8 of the Best Summer Holiday Destinations
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Unsure where to go on holiday this year? This post takes a look at eight of the best summer holiday destinations to hopefully give you some inspiration for your travels.
Choosing where to go on your summer holidays can sometimes seem like a mammoth task. While some people like to return to the same place year after year, others prefer to explore somewhere different each time.
Making sure your holiday caters to everyone in the family can be tricky as well as taking into account other factors such as travel time and budget constraints.
I’ve put together this list of eight of the best summer holiday destinations which includes some of the most popular places to travel from the U.K, budget-friendly alternatives to expensive destinations and the place I think is best for a summer break in England.
8 of the Best Summer Holiday Destinations
1. Spain
Staying in Spain might be the obvious choice when it comes to a summer holiday, but there are lots of reasons it’s the number one summer holiday destination for the British public.
Spain is known for its sunny and temperate climate and stunning beaches.
Another part of its appeal is the short flight times of around two and a half hours, perfect if flying makes you nervous or you are travelling with young children.
Many Brits love to travel to Spain due to the large ex-pat community and plenty of British-themed pubs and restaurants making it feel like a home away from home.
However, there are plenty of less touristy spots too for those who would prefer to enjoy quieter beaches and authentic Spanish food.
Related post: How To Save Money On A Holiday To Ibiza
2. Italy
Italy has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches and historical architecture to a more adventurous holiday exploring one of its many great lakes.
While Italy is definitely more expensive than many of the options on this list, there are still ways you can travel there on a budget, especially if you opt for some of the less popular tourist spots.
While not quite officially summer, May is one of the best months to visit Italy, as you’ll benefit from both the warmer weather and fewer crowds in the big cities.
Of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without sampling some of their most famous cuisines – be sure to budget for a few extra pizzas and plenty of gelato!
3. Croatia
Croatia has been on my bucket list for many years and is somewhere I really hope to visit one day.
It may not be the first place that pops into your head when thinking of summer holiday destinations, but there is still plenty to see and do.
The capital, Dubrovnik is a must-see for any Game of Thrones fan as many of the show’s scenes were filmed there. Even if you’re not a fan, this walled city provides much in the way of history and culture.
Combine exploring the city with a day or two on the nearby beaches and you have a summer holiday that’s a perfect combination of relaxation and exploration.
Visiting Croatia is also much cheaper than visiting Italy, so could be an option for those wanting something similar with slightly less expense.
Related Post: 19 Super Cheap Holiday Hacks
4. France
France is the second most popular choice after Spain with over seven million Brits heading to the country each year.
For those that don’t want to fly, ferry crossings and the Eurostar make getting to France easy and cheap compared to other European destinations.
Head to the south of France if you’re looking for the best weather as the northern coast tends to have weather very similar to our own, which we all know can be pretty hit and miss, even in the summer months!
France is the perfect destination for families, as it has many family-friendly resorts throughout often featuring water parks along with other amenities.
Food lovers will enjoy the wide range of wines, cheeses and freshly baked bread that France is famous for. Popular summer holiday destinations include Nice and the Loire Valley.
5. The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are technically a part of Spain, but they also feel like a holiday destination in their own right, so I thought they were worth including with their own entry on this list.
The Islands are known for having some of the best sunshine rates in the whole of Europe as well as being famed for their outstanding natural beauty and stunning beaches.
Whether you choose villas in Tenerife or a fancy hotel in Lanzarote, you won’t regret choosing The Canary Islands for your summer holiday.
6. Devon, UK
Living in the U.K. I thought it would be nice to include at least one U.K. destination on this list, for those who would rather holiday closer to home.
Devon is one of the largest counties in the U.K. and has hundreds of miles of beaches on both its North and South coasts.
It’s also less popular, and therefore less crowded, than the neighbouring county of Cornwall and being slightly further North, travel times are shorter for those travelling from most of the U.K.
For classic British seaside vibes, head to the English Riveria on the south coast which consists of the towns Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
If surfing is more your thing, head to the north coast beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton.
7. Portugal
Portugal is a popular choice for a summer holiday, whether you like a chilled-out beach vacation, adventurous hiking along rugged coasts, or would prefer a vibrant city break in Lisbon or Porto.
There is lots to explore when it comes to history too, as Portugal has many castles as well as forts and villas from when the country was occupied by the Romans.
The weather in Portugal is generally better than some other European destinations (such as France and Italy) and it’s cheaper to visit than Spain making it an all-around fantastic summer holiday destination.
8. Greece
If you love history and culture as well as a lovely sunny climate, then Greece could well be the perfect summer holiday destination for you.
Greece boasts almost twenty UNESCO world heritage sites as well as miles of unrivalled beaches.
You can also explore one or more of Greece’s 227 islands.
Not sure which to pick?
Santorini is picture perfect for those who love taking photographs and honeymooning couples whereas Mykonos and Crete are great for families. Kavos, on the Greek Island of Corfu, is well known for its nightlife and party atmosphere.
I really hope this list gives you some inspiration for your summer holidays this year. Are there any destinations you would add? I would love to hear about them in the comments!
