Blog: What are the top 5 summer holiday destinations from the UK?

Our Top 5 summer holiday destinations

Are you planning a summer holiday but aren’t sure where you want to go? It can feel a bit overwhelming to choose one place when there are so many destinations out there! Here at R Travel, we have compiled a list of the top 5 summer holiday destinations that are within easy access of the UK.

This list doesn’t include every great destination, but these are the favourites that come up year after year, for very good reason!

Spain

At the top of our list of the top 5 summer holiday destinations is Spain. Spain’s climate makes it a popular destination and with such a wide variety of places to choose from, it attracts lots of British tourists every year. From popular cities such as Barcelona with the world famous Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Madrid, home to the famous Prado Museum and Gallery,  to the sun drenched beaches of the Balearic Islands like Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca, there’s something for everyone. Spain has a vibrant culture to enjoy with towns and cities teeming with lively squares, markets and eateries. It’s no wonder that Spain crops up year after year as a great summer holiday destination for everyone from families, to friends to older travellers.

Greece

Greece is famous for its rich history, architecture and whitewashed buildings and with so many islands to choose from as well as the mainland,  you will be spoiled for choice. Santorini is exactly the sort of destination Instagram was invented for. The tiny island cluster offers some amazing views, from villas, restaurants and bars overlooking sheer drops into cobalt-blue seas to the iconic churches, windmills and vineyards. Crete and Rhodes are also popular destinations with beaches and bays nestled between ancient churches, temples and acropolis. Mykanos is a lively island with villages dotted around the coast and offers great opportunities for water sports as well as plenty of cafes, restaurants and Tavernas. You will never struggle for something to do in Greece, there’s history, and a warm welcome, around every corner.

Portugal

Coming in 3rd in our top 5 summer holiday destinations is Portugal. The Algarve region, with its picturesque coastline and charming towns, is a top choice for travellers from the UK. Another draw are the number of fantastic golf courses that dot the region. There are also vibrant towns like Albufeira, Lagos and Portimão, among others, most of which have excellent facilities for visitors alongside historical sights and attractions. Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, also attracts visitors with its lively atmosphere and historical sites. Lisbon is  is known for its charming old neighbourhoods, colourful architecture, old-fashioned trams, delicious food, and rich history. With its great climate, food and range of things to do, Portugal is high on the list for plenty of holiday makers.

Italy

Italy is another favourite destination and it’s easy to see why. There is so much to see, so much to do, so much history, culture and art, it’s no wonder people go back time and time again. Cities like Rome, with the Colosseum, Florence with the famous Uffizi Gallery full of incredible works by Renaissance masters and Venice with its palaces and St Mark’s Square are just a few of the stand out places visited. The Amalfi coast with the beautiful city of Sorrento has been a popular tourist destination since the 19^th century – a long heritage of happy visitors. That long history shows throughout the city, with brightly coloured buildings, beautiful basilicas and lively piazzas all perched atop towering cliffs over the Bay of Naples. You also have lake Garda with it’s stunning scenery and at the tip of the country, Sicily with a food and culture of its own.  Italy is a country you visit over and over and never have the same experience!

France

Paris continues to attract visitors with its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, fantastic food and romantic ambiance. But, there’s so much more to France than just Paris! A popular destination for a lot of tourists is the Dordogne in southwest France, set between the Loire Valley and Pyrenees mountains. The area if famous for it’s beautiful villages and towns, food and history. It is home to famous prehistoric cave paintings, castles and impressive churches. Bordeaux, the hub of the famed wine-growing region, is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France. It’s known for its Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, 18th- to 19th-century mansions and notable art museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux. The French Riviera, including cities like Nice and Cannes, offers beautiful beaches and chic resorts to relax, sip a coffee or a glass of wine and watch the world go by.

Obviously the reason for your trip, your budget and the time you have available will all influence where you decide to go. Whatever the motivation for your trip, you’re going away to relax, experience something different and sample a different culture. Your holiday should get off to a friction-free start and you can do that by organising your airport transfer in plenty of time before you go. That way you can relax knowing that you’ll get to the airport in comfort, style and plenty of time. All we ask is a minimum of 24 hours before your departure time, but why not book further in advance and then spend your time planning your to-do list. Visit our booking page today.