It’s almost time. After what feels like an eternity of cold and rain, it’s almost European holiday season. With flights readably available from Gatwick and other London airports, then you don’t need to look any further than mainland Europe for an unforgettable holiday this summer. The continent offers a winning combination of history, natural beauty, culture and adventure. And there’s enough variety to keep you coming back, year after year.

Let’s take a look at some of the destinations in Europe you’ll want to tour.

For the record, I go away every year in May to the Greek Islands, and this year in Rhodes and the do not disturb sign may appear on this website.

Piazza di spagna in Rome italy

The Spanish Steps in Rome

Rome

The first of our two Italian locations. Few cities in the world provide such an incredible selection of historic buildings and famous landmarks to explore. The Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican City and the Colosseum: each of these would be the making of any other part of the world, and Rome has all of them and more.

To get the best from your trip to Rome, it’s worth thinking about when you’ll be visiting. During the peak of summer, the crowds can become a little bit oppressive. If possible, look for a September trip. The weather will still be nice, but there won’t be quite as many tourists.

Other sites to visit include the Pantheon, The Roman Forum, Piazza Navona and Villa Borghese. Plus of course the delicious Italian cuisine rocks in the Eternal City.

Pompeii

There’s nowhere in the world quite like Pompeii, the ruined city which was destroyed by an eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. If you’re staying in Italy near Naples, then it makes sense to take a day to explore this amazingly preserved ruin.

The once prosperous city had a population of around 11,000 people at the time of its destruction, and was largely forgotten until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Excavations have provided invaluable insights into ancient Roman life. The preserved ruins offer a glimpse into how the city’s inhabitants lived, worked, and socialized.

The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Paris

Paris is arguably the second most compelling city in Europe as far as tourism is concerned for a city break. It’s a place that’s synonymous with romance, and it’s thus ideally suited to short breaks for couples. Major landmarks like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower will appeal, but so too will the city’s enviable selection of world-class restaurants and little bakeries that France offers.

There are countless other things to do in Paris, including  the Louvre Museum, Champs-Élysées, the Seine River, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Palace of Versailles, Luxembourg Gardens, and Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens this year after the fire.

Nissi beach in Aiya Napa

Nissi beach in Aiya Napa ticks the boxes for white sand, turquoise water and pumping house music

Cyprus

Looking for an island break? The Cyprus life is difficult to beat and 4 and a half hours from Gatwick. It’s on a similar longitude to Malta and Crete but closer to Turkey. Famed for it’s winter sun with average winter temperatures is 13-15 °C, and over 300 sunny days a year.

You’ll be able to enjoy a walk along the beaches, or to sample the amazing restaurants if you love Greek food as much as me. While you’re on the island, be sure to make time for a hike amongst the eucalyptus in the island’s mountainous centre.

There are plenty of things to do in Cyprus including visiting the ancient ruins of Kourion and the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, or the charming old town of Larnaca and Church of Saint Lazarus.

Ayia Napa is livelier in the summer, although nearby Protoras and it’s gorgeous Cape Grecko is close enough to sample without being over bearing. Paphos is definitely quieter, with Coral Bay a hidden gem of a beach.

Slovenia

Slovenia is an incredible destination if you’re looking for an outdoor trip. Lake Bled stands out for its beauty. You’ll even be able to swim in the lake, if you arrive at the right time of year. The little island in the centre, with its iconic church, is recognised throughout the world.

Places to stay include the capital Ljubljana, coastal Piran is known for its charming old town and Venetian architecture, Maribor known for its wine region and historic sites, and Bohinj offers a peaceful retreat near Triglav National Park.

Austria

On a similar note, we should mention Austria. The Austrian Alps are incredible during summertime, for much the same reason as Lake Bled. If you’d like the equivalent experience on the Austrian side of the border, then the lakeside town of Hallstatt is difficult to beat. This is a fairly small town and it can fill up quickly with tourists, so try to restrict your activity here to the early morning and late afternoon. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of hiking opportunities in the vicinity to keep you occupied during the day.

Of course Austria also boasts Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Zell am See.