6 of the Best Euro Summer Destinations – and What to Wear When You Get There

Colourful, rugged and full of history, Sicily has shot to the top of must-visit lists of late – and we reckon the cool-girl nuptials of Jaime Winstone, Charli XCX and Dua Lipa have something to do with it. With all the charm and a little less of the polish that other Italian destinations offer, Sicily is reclaiming its history for a new generation of luxury travellers – and Palermo, its characterful capital, is the ideal base to experience the island from. Moorish, Arab and Spanish influences lend a distinctive flavour to both the food and the architecture, while the landscape veers from idyllic citrus groves to dramatic volcanoes, hemmed in by impossibly blue Mediterranean seas. Lean into the high-intensity feel with swirling prints from fellow Italian icon Pucci, and finish your look with a spritz of something zesty – Acqua di Parma’s Buongiorno Dolce Far Niente is an ode to Sicilian lemon.

After somewhere more laid-back than it is loud? Balearic hilltop village Deià has long been a magnet for writers, musicians and creatives – from the poet Robert Graves to Kate Moss, David Bowie and the Rolling Stones – giving it a bohemian, tucked-away feel. While the town itself is a romantic tangle of honey-coloured stone houses and steep cypress-lined alleys, it’s only a 30-minute walk down to Cala Deià, the picturesque cove where you can spend the afternoon swimming and dining on fresh seafood – those with a keen eye might recognise it from The Night Manager. As for your packing list? Leave your stilettos at home and opt for loose silhouettes and floral prints from the likes of Dôen, Chloé and Sir – you’ll soon fit right in.

The Balkans are a newer entry to the Euro summer hotlist, and their dramatic scenery and crystal-clear waters immediately rival those of the Mediterranean’s legacy destinations. Kotor in Montenegro is a particular highlight: its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site studded with Venetian fortresses and cathedrals, while its coastline is often called Europe’s southernmost fjord thanks to a spectacular backdrop of lush green mountains. Make sure your outfit matches the drama of the scenery by opting for bright colours and prints – and be sure to pack flat shoes for all the exploring you’ll be doing.

The Greek islands are hard to beat – endless sunshine, clear blue water and food that’s spiked with enough garlic, lemon and oregano to keep you coming back for more. Just as well there are so many islands to explore. This year, Lefkada is on our radar: situated on the Ionian coast, it’s actually connected to the mainland by road, making it easy to explore without the need for a ferry trip. While its colourful villages are as pretty as you’d expect, the real draw here are the beaches. Lefkada is nicknamed the 'Caribbean of Greece' – if you’re willing to take a detour down a winding road or two, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular white sands and aquamarine waters the country has to offer. Of course, that means that you’ll want to make sure your swimwear wardrobe is on point – choose monochrome staples to mix and match, and a printed sarong for long taverna lunches.

Puglia is another southern Italian destination that has captured the public’s imagination in recent years – and it’s ideal for those looking for an authentic local experience as well as sun, sea and sand. Monopoli’s white-washed houses and working harbour are the very definition of picture-perfect, and its slow pace of living will soon rub off on you in the form of long lunches and sunset aperitivi. For a more upscale stay, look to the countryside just outside the town, where you’ll find traditional masserie, or farmhouses converted into boutique hotels, often with their own pools, vineyards and olive groves. You don’t have to dress up here – but if you do, opt for a little black dress and beaded accessories to keep the overall look more beachy than full-glam.

Lastly, our petition for a Euro summer beyond the Mediterranean. But while Bodrum’s beaches and Istanbul’s rich history are all worthy of your travel to-do list, Cappadocia is the real bucket-list locale that so many of us have long had pinned to our Pinterest boards. The inland region is famous for otherworldly rock formations, ancient villages and, of course, its sunrise hot air balloon displays that, for want of a better word, ignite a sense of wonder in even the most hardened of cynics. Both the nature of a Cappadocia trip and the Turkish culture invite a more modest approach to dressing – early mornings can be chilly, so we recommend packing long sleeves, layers and flat shoes. And if you’re lucky enough to be heading up in one of the famous hot air balloons? A slicked-back bun is a must.