15 BEST Summer Destinations in Europe That Aren’t Overrated

With so many popular summer destinations in Europe, it can feel surprisingly overwhelming trying to figure out which places are actually worth visiting – and which might just leave you with huge crowds, intense heat, and that dreaded travel regret.

From colourful Adriatic towns and dramatic mountains to relaxed coastal getaways and effortlessly cool city breaks, Europe has no shortage of incredible summer trips.

But some places definitely live up to the hype a lot better than others!

I’ve travelled Europe solo in summer for years, and along the way I’ve learnt which places truly deserve a spot on any itinerary – and which are SO much better online than in real life.

So in this guide, I’m sharing the best summer destinations in Europe that aren’t overrated, from the Bay of Kotor and Korčula to the Scottish Highlands and the Portuguese coast.

Ready? These are the places you’ll want to add to your summer bucket list ASAP!

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1. Kotor, Montenegro

If Dubrovnik is on your travel bucket list but you feel put off by the prices and horror stories of peak-season crowds, Kotor is the perfect detour destination!

Tucked inside the dramatic, fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the scenery surrounding Kotor Old Town is breathtaking, with towering mountains, turquoise water, and medieval stone villages.

On my first solo trip to Montenegro, I spent a week there, and quickly found out that Kotor is SO much more than the quick day trip or cruise stop most people say it is.

The old town is small but absolutely stunning around every corner, with hidden squares, local cats roaming free, tiny churches, and cafés perfect for watching the world go by.

But the real magic of Montenegro in summer is outside the walls – getting out on the water!

If you only do one thing here this summer, make it a Bay of Kotor boat trip, which was easily the highlight of my entire trip to Montenegro!

You’ll cruise around the fjord-like bay, visit the famous island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, swim in the glowing Blue Cave, and end the day in glamorous Porto Montenegro.

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 18–31°C in summer with strong sunshine
• Can’t Miss: A Bay of Kotor boat trip with swimming stops and the Blue Cave
• Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Vardar Kotor
• Best Summer Month: June for fewer cruise crowds

Katie’s Top Tip: Kotor is quieter than Dubrovnik overall, but cruise ships do still dock, so timing matters. Explore Kotor’s old town as early as possible in the morning (ideally before 9am). And then the afternoons are perfect for escaping the crowds on a beach day to nearby Budva or heading inland to places like Lovćen National Park or Durmitor National Park.

2. Korčula, Croatia

If you want to visit Croatia this summer, but want something calmer and more relaxed than Dubrovnik or Split, Korčula is one of the best summer holiday destinations in Europe.

Often called “Little Dubrovnik,” this Adriatic island has the same beautiful medieval architecture, beaches, and crystal-clear water – without the overwhelming crowds!

My favourite spot to explore in Korčula is the old town.

It’s a compact maze of stone alleyways which were actually designed to funnel the cool sea breeze through the streets (which I very much appreciated during my Croatian summer!)

Throughout the old streets, you’ll find the beautiful Saint Mark’s Cathedral, the Marco Polo museum, and my favourite viewpoint next to Alba Atelier.

And if you’re dreaming of a beach getaway? Korčula has plenty!

Just outside the old town, you’ll find relaxing swimming spots and tiny beaches. And then further around the island, there are bigger beaches like beautiful Vela Przina Beach.

Plus, Korčula is also super easy to visit.

You can take a day trip from Dubrovnik, which combines plenty of free time in Korčula with a stop in Ston, home to the famous “Great Wall of Europe,” and wine tasting.

Or, if you have time, staying overnight is even better. Once the day-trippers leave, both the island and old town become incredibly peaceful!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 21–31°C with lots of sunshine
• Can’t Miss: Exploring the charming medieval old town
• Hotel Recommendation: Aminess Younique Korčula Heritage Hotel
• Best Summer Month: June for warm weather before peak crowds

Katie’s Top Tip: If you stay overnight, take an evening walk along the harbour after sunset. It’s when Korčula feels its most magical and authentic, with far fewer tourists around!

3. Gibraltar

I’ll admit I might be a little biased, as I actually lived in Gibraltar for a year, but this British Overseas Territory is one of the most underrated European summer destinations!

Most visitors only see Gibraltar as a cruise ship stop or a quick photo of the famous Rock. But there’s SO much more here if you give it a little time.

The Upper Rock Nature Reserve is where most tourists start, and for good reason.

Riding the cable car gives you incredible views across Europe and Africa, and at the top there are famous sights like St Michael’s Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels, and of course the mischievous Barbary macaques!

But some of my favourite things to do in Gibraltar are the quieter ones most visitors miss.

The Alameda Botanical Gardens are a peaceful escape from the summer heat, and the small wildlife rescue centre inside the gardens is also very rewarding to visit.

And Gibraltar also has six beautiful beaches for you to choose from.

Eastern Beach is my personal favourite, as you can watch the planes take off and land from Gibraltar’s runway, just metres away – all while you sunbathe!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 19–29°C with plenty of sunshine
• Can’t Miss: Taking the cable car up to the top of the Rock
• Hotel Recommendation: Sunborn Gibraltar (a unique floating yacht hotel!)
• Best Summer Month: June, before it’s peak cruise ship season

Katie’s Top Tip: Go up the Rock early in the morning if you can. The temperatures are cooler and you’ll avoid the large cruise-ship crowds later in the day.

4. Estepona, Spain

Just along the coast from Gibraltar is the charming Spanish town of Estepona, which completely stole my heart the first time I visited!

And while nearby Marbella and Málaga attract most of the visitors on the Costa del Sol, Estepona is quieter and more relaxed, which is why it’s one of the best summer destinations in Europe.

The historic old town is absolutely beautiful, with whitewashed streets and tiny squares, lined with colourful flower pots and citrus trees!

Plus, when the midday heat kicks in, I love visiting the Estepona Orchid House, which is a hidden tropical oasis in the heart of town.

It’s home to waterfalls, different species of orchids, and thousands of tropical plants!

And of course, you’re only ever steps away from the sparkling Mediterranean coast and Estepona’s stunning sandy beaches, like Playa De La Rada or Playa Del Cristo.

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 17–32°C and very sunny and hot
• Can’t Miss: A visit to the Estepona Orchid House
• Hotel Recommendation: Hotel El Pilar Andalucia (I recommend a room with a hot tub!)
• Best Summer Month: July for the best weather for beach days

Katie’s Top Tip: Spend the morning exploring the flower-filled old town, get out of the midday heat in the Estepona Orchid House, and then head to the beach in the afternoon once the sea breeze picks up!

5. Stockholm, Sweden

A Nordic capital might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking about summer holiday destinations in Europe, but Stockholm is my favourite city in the world at any time of year!

Instead of intense heat, you’ll enjoy long daylight hours, a cool breeze from the archipelago, and a relaxed atmosphere – so if boiling hot beach days aren’t your thing, it’s perfect.

Stockholm is built across fourteen islands connected by bridges, so you’re never far from the water. And you could even do as the locals do and enjoy a swim!

One of my highlights of visiting Stockholm in summer is heading out on a ferry into the wider Stockholm Archipelago, made up of thousands of tiny islands in the Baltic Sea.

My personal favourite trip is to Vaxholm, a postcard-perfect island town with colourful houses lining the harbour, relaxed walking paths and an imposing fortress to explore!

Back in the city, don’t miss walking through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s atmospheric old town.

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 11–22°C with long daylight hours
• Can’t Miss: Ferry trip into the Stockholm Archipelago to Vaxholm
• Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Rival
• Best Summer Month: July for the warmest weather and lively atmosphere

Katie’s Top Tip: Take a public ferry into the archipelago rather than a tour. It’s cheaper, more flexible, and gives you a more local experience of island life!

6. Scottish Highlands, Scotland

If your idea of the perfect summer trip is a road trip through dramatic mountainous landscapes rather than relaxing on a crowded beach, the Scottish Highlands are one of the most unforgettable summer destinations in Europe!

Everywhere you drive in Scotland is stunning, with winding mountain passes, quiet lochs, tiny villages, and crumbling old castles that look straight out of a film set.

But one of the things I love most about Scotland is how varied the scenery is.

