Every summer, the question is not where to go but which version of bliss suits the moment. For those who travel well, the choice comes down to a particular kind of knowing. That is why you skip the conventional for curation: long lunches by the water, a private villa for the weekend, a destination as beautiful as the journey.

With numerous direct flights connecting Saudi Arabia’s major hubs to incredible destinations across Europe, making this journey a reality has never been easier. Expanded routes and streamlined connections ensure travellers can effortlessly swap crowded European streets for the Kingdom's vast landscapes.

It's time to discover Europe’s most striking coastal destinations, top-tier stays, and standout dining that gives rise to an unforgettable summer

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

Amalfi Coast Italy via unsplash andy-luo

The Amalfi Coast is dotted with cliffside towns, including Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Praiano. Dramatic rocks, pastel homes, and inviting waters define this stunning coastline. Positano tumbles towards the sea in a cascade of colourful houses. Amalfi is home to a cathedral with origins dating back to the 9th century. And high above, Ravello offers cooler evenings and the most spectacular sunset views.

Where to stay

Le Sirenuse Amalfi

Villa Treville Positano 1

The Amalfi Coast has some of the most sought-after stays along the Mediterranean, with Le Sirenuse and Villa Treville in Positano standing out for different reasons. Perched high with views of the town and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Le Sirenuse began life as the Sersale family’s private summer residence. The cherry-red palazzo opened as a hotel in 1951 and has since become one of the defining addresses of Mediterranean hospitality. Villa Treville is more private in spirit. Once part of the late director Franco Zeffirelli’s former estate, it is a cluster of villas set into the cliffs above the coastline. The property has long been associated with film and fashion royalty (said to have hosted Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, and Richard Burton, to name a few), offering a more discreet counterpoint to Positano’s central energy.

Book your stay at Villa Treville here
Book your stay at Le Sirenuse here

Where to eat

zass-restaurant-san-pietro

il flauto di pan Amalfi Coast

Zass should be on your list, if only for the views of Praiano and the Mediterranean. More than a hotel restaurant, this Michelin-starred restaurant sits in the renowned Il San Pietro di Positano, one of the world’s most celebrated stays. By day, it offers a life everyone deserves; by night, it becomes the most romantic destination. In Rafello, there is Rossellinis, at Palazzo Avino, where every spectacular dish arrives on plates almost as beautiful as the food itself. Favourites include the linguine with sea urchins and the saffron and shrimp risotto. Three decades on, the refined Ristorante A’Paranza Atrani still draws diners with its traditional regional cuisine and freshest seafood done well. Il Flauto di Pan is all about art on a plate, each delicacy reinterpreted by executive chef Lorenzo Montoro, using local produce and ingredients from the restaurant’s gardens.

Book your table at Zass here
Book your table at Il Flauto di Pan here

Don’t miss

Chartering a private boat for the day and leaving the coastline behind entirely. What better than a swim where the sea feels uninterrupted? Amalfi Charter is a strong option, known for its well-kept fleet and tailored itineraries with experienced local skippers.

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Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum via unsplash keoma-oran

Turquoise waters, hidden coves, and long, languid days by the sea define Bodrum at its best. Familiar culture, easy access, and the rare combination of five-star luxury with genuine warmth make it a favourite. And come nightfall, it hums to life with breezy dinners, waterfront lounges, and a summer energy that doesn’t sleep.

Where to stay

Yalikavak Marina Hotel Bodrum

The Bodrum Edition

Spektr Boutique Hotel Bodrum

The peninsula has several distinct coastal towns, each with its own personality. The Bitez and Gümbet areas offer calmer waters and more space, making them perfect for families, while Yalıkavak is the luxury yacht-life hub, with a marina that can accommodate hundreds of yachts (including superyachts over 100 metres). A sunset stroll in Yalıkavak is essential, and this seaside spot has no shortage of exceptional stays. Top choices include The Bodrum EDITION, a boutique hotel with 110 rooms, suites, and villas, many overlooking the Aegean. There is also Spektr Boutique Hotel further up in the hills, and the five-star Yalıkavak Marina Hotel by METT Collection, just steps from the shore.

