The best holiday destinations in July: the height of summer, festivals and long days

Contents:

• Destination #1: The Balearic Islands (Spain) – island bliss in the height of summer
• Destination #2: Crete (Greece) – Sun, sea & evenings in a taverna
• Destination #3: The Algarve (Portugal) – Cliffs & Atlantic air
• Destination #4: Sardinia (Italy) – Caribbean-blue waters in Europe, plus Italian delights
• Destination #5: Croatia – island hopping, old towns and water as clear as glass
• Destination #6: Norway – fjords, wide open spaces & a summer retreat
• Destination #7: Iceland – A summer road trip with the midnight sun instead of sweltering heat
• Destination #8: Germany – Summer in the city, Alpine air just next door
• Destination #9: Lake Geneva (Nyon/Lavaux) – a lakeside summer & festival atmosphere
• Destination #10: Kenya – prime safari season & a beach to round it off
• July highlights: 16 unforgettable destinations with perfect summer weather
• Conclusion: Discover your perfect July destination

Destination #1: Balearic Islands (Spain) – Island bliss in the height of summer

• Why July: The Balearic Islands are such a great choice in July because you can ‘tailor’ your summer here: Mallorca for variety, Formentera for beach getaways, Menorca for tranquillity, Ibiza for that sunset vibe. If you choose wisely (a cove rather than the promenade), you’ll enjoy some lovely days even in peak season.

• Highlights: Palma & the Tramuntana mountains (Mallorca), quiet coves (Menorca), Dalt Vila & sunset spots (Ibiza), dream beaches (Formentera).

• Ideal for: beach holidays (from quiet to lively), couples, families, groups of friends.

• Getting there from Switzerland: Very good flight connections in summer, often several flights a week.

• Event 2026: July is peak party season in Ibiza – you can find the exact dates and line-ups in the official party calendar. 

Destination #2: Crete (Greece) – Sun, sea & evenings in tavernas

• Why visit in July: Crete is ideal in July because the island offers that rare combination of reliable summer weather for the beach – and enough mountains, gorges and villages to ensure it still feels ‘new’ even after a week. Perfect if you’re after a beach holiday, but don’t want every day to be the same.

• Highlights: bays & beaches, mountain villages, gorges, coastal towns, road trip moments, tavernas. You’ll find even more inspiration in our blog post ‘Experience Crete: The most beautiful sights, the most delicious cuisine and unforgettable experiences’ – featuring the key highlights, enjoyable tips and ideas for a thoroughly successful island itinerary.

• Ideal for: Beach holidays with a bit of variety, families, fans of round-trip holidays.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Seasonal direct flights to Heraklion/Chania (subject to the flight schedule), otherwise a connecting flight.

• Event 2026: Dance Days Chania (18 July–2 August 2026, Chania) – an international festival of contemporary dance featuring performances, workshops and an evening programme in the city.

Destination #3: Algarve (Portugal) – Cliffs & Atlantic air

• Why visit in July: The Algarve is ideal in July because it feels like the height of summer – but the Atlantic breeze makes everything much more pleasant. You can enjoy days on the beach, coastal walks, boat trips and, in the evenings, a relaxed holiday atmosphere that doesn’t necessarily have to be all about ‘partying’.

• Highlights: Cliffs & coves, boat trips, coastal towns, viewpoints, seafood. You’ll find even more inspiration in our blog post ‘Algarve sights: the most beautiful places, beaches and hidden gems’ – featuring the best beach spots, lovely places and ideas off the beaten track.

• Ideal for: beach holidays, couples, a mix of activity and beach life.
• Getting there from Switzerland: In July, there are direct flights from Basel to Faro (e.g. with easyJet); alternatively, via Lisbon with a connecting flight.

• Event 2026: NOS Alive (Lisbon/Algés) 9–11 July 2026 – a major summer festival, ideal as a city break before or after a coastal holiday.

Destination #4: Sardinia (Italy) – Caribbean blue in Europe, plus Italian delights

• Why visit in July: Sardinia is such a great choice in July because you get the height of summer here – but with countless beaches and coves that help spread the crowds. Add to that those typical Sardinian contrasts: turquoise coastlines, rugged hinterland, small villages and superb cuisine.

