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Exploring Summer Holiday Destinations In Europe

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.


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Summer Holiday Destinations in Europe 2026

Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Europe for Couples

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.
Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Europe for Families

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

Popular 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.


Le Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, France
Underrated Summer Holidays in France

For something a little quieter, head to Brittany or Normandy. These regions offer beautiful coastlines, quaint villages, and fantastic local cuisine without the crowds. They’re also great options if you’re searching for cheap summer holiday destinations in Europe.


City Hall in Le Touquet
Last Minute Summer Holiday to France

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 Canals
Popular Summer Holidays 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.


De Haar Castle in Utrecht, Netherlands
Underrated Summer Holidays in the Netherlands

Consider visiting Utrecht or The Hague for a more relaxed experience. These cities offer beautiful architecture, fewer crowds, and plenty of charm. Coastal towns like Zandvoort are also perfect for a laid-back beach day.


Dordrecht is known as the city by the water in the Netherlands
Cheap Last Minute Summer Holidays to the Netherlands

Destinations like Zeeland or Domburg are cheap last minute sumer holiday destinations in the Netherlands that you can visit for therapeutic spa climate, surfing and nature. You can also travel on the P&O Ferries mini cruises to Amsterdam or Rotterdam.


Summer Holiday Destinations In Northern Ireland

Belfast City night scene
Popular Summer Holidays 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.


Giants Causeway Landscape in Northern Ireland
Underrated Holiday Destinations In Northern Ireland

Explore the Causeway Coastal Route or visit lesser-known spots like Strangford Lough for peaceful scenery and outdoor activities.


Kinsale  in County Cork, Ireland
Last Minute Summer Holidays to Northern Ireland

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

Historic buildings in Edinburgh, Scotland
Summer Holiday Destinations in Scotland
Edinburgh is one of the top ten summer holiday destinations in Europe during festival season, while the Highlands provide breathtaking views and outdoor adventures.
Urquahurt in Inverness Scotland
Underrated 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.


Arthurs  Seat Edinburgh Scotland
Last Minute Summer Holidays in Scotland

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

River in Bruges, Belgium
Popular 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.


City view in Ghent
Underrated Summer Holidays in Belgium

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.


Antwerp Square in Belgium
Last Minute Summer Holidays in Belgium

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

Last Minute Summer Holidays Made Easy
Planning last-minute summer holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. With flexible ferry travel, you can choose from a wide range of summer holiday destinations in Europe and set off when it suits you.

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.
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Start Your Summer Adventure With P&O Ferries
From the most popular summer holiday destinations in Europe to hidden gems waiting to be explored, there’s never been a better time to plan your trip. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or looking for a spontaneous getaway, Europe has it all.

Book your ferry today and discover the freedom of travelling your way this summer.
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Summer Holiday Destination FAQs

1 What are the best summer holiday destinations in Europe?
Some of the best summer holiday destinations in Europe include France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. These locations offer a mix of beaches, culture, and outdoor activities, making them ideal for all types of travellers.
2 What are the best summer holiday destinations in Europe for families?
The best summer holiday destinations in Europe for families include France for its theme parks and beaches, the Netherlands for interactive museums, and Northern Ireland and Scotland for scenic road trips and outdoor adventures.
3 What are the best summer holiday destinations in Europe for couples?
Couples often enjoy destinations like Paris, Bruges, the French Riviera, and the Scottish Highlands. These locations offer romantic scenery, charming towns, and memorable experiences.
4 What are some of the most underrated summer holiday destinations in Europe?
Some of the most underrated summer holiday destinations in Europe include Brittany in France, Utrecht in the Netherlands, Ghent in Belgium, the Black Forest in Germany, and the Scottish Borders.
5 Can I book last-minute summer holidays?

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.