Top 20 sunny destinations to visit in July 2027

Lisbon spreads across seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, defined by its signature azulejo tiles, creaky yellow streetcars, and narrow alleys where fado music drifts from local taverns. In Alfama, laundry still hangs from windows just as it did a century ago. Over in Belém, you can grab a warm pastel de nata near monuments celebrating a maritime history that dates back five hundred years.

Nice draws you in with its sharp Mediterranean light and high-energy atmosphere. From the iconic Promenade des Anglais to the fragrant, winding alleys of Vieux-Nice and the sweeping views atop the Colline du Château, the city delivers a constant stream of memorable scenes. Between sun-drenched local dishes, high-end museums, and quick trips to the water, it strikes a balance between laid-back relaxation and city activity that feels a lot like a more historic, elevated Santa Monica.

Montpellier defies easy categorization. This Languedoc city blends a labyrinthine medieval core with the architectural ambition of Antigone, a neoclassical neighborhood designed by Ricardo Bofill. With a quarter of the population under 25, the city maintains an intensity rarely found in such ancient streets. Between markets featuring pélardon goat cheese from the Cévennes and café terraces in the Saint-Roch district serving local Pic Saint-Loup wine, Montpellier offers a Mediterranean lifestyle that feels grounded, skipping the high-gloss pretense you might expect from the French Riviera.

For seventy years, nine popes governed Christendom from this Provençal city, leaving behind the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Today, medieval ramparts enclose a historic core where every narrow street hints at papal intrigue. Each summer, the world’s largest theater festival turns the city into a massive stage. Between a local market overflowing with flavors, a legendary bridge severed by the Rhône, and secret lanes lined with plane trees, this former papal capital is impossible to ignore.

Enclosed by massive stone walls, the historic heart of this former maritime republic is a UNESCO World Heritage site where every block reflects a history of fierce independence. The contrast between deep turquoise Adriatic waters and orange-tiled rooftops is iconic, though the heavy crowds and high prices can be a reality check. Seek out quiet beaches, nearby islands, and sunset views from Mount Srđ to escape the intensity of the main thoroughfares.

Los Angeles is a sprawling megalopolis where Hollywood meets the Pacific, defined by its intense contrasts. You will find everything from the glamour of Beverly Hills to the creative energy of Venice Beach and an inescapable cinematic history that is best explored with a rental car. The local food scene is as diverse as the city neighborhoods, featuring authentic Mexican tacos, oversized burgers, and California-style sushi. Expect sunshine almost year-round.

Arusha serves as the primary gateway for Tanzanian safaris. While the city itself lacks architectural polish, it is the essential jumping-off point for the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and treks up Mount Meru. Between expeditions, the local markets, coffee plantations, and Maasai villages provide an authentic look at East African daily life that you simply do not get inside the national parks.

Naples is raw, loud, and unapologetic. It is a city of high-contrast energy where laundry lines crisscross narrow alleys above legendary pizzerias and UNESCO-listed historic streets. With the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius looming over the bay and the ruins of Pompeii just a short trip away, this is an Italy that refuses to sanitize itself for tourists. You will likely walk away either obsessed or overwhelmed, but you will definitely not be bored.

Valencia keeps a low profile while delivering 300 days of sunshine, a well-preserved historic core, striking futuristic architecture, and beaches just a short metro ride away. Spain's third-largest city balances a Mediterranean pace with a deep cultural scene, all without the price tags found in Barcelona. Between authentic paella, bohemian neighborhoods, and the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia rewards travelers who skip the tourist traps.

Ibiza balances high-energy superclubs with secluded coves, offering a mix of international DJ sets, quiet whitewashed villages, and bohemian roots. The turquoise water rivals the Caribbean, while the medieval citadel and local seafood anchor the experience in Mediterranean tradition. Expect to spend heavily during the peak season, but the contrast between nightlife and island stillness makes it a unique destination.

Porto sits where the river meets the Atlantic, defined by tile-covered facades and a deep maritime history. The Douro River flows beneath the iron bridges while the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia age port wine, and the steep alleys of the Ribeira district reveal a raw, authentic side of Portugal. It is less polished than Lisbon, offering a grittier character where every block delivers a new architectural detail or a local bite.

Figueres is defined by Salvador Dalí, whose theater-museum topped with giant eggs draws a million visitors annually. Beyond the museum, this Catalan city rewards those who explore deeper. Its shaded Rambla, local market squares, and modernist facades create a setting where a relaxed pace of life is the norm rather than a slogan. Located thirty minutes from the French border, it serves as a gateway to the more quiet stretches of the Costa Brava.

Split is built directly into and around a 4th-century Roman palace, making ancient history a part of your daily routine. You can dine inside imperial cellars, hike the narrow lanes of the Varoš neighborhood up to the pine forests of Marjan Hill, or catch a morning ferry to the islands of Hvar, Brač, or Vis. This is where Dalmatia begins.

San Diego gives you California without the frantic energy of Los Angeles. With 266 days of sunshine a year and 112 kilometres of coastline, the city takes a famously relaxed approach to daily life. Between the surfers at Pacific Beach, the seals in La Jolla, and the craft breweries in North Park, it is easy to see why people call it America's Finest City.

Denizli proves to be much more than just a quick stop on the way to Pamukkale. This dynamic Anatolian city draws you in with ever-present nature, a steep cable car, and mountains built for hiking. Downtown features its iconic rooster statue and a historic market that keeps a rare, genuine feel. Just 15 km away, the petrified travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis add a surreal backdrop. It makes an ideal base for exploring western Türkiye far from the typical tourist routes.

As the cultural center of Indonesia, Ubud is famous for its gorgeous terraced rice paddies, temples, and craft traditions, sitting right in the center of the Hindu island of Bali. Set where two rivers meet, this artistic hub lets you catch traditional legong and gamelan music and dance performances, plus browse dozens of art galleries. Nature lovers will find plenty to love here too, starting with the surprising depth of the local rainforest. The name Ubud literally translates to medicine, reflecting its deep historical roots in herbal healing. That tradition carries on today through the town's massive selection of hiking trails, yoga studios, and spas. You can also book a four-hand Balinese massage and sample refined local dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), bebek betutu (slow-cooked spiced duck), and babi guling (Balinese-style roast pork).

The climate is tropical and equatorial, featuring a dry season from April to October and a wet season from November to February. Heavy rain is mostly limited to January and February.

A Jungle in the Middle of Town, Balancing Nature and Macaques

Start your trip at the Monkey Forest Sacred Sanctuary, set inside a wooded area that houses the temple of death and evil spirits, which locals avoid entering due to local superstition. You will appreciate the intricate Hindu stone carvings and the lively atmosphere. Keep a close eye on the thousand or so resident monkeys, as they love anything shiny or edible. If you want to feed them, do it only with the help of the reserve's staff of monkey experts.

Next up is the Purilukisan Museum, a fine arts museum where you can explore the kamasan painting style along with works by Nyoman Lempad and Arie Smit. When evening hits, head over to Puri Saren Ubud, the Royal Palace right in the middle of town, which hosts fantastic evening performances.

A short walk away, Lempad’s House is worth checking out. This was the home of Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a legendary local artist who lived to be 116 years old. Another notable historic residence is the Walter Spies House, named after the Moscow-born artist who hosted famous guests like Charlie Chaplin here. Today, anyone can book a room at the property, which operates as the Campuhan hotel.

Art Around Every Corner

The Neka Art Museum is a private institution tracing the history of Balinese painting and how Western influences shaped local artists. The museum stands out for its clear explanations, chronological layout, and strong international collection.

Art fans should also visit the museum dedicated to Antonio Blanco, often called the Bali Dali. The setting is a meticulously maintained estate, and while local censorship famously burned many of his erotic works, the remaining collection is fascinating. Afterward, grab a cold drink on the terrace of the Bridge Café for relaxing views of the river and gardens.

Just down the hill, do not miss the Pura Gunung Lebah temple, surrounded by lush greenery that makes for a peaceful stop.

Getting There

There is no nonstop route from North America: carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Korean Air and EVA Air fly from the West Coast to Denpasar with layovers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Doha, and Bangkok.

Getting Around

Book a ride with the country's main taxi company, Blue Bird, right at the airport for a flat rate of around 300,000 Rp. Expect the drive to take 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes depending on your arrival time. Traffic in Bali is heavy, and cars rarely exceed 30 km/h.

