25 Best Places to Visit in Europe in July If You Hate the Crowds
Are you looking for the best places to visit in Europe in July but can’t stand how overcrowded the summer months are? Don’t worry, I hear you!
If you’ve read this blog before, then you’ll probably know how I feel about summer. I’m really not a fan. Don’t get me wrong, I love the warm weather. However, I don’t hate the crowds, the business, or paying twice as much for a hotel room as I would’ve in October!
Traditional European summer isn’t my thing. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t places to travel during the peak season that are beautiful, and warm, and won’t leave you feeling like you’re surrounded by thousands of other people.
If you’ve ever visited the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or tried to see the Mona Lisa in Paris, you’ll know what I mean!
Summer doesn’t have to be completely bonkers in Europe and there are some lovely hidden gems you can visit. Of course, I’m not promising a completely crowd-free trip. However, compared to visiting Tenerife, Mykonos, or the Amalfi Coast, these places will make your trip much more enjoyable, trust me!
So, if you’re wondering what the top places to visit in July in Europe are, these are my 25 top recommendations for a crowd-free (ish) summer.
My Favourite Places in Europe in July
✅ Budva: perfect for a sunny beach break – Book a trip here!
✅ Iceland: for incredible landscapes and hiking – Book a trip here!
✅ Devon: for beautiful coastal scenery – Book a trip here!
1. Kos, Greek Islands
Despite their popularity, the Greek Islands had to be on this list. There are so many wonderful islands in Greece, but they’re also super popular. Kos is a little more of a hidden gem.
The small island is located near Turkey and Rhodes. You’ll get glorious temperatures in Kos in July and it certainly won’t be as crowded as the likes of Santorini and Mykonos.
Plus, considering it is a much less popular island, there are loads of great things to do in Kos. The beaches are beautiful, there’s the cutest little old town, but there are also plenty of historical sites.
You can explore the Asklepion, where Hippocrates once taught medicine, the beautiful Casa Romana, and the Tree of Hippocrates. Not to mention, the archaeological museum is pretty interesting too.
If you want the ideal combination of Greek history, cobbled streets, and a beach break, definitely consider Kos for your summer break.
2. Iceland
Iceland has a completely different vibe to the Greek Islands. But it’s still one of the best places to visit in Europe in July.
I will be honest with you – July is one of the busiest times of year in Iceland. Located near the Arctic Circle, the weather is unpredictable all year round, but it’s considerably less variable in July. Hence the influx of tourism. It’s also a pretty expensive time to visit the island too…
BUT!
It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times to visit Iceland.
The land of fire and ice is at its greenest in July. It’s the ideal time to embark on many wonderful hiking trips, explore gorgeous waterfalls, go glacier hiking (yes, you can still hike the glaciers in summer!), and wander around sprawling lava fields.
Plus, since most of the snow has melted by this point, you can also access the highlands of Iceland, which are completely inaccessible during the winter months.
There’ll be lots of daylight too – in fact, almost constant daylight and, if you time it right, you may get to see the midnight sun!
It’ll be a very unique trip, probably unlike anywhere you’ve ever visited before. But, this is one of the reasons that I love Iceland so much and I’m confident that you’ll love it too.
3. Dorset, United Kingdom
This is one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. Dorset is honestly so beautiful. I’ve visited 3 times and I still feel like there’s loads more to discover there.
The highlight of the region is, of course, Durdle Door. The magnificent stone archway is one of the UK’s only natural wonders and it’s also surrounded by two stunning beaches.
The surrounding areas of Dorset are also amazing. There’s lots of incredible history (like Corfe Castle), natural beauty outside of Durdle Door (like Old Harry Rocks), and some of the most incredible beaches in the UK (like Lulworth Cove).
There are also adorable villages like Abbotsbury where you can drink tea in little tearooms and visit a Swannery, and you can also walk sections of the South West Coast Path here.
All in all, it’s a pretty varied county and a beautiful place to visit in July.
4. Hrensko, Czech Republic
If you like hidden gems in Europe, you have got to visit Hrensko. This little village is located in the north of the Czech Republic along the German border.
