A Beginner’s Guide to Euro Summer!
Sadelle's Paris, France
Get in friends, we’re going to Europe! Galavanting in the French riviera, exploring the southern coast of Italy, partying in Spain, just to name a few, are the pinnacle of an amazing Euro summer. In a post pandemic world, travel has exploded, all over the world, but particularly in Europe. As a U.S. based traveler, I see the charming cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, pristine waters, fresh seafood and Hugo spritzes and I want it all, expeditiously. In 2023, I enjoyed my first multi-country Euro summer and it did not disappoint! I traveled with my best friend from New York to Paris, France for a weekend, flew to Naples, Italy and headed straight to Positano for 5 days, and finished off the trip on the island of Mallorca, Spain for 5 days. Our trip was the perfect blend of sun, fun, activities, relaxation, luxury, and good ol’ girl time! Sounds good right? This could all be yours, if you plan ahead and plan correctly, and I’m here to help with that. Let’s get started shall we!
Capri, Italy
Destinations
Euro summer can and will be whatever and wherever you want it to be. There are no rules on which country or countries to explore, It all depends on what you want to do, see and experience. I have done two types of Euro summer trips: single country travel in Greece and Croatia, exploring different cities, and multi-country travel in France, Italy and Spain. Most notably seen on social media are the countries and coastlines of Eastern and Southern Europe, along the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, the Aegean and the Balearic seas.
Popular Euro Summer Destinations:
France: Paris, Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez
Italy: Rome, Amalfi Coast (Positano), Sorrento, Capri, Florence, Lake Como
Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, Mallorca
Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Azore Islands
Greece: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete
Monaco
Malta
Croatia: Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Vis, Bol
Albania
Montenegro
France, Italy, Spain and Greece are the all stars when it comes to Euro summer travel but it doesn’t mean the other countries are lesser choices. These countries neighbor each other, so besides a few differences in terrain and language, will offer similar experiences.
Tip: Map out cities and countries in a sequence that makes sense transportation wise, whether you plan to fly, drive, or travel by train. Start by flying into the nearest city/country to you and then travel locally/domestically in Europe, before making your way back towards your point of origin. It's usually more cost efficient this way. For example: flying from NYC to Paris was cheaper than flying to Naples.
Tip: I love using Google maps to map out my travel routes. You can easily save places and download offline maps.
Euro Summer Multi-Country Itinerary Suggestions:
France, Italy, Spain
Italy, Malta, Spain
Portugal, Spain, Spanish islands
Greece, Croatia, Montenegro
Italy, Albania, Croatia
Spain, France, Monaco
Greece Islands
Croatia Islands
Tip: Mix larger, more well known cities and countries with smaller cities, countries and islands to get the best of what Europe has to offer, while being cost efficient.
Itinerary
Do you want to turn up? Do you want to relax? Do you want endless days on a boat? Do you want to go luxury shopping? Do you want to attend a festival, such as Cannes Lions? Do you want to start off the trip doing the most and then chill at the end? The list is endless on things to do during Euro summer!
Luxury shopping: France
Boutique thrifting: Spain, France
Yachting: Croatia
Island hopping: Greece, Croatia
Partying: Spain
Beach clubs: Italy, Greece
Outdoor activities: Italy
Beach: All
Up and coming: Albania, Malta
Cooking class: Italy, Spain
Wine tasting: Portugal, France
Scenic drives: Italy
Blogs I have used to help plan my own Euro Summer:
Flights
Book your flights EARLY! I recommend booking latest, 5 months in advance to snag the best prices, because the flights will creep up and then, closer to, you can book travel within Europe. . Next, booking one way flights over round trips is going to be your best option.
Tip: You can book train and ferry travel while in Europe, however they can sell out, so keep that in mind before booking accommodations.
Tip: Traveling in shoulder season, May/September a.k.a. outside of the main summer months of June/July/August will be more cost efficient and likely less hectic.
Accommodations
This is really up to you and your travel style. I have done everything from staying in a hostel, to staying on a yacht, to apartments and hotels, and each served its purpose for me and my friends’ travel needs. These days, I like the security and the amenities of hotels when I am solo traveling, but prefer Airbnb/rentals for the space, when I’m traveling with a group.
Tip: Book EARLY! If you can, book a refundable option first before figuring out your itinerary because accommodations go quick in sought after areas!
Everything Else
The suggestions on where to eat, for popular and historic sites to see, which parties and festivals to attend are endless during Euro summer. One blog post will only scratch the surface of the many possibilities but it’s a start to kick off your search. My favorite mediums and platforms to source ideas from, and find sample itineraries are from blogs, TikTok, Youtube, and Pinterest. You’re here so you’ve started in a great spot. You really can’t go wrong any search platform, so mix and match them to get the best results for your search. Also, don’t forget to leave some room for spontaneity. Some of the best experiences and restaurants that I have come across while traveling, in general, have come from a local suggestion or stumbling on random restaurants.
Hope this helps you start planning for an epic Euro summer! Let me know in the comments where you plan on going and why. Happy planning!
