Portugal Joins with Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania, France and More, Here are Ten European Alternatives to Classic American Summer Destinations, Find Out Now

Thursday, July 3, 2025

With summer fast approaching, many travelers are swapping their classic American Summer holiday plans for exciting European destinations that offer a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. If you’re looking for new places to explore this summer, we’ve rounded up some stunning alternatives to popular U.S. spots. From idyllic surf spots to nature-filled escapes, here’s where you should head this summer for unforgettable experiences, upcoming events, and thrilling concerts.

1. Surfing in Santa Cruz? Try Santa Cruz, Portugal

This summer, trade California’s iconic beaches for Portugal’s stunning Costa de Prata, where Santa Cruz offers nearly identical charm. With 300 sunny days a year, Santa Cruz boasts great surf, golden sands, and impressive coastal cliffs, much like California’s best surf spots.

In addition to perfect waves, you’ll find an immersive summer experience with surf lessons at the chic Noah Surf House, complete with an ocean-view infinity pool. During your stay, enjoy the town’s seafood dishes, including a hearty pot of arroz de peixe, and sip on a local red wine like Touriga Nacional. Concerts this summer include live performances at Bronzear, a beachside restaurant that often hosts local musicians.

2. Swap New England Cabins for Mökki in Finland

Escape to Finland this summer, where the iconic Finnish “mökki” cottages offer the ultimate rustic retreat. These lakeside cottages provide the perfect summer getaway with activities like fishing, kayaking, and sauna sessions. Summer days here are long, with 19 hours of sunlight, offering the perfect chance to connect with nature.

For an immersive experience, rent a mökki through Lomarengas and explore the stunning natural beauty of Finland. This summer, look for music festivals in Finnish wilderness areas, such as Flow Festival in Helsinki, which brings together music, art, and nature for a truly unique festival experience.

3. Swap the Appalachian Trail for Europe’s E1 Path

For those who love long-distance hiking, the European E1 Trail is a perfect summer alternative to the Appalachian Trail. Stretching over 2,000 miles across Scandinavia, the E1 path offers a stunning journey through remote wilderness and rugged landscapes. Starting at Norway’s North Cape and ending in Palermo, this path crosses mountains, forests, and rivers.

In addition to the hike, make sure to stop in towns along the route for some local festivities. This summer, the Norwegian Mountain Festival features cultural events, concerts, and outdoor activities, creating an ideal pit stop along your journey.

4. Replace New York with Berlin

If you’re drawn to New York City’s vibrant culture and nightlife, Berlin is the perfect alternative for your summer trip. The city’s buzzing cultural scene, extensive museums, and lively nightlife make it a great summer destination. Berlin’s underground electronic music scene is especially famous, with clubs like Berghain offering an immersive and experimental vibe.

Berlin is also home to several outdoor music festivals, such as Lollapalooza Berlin in September, where top international artists perform. For a quieter summer experience, explore the city’s parks, including the vast Tempelhofer Feld, and enjoy concerts under the open sky.

5. Swap the Grand Canyon for Montenegro’s Tara River Canyon

For adventure seekers, Montenegro’s Tara River Canyon offers an exciting summer alternative to the Grand Canyon. Known as Europe’s deepest gorge, the Tara River Canyon plunges 1,300 meters, making it a prime location for white-water rafting. Spend your summer navigating the river’s rapids or hiking the surrounding trails.

For a cultural addition to your summer itinerary, visit Žabljak, where the annual Tara River Festival offers traditional Montenegrin music, dance, and food alongside the incredible canyon views.

6. Swap the Mojave Desert for Spain’s Tabernas Desert

If you love the desert landscape of the Mojave, head to Spain’s Tabernas Desert this summer for a similar experience in Europe. Located in southeastern Spain, the Tabernas Desert features dry riverbeds, towering sand dunes, and stark canyons.

This summer, you can explore the desert’s history with a visit to Fort Bravo, one of the original movie sets used in Spaghetti Westerns. Enjoy horseback riding tours across the desert and take in live shows under the desert sky. Tabernas Desert Festival in August brings a cultural flair with live bands and cowboy-themed entertainment.

7. Swap Yellowstone for Romania’s Carpathian Mountains

Yellowstone’s rugged wilderness can be matched by Romania’s wild Făgăraș Mountains, where you can experience a thrilling summer of hiking and wildlife watching. The Carpathian Mountains offer dense forests, steep trails, and abundant wildlife, including brown bears, lynx, and recently reintroduced bison.

Stay in cozy wooden cabins and enjoy guided hikes to spot wildlife, or visit the Carpathian Music Festival for summer concerts in the heart of the mountains, offering a perfect blend of music and nature.

8. Swap New England Seafood for Normandy and Brittany

If you’re missing the seafood in New England, head to Normandy and Brittany this summer, where you’ll find fresh oysters, clams, and other coastal delicacies. The charming towns of Cancale and Blainville-sur-Mer are perfect spots to enjoy fresh seafood right on the beach.

In addition to great food, these regions offer summer concerts, like the Cancale Music Festival, where local bands perform live by the sea. You can also explore the oyster markets of Cancale and try your hand at shucking oysters while enjoying a glass of crisp white wine.

9. Swap the Florida Everglades for Italy’s Marano Lagoon

The Marano Lagoon, often referred to as “piccola Florida” by Ernest Hemingway, offers a serene alternative to the Florida Everglades. This eco-preserved wetland near Venice is home to lush canals, diverse birdlife, and traditional fishing villages. Spend your summer exploring the lagoon on boat tours or hiking along its shores.

Catch the Marano Lagoon Festival in July, which showcases local music, arts, and cuisine. It’s the perfect way to experience Italian culture while enjoying the peaceful beauty of the lagoon.

10. Swap California’s Highway 1 for Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

If the breathtaking views of California’s Highway 1 have always called to you, consider driving along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way this summer. This 1,600-mile coastal route stretches from the northernmost point in Donegal to the southern shores of Kinsale. Along the way, you’ll discover dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and stunning seaside villages.

Make sure to visit the Dingle Peninsula this summer for its mountain-to-ocean views, and enjoy the local festivals like The Dingle Food Festival in October, offering a delightful mix of culinary experiences and live music along the coast.

Conclusion: European Summer Escapes
This summer, ditch the typical American destinations and discover Europe’s hidden gems that offer the same adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness. From Portugal’s surf-filled Santa Cruz to Romania’s wild Carpathian Mountains, Europe is full of alternatives that will give you unforgettable summer memories. With concerts, local festivals, and breathtaking scenery waiting for you, these European destinations promise to make your summer travel experience extraordinary.

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