The 30 best things to do on your holiday in Europe this summer – according to our experts
We like to think of the ideal holiday as effortless. In reality, there are the countless hours debating destinations, cross-checking calendars and inspecting passports’ expiration dates like they’re sacred scrolls. By the time you’ve made it through the gauntlet of security queues, seat selections and suncream leaks, you’ve no doubt earned that sun bed. You lie back, take a deep breath and then the realisation hits: you’ve arrived, but now what?
We are often so focused on the where and the how to get there of our high-season escapes that we neglect to consider what to do once we arrive. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a holiday that worships at the feet of that great and seductive god Indolence; a week where your only exercise is your thumb flicking fast through the page-turner you at last have time to read, or a walk to the bar for a new drink.
But what if you want more than this? What if you want adventure and excitement? What if you want food, wine and finesse? What about art, history or the aroma of an ornamental garden in the warmth of a sunset?
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4272adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_8272adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeWell, you have come to the right place. Here, Telegraph Travel’s destination experts offer suggestions on how to make the best of your time in Europe this summer. These are the best 30 ideas for fun days and well-spent afternoons in some of the Mediterranean’s hottest travel hotspots – from France, Italy and Spain to Croatia, Greece and Turkey, via Iceland, the Netherlands and Germany.
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Spain
Italy
Portugal
Croatia
Turkey
Iceland
Austria
France
Germany
The Netherlands
Malta
Greece
Cyprus
Slovenia
Spain
Swim and screech in Tenerife
Voted the best water park in the world on Tripadvisor for the 10th year, Siam Park (00 34 822 070000; siampark.net) is packed with thrilling rides and relaxing alternatives. Spend a day plunging down the almost vertical Tower of Power, floating along the Mai Thai River, rafting the rapids or jumping in the waves at Siam Beach.
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Hotel: Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa (00 34 922 790200; iberostar.com) is a mile from Siam Park and right by the sea in Costa Adeje. Doubles from £163.
Discover a Dali-decorated castle on the Costa Brava
In 1968, Dalí bought this 11th century castle (salvador-dali.org/gala-dali-castle) in the tiny village of Púbol for his wife Gala, who spent the final 10 years of her life here. Dalí remained a frequent visitor and spent his time decorating the rooms in his inimitable style. Today, guided tours tell tourists the bizarre backstories of the eccentrically decorated rooms, featuring chess sets inspired by Marcel Duchamp and a crown made of twisted forks.
Price: £
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4972adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_8972adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeHotel: Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf (00 34 972 538830; hotelperalada.com) in the neighbouring village of Peralada is 40-minute drive away from the Gala Dalí castle, but puts you in prime position to explore the two other Dalí-devoted museums in the area. Doubles from £288.
The Gala Dali Castle in the traditional village of Pubol in Catalonia, Spain - iStockphoto/Getty ImagesSoak up Spain’s artistic heritage in Madrid
Housed in a spectacular modern building within the grounds of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Collections Gallery (00 34 918 403883; galeriadelascoleccionesreales.es) showcases artwork collected by Spanish monarchs over the last five centuries. From the end of the Middle Ages through to contemporary works, there are more than 650 pieces on display, including paintings by Velázquez, Goya and Caravaggio, as well as tapestries, carriages and antiques.
Price: ££
Hotel: The Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid (00 34 910 052822; pestana.com) is a short stroll away in the heart of Madrid. Doubles from £160.
Start your day with a yoga class in an idyllic spot on the island - Amante Yoga IbizaBoost your mood in Ibiza
Slide into the Ibiza vibe by starting your day stretching out in an idyllic spot on the cliff overlooking Sol d’en Serra beach. Yoga sessions with experienced instructors start at 9am on the terrace of the cool Amante restaurant (0034 971 196176; amanteibiza.com) and are followed by a healthy, leisurely breakfast.
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Hotel: The Palladium Hotel Cala Llonga (00 34 971 196501; palladiumhotelgroup.com) overlooks the Med, a mile away from the Amante. Doubles from £153.
