Top 10 Summer Vacation Destinations in Europe (2026)

Are you looking for inspiration for your summer vacation in Europe in 2026? Europe offers a huge variety of sun, beaches, culture, and nature. Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, there's always a destination that's perfect for you. In this blog, you'll discover the top 10 summer vacation destinations in Europe, selected based on popularity, sunshine guarantee, and what Dutch people search for the most. Here's how you can easily choose the best summer vacation and book it directly through Leisure Time.

Spain remains one of the most beloved summer vacation destinations in Europe, and for good reason. The Costa del Sol offers wonderful weather with plenty of sunshine, bustling resorts, and miles of sandy beaches, while the Costa Brava is known for its charming villages, rocky coastlines, and idyllic coves. Spain is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. Here you can enjoy water sports, discover historical cities like Malaga or Girona, and sample the local cuisine, including tapas and fresh seafood.

There's plenty of choice for accommodations: from villas and holiday homes by the sea to apartments right in picturesque villages. The best time to travel to Spain is between June and September, but those who book early will have the most choice and attractive holiday homes.

👉 View all summer holidays and holiday homes in Spain with Leisure Time.

Greece combines sun, culture, and nature in a way that is hard to match. Crete, the largest Greek island, boasts impressive mountains, extensive beaches, and picturesque villages. Rhodes, known for its medieval city and beautiful coastline, is beloved by both sunbathers and culture enthusiasts. Here you can visit historical ruins, hike through valleys, or snorkel in crystal-clear water.

Accommodations range from luxurious villas with a pool to family-friendly holiday homes directly on the beach. The best time to visit Greece is from May to September. Booking early is recommended to reserve the most beautiful holiday homes by the sea.

👉 Discover the range of holidays and holiday homes in Greece with Leisure Time.

Italy offers a combination of culture, nature, and gastronomy that makes every summer vacation unforgettable. Tuscany attracts visitors with its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic towns like Florence and Siena. Sardinia is a paradise for beach lovers, with pristine white sands, turquoise seas, and idyllic villages.

During a vacation in Italy, you can enjoy culinary tours, boat excursions along the coast, cycling and hiking through nature, or discovering the local culture. Whether you choose a vacation home in Tuscany, a resort in Sardinia, or a cozy apartment, there's something for everyone. The best time to travel is from June to September, and those who book early have a choice of the most beautiful accommodations.

👉 View summer holidays and holiday homes in Italy with Leisure Time.

Southern France remains a popular destination for a summer vacation in Europe, with a mix of sun, luxury, and nature. The French Riviera offers glamorous resorts like Nice and Cannes, but also quiet villages and hidden beaches for those who enjoy relaxation. In the hinterland, you'll find vast vineyards, Provençal markets, and charming towns.

French accommodations range from luxury villas and holiday homes to family-friendly resorts and holiday parks. The best time to visit the South of France is from June to September. Booking early ensures you can reserve the most beautiful locations and holiday homes, ideal for an unforgettable summer vacation.

👉 View holiday homes and summer vacations in France with Leisure Time.

The Algarve in Portugal is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. With its impressive cliffs, wide beaches, and picturesque coastal towns, the region has something to offer every type of traveler. Active vacationers can surf, sail, or golf there, while nature lovers can hike along the cliffs and in nature reserves.

There are plenty of accommodations available, from holiday homes right on the beach to cozy apartments and villas with a swimming pool. The best time to visit the Algarve is from May to September. Those who book early benefit from the most beautiful holiday homes on the coast.

👉 Discover summer vacations and holiday homes in Portugal with Leisure Time.

Turkey is an excellent choice for those looking for group accommodation in Turkey. The Turkish Riviera, with popular resorts like Antalya and Side, offers luxury holiday homes with amenities including private pools and a rich culture. You can visit historical ruins, explore local markets, or enjoy water sports and sun on the beaches.

Accommodations range from holiday homes and villas directly by the sea with a swimming pool. The best time to travel is from May to September, and booking early ensures the best prices and selection.

👉 View all holiday homes in Turkey with Leisure Time.

Croatia is ideal for those who want to combine nature and the beach. The Dalmatian coast offers crystal-clear blue water, historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split, and idyllic islands for a relaxing vacation. Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can go island hopping, snorkeling, or hiking in nature parks there.

