27 DIFFERENT & BEST Places to Visit in Europe in July & August!

This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you use these links.

---

Looking for the best places to visit in Europe in July & August? Places with nice weather but perhaps are quieter than the well-known Greek Islands and a bit different to the Spanish Islands where many people holiday in the summer?

You’re in the right place because in this post I’m going to give you 27 of the best places to visit in Europe in July & best places to visit in Europe in August, perfect for a family summer holiday, friends getaway or solo trip!

Where to visit in July & August in Europe can be tricky because a lot of Europe gets very hot, busy and expensive in these months but there are plenty of beach towns, mountain towns, lake towns and cities to visit in summer in Europe where the temperature is cooler, crowds are fewer and accommodation isn’t as expensive!

Best Places to Visit in Europe in July & August

July & August are prime months to get away with the kids on school holidays and getting time off work is often easier during these months (in the Northern Hemisphere at least) but looking for the best places to go on holiday in Summer can be tricky because of the weather and how crowded they get so I have been on a mission to find the best places to visit in July & August around the world!

While July and August are definitely the busiest months to visit Sardinia, these are also the best months for a beach holiday as the sea is warm and the days long (so that you can spend the entire day at the beach, relaxing). And if you look carefully you will still be able to find some beaches that aren’t as crowded.

Lesser crowded beaches are typically found where there is no immediate road access and no village or resort nearby, and where there are no services such as kiosks and lidos.

For example, Costa Rei – a famous summer holiday destination – swells to over 30,000 people in the summer and the beaches can be crowded.

But a mere 30 minutes drive north you can find Is Murtas beach that is beautifully empty even on Ferragosto (a national holiday that is the peak of the peak season).

The summer months are perfect to enjoy boat tours around the island. The best are the boat tours along the Gulf of Orosei, home of coves that can be reached only by boat or after strenuous hikes departing from the Golgo Plateau; or the boat tours in Maddalena Archipelago, where you can see a myriad of small islands of the National Park.

Let’s start with a couple of the northern towns, Riva del Garda and Limone. Riva del Garda, located at the lake’s northern tip, is a popular spot for windsurfers and sailors, thanks to its reliable winds. The town is framed by towering cliffs and lush greenery, offering stunning scenery. The promenade has charming cafes and shops perfect for a stroll.

Limone, renowned for its lemon groves, offers a quaint, picturesque setting. It looks like a postcard here! The view of the sunset over the lake from here is particularly spectacular.

Moving to the southern part of the lake is Sirmione, a town rich in history and culture. It’s known for its thermal springs and the impressive Scaliger Castle.

One of the best places to base yourselves for a summer trip to Europe is the quaint town of Trento. Tucked away in the valley surrounded by the mighty Italian Alps, Trento might just be the perfect destination for a summer escape to remember.

The capital of the lesser-known Trentino-Alto Adige region in Italy, Trento appeals to all types of travellers. Nature lovers are in for a very big treat as Trento is within easy driving distance from natural wonders, such as the Dolomites and Lake Garda.

Therefore, for anyone dreaming of an active vacation, Trento is ideal to visit in the summer thanks to the countless hiking opportunities it offers.

However, not-so-active travellers won’t be disappointed either. With its quintessentially Italian vibes, sleepy ambience and several amazing museums, Trento is perfect for bon viveurs, culture and art lovers as well.

Bolzano is known to be the hottest city in Italy and can experience hot July temperatures, making it a perfect excuse to escape to the cooler mountains just a 30 minute bus ride from the Old town.

One of the best escapes is the Rosengarten-Catinaccio hike, famed for its breathtaking alpine scenery and the mythical stone rose garden.

To stay connected amidst the rugged terrain of spires and pinnacles (and no cell-phone service), carrying the best walkie talkies is advisable for safety and coordination among hiking companions.

A cable car ride to the cooler heights of Renon offers a reprieve from the city’s warmth and presents a panoramic view of the Dolomites.

The Adriatic and Ionian Seas hug its shores, offering visitors pristine beaches and azure waters that are simply irresistible during the warm summer months.

With an abundance of sunshine, Puglia becomes a haven for sunseekers, encouraging leisurely beach strolls, water activities, and indulging in the region’s famed seafood delicacies.

Visit the historic town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic destination in Puglia, renowned for its unique trulli houses with conical roofs. Exploring these charming structures is like stepping into a fairytale village frozen in time.

Additionally, the city of Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South,” captivates visitors with its Baroque architecture and vibrant street life.

