30 Best Places To Visit In Europe In Summer for Sun & City Breaks

💌 Just a quick note before we get started: this post contains affiliate links. That simply means I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to book or buy through one of the links. It helps me keep Postcards from Kirsty running — and hopefully helps you plan your own adventure too!

Summer in Europe is where the magic truly happens, and it’s no wonder these are considered some of the Best Places To Visit In Europe In Summer! Imagine sipping a cocktail in a charming European city or diving into crystal-clear waters before stretching out on a sun lounger – sounds pure bliss, right?

It’s also the season when Europe is at its absolute best – glorious weather, long sun-drenched days, and endless opportunities for adventure. If you’re planning a romantic escape with your other half, be sure to check out my 12 Most Romantic Cities in Europe for the best European couples’ destinations.

But let’s be honest, as dreamy as it sounds, summer in Europe can get a little chaotic. From June to September, the crowds are in full swing, and things tend to be that much more expensive.

So, to make the most of your summer in Europe, you may want to consider venturing off the beaten path, skipping the usual tourist traps, escaping the crowds, and uncovering some of Europe’s hidden gems instead.

Although even Europe’s hidden gems can get a little crowded in summer, you might want to save your trip for the shoulder seasons – spring is a great time to explore Europe.

In this list, I’ve included a mix of must-visit destinations and lesser-known places, so whether you love the buzz of a crowd or crave a quieter retreat, you’ll find your perfect European summer escape!

The 30 Best Places To Visit In Europe In Summer

10 Best Places For Sun In Europe In Summer

Brač, Croatia

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Brač (June-September):
Highs: 24°C – 28°C
Lows: 16°C – 20°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Brač:
Visit Golden Horn Beach (a.k.a Zlatni Rat).
Hike up Vidova Gora.
Have dinner on the waterfront in Bol.
Go for a wine tasting at Stina Winery.
Explore Blaca Monastery.

Capri, Italy

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Capri (June-September):
Highs: 28°C – 32°C
Lows: 21°C – 24°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Capri:
Relax and go swimming in the Marina Piccola.
Wander through the Gardens of Augustus.
Marvel at the Villa San Michele.
Get a panoramic view at Belvedere Tragara.
Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro.

Comporta, Portugal

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Comporta (June-September):
Highs: 24°C – 27°C
Lows: 16°C – 17°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Comporta:
Sunbathe on the Praia da Comporta, Praia do Pego, or Praia do Carvalhal.
Go horse riding.
Try surfing.
Book a dolphin-watching tour.
Hire a bike and go cycling through the rice paddies.

Corfu, Greece

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Corfu (June-September):
Highs: 25°C – 29°C
Lows: 21°C – 24°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Corfu:
Visit Corfu Old Town.
Relax on Paleokastritsa Beach.
See the impressive Cape Drastis.
Wander through the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna and the Paleokastritsa Monastery.
Enjoy a day at the Aqualand Water Park.

Costa Del Sol, Spain

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Costa Del Sol (June-September):
Highs: 26°C – 29°C
Lows: 18°C – 21°C

🌍 Five Highlights of the Costa Del Sol:
Relax on one of the 120 beautiful beaches.
Visit the historic town of Ronda.
Wonder at the Alcazaba fortress in Malaga.
Explore the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar.
Hike the Caminito del Rey (not for the faint-hearted!).

French Riviera, France

🌡️ Average Temperatures in the French Riviera (June-September):
Highs: 23°C – 27°C
Lows: 17°C – 20°C

🌍 Five Highlights of the French Riviera:
Unwind on the many beaches along the coastline.
Admire the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Visit the gorgeous capital of the French Riviera, Nice.
Gamble in Monte-Carlo.
Explore the beautiful region of Provence.

Majorca, Spain

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Majorca (June-September):
Highs: 26°C – 30°C
Lows: 20°C – 24°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Majorca:
Relax on one of the 250 beaches.
Explore the town of Palma.
Walk to the Cap de Formentor for amazing views of the coastline.
Tour the Drach Caves.
Visit Alcudia Old Town.

