When looking at the best countries to visit in the summer, there’s no shortage of choices. You can explore picturesque countries like Italy, Spain, and Norway on one side of the planet, and in other exotic locales, enjoy places like Japan and the Bahamas.
Whether you want to explore local culture, dine your way around Europe, or simply kick back on a gorgeous Caribbean beach, summer vacations beckon.
So, it’s time to put your balmy weather travel bucket list together and start planning for your summer vacation.
Spain
Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain
The sunny skies and warmer temperatures of Spain offer you the chance to savor a very diverse European country, from north to south, come summertime.
Marvel at the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí. In summer, this church is bathed in golden hues as sunlight sparkles across its elaborate façades.
Take a different sort of summer journey along the pristine beaches of the Cies Islands, a nature park in Galicia. These islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate (even though located on the Atlantic), stun with their intense beauty.
Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain
You’ll fall in love with the grand design of the massive Alhambra Palace in Granada, a Moorish masterpiece dating back to 1238, which comes to life under the Andalusian sun with a riot of colors sweeping across the buildings and gardens here.
When you visit Seville, discover the architectural wonders of the Royal Alcázar, a royal palace and former Islamic stronghold that has been standing for centuries, featuring arresting red and azure tiles and an intricate, maze-like garden.
Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
The golden light of summer in Portugal reveals the country’s artistic and natural wonders, making it one of the best countries to visit in the summer.
Start your journey in Lisbon, where golden light shimmers on the red terracotta-roofed city, from the 10th century Castle of São Jorge’s ancient walls to the bustling Baixa district, as well as the “pink” street in Cais do Sodre, close to the Tejo River.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Head to the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley for cascading slopes lined with green vines, purple grapes, and blue river vistas below, inviting you to indulge in as many wine tastings as you can fit into a single trip.
For seaside fun, check out the elegant town of Cascais, near Lisbon, its small beach and cobbled streets lined with vibrantly colored buildings. And in Porto, the historic and bustling Ribeira district, with its Douro River views, is the place to go.
Greece
Santorini, Greece
Summer in Greece can feel like a life-as-myth saga come to life due to the ancient sites and spectacular island escapes scattered around the country, accompanied by hot sunshine and cobalt skies.
Stroll through the labyrinthine hillside village of Oia in Santorini, a tangle of whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches, the sapphire Aegean sparkling far below.
Mykonos Town, Greece
Mykonos Town’s maze of cobblestone alleyways, tiny chapels, and outdoor seaside tavernas, is the place for long lunches of meze and grilled seafood, and exploring the designer shops as the heat of the day fades.
Don’t miss the arid island of Hydra, car-free, with transport provided by donkeys and horses. This arty, bohemian spot offers snapshot of how Greek islanders once lived in the past.
Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes, Greece
The Doric Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes is a sight you’ll want to catch as well, made even more remarkable by the brilliant seascapes, clifftop views, and blazing sun.
Greek islands are blessed with sandy beaches, perfect for lazy seaside days of sunbathing, cities Athens is where you’ll want to be up early to visit the graceful Parthenon and the antiquities around Acropolis Hill before the sun climbs too high in the sky.
Iceland
Godafoss, Iceland
Summer in Iceland brings fire and ice, and surreal terrain straddling two tectonic plates (Eurasian and North American), creating geological wonder filled with ethereal landscapes. You can enjoy these in June in almost 24 hours of daylight.
The roaring Godafoss (waterfall of the gods) reverberates off a sheer cliff face and then plunges into a wide cavern of water and mist. But it’s astonishing just how different each of Iceland’s many waterfalls is; the Dynjandi waterfall, in the Westfjords peninsula, is a series of tiered cascades merging into a single, awe-inspiring “bridal veil” fall.
Myvatn Nature Baths, Iceland
The stark landscapes surrounding Myvatn Nature Baths, where natural Icelandic hot springs offer weary hikers a mix of geothermal waters in the middle of bubbling steam vents, is another “hot” spot you’ll want to visit during your Icelandic adventures.
The Blue Lagoon, heated by the Svartsengi lava fields, will give you yet another chance to soak in the mineral-rich waters of Iceland, enveloped by azure hues from the lagoon to the sky.
Reykjavik should make any itinerary, too. This artsy urban capital buzzes with entertainment, plus a cool summer food scene, like the Reykjavík Street Food Festival in July.
Norway
Pulpit Rock, Norway
There’s no better time to fall under the bewitching spell of Norway than summer. Its mountains, valleys, and fjords will offer you awe-inspiring spectacles. Standing at the edge of Pulpit Rock, almost 2,000 heart-pounding above Lysefjord, is just one of those spectacles.
Another summer highlight is a passage on the Flam Railway, one of the best things to do in Flam. This iconic train snakes through a verdant valley lined with waterfalls, then rises from the valley floor through wildflower meadows before chugging up the mountainside to the Kjosfossen Waterfall.
Naerøyfjord, Norway
Cruise along Naerøyfjord by kayak. This narrow Norwegian fjord cuts deep into the glacier-carved mountains, offering you serene beauty and wildlife, from eagles to seals and hardy mountain goats.
Of course, the summer weather is still cool in Norway, as you’re surrounded by high mountains, some still sporting their snowy caps, but the clarity of the air and the beauty of the wildflower meadows are just two compelling reasons to visit.
Japan
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan
While summer in Japan is often hot and humid, it’s still an excellent time to visit, due to summer festivals and the pleasant weather at higher altitudes.
If you enjoy the sultry city heat, Shibuya Crossing, with the whirl of humanity that pours beneath brightly colored neon signs in the heart of Tokyo, is a must. You’ll witness massive crowds flowing across the street but in the most polite, orderly manner imaginable.
For tranquility, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, where incense hangs heavy under fluttering prayer flags, will let you glimpse the calming aesthetics of Japanese-style Buddhism.
Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan
For more summer relaxation, take in the tree-lined vibe of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, with its shimmering reflection playing off the water in its surrounding garden. Or embark on a pilgrimage to Mount Fuji, a snow-capped peak that epitomizes the Japanese soul.
Make sure you check out a few summer festivals as well, like Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, with its parades of towering floats, or the explosive Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo, held in late July.
Antigua
Beach in Antigua
Antigua numbers among the best countries to visit in the summer due to its mix of Caribbean culture, British colonial legacy, and a vast array of sandy beaches.
One of the best things to do in Antigua is to visit the 18th-century Nelson’s Dockyard in Saint Paul Parish, where stone walls once guarded the British Navy. Now it’s full of sailing yachts, chic hotels, and shops selling yachting wear.
Shirley Heights Lookout, Antigua
Then head for the lofty perch of the Shirley Heights Lookout, the tallest viewpoint on the island, where you’ll witness panoramas of the turquoise waters surrounding Antigua, and the verdant hillsides.
For shopping, stop by Redcliffe Quay for charming boutiques, cafés, palm trees, and pastel-colored buildings by the waterside. For sun and fun, both of which are plentiful in Antigua, head for Dickenson Bay or Half Moon Bay, where you can feel the sand between your toes, then relax in the warm embrace of the Caribbean.
France
Vieux Port in Marseille, France
From world-famous cultural sites to golden beaches, France offers exceptional summer travel opportunities.
Take a sunny stroll through the Vieux Port in Marseille. Fishing boats are packed into the port as the smell of rich bouillabaisse, the local specialty, wafts from inviting restaurants.
Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes, France
Cannes’ Boulevard de la Croisette is where you may catch sight of the rich and fabulous enjoying their summer, with luxury-label boutiques and palm-lined promenades adding to the upscale ambiance here.
Ascend the Dune of Pilat for views across Arcachon Bay, with pine forest pushing up against the towering sands. While you stand atop the highest sand dune in Europe, depending on where you look, you might think you’re in the Sahara Desert.
Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France
Other highlights of a summer in France include a ramble along Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, one of the loveliest seaside boulevards in the Mediterranean, or an escape to the pretty commune of Saint-Émilion, where vineyards blanket the terrain and Bordeaux wine reigns supreme.
Italy
Amalfi, Italy
Art, food, sunshine, and islands; Italy is one of the best countries to visit in the summer for all of these reasons, and more.
Wander along the Amalfi Coast, where lemon-scented hillsides and colorful buildings butt up against the Tyrrhenian Sea. Or perhaps head to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO-protected string of historic fishing villages and terraced vineyards, the vibrant houses appearing to hang above the Ligurian Sea.
Isola Bella in Sicily, Italy
In Sicily, visit tiny Isola Bella, where fragrant flowers bloom, and then head to hilltop Taormina for the island’s best cannoli (ricotta-stuffed tubes of sweet pastry) and views of brooding Mount Etna.
Volcanoes have shaped much of Italy’s history, in fact; from Naples, you can visit Pompeii and marvel at buildings preserved by the hot volcanic ash that covered the city some 2000 years ago, when nearby Vesuvius blew its top.
Venice, Italy
Of course, a traditional gondola ride along the Grand Canal in Venice and a stroll through the medieval squares and narrow alleys of the historic center is another of Italy’s unmissable experiences.
Read: How to Plan a Trip to Italy
Barbados
Barbados
Barbados, a sunny Caribbean island, is a great location to see coral reefs, colorful fish, and shipwrecks located in shallow waters. Carlisle Bay is one of the best places to swim and snorkel here.
You’ll find green hiking trails in Farley Hill National Park, ideal for a nature ramble, accompanied by the haunting silhouette of the site’s abandoned mansion.
Bathsheba Beach, Barbados
You can also go for a lovely stroll along Bathsheba Beach, a rocky coastline with dramatic stretches of sand and heavy surf, creating beautiful vistas perfect for surfing in the Caribbean.
Or travel to the underground world at Harrison’s Cave to see stalactites and stalagmites in this limestone cavern. The cooler cave air is also a clever way to escape the summer humidity.
Read: Best Things to Do in Bridgetown, Barbados
Croatia
Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia will call to you with its captivating heritage sites and pine-fringed pebbly beaches. Start your journey with a walk in the Old Town of Dubrovnik, a walled city with narrow alleyways lined with historic houses and buildings, some of which are nearly 800 years old.
Fort Lovrijenac, a stone fortress set on a cliff above the Adriatic Sea, has guarded Dubrovnik for hundreds of years. Now, it hosts atmospheric summer plays and is another highlight of this magical city.
Krka National Park, Croatia
Further north, at Diocletian’s Palace, the centerpiece of Split’s Old Town, you’ll be surrounded by structures dating back to Roman times. And near Zadar, visit Krka National Park, for postcard-perfect waterfalls and shaded green forests.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia
St. Lucia, in the West Indies, is all sun-drenched rainforests, volcanic peaks, and sandy beaches.
The Pigeon Island National Landmark is the place for sweeping hilltop views, several small but gorgeous beaches in St. Lucia for swimming, plus the ruins of an old military fort.
The Pitons, on Saint Lucia’s west coast, are two pointed volcanic plugs that rise from the sea; covered in a forest of ferns and vines, these jagged peaks are truly a sight to behold.
Reduit Beach, St. Lucia
One of the best things to do in St. Lucia is to explore Diamond Waterfall for its lush rainforest vibe, and then later perhaps meander down the picturesque Reduit Beach, close to Rodney Bay Marina, to enjoy the seashore.
Sweden
Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sweden
The summer months are a great time to visit Sweden, when the whole country comes alive with celebration of the midnight sun, berry picking, wilderness exploration, and swimming in the bracing Baltic sea.
Start your trip in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s island-based Old Town, filled with narrow cobblestone streets lined with slender and colorful historical buildings. For a taste of the grand royal life, visit the Baroque Royal Palace in Stockholm. For more contemporary culture, don’t miss ABBA The Museum.
Visby, Sweden
The well-preserved medieval Hanseatic League ruins and stone ramparts in the fortified Old City of Visby, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, are worth a visit, as are the Visby Botanical Gardens, a paradise of flowers, lawns, and strolling paths.
Malta
Valletta, Malta
Summers in Malta come with vast blue skies. Wander through pretty gardens and check out the palaces and mansions of majestic Valletta, built from honey-colored stone. Watch boats buzzing back and forth across Valletta’s Grand Harbor and admire the ornate baroque art and craftsmanship decorating sites like the Grandmaster’s Palace.
A visit to Gozo, Malta’s sleepy neighbor, will expose you to the region’s Sicilian-influenced culture. Stroll the cliff paths, the Mediterranean sparkling below, and enjoy a long seafood lunch.
USA
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
One of the best places to visit in the USA in summer is Alaska, the 49th state, which is exceptionally beautiful and filled with opportunities for adventure.
Denali National Park, for example, features rugged peaks and long swaths of wilderness, making it a tremendous destination for hiking, and wildlife sightings, which might include wolves, bears, and charismatic Dall sheep.
The warmer weather also means better access to the calving ice of the Mendenhall Glacier, north of Juneau, as well as easier access to Disenchantment Bay and the mammoth Hubbard Glacier, plus the Tongass National Forest, where wildlife abounds.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Ready to start planning? A cruise is one of the best summer vacations you’ll find. Browse Celebrity’s summer cruises to plan your sun-drenched escape.
