Whether it’s the long winter days or the chilly temperatures, I can’t help but start to think about summer. It’s inevitable and these places where you should go for a European summer get me excited every year. I always cling to those days on the ocean, where the sun dips below the Mediterranean and with a glass of wine in hand there seems no better place in time. The days are easy, lunches are slow, and the nights long. A European summer is always my favorite trip of the year and every year I always pick somewhere new to explore, even if it’s just for a short time.
This year we will be headed to Croatia and as I was planning out the trip, I wanted to share a few of my favorites places where you should go for a European summer. Check them out here! 
Where You Should Go for a European Summer
Italy
Why:
I always think of Italy when I think of summer. Maybe it’s the cold limoncello or the seafood pasta, but my closest memories always bring me back to coastline. What I love about Italy is that you’re never too far from the ocean. You can easily fly into Florence or Venice and with a train ride be at the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre.
Where to Go:
Cinque Terre, Venice, Sardinia, Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Tuscany.
France
Why:
I know I am wildly biased about France, but I will say the French know how to enjoy their summer. It’s typically the time of year that most take off for a few weeks at the beach to be with family and friends. The cuisine is always a plus and can you really beat a bottle of rose on a hot summer day?
Where to Go:
Provence, Cassis, La Rochelle, Biarritz, Cannes, Marseilles, Corsica, and Nice.
Greece
Why:
If there’s one place to island hop through the summer, Greece is definitely the spot to be based. It’s wide range of island experiences start from the sheer cliffs of Santorini to the hidden beaches of Naxos. I love the people, the views are incredible, and nothing beats the crisp waters in Greece.
Where to Go:
Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, and Naxos.
Portugal
Why:
Portugal always has a special place in my heart. The streets are full of energy and it seems that Lisbon can do no wrong. It’s a different kind of European summer where days are spent in open terraces soaking in the views, enjoying incredible Portuguese cuisine.
Where to Go:
Lisbon, Porto, Algarves, and Cascais.
Spain
Why:
Oh the joy of being in Barcelona in the summer. Long nights of dancing, strolling the streets of the Gothic Quarter, and riding bikes down the beach. Tapas, cava, and endless beaches to choose from makes Spain one of my favorites.
Where to Go:
Barcelona, Costa Brava, Ibiza, and Majorca, and Minorca.
Malta
Why:
After my first trip to Malta, I was convinced that this is Europe’s best kept secret. The small island of Malta is packed with character, lively streets, and perfect beaches to cool off at. It’s a gem to explore and one could easily lose track of time here.
Where to Go:
Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
