Europe won’t run out of jet fuel, Ryanair CEO says—5 underrated cities I’ve visited and think are perfect for summer travel

From Cyprus to Sweden, these lesser-known European cities offered fewer crowds and slower-paced summer travel.

You’ve probably seen the stressful headlines floating around lately about potential jet fuel shortages across the world. It’s the last thing you want to worry about when you’re trying to lock down summer plans. But you can officially take a deep breath. According to Ryanair’s CEO, you can relax as Europe isn’t likely to run out of jet fuel this summer.

I’ve traveled a fair bit across Europe, and I keep coming back to the same conclusion: the cities everyone already knows are undoubtedly great, yes, but they’re also crowded, overpriced in July and August, and exhausting to navigate. I’ve been lucky enough to visit places that don’t make every “Top 10 Europe” listicle, and I think they deserve a proper mention, especially this summer, when more people are staying on the continent.

Here are my top five favorite cities to check out during the warmer months. I’ve been to all of them, and I’d visit again in a heartbeat. These places are also great options for travelers coming from the United States.

Paphos, Cyprus

When I first arrived in Paphos, a coastal town in Cyprus, I expected a typical beach destination, but what I found took me by surprise. The clearest waters of the Mediterranean Sea are right next to fascinating ancient landmarks. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the Tombs of the Kings, where you can walk through burial sites carved into solid rock.

In the evenings, the harbor comes alive with a lovely breeze, and the local restaurants offer delicious grilled halloumi cheese and fresh seafood at prices that are much lower than what you’d find in many popular Greek islands.

One thing I like about Paphos is that it feels easy. The weather is sunny most of the year, English is widely spoken, prices are often more reasonable than many Western European beach destinations, and you can combine beaches, history, mountain villages, and nature all within a short drive. For an affordable price point, you can stay in a penthouse with a private rooftop pool and enjoy a wonderful summer getaway in this beautiful city.

Gothenburg, Sweden

I had no idea what to expect from Sweden’s second-largest city, but Gothenburg really surprised me. The city has beautiful canals and waterfront areas, where you can see some old 17th-century fortifications and enjoy lovely tree-lined walks. It’s easy to explore on foot and is known for Avenyn, a popular street lined with shops and restaurants, as well as cozy cafés where you can enjoy “fika,” a tradition of taking a break for coffee and pastries. I also loved wandering through the Haga neighborhood, with its charming old wooden houses, and I even took a day trip to some nearby islands.

Visiting in summer is especially nice because the days are long and bright, even at 10 PM! Gothenburg has a relaxed and friendly vibe that makes it inviting. It feels like a breath of fresh air compared to more crowded tourist spots, and I think it’s a great place to begin exploring Sweden.

Clarion Hotel Post combines historic architecture with a modern upscale atmosphere right in the heart of Gothenburg. Set inside the city’s former post office building, the hotel is known for its stylish rooms, rooftop pool, and convenient location next to the central station.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is famous for being busy with tourists, but I visited in early June when it was still relatively quiet, and it became one of my favorite travel experiences. I found the best way to avoid the crowds was to wake up early and stroll along the huge old city walls all by myself. The Old Town is easy to explore, and the seafood restaurants by the water serve amazing meals that you just have to try.

Be sure to take the cable car ride up to Mount Srđ for beautiful views, and if you have time, renting a kayak is a great way to experience the area. Don’t forget to wander a bit beyond the main street of the Old Town, known as Stradun, or check out the nearby neighborhoods for a more local experience.

Hotel Sumratin is a newly renovated upscale hotel in Dubrovnik that combines modern luxury with a prime location near the Adriatic coast. The hotel offers elegant contemporary rooms, high-end amenities, and easy access to beaches, cafés, and Dubrovnik’s historic attractions.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest was probably the city that exceeded my expectations the most. The thermal baths are worth the trip alone; Széchenyi is popular, but I preferred the quieter Lukács bath. The ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter are unique and fun, and the Hungarian cuisine is surprisingly underrated.

At night, the Danube River offers a beautiful sight, with the city lights sparkling on the water. To enjoy this view, you can hop on a sightseeing boat cruise in the evening, where you can see the Hungarian Parliament Building and Chain Bridge beautifully lit up, creating amazing reflections on the water. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront near the Danube Canal, which has a lively atmosphere in the evenings.

Queen’s Court Hotel & Residence offers spacious apartment-style suites with a quiet luxury feel in central Budapest, a great option for travelers who want both hotel comfort and extra space during longer stays.

Verona, Italy

Instead of dealing with the large crowds of tourists in Venice or Milan, I chose to take a train to Verona, and I absolutely loved it. This charming city offers a classic Italian summer experience while allowing you to stroll leisurely through its beautiful cobblestone streets without any hustle or bustle.

You can relax in the lively Piazza Bra with a refreshing glass of local wine, explore historic stone bridges, and even enjoy incredible opera performances in a beautifully preserved Roman arena dating back to the first century. Verona truly stands out as one of the most romantic and laid-back places I’ve discovered in Italy.

Mariclà Boutique Rooms with Balcony & Free Parking is a small boutique-style accommodation offering modern, comfortable rooms with private balconies and free parking. It’s typically suited for travelers who want a quieter, more personal stay while still having practical amenities for exploring the surrounding area.