of fireworks. Puglia is also great for biking through the countryside and visiting markets.

In a nutshell, Europe is a great continent to explore in summer. From the best private beaches in Europe to historic locations, you can explore everything here! So, this summer, plan your trip to Europe and enjoy it to your fullest.