Following two years of minimal holidays and staycations, the travel industry is set to boom this summer as Brits pack their bags and pick an exotic holiday destination. If you are looking to embark on a tour of Europe this summer but aren’t sure where to visit, here are five countries with a lot to offer. 

1. Italy 

Awash with ancient culture, great beaches, incredible food and lovely people, it’s easy to see why so many of us choose Italy as our holiday destination of choice. 

For an upmarket city break, head to the cities of Rome, Florence and Venice and find yourself somewhere fabulous to stay with the help of a site like thishotel.com. Packed with ancient history and more pasta than you care to imagine, it’s easy to get lost exploring these fantastic cities. 

For a more laid-back break, the Amalfi Coast is a must-see. Home to some of the best beaches in the country, along the Amalfi Coast you’ll find the picturesque towns of Sorrento, Capri and Pompeii. 

For a gorgeous coastline that’s a touch more affordable, head to Sicily. There, you’ll experience the same excellent food, beaches and history, without the price tag. 

2. Greece 

Holidays in Greece are all about the simple things in life. Home to whitewashed villas, tasty tavernas and a blisteringly hot sun, holidays to Greece never lose their appeal. For a relaxing beach break, the Greek Islands such as Crete and Corfu are a no-brainer. 

Or, for a dose of history, head to the city of Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization.  

3. Portugal 

Portugal remains a firm-favorite with Brits looking to escape to the sunshine. Boasting historic cities, incredible food and blissful beaches, Portugal encompasses everything you’d want in a relaxing break. 

The Algarve is a popular spot for tourists looking for a beach break thanks to long sandy beaches and the warm climate. Alternatively, for an undiscovered break, head to one of the pretty villages in Alentejo and mingle with the locals!

4. France 

There are few places with more to offer than France. Easy to get to and simply stunning while you’re there, it’s easy to see why France is so popular. For a relaxing retreat, the beaches of Corsica are the perfect place to crack open a bottle of wine in peace. 

Alternatively, head to Dordogne, Provence or the Cote d’Azur to for a taste of some of the most delightful French countryside. 

5. Croatia 

Finally, there’s Croatia. Showcasing one of the most beautiful and pristine coastlines in the world, Croatia is gaining popularity with tourists from all over the globe. 

Either head to the city of Dubrovnik and take in the captivating Venetian architecture or head to one of the beach resorts (such as Hvar and Split) for a relaxing break in the warm sunshine. 

Croatia’s small ship cruises are one of the most popular ways to explore Croatia, and there is still a huge demand for them in 2023. It boasts hidden coves and islands that can only be reached by small ships – perfect for adventurous travelers who want to get off the beaten path. Depending on what you’re looking for, the country has many small-ship cruise options to offer. With so much beauty to explore, no doubt Croatia’s small ship cruises in 2023 will prove that Croatia remains a top destination in Europe.

Final Thoughts

As travel becomes more accessible again, you might find yourself yearning for a getaway. Whether you’re looking for a lively city break or a laid-back week near the beach, you can’t go far wrong with any of the above destinations.