If your summer plans are still up in the air, Europe’s coastlines and lakeshores are always a good place to start.
Croatia’s island towns, the Italian Lakes, the Basque coast and the Algarve all come into their own at this time of year. Look forward to long days, warm water and restaurants that stay busy well into the evening.
Here are a few places we’re recommending for a European summer reset.
Croatia’s Dalmatian islands make an easy summer escape, especially when paired with a few days in Dubrovnik. From the city, it’s simple to head out onto the water and explore the islands.
Hvar is one of the most popular stops. Beyond the busy harbour in Hvar Town, the island has a slower side with vineyards, pine forests and quiet coves where the water is exceptionally clear. In Stari Grad, one of the Adriatic’s oldest settlements, stone streets lead to small squares and harbourside cafés.
Back on the mainland, Dubrovnik remains a natural base. Hotels like Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik and Villa Dubrovnik sit just outside the Old Town with wide views across the Adriatic, making it easy to combine historic sightseeing with time by the sea.
Croatia – Hvar & the Dalmatian Coast
Portugal – The Algarve
The Algarve is one of Europe’s easiest summer escapes: reliable sunshine, good food and miles of coastline.
Much of the shoreline is shaped by dramatic sandstone cliffs that hide small coves and beaches below. Fishing towns such as Carvoeiro and Tavira still feel relaxed, and boat trips along the coast reveal caves and quiet stretches of sand.
Vila Vita Parc remains one of the Portugal's standout hotels, set above the ocean in extensive gardens and with direct access to the coast. It works particularly well as a base for exploring the region.
Lake Como has been drawing travellers for well over a century, and it still feels special when you arrive. Mountains rise steeply from the water, ferries move between small lakeside towns and grand villas sit behind cypress trees and terraced gardens.
Most visits revolve around the lake itself. Enjoy slow boat rides between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, long lunches by the water and afternoons spent exploring historic gardens.
For somewhere to stay, Passalacqua has become one of the most talked-about addresses on the lake, while classics such as Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Villa d’Este continue to define Como’s old-world glamour. Nearby Lake Maggiore, around the town of Stresa just across the Swiss border, offers a similarly beautiful setting with a slightly quieter feel.
Italy – Lake Como
Spain – San Sebastián & the Basque Coast
San Sebastián has long been one of Spain’s best seaside cities. The wide curve of La Concha beach sits right beside the old town, where pintxo bars fill up every evening with locals and visitors moving between counters.
Food is a big part of the appeal here. Simple ingredients – anchovies, peppers, seafood fresh from the harbour – appear in endlessly creative small plates.
From San Sebastián it’s easy to continue along the Basque coast towards Bilbao, stopping in fishing villages and surf towns along the way. For a change of scene, the elegant French resort town of Biarritz is just across the border and makes an easy day trip.
Malta is small enough to explore easily but packed with history. Valletta’s streets are lined with honey-coloured palaces and churches built by the Knights of St John, the order that ruled the island for centuries.
Their legacy still shapes the city today, from the fortified walls to the grand auberges where the knights once lived. Beyond Valletta, the islands reveal small fishing villages, rocky coves and clear swimming spots where the water turns a striking shade of blue.
Spend a few days exploring Malta’s historic towns before slowing the pace on nearby Gozo, where life follows the rhythm of the sea.
Malta – Valletta & Gozo
France – The French Riviera
The French Riviera always has its regulars, but there are a few new reasons to look at the South of France this summer.
Saint-Tropez remains the centre of the action, with hotels like Château de la Messardière overlooking the bay, while the reopening of COMO Le Beauvallon has brought new life to the shoreline nearby.
One of the most talked-about arrivals, however, is Zannier Île de Bendor. Just off the coast near Bandol, the private island retreat is reached by boat and offers a quieter take on Riviera life, with beach clubs, village-style suites and an artistic atmosphere.
Lightfoot clients booking Île de Bendor can enjoy exclusive partner benefits, including special rates and complimentary nights for longer stays during selected periods.
Planning a summer escape? Our Europe specialists can help plan a tailormade summer holiday, whether that’s the quieter corners of the Mediterranean or the Riviera’s most talked-about new openings.
Let us plan your
bespoke adventure
Lightfoot Travel organises tailormade holidays throughout Europe. Contact one of our expert travel consultants today to start planning.
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