European holiday destinations for summer 2024
Are you wondering where to head this summer?
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to be sun-kissed and relaxed, here are our favourite European holiday destinations for 2024.
Croatia
Croatia is the perfect location for thrillseekers and those who like to keep active during their travels. With its beautiful landscape, there are endless places for hiking and cycling, including Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gorgeous Adriatic coastline also offers plenty of opportunities for water sports such as snorkelling, diving, sailing and kayaking.
For those looking to live life at a slower pace, you can soak up Croatia’s rich culture and tasty cuisine instead. Take a stroll along historic Dubrovnik’s city walls, or visit the hip Zagreb with its café culture, cool museums and alternative music scene.
Whether you decide to fly to Croatia or go on a cruise with MSC Cruises, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do.
France
You’re guaranteed to catch some glorious sunshine in the South of France. With iconic holiday hotspots along the French Riviera such as St Tropez and Cannes, along with the rolling vineyards and lavender feels of Provence, a summer holiday to the South of France has something for everyone. You could even hop over to Monaco – the second smallest country in the world – while you’re there for a day trip.
Portugal
Portugal is a must-visit for water sports enthusiasts thanks to its expansive coastline. The sheltered coves and sandy beaches of the eastern Algarve are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while the country’s western coast is ideal for thrillseekers looking to catch a wave.
If you’d prefer to keep your feet dry, then you won’t be short of things to do. Learn how world-class wine is made with a tour of the Douro Valley vineyards and sample delicious cuisine at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Porto or Lisbon. Stroll the pretty cobbled streets of Faro or hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail for breathtaking views you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Read more: how to pack for your holiday
Turkey
Technically, only a small part of Turkey is in Europe but it’s well worth considering if you’re looking for some summer sun. Turkey’s magnificent Turquoise Coast has been nicknamed The Turkish Riviera and it’s easy to see why. With its quaint towns, historical ruins and beautiful beaches, Turkey is a seriously underrated holiday destination.
The port city of Bodrum boasts an impressive waterfront castle looking out over the Aegean Sea and if you’re looking for somewhere with a bit of a buzz, you won’t be disappointed. With beach parties, nightclubs and fantastic restaurants at night and boat trips, hikes and wine tours to keep you busy during the day, you’ll never be bored.
Italy
Another top contender for a summer holiday in Europe is Italy. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy is great for travellers of all ages and interests.
With rolling hills, magnificent mountain ranges and idyllic vineyards in central Italy, to the dreamy canals of romantic Venice, and the vast, rich history of Rome to the dazzling scenery of Amalfi Coast in the south, the difficulty will be deciding which part of the country to visit! Make the most of your European summer holiday this 2024!