Top 3 Summer Destinations In Europe For 2023
Are you dreaming of a European Summer? If so, this European summer travel itinerary is for you. We’re going to cover the top 3 summer destinations in Europe for 2023: the iconic Italy, the always popular Spain, and the up-and-coming Croatia. Follow this travel guide to decide which of these 3 countries you want to explore this summer, or combine all three for a true summer getaway that spans multiple weeks to months.
Heads up: Links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click the link and make a purchase, we receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue to travel the world and share our experiences, and for that we are forever grateful!
Table of Contents
Seville, Spain
Andalusia, Spain
What’s Your Travel Type?
First, let’s decide how many of these countries you have time to visit based on your travel type.
3-7 days (Playing the Field) : With just 3-7 days to explore, you’ll want to stick to one country and hit a few different cities and spots during your trip.
2-3 weeks (Going Steady): If you’re ready to go steady in Europe this summer, meaning you have a few weeks to travel, you have time to visit 2 of these countries. Decide which destinations sound most appealing to you and split your time in each.
1+ month (Settling Down): Alright, if you’re really ready to settle down in Europe this summer, with a month or more to explore, then you can get to know all 3 of these amazing countries. Plan to spend a week or more in each country so that you have the chance to form a meaningful relationship with each place.
Monterosso, Cinque Terre
Manarola, Cinque Terre
ITALY
Where to go in Italy
When it comes to Italy in the summertime, you want to be on the dazzling Italian coast. Visiting the major cities will likely leave you feeling a little hot and bothered during the summer months. Truthfully, it’s better to visit cities like Rome in the off-season, when you can avoid long lines for attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican. Your European summer trip should include sparkling blue water, colorful coastal homes, and fresh Italian food. Below, we’ve listed the best destinations in Italy for your European summer trip.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
First up, the Amalfi Coast is a hot commodity during the summertime in Italy – and for good reason. Amalfi is located in southern Italy, and it’s best known for its beautiful coastline, winding roads, and colorful villages. What’s more, the coastal homes, hotels, and b&bs here are stacked atop one another, offering unmatched views of the Salerno Gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Amalfi has rocky beaches, rows upon rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas, and no shortage of excursions. It’s been one of the top summer destinations in Europe for years.
Things To Do on the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is often dubbed the Amalfi of the north, but we feel that’s not fair, because these five towns are entirely their own. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will take your breath away. Visit these five seaside villages on the Italian Riviera if you like crystal blue water, rows of colorful homes, and quaint coastal towns.
During the summer months, you can hike between the towns, explore the full array of seasonal restaurants, and take a boat out on the water. If you want to get to know Cinque Terre, check out our full Cinque Terre Travel Guide, updated for 2023.
Things To Do in Cinque Terre, Italy
- Sunset Tour on a Private Boat (with Pesto & Wine)
- Visit Nessun Dorma Restaurant in Manarola
- Cinque Terre Pesto Course with Lunch
Less Touristy Spots In Italy
Atrani
Alternatively, try escaping the crowds in Positano by choosing to stay in Atrani. This fishing village offers you the chance to experience authentic Italian architecture, quieter piazzas, and historical churches. Plus, Atrani is less than a 5 minute drive from Amalfi, so close you could walk!
If you want to book your accommodation in a quieter and more affordable area, Atrani is your perfect match. When it comes to the top summer destinations in Europe, popular isn’t always better! Sometimes it’s the off-the-beaten path places that will give you the authentic travel experience you seek.
@baggagegirls Airbnb tour!! We stayed in an absolute dream Airbnb in Marbella, Spain! If you’re traveling here, you need to check this place out. Read our blog post at baggagegirls.com to learn more about this incredible Airbnb! #traveltiktok #marbellaspain #airbnbfinds #airbnb
♬ Sunny Day - Ted Fresco
@baggagegirls Top 5 reasons you need to visit Marbella’s Old Town ✈️ #traveltiktok #marbellaspain #travelspain #baggagegirls
♬ Flowers - The Deli
SPAIN
Where to go in Spain
Next up, Spain is overflowing with dreamy vacation destinations and popular cities worth visiting year-round – but there is one region in particular that is a top summer destination in Europe for 2023. Andalusia is the southernmost region of Spain, and a sparkling summer vacation spot that offers a little bit of everything. We’re going to set you up with some of the very best coastal towns in Andalusia: Marbella, Frigiliana, and Tarifa.
Marbella, Spain
First and foremost, if you travel to Spain you’ll want to make Marbella your home-base. This picture-perfect town in Spain’s Costa Del Sol boasts a beautiful beach, a variety of dreamy villas, and the best old town neighborhood. Plus, Marbella is in close proximity to the popular party destination of Puerto Banus. This luxury marina is full of restaurants, expensive shops, yachts, and fancy cars. Explore this summer destination in Europe that is a beautiful beach town by day, and a thriving nightclub scene by night.
If you’re interested in traveling to Marbella, check out our post on 5 Reasons To Visit Marbella’s Old Town. Don’t worry if partying isn’t your scene. Instead, you can stick to Marbella’s Old Town in the evenings for dessert cafes and family-friendly plazas that light up with string lights each night.
Lastly, we have to mention that of all the countries we’ve traveled to, we fell most in love with the food in Marbella, Spain. Here’s a full list of Where To Eat In Marbella For Any Diet, so you can share in our healthy obsession.
Less Touristy Spots in Spain
Frigiliana
The next summer destination we’re sharing is located just 1.5 hours from Marbella, and it’s the village of Frigiliana. We stumbled upon Frigiliana (Free-he-lee-ah-nuh), but you should go out of your way to add this Spanish town to your list. It might just be one of the prettiest villages in all of Andalusia. Plus, Frigiliana offers views of the mountains and the ocean for those who want to have it all.
We recommend planning to stay in Marbella and make a day trip to Frigiliana. What’s more, if you decide to visit this summer destination in Europe, check out our full guide to Frigiliana, Spain – A Must-See Andalusian Town.
Tarifa
Tarifa is a quaint seaside town in the province of Cádiz, best known as one of the most popular destinations for wind sports. However, this boho surf town also has great local shops, delicious cafes, and no shortage of activities for travelers. The Strait of Gibraltar separates Tarifa from North Africa – and this is a perfect spot for whale watching. When visiting Tarifa, you can take a whale watching tour, book a day trip to Morocco, explore the beautiful sandy beaches, or try your hand at wind sports like kitesurfing.
CROATIA
Croatia is like the girl next door – it’s always been there right across from Italy, but it went by unnoticed for far too long. Only recently has it really picked up as a top summer destination in Europe. This country will be all the rage for summer 2023, and for good reason. When it comes to your European summer trip to Croatia, there are no shortage of options. Experience Yacht Week from the water, explore some of the stunning Croatian Islands, or visit the famed Game of Thrones filming location of Dubrovnik. Here are the best towns in Croatia to visit during the summertime:
Where to go in Croatia
The Dalmatian Coast is where you want to be. Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast includes the larger cities of Split and Dubrovnik, which are perfect to fly into. These destinations are large enough to have affordable flights, and both are worth visiting in their own right.
If you can, fly into one city and out of the other. For example, you could fly into Split, then take the ferry to the island of Hvar. Make sure you spend ample time experiencing the history in Split and the natural beauty on Hvar island. Next, take a second ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik, and then fly out of Dubrovnik to end your trip (or to continue on to Spain or Italy!).
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Split
Split is worth at least 1-2 days of your time if you can swing it. At the very least, make sure to spend a morning or afternoon in Split before you head to Hvar Island. This city has Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman ruin and well preserved monument. Fortunately, the palace is just a 10 minute walk from the ferry port to Croatia’s various islands. Make sure you check it out on your way through Split! Personally, we wished we’d spent more time in Split exploring the boardwalk on the water and the winding cobblestone streets.
Hvar
The island of Hvar likes to play hard to get [to] – but it’s worth the trip. There are 700+ islands in Croatia, but few are more widely known or visited than Hvar. With amazing beaches, lavender fields, boat excursions, and a wide array of accommodation options, it’s no surprise that travelers are intrigued by the allure of this island. Hvar has two distinct towns: Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Stari Grad is more resort-esque. On the other hand, Hvar Town is the city center where you can find the nightlife scene, hostels, and more boutique hotels. Be sure to read our full post on Where To Stay In Hvar before you decide which town is right for you.
Dubrovnik
The easiest and most appealing way to travel along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is along the water. If you drive to Dubrovnik from Split, you will have to cross international borders into other countries. However, choose to take a ferry and you can enjoy a relaxing cruise along the stunning coastline. Consider whether you want to stay inside the old walled city of Dubrovnik (which is an UNESCO World Heritage site!) or outside the walls. Inside, you can walk to the best sites and enjoy the nightlife. However, accommodation outside is often more affordable in peak summer months. Check out this full list of tours in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik also happens to be conveniently located near the following countries:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Italy
Things to do in Dubrovnik
If you plan to stay a few days in this top summer destination in Europe, you can take day trips to these other countries. Get Your Guide is a tour company offering excursions that pick you up in Dubrovnik, spend the day exploring a new country, and drop you back at the comfort of your accommodation by evening.
- Mostar & Kravica Waterfall: Visit the Kravica Waterfalls in the forests of Bosnia-Herzegovina on a full-day tour from Dubrovnik.
- From Dubrovnik: Montenegro Day Trip
- From Dubrovnik: Korcula Island Day Excursion
This is a great way to save a bit of money when you travel, if you want to see many of the top summer destinations in Europe. Honestly, booking multiple accommodations in each city and moving around with your baggage constantly does get tiring. In order to enjoy a relaxing European summer, stay in a centrally located spot like Dubrovnik and take day trips out from there.
@baggagegirls What I wish someone would have told me before I traveled to Hvar, Croatia! ⚓️🌊✈️ ••• #hvar #starigrad #wheretostay #croatia #baggagegirls
♬ Confidence - Lux-Inspira
@baggagegirls Exactly how to get to 📍Hvar, Croatia if you fly into Split! A plane, a bus, and a boat all make for one longgg travel day ✈️🚍⛴️ #hvarcroatia #hvar #travelbucketlist #baggagegirls #europeinthefall
♬ Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear
Less Touristy Spots in Croatia
Korcula
Next up on the list of summer destinations in Europe: Korcula is a quaint island on the Dalmatian Coast with a year-round population of just 15,000. This island is reachable only by ferry boat, so it’s a great place to travel on to from Dubrovnik. If you’re not interested in the nightlife scene, Korcula is a quieter and more relaxed option than the island of Hvar. This destination is widely regarded for its wine, making it a great place to enjoy a wine tasting or tour. Additionally, Korcula is a bit more affordable than some of these other popular destinations along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.
Wrap It Up
So what will it be? Which of these top 3 summer destinations in Europe are you crushing on? Is it the fishing villages in Italy, the fresh food and ever-present sun in Spain, or the chance to explore the history of the coastal cities in Croatia that you’re into? If you’re anything like us and you just can’t choose, plan to visit more than one during your European summer trip in 2023.
