The Hottest European Destinations for Summer 2019

Spring has made way for a sunny summer and all you travelophiles must be looking for excuses to add that one extra day to your leave requests for a fun-filled vacation. If you are on a lookout for the perfect summer holiday destination, let MakeMyTrip recommend some trending European spots for you to refresh and shine.

1. Rhodes, Greece

With a nick name that reflects the rich history of the island, ‘The Land of Knights’ is the largest among the Dodecanese islands. What makes this Island a summer must-visit is its versatility – the generous mix of culture, nightlife, beaches, adventure sports, historic attractions (after all it is Greece!), food and laid-back lifestyle. You can plan a five-day long trip and would still miss out on a few juicy attractions here. Rhodes also offers great ease when it comes to your travel budget. You can plan a luxury holiday or a more affordable one without missing out on the thrill of being in this picturesque island.

Nearest Airport: Rhodes International Airport, Diagoras – 14 km from Rhodes Town

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Must-Visit Places:

• Beaches: Tsmbika, Genadi, Prassonissi, Afandou
• The Kallithea Springs
• The Valley of the Butterflies in Petaloudes
• Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Adventure Activities: sea excursions, trekking, mountain biking, hiking, wind surfing

Book Your Flight to Rhodos

Read More: 7 Must-Not-Miss Experiences in Europe

2. Rome, Italy

What isn’t there to experience in the capital! From monuments to gardens to nightlife – Rome offers it all with dollops of Italian passion! Don’t agree? Then you should definitely pay a visit. Much like any old-world capital, the city is strewn with history (starting with the world renowned colosseum); what sets it apart is the cultural overtone and the unabashed openness to explorers. Furthermore, the city is an open-air art gallery – always abuzz with exhibitions, music concerts, dance recitals, couples strolling through the windy streets and the starry eyed tourists at the piazzas. The public transport here is well-connected, offering easy access to most of the city’s attractions including the beaches. If you wish to keep your travel cost low, try the in-abundance line-up of homestays and hostels.

Nearest Airport: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport – 32 km from centre of Rome, through the Rome-Fiumicino motorway

Best time to visit: April to June and late September to October (mild temperature and less crowd)

Must-Visit Places:

• Beaches: Santa Marinella, Santa Severa, Ostia, Fregene
• Roman Forum
• Colosseum
• St. Peter’s Basilica

Adventure Activities: Paragliding, Rafting, Horseback riding, Skydiving

Book Your Flight to Rome

3. Porto, Portugal

The second largest global city of Portugal is located along the Douro River estuary and from every imaginable camera angle, is breathtakingly beautiful! The charm of the city’s location is magnified by its cobbled streets, colourful walls, world heritage city centre, sleek Metro network and Heritage Tramway snaking through its length & breadth. Another major attraction of Porto is the annual ‘Festa de São João’ (St. John’s Day) on the night of 23^rd – 24^th June, when the city comes alive with lights, colours, music and dance, upping its cultural quotient.

Nearest Airport: Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport - 16 km from centre of Porto

Best time to visit: May to October

Must-Visit Places:

• Beaches: Praia do Carneiro, Praia de Matosinhos, Praia de Mindelo, Praia do Senhor da Pedra
• Cais da Ribeira
• Clérigos Tower
• Dom Luis, I Bridge

Adventure Activities: Trekking, Hiking, Canyoning, Skydiving, Surfing

Book Your Flight to Porto

4. Malaga, Spain

The heart of Costa Del Sol (Coast of the Sun) – Malaga has the hottest summers and warmest winters in Europe and the rains never miss the opportunity to make its presence felt. All in all, the city is sunny & inviting throughout the year except during the month of July, when the summer peaks. The home town of legendary painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso, poet and philosopher Solomon Ibn Gabirol and actor Antonio Banderas – the city has built heavily on its art heritage and was nominated for the 2016 European Capital of Culture.

Nearest Airport: Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport - 8 km from central Malaga

Best time to visit: March, April and May

Must-Visit Places:

• Beaches: Calahonda- Mijas, Malagueta, La Caleta, Burriana- Nerja, Puerto Banús- Marbella
• Feria de Agosto will begin on 15 August and ends on 24 August 2019
• Alcazaba
• the Picasso Museum

Adventure Activities: Paragliding, Kitesurfing, Rafting, quad-driving, dolphin watching, hike by bike, Segway tour of the city

Book Your Flight to Malaga

Read More: The 10 Most Iconic Landmarks in Europe

5. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a delicate mix of the classical and the experimental; offering history, visual & performing arts, adventure sports, culinary extravaganza and nightlife to the curious travellers. Along with the mainstream and unblemished, Berlin amazes you with its deserted spy stations, skeletal buildings and WWII bunkers converted into underground clubs; these quirks are scattered throughout. Here, you can enjoy Europe’s most time efficient & cost effective transport systems like, S-Bahn, U-Bahn and trams (don’t forget to get your Berlin Welcome card!). If there is any place where you can experience diversity in Europe, it is Berlin.

Nearest Airport: Tegel Airport is 9km from central Berlin; Schonefeld Airport 23.4 km from central Berlin

Best time to visit: May through September

Must-Visit Places:

• Beaches: Berlin doesn’t have an ocean beach but man-made urban beaches along the banks of the river spree.
• The Brandenburg Gate
• The Reichstag
• The Berlin Wall Memorial & Checkpoint Charlie

Adventure Activities: Base Flying, Hot Rod City-Tour, Quad-driving, Beer Bike Berlin, Cycling Tour, Skating to Tempelhofer.

Book Your Flight to Berlin

Don’t forget to have a good time!!

Book Your Europe Holiday Now!