It’s very small with only one main street, several houses, and restaurants, and a little stream running through the centre. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in natural beauty.
There are some amazing hiking trails here. It’s situated in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, a beautiful area of Europe with towering rock formations and tall pine forests. Some of the most beautiful trains include Edmund’s Gorge and Pravicka Brana (where the Chronicles of Narnia was filmed).
You can also cross the border into Germany and visit Bastei Bridge. If you like city breaks, this is also worth combining with a trip to the architectural gem of Dresden, which is exactly what we did. The drive only took about an hour and we got to explore some beautiful places.
If you enjoy little villages, off-the-beaten-path locations, and hiking, you’ll love Hrensko.
5. Paphos, Cyprus
If you’re dead-set on a beach break, you can’t go wrong with Paphos. At this time of year, the Cypriot gem will be HOT, but there’s also so much to see.
We based ourselves in Paphos for a week when we visited. We spent a few days exploring the old town where they have the cutest markets, visiting the nearby beaches (Coral Bay is stunning), and the historical sites.
Did you know that there are so many historical sites in Cyprus? I honestly had no idea before we visited, but it’s almost on pay with the history we saw in Athens.
Be sure to explore the Tomb of the Kings, Paphos Mosaics, and Paphos Castle. Then, you can also hire a car (it’s so easy to drive in Cyprus), and visit the Ancient Kourion, Kolossi Castle, and the Sanctuary of Apollo. These are all less than two hours away and make for a perfect day trip.
It’s the perfect blend of historical sites and beautiful ocean scenery.
6. Heidelberg, Germany
For a stunning break in Germany, head to Heidelberg. While you’ve probably heard of Berlin and Munich, Heidelberg is a little more off-the-beaten-track. But it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe in July for this very reason.
While everyone is rushing around the capital, this little town in the south-west is still fairly peaceful. There’s lots to see here.
Heidelberg is, by default, a university city. You can explore the universities themselves which have some magnificent architecture. But also the old town is wonderful, the hilltop castle is well worth exploring, and the surrounding region is gorgeous.
We also visited the spa town of Baden-Baden and the beautiful Hohenbaden Castle while in the area. Plus, Heidelberg is the ideal gateway to the Black Forest, one of the top hiking regions in Germany. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers.
7. Stavanger, Norway
Another destination that has got to be on any outdoor lover’s bucket list is Stavanger. If you’ve dreamed of hiking in Norway, you’ve probably seen the most famous hikes: Trolltunga, Preikestolen, and Kjerag. Well, from Stavanger, you can cross two of the three off your bucket list!
Norway is such a wonderful country to visit in the summer. It’s beautiful at this time of year when the snow has melted and the flowers around the cities are in bloom.
In Stavanger, you can wander around the old town with its white wooden buildings and pale pink blossoms. I also recommend exploring the waterfront – it’s truly beautiful there.
Then, it’s just a short drive to some of Norway’s most magnificent hiking trails. Preikestolen trailhead is only a 45-minute drive from Stavanger. Kjerag is considerably further at 2.5 hours, but still doable as a day trip.
You’ll also be near so many other wonderful hiking trails in the area, like Manafossen and Trollpiken. If you love the outdoors, this is easily one of the best places to visit in July.
8. Vienna, Austria
This gorgeous European city is the perfect city break for couples in Europe. The whole place has such a romantic vibe with its imperial buildings, large squares, and manicured gardens. In July in Vienna, so much is in bloom too!
I recommend exploring the city and visiting the palaces. Shcronbrunn Palace should be on your list as well as Belvedere where you can see the famous ‘Kiss’ work of art.
You can also admire beautiful buildings like the majestic St Stephen’s Cathedral and St Charles Church (which is my favourite).
In July, Vienna also holds a plethora of outdoor concerts, festivals, and open-air markets. So, this is also a great time to immerse yourself in Vienna’s vibrant arts and music scene.
9. Scottish Highlands
I don’t think there’s a much better time to explore the Scottish Highlands than in July. During this time of year, everything is green and luscious, and the region’s rugged beauty really comes alive.
