Escape The Crowds: 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe In Summer
Looking for the best places to visit in Europe in summer, but you want to avoid the crowds? We’ve gathered ten places that won’t disappoint!
One of the most amazing things about traveling in Europe is how incredibly easy it is to get around. That’s why the “whirlwind European adventure” is still such a classic for summer travel. With so much to see and do, a summer trip through top European destinations is a new experience every time you go.
To get you ready for a little summer fun in Europe, here is our list of the 10 best places to escape the crowds in Europe this summer!
Table of Contents
10 Best Places To Visit In Europe In Summer
Kotor, Montenegro
Hidden in a ria canyon, this beautiful, secluded Mediterranean port is surrounded by history—literally! The Venetian fortifications are only part of its long history, written in the town’s unique blend of architecture. With its Medieval old town, WWII memorials, and Napoleonic gates, it’s a quiet town with a long history to explore.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
One of the 10 most well-preserved Medieval cities in the world, Dubrovnik is more well known for its perfect seaside charm. You’ll definitely want to spend your time outside on its many beaches, in its botanical gardens, and in the Arboretum Trsteno, the world’s oldest arboretum! Bonus for Game of Thrones fans: the town is one of the filming sites for Kings Landing.
Read more: These 10 Photos Will Make You Want to Sail Around Croatia
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is a big winter destination in Switzerland, but it’s much less crowded in the summer. With an elevation of 1,856 meters, it boasts plenty of sunny days yet it never gets too hot. Outdoor lovers can enjoy the many hiking trails in the area and those looking for a relaxing getaway have plenty of spa resorts to choose from.
Read more: How to Travel Switzerland on a Budget
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital is the perfect destination for travelers who are interested in wilderness adventuring but who want to be able to return to the comfort of civilization after a hard day’s hike. Day-trips let you explore the solitary beauty of Iceland’s landscape, and you can keep enjoying it after with a relaxing trip to any Reykjavik spa featuring one of its many hot springs!
Read more: What to Pack for a Trip to Iceland and The Best Places to Visit in Iceland
Bergen, Norway
If you want to see the fjords of Norway, Bergen is the perfect gateway city. Not only does this charming town offer easy hiking access to a trove of nearby landmarks, it’s colorful houses and cozy charm also make it the perfect place to curl up with a good cup of steaming fish soup. After all, the town is well known for its fishing history!
During the months of June, July, and August, you’ll also find some of the best weather in Bergen, so a summer trip is the perfect time to visit!
Read more: What to Pack for a Trip to Norway
Gothenburg, Sweden
The Gothenburg Archipelago is a collection of islands, some big and some only large enough for a single house! If you’re into island hopping, Gothenburg is definitely an ideal destination. In the city proper, you can spend an adrenaline-filled day at Liseberg amusement park, walk its many parks, and enjoy its famous music scene.
Tenby, Wales
Amazingly picturesque, this Welsh town is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a quaint English seaside summer.
Between trips to any of its several beaches, you can enjoy visiting some of its gorgeous art galleries and museums, like The Glass Gallery, which specializes in stained glasswork, or the Tenby Museum. Nearby Pembroke Castle looms over the town and was the birthplace of Henry VII.
Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is the place to go if you’re a fan of Renaissance art. From Reubens House to the Old Museum, there are plenty of museums, tours, and architectural masterpieces to help you get your aesthetic fill. Bike tours of the city are especially popular, as Antwerp is especially biker-friendly, and can be an enjoyable way to get your bearings if this is your first visit.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana (pronounced liu-bliana) is Slovenia’s capital city. Despite being a capital city, Ljubljana still holds a friendly small-town charm, with the benefit of modern amenities like free WiFi. The summer is filled with outdoor events like plays in the park and even an outdoor library, so take your time enjoying the sun and various street festivals.
Tallinn, Estonia
Like Ljubljana, Tallinn is a capital that nonetheless manages to retain a lot of quaint, historical charm. During the summer, its long coastline becomes a popular destination for beachgoers. Nearby Kadriorg Park extends behind the Kadriorg Park, offering beautiful botanical walks with rich history and architectural wonder.
Plan Your Trip To Europe!
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Dubrovnik? All the cruise ships hit it in August, probably the single worst time of year to visit it!
This is great. We are for sure off-season traveler’s who despise crowds. Unfortunately our next trip has been pushed to July, which is prime tourism, so we’re searching for a place to go that’s not sweltering and not crowded. Thanks, dear.
I have been to Gothenburg w weeks ago and the archipelago is amazing! My next city from your list that I’d like to visit is Dubrovnik.
That archipelago is so gorgeous, isn’t it?! You will love Dubrovnik!
Oh yes, this place is unique. It would be a nice experience to spend some more time there as an expat.
Interesting list , but only north places of Europe.Good idea for summer vacations is Greek islands , the weather is perfect, beautiful sea and amazing views .
I didn’t include Greece because some of my favorite spots there are VERY crowded in the summer. 🙂 It’s still a great place to go if you don’t mind the crowds.
I havent actually visited any of these places! They all look geat. I visited Sicily a couple of years ago and would highly recommend – we visited in May and it was quiet but lovely weather.
We LOVE Sicily too! Unfortunately, one of my favorite places, Taormina, is packed with tourists in the summer. I recommend visiting in the spring or fall. 🙂
Dubrovnik! I love that place. So beautiful, so romantic 🙂
Hey Christy! Interesting list… maybe you should add on your list Finnish Lappland – there you find more rendeers than people… and also incredible space and silence…
I bet! I have yet to visit Finland but would love to go!
If you want loads European charm with minimal crowds, head to Riga, Latvia! Outdoor beer gardens with live music, nearby beaches, and mountains of flowers are just some of the city’s summer treats.
Thanks for the tip!
Inspiring list, Christy. I was in Ljubljana last summer and Slovenia ended up being the highlight of my 2015 travels. Ljubljana is such a cute little capital with such charm.
That’s great to hear! There is so much in Europe to explore!