Europe is at the top of many traveler's bucket lists, and for a good reason. With the amount of cultural diversity, natural wonders, and historical sites packed into Europe, there’s almost too much for just one lifetime.
Upon the implementation of ETIAS, an electronic visa waiver, in 2025, non-EU citizens will have to pre-register before entering the Schengen Area. ETIAS authorization is valid for as long as three years. However, travelers can pack plenty of travel without worrying about additional registration.
Which European countries will you travel to with ETIAS authorization? Here are the best times of year to visit each country in Europe.
European Countries To Visit in the Summer
Europe is home to some of the best beaches and most beautiful weather in the world. Anyone looking for the perfect summer vacation will have many options in Europe, including:
- Spain
- Italy
- Greece
- Croatia
- Portugal
- Cyprus
- Austria
- Denmark
- Norway
- Sweden
- Lithuania
- Bulgaria
- Estonia
Spain
People travel from around to experience Spain’s white sand beaches and bright blue water. San Sebastian, Mallorca, and Barcelona are top-notch options for anyone looking to unwind.
Spain isn’t just about the beach, however. Take advantage of the sunshine by admiring the historical architecture of Madrid, boating in the high-end Seatown of Marbella, or enjoying the sights and sounds of Ibiza.
Italy
Similar to its other Mediterranean neighbors, Italy is beautiful nearly year-round. That said, the warm Tuscan sun is at its best between June and August. From the beaches of Sardinia to the canals of Venice, nowhere in Italy doesn’t offer stunning views and fantastic food.
Greece
Composed of 227 islands, each offering something special, Greece offers its visitors the perfect summer holiday. Enjoy the world-class beaches of Santorini, the ancient historical sites of Athens, or the world-class nightlife of Mykonos.
Croatia
Over the past decade, Croatia has become a destination for travelers seeking a unique summer vacation. Croatia boasts some of the most stunning European beaches bordering the Adriatic Sea. Beach-goers will enjoy Croatia’s special geological features, with plenty of seaside cliffs and caves.
Fans of Greek mythology will especially enjoy Mljet Island, home to Odysseus Cave. This awe-inspiring cave is thought to be the basis of Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey.”
Portugal
Portugal is far more than Spain’s little brother. Lisbon is one of Europe's most different capital cities, boasting seaside bluffs, cobble-stone roads, and cable cars traversing the colorful, nostalgic. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Tapas with an ocean view.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the stunning beaches, caves, and lakes any traveler would want on a summer vacation. However, Cyprus ups the ante with a wealth of culturally and historically significant sites. From the Adonis Baths to Amathus, visitors can experience Cypriot history thousands of years in the making.
One of Cyprus’ most cherished attractions is the Stavrovouni Monastery. Dating back to the early 4th century and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this monastery is one of the few places where visitors can see a piece of the Holy Cross.
Austria
Flanked by the world-renowned Alps, Austria is known for its world-class skiing. That being said, Austria should not be overlooked as a summer destination. Visitors can take advantage of the beautiful Austrian weather to stroll the streets of Vienna, visit the Salzburg Altstadt, and marvel at the Dachstein Salzkammergut. The Alps offer many summertime activities, such as hiking and alpine sledding.
Denmark
Scandinavia is best visited between May and September, and Denmark is no exception. Due to its Northern location, the winter months feature short days and long nights. Tourists will want as much sunshine as possible to take in the vibrant seaside city of Copenhagen.
Norway
Another Scandinavian country susceptible to dark winters, Norway is best visited during the summer months. Outdoor-minded visitors can take advantage of the weather to explore the stunning Fjord region and hike the epic Trolltunga.
Sweden
Sweden is a nation riddled with rich history, stunning nature, and vibrant cultural identity. June is the perfect time to visit Sweden, as the annual summer solstice celebration of Midsommar commences on June 23rd. As many Swedes believe this holiday to be the most important day of the year, visitors will be swept away by the flowers, food, and dancing.
One of Stockholm’s most popular attractions is the Vasa Museum, which hosts a 64-gun warship that sank over three centuries.
Lithuania
Winters can be brutal in Lithuania, so it’s best to visit Lithuania during its short summer. Visitors will love its old-fashioned feel, as even Lithuania’s most significant cities are comprised of centuries-old structures. Lithuania is also perfect for summer vacationers looking to escape summer crowds.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an often overlooked country that can be a paradise for many travelers. Bordering the Black Sea and hosting the steep Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria offers a range of geographical diversity ripe for exploration. Summertime in Bulgaria offers temperate weather that will make almost any tourist happy.
