Salzburg, Austria
Paris will always have our hearts, but it's not the only spot on the continent that's worth a summertime visit. In fact, some of the best places to go for a European summer vacation will take you far from the obvious icons, especially if you're looking to ditch the crowds.
Every year, Fora Advisors field thousands of requests from clients looking for that perfect European getaway: somewhere with great food, beautiful scenery (beaches included), and ideally a little culture. And increasingly, the most exciting answers aren't Paris.
The seven destinations below—handpicked by Fora Advisors—span coastal retreats, buzzy city breaks, and mountain escapes. We've also included hotel picks, complete with Fora perks to sweeten the deal.
1. One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
Image courtesy of One&Only Portonovi
Nothing says European summer quite like the rocky shores of the Mediterranean. For an option you won’t see all over your Instagram feed, head to Montenegro. This lesser-known coastal gem is reminiscent of Croatia of years past, complete with idyllic natural beauty and lively seaside villages—with far fewer crowds compared to the rest of the Med. In between lounging on the beach, get off-property for a hike or white-water rafting excursion through the dramatic landscapes of Durmitor National Park.
Where to stay: One&Only Portonovi, a chic luxury retreat on Boka Bay, reflects its striking natural environment and rich local heritage.
Fora Perks at One&Only Portonovi: $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, complimentary Wi-Fi, upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
With its Gothic architecture and cobblestoned streets, Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most atmospheric urban centers. The Scottish capital is also well-suited to a summertime sojourn: walk the Royal Mile to explore medieval history, enjoy the city’s lively pubs, and check out the world’s largest art festival. Every August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe transforms the city with thousands of performances, including plenty of bagpipes.
Where to stay: With its iconic 190-foot-tall clock tower, the storied Balmoral hotel offers a historic base from which to explore the Scottish capital.
Fora Perks at the Balmoral Hotel: $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, and upgrade whenever possible.
3. La Gemma, Florence
La Gemma
A summer holiday in Florence means days spent soaking up Renaissance history, with visits to iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. Stroll through the city’s labyrinthine streets, filled with artistic treasures and inviting cafés, or wander through its serene gardens and parks. The wineries tucked throughout the surrounding hills of Tuscany make easy day trips for wine lovers.
Where to stay: A family-run boutique set in a 19th-century palazzo, La Gemma features a buzzy restaurant and an emerald-and-blush palette inspired by the nearby Duomo.
Fora Perks at La Gemma: Hotel credit, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. Rosewood Munich
A trip to the vibrant Bavarian capital offers a bit of everything: historic landmarks, natural beauty, and a thriving cultural scene. Visitors can explore world-class institutions like the Alte Pinakothek and the Deutsches Museum, or relax in the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Summer in Munich also means beer gardens, where visitors can enjoy traditional Bavarian brews and bratwurst.
Where to stay: Occupying a former royal bank and an 18th-century aristocratic palace, Rosewood Munich is a baroque showpiece just steps from the city's central square, Marienplatz.
Fora Perks at the Rosewood Munich: $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, and upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
5. Burgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, Switzerland
Image courtesy of Burgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa
Switzerland rewards travelers with a layered summer experience that deftly balances nature and culture. The Alps offer spectacular hiking, biking, and mountaineering, while Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Zurich beckon with sailing, paddleboarding, and long lunches on the water. Trips to Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne can easily combine time exploring medieval old towns with visits to leading contemporary art museums.
Where to stay: For a wellness moment, we love Burgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, a Swiss institution overlooking Lake Lucerne.
Fora Perks at the Burgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa: $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, complimentary Wi-Fi, and upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
6. Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, Greece
Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino
Greece's islands get all the attention, but the Peloponnese makes a strong case for the mainland. Three hours from Athens, this rugged peninsula packs in Mycenaean palace ruins, ancient temples, and Crusader-built hilltop castles—plus some of Greece's least-crowded beaches, serious mountain hiking, and a wine scene built around the indigenous Agiorgitiko grape.
Where to stay: The Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino features understated suites and villas, with a spa, beachfront access, and five distinct restaurants to round out the stay.
Fora Perks at the Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino: $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, complimentary Wi-Fi, and upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
7. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Austria
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg anchors Austria's summer cultural calendar with its signature festival—five weeks of world-class opera, theater, and concerts. A short drive away, Lake Wolfgangsee draws sailors, swimmers, and hikers to its crystal-clear shores, plus a historic cog railway up the Schafberg that reveals views across seven lakes. In Graz, one of Central Europe's best-preserved historic centers sits alongside a contemporary art scene anchored by the Kunsthaus, whose undulating black exterior has become an attraction in its own right.
Where to stay: Rosewood Schloss Fuschl breathes new life into a 15th-century castle on the crystalline shores of Lake Fuschl—where guests can fish the lake with the property's master fisherman, forage for alpine herbs with an in-house herbalist, or simply retreat to the 1,500-square-meter spa.
Fora Perks at the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl: Hotel credit, breakfast daily, and upgrade whenever possible.
If you’re ready to plan your summer getaway to Europe, our Fora Advisors can't wait to tailor a trip to your preferences and add A+ perks to your itinerary.
