If the early spring sunshine has got you thinking about your summer holiday then you’re not alone. So where to go? With short flight times, fantastic weather and a multitude of cultures and countries to explore, Europe is always a good idea. From lavish luxury hotels to serene spa escapes and trending destinations, here’s where to holiday in Europe this summer.

The hot hotel: Cape Sounio, Athens, Greece

Set to emerge from a head-to-toe renovation when it reopens for the summer season on 17 April 2025, Cape Sounio is the perfect choice for those looking to combine culture with class in one of Europe’s most impressive cities. Overlooking the Temple of Poseidon on the Athens Riviera, and just 45 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Greek capital, the resort’s elegant bungalows, suites, and villas are set among pine-covered hills overlooking the Aegean. A haven for foodies, dine at each of the six distinctive restaurants, including Yali, serving freshly caught seafood by the water, and Cape Sounio Restaurant, renowned for its creative Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Also new for 2025 is Ploe Spa, promising to provide a sanctuary for relaxation alongside bespoke treatments from Dr Barbara Sturm and natural therapies rooted in Ancient Greek wellness traditions, as well as indoor freshwater and outdoor swimming pools, yoga sessions, and a modern fitness centre. Part of the family-run brand Grecotel, which is celebrating 50 years this year, get ready to immerse yourself in true Greek hospitality.

From £415 per night.

The romantics choice: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, France

The sun-drenched shores of the South of France have long been a destination for romantics – and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is no exception to the rule. A jewel in the Côte d’Azur’s crown, this five-star behemoth in Antibes has been the setting for deeply glamorous tête-à-têtes and soirées for more than 150 years, hosting the great and the good of those in the world of art, cinema, literature, and politics, including F Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, John Lennon and Yoko Ono. And this year’s most coveted ticket in town? Access to the hotel’s legendary seaside cabanas.

After a sell-out season last year, the much-lauded day cabanas will return this summer having undergone a chic transformation in collaboration with renowned interior designer Francis Sultana. Originally erected in the 1930s, the 31 cabanas have been a beloved pastime for holidaymakers spending their summers overlooking the glistening Mediterranean, and are perfect for whiling away the hours in the sun. Combine this with a classic Caesar salad and ice-cold glass of rosé before resting your head in one of the 111 opulent rooms and you’ve got a European stay of dreams.

From £1,430 per night.

The health retreat: Zem Wellness Clinic Altea, Spain

Having only opened in January 2025, Zem Wellness Clinic Altea is a pioneering medical retreat rooted in the principles of Mediterranean longevity. Spanning 40,000 square metres and offering 95 suites with views across Altea Bay, the hotel promises tailored health programmes that merge cutting-edge medical treatments with ancient therapies, all overseen by CEO Franck De Weerdt and a world-class team led by David de Cubas.

With bespoke packages ranging from three to 21 nights, and focusing on longevity, balance and vitality, trust you will return from this Spanish retreat thoroughly rejuvenated. Equipped with the latest advances in medical technology, Zem Clinic offers face and body scans to reveal guests' health secrets, while treatments such as Exosomes E-50 are designed to regenerate from within. Elsewhere, the hotel has its very own organically-cultivated vegetable garden spanning nearly 20 acres, including Finca Althaya, which is home to more than 60 different varieties of fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs which supply the Salvia restaurant. Feeling good has never looked so easy.

From £10,465 for a seven-night stay.

The spa hotel: One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro

If you're looking for the world's billionaires and rich kids this summer, you'll likely find them in Portonovi, a marina-meets-village on the Adriatic coast. This high-rolling shoreline is home to Europe's first One&Only resort, which opened in 2021 – and four years into its opening, its appeal doesn’t seem to be waning. Hugging the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, it features palatial rooms and suites, several swimming pools and four restaurants.

However, the highlight is the three-storey Chenot spa, from the exalted Swiss wellness operator, which features swathes of treatment rooms, a phalanx of medical staff, a cryotherapy chamber, oriental hammam, hair boutique and men’s grooming salon, Barber&Blade. Guests can check-in for everything from a facial to a seven-day detox programme. For an ultra bespoke package, the Chenot team will ask you to complete a set of diagnostic tests upon arrival to curate a sophisticated package of bespoke treatments and culinary plans that aim to stimulate the body to eliminate toxins, increase vitality, activate energy channels and rebalance the body’s physiology. A selection of guest rooms are located directly above the spa, offering privacy and easy access for those taking part in more intensive or longer treatment programmes.

From £300 per night.

The arty hotel: The Fife Arms, Scotland

The Fife Arms has been at the heart of Braemar, the Aberdeenshire town famous for hosting the Highland games in Scotland, since the 19th century. Deep in the Cairngorms National Park, this Victorian coaching inn was reimagined by its new owners, Hauser and Wirth gallerists Iwan and Manuela Wirth, in 2018 to offer 46 design-led bedrooms, a hearty restaurant overlooking the River Clunie, a spa and village bar. 