By Annie Bennet
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Italy
Find psychedelia by the sea in Tuscany
From the wild macchia of the southern Tuscan coast, strange giants emerge at Giardino dei Tarocchi (00 39 0564 895122; ilgiardinodeitarocchi.it) – a wild and wonderful sculpture park. Wander through the gardens between towering figures, reaching 12 to 15 m tall and covered in dazzling ceramic tiles, Murano glass and mirrors, and discover the dream grotesque creations of French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
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Hotel: Locanda Rossa (00 39 0564 890462; locandarossa.com) oozes simple elegance in rooms or villas. Doubles from £255.
Discover towering. dream-like figures in the gardens at Giardino dei Tarocchi - Michela Negri /Alamy Stock PhotoExplore Rossini’s birthplace in Le Marche
Who doesn’t love a rollicking Rossini overture? And if it’s delivered in a charming 19th-century theatre with banks of elegant boxes in the composer’s home town of Pesaro, even better. The Rossini Opera Festival (00 39 0721 3800294; rossinioperafestival.it) takes place annually and electrifies this otherwise placid city on the Adriatic coast for two weeks (Aug 10-25).
Price: ££
Hotel: Hotel Villa Cattani Stuart (00 39 0721 55782; villacattani.it) is an immaculate 17th-century villa just 10 minutes from Pesaro’s centre. Doubles from £152. Read more about the cheaper alternative to Tuscany in our guide.
For music and culture enthusiasts, the Rossini Opera festival is a must-visit - Amati BacciardiLive like a Roman in Campania
Pompeii (00 39 081 8575 347; pompeiisites.org) may not be everyone’s idea of a relaxing holiday, but long before the volcanic destruction took place, it’s clear it once was. Earlier this year, a 2,000-year-old private spa complex was uncovered in a ‘once in a century’ discovery. Today, you can take time to pace the streets, stroll through the magnificent villas and gardens, and peek at the remarkably preserved frescos, dining halls and brothels.
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Hotel: At Palazzo Marziale (00 39 081 807 44 06; palazzomarziale.com), relax in a grand palazzo in the heart of Sorrento. Doubles from £112.
Adventurous visitors keen to scale the highest peaks can try a via ferrata - Alex MolingTake the stairway to the skies in Veneto
Despite its fame in winter, Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites”, offers plenty of summer fun. Adventurers of all levels who are keen to scale the highest peaks can try one of the area’s many via ferratas to experience an exhilarating hike along plunging gorges (00 39 0436 869086; cortina.dolomiti.org)
Price: Some activities free; some routes require a Cortina Vertical Pass ££
Hotel: Meuble Villa Neve (00 39 0436 2228; hotelvillaneve.it) offers simple family hospitality. Doubles from £281. Explore more of the Dolomites in our 10-day itinerary.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4sn2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_8sn2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeBy Anne Hanley
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Portugal
Sip and savour local wines in the Algarve
Run by the fourth generation of the family, knowledgeable wine-tasting at Morgado do Quintao (00 351 965 202529; morgadodoquintao.pt) is done in the shade of an ancient olive tree, surrounded by vines. Reviving indigenous grapes such as negra mole, these wines are credited for creating a new era of Algarvian produce.
Price: ££
Hotel: Three small but truly charming cottages lie on the vineyard’s estate (00 351 965 202529; morgadodoquintao.pt). From £255, (minimum three-night stay).
When in Lisbon, take a day trip to visit the colourful fairytale castles of Sintra - Camera PressPoetic sensibilities and palatial scenes in Sintra
Immortalised by Lord Byron as a “glorious Eden” in his epic poem, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, Sintra has long drawn the traveller with its romantic fairy-tale castles, gothic palaces and Moorish mansions. Memorable is the Disneyesque Pena Palace, which dominates the landscape – but don’t miss the exotic marvels of Monserrate Palace (00 351 219 237300; parquesdesintra.pt/palace-of-monserrate).
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Hotel: Book your own 18th-century palace for the night at Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais (00 351 219 233200; valverdepalacioseteais.com). Doubles from £220.
By Mary Lussiana
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Croatia
Visit uninhabited Kornati in North Dalmatia
The extraordinary archipelago of Kornati National Park (00 385 224 35740; np-kornati.hr) has some 89 rocky, sage-scented islets and is home to pristine waters, hidden bays, plummeting cliffs, sea caves, Byzantine forts and peregrine falcons. Explore on a one-day private speedboat tour or a multi-day sailing trip to enjoy swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear sea and hike timeworn limestone trails.
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Hotel: Located on an organic farm, Villa Nai 3.3 (00 385 236 43520; villanai.com) is both an eco and luxe choice. Doubles from £837.
For peace and quiet, catch a boat to the uninhabited island of Kornati - 4cornersimages.comDiscover ancient secrets in South Dalmatia
On the outskirts of the bustling city of Dubrovnik, local oyster farmers welcome guests to visit the Mali Ston oyster beds (00 385 977 636834; malistonoysters.com). Disembark onto a wooden raft to see how these molluscs are cultivated on ropes, before tasting with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of Posip wine.
Price: ££ (transfer from Dubrovnik included)
Hotel: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (00 385 2035 3000; adriaticluxuryhotels.com/hotel-excelsior-dubrovnik) is a historic five-star hotel. Doubles from £781.
By Jane Foster
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Turkey
Sail to the Turkish Maldives in the Aegean Islands
Technically, Turkey and the Maldives are part of the same continent. But there, you might think, all similarity ends. And yet, Orak Island, at the country’s south-west tip, basks in an image as “the Maldives of Turkey”, due to its sandy bays and clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Book day trips from Bodrum via Get Your Guide (getyourguide.co.uk).
Price: ££
Hotel: Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum (00 90 2523 110303; kempinski.com) is perched at the sea edge just down the coast from the historic city. Doubles from £741.
Orak Island is famed for its sandy bays and clear waters - Yoray Liberman/Getty ImagesExamine one of the world’s oldest shipwrecks in Bodrum
The city in south-west Turkey has plenty of the new, with chic hotels propping up and opening their doors constantly – but it also has the very old. The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology (00 90 2523 161095; bodrum-museum.com) features exhibits from the Uluburun, which sank in the 14th century BC.
Price: £
Hotel: In Torba Bay, you’ll find the quirky yet stylish Casa Dell’Arte (00 90 2523 671848; casadellartebodrum.com). Doubles from £332.
By Chris Leadbeater
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Iceland
Get back to nature in the Vatnajokull National Park
The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (00 354 478 2222; icelagoon.is) – the deepest lake in the country – is dotted with powder-blue chunks of ice that originate at the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. You might spot snoozing seals, swimming porpoises or swooping Arctic terns, while some of the translucent ice blocks land on the nearby black sand beach, creating an otherworldly sculpture exhibition.
Price: ££
Hotel: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (00 354 514 8300; islandshotel.is) lies between Skaftafell National Park and the lagoon. Doubles from £173.
By Paul Sullivan
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Iceland is home to some of the most unique landscapes in Europe - GettyAustria
Get your adrenalin pumping in Tyrol
If the views of the Tyrolean Alps don’t get your heart racing, throwing yourself into the Inn river’s raging, glacially cold, startlingly turquoise waters sure will. The H20 Adventure pros (00 43 547 26699; h2o-adventure.at) in St Anton take you whitewater rafting on the rapids. Want more? Then check out thrill-a-minute canyoning, tubing and river-bugging.
Price: ££
Hotel: The minimalist and laid-back m3 Hotel (00 43 544 62968; m3hotel.at) has cool, unpretentious rooms and an indulgent Sky Spa. Doubles from £174.
By Kerry Walker
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France
Roar through the past in Vendée
Not only the best in the region, but the best in the world, Puy du Fou (00 33 820 091010; puydufou.com) is the winner of umpteen historical theme-park awards for its astounding live shows – from a Roman arena (Gladiators! Chariots! Lions!) through Vikings to the Great War. The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down, as the spectacular Cinéscénie night-time show lights up across a 57-acre stage.
Price: ££
Hotel: There are six on-site, historically themed lodgings – try the Villa Gallo-Romaine (00 33 820 091010; puydufou.com). From £73pp, including park entry. See more of the best hotels in France for children with our guide.
Build a castle by the sea in Provence
Off Hyères, the island of Porquerolles, barely developed and car-free, recalls the Mediterranean before the region started playing to the crowds. Notre Dame beach (00 33 494 583376; provencemed.com/hyeres-porquerolles), on the sheltered north coast, is a 45-minute walk or a 15-minute bike ride from the only village. The white-sand curve, the brochure-blue sea and backing hills of pine, oak and eucalyptus make it the loveliest beach in France – perfect for swimming and building sandcastles.