Marmaris, Turkey

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Marmaris (June-September):
Highs: 29°C – 32°C
Lows: 21°C – 25°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Marmaris:
Have a beach day at Marmaris’s main beach, Uzun Yalı.
Visit Marmaris Castle and Museum.
Explore Marmaris National Park.
Go back in time to the Amyntas Rock Tombs.
Take a day trip to Rhodes.

Puglia, Italy

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Bari, Puglia (June-September):
Highs: 26°C – 30°C
Lows: 20°C – 23°C

🌍 Five Highlights of the Puglia Region:
Relax on the beaches in Polignano a Mare.
Visit Alberobello, one of Italy’s most famous small towns.
Explore the ‘white city’ of Ostuni.
Go swimming at Torre Sant’Andrea.
Admire the architecture and Roman amphitheatre in Lecce.

Pula, Croatia

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Pula (June-September):
Highs: 23°C – 27°C
Lows: 19°C – 23°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Pula:
Visit one of Pula’s most beautiful beaches, Ambrela Beach.
Marvel at Pula Arena.
Stroll around Forum Square.
Admire the Arch of the Sergii.
Explore the Temple of Augustus.

10 Best Places For City Breaks In Europe In Summer

Athens, Greece

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Athens (June-September):
Highs: 29°C – 33°C
Lows: 20°C – 23°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Athens:
Climb the Acropolis to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Arrhephorion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Visit the Acropolis Museum.
Tour the National Archaeological Museum.
Stroll around Monastiraki Square.
Explore the Plaka neighbourhood.

Budapest, Hungary

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Budapest (June-September):
Highs: 23°C – 29°C
Lows: 12°C – 16°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Budapest:
Soak in the Széchenyi Baths.
Wander around the Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church.
Admire the Parliament building and pay respects to the ‘Shoes On The Danube’.
Visit the St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Take a cruise down the Danube River.

Copenhagen, Denmark

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Copenhagen (June-September):
Highs: 18°C – 22°C
Lows: 11°C – 14°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Copenhagen:
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg (the Royal Palace) and Christiansborg Palace.
Climb the Round Tower for beautiful views over Copenhagen.
Stroll along the old harbour, Nyhavn.
See the iconic symbol of Denmark, the Little Mermaid statue.
Have a fun day out at the Tivoli Gardens.

Dublin, Ireland

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Dublin (June-September):
Highs: 18°C – 20°C
Lows: 11°C – 13°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Dublin:
Party in the Temple Bar.
Pour your own pint at the Guinness Storehouse.
Visit the magnificent library at Trinity College.
Learn more about the history of the city at ‘The Little Museum of Dublin’.
Explore the Kilmainham Gaol Museum.

Edinburgh, Scotland

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Edinburgh (June-September):
Highs: 17°C – 19°C
Lows: 10°C – 12°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Edinburgh:
Walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Tour the National Museum of Scotland.
Hike up Arthur’s Seat.
Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Be amazed at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.

For a budget-friendly trip to Scotland’s capital city, be sure to check out my list of free things to do in Edinburgh.

Istanbul, Turkey

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Istanbul (June-September):
Highs: 25°C – 29°C
Lows: 19°C – 22°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Istanbul:
Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Shop ’til you drop at the Grand Bazar.
Be captivated by the Blue Mosque.
Climb Galata Tower for incredible views over the city.
Wander around the Dolmabahçe Palace.

London, England

🌡️ Average Temperatures in London (June-September):
Highs: 20°C – 23°C
Lows: 11°C – 13°C

🌍 Five Highlights of London:
Go on the London Eye for panoramic views across London.
See the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
Visit Buckingham Palace.
Discover 2 million years of human history at ‘The British Museum’.
Book tickets for a show in London’s West End Theatre.

Porto, Portugal

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Porto (June-September):
Highs: 23°C – 25°C
Lows: 16°C – 18°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Porto:
Visit Porto Cathedral.
Admire the beautiful Chapel of Souls.
Explore the Bolsa Palace.
Watch the sunset from the Luis I Bridge.
Cruise down the Douro River.

Vienna, Austria

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Vienna (June-September):
Highs: 22°C – 27°C
Lows: 12°C – 16°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Vienna:
Be wowed by the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace.
Visit the Hofburg Palace.
Climb to the top of St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Explore the Belvedere Palace.
Watch an opera at the Vienna State Opera.

