Europe is a diverse and singular continent, with distinct charms and qualities found in every city, nation, and area. Making an itinerary can get challenging when there are so many possibilities. This post aims to identify the top destinations in Europe for the summer of 2024, saving you the trouble and making reservations a little bit easier (or harder, given how amazing some of the locations are!). The list of top summer destinations in Europe for 2024 is the result of our examination of a variety of beach and city locations.
It’s now easier than ever to reserve flights with Alternative Airlines for your summer vacation in Europe. To locate flights to any of the destinations listed below, just use our flight search. Use a variety of filters to narrow down the results, such as stops, times, airports, and more! We even lessen the hassle of payment by providing a variety of payment methods, including Visa, Amex, and more than 160 currencies. Would you want to purchase your tickets in installments? Simple: thanks to our connections with Affirm, Zip, Klarna, and other companies, we provide a variety of buy now, pay later options.
Austria
Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria and one of our picks for a summer vacation in Europe , is also known as the “city of music.” It’s the ideal city excursion to fully experience the beauty, history, and culture of the city. Hundreds of musicians and composers, including Strauss, Mozart, and Beethoven, call the city home with pride. It’s worth seeing where they resided and seeing their performances in the Vienna State Opera House.
Vienna, the capital of Austria since 1918, was once the seat of the Habsburg and one of the major towns of the Austro-Hungarian empires. It is a city rich in history and culture. See the residence and imperial headquarters of the former royal family at the Hofburg Imperial Palace. With a population of 2 million, the city on the Danube River offers a vibrant, international, yet laid-back atmosphere.
There are several theatres, vintage coffee shops, and historic buildings throughout the city that allow you to explore and lose yourself in the past. Take advantage of the city’s numerous parks and public squares to enjoy the sun during the 25–27°C summer temperatures. Take a leisurely stroll along the historic side streets, circumnavigating the renowned Schönbrunn Palace Zoo, or visit one of the several art galleries, which houses the renowned Albertina. You’ll soon understand why it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.
This city offers a plethora of activities, such as visiting the Naturhistorisches Museum, taking an evening Danube cruise, touring Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), or dining at one of the numerous upscale restaurants in the area. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of less expensive options available; make sure to sample the Vienna Schnitzel!
Bring me to Vienna.
Vienna International Airport (VIE), which serves the city, is home to 68 airlines that provide flights to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North America, and Europe. Getting to Vienna is now easier than ever! Trains, buses, and the public metro all connect the airport to Wien Hauptbahnhof and central Vienna, providing excellent access to the city. Austria uses the Euro, as does Vienna.
France
Cote D’Azur - French Riviera
The French Riviera is the most luxurious beach resort in France and the rich people’s playground. It’s the ideal summer holiday in Europe, with activities and events scheduled throughout the whole season. See the location of the annual Cannes film festival and feel like a movie star as you stroll the red carpet. Visit one of the numerous marinas located along the shore and take in the sight of the multi-million Euro yachts berthed—you never know who you could run with! Every city in the Côte d’Azur has an own personality and past. For a more laid-back atmosphere, check out the smaller, more charming towns like Antibes, Juan-la-Pins, or Cagnes-sur-Mer. Alternatively, visit the vibrant cities of San Tropez, Nice, Cannes, or Monaco.
Explore one of the numerous opulent boutiques along the seafront, or visit the casinos of Monte Carlo. The French Riviera knows how to throw a party after the sun goes down. Go out and party into the wee hours of the morning at one of the numerous well-known nightclubs along the shore. Want a more laid-back evening? Visit one of the many Michelin-starred establishments offering classic French cuisine; you’ll be spoiled for choice and your palate will be delighted. If you’re like this kind of thing, the neighbourhood is a cultural centre with hundreds of museums and art galleries. There are miles of sandy beaches in the area for you to lie on if you’d rather unwind.
For the affluent visitor, the French Riviera is the ideal summertime resort in Europe. Remember that this is an expensive region of Europe before you go. Make sure to carry this with you as the microstate of Monaco and the rest of Metropolitan France utilise the Euro. The area enjoys the ideal Mediterranean summer environment, with hot days and mild evenings, thanks to its typical summer temperature of 20–23°C.
Bring me to Cote D'Azur
The region is served by Nice Cote D’Azur International Airport (NCE), Toulon-Hyères International Airport (TLN), and Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS); nonetheless, the choice of airport is crucial depending on your destination. It is ideal to fly into Nice if you intend to visit Nice, Cannes, Monaco, or the neighbouring locations. Since Toulon-Hyeres is the nearest airport to the resort, it is the most convenient alternative for those planning a trip to San Tropez. Flying in from abroad is made easy by the presence of major international carriers including Air France, British Airways, Delta, Air Canada, and Qatar Airways that operate to the airports.
