Friday Five: European summer getaways
Five classic spots and five unexpected for your trip planning.
Q: I’m planning a trip to Europe this summer, but am having trouble narrowing down my destinations. What are some favorites you recommend? Thanks!
A: Ooooh, ahhhh. Summer in Europe is classic for a reason. I’m going to share five spots that I personally love most, along with five that are on my list to visit.
Depending upon where you decide to go, you’ll want to be aware of your tolerance for crowds and potentially hot weather. Note that August brings closures for many sights and smaller restaurants, as Europeans tend to go on vacation themselves that month.
No matter the destination, I highly recommend not trying to see too much in any given couple of weeks. My rule-of-thumb these days (particularly with kids in tow) is to switch locations 1-2 times max. Depth > breadth, especially in slow summer days.
France
Provence or the Dordogne
Where: Provence is a much-loved classic summer spot, from bigger towns Aix-en-Provence and Avignon to smaller villages like Gordes and seaside spots like Cassis. For natural beauty, look into the Calanques near Marseille and the Gorges du Verdon. I like to base myself in one and take day trips to explore the region.
The Dordogne, or Périgord as its known locally, is a wonderful and superbly underrated region of France that’s beautiful in the summer months as well. The area includes many of the most scenic villages in all of France, designated as "Plus Beaux Villages de France.”
Why: If summer markets and night markets (literally ripe with local produce and cuisine,) chateaux-dotted hills, wineries, rivers and valleys, French gardens, meals on sun-drenched terraces, and a slow pace of life call to you…
How: If flying into Paris, it’s easy to grab a train direct down to Avignon or Bordeaux, which serves as the major entry point to the Dordogne. I highly recommend having a car in both locations, although it’s most necessary in the Dordogne.
Spain
Costa Brava or San Sebastián
Where: The seaside villages of the Costa Brava, including but not limited Llafranc, Begur, Tossa de Mar, Cadaques, and more. Plus, the medieval villages like Pals and wine in the DO Empordà region of Catalunya. The nearest city, Girona, is also worth visiting.
Or, explore the seaside Basque city of San Sebastián and its surroundings for some of the best cuisine on the planet. You can also hop up to French Basque Country and see Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Biarritz. The nearest city and Basque capital, Bilbao, is also worth visiting.
Why: If rocky cliffs, turquoise waters, pintxo-bar hopping, innovative Catalan cuisine, fresh seafood, seaside towns, coastal hikes, oceanfront promenades, laidback days, distinct art and culture offerings, and one of Europe’s best beaches calls to you…
Both of these areas offer a glimpse into the beauty and history of highly individualized cultures that exist within Spanish borders.
How: Fly into Barcelona and take a quick train or car trip up to the Costa Brava. For San Sebastián, fly into Bilbao or the smaller Biarritz or S. Seb airports.
Italy
Sicily or the lesser-known lakes of Lombardy
Where: Sicily’s Baroque hill towns, like Modica, Noto, and Ragusa, are my favorite, but the island also offers seaside stays from Cefalu to Favignana.
When it comes to the lakes of Northern Italy, look beyond Como if you want to avoid high prices and crowds. Lake Garda is another favorite, and my most recent stay was Lake Iseo (highly recommended!)
Why: The food, history, and blend of cultures in Sicily is invigorating, while the lakes have mountains, views, and scenic estates. If you’re after adventure, I’d lean toward Sicily.
How: For Sicily, fly into Palermo for the western side of the island, or Catania for the Val di Noto.
Greece
Milos, Folegandros, or Crete
Where: There are many Greek islands to choose from, so the three I’m highlighting here are just the tip of the ‘berg.
Why: Milos is known for its unique landscapes as well as scenic waters and fishing villages. Folegandros has many of the charms of nearby Greek islands but feels a bit undiscovered still. Crete is the largest island, and one with the most variety for activities as well as its own fantastic cuisine. All of them are relaxed, scenic, and friendly with some of the best history, culture, and food in the world. Crete is the most family-friendly island I’ve been to.
How: Fly into Athens or Santorini, likely from another connection in Europe, and take ferries to get from island to island. You can also fly into Crete, and it’s large and interesting enough to warrant its own trip without visiting other islands.
Croatia
Vis, Korčula, or Plitvice Lakes
Where: All of Croatia is a dream, even heavily touristed Dubrovnik (though I recommend visiting in the shoulder season and skipping in peak summer months.) The three spots I’d focus my time in are Vis, Korčula, and Plitvice Lakes, although I also love Zagreb if you fancy time in a very underrated city.
Why: Vis has the scenic island beauty that puts Croatia at the top of any traveler’s list, but remains a bit more low key than say, Hvar. Vis is also where they filmed the second Mamma Mia! film, so you know it’s gorgeous. Korčula is a nice alternative to Dubrovnik with its architecture and charm, plus sandy beaches. And it’s hard to miss Plitvice Lakes national park and its incredible walkways and waterfalls.
How: Fly into Split or Dubrovnik if the islands are your priority. Vis has fewer ferries, which makes it quieter but a bit tougher to get to. Korčula can be combined with a trip to Hvar and visited by ferry. Fly into Zadar airport if possible, to start at Plitvice.
And now, the less-visited countries that are high on my summer trip list.
Albania
and Montenegro
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