Dreaming of the perfect summer holiday? Browse our 10 Must-See European destinations for 2026 and get inspired for your travels. This guide highlights Europe's hidden gems like Trogir, Croatia and Funchal, Portugal where unforgettable experiences, luxury accommodations and vibrant culture perfectly blend together.
Lake Garda, Italy
Known for its crystal clear waters, sun-kissed shores and mild climate, Lake Garda is an ideal destination for luxury travel. Located in Northern Italy at the foot of the Dolomites, it's the perfect base for exploring Roman ruins, visiting unbelievably picturesque places and relaxing in charming lakefront towns.
- What is special about Lake Garda? Lake Garda is home to diverse landscapes, with Mediterranean-style shores on its Southern end and the Alps on its Northern end. It's home to wonderfully unique landmarks, such as the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, a 17th century church built directly into the cliffside.
- When to plan your travel: Visit in April and May to enjoy mild, pleasant temperatures that are perfect for enjoying the great outdoors without breaking a sweat. These months bring fewer visitors compared to the peak summer months, which is an added bonus.
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Seville, Spain
Seville is home to some of Spain's most impressive sights, including the Royal Alcázar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The city also boasts vibrant flamenco culture, an exquisite culinary scene and warm weather year-round.
- What is special about Seville? As the birthplace of flamenco, Seville is a city where passion is ingrained into the culture. Such is reflected in the fact that it's home to the highest concentration of bars per capita in Europe, making it an ideal city for travelers who want to experience Spain's authentic late-night culture centered around food and libations.
- When to plan your travel: The best times to visit are from March through May. Visitors will experience pleasant weather, fragrant orange blossoms and vibrant festivals such as Feria de Abril that transforms the city into a, colorful, festive, and musical event.
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Trogir, Croatia
Step through the ancient stone gates into Trogir, one of the most charming coastal towns along the Adriatic coast. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is often referred to as an "open-air museum" for its exceptionally preserved 2,300-year-old Romanesque-Gothic architecture.
- What is special about Trogir? Visiting Trogir actually feels like stepping back into the past. Its medieval old-town is surrounded by walls with a preserved castle, tower and a series of dwellings and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque period. It presents one of the most charming and unique experiences across Europe.
- When to plan your travel: Trogir is ideal from September through October as these months offer milder weather and fewer crowds compared to the peaks of summer. During this time, explore at a leisurely pace, charter a boat and even dip into the sea for a swim.
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Killarney, Ireland
Killarney offers an immersive Irish experience with timeless natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history. It's home to Killarney National Park, a 26,000 acre UNESCO Biosphere Reserve while the town of Killarney is known for its traditional Irish hospitality, vibrant pubs and live music.
- What is special about Killarney? Killarney offers a diverse landscape of unique places to explore. From the picturesque Lakes of Killarney to Muckross Abbey (a 15th friary within Killarney National Park) to historic sites like Ross Castle and Muckrose House, Irish history and culture are at your fingertips.
- When to plan your travel: Plan your visit from June to August, as long days and warm weather are perfect for exploring Killarney National Park before heading into town to enjoy local festivals. For a cozier trip with stunning foliage, consider visiting in early autumn from September to October.
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Hydra, Greece (Saronic Islands)
Often described as one of the most charming places on the Saronic Gulf, Hydra is characterized by 18th-century mansions, stunning coastal views and clear waters for swimming. The island offers visitors over 40 miles in trails, including a hike to the top of Mount Eros that 360-degree views of the Aegean Sea.
- What is special about Hydra? It offers a unique Greek island escape with a complete ban on all motorized vehicles (including bicylces) that offers visitors a timeless, peaceful and car-free atmosphere. The island features stone-paved streets and crystal-clear waters perfect for enjoying a slow lifestyle.
- When to plan your travel: Hydra is best enjoyed from April to June when pleasant warm weather is expected along with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. Visit in April to watch the wildflower bloom and partake in the island's lively Easter celebrations.
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Vik, Iceland
Vik offers a rare combination of dramatic black sand beaches (Reynisfjara), iconic basalt columns, and easy access to glaciers and ice caves. It's one of the best places in Iceland to witness the Aurora Borealis from October to March.
- What is special about Vik? The area is surrounded by volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and glaciers. It provides a surreal and dramatic backdrop for photography, hiking and making life-long memories.
- When to plan your travel: Every season offers something spectacular in Vik depending on what experiences you want to have. Visit from November to March for the best chance to see the Northern Lights, explore ice caves and avoid crowds. Travel to Vik from June through August to enjoy mild weather, long days and unique nature sightings such as the native puffins.
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Funchal, Portugal (Madeira Island)
Known for its stunning, mountainous backdrop and subtropical climate, Funchal is a popular year-round destination often referred to as a "city of eternal spring". The city is famous for its unique culture, Madeira wine, and the traditional Monte toboggan ride.
- What is special about Funchal? Beyond its idyllic climate and vibrant culinary scene this city is famous for its historic and thrilling wicker toboggan rides that speed down the steep streets of Monte. During this adventure passengers slide down from the hilltop in a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners.
- When to plan your travel: The subtropical climate of Funchal makes it a perfect destination for year-round travel. One of the most exciting times to visit is from April to June. During these months visitors can attend the Flower Festival, attend whale and dolphin watching excursions and enjoy the island's mild weather.
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Milan, Italy
Milan offers visitors a unique blend of stunning architecture, world-class art, high-end fashion and exceptional culinary experiences. It's a city that perfectly balances history with modernity, featuring the Gothic Milan Cathedral alongside modern skyscrapers and Parco Sempione, an innovative green space.
- What is special about Milan? Often cited as "the birthplace of modern luxury", Milan invites visitors to experience the pinnacle of high-end fashion, gaze upon Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and take a romantic stroll along the canals of the Navigli District. Milan is also uniquely positioned as a global city with transformed infrastructure after hosting the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
- When to plan your travel: The best times to visit Milan are from April to May or from September to October. Both of these times offer optimal weather for exploring and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. Spring is an especially charming time in Milan as blooming gardens bring life to the city and its surrounding areasy
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Bordeaux, France
As a long-standing bucket-list destination for any wine aficionado, Bordeaux offers incredible experiences beyond its world-class vineyards and exclusive tasting opportunities. It's home to stunning architecture, walkable streets along a beautiful riverfront and Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, Rue Saint Catherine.
- What is special about Bordeaux? It's an underrated food city offering some of the freshest French cuisine in the country. For examples, France’s most famous oysters come from the Arcachon Bay just 30 miles from the city and France’s best foie gras comes from the Aquitaine just 22 miles from the city.
- When to plan your travel: Visit Bordeaux from September through October to experience the energy of the harvest season when vineyards are lively and active. The weather during this period remains mild, offering a charming and cozy atmosphere for exploration and adventure.
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Cotswolds, England
A visit to the Cotswolds offers the quintessential English experience. It's best known for rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, charming pubs, and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxing.
- What is special about Cotswolds? The Cotswolds is one of England's most charming areas where time slows down and strolling around feels akin to walking through a storybook. It's the perfect place for indulging in life's simple pleasures while still enjoying the luxuries of modern travel.
- When to plan your travel: September through November is considered the best time to visit for colorful, scenic landscapes with mild weather and fewer tourists.
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