July is the month of holidays, sunshine, free time, and well-deserved rest. Temperatures in Europe are rising, the sea is beautifully warm, and mountain trails beckon exploration. If you’re still wondering where to go for your summer vacation, we’ve prepared an overview of the best destinations for a July holiday. In this guide I will share with you 11 Best Places for Your July Vacation (Seaside and Mountains).
TL;DR
- July offers ideal conditions for both seaside and mountain holidays.
- Best seaside destinations: Mallorca, Greece, Turkey, Albania, Croatia, and Sardinia
- Great mountain destinations: Iceland, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and Poland
- Beware of peak season and dates around the July holidays (July 5th and 6th), when accommodation capacities are often sold out.
- Holiday prices vary by destination – from affordable Albania to more luxurious Switzerland.
11 Best Places for Your July Vacation (Seaside and Mountains)
So, let’s look at the 11 best tips for a July vacation.
Greece
In July, Greek islands experience hot and dry summers with average temperatures around 30-35 °C. The sea is pleasantly warm, with temperatures around 24-26 °C. Greece is simply a perennial favorite when it comes to peak-season holidays. The accommodation offer is very diverse, with prices starting from approximately 12,000 CZK per person, including flights.
You can fly here from all major airports in the Czech Republic, but be aware of the last week of July, as these dates are most often sold out. Do you want to hear reasons to go to Greece? Definitely the excellent cuisine, beautiful sea, quality facilities, and opportunities for entertainment and exploration.
For example, visit:
- Skiathos (Accommodation TIP: Skiathos Holiday Resort),
- Crete (Accommodation TIP: Arina Beach Resort),
- Santorini,
- Zakynthos (Accommodation TIP: Viatzo Villas).
Turkey
In July, Turkey experiences hot and dry weather with average temperatures around 30-35 °C. The sea temperature is around 26-28 °C, which is ideal for swimming and water sports. However, be aware that a large number of tourists are heading to Turkey this year, mainly due to the quality of hotels compared to their prices – you’ll pay less for an all-inclusive holiday in 5* hotels than in other Mediterranean destinations.
If you’re looking for a quieter place on the Turkish coast, head to Belek. This resort town is located on the Mediterranean coast and offers beautiful beaches, golf courses, and luxury hotels. If you want to experience at least some city buzz, we recommend Antalya or Alanya.
Besides beach relaxation, the Turkish Riviera also offers many historical monuments and natural beauties. You can visit the ancient city of Ephesus, stroll through the white Pamukkale, or explore the breathtaking rock formations in Cappadocia.
Accommodation TIP: In Antalya, we recommend Mediterra Art Hotel Antalya, and if you’re heading to Alanya, then stay at Oba Star Hotel.
Albania
In July, Albania experiences hot and dry weather with average temperatures around 30-35 °C. The sea is warm with temperatures around 24-26 °C, which is great for swimming and beach activities. Albania isn’t just about seaside stays; you can also head to the mountains and national parks.
Why has Albania become so popular in recent years? Because excellent facilities for seaside holidays have grown in its coastal resorts, with most hotels located directly on the beach. Moreover, prices are still more favorable compared to other seaside destinations.
If you want to play it safe, definitely head to Ksamil beach. Ksamil is a beautiful beach located near the city of Saranda, surrounded by turquoise blue sea and white sandy beaches. Nearby, you can visit the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Albania also has a lot to offer mountain and nature lovers. In the Prokletije mountains, you’ll find amazing views, clear lakes, and traditional villages. Also, try the local cuisine, which is a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences.
Accommodation TIP: Vila Melina (Ksamil) or Vila One Beach Hotel (Durrës)
Croatia
Croatia is a traditional July destination for many Czechs. No wonder – it has beautiful pebble beaches, crystal-clear sea, and historic towns, all within easy reach from the Czech Republic. In July, expect average temperatures around 30-35 °C. The sea temperature is around 24-26 °C.
Not only the coast but also national parks like Plitvice Lakes, Kamenjak, or Krka are worth visiting.
The Pelješac peninsula, for example, is known for its picturesque vineyards, olive groves, and tranquil bays. Or visit Dubrovnik or Pula.
Accommodation TIP: Locus Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik), Lakeside Hotel Plitvice (Plitvice Lakes) or Residence Kamenjak Premantura (Kamenjak).
Iceland
July is one of the best months to visit Iceland. Average temperatures range between 10-15 °C, days are very long (almost polar day), and nature is in full bloom. Iceland offers a combination of volcanic landscapes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls.
For example, embark on a trek into the Icelandic interior, where you can admire the rainbow mountains in the Landmannalaugar area or bathe in natural thermal springs. Don’t forget to visit the Golden Circle with the Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss waterfall.
Iceland is also an ideal place for whale watching, which is very successful in July. You can set sail from Húsavík or Reykjavík, where you have the chance to spot humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, or dolphins. While swimming in the sea isn’t ideal due to lower temperatures, you’ll enjoy bathing in geothermal spas even more, for example, in the Blue Lagoon or the less touristy Sky Lagoon.
Accommodation TIP: Hótel Vellir
Switzerland
Switzerland in July is a paradise for all mountain lovers and active recreation enthusiasts. Average temperatures in the valleys hover around 25 °C, while higher altitudes are more pleasant.
The Interlaken area, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, serves as an ideal starting point for excursions into the Bernese Alps. You can take a cable car to the peaks of Jungfrau or Schilthorn, or enjoy a hike around Lake Oeschinen with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
In Switzerland, you can also enjoy swimming in crystal-clear lakes like Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich, or Lake Lugano, where the water temperature in July reaches a pleasant 22-24 °C. Don’t forget to taste Swiss specialties like fondue, raclette, or rösti.
Accommodation TIP: Motel One Zürich
Austria
Austria is a great choice for a summer mountain holiday. In July, the weather is pleasantly warm with average temperatures around 20-25 °C in the valleys. Alpine meadows are in full bloom, which you’ll especially enjoy during hiking.
Tyrol, for example, offers more than 24,000 km of marked hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The area around Innsbruck is ideal for families with children – you can take a cable car up to Nordkette and enjoy panoramic views, or visit the Alpenzoo.
Austrian lakes like Wolfgangsee, Achensee, or Mondsee are great for swimming and water sports in July. Water temperatures reach up to 24 °C. Adrenaline lovers will appreciate the opportunities for rafting, paragliding, or via ferratas. And after a demanding day, you can relax in one of the thermal spas or wellness centers. Or visit the popular Hallstatt.
Accommodation TIP: Pension Cafe zum Mühlbach (Hallstatt)
Slovenia
Slovenia is often an overlooked, yet surprisingly captivating destination for a summer holiday. In July, the weather is pleasantly warm with average temperatures around 25-30 °C. The country offers a combination of Alps, Mediterranean, karst formations, and thermal springs within a relatively small area.
For example, visit Triglav National Park, which is the heart of the Julian Alps and offers countless opportunities for hiking of all difficulties. You can embark on an ascent to Slovenia’s highest mountain, Triglav (2864 m), or enjoy easier trails around Lake Bohinj.
Slovenia also has access to the sea – Piran and Portorož are pleasant seaside resorts with an average sea temperature of 24 °C in July. You must not miss visiting Lake Bled with its island in the middle or exploring Postojna Cave, one of the largest karst caves in Europe.
Accommodation TIP: Hotel Bohinj
Poland
Poland is our neighboring country that offers a surprising amount of beauty and opportunities for a summer holiday. In July, temperatures here range around a pleasant 22-27 °C. And imagine, thanks to its diversity, you can combine seaside relaxation, active mountain holidays, and exploring historic cities in Poland.
The Polish Baltic coast offers long sandy beaches and resorts like Sopot, Gdynia, or Kołobrzeg. Although the Baltic Sea temperature in July only reaches around 18-20 °C, the beaches are clean and the air fresh. In the resort of Sopot, you’ll find the longest wooden pier in Europe, aquaparks, and numerous restaurants and cafes.
Mountain lovers will appreciate the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše) or the Tatra Mountains, which are great for hiking. The Masurian Lakes are an excellent choice for water sports and relaxation in nature. Don’t forget to visit some of Poland’s historic cities like Krakow, Gdańsk, or Warsaw, which offer rich culture, architecture, and excellent gastronomy at affordable prices.
Accommodation TIP: Hotel Testa (Sopot) or Mercure Gdańsk Stare Miasto (Gdańsk)
Sardinia
Sardinia is truly a jewel of the Mediterranean, and in July, it’s an ideal place for a holiday. Average temperatures hover around 30 °C, and the sea is a pleasant 24-25 °C. The island offers not only beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise sea but also breathtaking nature and rich history.
The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) on the northeast of the island offers the most beautiful beaches you can imagine. If you’re looking for peace, head outside the main resorts like Porto Cervo or Porto Rotondo and discover hidden coves accessible only by sea or hiking trails.
Sardinia also boasts historical monuments – you’ll find traces of the ancient Nuragic culture, which left behind its mysterious stone towers. Active holiday enthusiasts will appreciate opportunities for hiking, cycling, or windsurfing.
Accommodation TIP: Hotel Cala di Volpe
Mallorca
Mallorca in July is a true paradise for those craving the perfect combination of beautiful beaches, lively resorts, and tranquil coves. Average temperatures hover around a pleasant 30 °C, and the sea temperature is around 25-26 °C.
The island is in peak season, which means lively nightlife in the major resorts, but don’t worry, you can also visit Mallorca for a peaceful holiday and sightseeing.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, we recommend visiting Cala d’Or beach, located on the southeast coast of the island. This beautiful cove is great for snorkeling.
Accommodation TIP: Ferrer Janeiro Hotel & Spa
FAQ
Where to find the best swimming in July?
For the best swimming in July, you can head to Turkey, where the sea temperature reaches 26-28 °C, or to Mallorca, with a sea temperature of 25-26 °C. Greece, Albania, and Sardinia also offer excellent swimming conditions, with sea temperatures ranging from 24-26 °C.
What are the cheapest destinations for a July vacation?
Among the most affordable destinations is Albania, where you’ll find beautiful beaches and quality services at reasonable prices. Other accessible destinations include Bulgaria and Montenegro. If you’re planning a mountain holiday, Slovenia and the Polish Tatras are budget-friendly.
Where is it not overcrowded in July?
If you want to escape the crowds, avoid the most popular resorts and choose lesser-known places. In Greece, opt for islands like Karpathos or Ikaria instead of Santorini or Rhodes. In Croatia, we recommend the Pelješac peninsula instead of the overcrowded Makarska Riviera. In the mountains, there are generally fewer tourists than on the beaches, but even there, it’s worth choosing less-known regions.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
