British summer is now in full swing, and with holiday prices increasing it’s more important than ever to find a good deal. Fortunately, most European countries are at their best at this time of year, meaning you don’t have to spend a fortune on long-haul flights to get some sunshine!
From balmy beach breaks in the Balearics to coastal city stays in Sorrento, here’s where to go for a hot holiday in July.
Balearic Islands, Spain
Average temperature: 25°C
Flight time: 2.5 hours
The Balearic Islands are hard to beat for a Spanish summer holiday. Whichever island you choose, great beaches, delicious local food (specialities include lobster and grilled squid) and blissful Mediterranean sunshine will all be waiting for you!
Ibiza is renowned for its exciting nightlife, although those looking for peace and quiet will be pleasantly surprised by the slow-paced resorts of Santa Eulalia and Es Cana.
Stay on Majorca and you can take your pick of all-inclusive beach resorts lining the coast or head to Palma for medieval architecture and shopping. If secluded beaches and walks in the countryside are more your vibe, look no further than Menorca.
Crete, Greece
Average temperature: 26°C
Flight time: 4 hours
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, which means there's no shortage of things to add to your holiday itinerary!
As for where to stay, Chania is a great all-rounder with a gorgeous old town, golden beach and plenty of hotel deals, even in July. Agios Nikolaos has a scenic harbour and offers fascinating trips to the nearby ex-leper colony of Spinalonga, while the capital city of Heraklion is a hub of museums and ancient ruins.
For summer party holidays, follow the 18-30 crowds to Malia, or for a laidback summer escape with the family, Bali and Georgioupolis are good bets.
Bulgaria
Average temperature: 23°C
Flight time: 3 hours
Thanks to its sun-soaked coastline and heaps of cheap package deals, Bulgaria is a top choice for a summer holiday. The Black Sea resorts of Bourgas and Varna have epic sandy beaches to enjoy, decked out with sun-loungers, umbrellas and watersports to keep all the family entertained – from banana boating to jet-skiing.
Away from the waves, make the most of the long sunny days to hit up Bulgaria's hiking trails – more than a third of the country is protected green space. Spa lovers on the other hand can indulge in a mud treatment – the Dead Sea’s natural mud baths are said to have countless health benefits, and not just for your skin!
Sorrento, Italy
Average temperature: 24°C
Flight time: 3 hours
Perched on a coastal cliff in the heart of the Amalfi region and characterised by designer boutiques and upmarket hotels, Sorrento is the stuff of postcards. It’s a great base for exploring the region, with the nearby towns of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello all making Instagram-worthy day trips!
The city of Naples, famed for its pizza, is unmissable, as is the stunning island of Capri, accessible by boat and a cable car which takes you to the town centre 138m (453ft) above the marina.
Before you go, take a trip to Pompeii’s incredible ruins, perfectly preserved by ash ever since the 79 AD volcanic eruption of Vesuvius.
Bermuda
Average temperature: 28°C
Flight time: 7.5 hours
July is one of the best months to visit Bermuda; while many of the nearby Caribbean islands experience hurricanes and storms at this time of year, this beautiful island remains hot and dry!
If you’re purely after a fly-and-flop escape, you can easily spend your whole summer holiday alternating between sunbathing on pink-sand beaches and cooling off in the crystal-clear sea.
There’s plenty to keep activity-seekers entertained though if you can peel yourself from your sun-lounger. Head beneath the waves on a scuba diving trip to explore thriving coral reefs and shipwrecks, play a round of golf on one of the island’s many courses, or treat yourself to a pamper session at a luxury spa.
Do you have a favourite July hotspot? Drop us a tweet @icelollyholiday and let us know!
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