7 Euro Summer Opinions Worth Debating

As reliable as the return of the season itself, Europe draws travelers back to its shores each and every summer: travelers who are attracted to the golden light that falls on ancient cobblestones at sunset, and the warm Mediterranean breeze that carries the scent of sunscreen and fresh bread. But just what makes a perfect midyear sojourn looks different for everyone.

We tapped some of hospitality’s biggest names, from a cookbook author to stewards of iconic hotels, to share the opinions they’d gladly defend at a dinner party. From preferring a wild, windswept beach over a manicured hotel pool, to the underrated magic of returning to a place that already knows your name, their takes are as refreshing as a cold glass of Aperol on a sun-drenched terrace.

“Lost luggage can help you find what matters most.”

I spent my best Euro summer vacation ever on a tiny little sailboat in the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily with my husband, when we had just started dating. Our luggage was lost, and we spent the entire week in bathing suits we bought in the village, reading, swimming and cooking together with ingredients we’d found in the various markets that day. Complete bliss without a care in the world.

– Lydia Forte, vice president, food and beverage, Rocco Forte Hotels

“Nothing beats a beach.”

I love swimming in the crystal-blue waters in Greece. I prefer open water where you can see the bottom and the fish; I’m not that big a fan of swimming pools.

– Marina Efraimoglou, founder, Euphoria Retreat

“When school’s out, you can play by different rules.”

I love traveling with my wife and our five children, aged five to 23. Distinct personalities and different needs make for organized chaos, yet we are united by mutual support and a genuine desire to make each other happy. Summer creates a dynamic that the rest of the year simply doesn’t allow.

– Luis Mexia Alves, CEO, Octant Hotels

“It’s not summer without some vitamin D.”

Gleneagles is situated in Perthshire, Scotland, where I spend most of my time. While the location is second to none—we’re blessed with the most stunning scenery and glorious views of the rolling Ochil Hills—the weather can be unpredictable. Come the summer months, I’m craving a bit of sunshine.

– Conor O’Leary, group managing director, Gleneagles

“Visiting a place isn’t the same as getting to know it.”

I’m a big believer in returning to places you love—great destinations reveal themselves slowly. Every time you go back, you discover a new restaurant, a hidden beach, a different side of the culture. Travel should always be about connection, not just checking boxes.

– Mark Kirby, president, One&Only Resorts

“Sometimes less is more.”

I think three stops is the max. I love finding an amazing restaurant and eating there multiple times—it removes the pressure of having to discover a new place after you’ve found one that’s perfect for you.

– Hillary Sterling, executive chef at Ci Siamo (New York and, coming soon, Boston) and author of Ammazza!

“The right destination won’t make you compromise.”

This is what makes Europe such a great destination—you don’t ever have to choose! Everything is within easy reach: You can hike the Apennines in the morning, have lunch inside Lucca’s ancient walls and still make it to Forte dei Marmi in time for sundowners beachside.

– Valentina De Santis, owner and CEO, Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua