For every avid traveler, Southern Europe is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world to visit. Southern Europe travel is a must-do adventure that exposes tourists to the cultural diversity and historical significance of the region, as well as the most scenic places to visit in Europe. From the coastline to the Mediterranean Sea to vast wilderness spaces and rugged mountain ranges, there is no shortage of tourist destinations to visit, especially at the peak of summer.

The warmth of summer creates a perfect opportunity for tourists to explore a range of recreational activities on a Mediterranean vacation, but with so many popular tourist destinations to visit in Southern Europe, choosing a summer getaway can quickly get overwhelming, even for seasoned tourists. When it comes to creating memories, no other regions come close to these most beautiful destinations in Southern Europe to visit in summer. These places are so beautiful that tourists might consider extending their stay when they embark on some Southern Europe travel this summer.

Related: 10 Things To Do In Milan: Complete Guide To Italy's Fashion Capital

10 Milan, Italy

Gothic cathedral in city square, Milan, Italy
Photo by Daryan Shamkhali on Unsplash
Duomo di Milano in Milan, Italy

Milan is not just a city in the northern Lombardy region of Italy but is also the world’s capital of fashion and is, therefore, one of the best places to visit in Southern Europe. The Piazza del Duomo and the Sforza Castle are only two of the enchanting landmarks in Milan. There is a long list of many others to discover along the Mediterranean coastlines, which is why tourists just can’t get enough of this beautiful city. Besides Milan's architectural grandeur and fashion scene, tourists can also experience the beauty of this city when they explore the gorgeous parks, lakes, and valleys.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy any of the unique tours in Milan, Italy, thanks to the glorious sunshine.

9 Lisbon, Portugal

Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal

There’s more to Lisbon than just a national status as the capital and largest city in Portugal. Lisbon is one of the best summer destinations in Europe and is known for its scenic beauty, with ornate architecture, rich culture, and a burst of color in every neighborhood. The city’s location along the shores of the Tagus River brings tourists closer to nature. And besides exploring the beauty of nature, there are other fun things to do on a summer vacation in Portugal. Lisbon has something juicy for every palate, so tourists can take exhilarating food tours in Lisbon to taste the flavors of Portugal on a cultural tourism vacation in Europe this summer.

8 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Aerial view of Dubrovnik, Croatia, one of the youngest countries in the world

Photo by László Tóth on Unsplash

Aerial view of Dubrovnik, Croatia, one of the youngest countries in the world

Dubrovnik is not new to fans of HBO's epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones, as the city was one of its major settings. This beautiful coastal city is among the best summer destinations Europe has to offer and is nothing short of a paradise, with undisturbed views of the sea from various locations. One of its architectural wonders is the Old Town, a beautiful neighborhood that extends into the Adriatic Sea and is characterized by houses painted in white limestones and covered with reddish-orange terracotta tiles, which gives the city its distinct charm. A walk through the medieval Dubrovnik City Walls on a Southern Europe travel offers magnificent views of the city, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe in summer.

One of the best things to do in Croatia is to take a Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik, which takes travelers on a journey to some of the show's iconic filming locations.

Related: From The Old Town To The Beaches: 10 Places To Explore In Dubrovnik This Spring

7 Siena, Italy

Siena town in Tuscany, Italy
Via Shutterstock
Siena town in Tuscany, Italy

There are plenty of things to do in Italy, and visiting the charming city of Siena is one of the best. With medieval brick buildings, this beautiful city is one of the best European summer destinations to visit as it whisks everyone back in time to the historical period. Whether visiting Italy for just a day or a couple of days, Siena is definitely among the top tourist spots in Southern Europe, especially in summer, when the warm, sunny days are perfect for biking and hiking. And, when the sun gets scorching, tourists can take a dip in any of the wild swimming spots in and around Siena. Besides its medieval beauty, Siena is also known for hosting annual festivals and events in the summer, so tourists also get to experience cultural tourism in Europe.

