Where to Go in July
Peak summer holidays, beach destinations, and school break adventures
July marks the start of the great British summer exodus. School holidays begin in late July, transforming popular destinations overnight. This is peak season pricing but also peak experiences - the Mediterranean is hot and beautiful, festivals are in full swing, and the worlds best beach destinations await.
Peak Summer Travel
July is peak season for good reason. The weather is at its best across Europe, the days are long, and holiday mode is in full effect. Yes, its busier and more expensive, but the experience justifies the premium.
School Holiday Planning
English schools typically break in the last week of July, with prices jumping immediately. The first half of July offers similar weather at lower prices if you have flexibility.
Book Early
Book popular destinations 6+ months ahead for July-August travel. Family-friendly resorts, Greek islands, and Spanish coast fill quickly.
Beach Destinations
July offers peak beach conditions across Europe. Sea temperatures reach their warmest, days are long, and every beach resort is in full swing.
Spain (2-2.5 hours)
Spain in July means hot temperatures (30-35C) and beach life at its best. The siesta exists for a reason - embrace the rhythm.
- Balearic Islands - Majorca for families, Menorca for peace, Ibiza for parties. All are busy but beautiful.
- Costa Brava - Dramatic Catalan coastline with hidden coves. Combine with Barcelona or Girona.
- Costa Blanca - Reliable sun, family resorts, and excellent value around Benidorm and Alicante.
- Canary Islands - Actually cooler than mainland Spain in July (26-28C). Trade winds moderate the heat.
- San Sebastian - Basque sophistication with urban beaches. Jazz Festival in late July.
Warning
Mainland Spain gets extremely hot in July (35-40C inland). Coastal breezes help, but if you cant handle heat, consider the Canaries or northern Spain.
Greece (3-3.5 hours)
Greek islands in July are pure Mediterranean magic - hot days (32C+), warm evenings, blue seas, and whitewashed villages.
- Santorini - Peak season means crowds but also incredible atmosphere. Book restaurants and sunset spots ahead.
- Mykonos - Party island in full swing. Beach clubs, nightlife, and cosmopolitan crowds.
- Crete - Large enough to escape crowds. South coast beaches, mountain villages, and ancient Knossos.
- Paros - More relaxed than Mykonos but still lively. Excellent windsurfing at Golden Beach.
- Zakynthos - Shipwreck Beach is iconic (arrive early), plus turtles and dramatic blue caves.
Tip
Greek island airports are small and can create bottlenecks. Allow extra time and book transfers in advance - taxis fill up quickly at peak times.
Croatia (2.5 hours)
Croatian coast in July is hot (30C+) and busy, but the Adriatic remains stunning. Island-hopping is the classic experience.
- Dubrovnik - Game of Thrones fame means crowds. Visit walls at opening time, escape to islands in afternoon.
- Hvar - Lavender season, yacht scene, beach clubs. Croatias see-and-be-seen destination.
- Split - Base for island exploration. Diocletians Palace at night is magical.
- Brac - Golden Horn beach (Zlatni Rat) is iconic, if busy. Great for active water sports.
- Mljet - National park island with saltwater lakes. More peaceful than popular neighbours.
Portugal (2.5-3 hours)
Portugal offers excellent July weather (28-30C) often at better value than Spain. The Atlantic keeps it slightly cooler.
- Algarve - Dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and excellent family infrastructure.
- Lisbon Coast - Cascais and Costa da Caparica offer city-beach combination.
- Silver Coast - North of Lisbon with big waves and surfing culture. Nazare and Peniche.
- Madeira - Cooler than mainland (25C), dramatic scenery, excellent hiking, levada walks.
- Azores - Even cooler (22C), whale watching, crater lakes, and unique Atlantic landscapes.
City Breaks
European cities are hot in July, but long evenings and outdoor culture make them rewarding. Many locals leave, making cities feel different.
- Barcelona (2 hours) - Hot but beach-ready. Evening tapas crawls, rooftop bars, Gaudi in morning light.
- Amsterdam (1 hour) - Canal-side summer, 17 hours of daylight, cycling weather perfection.
- Berlin (1.5 hours) - Outdoor culture thrives, beach bars, lake swimming in surrounding areas.
- Vienna (2 hours) - Film Festival at Rathausplatz (free outdoor screenings), Danube swimming.
- Prague (2 hours) - Warm evenings in the old town, beer gardens, and castle views.
Warning
Many southern European city attractions have reduced hours in July-August, and some restaurants close for holidays. Check ahead.
Escaping the Heat
If extreme heat is not your thing, July offers cooler alternatives with excellent conditions.
Scandinavia (2-3 hours)
Scandinavian summer offers pleasant 20-25C temperatures with incredibly long days. The locals are on holiday and the atmosphere is joyful.
