Where to travel in summer? Best destinations 2026

Every summer, the same question pops up: where should I go this year? Whether you dream of lounging on a Mediterranean beach, escaping the heat in Scandinavia, or chasing a dry season on the other side of the world, the choice can feel overwhelming.

Top summer destinations globally (2026): 12+ countries with peak season appeal ·
Average summer flight duration from EU hub: 3–12 hours depending on region ·
Popular non-rainy season long-haul regions: Southern Europe, Mediterranean, parts of Asia, South Africa ·
Luxury summer destinations among top 10: Maldives, French Riviera, Seychelles ·
Cooler summer travel trend (Coolcation): Scandinavia, Ireland, Scotland, Canada

Six key facts that shape the decision, from the most visited country to average temperatures in contrasting destinations.

Where are the best places to travel in summer?

Classic sun-and-beach top picks

• Mediterranean Europe: Greece, Spain, Croatia, Turkey – all offer reliable warmth and extensive tourism infrastructure. WTP Travel Magazine lists Greece, Portugal, and Croatia as beach-friendly summer options.
• Portugal’s Algarve is highlighted as the best overall beach destination for many travelers, according to Jetpac Global.
• Bali (Indonesia) enters its dry season from June to August, making it a long-haul favourite for sun-seekers (Monkey Travel).

Cooler climate alternatives

• The “coolcation” trend is reshaping summer travel. A 2026 ranking by TTW (reported via Morningstar / PR Newswire) places Switzerland as the top coolcation destination, followed by Canada, the United States, and Iceland.
• Under-the-radar picks include Turku (Finland), Pico Island in the Azores, and Adelaide (Australia) – all highlighted by The Sacramento Bee as strong coolcation options for 2026.
• Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland) offers mild July temperatures – Oslo averages 19°C, a stark contrast to Barcelona’s 28°C.

The implication: your tolerance for heat determines the better path, and neither choice is free of compromise.

What are the 10 most popular travel destinations?

Global most visited countries (2024–2026)

• France leads globally as the most visited country, followed by Spain, the United States, China, and Italy – based on UNWTO data cited across multiple sources.
• For German travelers, Explorer.de lists Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Canada, USA, Colombia, Peru, and South Africa among the top long-haul summer destinations.
• Ab-in-den-urlaub.de includes the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Greek islands, Egypt, and Turkey in its top 15 summer destinations for 2026.

European summer favorites

• Spain remains the top European summer destination, with coastal regions like Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands drawing millions.
• Greece (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete) and Croatia (island-hopping) are perennial favourites, backed by Jetpac Global naming Croatia the best island-hopping destination.
• Portugal (Algarve, Azores) and Italy (Amalfi Coast, Sardinia) round out the top European picks.

The pattern: the most popular destinations cluster around the Mediterranean, but the list shifts when you factor in German travelers’ growing interest in Asia and the Americas. The implication: “popular” depends on your departure point – a Berlin-based traveler will see a different top 10 than someone from New York.

Which countries should I visit in summer?

For beach and sun

• Greece, Spain, Turkey, and Egypt are the standard recommendations for reliable sun and sea. Loveholidays offers beach holidays from 129€, confirming the budget-friendly appeal of these destinations.
• Maldives, Seychelles, and French Riviera dominate the luxury segment, as noted by Jetpac Global (best luxury beach vacation).
• Kenya’s coast and the Masai Mara both have dry seasons from July through September, offering a unique beach-and-safari combo (Upgraded Points).

For culture and city

• European cities like Rome, Barcelona, Paris, and Amsterdam are popular but can be crowded and hot. For milder city trips, consider Copenhagen, Stockholm, or Edinburgh – all benefit from the coolcation trend. For more on the Scottish capital, see Things to Do in Edinburgh City.
• Long-haul cultural destinations: Peru (dry season May–Sep), Japan (summer but cooler than southern Europe), and South Africa (winter dry season, ideal for Cape Town). For travel to Japan, check Flights to Japan from Dublin.

For nature and cool climate

• Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Canada rank high for nature lovers who want to avoid heat. Morningstar / PR Newswire confirms Switzerland as the top coolcation destination, with Norway in sixth.
• Scotland’s Highlands and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way offer mild temperatures and dramatic landscapes.

What this means: travelers who book early and prioritize their climate preference will get the best experience, while those who delay may find limited availability in trending coolcation spots.

Where is it nice in summer?

European hotspots

• Nice weather in the Mediterranean region is almost guaranteed: Greece, Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Turkey offer temperatures between 25°C and 35°C.
• Portugal’s Algarve and Azores (Pico Island) provide both sun and uniqueness, as noted by The Sacramento Bee.

Long-haul without rainy season

• Bali (dry season May–Oct) is a top pick for German travelers seeking sun without monsoon, according to Monkey Travel.
• South Africa (Cape Town and coast) enjoys its winter dry season from June to August, meaning fewer crowds and clear skies.
• Peru (dry season May–Sep) offers Machu Picchu without rain.
• Destinations to avoid: Southeast Asia monsoon (Thailand rainy season typically June–Oct) and Caribbean hurricane season (June–Nov).

The catch: “nice” is subjective. For heat lovers, Mediterranean highs are perfect; for heat-sensitive travelers, the same destinations can be uncomfortable. The trade-off between guaranteed sun and comfortable temperatures is the core decision this summer.

Where can I go for a sunny beach holiday in summer?

Best beach destinations in Europe

• Turkish Riviera, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Greek Islands, and Hurghada (Egypt) are the most popular beach holiday spots, as listed by Ab-in-den-urlaub.de.
• Mallorca is the best family beach vacation, and Milos the best couple’s beach vacation, according to Jetpac Global.

Top beach destinations outside Europe

• Maldives, Thailand (Koh Samui), Indonesia, and Caribbean islands (Turks and Caicos as best Caribbean beach vacation per Jetpac Global).
• Kenya’s coast and Sri Lanka’s eastern province (dry season April–Sep) are less crowded alternatives.

Pros and cons: beach vs. coolcation

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Quotes from travel experts

“Our summer travel guide highlights both classic Mediterranean destinations and special places like the Azores and the Norwegian fjords for those who want something different.”

– DERTOUR travel magazine

“Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Canada, USA, Colombia, Peru, and South Africa are our top long-haul summer destinations for 2026 – each offers a unique experience without the typical European crowds.”

– Explorer.de

“Coolcation is the new way to travel in summer – mild temperatures, breathtaking nature, and active adventures await in Scandinavia, Canada, and Ireland.”

– ASI Reisen

“Our top 15 summer destinations for 2026 include the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Greek islands, Egypt, and Turkey – all tried and tested beach favourites.”

– Ab-in-den-urlaub.de

For German travelers, the summer decision is no longer just about sun and sand. The coolcation trend offers a genuine alternative, while long-haul dry-season destinations provide a third path for those willing to travel farther. The consequence: you can have a great summer holiday without enduring extreme heat – but you need to plan ahead, especially for long-haul flights and accommodation in popular coolcation spots.

Frequently asked questions