You can drive through the valley of Glencoe, stop at Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness, wander the quaint harbour in Inveraray, and visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle – all in the same trip!

And then there’s the Isle of Skye, which feels like an entirely different world with its thrilling hikes, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and rugged landscapes.

If you can drive, I really recommend doing a Highlands road trip, as it gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want to take a photo or admire a viewpoint.

But if you can’t or don’t want to drive, don’t worry! Basing yourself in Inverness, you can still take amazing day trips to Glencoe or even the Isle of Skye.

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 10–16°C, mild but changeable (always pack a waterproof!)
• Can’t Miss: Visiting the atmospheric Eilean Donan Castle
• Hotel Recommendation: Cuillin Hills Hotel on the Isle of Skye for stunning views!
• Best Summer Month: June for long daylight hours and fewer crowds

Katie’s Top Tip: Build extra time into your Scotland itinerary for spontaneous stops and extra time at viewpoints. Basically, don’t overpack your days!

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

If beaches aren’t your thing but you still want a relaxed and beautiful summer getaway, Copenhagen is one of the best places to travel in Europe in summer for a city break!

And one of the best ways to see the city in summer is from the water.

A boat tour takes you along Copenhagen’s colourful canals and past famous landmarks like Nyhavn and the Opera House, and it gives you a completely different perspective of the city.

Plus, Copenhagen is also very easy to explore on foot or by bike!

Wander through the historic city centre, relax in Langelinie Park by the water, and take your time hopping between neighbourhood cafés and bakeries for every foodie’s dream trip.

You can even take a day trip to a whole other country during your summer getaway to Copenhagen, as Sweden is only a short train ride away across the Øresund Bridge!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 12–21°C with long daylight hours
• Can’t Miss: A boat tour through Nyhavn and the canals
• Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Sanders
• Best Summer Month: July, when the city feels lively and vibrant

Katie’s Top Tip: Rent a bike for a day or join a bike tour with a local. Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and cycling is honestly the best way to experience it like a local!

8. Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re looking for a warm, sunny city break that feels vibrant without being too overwhelming, Lisbon is one of the best summer destinations in Europe.

The Portuguese capital has a relaxed energy that I totally fell in love with, as I explored its colourful old streets, tiled buildings, and spectacular viewpoints!

And one of the best ways to experience Lisbon in summer is simply exploring on foot.

Wander through neighbourhoods like Alfama, hop on the famous yellow trams to climb the city’s steep hills (without breaking a sweat!), and stop at the many free “miradouros” scattered across the city for panoramic views over the rooftops.

Another experience I recommend is a relaxing cruise on the Tagus River.

Seeing Lisbon’s picture-perfect skyline while sailing along the water and enjoying the fresh breeze is one of my favourite memories from my own summer trip!

Plus, Lisbon is also an amazing base for day trips to escape the city heat.

My favourite in summer is the underrated Arrábida Natural Park, with its dramatic, rugged coastal scenery and some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 18–28°C with plenty of sunshine
• Can’t Miss: Taking a day trip to the underrated Arrábida Natural Park
• Hotel Recommendation: AlmaLusa Alfama
• Best Summer Month: June for warm weather before the peak July–August crowds

Katie’s Top Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Lisbon’s hills are no joke!

9. Nazaré, Portugal

If you want a beach break that’s quieter than the super popular Algarve, Nazaré is one of the most charming and underrated summer holiday destinations in Europe!

This traditional Portuguese town has two large sandy beaches: Praia da Nazare and Praia do Norte. And both still feel authentic compared to some of Portugal’s more famous resorts.

Nazaré is actually famous for its giant winter waves, which attract big-name surfers.

But in summer, the sea is calmer, and the town transforms into a relaxed seaside getaway.

And away from the beach, the old town itself is also lovely to explore.

A handy funicular connects the lower beach area with the clifftop district of Sítio, where you’ll find spectacular views over the Atlantic and the golden sandy beaches below!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 23–27°C with a refreshing breeze off the Atlantic
• Can’t Miss: Visiting Miradouro do Sítio for stunning views over the sea and beaches
• Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Mare Nazaré
• Best Summer Month: July, when beach weather is most reliable

Katie’s Top Tip: Because it’s only about 1.5 hours from Lisbon, Nazaré is easy to combine with a city break, making it a perfect mix of city and beach during your European summer itinerary!