Compact and walkable, Ubud is easy to explore on foot. To reach the outlying rice fields, rent a bicycle or a scooter for about 30,000 to 50,000 Rp per day.

Zanzibar City is the capital of its namesake archipelago, anchored by the UNESCO-listed historic district of Stone Town. You can spend your days navigating narrow alleys lined with intricate carved wooden doors to find landmarks like the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Slave Trade Museum. The city is a sensory experience of local markets and street food at Forodhani Gardens, where sunset views over the water rival the best coastal spots in Florida. While the city core is dense, you are just a short drive from the pristine white sands of Kendwa and Nungwi beaches.

As the bright county seat of the island that bears its name, Zakynthos, also called Zante, is the main town of a stunning Greek island spanning 406 km². Framed by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, its fine sand and lush vegetation make it a heavily visited destination. Homer already mentioned it in the Odyssey, and its history reads like a succession of rulers: Romano-Byzantine, Arab, Norman, part of the Kingdom of Sicily, Venetian, French, and more. It wasn't until 1864 that it officially joined the Kingdom of Greece. Today, fishing and tourism form the backbone of its economy.

A town of character and charm

The island's beauty shines right through the town streets. Among its many churches, the Agios Dionysios church stands out as the most prestigious. Beautifully decorated, this three-aisled Orthodox basilica dating from 1925 is remarkable for both its architecture and its interior. Located near the port, its striking bell tower defines the skyline. It is the premier spot for scenic strolls where you can look out over luxury yachts and fishing boats against that incredible blue backdrop. Lined with benches and framed by towering palm trees, the vast Dionysios Solomos Square captures the island's charm in one place. Named after the poet whose words form the Greek national hymn, he sits right in the center, immortalized in a pristine statue. Paved and flanked by stately buildings, it is the beating heart of Zakynthos. The Agios Nikolaou church edges the square, standing as one of the few structures that survived the devastating 1953 earthquake. Right here, the sumptuous Byzantine Museum opens its three levels to display sculptures, frescoes dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries, paintings, and photographs of the town before the natural disaster.

A beach right in town

Heading toward the coast to Agiou Markou Square, you will first spot a striking arched building housing the Solomos and Kalvos Museum. Alongside original works and personal belongings, the lives of these two local artists, who are among the island's most famous figures, are on display. The bustling square is packed with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It is the ideal spot to try local specialties like tzatziki, a crisp cucumber starter that pairs perfectly with chickpea bread, psarosoupa, a traditional fish soup, or stifado, a tender beef and onion stew. For dessert, try mandolato, the island's signature sweet: an almond and honey nougat inherited from the Venetians. Be sure to stop by one of the oldest residences in town, Romas Mansion, once home to the aristocratic Romas family. This 1660 manor is exceptionally well-preserved.

Some of the finest coastlines in the region are found right here on Zakynthos. Located just 500m from downtown, Eot may be less famous than the renowned Gerakas or Navagio beaches, but it remains a gem framed by striking viewpoints. As everywhere else on the island, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for a swim, and the beach is overlooked by the Bokali hill, home to a Venetian fortress known as a kastro. The panoramic views from the top are unbeatable.

Getting there

The local airport handles international flights year-round, with direct seasonal routes from major European hubs during the summer. If you are traveling by car, you will need to take the ferry from Kyllini on the Greek mainland. From Athens, long-distance buses make the trip down, including the ferry crossing.

Most travelers only see the airport, but Faro is the genuine soul of the Algarve. It is a city of contrasts where the quiet medieval Old Town meets the wild beauty of the Ria Formosa lagoon. Far from the noise of typical beach resorts, it offers an authentic Portuguese experience focused on local culture and fresh seafood. This is the spot for travelers who want to see a different, more grounded side of southern Portugal.

Chania features a mix of Venetian architecture and Ottoman-era history that feels like a tighter, more historic version of a coastal town in Florida. The old harbor is the center of local life, where you can find authentic Cretan food and a slow pace that makes wandering the maze of flower-lined alleys the main event. It serves as an ideal base for reaching the rugged landscapes and remote beaches of western Crete.