Estonia
Estonia may not be at the top of every traveler’s list. Still, it is worth visiting for its gothic architecture and unforgettable historical sites. One of Estonia’s best attractions is the now-underwater Soviet prison in Rummu. Divers from around the world flock to this one-of-a-kind treasure.
Summertime also provides travelers with immersive cultural experiences like the August Dance Festival. During this time, visitors can celebrate a variety of Estonian folk dances.
European Countries To Visit in the Winter
Some come to Europe for the sand, others for the snow. There is no shortage of snow-filled fun in Europe’s best winter destinations, which include:
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Luxembourg
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
Switzerland
Skiers travel from around the world to experience the winter sports mecca that is the Swiss Alps. As the highest ski resort in the Alps mountain range, Zermatt offers nearly 7,000 feet of vertical drop suitable for skiers of all skill levels. Fans of apres ski won’t be able to get enough of the quaint Swiss mountain town set against the backdrop of the Matterhorn.
Switzerland isn’t all about the mountains, however. Geneva in the winter can be a supremely romantic experience.
Finland
Travelers after a magical holiday season should look no further than Finland. Situated in the northern town of Rovaniemi is Santa’s Village. Visitors can experience delights like the Elf School, posting letters to the North Pole, and baking gingerbread with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. When day turns to night, the Northern Lights provide one of the greatest shows known to the natural world.
Luxembourg
Visitors of Luxembourg will be charmed by the old-school, often Medieval feel of this tiny European nation. The beautifully preserved capital city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage due to the Grand Ducal Palace, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and Place d’Armes. This quaint country is even more picturesque when draped with a blanket of snow.
Iceland
Iceland is another European country that is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. From the bubbling hot springs to the famous Golden Circle, Iceland offers a stunning landscape that will inspire any visitor. From late September to early April, visitors can spot the Northern Lights, making winter a perfect time to enjoy Iceland.
Liechtenstein
Situated between Switzerland and Austria, this tiny country is perfect for visitors looking to unwind in a picturesque setting. In addition to the Milburn ski resort, the winter snow dramatically enhances the beauty of the surrounding meadows and Alpine foothills.
European Countries to Visit In the Spring
Not too hot, not too cold. Spring is the perfect time to visit Europe for ideal weather. The best European countries to visit in the spring include:
- France
- Netherlands
- Slovakia
- Romania
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
France
One of the most tourist-dense countries in Europe, France offers lesser crowds and more excellent weather during the Spring months. Just outside of Paris is the stunning chateau of Sceaux, where the cherry blossom orchards fully bloom in Spring. The charming town of Aix-en-Provence is another perfect destination to escape the crowds of Paris and enjoy the temperate French weather.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is renowned for its vast fields of flowers, making Spring a perfect time for a Dutch holiday. The tulip fields in the Noordoostpolder are a must, as well as flower fields in Flevoland and Kop van Noord-Holland. In Veluwe National Park, tourists will be rewarded with the sight of red and roe deer grazing among vibrant meadows.
A trip to the Netherlands would, of course, be incomplete without a visit to Amsterdam. The lesser crowds and lovely weather of Spring make it the perfect time to explore Amsterdam’s canals.
Slovakia
Slovakia is a wonderfully diverse country with rich cultural history and awe-inspiring natural sites. Slovak Paradise is a natural park that offers 19 nature reserves, over 350 caves, and hundreds of canyons. Due to its hot summers and cold winters, Spring is a perfect time to explore all that Slovakia has to offer.
Romania
Another country that offers its best weather during the Spring months, Romania hosts a variety of great cultural sites and bustling cities. The Statue of King Decebalus, a 141-foot-high bust of Decebalus carved into the side of a rock, is a must-see. Brașov Old Town is one of Europe's most charming destinations for those looking to escape the capital city of Bucharest.
Belgium
Like many countries on this list, Fall in Belgium makes for smaller crowds and tolerable weather. Visiting a bit later in the fall, though, when the weather becomes nippy, can provide a romantic experience. There’s something special about bundling up and enjoying a river cruise through Bruges.
Czech Republic
Due to its impossibly preserved Gothic architecture, Prague is widely regarded as the most stunning city in Europe. As such, summertime will feature dense crowds that can overwhelm the romance with which you should experience Prague. October in the Czech Republic offers perfect not-too-hot, not-too-cold weather. This makes for ideal conditions to cross Charles Bridge and tour Prague Castle.