You can explore expansive moorland, and towering mountains, go hiking to the highest peak in the UK, and explore peaceful lochs surrounded by mist. In July, you’ll be able to see the wonderful colours of the landscapes with heather-clad hillsides and fields of wildflowers.
As well as the natural beauty, there’s plenty of history here. You can explore abandoned ruins, timeless castles, and some of the prettiest towns and villages in the UK.
The long days of summer offer the perfect opportunity to explore here. With waterfalls, stunning spots for wild swimming, and the chance to go whiskey tasting at renowned distilleries, the Scottish Highlands is amazing in July.
✅ Check out the best places to stay in the Scottish Highlands.
10. Malta
I absolutely love this little island and it always surprises me how much of a hidden gem it is compared to other European destinations on its doorstep.
Malta is only a short distance from Sicily. We saw Mount Etna from the plane as we flew into the country. Yet Malta is so much more undiscovered than the Italian gem.
Despite this, there’s no shortage of things to do in Malta. The country is brimming with attractions. You can explore centuries-old temples in the countryside, and wander through beautiful old towns that feel like they were plucked out of an old film (many were actually used in the filming of Game of Thrones).
You can also go hiking here. We explored the beautiful Xemxija Heritage Trail when we visited which took us through several historical spots on a hilltop overlooking the ocean.
If you’re after a beach break, Malta doesn’t disappoint on this front either. Especially in July, when the island will be pretty warm, there are lots of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling beneath the waves. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Gozo as well!
11. Stockholm Sweden
Stockholm is one of the most vibrant cities I’ve ever visited. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to visit the Swedish capital, and what I found there completely surprised me. We visited in January, but in July, it comes alive with colour.
The warm sunny weather brings the locals to the streets of Stockholm and you can experience so much culture here. It’s a perfect place for a combination of nature and city breaks, with lots of natural beauty in the city and the 14 islands it’s spread across.
Within the city itself, be sure to visit some of Sweden’s most impressive museums. The ABBA museum is so much fun (trust me, you will be singing ‘Dancing Queen’ for days), and the Vasa Museum is very impressive.
As well as that, you can explore the historic old town of Gamla Stan with its cobblestone streets and colourful buildings, explore the metro stations, and stroll along the scenic waterfront with its selection of charming cafes.
Don’t forget to eat all the meatballs you can in Meatballs for the People!
Pula is home to one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the world. It also has a wonderful selection of natural beauty, including the nearby Brijuni Islands, a national park with lush vegetation, and ancient ruins, and Cape Kamenjak, another gorgeous natural area with so much to see.
You’ll also find lots of great museums here and some fantastic restaurants too. It’s well worth adding to a Croatian road trip, but it was also the only place in the country where we picked up a speeding ticket, so be very careful here if you decide to drive in Croatia!
13. Gdansk, Poland
If you’re after a hidden gem, this is one of the best places to visit in Europe in July. Located on the northern coast of Poland, this city is stunning. It has some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve seen in Europe with colourful buildings and incredible churches.
The city is beautiful in summer. You can go for a walk along the waterfront and admire the crane, ride on Gdansk’s version of the London Eye – the Amber Sky Ferris wheel – and explore picturesque areas like the Love Lock bridge on Mill Island.
I also highly recommend taking a day trip to Sopot. The nearby town has some super funky architecture, the longest wooden pier in Europe, and it also has a large stretch of sandy beach.
If you’re after the perfect blend of city break and beach break whilst also beating the summer crowds, you can’t go wrong with Gdansk.
14. Meteora, Greece
This area is one of the most incredible places to visit in Greece. It’s utterly beautiful. The rock formations here resemble that of Bastei Bridge, only these have historic monasteries perched on top of them!
Meteora is located in the centre of mainland Greece. You can visit as a day trip from Athens, but if you want to spend more time in the area, I recommend visiting for longer than a day.
As well as just exploring the monasteries, you can go hiking and rock climbing here. With the greenery contrasting perfectly against the rugged stone pillars, this landscape looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. The views are incredible.
15. Frankfurt, Germany
While Frankfurt might be known for its wonderful Christmas markets, it’s also one of the best European cities to visit in Europe in July.