Czech Republic
Prague
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic (previously Czechoslovakia), is another fantastic place to visit in Europe. The city has a rich history because it was ruled by several different countries at one point, including the Austrian Habsburg Empire. The city is a juxtaposition of contemporary futuristic designs and historic gothic buildings. It’s simple to get lost in the city’s beauty and meandering lanes thanks to its cobblestone streets.
Prague evokes feelings of being in a storybook and is a city rich in culture and history. A large portion of the city’s architectural style has influenced the works of fairytale authors like Grim and Disney. See places like the Prague Castle or any of the numerous museums and churches. Enjoy a pint of the well-known Czech beer, Na zdraví (cheers), while in Prague, or visit one of the charming cafes in the old town.
Cross the Charles Bridge to get a view of the surrounding city. This bridge has appeared in numerous films, including Mission Impossible. A must-see destination for travellers is the opulent gothic church known as St. Vitus Cathedral. Along with taking pictures and telling stories about their travels with the saint, tourists often swarm to the statue of St. Wenceslas. The city is ideal for everyone, with centuries of history and culture. Being reasonably priced means that a trip here won’t break the bank, which is always a plus! For this reason, we think Prague will make a fantastic, affordable summer travel destination in Europe .
The average summertime temperature in the city is between 18 and 20°C, making it ideal for comfortable city exploration. The nation uses the Czech Koruna, and you can exchange money if necessary at any of the hundreds of bureau de changes located across the cities.
Bring me to Prague
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) serves the city and has 65 airlines operating to the city and serving destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and North America. The city is well-served by several cheap airlines, making it an excellent destination for travellers on a tight budget. To get to the heart of Prague, there are several bus services available from the airport, and a train line is currently being built with completion scheduled for 2025.
Czech Republic
Prague
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic (previously Czechoslovakia), is another fantastic place to visit in Europe. The city has a rich history because it was ruled by several different countries at one point, including the Austrian Habsburg Empire. The city is a juxtaposition of contemporary futuristic designs and historic gothic buildings. It’s simple to get lost in the city’s beauty and meandering lanes thanks to its cobblestone streets.
Prague evokes feelings of being in a storybook and is a city rich in culture and history. A large portion of the city’s architectural style has influenced the works of fairytale authors like Grim and Disney. See places like the Prague Castle or any of the numerous museums and churches. Enjoy a pint of the well-known Czech beer, Na zdraví (cheers), while in Prague, or visit one of the charming cafes in the old town.
Cross the Charles Bridge to get a view of the surrounding city. This bridge has appeared in numerous films, including Mission Impossible. A must-see destination for travellers is the opulent gothic church known as St. Vitus Cathedral. Along with taking pictures and telling stories about their travels with the saint, tourists often swarm to the statue of St. Wenceslas. The city is ideal for everyone, with centuries of history and culture. Being reasonably priced means that a trip here won’t break the bank, which is always a plus! For this reason, we think Prague will make a fantastic, affordable summer travel destination in Europe .
The average summertime temperature in the city is between 18 and 20°C, making it ideal for comfortable city exploration. The nation uses the Czech Koruna, and you can exchange money if necessary at any of the hundreds of bureau de changes located across the cities.
Bring me to Prague
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) serves the city and has 65 airlines operating to the city and serving destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and North America. The city is well-served by several cheap airlines, making it an excellent destination for travellers on a tight budget. To get to the heart of Prague, there are several bus services available from the airport, and a train line is currently being built with completion scheduled for 2025.
Croatia
Split
Split, the second-biggest city in Croatia, is a coastal town situated along the Adriatic Sea coast. Ownership of the city has changed over time, going from the Roman and Venetian empires to French and Habsburg administration. Prior to being eventually freed by Yugoslavia and becoming into the Croatia of today in 1991. The city offers a wealth of history, culture, and miles of pristine white shoreline that have been accumulated throughout these centuries and several political shifts.
The city is the ideal vacation spot for both sun worshippers and culture vultures. With hundreds of hotels, resorts, and villas dotting the coast, the city offers visitors the choice to unwind by a swimming pool or on the beach, taking in the scenery and the sun. Why we believe Split is the ideal summertime destination in Europe. If you’re looking for a little more culture and history, Split has plenty to offer; stick put. Famous for its historic Diocletian’s Palace, which dates back to the Roman era, is the city. Take pictures of the Grgur Ninski Statue or stop by the Saint Domnius Cathedral. Because the old town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is rich in culture and history.
There are plenty of activities in the neighbourhood; check out one of the numerous pubs or restaurants in the city and sample some of the delectable regional cuisines. Enjoy a meal on the port in Riva while observing all the yachts coming in and leaving. For those who are new to sommeliering, a fantastic day trip is to visit one of the many nearby vineyards and taste some Croatian wine. For all travellers to Europe, Split is the ideal location. The city boasts a thriving nightlife, delicious food, opulent yet reasonably priced hotels, and a plethora of culture.
