Countries are opening their borders and travel is becoming a little easier to navigate once again. With the European summer fast approaching we know there are many of you getting ready to take flight! While the idea of dipping into the Italian coast or sipping a cocktail on a rooftop bar in London may sound glamorous, why not try something a little out-of-the-box this time round? We have three surprising locations that you shouldn’t overloook.
Iceland
Yes, the name of this country doesn’t particularly scream out ‘top summer vacation’. Nevertheless, there are some rather fabulous reasons to venture all the way North for your European summer escape. Iceland offers an abundance of activities and summer is the best time to take advantage of them all. Especially since a few are actually inaccessible in the colder months.
View this post on Instagram
One of these activities is touring the highlands: a continually changing environment of volcanic desert and regenerating nature. The Icelandic highlands offer up some of the most astounding landscapes and views, perfect for adventure drives or hiking. Nature is a big part of why the European summer draws people to Iceland. Like the hundreds of waterfalls that can be seen throughout the popular Ring Road drive, the breathtaking Westfjords and the puffins.
View this post on Instagram
The big bonus is if you don’t enjoy sweltering heat, Iceland boasts very mild temperatures in summer. Average temperatures will still be cool, dotted with days in the low to mid 20s°C. And with nearly 24 hours of sunlight in the summer months you’ll have even more time to explore all the natural beauty Iceland has to offer!
Georgia
Sitting at the intersection between Europe and Asia, Georgia is a small but mighty country when it comes to sightseeing and adventure in the European summer. This starts in its capital city, Tbilisi, whose major highlight is the Old Town. Set against a dramatic hillside you can stroll Old Town to find ancient churches, monuments and buildings rich in history. And if the walking takes its toll on your bones, you can soak in the medicinal thermal springs right in the centre of Old Town!
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for more historic touring, take a trip out into the Caucasian mountains. Here you will find the more remote province of Svaenti with all sorts of Medieval discoveries to be seen. Head southeast and you’ll find the caves of the David Gareji monastery complex, or visit ancient cave homes at Uplistsike.
View this post on Instagram
While Georgia does boast beaches for the traveller who loves to catch a tan, it is the Georgian lakes that are most spectacular. Alternatively, the Martvili Canyon with its famously emerald-green Abasha River waters is worthy of being a bucket-list number. Plus you’ll need to cool dow, since Georgia can get hot and humid in summer! It’s advised to travel in June, just before the real heat and crowds arrive.
View this post on Instagram
Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, has been hailed one of Europe’s most captivating cities by the travel gurus at Lonely Planet. It is filled with historical architecture and fascinating museums. In fact, the Old Town in Tallinn is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with a Town Hall that has existed since 1322!
View this post on Instagram
As the main attraction, this city is bustling with an eclectic mix of local pride and modern internationalism. Modern art galleries and gastronomic wonders all sprawl from the city outward. While largely unexplored, there is so much for the Estonian summer to offer.
View this post on Instagram
Venture off to the west coast of Estonia and find a getaway of pine forest islands, sublime countrysides and sleepy villages. When the European summer gets chaotic, you can find peaceful solace here. The often desolate Baltic coastline boasts many sights and activities. Think hidden stone churches, ruins of wars passed, horse riding, hiking and even a few spa resorts. And if this wasn’t dreamy enough, imagine the summertime fields of sunflower, cornflowers and poppies dotted with 19th-century windmills. Romantic, no?
View this post on Instagram
ALSO SEE:
