European Summer Vacations: 15 Budget to Luxury Destinations

European summer vacations are a thing of beauty. Gorgeous Mediterranean sea views, Aperol Spritz’s in the sun, maybe a hike by dramatic seaside cliffs before a seafood dinner. I mean, what’s not to love?

I’ve done all these activities on various trips across Europe (writing this post makes me feel incredibly lucky!) and trust me when I say it doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Though if you want to splurge, that’s definitely doable and usually pretty damn worth it 😏🥂

Whether you’re looking to spend 3 days in Paris or one week in Malta, heading on a girls trip, going on your honeymoon, or finally planning that family vacation, I’ve got you covered.

This guide covers 15 of the best European summer destinations for any budget, including where to stay and what to do, so you can just focus on having the most fabulous time possible.

European Summer Vacations: How to Choose the Right Destination for Your Budget

Before we get into the 15 summer hotspots, let’s talk about why the eff summer in Europe can hit your wallet so hard and how you can be smart to save a little money.

What Makes Summer in Europe Expensive?

• Demand is intense. Everyone wants to be in Europe between June and August, and hotels know it (I hate it when they have all the power). A room that costs €120 in April can easily jump to €250+ in July for the exact same space.
  
  
• Beach destinations will definitely be the most expensive. Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, and south of France come with a hefty pricetag because everyone wants to be there. Add that there aren’t that many hotels (especially on islands, obviously) and it gets pretty pricey pretty quickly. Still doable! But pricey.
  
  
• Cruise ship traffic is another one people don’t think about. If you’re visiting a port city like Dubrovnik or Valletta, thousands of day-trippers flood in every morning and restaurants near the port raise their prices accordingly. I’ve seen this firsthand in Malta, where the seaside streets go from peaceful to insanely packed with a bajillion families.

How to Travel Europe in Summer Without Overspending

• Visit in shoulder season: This is my #1 favorite strategy and I use it every year! The easiest thing you can do is target the shoulder weeks of vacation season. Late June and early September still feel like summer (the weather is great and everything is open) but prices drop a lot compared to peak July and August. I’ve saved hundreds just by shifting a trip by a couple of weeks.
  
  
• Stay in a smaller, boutique hotel: The big luxury chains can sometimes charge crazy rates in summer, but smaller boutique hotels often give you a better experience for way less. Most hotels I recommend in this guide are highly rated boutiques that are still awesome.
  
  
• Be strategic about where you splurge: If you really care about a hotel room with a bathtub, go for it! That’s honestly my favorite thing ever (after a bathrobe). But you don’t need to spend big on everything. Maybe you save on the hotel and put that money toward a private boat tour or an incredible dinner instead. The best European summer vacations aren’t about spending the most (well, not to savvy travelers). They’re about spending smart!

Now let’s get into the 15 best European summer destinations for every budget.

Tier 1: Budget-Friendly European Summer Vacations

These destinations prove you don’t need a huge budget to have an amazing summer vacation in Europe. Great food, beautiful scenery, and plenty to do without breaking the bank.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

I’ve visited Portugal a few times, and Lisbon is gorgeous (and delicious). The food alone is worth the trip, and I even took a class on how to make pastel de nata while I was there. I am terrible at crimping the edges, but great at eating them. We all have our strengths

Lisbon is one of the most affordable capital cities in Western Europe, and you’ll notice it immediately in restaurant prices and hotel rates. The city has this incredible energy, with colorful tiled buildings on every street, amazing seafood, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t really get going until midnight 👵🏻

Where to Stay: Memmo Alfama is a consistently top-ranked boutique hotel in Lisbon with a rooftop pool, a central Alfama location, and an adults-only feel. It’s the kind of place that feels way more expensive than it actually is.

3 Things to Do in Lisbon This Summer:

• Sunset sailing on the Tagus River. There’s something about being out on the water watching the sun go down over the city that’s just magical.
• Day trip to Sintra. Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are both stunning and only about 40 minutes from Lisbon by train. Go early because it gets crowded by midday.
• Beach afternoon in Cascais or Ericeira. Lisbon is one of the few European capitals where you can be at the beach in under an hour. Take advantage of it!

