Top European summer destinations

Be enchanted with a European summer with an intoxicating blend of beaches, history, tradition and delectable cuisine. Take a look at some of the top destinations.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Overlooking the Adriatic in age-old splendour, Dubrovnik’s bewitching appeal shimmers from its narrow lanes, ancient city walls and baroque buildings. During summer, you can take it all in from charming cafes, with open-air cinemas, street performances, water sports and classical music shows adding to the festive vibe. Good-value hotels include Valamar Club Dubrovnik for families and Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, for a splash of romantic luxury.

Mallorca, Spain

For aqua seas and sunset sangrias, it’s hard to beat the Balearic Islands. Mallorca isn’t party central, like its sister Ibiza, however the atmosphere is more upbeat than neighbouring Menorca.

Here, you can hike through the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains, dive to the depths of sea caves, swim in secluded bays and dine on Mediterranean flavours with local wine. The Iberostar is an oceanfront hotel in bustling Playa de Palma, or, find serenity at a private villa.

Crete, Greece

Greece’s largest island is a beguiling mix of ancient Minoan civilisation, world-renowned beaches and mythology, as the birthplace of Zeus. Explore mountain villages, cycle through lush orchards and satisfy your tastebuds with seasonal produce at rural tavernas.

Delve into olive groves and tradition in a stone built cottage at White River Cottages or explore the restaurants, harbour and shops of Chania, from the family-friendly Ammos Hotel.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

If you’re looking for endless vistas of postcard prettiness, the Amalfi Coast is for you. Sprinkled with dramatic, cliff-side towns like Positano, Ravello and Amalfi, swimming, drinking limoncello in the sun and exploring vineyards, churches, gardens and pastel-hued streets, is what holiday days are made of here.

Amalfi’s Santa Caterina Hotel is set high on the cliffs with classic Mediterranean décor. Vila La Tartana, in Positano, is friendly on the finances (for this part of the world) and just steps from Spiaggia Grande beach.

Malta

Malta may be small, but it offers extraordinary versatility. There’s the history of the capital, Valletta and the hilltops towns of Mdina and Victoria. Dazzling limestone cliffs, rock formations and secluded coves of crystalline water form dramatic landscapes.

Then, there’s the quirky side with Popeye Village, a group of ramshackle buildings on the coast from a past film set. Stay in the heart of Valletta at The Grand Hotel Excelsior or zip across to Gozo for a break at seaside guesthouse, San Antonio. 

No matter which destination you choose for a holiday, prepare to be utterly enchanted by a European summer.