10. Puglia, Italy

If I had to choose my favourite region of Italy, it would have to be Puglia.

While other places like Positano and Cinque Terre steal the spotlight (and become overrun with tourists in summer), Puglia quietly has some of the best food, beaches, historic old towns and stunning scenery in the country!

Seaside towns like Polignano a Mare and Monopoli have crystal-clear water, charming old towns to explore, and beaches that are a lot less crowded than elsewhere in Italy.

But inland Puglia is my favourite, as it’s where the region is at its most unique!

My two favourite places to explore are Alberobello, which has tiny white-stone houses (or Trulli) that look straight out of a fairytale.

And also the ancient cave city of Matera, which was easily the highlight of my trip, despite the fact that I got super unlucky with the weather!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 21–29°C with plenty of sunshine
• Can’t Miss: The ancient cave city of Matera
• Hotel Recommendation: JR Hotels Oriente Bari (a great, central base!)
• Best Summer Month: June for fewer crowds than peak summer

Katie’s Top Tip: Base yourself in one area for at least a few days (Bari is a perfect central base!) and then explore the rest of the region by train or car on day trips.

11. Montreux, Switzerland

If you love the idea of Switzerland in summer but don’t love the idea of sharing with thousands of other tourists at the busiest hotspots, Montreux is seriously underrated.

This charming town is located on the banks of Lake Geneva with the Alps rising behind it!

Montreux has all of the Swiss scenery you could want, but with a calmer, more relaxed feel than some of the other more popular resorts and cities in summer.

But what I really love about Montreux is that it rewards slow travel, so you don’t need to follow a packed itinerary to have a good time.

The flower-lined lakeside promenade is one of the prettiest I’ve walked anywhere in Europe, especially in summer when everything is in full bloom, and the lake is sparkling.

And then of course there’s the famous Chillon Castle, which sits on the banks of the lake!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 14–26°C, with warm sunny days and cooler evenings
• Can’t Miss: Visiting Chillon Castle
• Hotel Recommendation: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace for amazing lake views
• Best Summer Month: July for the warmest weather

Katie’s Top Tip: Stay on the banks of the lake if your budget allows. I loved having a tiny, private balcony with spectacular views across the water during my stay!

12. Budva, Montenegro

If you want a beach break that feels a little more off the beaten path than popular Spain or Portugal, Budva is one of the best places to travel in Europe in summer.

Montenegro’s rugged coastline is absolutely stunning, and Budva has the perfect mix of golden sandy beaches, a charming old town to explore, and easy access to day trips!

A lot of Montenegro’s “beaches” are small pebbly coves or even just concrete swim spots, so Budva stands out because it has some of the widest sandy beaches in the country.

My personal favourites are Mogren Beach and Greco Beach.

But away from the beaches, Budva Old Town is also lovely to explore, with cobbled streets, little squares, and plenty of cafés that are perfect for sitting and watching the world pass by!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 18–31°C, with hot sunny days and warm sea temperatures
• Can’t Miss: Swimming and sunbathing at Mogren Beach
• Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Bracera
• Best Summer Month: June for beautiful weather before the peak summer crowds

Katie’s Top Tip: Budva is relatively underrated but still has a lively atmosphere and a party reputation in summer. You may love that, but if you prefer a quieter getaway, you might prefer to stay somewhere quieter, like Kotor or Perast, and take a day trip here instead.

13. Zadar, Croatia

Dubrovnik and Split get all the attention in Croatia, but Zadar is one of my favourite summer destinations in Europe if you want somewhere beautiful without the hype.

It’s a little grittier around the edges than elsewhere in Croatia, but I loved that!

The old town is located on a peninsula, and as you explore, you’ll find grand Roman ruins, quaint old churches, little cafés, and waterfront walks to enjoy.

But what Zadar is really famous for is its sunsets – and yes, they are that stunning!