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want great food, culture, and beach access without the premium price tag. Don’t forget the pastel de nata cooking class!

2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is honestly one of the best value summer destinations in all of Europe. Your money goes so far here, and the city itself is absolutely beautiful. There’s grand architecture along the Danube, incredible thermal baths, and a nightlife scene that’s famous for a reason.

Summer is when Budapest really comes alive too. The outdoor bars open up, the ruin bars spill into their courtyards, and you can spend entire evenings along the riverbank.

Where to Stay: Aria Hotel Budapest is a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner multiple years running. The rooftop bar has views of St. Stephen’s Basilica and the whole vibe is elegant without being stuffy. For Budapest prices, it’s a steal.

3 Things to Do in Budapest This Summer:

• Széchenyi Thermal Baths. This is the iconic Budapest experience. Soaking in the outdoor pools surrounded by that yellow Neo-Baroque building is pretty unforgettable, especially on a warm summer evening.
• Danube sunset river cruise. Watching the Parliament building light up at dusk from the water is pretty unforgettable. Plus, the tour I recommend includes unlimited drinks 🥂
• Ruin bar hopping in the Jewish Quarter. Szimpla Kert is the most famous one, but there are tons of them. They’re basically bars built inside old abandoned buildings and they’re pretty cool to explore in a super modern settings (like a night out).

Best for: Travelers who want a mix of culture, nightlife, and relaxation, all at prices that would make most Western European cities jealous.

3. Corsica, France

I absolutely loved my trip to Corsica. It’s one of those places that doesn’t get nearly enough attention, especially compared to the south of France mainland. It’s an amazing mix of beach and hiking, and honestly some of the most dramatic scenery I’ve seen in Europe. The cliffs in Piana are a gorgeous, stunning red that looks almost unreal, and the water is just as clear as anything you’d find in Greece. I honestly just loved standing in the water in Corsica and watching fish swim all around me.

The best part is that it’s still France, so the food and wine are excellent (lots of boar!), but prices are noticeably lower than Nice or Saint-Tropez. 

You’ll need to rent a car (I use DiscoverCars for the best deals) to really explore but driving along the coast is part of the charm.

Where to Stay: I think you should split your time between the red mountain ranges in Piana in the north and the beaches in the south.

In Piana, I stayed at Hôtel Capo Rosso and absolutely recommend it. It’s a 4-star property right near the famous Calanques de Piana with an outdoor pool and incredible views of the Gulf of Porto. It’s a little dated, but you’ll be sitting outside, staring at the cliffs all day anyway.

For your beach time, Hôtel Le Roi Théodore is one of my all time favorites. We had our own little patio with a couch and I want to live in the bathroom.

3 Things to Do in Corsica This Summer:

• Scandola Reserve boat tour. This is a must! The Scandola Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can only see it by boat. The red rock formations coming out into bright blue water are honestly breathtaking. Book the combined tour that includes the Calanques de Piana too.
• Hike the Calanques de Piana. The red granite cliffs here are unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else in the Mediterranean. You can drive through them, but hiking gives you the best views and access to hidden viewpoints.
• Beach day at Palombaggia or Rondinara. Corsica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean and they’re way less crowded than what you’d find on the Côte d’Azur. I bought a beachside mojito in Palombaggia and watched the fish swim through crystal clear water 🐟

Best for: Nature lovers and hikers who also want beach time. If you love dramatic scenery and don’t mind driving the coast or mountains, Corsica is your place.

Tier 2: Affordable Mediterranean Chic European Summer Vacations

These destinations are a step up in price but still very doable. Think crystal clear water, charming old town streets, and that classic Mediterranean feel without the Santorini price tag.

4. Malta

I have a huge soft spot for Malta and really loved my trip (taken in the shoulder season of October!). The sea is just as gorgeous as Greece but way more affordable, and the island has this fascinating mix of ancient history, British colonial vibes, and Mediterranean sun that you really don’t find anywhere else. I’ve written a full 3-day Malta itinerary and a one-week Malta itinerary if you want the full details.

Summer in Malta means long sunny days, warm water for swimming, and rooftop bars overlooking the Grand Harbour. It’s also small enough that you can see a ton in just a few days.

