Europe is a fascinating land filled with magic at every turn and if you’re having a hard time choosing where to travel in Europe in 2024, we’ve got your back.
After coming up with a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in 2023, our teams of local experts throughout Europe come to the rescue again to help you decide where to go in 2024. From sunny volcanic islands and coastal towns to urban landscapes and natural wonders, this list of the best places to visit in 2024 has it all. Keep reading to find out where to travel in Europe in 2024 with suggestions for every month of the year.
Where To Travel in Europe in 2024
January
Athens, Greece
When it comes to a trip to Greece, most travelers choose to visit the sun-drenched Mediterranean country in the spring or summer. Even though this makes sense if you want to visit the Greek Islands, the warm months might not be the best idea for a trip to Athens. In the summer, the Greek capital is tantalized by soaring temperatures, while the city’s main sightseeing spots are flooded with tourists. To avoid both the scorching heat and the crowds, you should travel to Athens in the winter.
January is one of the best months to visit Athens. With the craze of the holiday season gone, the city is at its calmest in January. Restaurants, bars, and cafés are frequented almost entirely by locals, while the archaeological sites – even the major ones like the Acropolis – aren’t that busy.
If you’re worried about the weather in Athens in January, you should know that most days are sunny and not that cold. But even in crispier weather, you can still enjoy some outdoor sitting in picturesque neighborhoods, such as Plaka and Psyrri, as most establishments set up huge heaters that make you feel comfortable and even forget that it’s wintertime.
Our travel experts can curate the perfect trip to Athens for you. If you have a bit more time to spare, you can complement your trip to Athens with an itinerary across some of the best places to visit in mainland Greece.
February
Lisbon, Portugal
From one sunny European capital to the next, Lisbon is our February suggestion on this list of where to travel in Europe in 2024. February might be one of the coldest months in Lisbon – mind you, by Portugal rather than Central or Northern Europe standards – but it’s also among the driest ones. This means that you can enjoy long walks, taking in the beauty of Lisbon, without annoyingly heavy rainfalls.
Besides falling in love with the city’s gorgeous open-air locations though, Lisbon is also home to several top-rated museums and countless quaint eateries, bars, and of course, fado houses, where you can seek refuge on colder days. Not to mention that you can jump on the vintage Tram 28 for a tour of the city in the warmth of an old-fashioned wooden tram.
Yet another great reason to visit Lisbon in February is to experience the city’s Carnival celebrations. There are several events taking place throughout the entire month. However, the peak of the celebrations is between 9 and 14 February this year. For more information on specific fiesta dates, our local experts in the Iberian Peninsula are the best people to advise you. The same people can come up with the Portugal itinerary you’ve always dreamt of, too.
If you’d like to check out a more traditional Carnival during your trip to Lisbon, the quaint town of Torres Vedras is less than an hour’s drive or train ride from the Portuguese capital and is considered to throw the best Carnival party in Portugal.
March
Nafplio, Greece
The beginning of spring brings you back to Greece. This time, our suggestion for where to travel in Europe in 2024 is the picturesque seaside town of Nafplio. The latter is the ideal destination to plan a memorable escape any time of the year. Yet, March might just be the perfect month to visit Nafplio.
In Greece, the beginning of the Greek War of Independence is celebrated on the 25th of March every year. Few places are as intertwined with the history of the Greek War of Independence as Nafplio and the Peloponnese Peninsula in general. Suffice it to say that Nafplio was the first capital of Greece.
While in Nafplio, you can visit the mighty Palamidi Castle where the greatest Greek hero was held in a tiny cell after the end of the war as well as the spot where the first governor of the newly formed Greek state was assassinated. And this is just a small selection of locations that abound in rich history and legendary tales. Add to those one of the quaintest historic centers in Greece and a marvelous beachfront with panoramic views, and you’ve got a city break to remember.
March is a magical time in Southern Greece when spring’s first flowers start to bloom and this is why you might want JayWay to plan for you an itinerary to further explore the charms of the Peloponnese, beyond Nafplio.
April
Bayeux, France
The bijou town of Bayeux in Northern France is mostly known for two things. The famous Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot-long cloth that depicts the events that resulted in the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, and D-Day. The latter commemorates the landings of the Allied troops along the beaches of Normandy that took place on June 6th, 1944, marking the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from the Nazis.
This year, Bayeux celebrates the 80th anniversary of what is considered the greatest amphibious invasion in military history. For that alone, it’s worth considering Bayeux when it comes to deciding where to go in 2024. For history buffs, this 13-day itinerary delves into both World Wars as you travel across the most noteworthy landmarks in Bayeaux and other cities in France and Belgium.
Apart from its historical significance though, Bayeux is a picturesque town with a charming historic center, ideal for a spring break, especially in late April.
May
Wachau Valley, Austria
May is one of the best months to travel pretty much anywhere in Europe and for your inspiration for this month our travel experts have unearthed a very special yet not-so-popular destination for you: the stunning Wachau Valley in Austria.
This UNESCO-listed area is a landscape of rare natural beauty, dotted with vineyards, castles, and ruins. It’s a heavenly place that appeals to all sorts of travelers – nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and wine connoisseurs alike. But why should you visit the Wachau Valley specifically in May? Well, because that’s when the celebrated Wachau Wine Spring Festival takes place.
During this event, all the area’s wineries are open for visits, creating a unique atmosphere. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll from village to village in the company of fellow travelers, sampling exquisite wines along the way and taking in the marvelous spring weather amidst a scenery of unfathomable beauty. This year’s festival will take place from 4 to 5 May. And, since you’ll be in Austria anyway, why not indulge in a 17-day itinerary across the entire country, surely one of the best travel experiences you could ever ask for. If that’s a touch too long for you, our Austria Abridged itinerary of just 8 days also includes some time in the Wachau Valley.
June
Paris, France
According to Oscar Wilde, when good Americans die, they go to Paris. However, we’re here to inspire you to visit the French capital a lot sooner than that. Not that you’d need a lot of convincing. Paris is, was, and forever will be one of the most beautiful, culturally rich, and historically significant cities in the world.
From one of the most recognizable landmarks on earth – the Eiffel Tower – to some of the world’s most celebrated museums to the most iconic artistic neighborhoods, Paris is the epitome of elegance and charm, a city that you must visit at least once in your life.
Even though Paris has something special to offer any time of the year, there’s a reason why it’s our suggestion for June on this list of where to travel in Europe in 2024. By visiting before the Olympics (beginning July 26th), you’ll get to enjoy all the work that’s been done in preparation, before inevitable crowds arrive.
Moreover, the Fete de La Musique is a celebration that honors music. It takes place on June 21st every year to coincide with the ever-so-symbolic day of the summer solstice and it offers the perfect opportunity to see Paris with new eyes. Of course, you won’t be going to Paris for just one day, so check out this one-week Paris itinerary that covers all the unique experiences and sites that make Paris the wonder of a city that it is. And of course late June and the beginning of July is the time of peak lavender in Provence, and we’ve the perfect 10-day itinerary that combines Paris, Provence and the French Riviera for you to enjoy.
July
The Baltic States
Who doesn’t love an underdog story? The Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania all celebrated their 20th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union during 2021, peak pandemic.
Not a lot of people visited to celebrate with them, and now with the shadow cast by an unpleasant neighbor, the burgeoning popularity these small Baltic Sea countries were enjoying back in the late aughts is just a memory. Yet they have so much to offer: quaint Old Towns, quirky Bohemian neighborhoods, sandy beaches, quietly delicious cuisines, and the list goes on and on.
So why visit this year? Because you’ll be able to splash out on five-star digs for less than you’d pay for a basic three-star in Western Europe. Because the weather is something of a Goldilocks proposition at a time when a lot of Europe can be quite toasty – not too hot, not too cold. Because you’ll be able to enjoy somewhere off the beaten path, at a time when everyone else is packed like sardines on the Amalfi Coast.
Our 10-day itinerary evenly balancing three nights in each of the Baltic Capitals is a great place to start, and if you have a little longer, you could add in some time in Estonia’s summer capital of Parnu with its wide sandy beaches and spas, or Latvia’s main beach town of Liepaja, or exploring the Curonian Spit in Lithuania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
August
Gdansk, Poland
Europe in the summer is an excellent idea as long as you know where to go to escape the scorching heat. One of the best places to visit in Europe in the summer months is Poland, a very diverse country with outstanding natural landscapes, fascinating recent history, and mouthwatering local cuisine. But above all, pleasantly cool weather. Therefore, if you’re wondering where to go in August, we couldn’t recommend Poland, specifically Gdansk, enough.
But why Gdansk? Apart from the obvious reason – the Old Town looks as though it has sprung out of the pages of a storybook – Gdansk in August hosts the renowned St. Dominic’s Fair, a cultural and trade event that dates back to 1260. Often considered one of Europe’s oldest and largest open-air markets, the Fair promises visitors an unforgettable experience in Central Europe.
This year, St. Dominic’s Fair will run from July 27th to August 18th. Our Poland team can fill you in on all the necessary details. And, if you have more time to spare, this two-week itinerary takes you to the very best of Poland on a grand tour that includes Krakow and Warsaw among others.