It’s the ideal summertime getaway with typical Mediterranean weather and average temperatures of 23–26°C.
Bring me to Split
Split Airport (SPU), which serves the city, is located roughly 20 minutes from the city centre. The airport is conveniently accessible from throughout Europe since it serves 43 different airlines with destinations all over the continent. If you’re coming from further away, it’s simple to link into Split via a significant hub in Europe. You can travel more easily in the area thanks to the airport’s rail and bus connections. Be advised that Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna as its local currency instead of the Euro, so plan accordingly before travelling there!
Hungary
Budapest
Originally, Budapest was made up of two cities on either side of the Danube. Prior to their merger to become the current metropolis, the two cities were known as Buda and Pest, respectively. The city was the second-most significant city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and serves as the capital of modern-day Hungary. Similar to Vienna, its former sister city, Budapest offers a wealth of activities, culture, and history. It’s a fantastic European city to visit in the summer of 2023. The city is well-known across the globe for its thermal springs, which are said to have therapeutic qualities. Anytime during the day, stop by one of the many free outdoor baths, but be advised that they do become crowded! Alternately, go there at night when the city transforms them into outdoor clubs—a unique and enjoyable experience that differs from regular nightlife.
There is a lot to see in the city when you visit. See the magnificent architecture of Matthias Church or the Citadella, which is tucked away on Gellert Hill. Look out over the city from Buda Castle; visiting at night is a terrific way to see the city’s skyline illuminated with lights. Take in the majesty of the Hungarian Parliament building and pay homage to the slaughtered Jews of Europe as you stroll along the Danube’s banks. Visit the Hungarian National Museum to discover more about Hungary’s past and present. Budapest has a lot to offer in terms of cultural activities, and depending on when you visit, the National Theatre and Hungarian State Opera House host a number of evening performances.
The Budapest Metro is a convenient way to get around the city and is reasonably priced, with single tickets costing just 350HUF (£0.81/$1.09/€0.96). The currency of the city is the Hungarian Forint, and there are plenty of bureau de changes to exchange money, but you might be able to obtain a better deal if you plan ahead. The city is small enough that you can explore its streets on two wheels, if you’d like. Budapest experiences 19–20°C temperatures in its continental climate, similar to those of the other nations.
Bring me to Budapest
Budapest is easily accessible from all across Europe thanks to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), which serves up to 44 airlines with diverse destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. From the airport, getting to the city centre is as simple as hopping on one of the numerous bus or train routes. Budapest seems like a place that anyone would enjoy, so if you’re looking for a summer vacation spot in Europe for next year, give it some serious consideration.
Italy
Amalfi Coast
Located in Southern Italy’s Campania region, the Amalfi coast has been gaining prominence ever since it was inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno are adjacent to the section of shoreline. With hundreds of tiny fishing communities rising from the sea up into the slopes of the surrounding mountains, this area is distinctly Italian. The Amalfi Coast offers breathtaking beauty, mouthwatering cuisine, and the ideal setting for a romantic vacation. The biggest town in the area, Amalfi, has historically served as the primary political hub of the region, hence the name of the coastline.
Take in the natural splendour by taking a drive along the narrow coastal roads that cling to the cliff sides, but be warned—this is not for the timid! Take in the hustle and bustle of the town while drinking an espresso (or an Aperol) at one of the many public piazzas in the area. Head to the La Galli islands, where it is said that sirens live and entice ships and sailors, or cruise the coastline and break through the turquoise waves to discover all the historic Roman villas bordering the shore.
There are many historic churches, cathedrals, and towers in the region that date back to the Roman Empire. Due to the ideal minerals and nutrients in the soil, this region of Italy is renowned for producing some of the largest lemons available. The region is well-known for its Limoncello spirits, made from an abundance of lemons; make sure to purchase a bottle to share with your loved ones back home. Take a tour of one of the many vineyards or the Limoncello factory in the vicinity, and then indulge in a wine tasting. The region is well-known for its beverages and greenery, but it’s also home to hundreds of trattorias, osterias, and restaurant chains that each provide a unique gastronomic experience.
Expect the temperature to rise as high as 29°C throughout the summer. Nothing beats cooling off in the calm waters along the shore, which average a temperature of 26°C, when it gets this heated. Summer is the best season to visit because it has the least amount of rainfall and the sun shines for the entire day. Since Italy is a part of the Eurozone, please carry Euros. You might find it more difficult to use debit and credit cards here because it is smaller and more traditional than other big Italian towns.
Bring me to Amalfi Coast
Given its proximity to the Amalfi Coast and its location in the nearby city of Naples, Naples International Airport (NAP) is the finest airport to fly into. 49 different airlines provide a wide range of European, Middle Eastern, and North African destinations from the airport. The Amalfi Coast should be taken into consideration as a summer vacation spot in Europe in 2023 as the globe reopens.