Foodies will also love devouring the flavors offered by this Italian region. Visitors can savor local olive oils, wines, and fresh produce in traditional dishes like orecchiette pasta and burrata cheese.

The warm summer evenings offer the perfect backdrop for enjoying alfresco dining in one of the many quaint piazzas, where the atmosphere is lively and infused with the spirit of Italian hospitality.

A must-visit and the absolute highlight of any trip is exploring the town of Korčula with its UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Visitors adore the medieval charm, and even in the summer, this coastal town maintains a pleasant atmosphere. Due to its city walls and towers, it is often referred to as the “little Dubrovnik.”

The numerous beautiful beaches and natural coves are another highlight and the reason why this destination is so exceptional.

With temperatures around 30°C in the summer, you can spend delightful days along the Adriatic! From sandy beaches to pebbly coves and rocky shores, there is a variety of places for swimming. A week is the perfect timeframe to explore the island and truly relax.

The easiest way to reach Istria is to fly into Pula Airport, but you can also fly to Venice and drive down to Istria.

Whether you want to spend the summer swimming in the crystal clear sea in quaint seaside towns or you prefer picturesque hilltop villages, there’s something for you in Istria.

The biggest town in the region is Pula. This historic city is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Roman amphitheater that is still used as an events venue! An event you shouldn’t miss in July is the Pula Film Festival, where you can watch a movie under the stars.

Some of the most beautiful hikes to include in your Lofoten Islands itinerary are Reinebringen, Håen and Mannen. Although these trails are quite short, they are rather steep so be ready to get your heart rate up.

At the end, however, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of some of the most spectacular landscapes in Lofoten.

Be sure to also set aside some time to explore the pristine beaches of Lofoten, which are often listed among the best beaches in Europe. Take a walk along the powdery white sands, go for an invigorating dip in the crystal clear sea, take a kayaking tour or try Arctic surfing.

To really make the most of your time here, you’ll want to spend at least 3 days in Oslo. This gives you enough time to visit the popular attractions, traverse some of the lesser-known areas, and head out to explore the Oslofjord.

The Oslofjord is a large inlet dotted with charming islands. Exploring these islands during the summer is a real highlight, as you can walk through forests, explore traditional Norwegian villages, and even head out for a swim if the weather is nice.

To reach the Oslofjord, you can head out on a sightseeing cruise or take the local ferries. The latter allows you to visit specific islands, while a cruise will typically just take you around the fjord.

Oslo also has a fantastic sauna culture and you’ll find many sauna establishments dotted along the harbour. Some of these are even floating saunas, making it easy for you to head out for a swim when you get too warm.

Another great reason to visit Oslo is its food scene. Although restaurant meals can be pricey, the city has some great street food establishments. Many of these (such as Oslo Street Food) have outdoor seating so you can sit outside in the sun.

The Albanian Riviera stretches from Vlore all the way south until Ksamil and makes for a great summer road trip. Luckily, renting a car in Albania is very affordable, and driving is fairly straightforward.

After landing at Tirana Airport, pick up your rental car and head south to explore the gorgeous coast of the Ionian Sea. Your first stop should be Dhermi, boasting a wide stretch of beach lined with vibrant beach clubs and a lively nightlife scene.

For panoramic views of the coats, head to the historic part of Dhermi, dotted with quaint churches and winding alleys.

Continuing along the coast, you’ll reach Sarande, set in a picturesque bay. This lively town is famous for its fresh seafood restaurants and easy boat trips to the Greek island of Corfu, which take only half an hour.

The village is surrounded by majestic peaks and the area is full of hiking trails leading to waterfalls and other nearby villages. One of the most popular hikes in the summer is the hike from Theth to Valbona.

Another popular route is the hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, an enchanting natural water pool with crystal-clear, azure waters.

This hike not only offers a refreshing reward at the end point but also provides incredible panoramic views of the Albanian Alps on the way.

The community in Theth is known for its warm hospitality, offering travelers a chance to experience authentic Albanian culture through homestays and traditional cuisine. Guesthouse Gjin Thana is a great choice.

It offers a marvelous location in between the Thethi mountains and serves up the most delicious dinners at great prices.

While Rum is large by comparison, the other three are perfect for walking around and on Eigg, you can hire an e-bike or a regular bike. Eigg also offers excellent sea kayaking, a walk to the singing sands, or a hike up the Sgurr, all of which will reward you with wonderful views.

If you visit the Isle of Canna in the early summer months, head out to see the puffins nesting on the sea stacks, then walk back across the island to stop off at the three churches, an old Celtic Cross and the Punishment Stone. Finally, head back to the harbour for some freshly caught lobster at the award-winning Cafe Canna.