September
The Dolomites, Italy
Our list of the best places to visit in 2024 could never be complete without a sprinkle of Italian magic. Since September is yet another month when temperatures are soaring in the South, our suggestion is to go for Northern Italy this time on a tour that will unveil the indisputable charm of the mighty Dolomite Mountains.
Whether it’s an active vacation or a lazy escape that you’re after, the Dolomites won’t disappoint. Traveling to the Dolomites in September means that you can enjoy glorious outdoor activities, like hiking in the most pleasant weather, or simply sit back and take in this magnificent scenery that is sure to take your breaths away.
Yet, there’s another reason why you should choose September for your trip to the Dolomites: the Gran Festa da d’Istà. In the course of three days, this feast initiates you into the secrets of local culture, gastronomy, and traditions. The culmination of the celebrations is the Parade of The Ladins, an ethnic group that’s intertwined with Italy’s North.
No matter if you’re staying in Alta Badia or Cortina d’Ampezzo, our Italian team can help you find the best way to the picturesque village of Canazei, where this unrivaled festival takes place. This year’s dates are not announced yet but fear not. Our ace local team in Italy will find out that and any other necessary piece of information for you.
October
Dubrovnik, Croatia
One of our perennial favorites, Dubrovnik is truly a wondrous gem. This jewel of the Adriatic is taking steps to restore its shine by restricting the effects of cruise ship crowds, but it’s still a huge draw in the high season. October is the perfect shoulder season month to visit Croatia, and especially Dubrovnik. The peak summer heat and crowds are gone, but the summer flight timetable is still in effect, making getting there much easier than November through March. The temperatures hover in the high 60s, and the days are usually sunny and dry.
Besides soaking up the atmosphere in a more relaxed old walled city, you can spend your days exploring islands nearby, like Lokrum, right off the coast, or further afield, such as Korcula, Croatia’s greenest island, and enjoy the Peljesac Peninsula on the way there. Shoulder season also makes day-tripping to Montenegro a lot more practical, too. With far shorter lines at the border, you’ll be able to spend more time seeing Montenegro’s coastal delights like Kotor and Perast.
Early October isn’t too late to take a dip in those enticing crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, nicely warmed over the summer months. All said and done, we think October is the perfect time to take a tour of Croatia, and where better to start or end your journey than where it all began for JayWay. Our first-ever destination offers some of the warmest welcomes anywhere in Europe.
November
Andalusia, Spain
Who can say no to an escape to a warm and sunny destination any time of the year? Just as Northern and Central Europe gradually start looking a bit more melancholic, there in the South, the sun shines on. This is why our suggestion for where to travel in Europe in November takes you to Andalusia, one of the most stunning regions in Southern Spain.
In November, Andalusia still feels warm and pleasant. It’s the best time to explore the historical sites and cultural treasures of cities like Seville and Granada, both abounding in unique architecture and irresistible small-town vibes. It’s also the ideal month to venture out into the beautiful countryside and visit villages and small towns, such as Ronda and Nerja.
From an emotional flamenco experience to sampling delicious local food, Andalusia promises a journey for all the senses. Of course, the magic of Spain doesn’t end in the country’s South. Therefore, why not plan a trip to get to know one of Europe’s most exciting countries, one that will most probably become your new favorite? This itinerary that takes you from Northern Spain to the South might just do the trick.
December
Strasbourg, France
And just like that, we reached the end of this list of the best places to visit in 2024 and the year’s most festive month. We can think of no better place to spend the most joyous time of the year than the very capital of Christmas itself: Strasbourg.
With its beyond-words pretty historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Strasbourg is a great place to visit throughout the year. Yet, it’s during the holiday season that this picturesque town becomes all the more enchanting.
More than ten Christmas markets, one of Europe’s tallest Christmas trees, and countless stalls selling hot beverages and mouthwatering treats compete for your attention at this feast that warms your soul and fills your eyes with pure magic as you’re getting ready to experience the most sparkling Christmas and New Year ever.
Our travel advisors will be more than happy to craft the perfect festive itinerary for you, ideally sprinkling it with a few stops in Germany, the country where it all began for Christmas markets.
Travel With JayWay in 2024
No matter which of these or any other places you choose to visit in 2024, make sure you avoid all the hassle involved in travel planning and skip straight to the good part by leaving your vacation in the hands of our expert trip advisors. All you have to do is have a rough idea about where to travel in Europe in 2024 and JayWay will make sure you enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Contact us now and get ready to see Europe in the best way, the JayWay!
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s passionate about travel and storytelling, a combination that makes her ideal for her role as our content manager.
Love the list! Lisbon is a must in our view!