6 Best European countries to visit in Summer 2024

European countries are no less than an avid traveler's dream destination. Famous for their sun-kissed beaches, historical ruins, five-star resorts, and spas, myriad landscapes, adventure sports, architectural glory, and gastronomic delicacies, European countries promise a magical getaway for travelers, especially in summer.

With more than 50 European countries worth adding to a traveler's bucket list, it is difficult to pick the best destination. To make it a cakewalk, Team Sportskeeda has curated a list of 6 European countries to visit in the summer of 2024.

Note: This list is purely based on writer's opinion. We might have missed a few destinations, let us know your opinion in the comments below.

6 European countries to visit in summer 2024

Here is a list of 6 best European countries that one can visit to make their 2024 summer-travelling experience a memorable one:

France: the land of romance
Italy: Haven for art and cuisine
Spain: Sun-kissed beaches and Flamenco rhythms
Greece: Mythical legends and idyllic islands
Netherlands: Tulip fields and picturesque canals
Portugal: A tapestry of historical and coastal grandeur

1) France: The land of romance

France, known as the epitome of romance, beckons with its charming hamlets, townships, exquisite vineyards, and timeless landmarks. Start the travel plan with the most special destination, Eiffel Tower, in Paris, then savor fine wines in Bordeaux and enjoy a lazy stroll through the panoramic streets and alleys of Provence. France truly offers an enchanting mix of history and modernity

Best time: Late spring to early summer
Local attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace, Bordeaux vineyards
Activities: Wine tasting, countryside tours, cultural festivals
Local stay: Paris boutique hotels, Bordeaux vineyards estates
Nearest airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Local delicacies: Croissants, escargot, coq au vin
Best bistros and cafes: Le Jules Verne, Le Chapon Fin, Chez l'Ami Jean
Local language: French
European currency: Euro (EUR)

2) Italy: Haven for art and cuisine

A treasure trove of art, architecture, and delectable cuisine, Italy fascinates travelers with its age-old beauty. Enjoy the view of ancient Roman ruins, Venice's tranquil canals, gondola rides and the Amalfi Coast's picturesque beauty. Italy is undoubtedly a melting pot of history, culture, and culinary delights.

Best time: Late spring to early summer
Local attractions: Colosseum, Vatican City, Florence Cathedral
Activities: Gondola rides, wine tastings, historical tours
Local stay: Rome's boutique hotels, Amalfi's waterfront villas
Nearest airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome)
Local delicacies: Pizza, pasta, gelato
Best bistros and cafes: Osteria Francescana, La Pergola, Antica Pesa
Local language: Italian
European currency: Euro (EUR)

3) Spain: Sun-kissed beaches and Flamenco rhythms

Spain is applauded for its vibrant fiestas, bullfights, sun-drenched beaches, and magnetic flamenco music. Whether one wants to explore Barcelona's architectural wonders, eat Madrid's tapas, or just unwind on the pristine beaches of Ibiza, Spain promises an exhilarating escapade with a mix of culture and relaxation.

Best time: Late spring to early summer
Local attractions: Sagrada Familia, Alhambra, and Park Güell
Activities: Flamenco shows, bullfights, beach hopping, culinary tours
Local stay: Costa del Sol's luxury resorts, Barcelona's boutique hotels, homestays
Nearest airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
Local delicacies: Tapas, paella, and churros
Best bistros and cafes: El Celler de Can Roca, Tickets, Arzak
Local language: Spanish
European currency: Euro (EUR)

4) Greece: Mythical legends and idyllic islands

Steeped in mythical legends and adorned with idyllic islands, the ancient wonders of Greece invite vacationers to immerse themselves in its beauty and warm hospitality. Ranging from Athens' ancient ruins to Cyclades island-hopping, Greece is a natural wonder. Tourists can relish in delectable Mediterranean cuisine, or enjoy their wine in Santorini.

Best time: Late spring to early summer
Local attractions: Acropolis, Santorini, Mykonos
Activities: Island hopping, historical tours, water sports
Local stay: Santorini's luxury resorts, Athens' boutique hotels
Nearest airport: Athens International Airport
Local delicacies: Souvlaki, moussaka, and baklava
Best bistros and cafes: Funky Gourmet, Selene, Karamanlidika
Local language: Greek
European currency: Euro (EUR)

5) Netherlands: Tulip fields and picturesque canals

The Netherlands is a vibrant land of blooming tulip fields (Keukenhof Gardens) , scenic Amsterdam canal cruises, and Kinderdijk's giant windmills. Make the most of your summer vacation as the Netherlands promises a serene and dramatic adventure for every travel enthusiast.

Best time: Late spring to early summer
Local attractions: Keukenhof Gardens, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House
Activities: Canal cruising, cycling tours, tulip festivals
Local stay: Amsterdam's boutique hotels, countryside B&Bs, cozy homestays
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Local delicacies: Stroopwafel, bitterballen, herring
Best bistros and cafes: De Librije, Restaurant De Kas, Breda
Local language: Dutch
European currency: Euro (EUR)

6) Portugal: A tapestry of historical and coastal grandeur

Cherished for its woven tapestry of historical charm and coastal beauty, Portugal attracts vacationers to its medieval castles, hamlets, and immaculate shorelines. A holiday-maker has a lot to do in Portugal - wandering through Lisbon's cobbled streets, basking in the sun-kissed Algarve region, or savoring delicious seafood along the coast.

Best time: Late spring to early summer
Local attractions: Belem Tower, Pena Palace, and Douro Valley
Activities: Wine tasting and vineyard tours, beach lazing, historical tours
Local stay: Algarve's luxury inns, Lisbon's boutique hotels
Nearest airport: Lisbon Portela Airport
Local delicacies: Pastel de nata, bacalhau, grilled sardines
Best bistros and cafes: Belcanto, The Yeatman, Cervejaria Ramiro
Local language: Portuguese
European currency: Euro (EUR)

With these six spectacular destinations awaiting a travel enthusiast's discovery, these 6 European countries are poised to offer an unforgettable vacation in the summer of 2024. So, all the spirited vacationers out there - pack your bags, make a travel itinerary, and start onboarding!

About the author

Arpita is a popular culture writer who covers beauty and lifestyle at Sportskeeda. With a Ph.D. in English Literature from Rashtrapant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Arpita combines her academic training with her decade-long industry experiences across companies like Ebizon, Pepper Content, Witty Pen, and Tex Mercato, to curate compelling content on modern beauty trends.

Arpita understands the importance of choosing the right beauty products for personal needs, which is why adhering to ethical guidelines and presenting unbiased information is key to her reportage. Arpita has interviewed celebrities like Tota Roy Chowdhury, Raima Sen, and Parambrata Chatterjee in her previous roles.

Her personal role model is Julia Roberts, whose life and art have impacted her deeply and instilled in her the significance of depth and authenticity. These qualities are reflected in her writing, and her product recommendations, profile comparisons, product-deep dives, and informative lists offer fresh insights, without compromising on scientific backing.

When not researching celebrities and beauty trends, Arpita enjoys taking her motorcycle for a spin and discovering new trails. Her other passions include weight training, reading neo-feminist novels, and playing with her two pet dogs.

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Edited by DEEPALI