Vacation in July: Where to Spend the Perfect Holiday

Booking a seaside trip in July means choosing a place where the whole family feels comfortable and entertained. Note that classic beach regions can be very hot: this applies especially to Turkey’s south coast, Egypt and the UAE. Daytime temperatures can reach 40–45°, which is risky for seniors, travelers with heart conditions, and small children. Avoid midday sun, wear loose natural fabrics, use SPF, and drink plenty of water.

Excursion programs across Europe are perfect in mid-summer for diving into local history and culture. Weather is ideal, but flight and hotel prices are higher due to peak season.

A sanatorium/wellness stay in the warmest month is a great idea, though prices often peak because July is the main holiday period.

Holidays in exotic Asian countries (Maldives, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bali) are not ideal in July due to frequent rains. If humidity doesn’t bother you, tour prices are lower — a smart trade-off. For instance, some Bali resorts still offer great surfing despite the wet season.

Turkey

Holidays in Turkey in July (all inclusive, facilities for all ages, entertainment and cuisine for every taste) can be challenging due to heat. On the south coast — Antalya, Kemer, Alanya — expect +35–40°C by day. Sea temperature reaches +28–30°C, great for swimming, but the heat is noticeable, especially with no wind. For milder weather, try the Aegean coast: Bodrum, Dalaman, Marmaris, Didim, Fethiye, Kusadasi — +28–32°C by day, water +25–27°C.

Greece

The land of ancient history and thousands of islands — Greece — is also popular for road trips. Good roads and manageable distances let you reach Halkidiki, and, if you wish, explore the mainland and major islands (Crete, Rhodes, Santorini) by car-friendly ferries.

Active travelers enjoy the cooler Ionian and Aegean waters (around +26°C in July), while seniors and those with respiratory sensitivities appreciate pine forest areas (e.g., Kriopigi beaches). Overall, the coast is comfortable: air +27–32°C (don’t confuse with the scorching inland heat). The mainland is loved, and islands like Crete and Rhodes are long-time favorites.

Plan ancient-site visits for morning/evening; during midday, opt for museums and shade.

Spain

A relatively affordable, event-packed seaside holiday with kids awaits in Spain’s resorts. Air +28–32°C, water +23–26°C. Expect strong tourist infrastructure and rich culture: Costa Brava and Costa Dorada offer comfy beaches and attractions like PortAventura. Barcelona combines city beaches, architecture, flamenco vibes, and nightlife. On the islands — Tenerife (beaches & Teide NP), Mallorca (water sports & nightlife), Ibiza (clubs), Gran Canaria (varied scenery & activities).

Montenegro

More July routes include Montenegro — fairytale scenery and crystal-clear Adriatic waters. Well-kept beaches and quiet coves, big resorts and small villas; prices are lower than neighboring Croatia. Air +28–32°C, water +24–26°C. Top beach spots: Budva, Kotor, Sveti Stefan, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj.

Bulgaria

Where to go with kids on a good budget? Nearby Bulgaria is an excellent choice: on the coast it’s +28–32°C and prices are lower. The Black Sea warms to +24–26°C, and beaches are covered with golden sand kids love. Family infrastructure includes kids’ clubs, waterparks and varied entertainment. Main resorts: Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Nessebar, plus Burgas and Varna. You can arrive by car or bus — quick and affordable.

Cyprus

Where to fly in July if you want festivals as well as beaches? Cyprus — a great choice, despite the heat. Across the month you’ll find up to eight festivals (AfroBanana, jazz, classical music, ancient theatre, and more). On the breezy coast, air is 30–35°C (up to +40°C inland) and water 25–28°C — ideal for swimming. Main resorts: Ayia Napa, Paphos, Limassol, Protaras and Larnaca. Enjoy the warm Med — but don’t forget sunglasses and SPF.

Egypt

July for those who want desert and the Nile — Egypt! The land of pharaohs is very hot, but flights are affordable and services comparable to Turkey. Expect 40–45°C by day, water 26–28°C. Diving in the Red Sea, water activities and trips to the pyramids are top draws. Safety first: walk mornings/evenings, stay in A/C at peak heat.

Albania

Another excellent July option is Albania, a small Balkan country on the Ionian and Adriatic seas. Rapidly developing infrastructure, mountain scenery, pale sandy beaches and friendly prices. July is prime time: air +25–35°C, water +24–26°C. Main hubs — Vlore, Ksamil, Durres and Saranda — white beaches and varied fun.

Tunisia

Tunisia — the former French colony on the Med — promises an unforgettable seaside break: clean beaches and stylish, comfortable hotels. In July, air reaches +36°C; nights drop sharply to +22–26°C for pleasant mornings and evenings. Water stays warm — around +26–27°C. Main resorts: Sousse, Yasmine, Hammamet, Monastir, plus Djerba with beautiful beaches and pink flamingos. For Sahara and Carthage tours, plan around safety: SPF, hat, and proper outfit/footwear.

Norway: fjords and glaciers. A mid-summer fjord cruise is costly and not particularly quick, but the memories are priceless. On a boat gliding through emerald waters, cliffs and waterfalls, you’ll feel nature’s grandeur. Bring a beanie: with wind, daytime can be just +13–16°C.

Netherlands: canals and windmills. July is cool and blooming. About +23°C by day — perfect for sightseeing. Cruise the canals of Amsterdam, admire historic facades, and visit fishing villages and cheese makers.

Germany: Berlin & Bavaria. Exploring Germany in July is ideal for strolling and touring: boulevards, museums and castles, cozy cafes, famous sausages and beer.

Hungary: baths and delicious cuisine. Where to go in July for Danube promenades, hearty national dishes and thermal springs? Budapest!

Czechia & Romania: palaces and mountains. Both offer tours of historic palaces and forested mountain trails.

To nearby Romania it’s easy by bus: weekend trips are popular and affordable.

France: romance & art. Romantic Paris in July — strolls along the Seine, the Louvre, and a coffee with an Eiffel Tower view.

Czechia: Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně offer warm thermal springs and a wide range of treatments that help with arthritis, rheumatism, asthma and diabetes.

Bulgaria: Varna and Pomorie combine mineral waters and mud therapy — beneficial for the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system and skin conditions.

Hungary: Lakes Hévíz and Balaton are famed for thermal waters that help with rheumatism and joint issues. Budapest baths (Széchenyi, Gellért) ease tension and improve overall well-being.

Romania: Sovata and Slănic Moldova are known for mineral waters and therapeutic mud, effective for musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions.