Europe has a brilliant mix of vibrant destinations, with mesmerizing views, rich culture and world-class coastlines that make it a great choice for summer vacations. There are so many wonderful destinations to choose from in Europe to suit your interests, from the adventurous types to sun seekers; those wanting the soak up the culture and history, and people looking for energetic nightlife. These are six of the best places for a summer break if you’re planning a getaway to Europe.

Santorini

Santorini is one of the most breath-taking locations in the world. Once a volcanic island, it’s now covered in steep lava-formed cliffs, whitewashed towns and framed by deep blue waters. If you want somewhere that’s not only stunning but also calm and laid-back, Santorini is the perfect spot where you can enjoy coffee or a leisurely dinner in a cliff-side café or soak up the rays on the black sand beaches.

Alicante

Sophisticated and cultural, Alicante is the ideal Mediterranean destination with a great climate, fresh and flavorsome cuisine, and fantastic nightlife. There’s natural beauty alongside the glitz too, with some well-known hiking routes outside of the city such as the Serra Gelada Nature Park, and some of the best beaches you’ll find in Europe. Consider looking into Car Hire from Avis when you arrive at the airport to make exploring the miles of coastline much easier.

Ibiza

Ibiza is well known for being a great clubbing destination, but there’s more to this island than just buzzing nightlife. Ibiza has a truly beautiful coastline, dotted with coves and warm waters that are perfect for watersports and swimming. Check out Cala D’Hort, a must-visit beach which overlooks the volcano-shaped Es Vedra rock.

Cyprus

From Roman ruins and Byzantine churches to gorgeous beaches and lively nightlife, Cyprus has something for everyone. The laid-back harbor town of Paphos on the west coast has charming seafront cafés and historic sights, while the friendly resorts of Larnaca and Protaras have great beaches. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple or with friends, Cyprus serves as a wonderful summer vacation spot.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful destination that has over 2,700 hours of sunshine each year, so it’s perfect for a summer beach vacation. This trendy spot offers Instagram-worthy views at every turn, from the turquoise waters to the sprouting grapevines and sprawling lavender fields. Hvar Town is packed with stylish hotels, chic restaurants and glitzy beach bars, while the interior houses beautiful hamlets and vineyards.

Corsica

An endlessly popular destination, Corsica has a mix of cultural influences that makes for a unique quality, from the food to the architecture. Fusing old and new, luxury and rugged, there’s an activity or landscape for every interest here. Adventure seekers will love the slopes and shores here that provide an unforgettable challenge for hikers, bikers and skiers. If you want something more relaxed, Corsica has hundreds of beaches with magnificent views. And at night, the area is dotted with luxury bars and upscale restaurants.

Jessica Williamson

Jessica is a Boulder, Colorado native with dual New Zealand and Australian citizenship.
Jessica earned her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Redlands in Southern California, but couldn’t stay away from the stunning Rocky Mountains and Boulder Lifestyle for long. When she’s not working, you’ll find her hiking one of the many Boulder trails with her rescue Chihuahua, Mila, whipping up craft cocktails for her passion project @CocktailsofColorado, trying out a new local restaurant with friends, or traveling the globe. Jessica just returned from a worldwide trip to London, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Italy, Sicily, Australia and New Zealand, and has plans to make the most of her dual New Zealand and Australian citizenship by moving down under and fulfilling her dreams of living on the beach. Jessica has a strong visual arts and design background, and is an experienced Marketing Strategist with thorough experience in Data Analytics, Innovation, Digital Sales, Experiential Marketing and Business Development. Also skilled in Negotiation, Market Research, Management, Leadership, and Team Building. Jessica believes in connecting the vision across multiple channels, looking towards the future, and giving back whenever possible.