European Countries To Visit in the Fall
For the cool autumn weather, you can’t find better European countries to visit than the following:
- Germany
- Poland
- Slovenia
- Malta
- Hungary
- Latvia
Germany
The Bavarian city of Munich should be at the top of any Fall traveler’s list. Renowned as one of the largest and most exciting festivals in the entire world, Oktoberfest is a celebration of Germany’s world-class beer, held from mid-September to the first Sunday of October each year. Over six million people dressed in traditional Lederhosen during this time and consumed more than 1.7 million gallons of beer.
In addition to the festivities of Oktoberfest, fall-time visitors of Bavaria will experience inoffensive weather and a stunning changing of the leaves. These conditions are perfect for touring Germany’s mountain-bound castles, such as Neuschwanstein.
Poland
Due to lesser rainfall and warm weather, fall is an excellent time to visit Poland. These conditions are perfect for site-seeing, which Poland offers in spades. The 13th-century Wieliczka salt mine is one of the world’s oldest and longest-running salt mines. Tourists can marvel at the Chapel of St. Kinga. In this 12-meter-high chamber, everything, including the opulent chandeliers and furniture, is made of salt.
Other obligatory sites in Poland include Krakow’s Glowny Central Square and the ruins of the Warsaw Ghetto.
Slovenia
Slovenia is a Mediterranean country like no other. Slovenia is best known for its rocky highlands, small coastline, and the Adriatic Sea. October will offer visitors temperate weather, blue skies, and an awe-inspiring color scape of changing leaves.
For wine enthusiasts, the best time to visit is in November, when the grape and olive harvests conclude. In addition to unbeatable wine, visitors can enjoy Slovenian cuisine at its best.
Malta
This small island nation is a popular summer destination due to its dramatic coastal cliffs and delectable beaches. Summer sees Malta at capacity as travelers worldwide flock to bask under the warm Mediterranean sun. During October, crowds are far more manageable, and the weather remains warm enough to enjoy the sea.
Additionally, Festival Mediterranea occurs in October. Visitors can enjoy food, music, and tours of several ancient temples and archaeological sites during this time.
Hungary
Due to its unbelievable architecture, stunning landscapes, and affordable prices, Budapest is becoming one of Europe's most sought-after vacation destinations. The shoulder months of October and November will allow tourists to skip the hot weather, rainy days, and dense crowds of the Hungarian summer. On top of that, Fall in Hungary will offer the annual Jewish Cultural Festival and Budapest Wine Festival.
Latvia
While Latvia’s icy winters can begin early, there is no better time to visit than Fall for bird enthusiasts. In September and October, massive flocks of ducks, geese, and divers migrate across Latvia’s stunning Autumn landscape. It is truly a sight to behold.
Do You Need ETIAS to Visit Europe?
Arriving as soon as 2025, ETIAS is an electronic visa-waiver program requiring all non-EU travelers, including U.S. citizens, to pre-register before entering Europe. Until this point, such travelers can travel throughout Europe visa-free. While many travelers can continue to travel visa-free, ETIAS registration will likely be required.
Will ETIAS Make European Travel More Difficult?
ETIAS creates a more efficient system that benefits both customs agents and travelers. As traveler information is shared before arrival, ETIAS aims to expedite the customs process, creating a more streamlined system for all travelers. On top of that, the additional safety measures created by ETIAS are of benefit to not just EU citizens but also to international travelers.
How Long Can ETIAS-Approved Travelers Stay in Europe?
Upon ETIAS approval, non-EU citizens can travel throughout Europe for up to three months during a six-month period. ETIAS approval is valid for three years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
When Should You Visit Europe?
There is no wrong time for a European escape. No matter the time of year, it is easy to find beautiful weather, unique cultural activities, and world-class food throughout Europe. From summer to winter, Europe is waiting for you. Before you make plans, understand how ETIAS applies to you.
Sources:
Italy ETIAS - European visa waiver for Italy | ETIAS
Odysseus’ Cave – a Magical Place That Even Zeus Wouldn’t Be Able to Get You out of | Croatia.hr
Diving Into Estonia’s Abandoned Underwater Prison | Atlas Obscura
Northern lights (aurora borealis): What they are & how to see them | Space.com
Brasov Old Town Complete Guide: Sights, Food, & Cafes | Books & Bao
OKTOBERFEST 2022 | oktoberfest.de
ETIAS for American Citizens | ETIAS