EU Summer Destinations for 2021

Summer is officially here, even though the temperatures are not always showing this, we are slowly moving to the long-awaited holiday season. After a year of quarantine, we can resume our plans and start booking those flights, ‘cause everyone needs a little bit of beach in their lives. Therefore, I created a small list of places I recommend for 2021 if you still haven’t made up your mind:

1. Always first: Greece 

When I think of summer, the landscapes from Greece are the first that come into my mind, from the blue water to the white sand beaches, the party places, and let’s not forget about the food, this place is truly favored by Gods. If I were to compare places from around the world that I’ve visited with Greece, they would all lose, there is no better combo, at least not for me. 

A couple of useful pieces of information about traveling here this year:

• If you are vaccinated you can enter without a test, if not, you need a PCR negative test

• Before arriving, you need to fill in an online form with details about your stay, monitor the official sites for updates

• Accommodation needs to be booked in advance, for the reason above 

• Most of the terrestrial entry points are opened, but you should look those up before if you plan on driving there

• Wearing a mask is mandatory in all public spaces at the moment 

2. First runner up: Spain 

Although it was impacted heavily by the Covid-19, Spain is slowly but surely opening up for tourists and we couldn't be happier about this. From city breaks to beach vacations, this country has it all. My personal favorites: Barcelona and Costa del Sol. After 2020, we all need some tapas, Sangria, and Flamengo.

A couple of useful pieces of information about traveling here this year:

• Same as Greece, you are exceeded from presenting a negative test if you’ve been vaccinated. Also, there is an online form that needs to be filled in before arriving 

• Masks are still mandatory in all public places, but it is rumored this will be removed from the 26th of June

3. Second runner up: Croatia

History, the sets of Game of Thrones, and the most beautiful shades of blue would be my definition for it. Driving on the Dalmatian coast is one of the best experiences one can have. Also, if you plan on visiting the Plitvice Lakes, you will see the place where screensavers are made. I visited Croatia for the first time last year and I was amazed by the beauty of this country, definitely a bucket list experience, 

A couple of useful pieces of information about traveling here this year:

• Make sure to verify of the country from where you are traveling is considered a “green area” by the Croatian government 

• Based on the ranking above you will know what are the conditions to travel and if you need a negative test or a vaccine 

• The mask is mandatory in closed spaces and on the public transport 

The top favorites list is very hard to compile, especially with all these amazing places that we have in Europe, yet for me, the 3 picks I will always be the ones above, amazing blue waters, sprinkled with historic places and seasoned with some amazing food and wines, makes me wanna return there, year after year. 

What are your picks for the best summer destinations?

Disclaimer: Please verify the travel conditions before departing since changes and updates can happen. Also, use only verified sources.