• Highlights: picture-perfect bays, boat trips, coastal roads, inland mountain villages, Sardinian specialities. For even more ideas, we recommend our blog post ‘Sardinia: The most beautiful beaches and enchanting places’ – ideal for combining the most stunning stretches of coastline with worthwhile stop-offs.

• Ideal for: beach holidays and road trips, couples, groups of friends, families (depending on the region).
• Getting there from Switzerland: plenty of seasonal flights to various airports on the island.
• Event 2026: S’Ardia di San Costantino (Sedilo) – around 6–7 July 2026: a spectacular equestrian tradition with a strong local flavour.

Destination #5: Croatia – island hopping, old towns and water as clear as glass

• Why visit in July: Croatia is ideal in July because it offers exactly the sort of holiday combination that rarely gets boring: a swimming cove in the morning, an old town in the afternoon, harbour atmosphere in the evening – and in between, islands that you can piece together almost like building blocks by taking the ferry.

• Highlights: the Dalmatian coast, islands, days spent on a boat, old towns, sunset dinners by the water. If you’d like to plan a trip to Dalmatia, check out our blog post ‘Dalmatia, Croatia – Sun, sea and historic towns on the Adriatic’ – featuring the most beautiful coastal towns, historic highlights and practical ideas for combining island hopping with road trips.

• Ideal for: island hopping, couples, groups of friends, families (depending on the route).
• Getting there from Switzerland: plenty of seasonal direct flights to the coast (subject to the flight schedule); ferries and hire cars available locally.

• Event 2026: Dubrovnik Summer Festival 10 July–25 August 2026 – culture and an open-air atmosphere against one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful backdrops. You can find more tips on Dubrovnik in our blog post about Dubrovnik – ideal for sightseeing, neighbourhoods and practical planning.

Destination #6: Norway – Fjords, open spaces & a summer retreat

• Why visit in July: Norway is ideal in July if you love summer but not the heat: long days, crisp air, spectacular routes – and everywhere you go, that feeling that ‘nature is the main attraction here’.
• Highlights: Fjords, scenic routes, hikes, viewpoints, coastal towns.
• Ideal for: road trips, the great outdoors, natural beauty.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Flights to Oslo/Bergen/Stavanger (subject to flight schedules), then on by train or hire car.

• Event 2026: Olavsfest (Trondheim) 28 July–3 August 2026 – a city festival centred on culture, concerts and the atmosphere around Nidaros Cathedral.

Destination #7: Iceland – A summer road trip with the midnight sun instead of sweltering heat

• Why visit in July: Iceland is ideal in July because you get the longest days – perfect for waterfalls, black sand beaches, lava fields and those ‘just keep driving’ moments. And best of all: you get to experience the height of summer with long days – but with pleasantly cool temperatures.
• Highlights: The Ring Road, waterfalls, hot springs, coastal landscapes, glacier views.
• Ideal for: road trips, nature lovers, photography, active travellers.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Depending on the season, either direct (subject to flight schedules) or via a connecting flight to Reykjavík.
• Event 2026: Þjóðhátíð (Westman Islands) 31 July–3 August 2026 – legendary summer festival with concerts, campfires and great sing-along moments. 

Destination #8: Germany – Summer in the city, Alpine air just a stone’s throw away

• Why visit in July: Germany is ideal in July if you’re looking for that summer feeling without having to travel far: in Bavaria, you can easily combine city life, beer gardens and culture with day trips to lakes and the Alps – perfect for warm days, without every day having to be ‘just the beach’.

• Highlights: Munich (Old Town, beer gardens, the River Isar), day trips to lakes (e.g. Lake Tegernsee/Lake Starnberg) and the Alpine foothills, plus breaks for museums and culinary delights. You’ll find further inspiration in our blog posts about Munich and Bavaria – featuring ideas for the most beautiful neighbourhoods, day trips and summer highlights.

• Ideal for: a summer city break with a nature twist, couples, groups of friends, short breaks.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Very easy by train (e.g. via Zurich–Munich) or by direct flight.

• Event 2026: Munich Opera Festival (18 June–31 July 2026) – opera, ballet and concerts in a festival atmosphere (National Theatre & other venues). 

Destination #9: Lake Geneva region (Nyon/Lavaux) – Summer by the lake & festival atmosphere

• Why visit in July: In July, the Lake Geneva region feels like a holiday ‘the Swiss way’: long evenings by the water, vineyards in the background and a relaxed Riviera atmosphere – perfect if you want that genuine summer feeling without a long flight.

