Summer Holidays 2026: The Best Destinations in Europe

The 2026 summer holidays are just around the corner, which means many families are starting to plan their next adventure. Whether you fancy a beach getaway, a mountain escape or a city break, Europe offers something for everyone.

If you need some inspiration, we've put together a list of some of the best destinations in Europe for the 2026 summer holidays. Some can be reached directly by ferry from the UK, allowing you to make the most of generous luggage allowances and the convenience of bringing your car or pet along too. Others are ideal for incorporating into a wider ferry-based adventure across Europe.

Contents

• Overview: Summer holidays in Europe 2026
• France: Culture, cuisine and charm
• Italy: La Dolce Vita, dreamy beaches and island escapes
• Spain: Sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture
• Greece: Islands, ancient history and stunning scenery
• Germany: Coastlines, lakes and mountain landscapes

Overview: Summer holidays in Europe 2026

Here is an overview of summer holiday timings across selected European destinations:

France: Culture, cuisine and charm

France has been one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations for years and remains a top choice for the 2026 summer holidays. The country captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, from the lavender fields of Provence to the beaches of the Côte d'Azur and the rugged coastlines of Brittany.

Paris is undoubtedly a hot spot with amazing museums, world-class sights and chic cafes, as is Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with listed buildings and incredible architecture.

For beach lovers, the coastal regions are particular popular, and they also offer great connections by ferry. Brittany attracts visitors with its rugged coastal landscape, small fishing villages and excellent cuisine. You can also get direct ferries to the region from England to ports such as Calais, Saint-Malo and Cherbourg.

The French Mediterranean coast, on the other hand, exudes glitz and glamour. Places like Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez are synonymous with sunshine, yachts and a Mediterranean lifestyle. If you fancy extending your trip, ferries run from Toulon, Sète, Marseille and other ports on the south coast to destinations including Corsica, Sardinia, Mallorca, Morocco and Tunisia.

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Italy: La Dolce Vita, dreamy beaches and island escapes

Thanks to its rich culture, amazing cuisine and beautiful landscapes, Italy has been one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Europe for decades - and this year is no different.

The Adriatic coast's long sandy beaches, extensive accommodation options and wide range of activities make it a favourite with families and young travellers alike. Meanwhile, the picturesque towns of Tuscany and Liguria are perfect for those seeking natural beauty, while Southern Italy has its own charm. Regions such as Puglia and Calabria captivate visitors with their authentic character, mouth-watering cuisine and breathtaking scenery.

Alongside the coastal regions, cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan remain extremely popular thanks to their world-famous sights and unique history. The port of Civitavecchia, which serves Rome, offers ferry connections to destinations in Italy such as Olbia and Palermo, along with places like Barcelona. Naples, is also a popular destination, thanks to its frequent ferries to the Amalfi Coast and many of the islands in the Bay of Naples.

The Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily are also particularly popular. With its turquoise bays and white beaches, Sardinia is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Sicily attracts visitors with its historic towns, impressive volcanic landscapes and Mediterranean cuisine. You can reach the islands easily from ports such as Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia or Naples.

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Spain: Sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture

Spain is one of the absolute classics for summer holidays in Europe. The country offers the perfect setting for beach holidays, city breaks and active adventures. Thanks to its warm climate and extensive coastline, Spain remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in 2026. Better still, you can reach the country via a direct ferry from England to either Bilbao or Santander and then continue your journey onwards.

Alongside classic destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville, the Costa del Sol in Andalusia remains particularly popular. Cities such as Málaga and Marbella combine stunning beaches with a laid-back atmosphere and excellent cuisine. From here, you can even get ferries to Morocco, offering a convenient connection to North Africa.

Ferry travel generally plays a key role in Spain, particularly for trips to the Balearic Islands. Ferries run regularly between the Spanish mainland and Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and other islands. Departures are available from places such as Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia.

The Canary Islands are also very popular. Along with their impressive volcanic landscapes, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote offer pleasant temperatures all year round. The extensive ferry network between the islands makes them especially popular for island-hopping.

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Greece: Islands, ancient history and stunning scenery

Greece is one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations and just like every year, is set to delight countless holidaymakers during the 2026 summer holidays. The country captivates visitors with its historic sights and stunning archipelago.

The Greek islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas are particularly popular. Crete is one of the largest and most diverse of them all. With its stunning beaches, ancient sites and impressive mountain landscapes, it's an ideal destination for families and active holidaymakers. Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos are also popular holiday destinations and offer something for every kind of traveller.

The Greek mainland also offers plenty of highlights – not least the capital, Athens, where the blend of ancient history and modern city life promises an exciting holiday. What’s more, this metropolis has three ferry ports - the main port of Piraeus (to the south), the port of Rafina (to the east) and the port of Lavrio (to the south-east). From there, you have access to virtually all the Greek islands.

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Germany: Coastlines, lakes and mountain landscapes

In 2026, Germany remains one of the most popular destinations for summer holidays within Europe, with many people heading to cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. Beyond the cities, southern Germany beckons with the Alps, idyllic lakes and picturesque towns, whilst the coastal regions in the north offer long sandy beaches, charming seaside resorts and heaps of activities.

And if you fancy a tour of Northern Europe, you can also take advantage of the ferry ports dotted along the Baltic Sea coast that take you to Scandinavia or the Baltic states. Crossings from Kiel, Rostock or Travemünde to Sweden, Denmark or Finland are especially popular, allowing you to see more of the region.

The 2026 summer holidays offer the perfect chance to discover or rediscover some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations. Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Greece boast diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage and countless possibilities for relaxation, exploration and adventure.

If you plan ahead, you’ll benefit from better prices and a wider choice of routes. We'd also recommend you book ferry tickets and accommodation well in advance during the peak season. With Direct Ferries, you can compare ferry companies, timetables and prices and book your ideal ferry in just a few clicks. Feel free to visit our blog or Instagram account for inspiration.