Where to Stay: The Phoenicia Malta is consistently ranked among Malta’s top luxury stays with an infinity pool overlooking Valletta harbor.

I stayed at the Radisson Golden Sands to be by the beach and seriously can’t recommend it enough. If you’re deciding where to stay in Malta, I’ve got a full guide for you.

3 Things to Do in Malta This Summer:

• Blue Lagoon boat tour. Go early or book a private tour to beat the crowds. The water is ridiculously blue and you’ll want to swim in it immediately. I have a full guide to the best Malta boat tours to help you pick the right one.
• Gozo Day Trip. Malta’s sister island Gozo is quieter, greener, and gorgeous. It’s worth popping over for a day and really easy to do on the ferry. You can do a day tour or just take the ferry over if you have a car
• Sunset drinks overlooking the Grand Harbour. Find a rooftop bar in Valletta and just take it all in. The views at golden hour are incredible and there are solid happy hours in Malta. This is one of those free (well, the cost of a drink) experiences that you’ll remember forever.

Best for: Travelers who want that Mediterranean island experience at a fraction of the Greek island prices. If you’re renting a car in Malta, I have a guide for that too.

5. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik has gotten more popular in recent years (you can thank Game of Thrones for that) but it’s still more affordable than a lot of the big-name European summer destinations. The Old Town is genuinely one of the most stunning places you’ll walk through in Europe, with limestone streets, terracotta rooftops, and the Adriatic Sea right there.

The key to Dubrovnik in summer is timing. Try to visit in June or September if you can, and definitely avoid days when cruise ships are in port. The difference in crowd levels is night and day.

Where to Stay: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is a 4.5 star sea-view luxury hotel just steps from Old Town. You get the proximity without being right in the tourist chaos, which is exactly what you want.

3 Things to Do in Dubrovnik This Summer:

• Boat & snorkeling tour to the Elafiti Islands. This gets you out of the Dubrovnik crowds and onto quiet islands with beautiful swimming spots. It’s a really nice contrast to the intensity of Old Town.
• Walk the city walls at sunset. Yes, it’s touristy. But there’s a reason everyone does it. The views over the terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic are genuinely stunning, and sunset light makes everything look even better. A tour guide will tell you all about the history (there’s a lot!) and make it way more memorable.
• Cable car to Mount Srđ. For panoramic views over Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, this is hard to beat. Go up for sunset and grab a drink at the bar up top.

Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers who want a stunning coastal city without the price tag of the Amalfi Coast.

6. Mallorca, Spain

Okay, I know Mallorca is one of those places that a lot of people write off as a party island, but it’s so much more than that. Palma is a beautiful city with gorgeous architecture, incredible restaurants, and a really cool art scene. And once you get outside Palma, the island has these hidden coves (calas) with turquoise water that are some of the prettiest spots in the Mediterranean.

Where to Stay: Hotel Sant Francesc is a Palma boutique favorite with 4.5+ stars, a rooftop pool, and it’s set in a beautiful historic building. Everything you want in a summer vacation base.

3 Things to Do in Mallorca This Summer:

• Boat trip to hidden calas (with tapas!). The coves around Mallorca are genuinely something special. Crystal clear water, dramatic cliffs, and way fewer people than the main beaches. Cala Llombards and Cala Varques are two of my favorites.
• Explore Palma Cathedral and Old Town. The cathedral is absolutely massive and beautiful, and the old town streets around it are perfect for wandering, shopping, and finding a good café.
• Beach club afternoon. Mallorca does beach clubs really well. Find one with good food, a DJ, and a view, and you’ve got yourself a perfect summer afternoon. There are SO many beach clubs, just google and pick one next to where you’re staying!

Best for: Travelers who want beaches, culture, and food all in one place, with easy access by short flights from most European cities.

Tier 3: Classic European Summer Vibes

These are the destinations that probably come to mind when you think “European summer vacation.” They’re popular for a reason, and no they’re not the cheapest, but they’re absolutely worth it.

7. Paris, France

My family is Parisian so I visit every single year, and I can tell you that Paris in the summer is a little bit of magic. The parks are full, the Seine-side bars open up, and everyone is eating outside. It’s also when Parisians leave for vacation, so some neighborhoods actually feel quieter than usual.