- Norway Fjords - Peak season with warmest weather. Stunning beauty, midnight sun in north.
- Stockholm Archipelago - 30,000 islands to explore. Sailing, swimming, island hopping.
- Copenhagen - Tivoli Gardens, harbour swimming, and some of the worlds best restaurants.
- Finnish Lake District - Thousands of lakes, midnight sun, sauna culture.
- Iceland - Peak tourist season but also best weather (15C). 24-hour daylight for driving.
UK & Ireland (1-2 hours)
The British summer can be glorious in July. Long days, green landscapes, and avoiding airport stress make staycations appealing.
- Cornwall - Prime season with warm seas (for the UK). St Ives, Padstow, and hidden coves.
- Scottish Highlands - Midges can be challenging but scenery is spectacular. Book ahead for NC500.
- Lake District - Classic fell walking, lake swimming, Beatrix Potter country.
- Norfolk Coast - Seal watching, big skies, charming villages, and excellent seafood.
- Irish Wild Atlantic Way - Dramatic coastline, long evenings, friendly atmosphere.
Warning
Cornwall in school holidays requires booking months ahead. Traffic can be severe - consider travelling on quieter days and staying put once there.
Adventure Destinations
July offers peak conditions for outdoor adventures across the northern hemisphere. Mountain trails are clear and conditions are optimal.
- Swiss Alps (1.5 hours) - High altitude hiking at its best. Glacier walks, via ferrata, stunning views.
- Dolomites (2 hours) - Rifugios open, famous routes accessible, photography heaven.
- Slovenia (2 hours) - Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, Soca Valley adventures.
- Canadian Rockies (9 hours) - Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise at their most accessible.
- Norway (2 hours) - Trolltunga, Preikestolen, and dramatic hiking. Long days maximize time.
Warning
Alpine huts (rifugios, hutten) should be booked ahead in July. Popular routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc fill completely.
Family-Friendly Picks
School holidays mean traveling with families. These destinations handle the summer rush well with excellent facilities.
- Majorca (2.5 hours) - The family holiday classic for good reason. Beaches, waterparks, and infrastructure.
- Algarve (2.5 hours) - Portuguese family favourite with waterparks, beaches, and excellent value.
- Costa Dorada (2 hours) - PortAventura plus beaches equals happy families.
- Menorca (2.5 hours) - Quieter than Majorca, beautiful beaches, family-oriented atmosphere.
- Cyprus (4.5 hours) - Hot and reliable, waterparks, and interesting history for older children.
Money-Saving Tip
All-inclusive resorts offer the best value in July-August when flight and accommodation prices peak. The premium over self-catering shrinks significantly.
Long Haul Options
If Europe feels too crowded or hot, consider these alternatives with excellent July conditions.
- Bali (16 hours) - Dry season perfection. Temples, rice terraces, beaches, and culture.
- South Africa (11 hours) - Winter means excellent safari conditions. Cape Town crisp and beautiful.
- Mauritius (12 hours) - Winter means pleasant 25C, fewer crowds, and good value.
- Canada (8-9 hours) - Summer across all regions. Rockies to Maritime provinces.
- USA West Coast (10 hours) - California coast, Pacific Northwest, National Parks perfection.
Weather Comparison
Average July temperatures and conditions:
- Spain (Costa Brava) - 30C, 10 hours sunshine, hot
- Greece (islands) - 32C, 12 hours sunshine, very hot
- Croatia - 30C, 10 hours sunshine, hot
- Portugal (Algarve) - 28C, 11 hours sunshine, warm
- Scandinavia - 20-25C, 17+ hours daylight, pleasant
- UK (Cornwall) - 20C, 7 hours sunshine, variable
Budget Guide
Approximate costs for a week (flights and accommodation for two adults). July is peak season - expect premium pricing.
- Spain (Balearics) - 800-1600 GBP per person
- Greece (islands) - 900-1700 GBP per person
- Croatia - 750-1400 GBP per person
- Portugal (Algarve) - 700-1300 GBP per person
- Scandinavia - 900-1600 GBP per person
- UK (Cornwall) - 600-1200 GBP per person
Money-Saving Tip
Early July (before English school holidays in late July) can save 20-30% on peak prices. If your children are young enough to travel in term time, you will save significantly.
July Festivals & Events
July brings major festivals across Europe. Book far ahead if these interest you.
- Running of the Bulls (Pamplona) - July 6-14. Spectacular and controversial Spanish tradition.
- Bastille Day (Paris) - July 14. Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, parties across France.
- Edinburgh Jazz Festival - Mid-July. Preview of August festival atmosphere.
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival - Mid-July to mid-August. Drama and music in historic venues.
- Gentse Feesten (Ghent) - Late July. Ten days of free festivals, one of Europes best.
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