The city located in western Germany is a great combination of old and new. You’ll find historic buildings and cobblestone lanes sitting next to skyscrapers and the business district of Germany.
During our days exploring Frankfurt, we crossed a river and went from walking past half-timbered buildings to skyscrapers in an instant!
Frankfurt also has lots of history. Be sure to visit Romerberg, the famous square with its colourful houses, medieval architecture, and traditional apple wine taverns.
You should also explore the city’s world-class museums like the Städel Museum and the Museum für Moderne Kunst (MMK). We also loved the Senckenberg Nature Museum which houses some of the oldest dinosaur bones in the world.
16. Budva, Montenegro
When people think of Montenegro, they often think of Kotor. And while this town is definitely worth visiting with its cobbled streets, beautiful bay, and hilltop fortress, it can also be pretty busy.
We visited Kotor in late May and, when the cruise ships arrived, the peaceful streets became pretty rammed. I can only imagine what it would’ve been like in peak summer!
Nonetheless, about 30 minutes by car from Kotor, you’ll find the little town of Budva. Much quieter (there are much fewer cruise ships that dock here), Budva has a gorgeous old town to rival Kotor’s.
You can wander the narrow streets, grab an ice cream from an ice cream parlour, head to the citadel, and relax on some of the most stunning beaches in Montenegro.
We also found that Budva was a great place to base yourself for exploring the country. Since it’s more centrally located, the drives are much shorter if you want to head north to Durmitor National Park or east to Skadar Lake.
17. Llandudno, Wales
Wales is another really underrated place to visit in the UK. There is so much natural beauty here from stunning waterfalls to pretty towns, and towering mountains.
If you want a wonderful combination of all of those things, plus sandy beaches and typical British seaside attractions, head to Llandudno.
Located in North Wales, the seaside town has a lot going for it. We initially visited Wales to explore Snowdonia but ended up having so much fun along the coast as well.
At Llandudno, you can explore the beach, head up the Great Orme for magnificent views over the coastline, play arcade games along the pier, or walk the Alice in Wonderland trail in the town.
I also suggest taking a day trip to Conwy and exploring the magnificent castle there. Plus, if you enjoy hiking, some of the best hikes in North Wales are only a short drive away including Snowdon and Aber Falls.
18. Budapest, Hungary
In my opinion, Budapest is beautiful all year round. The Hungarian capital is lovely in the summer months when the streets are sunny and the flowers are all in bloom.
Budapest has a lot going on in July, such as open-air concerts, theatre productions, and dance shows. You can go for a lovely stroll along the Danube River, admire panoramic views from Gellert Hill, or relax in one of the city’s many thermal baths.
Don’t forget to admire the stunning Parliament Building, stroll through the charming streets of the old town, and explore the country’s rich architectural heritage.
19. Bruges, Belgium
If you want to visit a city that looks like it was plucked right out of a fairytale, I really recommend Bruges as one of the best places to visit in Europe in July.
The city is aptly nicknamed the Venice of the North, this city is riddled with a picturesque network of canals. Alongside this, you’ll find historic buildings, stone bridges, little restaurants, and plenty of flowers in the summer holidays.
You can go for a boat trip along the canals, explore the architecture in the old town, visit some incredible churches, and stuff your face with Belgian chocolate.
The food scene there is also pretty incredible with Belgian frites, rich chocolate, and plenty of craft beers.
20. Devon, United Kingdom
One of the most beautiful parts of the UK, Devon often gets overlooked in favour of Cornwall. Now, don’t get me wrong, Cornwall is very pretty, but some parts of Devon are just as good, if not better!
In July, you’ll most likely get the best weather in the UK. So, it’s the perfect time to go for a walk along the coast paths, explore the picturesque woodland, moorland, and waterfalls in Dartmoor, and hit some of the little coves and beaches.
If you’re visiting south Devon, the town of Totnes is lovely and has so much incredible history too. In the north, places like Exmoor are well worth a visit, along with Ilfracombe, and Bideford.
21. Swiss Alps
Switzerland should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s gorgeous in winter and, in the summer, it’s even more breathtaking. July is one of the best months to visit.
