Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Europe
When it comes to planning the perfect getaway, there’s nothing quite like exploring the best summer holiday destinations in Europe . From sun-soaked coastlines to vibrant cities and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, Europe offers something for every type of traveller.
Help - Pets
Pets
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pets
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Please note
More than 9 of you travelling?
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Special assistance required
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Whether you’re searching for cheap summer holiday destinations in Europe, planning a family adventure, or looking for a romantic escape, travelling by ferry makes your journey part of the experience.
With P&O Ferries, you can enjoy the flexibility of bringing your car, packing everything you need, and travelling at your own pace. Avoid the hassle of airports and discover some of the best summer holiday destinations in Europe as well as some of the most underrated summer holiday destinations in Europe.
Summer Holiday Destinations in Europe 2026
For couples, summer in Europe is all about atmosphere, scenery, and shared experiences. The best summer holiday destinations in Europe for couples often include romantic cities, coastal escapes, and hidden gems away from the busiest tourist spots.
France is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Europe for couples, whether you’re enjoying a sunset in Paris or exploring the glamour of the French Riviera. In the Netherlands, canal-side strolls and cosy cafés in Amsterdam or quieter cities like Utrecht create the perfect romantic setting.
Belgium’s Bruges is a classic choice with its fairy-tale charm, while Ghent offers a more relaxed, less crowded alternative. Germany’s Bavaria and the Rhine Valley provide stunning landscapes, vineyards, and picturesque towns ideal for a scenic escape.
Closer to home, Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route and Scotland’s Highlands offer dramatic backdrops, perfect for couples looking for something unique and unforgettable.
Summer is the perfect time for families to explore destinations that offer a mix of fun, relaxation, and memorable experiences. The best summer holiday destinations in Europe for families combine beaches, interactive attractions, and easy-to-navigate cities.
France is always a winner, with destinations like Paris offering Disneyland holidays and cultural landmarks, while coastal regions like Brittany provide space for children to explore. The Netherlands is another top choice, with Amsterdam’s interactive museums and bike-friendly streets making it ideal for all ages.
Belgium offers compact, easy-to-explore cities like Bruges and Brussels, perfect for shorter trips, while Germany delivers great value with family-friendly attractions and scenic regions like the Black Forest. For those staying closer to home, Northern Ireland and Scotland provide outdoor adventures, castles, and road trips that kids will love.Summer Holiday Destinations in France
Paris is a must-see, offering iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, as well as charming café-lined streets. For families, Disneyland Paris is always a highlight. The French Riviera, including destinations such as Nice and Cannes, is ideal for couples seeking sunshine, beaches, and a touch of glamour, and the ultimate road trip.
The North of France is the perfect destination for a last-minute summer holiday. You can travel via our Dover to Calais Ferry and visit the beaches of Calais and Normandy. Other popular destinations in northern France include Amiens, where you can explore cultural landmarks, and Dieppe and Le Touquet, a popular coastal town known for its chic, relaxed vibe.
Summer Holiday Destinations in the Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Europe, known for its canals, museums, and vibrant atmosphere. Families will love interactive museums like NEMO, while couples can enjoy canal cruises and evening strolls.
Summer Holiday Destinations In Northern Ireland
Belfast is packed with attractions, including Titanic Belfast and lively markets. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most famous natural landmarks in Europe.
Explore the Causeway Coastal Route or visit lesser-known spots like Strangford Lough for peaceful scenery and outdoor activities.
For last-minute summer holidays in Northern Ireland, you can visit Newcastle, County Down, where you can hike Northern Ireland’s highest peak and explore Game of Thrones filming locations. The Causeway Coastal Route is also a popular destination if you are looking to drive your way around Northern Ireland. All of these destinations are close to our port in Larne, so if you are travelling from the UK, our Cairnryan to Larne ferry will get you to Northern Ireland in 2 hours.
Summer Holiday Destinations in Scotland
Discover the Isle of Arran or the Scottish Borders for a quieter escape. These areas are perfect for those looking for cheap summer holiday destinations in Europe without compromising on beauty.
For quick holidays in Scotland, have a look at locations like Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, which is ideal for water sports, cycling and lakeside walks.
If you are after a destination with more greenery, have a look at Highland Perthshire, also known as the ‘Big Tree Country’, where you can visit the famous Queen's View and walk among towering Douglas Firs or take a distillery tour.
Summer Holiday Destinations in Belgium
Bruges is a fairy-tale city with cobbled streets and canals, making it one of the best summer holiday destinations in Europe for couples. Brussels, the capital, offers a mix of history, culture, and incredible food.
Ghent is a fantastic alternative to Bruges, offering similar charm with fewer tourists. For something different, explore the Ardennes region, ideal for outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities.
If you are looking for a last minute summer holiday destination in Belgium, have a look at Bruges, which is famous for its medieval architecture, canals and chocolates.
If however, you are looking for something more naturesesque, explore the Belgian Ardennes that is ideal for hiking, kayaking and exploring castles.
Planning Your Summer Holiday 2026
Whether you’re heading to France for a beach break, exploring the canals of the Netherlands, discovering Belgium’s charm, or taking a scenic road trip through Northern Ireland or Scotland, there are endless opportunities to create unforgettable summer memories.
Book your ferry today and discover the freedom of travelling your way this summer.
Summer Holiday Destination FAQs
Yes, last minute summer holidays are easy to plan, especially when travelling by ferry. With flexible options, you can choose from a variety of destinations and enjoy a spontaneous getaway without the stress of flying.
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