Price: Free
Hotel: The Villa Sainte-Anne (00 33 494 583009; sainteanne.com) is on the village square. Doubles from £179. Plan the perfect holiday in Provence with our guide.
The beautiful Villa Ephrussi has some the Riviera’s finest gardens - AlamyGet lost in the garden in the Riviera
After a disastrous marriage and a mighty inheritance, Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild created the Cap Ferrat property of Villa Ephrussi (00 33 493 013309; villa-ephrussi.com) in 1907. The result: the Riviera’s finest gardens, perched on a ridge overlooking blue bays on either side. The vast treasure-rich villa itself hosted the morning-dress wedding of Béatrice’s poodles Diane and Major in the 1920s. Consider taking lunch in the tearooms.
Price: £
Hotel: At nearby Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, try the Italianate Hôtel de Charme Brise Marine (00 33 04 937 60436; hotel-brisemarine.com). Doubles from £150. Learn more about the most glamorous areas of the French Riviera in our guide.
Appreciate art in a bunker Bordeaux
On the Bordeaux wet docks, the mastodons of concrete at Bassins des Lumières (00 33 535 000090; bassins-lumieres.com) were once Nazi submarine bunkers. Today, they are home to the world’s biggest digital art show. This year, there is a pharaonic presentation, with projections of life on the Nile segueing across the cement walls and reflected in the water.
Price: £
Hotel: The white façade of the Seeko’o Hotel (00 33 556 390707; seekoo-hotel.com) rises nearby. Doubles from £140. Discover more of the best things to do in Bordeaux in our guide.
By Anthony Peregrine
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Germany
Cool runnings with beautiful scenery in Bavaria
Great for thrill-seekers, the rollercoaster-like experience of Germany’s longest, year-round toboggan run offers an alternative way to descend a slope. The Alpsee Coaster (00 49 083 25252; alpsee-bergwelt.de) bends and dips through beautiful scenery for almost two miles, with the toboggans attached to rails. The top speed can reach 25 mph – though you control the brakes!
Price: ££ (cable car extra)
Hotel: Find modern Alpine design and seasonal cuisine at boutique hotel Freistil. (00 49 083 213509; kiehnes-freistil.de). Doubles from £180. See more of the best hotels in Bavaria in our guide.
By Catherine Mann
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The Netherlands
The Kröller-Müller Museum is a highlight for all ages - Valerie SpanjersDiscover art in the wilderness in Gelderland
Hike, cycle or hire a horse to explore De Hoge Veluwe national park (00 31 55 8330833; hogeveluwe.nl) – 13,000 acres of beautiful landscape in the Netherlands. At its heart is the Kröller-Müller Museum (00 31 318 591241; krollermuller.nl), a premier collection of some 270 works by Van Gogh, plus cracking contemporary art and a sculpture garden.
Price: £££
Hotel: Hotel Buitenlust (00 31 55 378 1362; hotelbuitenlust.nl) is a basic but comfortable stay, just 200m from the park gates. Doubles from £92. Learn more about the best hotels in the Netherlands in our guide.
By Rodney Bolt
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Malta
Take a scenic ferry ride in Gozo
Just 25 minutes’ sail from the main island, little rural Gozo (00 356 221 56172; visitgozo.com) is Malta’s chill zone, with yellow sculpted cliffs and red sands at the nation’s most attractive beach. Add great diving, temples older than Stonehenge, local wineries and a Michelin-mentioned restaurant and it’ll be hard to leave.
Price: £ – ferry tickets are paid one-way from Gozo to Malta
Hotel: The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz (00 356 2211 0000; kempinski.com) sits on the edge of a traditional Gozitan village. Doubles from £264. Find more of the best things to do in Malta in our guide.
By Juliet Rix
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Greece
March through unsung sights in Crete
Part of the (much) longer European trail that runs from Andalucia to Cyprus, Crete’s spectacularly scenic chunk of the E4 hiking route (trailpath.gr) leads you some 200 miles from Kastelli-Kissamos in the west to the far-flung eastern town of Kato Zakros, via high-perched hamlets, hard-to-find kafenions and remote coves where you’ll only have soaring seagulls for company.