I’ve written a ton about Paris, so if you want the full experience, check out my guide to the best arrondissement to stay in, my three day in Paris itinerary, or my complete list of things to do in Paris.

Where to Stay: Hotel Brittanique is a great boutique hotel with AC (this matters in summer, trust me) and right in the first arrondissement, which is an amazing place to stay.

3 Things to Do in Paris This Summer:

• Seine sunset cruise. Paris from the water at sunset is one of those experiences that never gets old, even for someone who goes every year. Book one with champagne and dinner, and get a seat by the window!
• Champagne region day trip. If you’ve never been to Champagne, summer is the perfect time. The vineyards are lush and green and you get to drink champagne where they make it. I have a full guide to visiting Champagne from Paris.
• Crazy Horse Paris Burlesque. I’m telling you, you’re doing Paris wrong if you don’t go to a burlesque show! Of course there’s also the moulin rouge, but Crazy Horse is much more local. Check out my review here.

Best for: Everyone, honestly. First timers and repeat visitors. Paris is Paris for a reason.

8. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has had some serious tourism growing pains lately, but honestly that’s because it’s just that good. The city is gorgeous, the food is incredible, and visiting the Gaudí cathedral (Sagrada Família) genuinely made me feel like I was contributing to a piece of history being built in real time. It’s still under construction after more than 140 years and it’s still one of the most jaw-dropping buildings I’ve ever walked into.

Summer in Barcelona means beach afternoons in Barceloneta, late dinners that don’t start until 10pm, plenty of tapas, and rooftop bars everywhere. Be a responsible tourist, and you’ll be fine.

Where to Stay: Hotel 1898 is a favorite right on La Rambla with a rooftop pool. The location is unbeatable and it gives you a home base right in the middle of everything.

3 Things to Do in Barcelona This Summer:

• Sagrada Família guided tour with skip-the-line tickets. Book this in advance, it sells out! A guide really helps you appreciate all the details and symbolism that you’d miss on your own and it is SO worth it to skip the line. It stretches well around the church and is just not worth the hour+ wait.
• Tapas and wine tour (yes please!). Barcelona’s food scene is amazing and a guided tour takes you to places you’d never find on your own. Plus who doesn’t love croquettes and wine?
• Beach afternoon in Barceloneta. After all that walking and eating, grab a spot on the beach, order a drink from one of the chiringuitos (beach bars), and just enjoy the sun.

Best for: Foodies and architecture lovers who also want a beach city. Barcelona really does have it all. Don’t be afraid to visit! Just be a respectful tourist.

9. Rome, Italy

Good god, the pasta. And the ruins! There is so much history everywhere you look in Rome that it almost feels overwhelming. You’ll be walking to dinner and just casually pass a 2,000-year-old column right by the sidewalk. It’s wild.

Rome in summer is hot (I’m talking really hot, especially in July and August) so plan accordingly. Do your outdoor sightseeing early in the morning, take a long lunch break in an air-conditioned restaurant, consider booking a hotel with a pool (this is key), and then head back out in the evening when it cools down. That’s how the locals do it anyway.

Where to Stay: Singer Palace Hotel is a boutique luxury spot with 4.5+ stars in a central location. It’s the kind of hotel that makes you feel fancy without the crazy prices of some of the bigger luxury chains in Rome.

If you’re traveling with more of a budget, the Martis Palace Hotel is gorgeous, central, AND offers seriously unbelievable service. It’s luxury, but worth it.

3 Things to Do in Rome This Summer:

• Colosseum and Roman Forum skip-the-line tour. Do not try to do the Colosseum without a skip-the-line ticket in summer. Just don’t. Book a guided tour and you’ll get way more out of it, plus you skip the hour-long lines in the heat.
• Vatican and Sistine chapel skip-the-line tour. Again, the key words here are “skip the line.” I’d recommend going early. Getting into the Vatican before the general public means you can actually see the Sistine Chapel without being shoulder-to-shoulder with a thousand other people.
• Evening local food tour in Trastevere. Trastevere at night is magical. Cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and some of the best food in Rome. A guided food tour is one of my favorite things to do in any city, and Italian food…I mean you have to.

