4 Best European Destinations Where We can Travel in Summer 2021

With the arrival of the warm season and the advancement of vaccination campaigns, the interest for holidays has increased exponentially, and the borders are reopening one by one, even in Europe, where until recently the situation was not very rosy.

So, in what European destinations are we traveling this summer and under what conditions?

1. Canary Islands or Balearic Islands, Spain

The second most popular tourist destination in the world, Spain, recently announced that it will restart tourism starting June 7. After months of fairly firm restrictions, all vaccinated people are welcome in the land of Gaudí, tapas and paella, naps and flamenco rhythms, regardless of the country of origin of tourists.

Spain will also receive visitors from outside the EU, from countries considered "low risk", such as the United Kingdom, the United States or China. Until June 7, however, tourists must present at the border / boarding to Spain a negative PCR test in order to enter the country, plus fill in a health form available at www.spth.gob.es .

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas or Fuerteventura on the one hand, or Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza or Formentera, on the other hand, are some of the most popular destinations in Spain. Because, regardless of the chosen place, the Latin spirit and the eternally relaxed atmosphere of the Spaniards make you dream with open eyes.

Whether you prefer colourful and historic towns, spectacular beaches or the gastronomy of the Canary Islands, or the nightlife, beaches hidden by an incredible turquoise or the green coast of the Balearic Islands, Spain is an incredibly cheerful country, where you can have an unforgettable vacation this summer of 2021.

2. Sardinia, Italy

Since the start of the pandemic in Europe, everyone's attention has been focused on Italy, the country hit hard by the virus and the first state on the continent to enter a complete lockdown. Furthermore, the Italian authorities are quite cautious, the country being in an emergency state until at least July 31, and travel between regions is not necessarily encouraged.

However, Italy recently announced that it is giving up the 5-day mini-quarantine imposed on tourists in Europe and, as of May 16, those coming from the EU, can enter Italy without being mandatory the self-isolation if we present a negative PCR test at the border and fill in a location form, which can be accessed at: app.euplf.eu.

Thus, if you want to enjoy the "dolce far niente" style of the Italians this summer, my suggestion would be Sardinia, an extremely diverse island with beautiful sandy beaches, smooth entry into the water, mountains with rich vegetation and spectacular landscapes, a destination suitable for both a family holiday and one with a group of friends, whether you are fond of relaxing on the beach or trekking and boating trails.

Sardinia is said to be the "Caribbean of Europe", so if you haven't been to these places, maybe consider this destination for the summer of 2021.

3. Kefalonia, Greece

One of the revelations without a doubt is the island of Kefalonia, when you wake up in the morning and see that idyllic combination of mountain and sea, instantly a big smile appears on your face.

The southern half of the island has long beaches with fine golden sand, chic hotels and taverns, a kind of riviera for sun and beach lovers, while the northern part of the island has almost lush vegetation, a relaxing breeze, beaches with fine white pebbles and water in the most beautiful shades of turquoise.

To enter Greece, one of the following conditions must be met:

- Be vaccinated with both doses for at least 14 days  

- Present a negative PCR test  

- Have had COVID at least 2 months before, at most 9 months before arrival on Greek territory.

Also, at least 24 hours before entering Greece, complete a location form available at travel.gov.gr and don't forget that the measure of random testing with rapid test by the Greek authorities remains in force, at border crossing control points.

4. Madeira, Portugal

Portugal has, in my opinion, a special charm (and especially a special "kitchen"), the choice of the island of Madeira was quite natural.

You must explore the whole region, so you have to rent a car and enjoy the spectacle of nature in this corner of the world. Here, in one day, you can see the green hills around the capital Funchal, you can reach over 1800 meters altitude and you can admire the fantastic shapes created by the lava that fell into the ocean.

The culmination is in Porto Moniz, where a series of natural pools were formed in the lava meshes.

Besides the spectacular scenery and the nice people, once you arrive in Madeira be prepared for delicious food in large portions.  Expect to find seafood, fish and well-prepared meats in restaurants: from the sword and sea bream super well cooked and spiced, to the perfectly prepared octopus, beef skewers, espetada, bolo do caco, a kind of bread with sweet potatoes and all sorts of crazy things in it, such as cheese, fish, spices and even the indispensable cream cake (tart with egg cream and vanilla).

At least for the time being, you need a negative PCR test performed at most 72 hours before the flight to Portugal, the result being necessary when boarding the plane.