If you are already considering your European summer holiday then the likes of Spain, Portugal and France are great choices and should definitely make your shortlist.
But why not take the opportunity to see and do something a little different next summer, as well as spend some well deserved time soaking up the sun on a white sandy beach, of course!
Take a trip to one of our top six picks for summer, and discover some of the charms these great destinations have to offer.
- Explore the Island of Tenerife
Spain has some of the most visited islands in the world and Tenerife is one of the most naturally beautiful.
This is one of the most popular islands in the world with some of the best resorts and beaches in Europe. Expect an island full of hidden gems and the best way to experience them is by car. Hit the open road and visit the quaint towns across the island taking in their magnificent splendour.
Just an hour away from Tenerife South Airport is the town of Garachico. This 15th-century village is a place that just doesn’t give up. It has battled natural and manmade disasters and even survived after a volcanic eruption which destroyed its harbour during the early 1700s. Despite all this it remains just as beautiful with glorious views over the ocean.
Masca is another impressive village set among Tenerife’s Macizo de Teno Mountains. With an altitude of 600 metres it is not for the faint hearted but, like Garachico, it provides spectacular views over the Atlantic not to the Masca Valley.
If you are looking to do more than sightseeing and looking for summer jobs abroad then Tenerife is highly recommended.
- Alicante’s Rich History
Moving onto mainland Spain and Alicante is traditionally viewed as another beach holiday destination but the Valencian city boasts a proud and rich history. This is perfectly encapsulated by the Castle of Santa Barbara.
Overlooking the city and port, the castle stands atop of Mount Benacantil and dates back to the ninth century. It is named after Saint Barbara whose feast day coincides with the date the castle was captured from Arabic settlers by Castilian forces led by Alfonso of Castile in 1248.
It has been the home of many Spanish kings such as James II of Aragon, Peter IV of Aragon and Charles I of Spain. The castle is currently open to the public and offers a chance to explore this majestic structure, as well as offer fabulous views over the city.
- Soak up the Sun in the Algarve
Holidaymakers visit the Algarve for the family-friendly resorts, pristine golf courses and seemingly endless sunshine.
Along the southern coast you can expect some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and really stunning scenery.
However, just a few miles from Faro Airport is one of the most amazing places in the region, which sometimes goes criminally overlooked, Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Such is the prestige of this national park, which gained the status in 1987, it was recently elected as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal and it is easy to see why. Made up of five barrier-islands and two peninsulas it is one of the most fascinating areas to visit in Iberia.
The Ria Formosa is home to some amazing wildlife such as the chameleon, the seahorse and, of course, the Portuguese Water Dog. This canine is a native to the Algarve and was close to extinction just a few decades ago.
Spending a day at this national park will give you a hugely different view of the Algarve.
- Underrated Dalaman
If you like it hot, then Dalaman is the place to be. With temperatures sticking just over 30 degrees C for the coming fortnight the only thing that will be missing is a cloud in the sky. The hot days give way to warm evenings allowing you to enjoy meals al fresco once the sun goes down.
The south-western edge of Turkey isn’t called ‘The Turquoise Coast’ for nothing as the waters are as blue as you’re ever likely to find. It makes Dalaman a great choice for a beach holiday and one where you can forget all about the drizzly weather back home.
Maybe take a trip out to Oludeniz to visit its world famous Blue Lagoon, a secluded cove from the Mediterranean that really has to be seen to be believed.
- See Famous Locations in Dubrovnik
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is blessed with warm weather during summer but it is traditionally cooler than in the Mediterranean, the walled city will be seeing temperatures crest over the 30 degrees C mark.
Dubrovnik is the perfect place to even get away for just a few days. This destination is better suited to more of a laidback city break and as it hots up, it provides the perfect opportunity to take a walk around this beautiful place and take in some of the marvellous architecture this city possesses.
From heading to the top of Srd Hill and gazing out on to the spectacular sights to viewing the abundance of museums, the gem of Croatia is one not to be missed as the sun comes out.
- Get Spiritual in Malaga
Moving on to southern Spain and to the quintessential holiday destination of Malaga. While the beaches of this city will no doubt be packed once again this summer and next, take some time away from the coast and discover its spiritual side.
The Jaen Cathedral, known as the Assumption of the Virgin Cathedral, has sat in the heart of Malaga since 1249 and is a symbol of the Spanish Renaissance period. Opposite the town hall, it is one of the most historical sites in Jaen and a must when visiting the city.
Entering the cathedral, you are met with a magnificent Baroque altarpiece and a sculpture of Fernando III, the conqueror of Jaen. With paintings by Jose de Ribera and Valdes Leal adorning the walls, this cathedral is one of the most impressive in the whole of Spain.
There we have it, our top picks for where to go this summer. Now start planning your next holiday.
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