5 Sunny Places in Southern Europe to Visit in Summer

Do you spend hours dreaming of lounging on a sunny beach or soaking up the sun in a sparkling pool?

I understand you!

Fortunately there is so much sun Southern European places to visit in the summer to make it a reality.

From stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches to non-stop culture and luxury hotels, the following Southern European destinations have everything.

I’ve been to all of these destinations – some even multiple times – and they always offer that delicious European summer vibe.

So here are three sunny places in southern Europe that you must visit at least once!

5 Sunny Places in Southern Europe You Need to Visit

1. Sicily, Italy

It’s hard to be bored in the picturesque Sicilywith its stunning architecture, stunning beaches and mouth-watering cuisine.

It’s the ideal place to enjoy a 4-day break in the sun.

The beaches are so beautiful that you will never want to leave them! Discover Scopello in Trapani, with its vast beach and its magnificent turquoise and indigo waters, you will not forget it.

Once you’ve soaked up the sun, there’s so much to explore. Discover active volcanoes, scenic mountains, historic cathedrals and well-preserved archaeological sites.

After all that fun in the sun, why not enjoy a beautiful view with a delicious glass of wine and tasty Sicilian dishes like arancini, raw red shrimp or pasta alla norma?

One of the best pasta dishes I EVER ate was in Sicily – a pesto alla trapanese with springy rolled pasta known as busiate. Honestly, I still think about that plate of Sicilian pesto pasta to this day. Glorious.

2. Porto, Portugal

The one in Porto The beauty lies in its dry and moderate climate, which allows even the hottest days to feel comfortable without humidity. Plus, the stunning beaches offer a cool breeze, so you won’t feel sticky while soaking up the sun.

There are so many things to see and do in the city that you won’t want to spend your entire vacation at the beach. It’s a fantastic place to explore, whether it’s sunny or rainy.

You’ll find plenty of local landmarks, museums and galleries to keep you entertained. And you won’t miss the magnificent view of the Douro River when the sun starts to shine: it’s a golden, shimmering postcard moment.

Of course, no trip to Porto is complete until you’ve immersed yourself in its food and wine scene.

You must try the city’s signature dish, “Francesinha” (a hot meat sandwich with tomato sauce) and the world-famous Port wine to accompany.

3. Crete, Greece

If you’re craving a relaxed beach vacation in a stunning destination, you can’t go wrong with a getaway to Crete. It offers every type of beach you could dream of, from soft golden sand to charming pebble beaches with crystal clear waters.

But Crete is not just about beaches.

Nature lovers will fall head over heels in love with its rugged gorges, towering mountains and lush valleys. Plus, the locals are incredibly friendly and warm, making you feel right at home every time you visit.

They are renowned for their hospitality, so you will always feel welcome at local events or celebrations like the Cretan Diet Festival, Hyakinthia and Matala Beach Festival. And don’t even get me started on the food! You must try Cretan cheese, Dakos and Apaki.

For a sunny place with stunning scenery, fascinating history, stunning beaches and mouth-watering cuisine, Crete should be at the top of your travel list.

4. Barcelona, ​​Spain

Famous Barcelona is another city with plenty of sunshine and a sunny sandy beach easily accessible from the city.

Barcelona is a bustling city, known for its historic architecture, delicious street food and colorful tiles lining the streets.

Like other European cities, Barcelona has an avant-garde reputation, but its naturally rustic charm sets it apart. Just imagine the endless beach, charming trees lining the promenades and picturesque seating areas in the beautiful parks around the city.

You can feel the deep history and love for food from the moment you land in Barcelona, ​​and you’ll definitely notice it as you explore. Make sure to visit La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell and of course Las Ramblas for an incredible evening (or day).

I’ve been to Barcelona several times and with each visit I discover something new and exciting – whether it’s a new pop-up gallery or an amazing vegan restaurant.

5. Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you’re looking for good weather and the vibe of island hopping (Southeast Asian style), Dubrovnik this is where you need to be. This Croatian gem perfectly combines laid-back beach life with the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of the best parts of Dubrovnik? Adventure is always around the corner. Thanks to its prime location, you can easily hop on a day ferry to explore more of Croatia.

Discover breathtaking places like Hvar (one of my favorite places), He wasAnd The hypothesis – perfect for a sunset picnic or boat cruise.

Croatia is not just a feast for the eyes; it is also rich in history and culture. A walk around Dubrovnik will show you how much this country values ​​its heritage.

Unlike some European cities that have lost their charm by catering too much to tourists, Dubrovnik remains true to its roots. Visit it and you’ll discover a city unlike any other, thanks to the locals who have worked hard to keep its original charm intact.

When is the best time to visit Southern Europe?

If you want to have a real summer vacation, aim June And August – these are the hottest months for all these cities, but also the most populated months.

For a quieter, more laid-back (and cheaper) getaway, consider booking in spring (April/May) or early fall (September/October) – the weather is normally fantastic, and much better for avoiding the crowds!

Take the plunge: sunny places in southern Europe to visit

So if you’re looking for sun, beaches and a unique experience, these are the top five places I would recommend visiting in Southern Europe.

If you have the time and budget, why not create a checklist and aim to visit a city every year for the next five years? How you plan it is entirely up to you.

You won’t be disappointed with the sights, culture, cuisine and beaches that await you.

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