Best 10 European Destinations for Summer Vacations in 2024

Key Takeaways

1. Spain has been named the top destination in Europe for summer holidays.
2. The country excelled in areas like clean beaches, popularity, and friendliness.
3. Liechtenstein and Switzerland ranked lowest for summer vacations in 2024.

Out of 45 countries in Europe, Spain has been recognized as the best destination for summer tourism in 2024.

According to the Europe Summer Tourism Index by SchengenVisaInfo, Spain achieved the highest points due to its popularity and beaches, along with high scores for cuisine, friendly people, and favorable weather.

Behar Sadiku, a Global Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Expert, notes new trends among European tourists, with rising costs being a primary concern.

"In post-pandemic times, travelers are more mindful of their finances, opting for multiple, less expensive trips instead of spending more on a single destination," says Sadiku.

Sadiku also mentions that travelers are now more cautious about weather conditions, preferring destinations with milder temperatures.

In terms of cost, Spain is not the most expensive destination for a seven-day vacation but is not the cheapest either, ranking as the 20th most expensive for summer tourism in 2024.

Lowest Ranked European Countries for Summer Tourism in 2024

While Spain, Italy, Greece, Türkiye, and Portugal top the list, the countries with the lowest scores are:

- Liechtenstein – 2.47 points
- Switzerland – 2.48 points
- Luxembourg – 3.36 points
- Iceland – 3.46 points
- Andorra – 3.57 points

Most & Least Popular Destinations for Summer Tourism in Europe

Spain, France, Greece, and Italy ranked highest in popularity. The least popular countries for summer tourism in Europe are Belarus, Moldova, Kosovo, and Liechtenstein.

Switzerland Is Europe’s Most Expensive Country for Summer Tourism

According to the Index, Switzerland is the most expensive European country for a one-week summer vacation. Other costly countries include France, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Norway.

Conversely, Kosovo, Belarus, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Lithuania are Europe’s most affordable countries for summer tourism this year.

Spain & Greece Ranked Highest for Best Beaches in 2024

With over 600 blue flag beaches, Spain and Greece have the best beaches in this ranking, followed by Türkiye, Italy, and Portugal. Countries with the lowest scores for beaches include Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland, Estonia, and Sweden.

Spain Is Europe’s Friendliest Host While Russia Is the Most Unfriendly

Despite reports of Barcelona residents being unwelcoming to tourists, Spain ranks as the friendliest country for summer tourists. Following Spain are Italy, Portugal, San Marino, and Ireland. On the other hand, Russia, Belarus, North Macedonia, and Serbia are considered the most unfriendly.

Italy Has Europe’s Most Delicious Food

Italy tops the list for its culinary delights, followed by Greece and Portugal, with Andorra and France tying for fourth place. Countries scoring lowest for cuisine include Malta, Cyprus, Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

Cyprus Has the Best Summer Weather in Europe

Cyprus scores highest for average temperatures, suggesting it has the best summer weather. Malta, Spain, Albania, Italy, and Montenegro follow. Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and the United Kingdom rank lowest for weather.