There is a particular rhythm to summer in Europe. Long lunches stretch into golden evenings, beach clubs replace living rooms, and entire cities seem to migrate into open air. “Outdoor living” here is a way of life!
This month, we are focusing on places that capture this feeling effortlessly. Where the setting matters as much as the menu, and where the experience lingers long after the sun goes down.
Scandinavian summer: La Banchina
Harbor-side simplicity, perfected
Set along the quiet edges of Refshaleøen, La Banchina embodies Copenhagen’s understated approach to outdoor living. There are no elaborate setups. It is just wooden tables by the water, a small seasonal kitchen, and a sauna steps from the harbor.
Days begin with coffee and a swim, move into light, thoughtful plates, and end with natural wine as the sun dips low over the water. It is relaxed, unpolished, and entirely intentional—an invitation to slow down and stay awhile.
Bagni Tiberio
A summer beach club with history and soul
On the quieter side of Capri, Bagni Tiberio offers a more authentic alternative to the island’s glossier beach clubs. Built near the ruins of Emperor Tiberius’ villa, it blends history with the easy rhythm of seaside life.
Lunch is the star here. Simple seafood, grilled vegetables, and cold wine served just steps from the sea. Tables are set directly on the rocks, and the line between restaurant and shoreline disappears. It is the kind of place where hours pass unnoticed.
Casa Jondal
Refined beach dining, redefined
Ibiza has no shortage of beach clubs, but Casa Jondal stands apart. Set in a pine-fringed cove, it replaces excess with elegance. Think linen tables, soft music, and a menu that celebrates pristine seafood.
Arrive late morning and stay through the afternoon. The energy builds gradually, never overwhelming the setting. It is Ibiza at its most sophisticated and quietly luxurious.
Summer in Verona: Arena di Verona Opera Festival
Evenings under the stars
Outdoor living in Europe is not only about the coast. In Verona, summer nights unfold inside a Roman amphitheater that has stood for nearly two thousand years.
The Arena di Verona Opera Festival transforms this historic space into one of the world’s most atmospheric venues. Performances begin at dusk, as the sky fades and the stage lights rise. Even for those unfamiliar with opera, the setting alone is unforgettable.
Le Plongeoir
Dining suspended over the Mediterranean
Perched dramatically on a rock above the sea, Le Plongeoir offers one of the Nice’s most striking settings. A narrow walkway leads to the dining room, where tables hover above open water.
The menu leans Mediterranean, but the real draw is the perspective. With waves below, horizon ahead, and the feeling of being completely removed from the city just beyond. Sunset is the moment to aim for, when the entire coastline softens into gold.
The Essence of the Summer
Outdoor summer living in Europe is less about where you go and more about how you stay: longer lunches, slower afternoons, and evenings that begin without any rush.
It is a reminder that the best part of summer is often the simplest—being outside, somewhere beautiful, with nowhere else to be. Contact us today to start planning your dream holiday!
Coming next: A closer look at Europe’s most exceptional al fresco dining destinations—from vineyard tables to coastal terraces.
