Beautiful European country ranked best to visit this summer - it scores a perfect 10

Researchers looked at several factors including the best beaches and popularity to determine which European country is the best to visit this summer.

By Chloe Dobinson, Lifestyle Reporter

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:

Valletta Street View, Malta

10. Malta

Beach Score: 0.39

Summer trend popularity: 0.49

Average weekly cost: €822

Average low temperature: 22.9

Average high temperature: 32

Culinary score: 0

Friendliness score: 0.61

Score: 6.46

(Image: Getty)

Boats on the sea in the port of Porto Palermo in Albania

9. Albania

Beach Score: 0.49

Summer trend popularity: 0.58

Average weekly cost: €840

Average low temperature: 18.6

Average high temperature: 32.7

Culinary score: 0.52

Friendliness score: 0.57

Score: 7.17

(Image: Getty)

Coastal summer cityscape - top view of the Old Town and harbor of Split on the background of the Marjan hill

8. Croatia

Beach Score: 0.55

Summer trend popularity: 0.70

Average weekly cost: €1181

Average low temperature: 16.2

Average high temperature: 28

Culinary score: 0.87

Friendliness score: 0.51

Score: 7.18

(Image: Getty)

Picturesque town of Perast in the Bay of Kotor

7. Montenegro

Beach Score: 0.5

Summer trend popularity: 0.61

Average weekly cost: €729

Average low temperature: 21

Average high temperature: 33.3

Culinary score: 0.55

Friendliness score: 0.25

Score: 7.21

(Image: Getty)

Iconic landmarks of Nice, France, Cote d'Azur, French Riviera

6. France

Beach Score: 0.75

Summer trend popularity: 0.99

Average weekly cost: €1636

Average low temperature: 14.7

Average high temperature: 26.3

Culinary score: 0.94

Friendliness score: 0.54

Score: 7.39

(Image: Getty)

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