Rip off your duffle coat, unzip that onesie and lose the mittens – summer is almost here and that can only mean one thing… summer holidays!
Those long evenings, basked in glorious sunshine are definitely made even better by the knowledge that you can (and probably should) be enjoying it somewhere new.
With so many epic European destinations to explore, the hardest part of your summer holiday will be deciding where you should go to and who to take with you.
Though I can’t help you decide who to take (short of insisting you take me), what I can with is choosing where to go to on your summer European road trip.
Take a look below at some of the very-merry-places that you should be pinning on that travel map this summer.
1.) Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is one of those destinations that I always come across on Pinterest and was finally glad to see that they live up to the hype in person. They’re the perfect little region of five towns to drop into your European road-trip. Don’t forget to ditch the car and take the train between all the stunning towns as the drive can be long and tiring.
Thankfully, each one of the towns rewards you with its own charm and homemade wines that’ll give you the perfect excuse to get sloshed in the afternoon. After all, who would (or indeed could) refuse you this guilty pleasure?
Visiting Cinque Terre? Read our complete guide
2.) Barcelona
A city as lively as its architecture!
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most remarkable cities and comes packed with some of the best restaurants in all of Spain. Perched on the Mediterranean coast, the city is basked in the sunshine during the summer months.
Whip out the tank top/vest, chuck on the shorts and head straight for the parks and beaches where you’ll get to explore some of Gaudi’s most famous works!
Planning a visit to Barcelona? Don’t miss these 22 sights
3.) Santorini
Legend has it that Santorini is actually part of Atlantis, the city that was lost underwater.
Once an important part of Greek civilisation, a catastrophic eruption of its volcano caused one of the world’s mightiest natural disasters in human history.
As a result, half of the island was sunken underwater, destroying the civilisation that inhabited the island. Thankfully, the volcano now sleeps soundly and the island is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Greece.
Grab a short flight from mainland Europe and enjoy the stunning views and stunning foods from across the island. Just don’t wake up that damn volcano!
Read more: Best things to do in Santorini
4.) Nimes
Want to discover a Roman amphitheatre that’s actually better preserved than the one in Rome? Then look no further than the stunning French city of Nimes on the South Coast.
Nimes is actually an old Roman city so the amphitheatre is the first of many other amazing sights that will no doubt impress you when you visit.
Take a wander through its windy streets, chow down on a belly full of Creme Brûlée and stock up on that champagne (obviously not if you’re driving – you might need a night or two here to indulge yourself a little here)! 😉
5.) Amsterdam
This little canal loving city is one of my favourite places to visit on a European Road trip.
Not only is it conveniently located by so many other ‘get-me-there-now’ cities such as; Paris, Brussels and Copenhagen; it has a character and charm that is truly unique.
I’ve visited Amsterdam about 6 times in the last 2 years, with each time being completely different!
For your own different type of experience, try staying on board one of these beautiful house-boats that line the city’s canals.
Don’t forget to visit this beautiful place whilst in the city
6.) Copenhagen
It’s so easy to have an amazing time in Copenhagen.
The important thing is to let yourself loose, interact with the locals (Danes are notoriously friendly) and before you know it, you’ll be at some of the best sights and events on offer in the city.
One easy fave when you’re in Copenhagen is the famous Tivoli Park, which was Walt Disney’s inspiration to create Disneyland.
Visiting Copenhagen? Then you’ll want to read our complete guide
7.) Luxembourg City
A small city, in a relatively small country, Luxembourg City should not be mistakenly thought to have a relatively small amount of things to do.
An ideal weekend in the city should include exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locating its deliciously calorific chocolate cafe, wander the cobbled street and easting lots of delicious food as a very bare minimum.
Just don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes and your best-elasticated trousers for dinner. ;-).
8.) Lisbon
The city of Lisbon is perched within, around and on top of 7 different hills that make up this beautiful Portuguese city. Take a wander through its many neighbourhoods and scoff as many freshly baked egg tarts at Pastéis de Belém…
…I managed 5 before the sugar high kicked in! They really are too more-ish to stop.
Visiting Lisbon? Don’t forget to try these 12 experiences
9.) Gdansk
Nestled on the northern coast of Poland, this beautiful little city is a great place for an overnight stay while heading east in Europe.
Take a wander through Gdansk’s main streets, search for your favourite piece of amber jewellery and explore the spa town of Sopot with its white sandy beach! Just remember to pack that sunblock… no one wants to end up the colour of a strawberry on holiday! 🙂
Read more: Best things to do in Gdansk
10.) Bergen
This Norwegian city is the perfect stopping point before heading deeper into the beautiful Norwegian countryside.
Take a wander around its famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore its pristine forests and discover the open-air dried Tørrfisk that I’ve still yet to taste!
You see, I knew there was an excuse for why you need to take me along on your road trip! 😉
Read more: Best places in the west of England to visit
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