July Holidays

Ah, July. The sweet spot of the summer – it’s time for full-on jollies mode. July holidays have this irresistible pull, don’t they? Schools are out, the weather is scorchio, the sea is as warm as a bath across Spain, the Greek Islands and Turkey's south coast, and it’s the perfect time to book that getaway you’ve been hankering after. Whether you’re after a sizzling beach escape, a boujee city break, or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, July is the month where your 2026 holidays really dial the vibes up to 11.

Cheap July Holidays

A cheap July holiday is the stuff of dreams, sure, but dreams do come true, especially with us. Check out these top spots for a hot shot holiday that's cheaper than you might think.

• 🌅 Costa Blanca, Spain is the classic budget-summer pick, with cheap-and-cheerful Benidorm leading the line. All-inclusive resorts going hard on the buffet-and-beach formula and pints from just £2 to £4.

• 🏖️ Dalaman, Turkey is where the Turkish Riviera really sings. Five-star all-inclusives that come in at the same price of three-star European hotels.

• 🐠 Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt delivers Red Sea reefs straight off the beach, all-inclusive resort culture and consistent value year-round.

• 🌞 Sunny Beach, Bulgaria is Eastern Europe's biggest budget summer beach, with pints under £2, a proper buzzy strip and Black Sea swimming at peak warmth in July.

• 🍷 Albufeira, Portugal keeps it value-friendly even at peak, especially if you base yourself a couple of streets back from the Old Town strip.

Top destinations for a July holiday

Spain

Spain in July is firing on all cylinders. Whether you're hitting the beaches of Costa del Sol, dancing through the streets of Ibiza, or exploring the cultural sights of Barcelona, there's something for every kind of holiday. From sipping Fanta Lemon poolside to tapas in a buzzing bar, the food, fun and culture are all at full tilt. And the summer festival calendar is one of Europe's busiest, San Juan beach bonfires on the 23rd-24th of June carry their party energy into early July, and Mad Cool kicks off in Madrid the second week.

Turkey

Turkey in July is an absolute scorcher, and we mean that in the best way. From the sun-soaked beaches of Bodrum and Antalya to the turquoise lagoon at Ölüdeniz, it's a proper good spot for soaking up rays. History buffs can dive into Roman ruins at Aspendos and Side, while shoppers can haggle for treasures in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Whether you're lazing on the coast or exploring the cities, Turkey in July offers that perfect mix of culture, adventure and beach time, all with a side of properly good Turkish food.

The Greek Islands

The Greek Islands in July are a dream. Crystal-clear waters, sun-drenched beaches and the iconic whitewashed villages, plus the longest evenings of the year. Whether you're living it up in Mykonos' beach clubs, partying til sun-up in Zante, watching sunsets in Santorini, or exploring Crete's ancient history, each island offers a different slice of paradise. July is prime time for warm days, cool evenings and proper Greek feasts by the sea. For a good dose of culture, relaxation and stunning views, a Greek Island holiday in July is a no-brainer.

Best city breaks in July

If lounging on the beach isn't your vibe and you're craving some culture, history, and a whole lot of buzz, a city break in July might be just what you need. Whether it's café hopping, museum browsing, or soaking up some local street style, these city hotspots are the places to visit in July.

Barcelona, Spain

A proper good mix of beach and city vibes, Barcelona is an absolute gem in July. You can start your day exploring Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, then stroll down La Rambla, and finish off with a sunset on Barceloneta Beach. If you time it right, you can catch one of the city's epic street festivals, like the Festa Major de Gràcia later in the summer.

Paris, France

Ah, Paris in July – it’s top-tier magic. With the sun shining, the outdoor cafés spilling into the streets, and the Eiffel Tower twinkling at night, you’ll feel like you’re living in a film. July is also when France celebrates Bastille Day (14th July), complete with fireworks and parades. Plus, Paris Plages kicks off, turning parts of the Seine into urban beaches. Perfect for some swanky riverside lounging.

Rome, Italy

Rome in July is a heady mix of ancient history and delicious gelato breaks. Stroll through the Colosseum, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and sip espresso in Piazza Navona. The evenings are cooler, making it the ideal time for a wander through Trastevere’s charming streets for a delish Italian meal. Plus, the summer nights are filled with concerts and events, perfect for soaking up the culture.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a city that knows how to balance culture with cool. July is prime time for outdoor activities – whether it’s picnicking in Tempelhofer Feld (an old airport turned park), cruising around on a bike tour, or dancing at one of the city’s legendary open-air clubs. The city’s history comes alive as you explore the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and Museum Island, all while the sun is shining bright.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is glorious in July – the canals sparkle in the sunlight, and the city’s green spaces, like Vondelpark, are perfect for a leisurely bike ride. Cruise the canals, visit the Van Gogh Museum, and spend the evenings at one of the city’s buzzing open-air bars. It’s a great city break that offers both chill vibes and plenty of cultural hotspots.

🌡️ How hot do you want it?

We've used the standard hot sauce scale so you can pick your trip by heat....