• Highlights: Lakeside promenades & lidos, a stroll through Nyon’s old town, vineyards & scenic routes in Lavaux, boat trips on the lake, sunset dinners by the water’s edge. You’ll find even more inspiration in our blog post about Lake Geneva – with extra ideas for the most beautiful spots, excursions and moments of indulgence around the lake.

• Ideal for: short breaks, relaxation, couples, groups of friends – and anyone who wants to combine summer with events.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Very quick and easy by train (direct or with a short change, depending on your starting point).

• Event 2026: Paléo Festival Nyon (21–26 July 2026) – one of Switzerland’s biggest open-air festivals, ideal as a ‘summer highlight’ by the lake.

Destination #10: Kenya – Safari Prime Time & a Beach Finale

• Why July: July marks the start of the best time for safaris in the Masai Mara National Reserve: the Great Migration typically reaches Kenya from July onwards, offering excellent chances of witnessing spectacular scenes (including river crossings – depending on timing and weather). At the same time, you can combine the trip perfectly: first a safari, followed by a few days on the coast (e.g. Diani/Mombasa or on straight to Zanzibar). 
• Highlights: Masai Mara safari, the Great Migration, chances to spot the Big Five, sunrises on the savannah; optional beach break on the Indian Ocean. 
• Ideal for: a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip, nature & wildlife, couples, families with older children, a combination of safari and beach.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Usually by flight to Nairobi (often with one stopover), then onward travel by domestic flight or transfer to the Masai Mara.
• Event 2026: The Great Migration in the Masai Mara – season from July to around October (the exact weeks vary depending on rainfall and herd movements). 

July highlights: 27 unforgettable destinations with perfect summer weather

• Egypt – Average temperature 32.1°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Balearic Islands – Average temperature 25.5°C, 1 day of rain, water temperature 20.8°C
• Brazil – Average temperature 22°C, 1 day of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Bulgaria – Average temperature 21.2°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Germany – Average temperature 18.6°C, rain 19 days, water temperature 17°C
• France – Average temperature 20.3°C, 17 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Greece – Average temperature 28.1°C, rain on 1 day, water temperature 21.1°C
• Great Britain – Average temperature 15°C, rain on 10 days, water temperature 16°C
• Hawaii – Average temperature 27°C, 15 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Indonesia – Average temperature 26°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 27°C
• Italy – Average temperature 26°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 23°C
• Canada – Average temperature 19.4°C, 14 days of rain, water temperature 19°C
• Canary Islands – Average temperature 24°C, rain on 2 days, water temperature 21.2°C
• Cape Verde – Average temperature 25°C, rain on 3 days, water temperature 24°C
• Croatia – Average temperature 25°C, rain on 4 days, water temperature 23°C
• Malta – Average temperature 26.6°C, rain on 1 day, water temperature 22.8°C
• Madeira – Average temperature 22°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Montenegro – Average temperature 21.5°C, rain on 8 days, water temperature 24°C
• Morocco – Average temperature 29°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 21°C
• Mauritius – Average temperature 18.9°C, rain on 5 days, water temperature 24°C
• Portugal – Average temperature 23.8°C, rain on 2 days, water temperature 19°C
• Scotland – Average temperature 14.9°C, 12 days of rain, water temperature 17°C
• Seychelles – Average temperature 26.3°C, 8 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Spain – Average temperature 24°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Turkey – Average temperature 28.8°C, rain on 1 day, water temperature 21.2°C
• Tunisia – Average temperature 27.6°C, rain on 2 days, water temperature 24°C
• Cyprus – Average temperature 26.8°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 26°C

Conclusion: Discover your perfect July holiday destination

Whether you want to soak up the warmth of Turkey, explore the historical treasures of Egypt or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Barcelona, July offers a wide range of destinations to suit every taste. Each of these destinations is at its very best, offering ideal conditions for everything from beach holidays to cultural discoveries and adventurous excursions.

Whether you’d like to spend sunny days by the sea or make the most of the cooler but clear days in South Africa for safaris, July is a month full of possibilities. Plan your trip carefully to make the most of the summer weather, and let the diversity of the world inspire you. Wherever your journey takes you, July’s destinations are ready to provide you with unforgettable experiences and joy.