Where To Go In July
It’s time to step away from our desks, grab our swimsuits and head for the great outdoors –because July means summer holidays have officially begun! We won’t have far to travel to get warm seas and sizzling temperatures, as Europe is in full sunshine mode. And more northerly destinations like Scandinavia come into their own, with city dwellers basking in the pleasant weather they’ve all been waiting for.
There’s plenty of more high-octane events too – the Women’s Euros offer a sporting highlight to a Swiss holiday, and in Alaska, the sea is positively teeming with wildlife, making it the best month of the year for a cruise.
Tempted? Here’s more on the most tantalising holidays to take in July. The question is, which one is calling your name?
Turkish Riviera, Turkey
July is a wonderful time to visit Europe, but things can get pricey. If you’re after a sun holiday that still offers bang for your buck, consider the Turkish Riviera. This is the coastal region that runs from Bodrum to Antalya – the area where popular Greek islands like Rhodes and Kos lie just offshore.
The area is quickly filling up with value-for-money hotels that make the most of the picture-perfect beaches that line clear turquoise waters. Our favourite places to stop off? If you prefer facilities rather than quietude, try Belek. It’s popular thanks to its caramel-tinged beaches, divine sea and natural springs that make it a perfect spot for a pampering break. Or to mix a beachside break with sightseeing, try Cirali. It’s the nearest town to the Eternal Flames of Chimera: naturally occurring fires that have been burning for over 2500 years.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland might be best known for its wintery landscapes and Northern Lights, but it has so much to offer a summer visitor too. You’ll quickly notice that logistics become much easier – for example, you won’t have to worry about layering up for extreme temperatures, and you can camp as an alternative to hotels. But also, its most famous natural sights – the ‘Golden Circle’ of Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall – are consistent in its activity year-round.
To explore outside of the main areas, the small fishing hamlet of Borgarfjörður Eystri in the unexplored east of Iceland provides a great excuse in July. That’s when they run the Bræðslan Music Festival, which showcases a range of genres. While you’re there, make the most of its gorgeous hiking trails – and if you get time, catch the puffins in the area before they depart in August.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
While much of mainland Europe is becoming almost too hot in July and inland areas might leave visitors sweltering, there are some areas of respite. Located in the rugged area of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, the end point of the world-famous Camino de Santiago, is one of them. So, if the pilgrimage ever appealed, now might be the right time.
Pilgrims don’t have to do the full 500 miles. For El Camino Inglés, walkers opt to start at A Coruña and amble 66km down to the end point of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It’s a wonder to see pilgrims arrive into the central square, tired by their challenge, but delighted to have finished it.
Zurich, Switzerland
Cheer on the Lionesses in Zurich at the opening match of the Euros – if you can get a ticket. Leah Willimson and the England footie team begin the tournament on the 5th of July at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, playing against their historical rivals France. It’s set to be a tense match, and worth the trip over.
Shake away the nerves with a walking tour around Altstadt, the site of the city’s many historical buildings. Or distract yourself with a boat ride around the stunning Lake Zurich, which offers some of the best views of the city and the nearby Alps. If it’s warm enough (and with highs of 25C, it should be) do like the locals do and take a dip in the lake, or the nearby Limmat River. Both places offer a number of sites that are perfect for swimming, some of which have paying facilities like changing rooms and storage lockers. Zurich is a delight of a city at any time, but the Euros will make it an unforgettable trip over.
Alaska cruise
Good news and not so good news: July is the peak season for Alaskan cruises. While that means more crowds and pricier holidays, it also means favourable conditions for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. For starters, expect mild weather. Rather than the freezing temperatures that you might associate with Alaska, mercury hovers around the 15C mark on the Inside Passage (the area you’ll visit on a cruise). But the best bit is the wealth of wildlife at this time. Abuzz with activity thanks to the short span to gather food, you’ll see humpback whales, orca whales, pups of fur seals and sea lions among the spectacular sightings. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see bears in their natural habitat fishing for salmon. It’s a marvel on par with a safari – if you swap savannah plains for icy fjords.
Wherever you plan to head this year it’s important to cover your trip with travel insurance. With Switched On’s feature packed travel cover you get a 24/7 emergency medical helpline, Air Doctor in-resort medical support, plus gadget cover included automatically.