July is the height of summer in many parts of the world – the days are long, the skies are bright, and it’s the perfect time for a sunshine-filled escape. Whether you're dreaming of a beach break, cultural adventure, mountain retreat, or lively festival scene, July offers something for every kind of traveller.

Here are our 13 hot picks for the best places to travel in July, where sunshine, scenery, and unforgettable memories await.

Cinque Terre in July feels like stepping into a living watercolour. The five vibrant villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – perch dramatically on cliffs above the Ligurian Sea, offering postcard-worthy views in every direction. The sea glistens under the summer sun, perfect for a refreshing swim after a day of exploration.

Hike the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail that links the villages, winding along vineyards and rocky coastlines with panoramic sea views. Each stop offers its own charm – from Vernazza’s hidden coves to Corniglia’s quaint terraces. Monterosso tempts with the scent of fresh focaccia, while Manarola promises magical sunset scenes.

Seafood lovers will be in heaven with catch-of-the-day pasta, and those who enjoy slower days can relax at waterfront cafés or take a scenic boat ride between villages. In Cinque Terre, every turn is a chance to slow down, soak up beauty, and indulge in la dolce vita.

Vancouver Island is a paradise of pristine coastlines, misty forests, and laid-back towns. July is a brilliant time to visit, as nature is in full bloom and the long daylight hours give you plenty of time to roam, explore, and unwind. The energy is both peaceful and invigorating.

In the west, Tofino offers wild beaches, surf vibes, and untamed beauty. Whale-watching tours depart daily, offering front-row seats to orcas and humpbacks in their natural habitat. Further south, Butchart Gardens explodes in colour, with fountains, rose-covered archways, and dreamy picnic spots.

For outdoor lovers, Pacific Rim National Park is filled with hiking trails through ancient forests and along rugged shores. Whether you're kayaking in calm bays or spotting eagles overhead, Vancouver Island delivers raw beauty with a touch of West Coast cool.

Lake Bled in July is pure storybook charm. A glacial lake surrounded by pine-covered mountains and overlooked by a medieval castle, it’s Slovenia’s crown jewel – and a picture-perfect place to spend a few idyllic summer days.

Row a traditional wooden pletna boat to Bled Island, where a tiny church sits in peaceful solitude. Then hike up to the Ojstrica viewpoint for one of the most magical sunrise scenes in Europe, where mist rises from the water and the Julian Alps stretch into the distance.

The local Bled cream cake is a must – best enjoyed at a lakeside café after a day of cycling or paddling. Whether you're after nature, romance, or a little old-world charm, Lake Bled offers it all in one unforgettable package.

Barcelona in July is alive with colour, rhythm, and Mediterranean flair. The streets buzz with energy, the beaches are just steps away, and festivals fill the calendar with music, fireworks, and celebration. It’s the perfect blend of city and seaside.

Spend your days wandering through the whimsical creations of Park Güell or marvelling at the architectural wonder of La Sagrada Familia. In the Gothic Quarter, narrow alleys open into leafy squares where tapas and cava are always within reach.

Cool off with a swim at Barceloneta Beach, then stay out late for Festa Major del Raval, a neighbourhood festival filled with art, dance, and local spirit. Barcelona in July is bold, sun-kissed, and absolutely buzzing.

The Masai Mara in July offers front-row seats to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth – the beginning of the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the plains, pursued by predators in a dramatic dance of survival.

Set off on early morning game drives and witness lions lounging under acacia trees, elephants dusting themselves in the golden light, and cheetahs sprinting through tall grass. The landscapes are vast, breathtaking, and alive with movement.

Top off the experience with a hot air balloon safari at sunrise or a cultural visit to a Maasai village, where traditions run deep and hospitality is heartfelt. Kenya in July is a raw, thrilling, and soul-stirring adventure.

July in Iceland is a land of contrasts and magic. The near-24-hour daylight creates a surreal dreamscape where waterfalls glisten at midnight and black sand beaches glow under an endless golden hour. It’s nature’s theatre on full display.

Embark on a road trip along the Ring Road, circling glaciers, volcanoes, and coastal cliffs. Stop at Skógafoss, a waterfall that sends up constant rainbows, or trek across glaciers for an ice-blue adventure. The land feels both ancient and otherworldly.

In Húsavík, go whale-watching under the midnight sun, or take a dip in a geothermal spa tucked into a mountain. With fewer tourists and full days of exploration, Iceland in July is an unforgettable journey through fire and ice.

The French Riviera sparkles in July, with golden beaches, luxurious resorts, and towns that blend glamour with Mediterranean soul. From the palm-lined promenades of Nice to the celebrity shimmer of Saint-Tropez, this stretch of coastline knows how to dazzle.

Spend your mornings beach-hopping and your afternoons strolling through vibrant markets, art museums, and waterfront cafés. The sea is warm and inviting, perfect for swimming or sailing along the coast.

In the evenings, people-watch in Monaco, sip chilled rosé with a sea breeze, or dance under the stars at a rooftop bar in Antibes. The French Riviera in July is chic, sun-drenched, and effortlessly elegant.

The Azores in July are a lush, volcanic wonderland rising from the middle of the Atlantic. These Portuguese islands offer adventure and tranquillity in equal measure, with dramatic cliffs, crater lakes, and cloud-wrapped peaks.

On São Miguel, hike to the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, explore the steaming geothermal valley of Furnas, and soak in natural hot springs surrounded by jungle-like foliage. It’s like being in another world – untouched and wildly beautiful.

Whale-watching is at its best this time of year, with several species cruising through the deep waters nearby. The Azores are a nature lover’s dream, where the pace is slow, the air is fresh, and the landscapes are endlessly inspiring.

Kyoto in July is a celebration of culture, colour, and tradition. The city bursts into life with Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s most famous festivals, complete with ornate floats, lantern-lit processions, and streets full of joyful energy.

Start the day with a peaceful walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then escape the heat with a cool matcha ice cream in a riverside teahouse. Temples and shrines glisten in the sunlight, surrounded by vibrant greenery.

In the evenings, the city glows with festival spirit, from yukata-clad locals to firework displays that light up the summer sky. Kyoto in July is a beautiful blend of ancient elegance and lively celebration.

Scotland in July is a painter’s palette of emerald hills, mirrored lochs, and dramatic skies. With long days and gentle weather, it’s the perfect time to explore the raw beauty of the Highlands and the mystical charm of the Isle of Skye.

Wander through Glen Coe, where rugged mountains rise from the mist, or picnic beside the Fairy Pools with crystal-clear waters rushing past mossy stones. Castles dot the landscape like something out of folklore, each with a story to tell.

Hop aboard a scenic train ride through the Highlands, stopping for whisky tastings, loch-side walks, and cosy pubs. Scotland in July is majestic, soulful, and impossibly photogenic.

Bali in July is at its absolute best – dry, sunny, and buzzing with island spirit. From sunrise surf sessions to jungle yoga, it’s the kind of place where time slows and every day feels like a retreat.

Explore the terraced rice fields of Ubud, dive into temple ceremonies filled with incense and music, or catch a sunset at Uluwatu as waves crash against dramatic cliffs. The beaches are blissful, and the inland hills invite adventure and reflection.

End your day with fresh seafood on the sands of Jimbaran, or a massage in a spa overlooking the jungle. Bali in July is healing, joyful, and endlessly beautiful.

Switzerland’s alpine landscapes are in full bloom in July, and places like Lauterbrunnen and Zermatt feel like nature’s finest creations. Towering peaks, tumbling waterfalls, and meadows sprinkled with wildflowers create a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

In Lauterbrunnen, hike past Staubbach Falls, wander through flower-covered valleys, and gaze up at sheer cliffs that inspired Tolkien himself. Zermatt, meanwhile, offers jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn, cable car rides, and high alpine trails.

The Glacier Express provides a slow, scenic way to soak up the views, while mountain huts serve cheese fondue with a view. It’s clean air, high peaks, and pure summer magic.

Croatia in July is vibrant, sun-soaked, and full of island-hopping adventure. Base yourself in Split, where Roman ruins meet a lively waterfront, and ferries whisk you away to crystal-clear waters and charming island villages.

Hvar brings beach clubs, vineyards, and cobbled old towns, while Korčula offers a slower pace with seafood feasts and hidden coves. The Adriatic Sea is warm and inviting, ideal for snorkelling, sailing, and sunset cruises.

After a day on the water, enjoy fresh octopus salad and local wine under the stars. With music festivals, historic charm, and postcard-worthy beaches, Croatia in July is a summer dream come to life.

With summer in full swing, July is the perfect time to embark on a well-deserved escape, whether you’re after tropical beaches, cultural gems, or scenic mountain adventures. The destinations we've shared offer something for every traveller, from sun-seekers to foodies. And to make your July getaway even more exciting, the Traveloka EPIC Sale is here to help you save big on your next trip.

From 11 April to 5 May 2025, enjoy up to 60% OFF on flights, hotels, attractions, cruises, and more, exclusively on the Traveloka app and website. Take advantage of EPIC HOUR flash deals, available daily from 7 PM to 9 PM, with bonus sessions from 12 PM to 2 PM on selected dates. Whether you're flying to Japan, exploring China, or booking a beach resort, you’ll find incredible deals like international flight discounts up to 50%, 4–5 star hotel stays from RM100 per night, and Buy 1 Get 1 Free attractions.

Even better, you can earn free Traveloka Points just by completing quick in-app missions, which can be used towards future bookings.