8 of the top European countries to visit this summer

It's possible to travel to many countries across Europe right now, though some have easier entry requirements than others -- especially if you plan to travel with children who aren't yet eligible for vaccination. If you can't wait to get back to Paris, Barcelona or Santorini, we've got the information you need to know below.

Here are the entry and testing requirements for several of our favorite European countries for visits this summer, plus what to expect when you land.

Croatia

Entry requirements: Americans can visit Croatia with a negative COVID-19 test if the traveler is 14 days past completing their vaccinations (and can show the certificate) or has recovered from an infection. Travelers can also test upon arrival and self-isolate until receiving a negative result. They must also provide proof of accommodation paid in advance in full or they will not be permitted to enter the country.

Can children visit? According to the government, children under 12 years of age traveling with a parent or guardian are exempt from presenting a negative test result and self-isolation if the parent or guardian has a negative PCR or RAT test result. A Digital COVID Certificate or a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 administered by a European Union Member State or proof of recovery are also accepted.

What's open: Most businesses, as well as museums, galleries and casinos (with capacity restrictions); restaurants and bars are now open for both indoor and outdoor dining; nightclubs are closed and alcohol sales in other venues must end at 11 p.m.; public transportation is running.

What it's like: "My husband and I were in Croatia May 7 to May 30," said Mary Mimi Pirro, a member of TPG's Facebook group. "We picked up a rental car in Zagreb and zig-zagged all the way to Dubrovnik. We then drove back to Zagreb, stopping at different towns along the way. There were so few tourists there, we sometimes felt like we had the country to ourselves."

The story you should read: The cheapest ways to get to Croatia using points and miles

France

Entry requirements: France implemented a “stoplight” system for tourists entering the country. There are three different colors: green, orange and red. Those coming from green countries (which now includes the U.S.) can enter without restriction if vaccinated. Travelers can also enter with a negative COVID-19 test.

Can children visit? Proof of vaccination is not required for children when accompanying an adult with proof, according to Republique Francaise.

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What's open: Indoor dining at cafés and restaurants has resumed at 50% capacity, while outdoor dining has resumed at full capacity. TPG's senior points and miles reporter Andrew Kunesh, who visited in June, suggested buying tickets in advance for popular museums such as the Louvre since capacity at museums is limited.

What it's like: "Masks are mostly worn all around France, but I noticed less compliance in Nice when compared to Paris," Kunesh said. "France’s cafe culture is alive and well and museums, beaches and other attractions are operating per usual despite capacity restrictions."

The story you should read: France is open to Americans; Here’s what it’s like now and when to go

Germany

Entry requirements: Travel to Germany for all purposes will be permitted again. However, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result is still required for entry.

Can children visit? Children under 6 are exempt from testing requirements.

What's open: Hotels, cafes and restaurants are allowed to open while testing requirements for outdoor events (up to 500 people) are waived.

What it's like: "It felt very similar to the restrictions in the U.S.," said social media producer Mimi Wright, who flew to Germany when it reopened on June 20. "People wore masks in the museum and servers [and] customers wore masks when going in and out of restaurants. On public transport, masks were also worn. For the most part, it felt very easy and relaxed. It was nice to be a tourist with so few other tourists around; I really got a sense of [Frankfurt]."

The story you should read: I was one of the first American tourists to enter Germany: Here’s what it was like

Greece

Entry requirements: Americans can visit Greece with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or a negative antigen (rapid) test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival, according to the Greek government. Fully vaccinated travelers and travelers with proof of COVID-19 antibodies can also visit. All travelers must also complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 48 hours before their travel date. The requirement to self-isolate has been lifted for those with a negative test or proof of completed vaccination.

Can children visit? According to Greek officials, children under 12 will not be required to undergo a PCR test.

What's open: Hotels and resorts are open; cafes, bars and restaurants reopened for outside dining on May 3, 2021, while museums and retail shops reopened on May 14, 2021. There's currently a curfew from 1:30 a.m. to 5 a.m., according to the U.S. Embassy in Greece.