Accommodations are plentiful: from vacation homes by the sea to apartments and family-friendly villas. The best time to visit Croatia is from June to September. Booking early gives you access to the most beautiful locations and holiday homes by the sea.

👉 View holiday homes and summer vacations in Croatia with Leisure Time.

Austria is perfect for an active summer vacation in Europe. The Alps and lakes offer countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Families enjoy mountain villages and recreational areas, while those seeking tranquility can relax by the lakes or in nature.

Accommodations include Alpine holiday homes, chalets, and family-friendly apartments. The best time to visit Austria is from June to September, and booking early ensures you get the most beautiful chalets.

👉 Discover holiday homes and summer vacations in Austria with Leisure Time.

Poland is a surprisingly versatile destination for a summer holiday in Europe. Along the Baltic Coast, you'll find vast sandy beaches, charming seaside towns like Sopot and Gdańsk, and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for families and couples. The area is known for its wide beaches, cozy promenades, and cultural events in the summer.

Those who love nature can go to Masuria, the "land of a thousand lakes." Here you can sail, kayak, or cycle along idyllic lakes and forests. Poland also offers a rich history and culture: from medieval towns like Toruń to impressive castles and museums.

There is a wide range of accommodations available, from waterfront vacation homes to cozy apartments and family-friendly nature houses. You can choose a peaceful stay in nature or close to the coast, so you can combine beach and culture.

👉 View summer holidays and holiday homes in Poland with Leisure Time.

It's also wonderful to spend your vacation close to home. The Netherlands offers beaches, dunes, forests, and charming villages for a relaxing summer vacation. The Wadden Islands, such as the holiday parks on Texel and Ameland, have a unique charm and give you the feeling of being completely away for a while.

On Texel, you can take long beach walks, rent bikes, and explore the island. Ameland is car-free, very bike-friendly, and ideal for nature lovers. Additionally, the coastal towns, Veluwe, and holiday parks are perfect for families.

Accommodations range from holiday cottages and bungalows to holiday parks and apartments. The best time to travel is from June to August, and those who book early have the most choice and the best prices.

👉 View holiday homes and holiday parks in the Netherlands at Leisure Time.

Book your summer vacation in Europe for 2026 with Leisure Time.

Whichever summer holiday destination in Europe you choose, at Leisure Time you'll find an extensive range of:

• Sun holidays

• Family holidays

• Luxurious yet affordable accommodations

👉 Check the current offers on Leisure Time and book your summer vacation in Europe for 2026 today.

✈️ Why you benefit from booking a summer vacation in 2026 now.

Are you still unsure whether you should book your summer vacation in Europe for 2026 already? Right now, booking early offers great advantages. Think of lower prices, more choice in accommodations, and attractive early booking discounts.

👉 Read in our blog: " Why Now is the Time to Book Your Summer Vacation - Price Advantages & Early Booking Discounts". Discover why more and more travellers are booking their summer vacations well in advance.

You can also find more inspiration, tips, and travel stories on our Stories page, such as

• "When is the cheapest time to book for your summer vacation?"

• Popular destinations that book up quickly

• Smart saving tips for families and couples

👉 Check out all the travel stories and tips on the Leisure Time Stories page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Summer Holidays in Europe

1. What are the best summer vacation destinations in Europe?

Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Croatia are favorites due to their guaranteed sunshine, offerings, and activities.

2. Which destinations have the most sun in the summer?

Cyprus, Southern Spain, the Greek Islands, and Southern Italy are guaranteed to offer plenty of sunshine hours.

3. What are the best destinations for families?

Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, and certain regions in Croatia are ideal due to their child-friendly beaches, accommodations, and activities.

4. Where can you find the best all-inclusive vacations?

Spain (Costa del Sol), Greece (Crete, Rhodes), and Portugal (Algarve) have a wide range of all-inclusive resorts and family-friendly holiday homes.

5. Are there affordable options in Europe?

Yes, for example, the northern Spanish coast, the Greek islands, and some regions in Poland and Bulgaria. Booking early often results in an extra discount. There are also many affordable accommodations in Northern Europe, such as in Denmark. Summer in the northern region is also manageable, but for more information, please check our landing page for each country for the best travel periods.

6. What if I want cooler summers?

Mountain regions in Austria, Northern Europe, and lake districts offer cool summers and plenty of outdoor activities. Keep in mind that it can be warmer once you come down from the mountains. So definitely head into the mountains if you want a slightly cooler/fresher summer.