🌤️ Mild (around 24 to 27°C)

Madeira is the standout mild-July pick, daytime temperatures sitting around 23 to 26°C with steady Atlantic breezes and almost no rain. Properly comfortable for hiking, exploring Funchal, or beach days where you don't need to hide indoors at midday. The sea sits at 22°C, which is cooler than the Med but very swimmable. A solid choice if 35°C+ days sound like punishment rather than holiday.

☀️ Hot (around 28 to 33°C)

The bread and butter of July, peak Med-summer heat. The Algarve sits around 28 to 30°C with cooling Atlantic breezes. The Balearics, the Greek Islands and the Spanish costas all run at 28 to 32°C, with the sea at 25 to 27°C. Cyprus and the Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman) push 33 to 34°C, with seas at 27 to 28°C. This is the sweet zone if you want guaranteed beach weather without it being too brutal to leave the pool.

🔥 Very hot (35°C and beyond)

If proper desert heat is the brief, Marrakech regularly hits 36 to 38°C, with dry-heat days that can climb past 40°C. Egypt's Red Sea coast at Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada runs around 38°C in the day, cooler at night and saved by sea breezes. Dubai tops the lot at 41°C-plus daytime highs (and humid with it), where the smart move is pre-booking the all-inclusive package and a hotel with aircon.

Festival holidays in July

Let’s be honest, music festivals abroad just hit different. Sure, the UK’s got some cracking festivals, but when you head overseas, you’re getting next-level experiences. First off, you can pretty much guarantee the weather won’t be chucking it down – no soggy tents or wellies sinking into the mud! Festivals abroad are all about scorchio sunshine, beachside stages, and dancing under the stars. Plus, you’ve got that holiday vibe, where it’s not just about the music – it’s exploring a new place, trying delish local food, and making memories you wouldn’t get stuck in a muddy field. Whether it’s chilling at a beach rave in Croatia or partying the night away in Spain, check out some of our July festival faves...

Benicàssim Festival – Spain

Benicàssim is where the festival and beach holiday collide – and it’s pure magic. Held on Spain’s sun-drenched east coast, this festival serves up a proper good line-up of indie, rock, and electronic music. Imagine partying all night and spending your days chilling on the beach or sipping a cold one at a beachside bar. It’s got that laid-back Spanish vibe but with a hefty dose of festival energy. If you want sun, sea, and top-notch tunes, Benicàssim is your next stop. Dates for 2026: 16th – 18th July.

Tomorrowland – Belgium

Now this one’s an absolute mahoosive deal. Tomorrowland is the world’s most iconic electronic music festival, held in the town of Boom (how fitting!) in Belgium. Expect whopper stages, mind-blowing production, and the best DJ line-ups you can imagine. It’s not just a festival – it’s an experience. With its fantasy world vibes, epic light shows, and massive crowds, Tomorrowland is the place to end your festival-hopping journey on a proper high. It’s an absolute 10/10! Dates for 2026: Weekend 1: 17th – 19th July, Weekend 2: 24th – 26th July.

Ultra Europe – Croatia

If you’re all about electronic music, then Ultra Europe in Split, Croatia, is an absolute must. Held in mid-July, this festival pulls in the world’s biggest DJs and has a seriously boujee vibe. With its stunning setting on the Adriatic coast, you can party hard one minute and cool off in crystal-clear waters the next. Think massive stages, top-notch production, and beach parties that go on ‘til dawn. Ultra Europe is where sun, sea, and banging tunes meet for a proper good time. Dates for 2026: 10th – 12th July.

Mad Cool Festival – Spain

Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after music festivals. Taking place in early July, Mad Cool delivers a whopper of a line-up that spans rock, indie, and electronic acts, all set in the sizzling Spanish capital. It’s a city festival with a massive festival ground, so you can go from rocking out to your favourite band to sipping sangria at a local tapas bar in no time. The vibe is laid-back but packed with energy, and you get to soak up Madrid’s buzzing nightlife once the festival day wraps up. Dates for 2026: 8th – 11th July.

NOS Alive – Portugal

If you want to combine a city break with a world-class music festival, NOS Alive in Lisbon is the absolute dream. Taking place on the sunny riverside of Algés, this festival is legendary for its "beach by day, bands by night" routine. You’re only a short train ride from Lisbon’s buzzy centre, meaning you can fill up on custard tarts (Pastel de Nata) and explore the cobbled streets before heading to the festival grounds as the sun sets over the Tagus River. The line-ups are always massive (think stadium-fillers and top indie acts), and because the whole venue is paved or covered in astro-turf, you can leave the wellies at home and stick to your trainers. It’s sun, songs, and sangria - what more could you want? Dates for 2026: 9th – 11th July.

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Whether you're looking for a last minute beach break or planning ahead for the summer hols, like a big friendly towel when you're changing at the beach, we've got you covered.

Holidays in other months

• January Holidays

• February Holidays

• March Holidays

• April Holidays

• May Holidays

• June Holidays

• August Holidays

• September Holidays

• October Holidays

• November Holidays

• December Holidays