While London enjoys its fair share of hot weather, we’re the first to admit that balmy temperatures in the capital can be a struggle if you’re not on a sunbed mere moments from a pool. The good news is that the rest of Europe (and beyond) are much beter equipped to deal with the summer heat – so why not head there to enjoy the sunshine in style? From the tropical Indian Ocean islands of the Seychelles and the place to see and be seen in Egypt, to spending the summer in Switzerland or Spain, here’s where to travel in July.

Cairo and Marassi, Egypt

Average temperature in July: 35°C

Looking for a twin-centre escape? Egypt offers the perfect option for those looking to immerse themselves in culture and history, as well as enjoy an undiscovered beach getaway. Head to the capital of Cairo for an exhilarating city break in the Egyptian capital, where travellers can spend a culture-packed few days visiting the ancient pyramids and brand new Grand Egyptian Museum, sipping cocktails with a view of Cairo’s glittering skyline and sampling authentic Egyptian cuisine, before heading to the coastal bliss of Marassi. 

Famous as the destination of choice for Cairo’s well-heeled, Marassi is Egypt’s answer to the Maldives. An elite destination situated on the country’s northern coast, it benefits from the azure Mediterranean Sea and its cooler breezes, instead of the extreme heat that can be found further inland. Families should make a beeline for Marassi Water World, while teens can explore The Hub – a dynamic youth entertainment space featuring a bowling alley, go-karting, skateboarding, an arcade and much more. Elsewhere, Marassi is home to five white-sand beaches, a championship 18-hole golf course, and one of the largest international marinas in the Middle East, as well as world-class hotels such as the ⁠Al Alamein Hotel and ⁠Address Beach Resort. 

Where to stay: Al Alamein Hotel

Steeped in history and nostalgia, Al Alamein Hotel captures the golden age of Egyptian glamour, where mid-century elegance meets effortless coastal living. Once a retreat for artists and dignitaries, the hotel retains its understated charm, offering 179 rooms and suites that blend heritage style with contemporary comfort. Enjoy morning strolls along the shoreline, leisurely bike rides, or shared moments over fresh seafood at the beachfront B’haar Restaurant – a standout for romantic lunches and candlelit dinners by the water. An ideal location for both couples and families, make the most of the kids’ club, a selection of water sports and the hotel’s spa, which offers a curated selection of treatments that provide a peaceful interlude between sun-soaked beach hours and evenings spent under the stars.

From £962 per night. 

Crete, Greece

Average temperature in June: 30°C

Crete has experienced a facelift in recent years, eschewing its package-holiday reputation in favour of design-led hotels with smart spas, private beaches and gourmet restaurants. That said, there are still plenty of ancient ruins, rugged landscapes, rustic tavernas and unspoiled beaches, including Balos Lagoon in Chania, Episkopi and Petres. Be warned that, as the largest of the Greek islands, it is also one of the busiest, but don’t let that put you off. With more than 500 beaches to explore, we’d say you’re almost guaranteed a sunbathing spot this summer. 

Where to stay: JW Marriott Crete Resort and Spa

JW Marriott Crete Resort and Spa, the brand’s first Mediterranean beach resort, is now open for the summer season. Home to 160 elegant rooms, suites and villas – all offering sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and with the majority including private pools – the luxury resort is nestled in Marathi, near the charming town of Chania, and spans more than 100 acres of idyllic coastline. 

Designed by the acclaimed Athens-based studio Block722, the resort blends seamlessly into its surroundings with planted roofs, and olive and carob tree groves. Foodies will love sampling the six restaurants – among which Anoee, a Cretan open-fire restaurant led by acclaimed chef Manolis Papoutsakis, is a highlight – while at the heart of the resort’s wellness offering is the Anoseas Spa, which combines traditional Cretan healing rituals with modern immersive therapies. 

From £390 per night. 

Girona, Spain

Average temperature in July: 32°C

July is the perfect time to explore the medieval Spanish town of Girona, known as the City of the Four Rivers, which is characterised by Roman, Arab and Hebrew influences and was a filming destination for all six Game of Thrones series. After marvelling at Girona Cathedral, strolling past the colourful houses of Onyar River, and climbing the ancient city walls, discover the other side to Girona: an international capital of cycling, perfectly positioned as a gateway to the world-class routes of Els Àngels and Rocacorba. You won’t regret venturing further afield to reach the Costa Brava too, where you'll discover a haven for both beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its rugged cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. 

Where to stay: Camiral, a Quinta do Lago Resort

Just 10 minutes from Girona, this five-star property and member of Leading Hotels of the World, is home to 138 rooms and suites, designed in contemporary style by local interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violan. Centred around wellness and golf, Camiral is home to a state-of-the-art wellness centre where you can indulge in body rituals featuring sage smoke purifications, and science-backed facials, before teeing off at two of Spain’s finest golf courses or practicing your serve at the tennis and padel courts. 

