Cheapest places to holiday in July

July welcomes one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year and for good reason! Scorching temperatures and summer school breaks make the Mediterranean’s beaches a frontrunner and cities explode with festivals, events and fun-filled vibes.

Despite the peak season, if you travel towards the beginning of the month, you’ll still find great-value travel deals on flights, hotels and attractions. Plus, you’ll escape the school holiday rush. It’s also a great time to head north, with long days, midnight sun and adventure activities under sunny skies.

Here’s a look at our top July destinations, for inspiration in one of our favourite months for travel.

Beach Holidays

Get set for one of the most exciting holiday months of the year, on beaches across the globe. This is a time to don your dancing shoes and join in with the festival-feel of towns ready for action and adventure under the sun.

Budva, Montenegro

If you’re looking for a party on the Adriatic coast, Budva delivers. It’s the most-visited destination in Montenegro, with a gorgeous Old Town, clubs, bars and beaches on the Budva Riviera and multimillion-dollar yachts in the marina.

You’ll find plenty of festivals during July, with open-air performances making the most of the warm weather. Daytrips include rafting through the canyon walls of the Tara River and paragliding over Mt Lovćen.

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Algarve, Portugal

Family-friendly action awaits in the Algarve, one of Portugal’s premier holiday destinations. Within the sunny Mediterranean climate, sun, surf and sea reigns supreme, but you’ll also find castle towns, historic villages and natural wonders to explore.

The resort towns of Vilamoura and Albufeira are home to fabulous resorts, where you can relax after a day of water sports, boat trips, dolphin watching, jeep safaris and theme parks. If golf is your favourite pastime, there are no less than 35 courses to choose from.

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Costa de la Luz, Spain

The Costa de la Luz, meaning the ‘Coast of Light’, sits along the Atlantic in western Andalucía. Here, you’ll find golden sands and maybe even a secluded spot or two, even in the height of summer. Hidden coves and turquoise waters blend with onshore winds, perfect for windsurfers and kiteboarders, especially in Tarifa.

For fantastic hiking, visit the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. You’ll see abundant wildlife, oak woodland, migratory birds and wetlands. Ancient buildings and mysterious alleyways await in Cadiz and Jerez, where you can wander through cathedrals and sample the delectable local cuisine.

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Maui, Hawaii

Nothing says ‘summer’ like a Hawaiian holiday and Maui boasts some of the most exquisite beaches in the world. The ‘Valley Isle’ is also home to tropical forests, volcanoes and dramatic cliffs for panoramic views of the sea.

Head to Haleakala National Park to see otherworldly, volcanic landscapes and watch the sunrise, explore from a bird’s eye view on a helicopter ride, go snorkelling at Molokini, zipline through the jungle and take a sunset river cruise.

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City Breaks

While many of the world’s top cities can be a little on the hot side in July, they make up for it with an atmosphere of holiday fun that’s hard to beat. Look for rooftop pools and shady courtyards in hotels, to cool off after hitting the town.

Budapest, Hungary

When you’re looking for a value-for-money summer city break, Budapest is a great choice. The city comes alive in the warmer months, with alfresco dining, party-goers and long strolls along the Danube.

For relaxation, pop into one of many thermal spas. The charming Castle District is the place for history-lovers in Buda, while bustling Pest is perfect for shopping, dining and ambling along leafy boulevards. Don’t forget to take a romantic river cruise at dusk, to see the city light up in style.

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Marseille, France

After its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2013, Marseille has experienced a facelift worthy of increased tourism. France’s oldest city is ready to welcome you, with history, art and trendy café culture.

Discover the Old Port area, the narrow alleys of Le Panier quarter, the Cathedrale de la Major and the Musee des Beaux-Arts. It’s not hard to escape the heat, with Prado Beach and the Frioul Archipelago close by.

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Helsinki, Finland

The locals love to get out and about on outdoor adventures in July in Finland, with spectacular scenery and adrenalin activities galore. If this sounds like you, Helsinki is a great base to plan your twilight fun from, with endless daylight hours.

Helsinki is a trendy mix of designers, museums and fun nightlife. You can still wander through traditional markets for succulent seafood, but, if you choose, innovative restaurants and cafes await.

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UK Holidays

A summer holiday at home is just as good as jetting off to foreign locales. Plus, you might as well make the most of the great weather, while it lasts!

Wales

Adrenalin-junkies flock to Wales in summer, with thrilling activities including zipline courses, climbing, hiking and surfing. It’s little wonder, given the backdrop of incredible, natural wonders.

Kayak in Pembrokeshire to see seals, secluded beaches and sea birds. Take a relaxing pony trek in the Brecon Beacons and hike through the Wye Valley woods. For serious climbers, tackle the Snowdonia Mountains. Charming villages, traditional pubs and good-value hotels await at the end of your adventurous day.

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Cornwall, England

It would almost be a sin, to not visit the Cornish coast in summer. From natural rock pools for swimming and wild waves for surfing, the sheer variety of ocean landscapes is reason enough.

Lizard Peninsula is perfect for relaxing under the British sun, North Cornwall is home to extreme sports and thundering waves, Newquay offers the quintessential seaside town holiday and St Ives adds culture and art to your beach getaway.

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July is a prime holiday season, so remember to plan in advance by checking out great deals on flights, packages, cruises and hotels. But, don’t forget that if the travel bug bites at the last minute, the team at Simply Holiday Deals has you covered with weekly, last-minute deals for every month of the year.