The Isle of Muck is the smallest of the four and offers visitors white beaches, large rock pools and the chance to spot porpoises, seals, otters, dolphins, puffins and more.

The largest, the Isle of Rum, is home to Kinloch Castle, a nature reserve and great fishing and birdwatching opportunities.

The islands function almost entirely on sustainable energy produced by wind, rain and sun and produce a range of organic food.

If you drive the entire route, you’ll basically travel the entire length of Ireland’s West Coast: from Donegal in the north all the way to Kerry at the island’s southwest tip.

Highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way include some of Ireland’s most iconic sites such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Dingle Peninsula, Croagh Patrick, and Slieve League.

You’ll also find no shortage of hiking, stunning views, and small villages. It’s the perfect place to rent a holiday cottage for a week and merge into everyday Irish life.

If you’re looking to escape the summer crowds, consider concentrating your time on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way in County Mayo’s Clew Bay.

With the exception of Croagh Patrick, this part of Ireland often gets little mention in guidebooks, which means you’ll have miles of pristine sand beaches, abandoned pirate queen castles, and even world class surfing to yourself.

If you’re short on time, many visitors focus on exploring Reykjavik, the country’s capital city (where 60% of the country’s entire population live!) and the nearby southern coastline.

And it’s no wonder why—you could spend weeks exploring the landmarks here and still not see it all.

For example, consider heading to a hot spring, whether you want to experience Instagrammable commercial ones, like the Sky Lagoon, or more natural ones, like Hvammsvik Hot Springs.

Alternatively, Iceland is known for having stunning waterfalls—the country actually boasts over ten thousand of them! If you don’t quite have time for all of them, check out Skógafoss, a stunning 200 foot waterfall or Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall that you can actually walk behind!

If you happen to have more time in this incredible country, consider doing an epic road trip around the Ring Road, a road that, true to its name, circumnavigates the entire country.

While you’ll still get to stop and explore the popular sites near Reykjavik and along the country’s southern coastline, you’ll also get to explore lesser known gems, like Húsavík, a charming fishing village that’s renowned as one of the best whale watching spots in the country, or Stokksnes, a dramatic black sand beach, surrounded by mountains.

You can also head to Ġgantija Temples which is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gozo. These prehistoric structures, which predate even the legendary pyramids of Egypt, offer a profound glimpse into the island’s distant era.

The mystical atmosphere surrounding these temples during the balmy summer season promises a one-of-a-kind and culturally enriching adventure.

You must visit Ramla Bay if you are a water baby. It has beautiful red sands and sparkling waters. People say it’s the best beach in Malta mainly because it’s peaceful. It is the perfect addition to your 10 day Europe itinerary.

You will be able to witness a famous cave called Calypso’s Cave. It is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey.

Victoria is Gozo’s capital and you must explore it. The Citadella is a fortified city with very old roots. It is the main attraction in Victoria and provides exceptional panoramic views. You can also explore the various museums present inside the Citadella.

Ta’Pinu Basilica is another must-visit destination. This is a great piece of architecture. Around it are hills, and in the background, you can see the sea.

The esplanade, with its mosaic and statues, paired with the surrounding environment, makes for an excellent souvenir photo! It is also a significant pilgrimage site for the Maltese people.

In Sarajevo, you can learn a lot about European history, especially about the Bosnian war which only ended in the 1990s.

But Sarajevo is not all about history, today it’s a great example of different cultures meeting and mixing. Within a short walk of each other, you can visit the largest historical mosque, the biggest church, and the oldest synagogue.

When you’ve had enough of city life, you can take the cable car (or hike) up to a small mountain right next to the city. This mountain used to be home to the Winter Olympics of 1984. Today it’s a popular recreational area where people go for walks or a picnic in this green space.

A hidden gem on this mountain is the abandoned bobsled track from the Olympic Games, which is sprayed with graffiti and overgrown by plants.

Summer is the perfect time to visit Hallstatt to really take advantage of its natural beauty and enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and boat rides on the lake.

The village is really walkable and lends itself to relaxed strolls through the narrow, cobblestone streets that wind up into the mountainside. The village is filled with 16th century Alpine cottages, with a waterfall cascading down, and lakeside cafes and shops.

The famous Evangelical Church with its iconic steeple is a prominent part of the town and offers cultural events throughout the summer, such as the local choir performing in traditional costumes.

Some favourite activities are to rent boats on the lake and cruise across the water for views of a castle and the mountains that surround the lake.

You can also explore the world’s oldest salt mine with a tour through caves and tunnels. You’ll learn about the prehistoric remains that were found on the site.