Given the Wirth’s decades-long dedication to modern and contemporary art, it’s unsurprising that art is central to The Fife Arms experience. More than 14,000 works have been thoughtfully integrated into every room, corridor and corner, with large-scale site-specific commissions by internationally-renowned artists – Zhang Enli, Guillermo Kuitca, Subodh Gupta, and Bharti Kher – among them. In the main entrance hall, for example, guests are greeted by a three-metre-high mahogany and pine chimneypiece carved by 19th-century artist Gerrard Robinson, featuring depictions of various scenes from the work of Scottish lyricist and poet Robert Burns. Other notable Scottish works include numerous paintings by Archibald Thornburn, one of Scotland’s finest wildlife painters, and a canvas by Dundee artist John Maclauchlan Milne, who exhibited alongside the Scottish Colourists.

From £654 per night.

The Balearic bolthole: Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort, Spain

Heading to the White Isle this summer? On a mission to reimagine Ibiza, and highlight its bohemian roots, is Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort. Set in a serene enclave on the Spanish island's northern coast, the five-star, adults-only retreat has been designed to reflect this authentic spirit, from its 292 rooms to its tranquil, nature-inspired surroundings. The resort’s 12 dining outlets offer something to satiate every appetite, while three pools, two wellness areas, and exclusive beach access provide the ideal backdrop for a fine summer holiday.

New for 2025 is the Beach House Cala San Miguel, a sun-drenched beachfront dining destination, alongside new complimentary experiences designed to nourish the soul. From local Ibicencan spirit workshops, full moon rituals and cacao ceremonies to sunset paddleboarding, open-water swims and guided hikes, each experience immerses guests in the island’s soulful rhythm. Think wellness, but make it Ibiza.

From £300 per night.

The train: Belmond Britannic Explorer, UK

The world of luxury train travel is set to be reimagined as Belmond debuts its first luxury sleeper train, touring the rolling countryside of England and Wales, from July 2025. Embarking on a new chapter of exceptional slow travel, spanning everything from the Art Deco decor to the food, by renowned chef Simon Rogan, to the on-board wellness suite and considered cultural programming, well-heeled travellers can discover Britain in a way that wasn't possible before.

The Britannic Explorer will depart from London, offering three-night journeys through the landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. By day, optional off-train excursions have been designed to showcase each destination, while by night, passengers can unwind and mingle in the train’s botanically-inspired bar, located in the Observation Car and set to be the social heart of the Britannic Explorer. Chin chin.

From £11,000 for a three-night itinerary.

The cruise: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Set sail on a romantic voyage to discover the wonders of Northern Europe by boat. Glide from Scandinavia’s largest city, Stockholm – after taking in its fantastic museums and colourful architecture – before cruising the Baltic sea and stopping off at the Finnish capital of Helsinki, Copenhagen, Berlin and then Amsterdam. Alternatively, if you’d rather catch a glimpse of the wildlife, Regent Seven Seas Cruises sails further north to the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands and stops off at several fjords in the Norwegian Sea. Every room is a suite and its inclusive offering covers absolutely everything, from your first glass of champagne to dinner at Compass Rose, the ship's signature French fine dining restaurant.

From £5,909 for a 10-night voyage departing from Southampton.

The adventure break: Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland

With coolcationing on the rise, adrenaline junkies should make a beeline for Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, a must-visit adventure hotel in the Ásgarður Valley. Arrive to the rocky desolation of the central highlands via a stylish four-wheel drive, before embarking on a break combining hiking, biking and skiing adventures depending on the season, all set against a backdrop of aurora-filled skies. Highlights of the jam-packed activity calendar include a snow science hiking tour to learn about the different types of snow, snowmobile excursions and ski touring around glaciers and hot spring valleys, before hunkering down in one of the 28 wood-panelled suites boasting impressive views of the rolling hills beyond. The hotel is also home to three steaming geothermal pools, a sauna, cold plunge pool, and underground passageways connecting to the hotel so you can enjoy a hearty meal in the in-house bistro moments after your freezing dip.

From £483 per night.

The family choice: Forte Village, Sardinia

The cavernous Forte Village in southern Sardinia is widely regarded as one of the best family resorts in Europe, if not the world. It is made up of four and five-star hotels, in addition to 13 luxury villas, with Hotel Costello being the most luxurious having previously hosted the Beckhams. Children’s activities at Forte Village are seemingly endless: cookery classes, water polo, go-karting and arts and crafts, as well as multiple pools, a water park, a vegetable garden and a nursery.

The Real Madrid Football Academy sees notable players coaching the stars of tomorrow, while there are also 47 hectares to explore by bike, new padel courts and daily diving excursions. For adults, the newly renovated Acquaforte Thalasso and Spa is serene in excelsis, with myriad treatment options and a circuit of six saltwater pools.

From £805 per night.

Read more: The best new luxury hotels opening in 2025