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If you want a European summer trip that skips the worst of the crowds and sticker shock, Tripadvisor’s latest Summer Travel Index points to two cities worth booking now. These places are rising fast in searches and bookings, but they still feel approachable and authentic. Read on for why Tropea and Bilbao are trending, what to see, and how to keep your trip affordable.
Why travelers are leaving the big hotspots
Many visitors now seek culture over queues. They want memorable meals, local bars, and scenery without squeezing through selfie lines. That shift shows up in travel data. Tripadvisor’s index highlights destinations that are growing quickly in popularity.
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Europe’s 2 trendiest summer destinations: Tripadvisor reveals the top picks
- Searches and bookings are rising for less-famous European towns.
- Travelers favor spots with strong local scenes and fair prices.
- Airlines and new routes help move demand away from crowded hubs.
Tropea, Italy — cliffside beaches and lower costs
Tropea sits on a dramatic Calabrian cliff. The view over blue water and sandy coves feels like a classic postcard. Yet prices remain far below Amalfi’s headline rates.
What makes Tropea special
- Perched town center with narrow lanes and local trattorie.
- Spiaggia della Rotonda — a wide beach popular with residents.
- A small church on a rock that creates a picture-perfect skyline.
Food, drinks, and everyday prices
Local bars serve generous aperitivos for under $10. Mid-range hotels often average around $95 a night. That brings a real value proposition for travelers wanting Italian charm on a budget.
- Order regional pasta with sweet cipolla rossa for a true local flavor.
- Look for family-run trattorie off the main promenade to save money.
- Shop small bakeries and markets for picnic-style lunches by the sea.
How to experience Tropea like a local
Avoid the busiest beach hours and head to neighborhood bars where residents drink. Try speaking a little Italian — it opens doors and better meals. And plan for some walking; the town’s best views require steps.
Bilbao, Spain — art, pintxos, and the Basque vibe
Bilbao has surged as a top European city pick. The Guggenheim put it on the map, but the city now offers more than one museum. It blends modern architecture, lively tapas culture, and accessible flights from the U.S.
Culture, art, and food scene
The Guggenheim’s titanium curves anchor a city with lively streets and a thriving pintxos culture. Small bars dish up bite-sized plates paired with local txakoli wine. Old Town alleyways hide some of the best tasting menus.
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao — modern art landmark.
- Casco Viejo — historic quarter with bars and boutiques.
- Pintxos crawls offer cheap, delicious tasting experiences.
Access and nearby coastal escapes
United and other airlines have added routes to serve growing demand. Bilbao is not a Mediterranean beach town, but nearby Atlantic spots like San Sebastián are short drives away. Expect cooler sea waters on the Atlantic coast.
- Fly direct into Bilbao from major hubs to save travel time.
- Day trips to Donostia / San Sebastián for sun and surf.
- Rent a car or use regional trains to reach coastal villages.
Practical tips for visiting these rising European destinations
Book early if you want midweek stays and local hotels. Shoulder-season travel can stretch your budget further and still offer warm weather. Use local transit and small eateries to keep costs down.
- Compare prices for midweek nights; they often drop sharply.
- Choose family-run guesthouses for authentic hospitality.
- Pack a light translator app for menus and small talk.
- Check entry and testing rules before you travel to avoid surprises.
- Search Tripadvisor’s Summer Travel Index for more up-to-date trends and booking tips.