6 Mykonos, Greece

A panoramic view of Mykonos Town in Greece
Shutterstock
A panoramic view of Mykonos Town in Greece

From the heart of the Cyclades group, the Greek island of Mykonos leaves tourists spellbound as they stare upon its scenic beauty. Adding to its allure as one of the best summer destinations to visit in Southern Europe, Mykonos features white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches similar to the ones in Santorini. But there's more to Mykonos than just enchanting buildings, as this island features other iconic places to visit in Europe. With clubs and bars staying open all night long, the night never sleeps in Mykonos, so tourists can experience the city’s vibrant after-hours culture on a memorable summer vacation in Southern Europe.

5 Tenerife, Spain

Sunset on the Adeje coast, Tenerife, Spain
Via Shutterstock
Sunset on the Adeje Coast, Tenerife, Spain

Pictures are not enough to capture the beauty of Southern Europe, and Tenerife is all the proof explorers need. Tenerife offers plenty of things to do and see, given that it is the largest and most populous of all of Spain’s Canary Islands. This naturally places it at an advantage, earning it more recognition and media exposure as one of the best places to visit in Spain. But this island has amassed even more popularity and has now become a top summer destination in Southern Europe, thanks to its natural beauty and an abundance of outdoor activities for adrenaline fans. While in Tenerife, most tourists head to the Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts the highest peak in Spain.

Related: Why Tenerife Island Is The Perfect Destination For Honeymooners

4 Bucharest, Romania

Historic cobbled streets and architecture in Bucharest, Romania
Photo by Saru Robert on Unsplash
Historic cobbled streets and architecture in Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is the capital of Romania and is reputed to be the country's commercial center and a must-visit destination for cultural tourism in Southern Europe (technically, it's located in South Eastern Europe). The city offers an elegant mix of Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical architecture, as seen in the architectural magnificence within its borders. Summer is a great time to visit Bucharest, as the warm, sunny weather creates the ideal setting for a stroll around one of the city's many parks. Among the city's many attractions is the National Museum of Romanian History, a must-visit cultural landmark that history buffs could never get enough of.

Bucharest is also one of the most affordable cities in Europe to visit as a tourist, making it one of the many excellent budget-friendly vacation destinations.

3 Venice, Italy

Canal Grande, Venice, Italy
Via Shutterstock 
Canal Grande, Venice, Italy

Palaces built on the water are a surreal sight, and that's only an intro to the beauty of Venice, as there are myriads of beautiful attractions in this European summer getaway. One of the most popular places to visit in Europe, Venice is a paradise of beautiful bridges, hundreds of canals, and majestic Renaissance architecture, one of which is the iconic Piazza San Marco. This Italian city features gothic, baroque, and renaissance style architecture, distinguishing itself as a worthy summer destination steeped in the history and culture of Southern Europe.

To see a different side of the city, tourists can take a full-day or half-day trip to the island of Burano, home to the colorful houses in Venice along the canals.

2 Istanbul, Turkey

Riverside in Karaköy, Istanbul
Photo by Onur Binay on Unsplash
A view from the Bosphorus into Karaköy, Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and is also the nation's capital. It sits on the Bosporus Strait, where it straddles Europe and Asia, earning recognition as one of the most scenic places to visit in Europe. With high points such as the Ortaköy Mosque and the famous Blue Mosque, which people can visit, tourists can catch a glimpse of Istanbul's cultural heritage as they enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. Summer is a peak tourism season in Istanbul and is a great time to spend a day at the beach or embark on a gastronomic tour and discover the best Turkish cuisine in the best places to eat in Istanbul.

1 Santorini, Greece

An evening view of Santorini island after sunset at the famous Greek resort Fira, Greece
Via Shutterstock
An evening view of Santorini island after sunset at the famous Greek resort Fira, Greece

Santorini is an iconic Greek island on the Aegean Sea and is most famous for its beautiful sunsets, especially in the summer. When tourists want to catch the most beautiful sunsets on a Southern Europe travel, Santorini is always at the top of their bucket lists. This Mediterranean vacation destination is characterized by whitewashed buildings with blue domes at the edge of the caldera. While enjoying Panoramic views of Santorini, its stunning architecture, and several beautiful beaches, tourists who want to explore more of the island can indulge in traditional dishes and locally-produced wine before wrapping up their beach vacation in Europe.