Barcelona, the cosmopolitan Catalan capital, offers an enchanting summer holiday, thanks in part to stunning landmarks designed by legendary Modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. The fairy-tale-like Sagrada Familia is arguably the city’s most flamboyant sight, while medieval lanes winding through the Gothic Quarter are filled with friendly bodegas and late-night restaurants with alfresco tables.

A balmy summer in Barcelona often results in lazy days on the buzzing Barceloneta Beach, where there’s plenty of room to relax and play. Lifeguards patrol the beach, ensuring you and your little ones can swim with peace of mind. If you’re in the city centre during summer, it’s a good idea to pack a picnic and head to Ciutadella Park. Here, you can soak up the sunshine from grassy verges, explore exotic gardens and go boating on the lake.

Santorini is widely known for its whitewashed villages with brilliant blue shutters and rooftops that mirror the summer sky. This volcanic yet idyllic island also has some of the most pristine shores in the Aegean Sea, including Red Beach, Eros and Kamari. A must-visit is Moni Profiti Ilia (Prophet Elias Monastery), which sits at the highest point of Santorini—you can see almost the entire archipelago from its balconies and walkways.

One of the best ways to experience Santorini in summer is by joining a sunset cruise around the island, where you get excellent views of its half-moon-shaped bay and coastline. If you prefer staying on the island itself, make your way to the northern village of Oia—undoubtedly the most popular place to catch Santorini’s iconic sunsets.

Summer is a great time to get a sense of the beauty and buzzing life of Rome. This historical city feels like a massive museum, thanks to well-preserved Italian Renaissance architecture, pretty piazzas and cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum, as well as St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

Trastevere is a romantic neighbourhood accessible within a 30-minute stroll through the centre of ancient Rome. Once the city’s Jewish Quarter, its narrow alleys wind off into a medley of osteria wine bars, bookshops and quaint cafes. Besides historical landmarks, Rome is home to many tranquil parks and gardens. The Orto Botanico di Roma offers a family-friendly adventure among exotic plants, bamboo thickets, Japanese gardens and towering trees.

Dubrovnik appeals to history buffs with its beautiful walled Old Town, where you can take in mesmerising medieval architecture, quaint limestone streets and distinctive terracotta rooftops. This Croatian city sits on the stunning Dalmatian Coast, which means there are plenty of natural landscapes worth exploring in the summer months.

The closest beach to the Old Town is Banje, boasting clear and calm waves, deck chairs for hire and accessible showers. Another must-visit is Sulic Beach, where you can enjoy beautiful pebble-sand shores and bright blue waters with incredible surrounding scenery. Head just outside the Old Town and hop on the Dubrovnik Cable Car for an incredible ride to the peak of the city.

Mykonos is a stunning destination with pristine beaches, ancient towns and whitewashed taverns overlooking the Aegean Sea. Little Venice is particularly renowned for its dining scene—you’ll find plenty of seats in the morning, but it’s highly recommended to book a table in advance if you want to savour authentic Greek cuisine with sunset views. Paradise Beach boasts a plethora of restaurants, bars and nightclubs that extend onto the sand.

For those interested in Mykonos’s ancient past, a trip to the UNESCO-listed Delos Island is a must. Said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it features many ancient theatres, fascinating temples and monumental structures. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, consider visiting Tragonisi (Dragonisi), a tiny and uninhabited island approximately 16 km east of Mykonos. Often overlooked by the tourist crowds, it has many rocky caverns and caves, as well as clear waters home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal and yellow sea anemones—both species are exclu

Mallorca offers everything you could want for a summer holiday. The island boasts stunning beaches along its beautiful coastline, as well as ancient architecture, wineries and a vibrant nightlife scene. Palma’s Old Town is a pleasant and compact area that is perfect for strolling around. Its cobblestoned alleys will take you to the many historical landmarks left by the Romans, Moors and Christians. These include the Royal Palace of Almudaina, La Seu Cathedral and La Lonja.

Mallorcan cuisine is known for its bold Mediterranean flavours, which pair well with locally produced wine. With over 70 wine producers on the island, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We highly recommend setting aside some time to hike along the coast or in the mountainous peaks of Serra de Tramuntana—both showcase Mallorca’s diverse landscape.

The Algarve region in Portugal offers a remarkable summer holiday experience, with its breathtaking natural wonders, surfing hotspots and wildlife-rich lagoons. Each coastal town has its own unique charm, so your choice of destination depends on your preferences for the perfect summer holiday.

Lagos, an enchanting seaside town, features stunning coastal vistas with golden sandy beaches, rugged limestone cliffs and shades of light and deep-blue Atlantic waters. Faro boasts a magnificent array of historical landmarks, including magnificent cathedrals and Roman villas. Meanwhile, Portimão boasts some of the most magnificent beaches on the west coast of the Algarve.