Don’t miss the fascinating Ossuary Bone House that houses over 6000 skulls in St. Michael’s Church. Another big highlight is a trip to the Dachstein Glacier, up in the mountains, high above the lake to watch hang gliders fly!

Graz has so much to offer; it’s a real hidden gem! The historical center is extremely pedestrian-friendly, and there are many picturesque sights to check out.

And right in the middle, you can’t help but notice a big hill with a clearly visible clock tower – the famous Uhrturm. Graz is just unique on all fronts.

The best thing about Graz is its vibe. The city lives for culture and likes to show off its quirks. Historical architecture blends in with extraordinary modern creations such as the Friendly Alien art museum or Murinsel.

A floating island connecting two river banks with a café in the middle, which has become a permanent fixture after Graz’ status as the European Culture Capital in 2003.

When the weather is nice, locals absolutely love hanging out! Every single restaurant, bar, and café has outdoor seating. Streets are full of locals who are enjoying their after-work drink and happily eat out nearly every night! The community vibe is truly exceptional.

Graz’s location couldn’t be more perfect – greenery awaits right on the outskirts. Locals flock each weekend to the Schöckl mountain just outside the city’s perimeter.

If you’d like to venture out even a little further, a beautiful mountainous area complete with peaks and pastures can be found near the village of Übelbach, which is accessible by a quick train ride.

Sibiu is a small but lovely city to visit, with a very well-maintained pedestrian only centre. The old town surrounds the Big and the Small Squares, connected to each other through a watch tower.

The Small Square is home to the Bridge of Lies, which is said to collapse under whoever tells a lie whilst standing on it.

Another great place to visit in Sibiu is the Village Museum. Located on the city’s outskirts in a forested area, this museum displays traditional houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.

It spreads on many acres of land, with a lake, a river, and a traditional inn with an outdoor terrace serving food and drinks. Don’t miss trying some delicious traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale, mici, or papanasi.

So why Ticino? We are locals here and 100% suggest the destination based on how much there is to see and do for all ages. In July and August.

Ticino can be very hot, with local lakes, waterfalls (check Sonogno waterfall), beaches and springs being most popular. A highlight worth visiting is the Verzasca valley for its beautiful crystal clear waters.

Other things within Ticino that should be on your must-do list include a local boat trip on Lake Ceresio, eating freshly made Italian ice cream on the promenade of Ascona and to feel like a King or Queen at the 3 Bellinzona UNESCO castles.

For adventure, Ticino is fantastic for long Summer hiking routes. Places like Monte Tamaro, Piora Valley and in the Vallemaggia District. You can even consider camping in the mountains in Ticino to enjoy sunrise and sunset above 2000m elevation!

For a bite to eat, many Ticino Grottos are great for trying local cuisine such as polenta, risotto, cold meats and fresh cheeses.

The castle itself has a lot of history that you can sift through and a lot of different rooms to explore. We particularly liked the wax mannequins that we used to recreate the scenes from the past.

There are other popular activities that you can enjoy here, including hiking, enjoying a leisurely drive of the surroundings or heading out to enjoy the Visegrad bobsled experience which is located just next to the Visegrad castle.

In the summer months, there are plenty of things to do at Lake Bohinj, including many outdoor activities. Take a leisurely boat ride to soak in the breathtaking scenery or head out on the water in a kayak or paddleboard.

The water warms up in the summer months, and it’s perfect to take a dip in. The lakeside trail takes you around the lake, offering a variety of views, quiet beaches and the chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

For the adventurous, Triglav National Park provides a variety of hiking trails, from short hikes great for anyone in the family to longer, multi-day hikes through the park.

An easy, yet rewarding hike takes you to Savica Falls, or you can take the cable car to the top of Mount Vogel for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape.

Lake Bohinj, which is just as beautiful as neighbouring Lake Bled, is quieter and not as crowded in the summer months. While it’s not known for its tourist attractions, it’s perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to relax and unwind in a beautiful setting, Lake Bohinj is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the summer months.

Suggested by: Erin of Wanderlust with Kids

A myriad of hiking opportunities (both day hikes and multi-day treks), serene alpine lakes, gorgeous rivers, waterfalls galore, charming small towns, and fun adventure activities.

One of the crowning features of Triglav is the Soca River, a vibrant, turquoise-colored river that winds its way through the region. You can visit the Source of the Soca.

Where the river emerges from an underground cave, visit the Great Soca Gorge, do many hikes near or overlooking its shores, and even go white water rafting on the Soca (my favorite white water rafting trip to date!)

