10 Secret European Summer Hot Spots

Badeschiff, Berlin, Germany

This is our favorite kind of art—art you can swim in! Originally built as an art project to enliven a neglected Berlin neighborhood, the Badeschiff is a floating public swimming pool that is open to anyone and costs just 5 euros. The pool floats atop the Spree River, which lets you feel like you're swimming in the urban river without actually having to get in the dirty Spree water. Everything in Berlin is open late, and this pool's no exception. Go for a dip here from 8 a.m. to midnight—there's even a pool bar and occasional DJs to contribute to the festive mood.

Gozo, Malta

The small European island of Malta is an undiscovered treasure on its own—and its sister island, Gozo, is an even better-kept secret. The name of this Mediterranean island on the Maltese archipelago means "joy," and you'll be full of joy once you see how uncrowded it is. Fly into Malta and then take a ferry to Gozo. Then you'll be free to explore hidden gems like Calypso's Cave, rumored to be the very cave referenced by Homer in The Odyssey, and the Azure Window, a rock arch that is nature's frame for the Mediterranean.

Smuggler's Cove, Zakynthos, Greece

Sail right past all the Greek islands that attract the cruise ships in the summer, and find your own slice of private paradise on Zakynthos island's Smuggler's Cove. This unspoiled beach has white sand and clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling. You won't take boring, typical beach pictures here—there is a shipwreck right in the middle of the beach, making this island incredibly unique. When the boat, which was carrying smuggled cigarettes, wrecked and washed ashore, it gave the cove its name.

Grenen, Skagen, Denmark

Denmark gets about 16 hours of sunlight per day from June through August, so it's the perfect summer-vacation spot. Head to Grenen, the northernmost point of Denmark, where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea come together. Due to the different densities of the seas, you can actually see a clear ridge in the water where the two meet.

Fermanagh Lakelands, Northern Ireland

While the crowds descend on the famous English Lake District, you can get even better views all to yourself in the often-forgotten Fermanagh Lakelands in Northern Ireland. The county of Fermanagh is about one-third water—which means that there are plenty of lakes, rivers, and canals to explore. Landlubbers will enjoy hill walks and the plethora of ancient castles in the area.

Krapfenwaldbad, Vienna, Austria

Maybe it's the name that puts people off, but you usually don't see Krapfenwaldbad on the list of Europe's summer hot spots. Locals, however, know that this public park is the place to be once temperatures rise. With four pools on a hill overlooking the city, it's the heart of Vienna's summer social scene. Come here for a swim, to check out the view (or to check out your fellow bathers), or to play some beach volleyball.

Island of Vis, Croatia

Leave the tour buses walled up in Dubrovnik and head to Vis, Croatia's most remote island. The two-hour ferry ride from Split will be worth it, as you'll be rewarded with amazing natural beauty, fantastic restaurants, and cultural heritage. Get active with sea kayaking, hiking, sailing, or caving, or lounge on the near-deserted beaches and then treat yourself to some fresh fish and local wine, as vineyards are abundant on the island.

Arezzo, Italy

An easy day trip from Florence, Arezzo has all the charm of popular Italian towns, minus all the crowds. It has plenty of Roman history (including an amphitheater and an archaeological museum), churches and cathedrals, and art museums. The city comes alive in the summer with festivals like the Joust of the Saracen, in which the town is divided into four groups that compete for a grand prize. If you're in Italy to shop, Arezzo's Piazza Grande hosts a 500-exhibit antiques fair every month.

Kastrup Sea Bath, Kastrup, Denmark

Part architectural marvel, part fun swimming zone, Denmark's sea bath is like something you've never seen before. A pier leads out to a circular wooden platform that offers protection from the wind, gentle ramps into the water for the mobility-impaired, and diving platforms for the adventurous. The sea bath is completely free and open to everyone. The structure is well lit—for those brave enough for some night swimming.

El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands have a reputation as party spots for package tourists, but El Hierro, the westernmost island in the chain, is different. El Hierro was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000. This island is the place to go if you want to get as far away from the real world as possible—until Columbus explored this part of the globe in 1492, El Hierro was considered "the end of the world." It may still feel like the end of the world as you're admiring the volcanic landscape, jagged cliffs, and wide-open spaces. The island's biggest town has less than 2,000 residents, and it didn't even have a traffic light until 2005!

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