The six restaurants all offer Mediterranean cuisine crafted with locally-sourced, seasonal produce, but a must-try is Origin, which reimagines Spanish fine dining. Just beyond the resort, Girona is home to an impressive 18 Michelin-starred restaurants, so one thing you can count on – alongside active pursuits and five-star service – is that you certainly won’t go hungry. 

From £250 per night.

Ascona, Switzerland

Image: Alessio Pizzicannella

Image: Shutterstock

Average temperature in July: 27°C

Offering adventurous travellers a perfect alternative to the bustling Mediterranean, enjoy mild temperatures, fresh Alpine air and abundant natural beauty in the charming Swiss town of Ascona. Located on the shore of Lake Maggiore – which spans both Switzerland and Italy – the old town of Borgo features ancient architecture and a cafe-lined promenade, as well as plenty to entertain culture vultures, including the 16th-century Church of St Peter and Paul and the Museum of Modern Art. Taking to the waters is a must in this part of town; book a boat trip during your stay and you'll feel like you're on Lake Como.

Where to stay: Hotel Eden Roc Lake Maggiore

Switzerland's only beach resort, Hotel Eden Roc Lake Maggiore, reopened last year following a seven-month renovation led by Swiss architects Fiorenzo Tresoldi and Carlo Rampazzi. A long-standing beacon of old-school, lakeside glamour, fringing the town of Ascona, the refurbishment included the complete redesign of one of the three buildings that make up the hotel, including 46 new suites.

Elsewhere, the Pontile Lake Club features furniture by Kardorff Ingenieure with seasonal floral displays and secluded seating areas, as well as direct access to the lake and private harbour. Dine at four restaurants and two bars, including the two Michelin-starred La Brezza, before making the most of the three pools, a huge variety of lakeside activities, and the hotel’s 2,000 square metre spa. Beyond the property, tap into the local nous of your personal outdoor butler to discover the little-known gorges and villages of Ticino.

From £490 per night.

Oslo, Norway

Images: Shutterstock

Average temperature in July: 23°C

While the snowy climes of Norway attract adventurers from November to March, head to Norway’s capital in July to discover Scandinavia's coolest city come to life with culture, food and open-air concerts. Enjoy 17-hour sunlit days, Saturday morning saunas (they're a big deal here) and a variety of museums and galleries, including the Munch Museum, dedicated to Norway’s most renowned artist. Eco-conscious experiences help travellers connect to one of the world’s happiest (Norway currently ranks third in the world), healthiest (the city’s cars will be fully electric by next year) and most beautiful cities. Don’t miss Kistefos Sculpture Park – a world-renowned cultural attraction displaying large-scale works by international artists – and a stop at the Utøya Massacre Memorial, as well as many incredible viewpoints boasting panoramas across the inland fjords and distant mountain peaks along the way. 

Where to stay: Sommerro House

Housed in an original 1930s Art Deco building, Sommerro House is easily Oslo’s chicest five-star hotel. The 231-room property is a haven for art enthusiasts, with original works by celebrated Norwegian artist Per Krohg adorning the walls and interiors courtesy of Adam Greco and Alice Lund, co-founders of New York and London-based GrecoDeco. Choose from four restaurants – Japanese-Scandinavian Tak Oslo is a real highlight – and three bars to while away the hours, or bask in Norwegian sun and fresh air atop the city’s first rooftop pool. This is the place to see and be seen. 

From £200 per night. 

Mahé, Seychelles

Average temperature in July: 26°C

Comprising 115 islands ripe for exploration, the Seychelles has everything and more for an upmarket beach break. Need a royal stamp of approval before you book? The Prince and Princess of Wales honeymooned here – and if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us. Head to the largest island in the archipelago, Mahé, and take to the glistening turquoise waters for surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding excursions, while back on land enjoy yoga, Creole cooking classes, hiking and mountainside meditation. For those keen to learn more about Seychelles’ culture, book a private tour of the island’s art galleries and rum distilleries, as well as one-day trips to neighbouring islands. 

Where to stay: Four Seasons Seychelles

Located in the south of Mahé, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is nestled among 170 acres of lush tropical hillside overlooking Petite Anse Bay’s famous white sand beaches. The resort is home to 67 treehouse-style villas and suites, each complete with traditional Creole interior touches, private swimming pools, spacious outdoor living areas and panoramic ocean views.

Perched high above the beach, Le Syel Spa offers the height of blissful seclusion and a range of treatments championing healing local ingredients, such as Seychellois coco de mer – a rare native palm tree – moringa, cassava and a variety of local flowers. Home to four restaurants, a poolside bar, and cocktail lounge, enjoy freshly-caught seafood and Mediterranean-inspired specialties at the Kannel Restaurant and be transported to an Asian izakaya thanks to Zez, serving delectable street food snacks and creative cocktails. 

From £1,600 per night. 

Read more: The UK’s best hiking spots – and the hotels to book while you’re there