The snow-capped peaks transform into lush green meadows. You’ll be able to see wildflowers, sheep grazing in the greenery, and little alpine huts. There are also so many wonderful outdoor activities that you can do in Switzerland in July.
It’s the best time of year for hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding. You can explore mountain lakes, and alpine trails, see panoramic views of majestic peaks, and cascading waterfalls,
After a day’s exploring, cosy up in a little mountain retreat with traditional Swiss hospitality, a glass of wine, and a fondue! What could be better than that?
✅ Check out the best places to stay in the Swiss Alps, here.
22. Sirmione, Lake Garda
This is a gorgeous region of Italy. It’s full of natural beauty and has a kind of timeless energy to it. Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Garda is known for its sparkling blue waters, lush greenery, and charming lakeside fishing villages.
In the summer months, the summer weather draws people to the shores of the lake, where it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and going for boat rides.
We visited Lake Garda from Milan and our favourite town was Sirmione. There’s so much to do in Sirmione and you can easily spend a day exploring just this one spot alone.
The castle is the highlight of the town, perched on top of the lake like a floating fortress. Then, you can also explore the historic streets, visit some of the ancient ruins there and eat some pretty delicious food.
✅ Check out the best places to stay in the Swiss Alps, here.
23. Menorca, Balearic Islands
If you’re considering a Spanish island escape this July, you might think you’re bound to be in for a bustling trip full of busy beaches and crowded streets. But, have you considered Menorca?
This pristine little island has so much going for it. With an abundance of history, gorgeous small towns nestled in the mountains, beautiful beaches, and that classic Mediterranean charm, you’ll have struck gold if you visit Menorca in summer.
It won’t be as crowded as some of the other Spanish islands, particularly Majorca or the Canaries. As such, you’ll have ample opportunity for sunbathing, swimming, or snorkelling in the turquoise waters.
As well as beach activities, you can also visit the prehistoric stone monuments of Talaiotic culture and wander the charming whitewashed villages with their narrow cobblestone streets.
The historic capital of Mahón and the picturesque town of Ciutadella are also must-visit destinations, offering a fascinating glimpse into Menorca’s history through its architecture.
24. Bratislava, Slovakia
I was surprised at how much I loved Bratislava. We had spent one day in Vienna previously and decided to visit the city on a whim. This turned out to be a wonderful idea because, in a way, I loved it more!
Where Vienna was grand, Bratislava was rustic; where Vienna had imperial buildings and cathedrals, Bratislava had colourful castles and bright blue churches. I loved the vibe of the city and it’s such a wonderful place to visit in Europe in July.
Because it’s a bit of a hidden gem, you’ll find much fewer people in this capital. Plus, because it’s pretty affordable (I think we spent half here of what we spent in Vienna!), it makes an ideal place to base yourself to explore the surrounding area too.
The Slovakian countryside is beautiful, particularly some of the medieval castles, like Devin Castle. It’s also just a short train ride to Vienna if you want to visit there as well!
25. Faroe Islands
Located between the UK, Iceland, and Norway, the Faroe Islands are another of those destinations that seem to fly just under people’s radar. But, if you love outdoor adventure, these islands are pretty impressive.
They are the place to visit if you love authentic experiences as they have a wonderful and well-preserved heritage. There is something for so many different people here, whether you love food, outdoor adventures, wildlife, the ocean, or architecture.
You’ll find hiking trails, whale watching, puffin watching, delicious food, art, surfing, adventure sports, and so much more. Not to mention incredibly friendly people!
If you want to visit a beautiful destination where you’ll be just outside of the typical tourist trail. you’ll love the Faroe Islands.
✅ Check out the best places to stay in the Faroe Islands, here.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Travel in Europe in July
All in all, while many people think of July as the month for crowded beaches and unbearable heat, there are plenty of places to visit in Europe where you can avoid this entirely.
Whether you fancy heading north and spending some time in nature, visiting one of the lesser-known cities in central Europe, or even finding a sunny southern island that’s a little more secluded.
I hope these 25 destinations have given you plenty of inspiration for a summer trip without the crowds!
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