39 EPIC Things to Do in Europe THIS Summer
If you’re heading off to Europe this summer, don’t forget that sunblock, passport, and this list of the best things to do!
Table of Contents
- 1. Sun Your Buns Under the Algarve Sun
- 2. Feel the Wind in Your Hair in Greece
- 3. Have the Adventure of a Lifetime on a Road Trip Around Iceland
- 4. Hit the Road in Croatia
- 5. Fall in Love With Spain One Tapa at a Time
- 6. Locate One of Europe’s Best Hidden Gems in Montenegro
- 7. Explore Buda and Pest in Budapest, Hungary
- 8. Experience a Real Life Fairytale in Prague
- 9. Gawk at the Duomo in Florence
- 10. Experience the City of Canals, Cyclists, and, um, Coffee?
- 11. Amble Through Germany’s Scenic Countrysides
- 12- 39. Check Out More of Europe!
1. Sun Your Buns Under the Algarve Sun
The Algarve is a region in southern Portugal that’s famous for its miles and miles of gorgeous coastline. The beaches are backed by crumbling cliffs and surrounded by incredibly blue waters with random rock formations jutting out.
Coming from the mouth of a pro beach bummer, these are some of the best beaches I’ve seen!
Check out the best beaches in Albufeira, beaches around Lagos and my favorite Algarve Beaches all around.
2. Feel the Wind in Your Hair in Greece
Sailing around the Greek Islands is a fantasy for many, and there’s no doubt that it’s one of the best things to do in Europe. At this point, it’s basically a rite of passage when visiting this Mediterranean icon.
You can charter your own sailboat with friends you meet at your hostel or keep things simple and go on an island hopping tour.
3. Have the Adventure of a Lifetime on a Road Trip Around Iceland
No exaggeration, it’s one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places you will ever see in your life. Every corner is more beautiful than the next. And the best way—and CHEAPEST—is to rent a cheap van in Iceland!
4. Hit the Road in Croatia
For a total change of scenery, take a Croatian road trip. Anywhere.
Don’t forget to stop in Split and Omis for insane adventures like rock climbing and ziplining over canyons or head to Dubrovnik for a dash of history.
5. Fall in Love With Spain One Tapa at a Time
Spanish tapas are perhaps the best way to sample as many things as humanly possible in a short time frame. There’s something for every diet too, with veggies, seafood, and meat options galore.
Tapas is essentially my favorite way to eat!
Head to Barcelona, the northern coast, or see this itinerary for more options.
6. Locate One of Europe’s Best Hidden Gems in Montenegro
Never heard of Tara Canyon? I’m not surprised! This is a true hidden gem in Montenegro, which is crazy when you consider the scenery.
The canyon is surrounded by verdant mountains, the water is so clean that you can drink directly from the river, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
White water rafting is one of the best ways to enjoy this incredible canyon, and the rapids are great for beginners and experts alike! Book a rafting trip here.
7. Explore Buda and Pest in Budapest, Hungary
Budapest was once two separate cities, Buda and Pest (hence the name), but today they stand united as Hungary’s capital city. The lovely Danube River still separates the two, and each has its own reputation!
Some recommend staying in Buda, while others swear by Pest, but for me, nothing beats the cool Castle District scene on the Buda side of the city!
8. Experience a Real Life Fairytale in Prague
Visit the fairytale-esque and bustling city of Prague in Czechia (Czech Republic) and discover the “Heart of Europe.” This medieval spot is still one of my favorites in Europe.
Prague also makes a great hub for diving into other parts of the Czech Republic or Eastern Europe in general.
9. Gawk at the Duomo in Florence
The Duomo di Firenze is magical, but so is the rest of Florence! There are medieval bridges, breathtaking hillside lookout points, and plenty of gelato to go around.
Don’t forget to get tickets in advance to some of the museums to skip the line.
Check out this Italy itinerary for more.
10. Experience the City of Canals, Cyclists, and, um, Coffee?
Amsterdam is a city of canals, cyclists, and the infamous coffee shops. You could definitely get into a lot of trouble in Amsterdam thanks to that live-and-let-live mentality – but try not to get too rowdy!
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Take a boat tour of the canals, visit some of the most famous museums in the world, and of course, try as much cheese as you can!
11. Amble Through Germany’s Scenic Countrysides
Most people don’t know how diverse Germany is, but the different regions are a patchwork of unique landscapes, cultures, and cuisine.
There are plenty of options for scenic German road trips that show off various parts of this diverse country, from the Romantic Road through Bavaria to the Fairy Tale Route through the center of the country and everywhere in between.
12- 39. Check Out More of Europe!
There’s so much more!