Zagreb, Croatia

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Zagreb (June-September):
Highs: 23°C – 29°C
Lows: 12°C – 17°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Zagreb:
Visit the Cathedral of Zagreb.
Admire the roof of the Church of St Mark.
Have a picnic in Park Maksimir.
Relax with dinner and drinks in Ban Jelačić Square.
Tour the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.

10 Best Places For Adventure In Europe In Summer

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Kotor (June-September):
Highs: 21°C – 28°C
Lows: 9°C – 17°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Kotor:
Explore Kotor Old City.
Walk some of the Kotor City Walls.
Hike to Kotor Fortress.
Take a boat trip to ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’.
Wander around Perast.

Dolomites, Italy

🌡️ Average Temperatures in the Dolomites (June-September):
Highs: 19°C – 24°C
Lows: 8°C – 12°C

🌍 Five Highlights of the Dolomites:
Hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Gaze upon the famous Lago di Braies.
Drive to the Gardena Pass.
Visit the Val di Funes.
Trek to Cadini di Misurina.

Interlaken, Switzerland

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Interlaken (June-September):
Highs: 14°C – 18°C
Lows: 4°C – 8°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Interlaken:
Hike to Harder Kulm.
Take the cogwheel Schynige Platte train.
Have a picnic in Höhematte.
Visit Switzerland’s only open-air museum, Ballenberg.
Go paragliding.

Island Hopping, Croatia

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Hvar (June-September):
Highs: 24°C – 27°C
Lows: 20°C – 24°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Island Hopping in Croatia:
Visit the Golden Horn beach in Brač.
Watch the sunset from Fortica Fortress in Hvar.
Go on a guided tour to the Blue Cave on Biševo Island.
Book a tasting at one of the local wineries in Korčula.
Explore Vis, the island where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Lake Bled (June-September):
Highs: 19°C – 24°C
Lows: 9°C – 14°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Lake Bled:
Visit Bled Castle.
Hire a canoe boat and row out to Bled Island.
Explore Triglav National Park.
Soak up the views from the Ojstrica lookout point.
Ride down the Straža Bled toboggan.

Lofoten, Norway

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Lofoten (June-September):
Highs: 12°C – 15°C
Lows: 8°C – 11°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Lofoten:
Go surfing on Unstad Beach.
Explore the beautiful village of Reine.
Hike to Reinebringen for epic views.
Relax on Ramberg Beach.
Go rock climbing on Svolvaergeita.

Madeira, Portugal

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Madeira (June-September):
Highs: 22°C – 24°C
Lows: 18°C – 20°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Madeira:
Hike from Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo.
Climb Eagle Rock.
Ride the Funchal Cable Car.
Go swimming in the Porto Moniz Natural Pools.
Wander through the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Mostar (June-September):
Highs: 24°C – 29°C
Lows: 12°C – 16°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Mostar:
Walk over the Old Bridge in Mostar.
Visit the Kravica Waterfall.
Explore the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque.
Enjoy the views over Mostar from Vidikovac Fortica.
Go rafting down the Neretva River.

Provence, France

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Provence (June-September):
Highs: 27°C – 32°C
Lows: 15°C – 20°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Provence:
Visit the beautiful lavender fields at Senanque Abbey.
Wander through the fairytale village of Oppede.
Walk along the river in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Go kayaking on the Verdon Gorge.
Explore the pristine Parc National des Calanques.

Tuscany, Italy

🌡️ Average Temperatures in Tuscany (June-September):
Highs: 25°C – 30°C
Lows: 14°C – 18°C

🌍 Five Highlights of Tuscany:
Go on a Vespa tour of Tuscany.
Get a picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Visit the beautiful city of Siena.
Admire the incredible architecture in Florence.
Go on a wine-tasting tour at a Tuscan vineyard.

Planning a trip to Tuscany? Check out my ultimate 7-day Tuscany itinerary for the perfect summer getaway in this stunning region!

Loved this guide to the Best Places To Visit In Europe In Summer? Save it to Pinterest for your visit there!

I’d love it if you could drop a comment below, share my Pinterest pins, and subscribe to my blog to stay updated with new posts. Every bit of engagement helps my little travel blog grow!

This post is all about the Best Places To Visit In Europe In Summer.

Thanks so much for reading – it means the world!

Kirsty x