Where to go in Europe this summer: Tropea and Bilbao—the two trendiest destinations of the season

Tripadvisor has identified two European cities that have become the hottest destinations among travelers this summer. Both locations still retain their authentic atmosphere and reasonable prices, but are rapidly gaining popularity. Learn more about Tropea and Bilbao—destinations worth visiting before the wave of mass tourism hits

Electronic road vignette for traveling in Europe

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Every year, travel rankings reflect a shift in priorities among travelers, who are seeking out new destinations instead of overcrowded resorts. The publication Traveloffpath recently shared a selection of two European cities that have been named the continent’s trendiest destinations this summer. We’re talking about Tropea in Italy and Bilbao in Spain—destinations that aren’t yet associated with mass tourism but are rapidly gaining popularity.

We’ll explain what makes these cities so appealing and what you should know before your trip in the article below.

Why did Tropea and Bilbao make it onto the Tripadvisor ranking?

According to the latest data from the Tripadvisor platform, both cities are showing a noticeable increase in interest among travelers. Bilbao topped the ranking of the trendiest European destinations this summer and has held this position for several months in a row. Tropea, in turn, took second place in terms of growth in popularity among all European cities.

The main reason both locations made the list of trending destinations is their balance between an authentic atmosphere and the absence of excessive tourist crowds. Both cities offer vibrant local culture, cuisine, and architecture, yet they still retain the laid-back vibe that Europe’s major resorts have long since lost. In fact, this may be one of the last seasons to visit before the wave of mass tourism hits.

Where to go in Europe this summer to escape the heat — read about it in this article.

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Tropea in Italy: an affordable coast with panoramic views

Tropea is a small town in southern Italy, situated on a coastal cliff in the Calabria region. The town’s main visual feature is the panoramic view from the cliff of a long sandy beach and crystal-clear blue water. In character, Tropea resembles Amalfi, but before the arrival of luxury beach clubs and cruise ships there.

Photo: Calabria Straordinaria

Another strong point in Tropea’s favor is its price level. Unlike most well-known Italian resort towns, the cost of a vacation here remains reasonable. Estimated costs for a traveler:

• an aperitif at a local bar — less than $10;
• accommodation in a mid-range hotel — about $95 per night.

This is more expensive than, for example, in Albania, but for Italy, such prices are considered a bargain. Tropea’s beach is never completely empty in the summer—there are vacationers here, but the vast majority of them are locals, not organized tour groups.

The best cycling routes in Europe in 2026 — compiled at the link.

Bilbao in Spain: Basque culture, museums, and proximity to the ocean

Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country in northern Spain. Technically, it is not a beach resort, as it is located some distance from the coast. However, this is offset by its unique Basque charm: the picturesque Old Town with its narrow townhouses and ornate balconies, numerous tapas bars serving traditional pintxos and local cider, and the overall atmosphere of a Southern European summer.

Photo: Depositphotos

Bilbao’s central cultural attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, which features works by artists such as Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. The museum is distinguished by its calm and relaxed atmosphere—free from the hustle and bustle characteristic, for example, of Barcelona’s La Rambla. An additional advantage of the city is its geographical location: just a few minutes’ drive from Bilbao are the Atlantic coastal cities of Donostia (San Sebastián) and Ondarribia, known for their colorful coastal architecture and golden sandy beaches.

Traveling through Europe by car? Get your e-vignette in advance!

Many travelers choose a car as a convenient way to reach destinations like Tropea or Bilbao, especially when traveling through several countries. To drive on toll roads and highways in several European countries, you need an electronic road vignette (e-vignette)—an official digital document confirming payment of the road toll. You can purchase an e-vignette online on the Visit Ukraine portal—quickly and without unnecessary formalities.

Get ready for your summer trip in advance—get your e-vignette now so your journey is comfortable from the very start!

Reminder! The popular magazine National Geographic has released a new ranking of wonderful but underrated European cities for a comfortable summer vacation in 2026. Where to go in Europe in the summer of 2026 — find out by following the link.

Photo: Freepik

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