Fancy a summer escape? Discover destinations full of sunshine, scenery and adventure, whether you’re after a beach break, an off-grid retreat or a fun-filled getaway. Keep reading to find your perfect holiday spot.
Which Types of Summer Holiday Suits You the Most?
Have a look at the different types of summer holiday destinations that suit your expectations and holiday style.
| Destination | Best For | Why it Works | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornwall | Staycation | Easy, scenic and low-friction | June to September |
| Algarve | Beach break | Reliable sun and beach variety | May to September |
| Central Dalmatia | Coastal getaway | Adriatic beauty and culture | June to September |
| Malta | Family-friendly holiday | Compact, varied and easy to plan | May to September |
| Crete | Classic summer holiday | A blend of beaches, food and heritage | May to September |
| Corfu | Island break | Elegant and scenic experience | May to September |
| Malaga | Beach + culture | Beaches with culture | May to September |
| Landaira | Coastal escape | Beaches with culture | May to September |
| Lanzarote | Off-grid beach escape | Wide beaches and wind sports | May to September |
| Cyprus | Family-friendly | Warm weather with great resorts | May to October |
| Costa Blanca | Value beach break | Affordable stays and sandy beaches | June to September |
| Sicily | Cultural escape | Italian charm and heritage | May to September |
| Azores | Nature escape | Lush scenery and cooler climate | June to September |
20 Holiday Destinations to Make Your Summer to Remember
Check out the 20 strong summer holiday destinations for UK travellers to help you secure a break from your monotonous routine.
Cornwall (United Kingdom) - Best Summer Staycation
Planning to skip the flight journey and yet enjoy a holiday feel? Well, Cornwall is your answer. From beaches, water sports, granite tors and many more, it serves more than a pretty coastline.
Algarve (Portugal) - All-Round Beach Break
One of the safest all-round beach holiday destinations to visit this summer is the Algarve. Spend your summer holiday over the stunning coastline of long sandy beaches, bays, cliffs, caves and rocky coves.
Central Dalmatia (Croatia) - Your Perfect Coastal Getaway
Spend your summer vacation with a more stylish Adriatic feel with turquoise waters and island-hopping options. Enjoy a blend of peaceful, lively coastal time with a rich cultural heritage.
Malta - Ideal Family-Friendly Holiday
Enjoy a broader summer appeal combining beaches, history, culture and coastal experiences in Malta. Spend your family-friendly summer holiday, partaking in activities like Gozo day trips rather than lying on the beach.
Crete (Greece) - A Classic Island Summer Escape
This year, treat yourself to a classic summer holiday experience by visiting Crete. An ideal summer holiday destination offering a mix of gastronomy, history, fertile valleys, mountains and beaches.
Corfu (Greece) - Where Elegance Meets Island Charm
Enjoy a refined Greek island feel this summer by visiting Corfu, offering captivating natural beauty, crystal-clear seas and multicultural heritage. Travellers and couples seeking a soft and elegant island mood can visit here.
Malaga (Spain) - Enjoy City and Sea Summer Trip
Take a trip to Malaga this summer if you are looking for sea, culture and city energy in one trip, making it the best hybrid summer choice for UK travellers.
Madeira (Portugal) - A Lush Island Escape
Looking for fresh air, dramatic scenery and lush greenery, Madeira is a standout choice. Also known as “Island of Eternal Spring”, it offers cliffside walks and famous levada walking trails, an alternative to traditional summer beach holidays.
South Coast (Iceland) - Your Next Big Adventure Break
Travellers seeking a genuine adventure break must set out to the South Coast. A standout choice with black sand beaches, glaciers, and waterfalls, offering dramatic scenery.
Skiathos (Greece)- Best Off-Grid Escape
Set off the radar this year on your summer holidays to Skiathos. A paradise with over 60 beaches, clear waters and a mix of both summer and nature energy, making your vacation a memorable one.
Santorini (Greece) - Your Perfect Dreamy Romantic Escape
One of the most aspirational summer destinations of UK travellers, known for its whitewashed villages, caldera views and iconic sunsets. It mainly attracts couples seeking a luxury beach break with a romantic atmosphere.
