Summer Travel

Summer travel across Europe — Mediterranean beaches, Greek islands, Italian lakes, summer festivals and everything that makes June to September special in Europe.

What you will find in this section

• Beach destinations: Greece, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Italy
• Island guides: Mykonos, Santorini, Ibiza, Mallorca, Corsica, Sicily
• Italian lakes: Como, Garda, Maggiore
• Festivals: Tomatina (August), Palio di Siena (July, August), Edinburgh Fringe (August)
• Road trips: Amalfi Coast, French Riviera, Scottish Highlands
• Staying cool: cities that work in July-August heat; escapes to cooler climates

Summer travel tips

• When to avoid peak heat (late July to mid-August) in Mediterranean cities
• Booking flights and accommodation 3-4 months ahead for July-August
• Water-safety tips at beaches, lakes and on boats
• Festivals that are worth planning a whole trip around

FAQ

When is peak summer season in Europe?

Mid-July to late August. Italians, French and Spanish take their main holiday in August (Ferragosto, août, agosto), so major cities can feel eerily empty while beaches are packed. Prices peak, crowds max out. June and early September are excellent alternatives.

Where are the best European beach destinations?

Greece (Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Zakynthos), Spain (Balearics, Canary Islands, Costa Brava), Italy (Sardinia, Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Puglia), Portugal (Algarve, Madeira), Croatia (Hvar, Brač, Dubrovnik), France (Corsica, Côte d’Azur).

Is it possible to visit major European cities in August?

Yes, but expect reduced hours (many small restaurants and shops close for 2-3 weeks), museums sometimes overstaffed with substitute workers, and subway lines doing maintenance. The upside: locals are gone, queues are shorter at some attractions, and hotels run deals to fill gaps.

How hot does it get in southern Europe in summer?

Mediterranean coast: 28-35°C (82-95°F). Interior cities (Seville, Madrid, Rome, Athens): regularly 35-40°C (95-104°F), occasionally hitting 42°C+ in heatwaves. Evenings stay warm enough for t-shirts. AC in hotels is standard in Spain and Italy; less reliable in Greece outside 4-5* resorts.

What are the biggest European summer festivals?

Tomatina (Buñol, Spain, last Wed of August), Palio di Siena (Italy, 2 July and 16 August), Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Scotland, August), Sziget Festival (Budapest, August), Pride parades across Europe (mostly June-July), Tomorrowland (Belgium, late July). Book accommodation 4-6+ months ahead for festival dates.