Top 10 destinations recommended by travel experts for travelers wanting to go to Europe this summer.
The World Tourism Organization predicts that Europe will see a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, despite “inflation and a challenging economic environment.” Even with rising travel costs and a busy summer season, people are still flocking to the region.
Here are the top 10 summer travel destinations for 2023, for those who don't know where to go when coming to Europe. Experts also suggest that travelers should book their flights as early as possible to get the best prices.
Rome and Ponza, Italy
First-time visitors to Rome can visit popular attractions like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and art museums. After spending a night or two in Rome, take a train to nearby towns like Formia and Anzio. From there, you can catch a ferry to the island of Ponza, where towering cliffs rise from the shore and overlook crystal-clear waters.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch of seafood pasta, snorkeling, swimming and soaking up the sun are suggestions for visitors who want to experience European summer days on the island.
Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife has yellow-painted houses with red-tiled roofs. Photo: iStock
Summer is the best time to visit Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, as temperatures are milder than mainland Spain. The island is also a favourite holiday destination for Europeans.
Tenerife highlights include Teide, one of the highest peaks in Spain, and Anaga Natural Park, whose lush climate gives visitors a Costa Rica-like feel.
Participating in water sports activities on the island's beaches is also an experience that many tourists love. The north of the island is where the locals live. Tourists can visit this area to join wine tasting tours at the vineyards.
Veszprém and Budapest, Hungary
Any visitor to Hungary will want to visit Budapest, which was named one of the world's best destinations in 2023 by Time magazine. Close to Budapest is Veszprém (city of the Queens), about an hour's drive away.
Veszprém is known as one of the most creative and developed areas in the country. The city regularly hosts art, culture, and culinary events (with a focus on sustainability) to attract visitors.
Veszprém from above. Photo: Unsplash
The Bakony Hills near Veszprém and Lake Balaton are ideal places for visitors to relax for a quiet summer holiday, passionate about sports when hiking through oak forests and deep ravines and gorges. Visitors can also visit the small villages around Lake Balaton to learn about local culture and cuisine.
Istrian Peninsula, Croatia
When it comes to Croatia, most visitors think of Dubrovnik, a city on the Adriatic coast of the Dalmati region. However, those who dislike crowds should skip this city in the summer months. Instead, consider the Istrian peninsula.
The peninsula is easily accessible by car and feels "surprisingly Italian" with Tuscan-style hillsides, farms and vineyards and colourful coastal villages.
The first leg of the trip takes visitors to Motovun, a hilltop village, then to Porec, a coastal village “as beautiful as a Byzantine mosaic.” Then, visitors continue south to Rovinj, another pretty fishing village by boat.
Azores, Portugal
Hotspots like Lisbon and Porto are all too familiar. If you want to visit Portugal without the tourist crowds and in a sustainable way, consider the unspoiled Arozes archipelago.
The Azores islands are scattered across the Atlantic Ocean, and the best time to visit is between June and September. “There is something for everyone in the Azores,” many visitors say. Active travelers can enjoy hiking, diving, and surfing. Visitors can also enjoy the wine, cuisine, and architecture of the islands.
Kotor, Montenegro
For budget travelers looking to travel Europe, consider a trip to Kotor. This affordable town sits along the Adriatic coast. Its medieval old town, with its cobblestone streets, red-roofed houses, and views of the Bay of Kotor, is a favorite among travelers.
Montenegro’s tourism industry is booming, according to American Express (Amex), a multinational financial services company. The country is also one of the top 10 most popular destinations this year, based on Amex’s booking data.
Kotor from above. Photo: Unsplash
Warsaw, Poland
Ranked among the top European destinations for 2023, Warsaw is rated "the ideal destination for travelers looking for something impressive for their summer vacation".
The city is cold and snowy during the winter months. Summer is the best time to see the capital. The Old Town is the best place to start your sightseeing. You can wander through the ancient squares, take the Royal Route to see the Royal Palace, St. Anne's Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Other activities include visiting the Royal Park Lezienki, walking along the banks of the Vistula River - a favorite destination for locals and tourists.
Athens, Greece
Many people who come to Greece often go straight to the famous islands, skipping the capital Athens. But skipping this destination with its rich culture, history and cuisine would be a pity.
Just south of the city centre is the Athenian Riviera, a stretch of rocky and sandy coastline perfect for a city-beach holiday. The area has plenty of affordable hotels.
Malta
Malta is hot in the summer but there are plenty of beaches to cool off on. Home to over 300 monuments, walking around Malta will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time or into a historical film. The rest of the island is made up of resorts, coves and parks. The capital, Valletta, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
Partygoers can head to the town of St. Julian's for a nightlife experience. LGBTQ+ guests will also feel comfortable in Malta, as the country is one of the most gay-friendly in the world.
Istanbul, Türkiye
After arriving in Istanbul, you can go home and brag to everyone that you visited both Asia and Europe this summer because the city straddles two continents, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. Although Türkiye suffered heavy damage from the earthquake earlier this year, Istanbul is ready to welcome visitors again.
The city has many attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the local market Grand Bazaar or the Bosphorus Strait, where you can see two continents at the same time.
Anh Minh (According to Upgraded points )
Source link
Comment (0)