Divine European Destinations For An Early Summer Vacation

A lesser-known Cyclades is a thrill to come by, and the small, wild isle of Folegandros offers a dreamy, slow-paced idyll of Greek-island life that feels like the stuff of cinema: quintessential whitewashed villages sprawled between the rugged landscape, all backdropped by the sparkling Aegean. However under-the-radar, the height of summer is a hot and bustling time to island-hop in Greece, but, earlier in the season, fewer crowds and milder temperatures add to its majesty. The lofty, cliffside Gundari, where every suite and villa has its own infinity pool, sits in 80 acres encompassing an organic farm, tiny wine bar, farm-to-plate restaurant, subterranean spa inspired by Ancient Greek healing therapies, and a dizzying infinity pool with a swim-up cocktail bar.

The French Riviera comes alive as spring turns to summer, and breezy beachside glamour steps back into action – all eyes are, of course, on Cannes come May, when stars of the big screen descend for the Film Festival. In Nice’s charming Old Town, the Hôtel du Couvent is vying to steal the show. An exquisitely reimagined 16th-century monastery, it’s centered around a candlelit cloister restaurant, with accommodation – including atmospheric, monastic rooms and sea-view apartments – all filled with antiques and art works. There’s a pool amid the teetering terraced gardens with panoramic city views stretching out to the sea, a laid-back garden café, resident herbalist and onsite bakery, and a Roman-bath spa offering thermal treatments.

Octant Douro is well worth a visit, for those wanting to expand their horizons beyond the typical Spanish retreats of early sun-seekers, into neighboring Portugal. The Douro International Natural Park Trails are full of fabulous hiking options in amongst the canyons, forests and waterfalls. A boat cruise up the Douro is also a must. Recently, the resort unveiled its brand new House Collection – a series of private sanctuaries set apart from the main hotel, each with beautiful living areas, their own gardens and even some with separate pools. Octant Douro has also completed a full refurbishment of its common areas and acclaimed riverside restaurant, Raiva, recognized in the Michelin Guide.

Tiny, serene Formentera is the most laid-back and untouched of the Balearic Islands, with the same cerulean water and mix of rocky and silky beaches as its neighboring Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, and a sweeping landscape (punctuated with just five small villages) that bursts into bloom when spring arrives. Tranquil Mediterranean living is the appeal here, with many hidden pieces of paradise – from slivers of coves to little low-key beach bars – to discover along its only 12-mile stretch. Boutique hotel Teranka is the island’s most luxurious place to stay, an understatedly elegant beachside hideaway with an open-air gym and yoga deck, alfresco garden restaurant, rooftop bar with awe-inspiring sunset views, saltwater pool and spa-treatment cabins.

Nestled within 500 acres of Catalan Forest in the foothills of the Pyrenees, just outside Girona, this five-star retreat is an ideal pre-summer reset destination, for active and wellness-minded people. As you’d expect, given the location, there are plenty of forest or coastal hiking routes along the Cami de Ronda to explore. Camiral also offers a healing recovery program for athletes, or those who have hit their hiking limit, including posture realignment, muscle-tension release and inflammation reduction, as well as cellular recovery. Treatments might include cryotherapy, pressotherapy or time spent in the oxygen chamber. On the other hand, if you’re just looking to have a little rest in the sun and gentle breeze, there’s always the pool.

In The Know: Europe’s Most Stylish City Breaks For 2026

The Hottest New Hotels To Check Into This Year