Book your stay at Spektr Boutique Hotel here
Book your stay at The Bodrum EDITION here
Book your stay at Yalikavak Marina Hotel here

What to eat

Mezra Yalıkavak Bodrum

Ofoz Bodrum

Zuma Bodrum

Turkey is a nation of delicious fare, from its highlands down to the blue waters of Bodrum’s coast, and halal is the default. Bodrum is the perfect place to try grilled levrek, spiced lamb köfte, a proper Turkish breakfast, mezzes of all kinds – the list is endless. With so many restaurants to choose from, why not start with Bağarası, a 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient? Everything is fresh, dining beneath the trees is a must, and the laid-back atmosphere is perfect. There is also Beynel Bitez, another excellent open-air spot where you can sit among mandarin and lemon trees and savour the best of Anatolian cuisine, served in stainless steel ware that lets the food speak for itself. For the freshest seafood by the bay, try Orfoz (Michelin Green Star 2026). Zuma’s Bodrum outpost brings contemporary Japanese fare to the Aegean, and Michelin-starred Mezra Yalıkavak serves farm-to-table goodness in a lofty industrial-style space.

Book a table at Zuma Bodrum here
For tables at all other restaurants, please call to book

Don’t miss

A late-afternoon cruise to Karaada. After a swim near the island’s thermal spring cave, return towards Bodrum as the castle comes into view and the last light settles across the harbour.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos via unsplash jeet-dhanoa

Mykonos remains one of Europe’s most iconic escapes, effortlessly balancing jet-set energy with authentic Greek charm. Famous for its sun-drenched beaches, whitewashed architecture, and labyrinthine stone-paved alleyways, the island offers an unmatched seaside lifestyle where long, languid afternoons at exclusive beach clubs give way to world-class dining and vibrant nightlife.

Where to stay

Kove Mykonos

Bill and Coo Mykonos

Santa Marina Mykonos

Let’s start with private villa options. It is no secret that Mykonos draws crowds. So, why not carve out your own private escape without ever feeling removed from the magic? Villa Aloni is secluded enough yet still close to the fun. Its views of hills and sea are made even better with nine inviting bedrooms, an infinity-edge pool, and a striking yet simple exterior. Then there is Villa Mati, a luxurious address sitting between the beaches of Ftelia and Psaro. With five ensuite rooms, Aegean views, wooden details, an outdoor dining area, and mountain backdrops, it is an easy choice. For boutique stays, there is Bill&Coo Mykonos, in the heart of Megali Ammos, a couple of minutes stroll from Mykonos town. Kove Hotel & Spa, part of Accor’s MGallery Collection, is intimate, residential in feel, and built on a family legacy of Mykonos hospitality. For a grander counterpart, Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, is one of the island’s social anchors.

Book your stay at Kove Mykonos here
Book your stay at Bill&Coo Mykonos here
Book your stay at Santa Marina here

Where to eat

matsuhisa mykonos

Yevo Mykonos Bill and Coo

krama mykonos

YĒVO by Bill&Coo is a contemporary fine-dining concept in Mykonos, helmed by Michelin-starred Angelos Bakopoulos, where modern Greek cuisine is presented in a stripped-back, precise style. At Matsuhisa Mykonos, Nobu’s signature menu is served in an open-air setting by the pool at Belvedere Hotel, making it one of the most atmospheric interpretations of the brand’s Japanese- Peruvian cuisine. For something rooted more firmly in Greece, Krama by Michelin-starred Ioannis Parikos focuses on contemporary Greek cooking. The tasting menu is the easiest way in – a structured introduction to the kitchen’s approach without needing to choose.

Book a table at Matsuhis Mykonos here
Book a table at Yevo here
Book a table at Krama Mykonos here

Don’t miss

A private dawn excursion to Delos, the sacred birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, followed by a Cycladic breakfast by the sea. It is the kind of morning that stays with you.

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor Montenegro via unsplash faruk-kaymak

This is where the Adriatic’s most dramatic scenery meets understated luxury. Mountains plunge into turquoise water. Medieval stone towns float at the water’s edge. And a wave of new five-star openings is putting this UNESCO World Heritage Site firmly on the map for travellers who want to discover somewhere before everyone else does.

