Between quick city breaks, lake escapes and slower coastal getaways, summer travel doesn’t have to mean overcrowded tourist hotspots.
With both Aer Lingus and Ryanair offering easy routes across Europe, we have accumulated a list of five underrated European summer destinations worth adding to your travel list.
Ischia, Italy
@kaitlyneats Adult water park !!!!!!! In Italy!!!!! #ischia #thermalbath #negombo ♬ original sound – Kaitlyn Lavery
Often overshadowed by nearby Capri, Ischia is a volcanic Italian island known for its natural thermal spas and slower pace of life. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed Mediterranean escape.
What to do:
- Relax at Ischia’s largest wellness park: Poseidon Thermal Gardens, known for its thermal pools, sauna facilities, and spa treatments.
- Explore Aragonese Castle: a historic castle built on a small volcanic island just off Ischia, connected to the mainland by a stone bridge and offering panoramic views of the island and sea
- Spend a beach day at Maronti Beach.
- Wander the picturesque village of Sant’Angelo
- Enjoy seafood and wine at Ristorante Pizzeria da Ciccio.
Copenhagen, Denmark
@shetravelledtheworld If you want to visit Copenhagen (without breaking the bank) this is what I would suggest 🇩🇰 @nexthousecopenhagen is such a great option for accomodation. It’s clean, has loads of social areas and is less than €20 a night! *gifted stay #shetravelledtheworld #copenhagen #copenhagenlife #copenhagentravel #copenhagentrip #visitcopenhagen #copenhagenitinerary #copenhagenthingstodo ♬ Our Love Was Beautiful – Instrumental Version – Straight White Teeth
Effortlessly cool and endlessly walkable, Copenhagen is the perfect city break filled with design, food markets and waterfront living.
What to do:
- Swim and sunbathe at Islands Brygge Harbour Baths
- Stroll through the colourful harbour of Nyhavn
- Visit The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (a short train ride away)
- Try new Danish delicacies at Torvehallerne Market
- Cycle through the city using its dedicated bike lanes
Lake Bled, Slovenia
@nylah.akua Add this place to your summer bucket list! Lake bled is beautiful and I had so much exploring here #lakebled #nylahstravels #solotravelwoman #summertravel ♬ original sound – Nylah Akua
Lake Bled is one of Europe’s most picturesque and underrated summer escapes, a brilliant option for families with early teen kids thanks to its mix of relaxed sightseeing and outdoor activities
What to do:
- Row a traditional “pletna” boat to Bled Island
- Ring the bell at Church of the Assumption, a local tradition said to bring good luck
- Hike up to Bled Castle for interactive exhibits and panoramic lake views
- Walk or cycle the 6km lakeside trail, perfect for a relaxed family activity
- Try the infamous Bled cream cake (kremšnita)
Sardinia, Italy
@awaywithlinaa Sardinia felt like its own world, honestly. Technically Italy, but with an energy that’s completely its own, from the landscape to the pace to the people. I wasn’t prepared for how much I loved it. 🤍 #sardinia #italytravel #europetravel #travelinspiration #eurosummer ♬ Ladies Room – Olivia Dean
Another beautiful Italian spot, Sardinia offers some of the clearest waters in Europe yet is far less crowded than the Amalfi Coast. It is a perfect blend of rugged coastlines and crystal-clear beaches.
What to do:
- Go swimming at La Pelosa Beach, famous for its turquoise waters.
- Spend an afternoon in Porto Cervo, soaking up the luxury marina, cafés and waterfront views
- Take a boat trip around the La Maddalena Archipelago
- Visit the historic old town of Alghero
- Try culurgiones, the traditional Sardinian pasta
Annecy, France
@annna.seavey 4 activities to do next time you’re in Annecy #annecy #france #annecyfrance #explorefrance #travel #traveltiktok #wanderlust ♬ Moonlit Café – Sui cafe
Instead of the crowded Paris or Nice, why not travel to the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy combines pastel streets, canals and sweeping mountain views.
What to do:
- Swim or sunbathe at Plage d’Albigny
- Wander the Thiou Canal in the Old Town (Vieille Ville)
- Visit the hilltop of Château d’Annecy, a restored medieval castle offering expansive views over the lake and surrounding Alps.
- Rent a bike and cycle the full Lake Annecy loop (Voie Verte du Lac d’Annecy), a scenic route passing villages, beaches and waterfront viewpoints
- Explore the Old Town Market known for its local cheeses, fresh produce and flowers.
With everything from scenic beaches to lakeside trips and stylish city breaks, there’s something here for every kind of summer traveller on this list. All that’s left to do is pick a spot, pack your bags and jet off to one of these standout destinations for a relaxed summer getaway.
Words by Robyn Lawlor