Where to spend European Summer (updated 2024)
Tanned Skin, Warm Days, Afternoon Spritz…
As the sun starts to heat things up through Europe, finding the perfect beachside location has never been so crucial. With so many wonderful coastlines and quick flights making these more accessible than ever, I will show you my top picks for where best to lay the towel down in 2024.
Cinque Terre located on Italy’s Eastern coastline has classic European style written all over it, with the perfectly sculpted pebble beaches, symmetrical beach umbrellas and vibrant colourful buildings. My personal favourite being Riomaggiore the most Southern of the five little villages, showing off it’s classic Heritage feel. It would be rude not to grab a locally caught sea food basket and watch the sun bounce off the crystal clear water during that magical golden hour.
When you say ‘European Holiday’ the first thing that springs to mind is the stunning San Sebastían. Honestly one of my all time favourite beach destinations across the globe. Not only is this spot kept a secret amongst local European holiday makers but it has so much to offer, with glassy waters in the bay and perfect sets of endless rolling waves over the hill making this a great spot for a morning surf.
Rest assured some of the Spanish’s best food and drink can be found in this little gem of a destination sitting up on the Northern coastline. One Euro tapas often accompanies the perfect drop of red so make sure to sample a little bit of everything and share the love around.
Portugal is home to many famous rugged beaches with world class surf and year round perfect weather making for the ultimate summer holiday road trip. Make sure to call through the capital Lisbon and stop in for brunch at Nicolau cafe with mouth watering smoothie bowls and vegan delights making the line down the street well worth it!
Hidden below the larger more popular cousin of Croatia has another one of my favourite spots in Montenegro. While sharing the same coast line and crystal clear water of those above this country, it is yet to be discovered by many leaving you with empty white sand beaches and 5 star luxury at a fraction of the price!
In my opinion you would be crazy not to choose holidaying here over busier spots in Croatia as it shows you the true beauty of the Adriatic Sea while living like a king…
Nice in the French Rivera show’s what true luxury and style is all about. Picture perfect blue waters meet those classic rocky beaches with multiple beach clubs offering quality service year round. Watch the shopfronts through the township transform into delicious restaurants as the sun drops while chairs and tables soon line the walk ways.
You will be waking up to the smell of freshly baked croissants, a memory you won't forget in a hurry although your waist line might not be so thankful.
Last but not least is one summer destination that might surprise you. If you thought the last spot was crazy then you will think this one is ridiculous, but Copenhagen in Scandinavia’s gateway of Denmark is somewhere I believe truely appreciates the sunshine more than anywhere else. With majority of the year seen as rainy, dark and gloomy leaving the locals to embrace every bit of Vitamin D possible. Streets will be lined and parks completely full as the sun shines through these parts of Europe with smiles all round. Coat hangers and umbrella stands lay untouched for those short periods of summer giving this city a completely different look.
It seem’s no matter where you go over the European Summer, you will be in for an absolute treat when it comes to sunshine and good vibes outdoors. With hot dry days ahead there is no better time to head over and enjoy those pebble beaches with drink in hand.
With it being so easy to jump between spots in Europe, why limit yourself to just one destination? Personally I would have loved to spend more time island hopping through Greece as the waters there are like no other while at the same time Amalfi Coast will be next on the hit list.
Article Updated : January 3rd 2024
“With a passion for all things travel & adventure, Michael is a luxury experience content creator on the hunt for the most unique locations around the world. He has spent the past 5 years island hopping with a few city stopovers in between to get that urban fix and a quality coffee. Having already visited 47 countries he is now a freelance photographer & writer based out of Perth on Australia’s picturesque West Coast working with clients globally.”