Ibiza (Spain) - Where Bleach Bliss Meets Unbeatable Lifestyle
Ibiza may primarily evoke images of vibrant nightlife, but it is also a complete summer lifestyle destination, offering beach clubs, hidden coves, and relaxed villages. In short, it is both a social beach break and a calmer coastal getaway.
Cyprus - Find Family-Friendly Sunshine
A popular choice for a reliable family-friendly holiday for UK travellers. Enjoy long, sunny days and well-developed resorts to make your summer holiday stress-free.
Costa Blanca (Spain) - Enjoy Value Beach Holiday
Find one of the best value-driven beach breaks from the UK, with affordable accommodations, sandy beaches and easy access. Travellers looking for sunshine without overspending find it an ideal summer holiday destination.
Lanzarote (Spain) - Witness Unique Coastal Landscape
The volcanic scenery and year-round sunshine put it among the top 20 summer holiday destinations, making it a reliable, balanced summer break option. Find the confluence of beaches meeting lava fields with a dramatic backdrop.
Fuerteventura (Spain) - Your Off-Grid Beach Escape
Enjoy an off-grid escape this year, within easy travel from the UK. Fuerteventura offers you open landscapes and vast beaches, making your summer holiday calm and slower paced, without the heavy crowds.
Rhodes (Greece) - Where Sun-Soaked Beaches Meet Timeless Culture
Embrace the blend of historic charm with beach relaxation, making it a strong all-round summer destination. Find a balanced holiday feel that lets you explore medieval towns or enjoy a laid-back beach experience.
Sicily (Italy) - Feast of Flavour, Culture & Stunning Coastlines
Find a deeper, more immersive summer experience with a blend of history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. So, if you are looking for something more than a standard resort holiday, this is a better destination.
Bodrum (Turkey) - Enjoy a Stylish Luxury Escape
Bodrum welcomes its visitors with a premium luxury coastal destination vibe with refined atmosphere, boutique hotels and beach clubs. Embrace the mix of style, comfort and coastal beauty while enjoying a more upscale summer break.
Azores (Portugal) - A Nature-led Summer Escape
This summer, UK travellers seeking a true nature escape rather than a typical beach holiday must travel to the Azores. This summer holiday destination not only offers an adventure break with scenery over sunbeds, but also a cooler and greener summer experience.
How to Choose the Right Summer Holiday Destination?
To pick the right summer holiday destination doesn’t mean to choose a popular beach holiday destination, but the one that actually aligns with your travel goal.
- Pick a summer holiday destination that fits your budget.
- Check out the activities and experiences the destination offers.
- If you are travelling with kids, then prioritise family needs.
- Learn about the best time of the summer months to visit the summer holiday destinations.
- Compare summer holiday destinations to get value for the price you pay.
Conclusion
Stop searching for one perfect summer holiday destination. Choose the one right for you. Be it a scenic coastal getaway, a laid-back beach break or a low-key off-the-grid retreat. These 10 destinations appeal to a wide variety of UK travellers to pick their brilliant summer holiday destination.
Still unsure? Reach out to Perfect Holiday, and our travel experts will help you choose the right summer destination and tailor an itinerary to your preferences and budget.
FAQs
Does a summer holiday destination depend more on weather or holiday style?
A summer holiday destination depends more on holiday style if you seek a particular experience.
Can a staycation outperform a short-haul beach holiday?
Yes, a staycation can outperform a short-haul beach holiday, where convenience matters equally as much as scenery.
Is a nature escape a smarter summer choice than a city break?
Yes, a coastal getaway offers a more memorable experience than a city break, offering a blend of local culture and sea views.
Can an off-grid escape still feel comfortable?
Absolutely, some off-grid escapes can offer you a comfortable holiday experience.
Is crowd level an important factor when choosing a summer holiday destination?
Yes, crowd level is an important factor when choosing a summer holiday destination.
Which destination offers the best balance of weather, price and convenience?
Spain and Portugal offer the best balance of weather, price and convenience.
Which destinations are best for last-minute summer holidays?
Spain, Turkey and Portugal are the best choices for last-minute summer holidays.
What is the biggest mistake UK travellers make when choosing a summer holiday destination?
The biggest mistake UK travellers make when choosing a summer holiday destination is focusing on the popularity of a destination rather than their travel style and pace.