What it's like: "Coming through the border was an absolute breeze," said David Ocamb, a moderator for TPG's Facebook group, who visited in early June. "When you're there crowds are super small and no lines so the experience is good. [I] can't recommend it highly enough."

The story you should read: Greece officially welcomes tourists back as it lifts most lockdown measures

Iceland

Entry requirements: Travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can travel to Iceland without being subject to testing and quarantine measures.

Can children visit? Children born in 2005 or later who travel alone are obligated to undergo a test, according to the U.S. Embassy.

What's open: Most hotels and businesses, as well as public transportation, are open. The famous Blue Lagoon thermal area reopened to visitors in April. The volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavík has resulted in some road closures.

What it's like: "I visited in March when vaccines weren’t as widespread in the country and cases were on the rise," Kunesh said. "People wore masks pretty much everywhere, though I saw many locals maskless outside."

The story you should read: Traveling to Iceland during the coronavirus pandemic — the complete guide

Italy

Entry requirements: Americans can visit Italy without quarantining if arriving on a “COVID-tested flight." These flights require two additional COVID-19 tests; one before boarding and one after arrival. Travelers not on COVID-tested flights are required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival and test again. All travelers must fill out a digital Passenger Locator Form.

Can children visit? Children ages 6 to 18 must provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Children under 6 are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements.

What's open: Most regions are now in the “white zone” and many businesses have been allowed to reopen. In "white zone" areas, all activities are open, including arcades, casinos and amusement parks. Nightclubs are open -- but dancing is banned, according to Alitalia, Italy's national airline. There is a 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. curfew as of June 7, 2021.

What it's like: "The tourist sites still aren't crowded, but some currently have different ticketing and opening hours compared to pre-pandemic," said TPG senior writer Katie Genter, who went to Italy in mid-May on a COVID-tested flight. "Expect to wear a mask in public (including outdoors) except when you're eating or drinking. And although you can now dine indoors in white and yellow zones, you may still find many restaurants offer outdoor dining."

The story you should read: Italy is reopening: 11 things I learned as a tourist there this week

Portugal

Entry requirements: Nonessential travel — which includes tourism — from the U.S. to mainland Portugal is now allowed with proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Travelers must provide proof of a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours before boarding or a rapid test performed within 24 hours of boarding.

Can children visit? The testing requirement applies to all travelers including children, except those under the age of 2.

What's open: Restaurants and cafés are open until 1 a.m., cultural facilities are open until 1 a.m. at 50% capacity. Sports venues are operating at 33% capacity.

The story you should read: Portugal is now open to American tourists with a negative COVID-19 test

Spain

Entry requirements: Only fully vaccinated U.S. travelers are permitted for tourism and are exempt from testing requirements. Unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. cannot enter Spain for tourism purposes and must be traveling for what's called an “exceptional situation.” Unvaccinated travelers must receive permission from the government and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test issued within 48 hours of arrival.

Can children visit? Children under the age of 12 who are unvaccinated can travel to Spain with their parents but need their own QR code from the Spain Travel Health form. Children 12 and older must present proof of vaccination.

What's open: Spain began welcoming back fully vaccinated American tourists on June 7, 2021. Hotels, restaurants and most businesses are operating with limited capacity.

What it's like: "[I've] been here five days and so far, so good," said TPG reader Maggie Williams, who is currently in Spain. "We have been able to do walking tours, boat rentals [and] eat at restaurants. The tour guides and restaurant employees we’ve talked to have all been happy to have tourism returning. There have been one or two places we wanted to go, mostly restaurants, that have funky hours or require reservations as a result of [COVID-19] and limited seating, but after the first night we learned to call ahead and make our reservations."

The story you should read: It’s official: Spain has reopened to fully vaccinated Americans

Additional reporting by Victoria M. Walker.