Top 6 Cities to Visit This Summer

We may be in the middle of winter, but it’s never too early to start planning for your summer holiday. Rather than facing the inclement summer weather of the UK, there are many other countries that offer outdoor activities, beaches, and other fun things to do in the sun! If you’re indecisive about where to spend your summer vacation, here are our top 6 summer destinations of 2024.

Saint-Tropez, France

Saint-Tropez is a popular summer destination with tourists and celebrities. Its most trendy beaches are Tahiti Beach, Pampelonne beach, La Fontanette beach, La Glaye Beach, and Bouillabaisse Beach. Because these beaches rest on the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, you can participate in several water sports, such as scuba diving, wind surfing, water skiing, and sailing. The old port is one of the most visited parts of the city, where you’ll find the citadel, Le Musée de l’Annonciade, and restaurants that serve fresh seafood every day. If you’re in search for something a little more exclusive, you can join Golf Club Saint-Tropez or Polo Club Saint-Tropez. There are numerous galleries and museums around the town, and many visitors like to stop the local chateaux for a wine tasting. Saint-Tropez is also perfect for families. There is a city park with a playground, a waterpark, and an amusement park with mini golf, a Ferris wheel, and other rides and attractions.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Many people don’t think to visit Tamarindo during the rainy season from May until November, but you’ll still find plenty of things to see and do, and since there won’t be as many tourists around, you won’t have to fight for a good spot on Tamarindo Beach. Many people choose to spend their summer holiday in Tamarindo for the chance to go fishing and surfing. There are several other beaches nearby, such as Avellanas Beach, Langosta Beach, and Lagartillo Beach. There are even more beaches in the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, and you can do some kayaking and boat tours on the Tamarindo estuary and do some animal spotting. Head to the Black Stallion Eco Park to do some ziplining, quad biking, and horseback riding. If you want to pick up a few souvenirs for your friends and family, stop by to Tamarindo Moonlight Night Market, which is open between 6–9 p.m. You can also sample some craft beer at the Volcano Brewing Company tasting rooms or take a chocolate making class at Reina’s Chocolate.

Amalfi, Italy

Many people want to spend their summer vacation on the Amalfi Coast. Hiking is extremely popular in Amalfi, with the top hiking spots being the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills), the Sentiero Degli Dei (Path of the Gods), and the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Trail). More experienced hikers will want to ascend Monte Cerreto. The Amalfi Coast is particularly known for its limoncello, and in the heart of Amalfi, you’ll find a small family-run shop called Antichi Sapori d’Amalfi (Ancient Flavours of Aamalfi) which sells its own homemade limoncello. While you’re there, rent a boat and do some sailing or find a restaurant near the port for the best views of the coast. If you fancy a spot of sightseeing, head to Saint Andrew's Cathedral (dedicated to Amalfi’s patron saint) in the Piazza Duomo, the Museo della Carta (Museum of Handmade Paper), and the Gli Arsenali della Repubblica (Arsenal of the Maritime Republic). Take some time during your trip to see some other sights along the Amalfi Coast, such as the Fiordo di Furore (Furore fjord), the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto), and the Torre dello Ziro (Ziro Tower).

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Known for its towering mountains and natural parks, Colorado Springs is a beautiful place to spend a summer vacation. Head to the Red Rock Canyon Open Space to go rock climbing and camping in the Garden of the Gods. In the Pikes Peak region, you’ll find the Cave of the Winds, Barr Trail, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. If you don’t feel like hiking, hop on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs to get to the summit of Pikes Peak. There are a few hiking trails near the Broadmoor Seven Falls and there are hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails in Palmer Park. Spend an afternoon browsing the shops and cafes in Old Colorado City, wander through the Ghost Town Museum, or try your hand at roping cattle at the Flying W Ranch.

Santorini, Greece

This Greek island is covered in whitewashed houses and stunning beaches. Santorini is a small island, so you can travel to different towns and villages during your trip. If you get tired of the beach near your resort, you can travel to Vlychada beach, Pori Beach, Perissa beach, Monolithos beach, Kamari beach, and many more. There are many walking trails in Santorini. Many people enjoy the Fira to Oia walk with a pit stop at Skaros Rock. If you feel like doing a bit of exploring, search for the five castles on Santorini and look out for the Ancient Thera archaeological museum, the Sanctuary of Apollo Karneios, and the prehistoric town of Akrotiri. Take a boat ride from the old port of Fira and discover the volcano on Nea Kameni island and wade in the thermal hot springs on Palia Kameni islet.

Vigo, Spain

There are 47 beaches in Vigo, but the most-visited ones are Praia de Samil, Playa del Vao, and Praia do Tombo do Gato. However, if you want to relax on more exclusive beaches, head to the port of Vigo and hop on the ferry to Cíes Islands of Monteagudo, Do Faro, and San Martiño. You’ll need to get a permit first, as only a limited number of people are allowed on the islands at a time. These islands offer travellers the chance to do some hiking, camping, snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Don’t forget to look for the bronze sculpture of Jules Verne when you get back to the port. Monte da Guia offers an easy hiking experience to tourists, and you can do the hike up Monte O Castro to the viewpoint at the park. If you want to find a nice place to relax and enjoy the views, Vigo has several other parks, the best being Parque de Castrelos and Alameda da Praza de Compostela. You should also consider touring the ruins of Castillo de San Sebastián and spending some time in Casco Vello (Vigo’s old town).

Planning a summer vacation is exciting, and you are probably thinking about all the things you want to see and do. When arranging your travel insurance after you’ve booked your trip, make sure that your policy covers all the activities you want to do so you know that you’re protected for every eventuality while you’re away.