It’s July. It’s summer in Europe. The sun is shining. The food is delicious. The beaches are beaming. The days are longer. Life feels great. Okay, you get it. Europe in July is epic. But the stars have aligned this year. Because July 2024 is set to be one of the most awesome summers in Europe this year. From sports to music, every city will be hosting events that are worth travelling for. So let’s tap into this glorious month and check out what’s happening in July 2024 in Europe.
For the sports lovers
It’s the Olympics!
Yep. Do ya need any more explanation? This year’s Summer Olympics will be held in France, running from 26th July to 11th August 2024. During the previous Games, the dreaded ‘virus-that-must-not-be-named’ caused havoc. Not only were the games delayed, but no spectators were allowed to witness the sheer magic of sport.
So July 2024 is gonna be the first time since then that you can finally catch all your favourite players showcasing their insane skills. Some notable ones include Simone Biles, Novak Djokovic, Steph Curry and maybe even Kylian Mbappé. Oh, and while you’re at it, you might as well catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower too, right? Two birds, one stone.
Plus, the Tour de France is happening
Okay, maybe make that three birds, one stone. Because the Tour de France is also gonna be held in July! This year will see its 111th edition where bikers will ride a total distance of 3,492km. Plus, 52,000m of elevation gain. Crazy is an understatement. But maybe those gorgeous views of the French Alps make it all worth it. This year, the tour will finish in Nice, France on 21st July. And trust me, you wanna be there.
And UEFA Euro 2024
Europe is already utopia-central for football fans. And this time around the 17th edition of the UEFA European Football Championship will be held throughout June and July in Germany. Expect to see sheer football madness as some of the top teams and players compete in what could be called the world’s most famous sport. And if you wanna catch the adrenaline-boost of the final – mark 14th July on your calendars.
And Wimbledon too!
You thought that was it with the sports events? Nah. We’ve got one more for you. Wimbledon!!!
This year’s Championships will be held from 1st to 14th July, in (you guessed it) London. Rumour has it that it could be the last time tennis-fans can witness Rafael Nadal and Sir Andy Murray play aces on the court. That’s kinda historic. Sooo, UK trip in July?
For the music lovers
Salzburg festival
How do you make summer in Europe even more romantic? With background music, of course. That’s what you’ll get at the Salzburg festival in July. You’ll be able to witness some of the BEST orchestra musicians in the world, work their magic and captivate crowds with their tunes. There’s also a constant stream of artists playing at venues in this Austrian city. July vacation to Europe just got sweeter.
Image source:Sarah Mutter / unsplash
Tomorrowland
Music lovers, mark your calendars. The biggest EDM festival is gonna be held in July in Belgium. That’s right. The Tomorrowland theme this time around is ‘Life’ – which is great because life’s never gonna be the same if you miss out. Think 40,000 people on the mainstage dancing the night away. David Guetta, Tiesto, Hardwell, Alesso – these are just a few of the DJs on the lineup this year. It’s worth the visit.
Montreux Jazz Festival
If you like the chiller things in life, guess what? Switzerland is calling your name. The Montreux Jazz Festival will be taking place in early July in Montreux (on the Lake Geneva shoreline). It’s not only the second-largest annual jazz festival in the world, it’s also free to visit. IKR??? Pool parties, silent discos, open air concerts, jam sessions, workshops – it’s everything you’d want from a music festival. As if those gorgeous views weren’t enough already.
Don’t love the sun? Europe is still your best bet
Okay. Let’s be honest for a second here. The sun’s shining & sweltering heat ain’t for everyone (fellow freckled friends, I’m looking at you). But hey, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the summer. Lucky for you, Europe is STILL the best bet for you to enjoy the cool but sunny vibes. Let’s start with Scandinavia. Sweden in the July sun? Count me in!
The iconic sights of Stockholm are even prettier when the sun’s got your back. And honestly, a cruise of the jaw-droppingly beautiful Geiranger Fjord in Norway? Who would wanna miss out on that? Oh, and if you have a thing for Vikings…how about a Viking Biking tour of Oslo? Scandinavian summer is perfect if you don’t wanna spend all your time slathering sunscreen over and over again.
If you could use a bit of Irish charm in your life, there’s only one place to find it. Lucky for us, the Emerald Isle is not only a bit cooler in July, but it’s absolutely stunning too. From seeing the gorgeous Cliffs of Moher to sipping Guinness at the OG warehouse – the sun’s really so kind to Ireland.
Vision-board-worthy summer experiences in Europe
Island hopping in Greece
Summer = Greece. For real, though. What better way to spend July in Europe than island hopping from one white-sand destination to another, on a private luxury boat!!! On our Greek Island Hopping trip, you’ll stop off at iconic Greek locations and explore with local guides too. It’s one of our most popular trips for a reason…
Image source:Contiki
Canal cruise in Amsterdam
July brings longer evenings. Amsterdam brings stunning canal views. We bring you awesome friends. Might as well combine the three. Check out the shimmering city lights on a canal cruise in Amsterdam on our trips to Europe. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a long day of exploring.
Sun saltutations in a 16th Century Château
Yoga? With my friends? In France? In a 16th Century Château? That’s exclusive to Contiki? Where do I sign up? I’ll tell you – here. That’s right, on our Big Weekender trip you’ll be able to breathe in, breathe out at Contiki Château while the July sun is shining bright. It’s perfect because the lawn overlooks the rolling hills of the Beaujolais wine region of France. Bucket list alert!
Image source:Contiki
Making your own Paella
Got your taste buds tingling already? Same, girl. Same. On our Best of Spain trip, you’ll have the chance to learn all the juicy tips and techniques that make a luscious and absolutely delicious Paella (Spain’s national dish). Plus, you’ll be learning how to do it in its home – Valencia.
Best place to visit in July = Europe
To conclude, there are quite a few destinations in this world that are beautiful in July. But there’s nowhere quite like Europe. So, why not check out some of our trips to Europe? We’ll sort out your accommodation and transport, and hook you up with the most unique experiences too. We’ll put the ‘LY’ in July.