Best for: History lovers and foodies. If you care about pasta, historical ruins, or both, Rome is your city.

10. South of France (Nice + Èze)

The south of France just has that effortlessly glamorous feel that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. I spent time there laying on the beach, reading amazing books, and eating seafood pasta, and honestly it might have been one of my most relaxing trips ever. 

And yes, the beaches are topless. Yes, you should do it. When in France!

Nice is a great base because it’s big enough to have great restaurants and nightlife but small enough to feel walkable. And the day trip options from Nice are incredible.

Where to Stay: Hotel La Pérouse is perched on the cliffside with 4.5+ star views of the Baie des Anges. It feels secluded and special even though you’re just minutes from the Promenade des Anglais.

3 Things to Do in the South of France This Summer:

• Day trip to Èze and Monaco. Èze is this stunning medieval village perched on a cliff above the sea, and Monaco is, well, Monaco. You can do both in a single day trip from Nice and it’s one of the best excursions on the Riviera.
• Beach club day in Nice. Pick a private beach club along the Promenade, rent a lounger, order a rosé, and settle in. That’s it. That’s the plan.
• Provence wine tasting tour. The wines from this region are exceptional (especially the rosé, obviously) and doing a guided tasting tour through the vineyards is a really beautiful way to spend an afternoon.

Best for: Travelers who want that classic French Riviera elegance. Great for couples and anyone who appreciates good food, good wine, and beautiful scenery.

11. Lake Como, Italy

Where to Stay: Hotel Villa Flori is a consistently top-rated lakeside boutique stay. You get the waterfront location and views without the insane prices of some of the bigger-name hotels on the lake.

3 Things to Do at Lake Como This Summer:

• Boat tour of Lake Como with prosecco. This is THE thing to do here. Seeing the lake from the water, with the villas and mountains all around you, is absolutely worth the splurge. You’ll cruise past George’s villa too 😘
• Visit Bellagio and Varenna. These two lakeside towns are the prettiest on Como and they’re easy to reach by ferry. Wander the streets, grab a gelato, and take in the views.
• Villa del Balbianello gardens by ferry. You’ve probably seen this villa in movies (it was in Star Wars and James Bond). The gardens overlooking the lake are spectacular, especially in summer when everything is in bloom. Grab a ticket and hop on over on the ferry.

Best for: Couples and anyone who wants a slower, more romantic pace. Lake Como is not a party destination and that’s exactly the point.

12. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is iconic for a reason. The white-washed buildings with blue domes, the sunsets over the caldera, the volcanic beaches. It’s one of the most photographed places in the world and it genuinely deserves the attention.

I stayed in a gorgeous VRBO up in the hills, which meant I wasn’t right in the middle of the white-topped buildings, but it was way less touristy and the views were still incredible. Both approaches work. 

If you want to be in the heart of Oia, book way in advance and be prepared to pay for it. If you’re okay being a bit further out, you’ll save a ton and still have an amazing experience.

Where to Stay: Canaves Oia Suites is THE place to stay in Santorini. It’s a splurge for sure, but if you’re going to Santorini, this is the kind of place that makes the trip unforgettable.

3 Things to Do in Santorini This Summer:

• Catamaran sunset cruise. Watching the famous Santorini sunset from the water with a glass of wine in hand is pretty much peak European summer vacation. Be fabulous, do it.
• Wine tasting at Santo Wines. Santorini’s volcanic soil produces really unique wines that you won’t find anywhere else. Santo Wines has incredible caldera views to go with the tasting. We bought a few bottles after our visit!
• Hike from Fira to Oia. This is about a 3-hour walk along the caldera ridge and the views are unbelievable the entire way. Do it early in the morning before it gets too hot, and reward yourself with lunch in Oia at the end.

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, and anyone who wants that once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience. Book early because Santorini in summer sells out fast.

Tier 5: Splurge-Worthy European Summer Vacations

If you’re ready to go all out, these destinations deliver. World-class luxury, jaw-dropping scenery, and experiences you’ll remember forever. These are the European summer vacations worth saving up for.

13. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of those places that honestly looks like a painting. Colorful buildings stacked on impossible cliffs, winding coastal roads with views around every turn, and some of the best Italian food you’ll eat anywhere. It’s expensive, yes, but it’s also one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.

The trick with the Amalfi Coast is to book everything in advance during summer. Hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, boat tours. If you wait until you arrive, you’ll either pay double or miss out entirely.

You can also stay in nearby Praiano for a more affordable vacation right next door! I visited a couple years ago and loved it. The same beaches, just more affordable.

Where to Stay: Hotel Marincanto is a Positano cliffside favorite with 4.5+ stars. The views from the terrace are the kind that make you just sit there in silence for a while, which is saying something for me.

3 Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast This Summer:

• Private Amalfi Coast boat tour. Seeing the coastline from the water is a completely different experience than driving it. A private tour lets you stop wherever you want, swim in hidden coves, and take your time. The boat also holds 12 people, so plenty of room for a group!
• Visit the Pompeii Ruins with a guide. It’s not a beach tour, but if you’re near Pompeii and you don’t visit, you’ve seriously missed out. It’s fascinating to see the history, so much of it frozen in time, including what they believe to be restaurants!
• Beach club day in Positano. Reserve a spot at one of the beach clubs, order fresh seafood and a cold glass of white wine, and enjoy one of the most beautiful beach settings in the world.

Best for: Luxury seekers and anyone celebrating a special occasion. The Amalfi Coast is the definition of a splurge-worthy trip.

14. Monaco

Monaco is Fancy with a capital F. It’s tiny (the whole country is basically one neighborhood) but it packs an incredible amount of luxury into a very small space. Think superyachts, designer everything, and some of the most beautiful cars you’ll ever see just casually parked on the street.

The casino is worth a visit even if you’re not a gambler. Get dressed up, walk through the grand halls, and put a few euros on roulette for the experience. It’s very James Bond.

Where to Stay: Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo is iconic luxury, consistently top-rated, and right in the heart of everything. Yes, it’s expensive. But you’re in Monaco. That’s kind of the point.

3 Things to Do in Monaco This Summer:

• Monte Carlo Casino visit. Even if you only go for an hour, the architecture and atmosphere are something else entirely. Dress nicely (there’s a dress code) and enjoy feeling like a character in a movie.
• Yacht charter along the Riviera with wine. If you’re going to splurge anywhere, renting a yacht for a day along the French Riviera is a pretty incredible way to do it. Split it with friends to make it more reasonable or just enjoy 🛥️
• Oceanographic Museum. This is actually a really cool museum, even if you’re not into marine biology. It’s perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and the aquariums are beautiful. It was founded by a prince, because of course it was.

Best for: Luxury lovers and anyone who wants to experience how the other half lives, even if just for a few days.

15. Swiss Alps (Zermatt)

If beaches aren’t your thing (or you want to balance out your coastal trip with some mountain time), Zermatt in the Swiss Alps is absolutely spectacular in summer. The Matterhorn is one of those mountains that looks so perfect you almost can’t believe it’s real, and summer hiking here is world-class.

Zermatt is car-free, which means the whole town has this peaceful, quiet vibe. You get around by electric vehicle or on foot, and the air quality is noticeably better than anywhere you’ve just been on the coast.

Where to Stay: The Omnia is a favorite with Matterhorn views that will stop you in your tracks. It’s built into the mountainside and the design is modern and cozy at the same time.

3 Things to Do in Zermatt This Summer:

• Gornergrat Railway scenic ride. This cogwheel train takes you up to 3,100 meters with views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. It’s one of those things that photos genuinely cannot do justice to.
• Summer hiking with Matterhorn views. There are trails for every level, from easy lakeside walks to more challenging alpine routes. The 5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Walk) is popular for a reason.
• Glacier Paradise cable car. This is Europe’s highest cable car station and it takes you up to nearly 4,000 meters. Even in summer, there’s snow up here, and the panoramic viewing platform is incredible.

Best for: Mountain lovers, hikers, and anyone who wants a European summer vacation that doesn’t involve a beach. Also great for combining with a Lake Como or Monaco trip since Switzerland is right there.