Alfred Hitchcock once called Zadar’s sunset the most beautiful in the world, and standing on the seafront, listening to the Sea Organ play, I totally understood why:

But as well as seeing the sunset, one of the best things I did here was a boat trip to Kornati National Park, and I honestly think it’s one of the most underrated trips in Croatia.

The scenery throughout the national park is truly spectacular and super underrated, with rugged cliffs, spectacular walking paths and plenty of spots perfect for a summer swim!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 19–30°C, with lots of sunshine and warm evenings
• Can’t Miss: A boat trip to Kornati National Park
• Hotel Recommendation: Hotel A’mare
• Best Summer Month: July for the warmest weather

Katie’s Top Tip: Zadar is all about the waterfront in the evening! So give yourself plenty of time to sit by the Sea Organ, relax, and properly watch the sunset.

14. Yorkshire Dales, England

The Yorkshire Dales absolutely have my heart.

And if you love walking, visiting pretty villages, seeing thundering waterfalls, and enjoying a summer road trip through endless countryside, it will definitely steal yours too!

Plus, Yorkshire is SO much quieter than the more famous (and a lot busier) Lake District.

I have so many highlights of the Yorkshire Dales, but some of my favourites are Aysgarth Falls, the dramatic Malham Cove, the peaceful riverside walk from the Strid to Bolton Abbey, and the incredible ruins of Fountains Abbey, which feel like a real hidden gem!

And my dog Cookie absolutely adores it here too – especially walking around Malham Cove. So if you’re travelling with your dog this summer, the Dales are perfect.

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 10–18°C, with sunshine but changeable weather
• Can’t Miss: The riverside walk along the Strid to Bolton Abbey
• Hotel Recommendation: The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa
• Best Summer Month: June or early July for fewer school-holiday crowds

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, start your walks early. The Dales are much quieter than the Lake District, but popular spots like Malham Cove are still nicest in the morning.

15. Cascais, Portugal

If you want a beach break that’s easy, beautiful, and much more relaxed than the Algarve in peak summer, Cascais is one of the best summer destinations in Europe.

It’s located just outside Lisbon on the Portuguese coast, which means you can enjoy a seaside escape AND a city break in just one trip!

The town itself is lovely, with sandy beaches right in the centre, a very pretty marina, a small old town to explore, and plenty of cafés and restaurants to unwind in.

And because it’s so close to Sintra and the famous Pena Palace, staying in Cascais is also perfect if you want to combine a beach break with a bit of sightseeing!

What You Need to Know

• Weather: 18–26°C, with plenty of sun and a cool breeze off the Atlantic
• Can’t Miss: A day trip to nearby Sintra and Pena Palace
• Hotel Recommendation: Farol Hotel for amazing sea views
• Best Summer Month: June for warm weather and a more relaxed feel

Katie’s Top Tip: Base yourself in Cascais and day trip to nearby Lisbon or Sintra for the perfect combo of relaxing beach break and iconic sightseeing and city days!

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Right Europe Summer Destination for You

With so many amazing summer destinations in Europe, choosing just one can feel super overwhelming.

But the truth is, there isn’t one single “best” place to visit, because it depends on your travel style and the type of summer trip YOU are dreaming of!

Some travellers dream of beach days and sunbathing. But others want mountain views, road trips, or city breaks, where there is plenty to see and do.

So instead of trying to find the perfect destination, think about the type of trip YOU want.

Here’s a simple decision guide to help you make your decision:

If your ideal summer involves swimming, sunshine, and sunbathing, you’ll probably love:

• Budva, Montenegro
• Nazaré, Portugal
• Cascais, Portugal
• Puglia, Italy
• Estepona, Spain

If beaches aren’t really your thing and you’d rather sightsee this summer, you might prefer:

• Lisbon, Portugal
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Stockholm, Sweden

If you feel happiest surrounded by dramatic scenery, these places definitely deliver:

• Scottish Highlands, Scotland
• Montreux, Switzerland
• Yorkshire Dales, England

The Adriatic coast is packed with historic towns and clear turquoise water, which is why it’s one of my favourites for summer travel to Europe:

• Kotor, Montenegro
• Zadar, Croatia
• Korčula, Croatia

FAQs: Visiting Europe in Summer

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