Price: Free
Hotel: White River Cottages (00 30 2843 051120; whiterivercottages.com) combines rustic charm with comfort. Doubles from £80.
The sunset views in Santorini are matchless - GettySwim in sunken volcanoes in Santorini
Views of the caldera from above may be spectacular, but taking a boat into the centre of the world’s only sunken volcanic crater is equally awe inspiring. This half-day cruise (00 30 6944 588600; santosails.com) includes stop-offs to swim in hot springs and a visit to Palea Kameni, the volcano’s blackened heart – ends with a glass of bubbly and sunset views from Ammoudi’s taverna-lined bay.
Price: ££
Hotel: Hilltop resort Santo Pure (00 30 2897 502154; santocollection.gr/santo-pure) is a chic retreat near Oia. Doubles from £276.
Lap up traditional treats in Thessaloniki
Influenced by the different populations that have settled here over the centuries – Greek refugees from Asia Minor, Sephardic Jews from Spain and Turkish overlords – Thessaloniki was recognised as Greece’s first Unesco City of Gastronomy. The city teems with mouthwatering treats that are best sampled on a local-led food tour with Discover Greece (discovergreece.com/thessaloniki).
Price: ££
Hotel: The Modernist Thessaloniki (00 30 2316 009990; themodernisthotels.com) is a boutique haven close to the main sights. Doubles from £104. Find the best hotels in Thessaloniki in our guide.
Thessaloniki buzzes with traditional treats throughout the city - Luca Lorenzetti/Alamy Stock PhotoSlip and slide in Corfu
Aqualand’s (0030 2661 058351; aqualandcorfu.com) highlights include more than 50 slides – don’t miss the terror-inducing Kamikazes. Along with an adventure pool and plenty of sun beds surrounding the world’s third-biggest wave pool, there’s even a spa.
Price: ££
Hotel: Family-friendly retreat Domes of Corfu (00 30 2661 094140; domesresorts.com) overlooks the island’s best beach. Doubles from £403.
By Heidi Fuller-Love
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Cyprus
Find pause, paws and purpose in Paphos
Brought over by St Helen of Constantinople way back in the 4th century AD, cats have called the island home for centuries since; and well today, they number many thousands. Animal sanctuaries care for those cats (talacats.com) – and dogs (00 357 269 46461; animalrescuecyprus.com) and donkeys (00 357 998 92713; thedonkeysanctuary.org/cyprus) – who, sadly, don’t have a home. Volunteers are welcome to help in their care, which can be a rewarding experience while on holiday.
Price: Free
Hotel: Few hotels in Paphos can boast a location quite as good as the Annabelle (00 357 268 85000; annabelle.com.cy). Doubles from £268. Read more about the best things to do in Cyprus in our guide.
Lend a hand at lacemaking in Lefkara
Embroidered lacemaking, known as lefkaritika, has been handed down from mother to daughter for centuries. It is said the artist Leonardo da Vinci visited the village of Lefkara (where the UNnesco-listed art is said to have originated in 1481) and took back a lace tablecloth to decorate the Florence Duomo Cathedral. Today, you can explore the delightful, traditional village and not only are you likely to see a group of womenfolk making the lace, they may even let you join in.
Price: Free
Hotel: The adults-only The Agora Hotel (00 357 2472 6000; theagorahotel.com) is a delightfully glitzy and glam boutique in the centre of the charming Lefkara. Doubles from £262.
By Carole French
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Slovenia
Hike one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers in Julian Alps
The colour of Slovenia’s Soča river (soca-valley.com) is incredible – a gorgeous ribbon of emerald green, winding below the steep-sided peaks of the Julian Alps. It’s followed by a hiking trail, but is equally perfect for kayaking. Head to the town of Kobarid for First World War history – as well as one of Slovenia’s top restaurants, three-Michelin-starred Hiša Franko (00 386 538 94120; hisafranko.com).
Price: Free / Hiša Franko tasting menu from £280
Hotel: Sanje ob Soči (00 386 538 96000; sanjeobsoci.com) is a peaceful hotel in Bovec with superb breakfasts. Doubles from £169. Find more of our best hotels in Slovenia in our guide.
By Rudolf Abraham
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This article was first published in August 2023 and has been revised and updated.
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