Top Four Places to Visit in Europe this Summer
Europe boasts dozens of cities and towns with rich cultures and beautiful natural scenery. The UK’s proximity to Europe means that these destinations are a short, direct flight away, making them perfect for low-stress travel.
If you’re wondering where to go on your 2025 summer holiday, check out our top European recommendations below.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote, a Canary Island off the West Coast of Africa, boasts year-round warm weather and long, sandy beaches. The safe bays of Playa Blanca together with its central location make it an ideal spot for families to visit. Its calm waters are perfect for diving and snorkelling before heading back to a cafe on the beachfront and grabbing an ice cream.
Beyond the beaches, Lanzarote holidays offer the chance to explore unique volcanic landscapes. The volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote form a major part of what makes the island so attractive to visitors. Timanfaya National Park is completely made up of volcanic soil, making it Spain’s only 100% geological national park. In the Martian-like scenery, you can take the family on a camel ride and spot brightly coloured volcanic cones.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of the most stunning European cities thanks to its well-preserved medieval architecture and views of the Adriatic Sea. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic“, it’s famous for its 16th-century city walls that encircle most of the old city and reach heights of 25 metres.
The forested island of Lokrum can be reached by taking a 10-minute ferry from the Old Harbour where visitors can see holm oaks and olive trees. Its rocky beaches are popular swimming spots, but the main attraction is the large medieval Benedictine monastery. Game of Thrones enthusiasts can take a seat on a reproduction of the Iron Throne before spotting parts of the island that appeared in the HBO show.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city is renowned for its narrow, cobbled alleyways and white-domed cathedrals. Visit the late Portuguese Gothic Manueline Jerónimos Monastery, an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. For four centuries, the monastery was home to monks of the Order of St. Jerome, who cared for sailors, before it was converted into a school and an orphanage in the 19th century.
To get around the city, take a ride on its charming yellow trams. The historic Remodelado models create noise while travelling on scenic routes with the E28 being the most popular route that runs through the city center thus becoming a key tourist destination.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallsatt exists between the Dachstein mountains and Hallstätter See as a traditional Austrian settlement which has salt mining as its main industry. Its history dates back 7,000 years and is the type site of the Hallstatt period, spanning from 1200 to 450 BC.
Today, the town is frequented for its romantic boat rides on Lake Hallstatt, as well as hiking and biking opportunities in Bad Goisern. For a panorama of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, trek to the Hallstatt Skywalk before visiting the Ossuary and marvelling at its 600 traditionally painted human skulls.
