Ah Europe in July. An oven! Sprinkled with some summer storms. Isn’t that what everyone wishes to enjoy during a vacation? Ok, ok, enough with the sarcasm. If you are looking for the best European Destinations to visit in July then look no further than…the entire continent. Yes, I am serious.

It is high season, everyone is traveling, and the prices are high everywhere. The choice is between baking by the waterfront or enjoying some cooler nights in the mountains.

While I am certainly not a fan of traveling in July, I always end up traveling in July anyway. I favor the hills and the mountains, ideally without any cell reception, away from the cities, and enjoying the cool nights.

With that in mind, let’s look at some choices for a European vacation in July.

European Destinations to Visit in July:Iceland

July average temps: 11 C / 52 F
Average accommodation price: from 120 EUR per night (Book your accommodation in Reykjavik now)

If you are looking to escape the heat of mainland Europe, Iceland is an amazing choice. Fly into Reykjavik and then venture into the wilderness. From active volcanos to glaciers, the country will make you fall in love. Plan a road trip if you don’t mind driving.

You don’t have to believe us. Check out these awesome photos taken in Iceland !

European Destinations to Visit in July: Switzerland

July average temps: 17.3 C / 63.1 F
Average accommodation price: from 106 EUR per night (Book your accommodation in Zurich now)

Yes, you are right, another expensive destination. But hey, it’s not scorching hot! Mountains, resort towns, cute cities, Switzerland has them all. If you are after a luxury experience, then Zurich and Geneva should be on your radar. Thankfully, you can still explore the cities on a rather limited budget, but you have to get creative.

European Destinations to Visit in July: Ireland

July average temps: 15.6 C / 60.1 F
Average accommodation price: from 90 EUR per night (book your accommodation in Dublin now)

Ireland is a popular destination during July since it offers respite from the heat. It may be tiny but it is packed with history, incredible scenery, vibrant culture, and…pubs! You can plan a road trip in Ireland if you don’t mind driving, or just spend time exploring Dublin. Oh and don’t forget to try a pint of Guinness!

European Destinations to Visit in July: Puglia, Italy

July average temps: 23.8 C / 74.8 F
Average accommodation price: from 65 EUR per night (book your accommodation in Bari now)

With mountains on one side and the sea on the other, Puglia offers the best of both worlds. Fly into Bari as it is served by a lot of low-cost carriers; go up the coast to Vieste, a resort town home to the longest beach on the Gargano coast; or to Peschici to enjoy a medieval castle alongside the beach, of course; or go south and visit Alberobello or the charming Poligano a Mare.

European Destinations to Visit in July: Transylvania, Romania

July average temps: 18 C / 65 F
Average accommodation price: from 30 EUR per night (book your accommodation in Cluj-Napoca now)

And here is my love again, Transylvania. It is also my preferred place to hide in July. Fly into Cluj-Napoca, which is served by a lot of carriers, and then explore the rest of the area. Other interesting places to visit are Brasov, Sighisoara, and Sibiu. There are a lot of places where you can camp, if you prefer to stay in nature.

Read also about:
>>7 Best European Destinations to Visit in January
>>5 Best European Destinations to Visit in February
>>6 Best European Destinations to Visit in March
>>7 Best European Destinations to Visit in April
>>7 Best European Destinations to Visit in May
>>5 Best European Destinations to Visit in June
>>5 Best European Destinations to Visit in August
>>10 Best European Destinations to Visit in September
>>10 Best European Destinations to visit in October
>>5 Best European Destinations to visit in November
>>5 Best European destinations to visit in December

Note: this post contains affiliate links. If you book through them I may get a small commission (at no additional cost to you).
In times of uncertainty, flexibility matters. We recommend booking an option with free cancellation in case your travel plans change.
The prices have been updated as of April 2024.