Hiking in Triglav is an exhilarating experience for anyone who loves nature. Some popular hikes include hiking Mount Triglav, the Valley of the Seven Lakes, Mount Krn (or even just up to Lake Krn), Slemenova Spica, and the Boka waterfall.

Don’t miss stopping at one of the mountain huts for a meal – you’ll get some of the best food in Slovenia here!

If you’re not a hiker but still want to get up in the mountains, definitely drive the Vrsic Pass, a series of tight switchbacks that takes you up to the top of a mountain pass. The views are insane!

The town of Cadaqués looks like a painting with its white buildings set against the backdrop of the rugged green hills behind it and the blue sea beyond it, which is fitting because it is known for once being home to Salvador Dali.

There are small beaches right in town to lounge at or if you’re up for a short hike just outside of town you’ll find Cala sa Sabello, the perfect cove to swim and snorkel in.

Begur is another small town to add to your itinerary. The narrow lanes of the old town have cute bars and restaurants to indulge in, just down the hill from the medieval castle that sits at the highest point in town.

Offering panoramic views of the gorgeous coastline. Don’t miss the turquoise waters of the nearby beaches, especially Aiguablava and Aiguafreda.

Vieux Lyon is the city’s historic heart. Enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets seeking out Lyon’s mysterious traboules (hidden passageways used by Lyon’s silk merchants). This is also where you’ll find the Saint-Jean Cathedral with its impressive astronomical clock.

A great way to explore the city’s famous cuisine is by taking a food tour in Lyon. Sample local favorite dishes from savory quenelles (fish dumplings) to Lyon’s sweet praline rose (pink sugared almonds).

Take a sightseeing river cruise to see the city from a different perspective and learn some of its history. Lyon was built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and the city’s architecture spans from 2000-year-old Roman ruins to extremely modern buildings, including the Musée des Confluences.

Stroll through Lyon’s Presqu’île and see the Place des Terreaux with its fabulous Bartholdi Fountain. Admire the architecture of the Hôtel de Ville and Musée des Beaux-Arts which surround the square.

As you explore the city, be sure to keep your eyes open for Lyon’s famous trompe-l’oeil murals. Fantastic murals such as the Mur des Canuts and Fresque des Lyonnais take up entire sides of buildings and are incredibly realistic.

Evian is the place where the world-renowned EVIAN mineral water has its source. You should also know that… even Frankenstein monster visited this French town!

The lovely old town, cozy restaurants, thermal baths, activities on Lake Geneva, a lakeside promenade perfect for watching sunsets, and lots of hiking and cycling trails around the town makes Evian-Les-Bains a great place to visit in Europe in July and August.

What’s more, if you hate heat you’ll especially love Evian during summer months as the average temperature is a very pleasant 25°C. Also, thanks to the fact that it’s a lesser-known and quieter place you won’t experience wild crowds there. Doesn’t it sound fantastic?

What are the best things to do in Evian-les-Bains? Number one is without a doubt discovering all the nooks and crooks of its old town. Don’t hesitate a second and take a long, lazy stroll among its streets filled with well-preserved colorful buildings.

Don’t miss spots like Rue Nationale – Evian’s main street, Place Charles de Gaulle – town main square, Source Cacha – EVIAN water spring, Palais Lumiere museum, and Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.

In July and August, the daytime temperatures in Istanbul are generally hot (around 30 degrees) but far from overbearing, so you’ll still be able to sightsee and take in all of the treasures this city offers.

During the summer, the evenings are warm and provide endless opportunities to explore the city.

At this time of year, the energy is palpable, with travellers from all over the world filling the streets. The vibe is excellent, the city comes alive and it’s easy to see why Istanbul is ranked as a premier nightlife destination.

Istanbul has so much to offer in terms of attractions. The top sites are centrally located in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood and include the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque. Nearby is the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Then there’s also the famous Spice Bazaar, with mounds and mounds of spices and Turkish delight. Yumm!

I hope this post has helped you find the best places to visit in Europe in July and August for your summer trip!

• For more of my posts see:
• 16 BEST Greek Islands for Families to Visit!
• 2 Day – 2 Week Southern Spain Itinerary! A Complete Guide to Planning Your Trip!
• 3- 5 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary! Bergen to Alesund & Atlantic Ocean Road.
• 3 Day West Coast of Ireland Road Trip Itinerary To Follow!
• FULL Tenerife Road Trip Guide | Itinerary, Places To Visit in Tenerife, Car Hire!
• 36 BEST Things To Do In Istanbul With Insider Tips!