Are you looking to go away on holiday this summer? For many of us, heading to Europe is not only a quicker but cheaper alternative than heading to the US or Asia.

Thankfully from the UK, it takes less than an hour on a plane to land in Europe. Not only is the continent known for its rich history and culture but also stunning scenery and beautiful beaches.

Now, research has found the best European destination to visit this summer. This is according to SchengenVisaInfo who have created the Europe Summer Tourism Index (ESTI).

The index ranks countries based on six conditions including popularity, beaches, average temperature, friendliness, weekly costs and accommodation. The site said: “Through all 46 countries, you can find crystal-clear waters, magnificent mountains, vibrant cities and everything in between.”

Researchers then ranked the destinations based on the total score out of 10 by calculating each of the components related to the tourism industry. Here are the top 10 European summer destinations and their score: