The Best European Destinations to Visit this Summer
Each year, approximately 50% of the worldwide tourist arrivals are in Europe, making it the most visited continent. There are many reasons why the region is so popular, ranging from its ancient history to the scenic views and landscapes. There’s a lot of good food, shopping centres and opportunities to socialise, but there’s also the option of choosing something a little quieter such as hiking or camping if you want to stay away from the large, bustling cities.
You can visit Europe for an extended trip or a shorter gateway during your days off, and be sure to make plenty of memories. But since it’s a whole continent we’re talking about, let’s narrow it down to just a few picturesque destinations you can try.
Photo by Faruk Kaymak on Unsplash
Norway
In Norway, when you’re talking about summer, it means July. Sunlight generally starts being a constant presence around the end of June and is gone by roughly the middle of August, meaning there’s a pretty short window of time available for summer vacationing. The country is the perfect destination for nature lovers. You can try hiking in the mountains or go on a boat trip and marvel at the fjords.
For those looking to fully explore Europe’s far north, consider going on Scandinavian tour adventures that usually include Norway as one of their key stops. This approach lets you experience different traditions, cultures, and breathtaking landscapes across Scandinavia within one trip.
The sun can be seen twenty-four hours daily from late April until the beginning of September, a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. The best place to observe the phenomenon is the Svalbard archipelago, located between the mainland and the North Pole. But, if you want to see the Northern Lights, you’ll have to return a little later, as days become shorter. Although the aurora is active throughout the year, it isn’t visible without sufficient hours of darkness.
Italy
Visiting Italy is synonymous with the beginning of summer for many. The relaxed atmosphere, sunlight, good food and scenic views convince many to return year after year to discover even more of what the country has to offer. Since Italy is such a popular tourist spot, you should look into Logan Airport parking as soon as you book your plane tickets and find suitable accommodation, to ensure you get the best locations.
Tuscany, situated in central Italy and having Florence as its regional capital, is among the most popular spots for summertime tourists. The historical landscapes, art and landscapes make it the ideal destination for those looking to add a cultural twist to their trip. Only the Veneto region is more sought after by tourists due to the presence of the worldwide famous Venice and Verona.
The city of Florence was one of the most important places in the world during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and is believed to be the originator of the former. The Florentine dialect became the language of culture recognised within the entire country due to the works of famous writers such as Dante Alighieri, Machiavelli and Boccaccio. There are several landmarks you need to visit if you arrive in Florence, including the Uffizi Gallery, the Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita. The charming city of Pisa is another beautiful place to visit. Apart from seeing the famous Leaning Tower, you can also take your time exploring the historic centre on the Arno.
Switzerland
Switzerland is frequently visited by winter sports fans looking for adventures involving skiing and snowboarding. However, that doesn’t mean visiting the country during the summer means you’ll be completely without any entertainment. The alpine trails are completely snow-free, making it the best time to hike through the bright green fields and breathe fresh air. Since daylight hours are often close to 10:00 PM, you can spend a lot of time outdoors. Look for a JFK parking spot before you leave to ensure your vehicle is protected for the duration of your trip.
And while visiting cities like Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Geneva and Lausanne is popular among tourists, the eclectic country lifestyle draws many visitors in. You can find affordable accommodation in the mountain huts, the most famous being the Äscher, perched near a vertical ledge that’s around 100 meters high. There’s no WiFi at the cabin, so if you want to take some time off your phone and ensure you’re not tempted to go on social media, this is the place for you.
You’re more likely to be taken in by the landscape, which features lofty peaks and thick forests. You can also try the local Schlaf Im Stroh, German for aventure sur la paille, a type of accommodation that involves farmers cleaning out stalls after cows are taken to higher pastures, filling them with sweet-smelling hay and offering it to travellers looking for a place to sleep. Over 200 farms across the country offer these services, and many choose to move from farm to farm each night and take in more of the natural landscapes.
This is also the perfect opportunity to sample some of the rustic, traditional foods of the Swiss Alps. Made from local, organic produce, they’re both filling and nutritionally dense. Raclette and fondue, chocolate, alpine macaroni, Rosti, Appenzeller Käsefladen, Bündner Nusstorte and Bündnerfleisch, as well as Emmental Apple Rösti, are just a few of the diverse recipes you can try.
Montenegro
Montenegro is located in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans, and is bordered by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Serbia, Croatia and the Adriatic Sea. It’s the perfect destination for beach lovers owing to its nearly 300 km of coastlines and almost 120 beaches. The warm climate means you’ll be able to spend a lot of time outdoors. The seaside town of Budva is an important centre for tourism in the country, blending fun activities with visiting historical landscapes.
Budva is around 2,500 years old, being one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic, and its walled old town remains well-preserved to this day. Herceg Novi is another town located near the water, at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, near the foot of Mount Orjen. There’s an ancient fortress in the town, as well as beaches with clear blue water like Mirište. If you enjoy sailing and want to try fishing, visit Herceg Novi.
If you’re planning to visit Europe this summer, you must start packing your bags. Starting early is important to ensure you can travel to your preferred destination.
This is a collaborative post.
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