What does YOUR perfect summer destination look like?
Wondering where to escape this summer for your perfect break? For many people, the desire to travel rises when warm weather rolls around.
But with so many beautiful places experiencing longer days and warmer weather, it can be pretty tough to decide which summer destination is the perfect fit for you. Don’t worry, though! This is why we’re here.
So whether you wish to spend your days lounging by a pool, exploring nature on mountain trails, or enjoying activities on the water, here are our favorite recommendations for the top 8 places to visit this summer.
Click “Next” to begin your adventure!
Greece
With historic sites representing four thousand years, an extraordinary coastline, and islands ranging from holiday hotspots to rural utopias, it’s no wonder that Greece remains one of the best summer destinations in Europe.
Sand, sea, and sun lovers will want to visit Greece’s beautiful islands and beaches. And if you want to see cultural sights while also soaking up the sun, hurry to Santorini, where you can relax on various beautiful Greek beaches after visiting Akrotiri, considered the Greek Pompeii.
Experiencing a Santorini sunset is one of our top things to do at our summer destination.
Then you also have Athens, where ancient myth meets modern metropolis, with the iconic Acropolis, one of our favorite places to visit this year, overlooking the city and delicious tavernas serving mouthwatering Greek food you MUST try.
Croatia
If you love sailing, Croatia is THE place to be! Its stunning Adriatic coast offers over 125 miles of dazzlingly blue sea and more than 1000 islands to explore. This is just one factor that makes it one of the best summer destinations to add to your bucket list.
You’ll undoubtedly also love some of Croatia’s top foodie experiences. Also, the Croatian islands are home to many of the best beaches in the country. So you might want to learn how to make the most of island-hopping!
But sailing and island exploration aside, this country is also a perfect destination for culture vultures and adventure-seekers. And for folks who like to get off the beaten track, Croatia has many unusual things to see and do, as well.
We recommend visiting the Zany Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb while visiting this summer destination!
Alexandria, Virginia
With picture-perfect cobblestone streets and easy access to the wineries of northern Virginia, you didn’t think we’d skip the good ole’ US, did you? These days, the main reason people go is to confront its history with the legacy of the Confederacy.
And the Freedom House Museum has three exhibitions honoring those forcibly brought here. Meanwhile, the African American Heritage Trail follows the Potomac River.
It covers nearly 200 years of history at 11 stops, including the Torpedo Factory, where many men and women worked during World War II.
At Jones Point Park, you can learn about Benjamin Banneker, a mathematician, inventor, and free African American from Maryland who was a crucial person in the 1791 surveying team that defined the border of the new US capital of Washington, DC.
You can even take a deeper look at the city’s history by booking a tour with Manumission Tours while at this summer destination, which is operated by a fourth-generation Alexandrian.
Italy
We, of course, had to include this romantic European country on our list, considering the extensive list of beautiful cities it has. The truth is that Italy is hard to beat when it comes to a European summer destination offering neverending views and culture.
From Tuscany’s rolling hills and beautiful vineyards to the spectacular Amalfi coast and cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice, this summer destination isn’t short of captivating spots to help you realize your dreams of La Dolce Vita.
It’s a country that invites pleasure, with spectacular islands like Sardinia and Sicily to explore and secluded Italian beaches and eating and drinking opportunities. Who knows? You might not even want to come back!
Cairo
After more than ten years of construction, the Grand Egyptian Museum is finally open for you to explore, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the Great Pyramids of Giza.
What can you expect? Over a million square feet of display space, including a 40-foot statue of Ramses II, outdoor gardens, and a vast plaza where visitors can take in the desert.
Also, several new and luxurious ships have started sailing the Nile: Among the best choices are the Viking Osiris, an all-veranda vessel carrying 82 passengers, and the opulent Sphinx from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, which has 42 cabins swathed in marble and hand-carved wood, with beds dressed in fine Egyptian cotton sheets.
And don’t forget to snap some shots of your summer destination when you see the ancient Valley of the Kings. Amazon has some fantastic cameras on sale, including this one!
Iceland
This country is a perfect summer destination for adventure seekers this year. There are many experiences to check off on your bucket list. We’re talking about ice and lava-caving, glacier hiking, and intercontinental snorkeling.
All this against unbelievable backdrops of fjords, glaciers, and volcanoes. Hiking opportunities also await, but they’re not for the faint of heart.
Alternatively, if you like wildlife-watching and cultural experiences, you can take a trip to this country’s enchanting East or the wild west, where cascading waterfalls and hot springs greet you.
And speaking of springs, before you go, you should read up on this country’s finest hot pools and the dos and don’ts of Icelandic spas.
Switzerland
Switzerland is often praised for its spectacular scenery, pristine cities, and picturesque cycling opportunities. It’s also one of the best summer destinations in Europe. This country sparkles at almost every turn, with many occasions to enjoy exciting outdoor experiences.
While adventurers will want to hike the Eiger in the Jungfrau region, you could also take a quaint mountain train to be inspired by the scenery. But according to other travelers, there’s no better way to experience Switzerland’s mountains than on a bike.
Running between Italian-influenced Airolo and German-speaking Uri, the famous St. Gotthard Pass is hard to beat. Imagine mountain villages, hair-raising hairpin bends, and, uniquely for the Swiss Alps, cobblestones.
And culture lovers rejoice! Switzerland’s urban hotspots are as fascinating as its ice-capped mountains and lakes. Check out Geneva for some scenic shopping, museums, and Old Town charm.
Meanwhile, sophisticated Zurich offers cafe culture and nightlife in fantastic surroundings.
The United Kingdom
Why should you pick the UK as your summer destination? Well, for one, the historic cities will always be home to fascinating museums.
For instance, Glasgow’s Burrell Collection, which recently received an upgrade, has a spectacular assortment of international art and artifacts, and the Manchester Museum, which is dedicated to the natural sciences, is always worth a visit.
But this history-ridden country has much more to offer. The Factory, Manchester’s new cultural center, pays tribute to the famous record label behind ’80s rock bands New Order and Happy Mondays.
Foodies will want to sample the broad range of culinary delights at London’s new Arcade Food Hall at Battersea Power Station. And no visit to the UK is complete without exploring its peerless countryside.
Scotland’s first rewilding center, Dundreggan, is one noteworthy place to visit. Meanwhile, the new Two Toms Trail in Lancashire covers over 25 miles and features some of the country’s most incredible scenery.
So which of these summer destinations will you be visiting first? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below!
And if you liked this article, our site has many more posts to inspire your next trip. Among them, we highly recommend reading: 7 Hidden Beaches Around the US to Escape the Crowds