Where to stay

Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Teuta Kotor Bay 2

Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort 1

Villa Olivera Kotor

The Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort is the standout – and a clear signal that Montenegro has arrived. New for 2026, the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Teuta Kotor Bay offers a private sandy beach, infinity pool, spa with hammam, and a kids’ club – essential for families. For true privacy, luxury villas dot the bay’s quieter coves, such as Villa Olivera. This stay, overlooking the water in the quiet village of Ljuta, offers seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, with enough space for up to 16 guests. A private pier leads directly into the sea, while the swimming pool, spa, and outdoor summer kitchen make it easy to settle in and not leave for days. Kotor Old Town is just minutes away by car.

Book your stay at Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort here
Book your stay at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Teuta Kotor Bay here

Where to eat

Kotor restaurants 2

Kotor restaurants 2

Kotor restaurants 4

Kotor has a top-notch and under-rated food scene. Set on the waterfront just outside the Old Town, Galion pairs Adriatic seafood with views across the marina and medieval walls. Floor-to-ceiling glass and a terrace above the water make it especially striking at sunset. There’s also Taraca Resto Bar right by the water, with a menu that moves between vegan and vegetarian dishes, European comfort food, fresh juices, and long breakfasts. For more familiar flavours, Tiha Noć serves Turkish and Mediterranean dishes directly on the bay, while Bucko Halal Pizzeria & Grill is a reliable fast food stop after a night out, for burgers, chicken gyros, and wings.

Book your table at Galion here
Book your table at Taraca Resto Bar here

Don’t miss

A boat trip across the bay to Our Lady of the Rocks. Then walk the city walls of Kotor itself to the fortress of San Giovanni. Finish with a slow afternoon in Perast, the bay’s most beautiful stone village.

Porto, Portugal

Porto Portugal via unsplash dorin-seremet

Porto is Lisbon’s calmer northern counterpart: less performative, more lived-in, and arguably better for it. The Douro River cuts through the city beneath six bridges, while historic lodges line the opposite bank in Vila Nova de Gaia. Elsewhere, baroque churches, tiled facades, steep cobbled streets, and grand old cafes give the city its rhythm.

Where to stay

Torel Avantgarde Porto Portugal

One Monumental Palace Hotel Porto Portugal

The Yeatman Hotel Porto Portugal

The One Monumental Palace brings neoclassical grandeur into the present with 76 rooms on Avenida dos Aliados, placing guests within walking distance of landmarks such as Livraria Lello (known as the most beautiful bookstore in the world) and Clérigos Tower. The five-star hotel includes a spa, indoor pool, and fine dining, all set within a restored historic building. The Yeatman Hotel overlooks Porto from the hills of Vila Nova de Gaia, pairing panoramic river views with one of the country’s most acclaimed dining rooms and a strong focus on regional cuisine. The infinity pool opens directly onto the skyline. Torel Avantgarde offers a more art-led stay, with rooms individually themed around artists, writers, and musicians. A terrace pool frames views across the city.

Book your stay at The One Monumental Palace here
Book your stay at The Yeatman Hotel here
Book your stay at Torel Avantgarde here

Where to eat

Flor de Lis VIla Foz Porto

Blind at Torel Palace Porto

DOP chef rui paula porto

Porto keeps its food scene grounded and low-key, with a strong focus on regional cooking and seafood. Inside Torel Palace, BLIND – a tribute to José Saramago’s Blindness – may find you blindfolded halfway through dinner. Restaurant Flor de Lis at Vila Foz Hotel, in a restored seaside manor, focuses on Mediterranean-Portuguese seafood with the ocean as both backdrop and reference point. And in the historic centre, DOP by Rui Paula reinterprets regional flavours through inventive tasting menus inside a 16th-century building.

Book a table at BLIND at Torel Palace here
Book a table at Restaurant Flor de Lis by Vila Foz here
Book a table at DOP by Rui Paula here

Don’t miss

A private cruise along the Douro River at sunset. The route passes beneath Porto’s six bridges, along the Ribeira waterfront and the historic riverfront of Vila Nova de Gaia, before opening towards the Atlantic.

guide-to-european-coastal-cities