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A tropical beach with pale pink-white sand curves along clear turquoise water. Dense palm trees and lush green vegetation line the shore under a blue sky with wispy clouds, while a football rests near the water’s edge.
Wanderlust · 5 min read · June 5, 2026

Forget football: The best summer holidays away from the World Cup

Not a football fan? Here's how to make the most of the summer and find your perfect escape while the rest of the world watches the beautiful game.

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

If you'd rather skip the World Cup chaos this summer, there are plenty of brilliant destinations where football is the last thing on anyone's mind. From Albania's hidden Riviera coves and Greece's quieter islands like Naxos and Ikaria, to Slovenia's Lake Bled and Iceland's volcanic landscapes, the options are seriously impressive. Budget travellers should eye up Bulgaria's Black Sea coast – towns like Sozopol and Nessebar offer real charm without the price tag – while the Seychelles is the ultimate escape for those who want to put serious distance between themselves and a VAR debate. Missing the tournament has never looked this good.

Where to go this summer if you want to escape the World Cup

Not everyone wants to spend their summer holiday surrounded by match commentary, VAR debates and someone explaining the offside rule for the 47th time before breakfast.

With the World Cup taking over pubs, bars and living rooms across much of the globe, there’s a simple solution: go somewhere where nobody's talking about football.

These countries may have missed out on the tournament, but they're still champions when it comes to beaches, mountains, food, culture and unforgettable summer adventures. Whether you're after a quiet Mediterranean escape, a scenic road trip or an island where football feels very far away, these destinations deserve a place in your line-up.

Albania

Think of Albania as the Mediterranean's best-kept secret. The Albanian Riviera is packed with crystal-clear water, hidden coves and charming seaside villages that somehow still haven't been overrun by selfie sticks. Places like Himarë, Qeparo, Gjipe and Dhërmi deliver everything you'd want from a summer escape, minus the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

And if anyone asks why you're going to Albania, just tell them you're investing in next year's "I went before it was cool" bragging rights.

Montenegro

Montenegro packs an impressive amount into a small space. One day you're wandering through ancient towns around the Bay of Kotor, the next you're hiking through mountains that look like they've been borrowed from a fantasy film set.

It's often described as Croatia's quieter neighbour. But with what it has to offer, Montenegro is more than capable of stealing the spotlight.

A sweeping view of a winding bay surrounded by steep mountains, with small coastal settlements dotted along the shoreline and boats leaving trails across the water.

Slovenia

If your ideal summer involves lakes, mountains, hiking trails and long lunches rather than beach clubs and DJ sets, Slovenia might be your perfect match.

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj look like they've been designed specifically for postcards, while the So?a Valley serves up some of Europe's most spectacular scenery. Then there's Ljubljana, a capital city that's charming, walkable and refreshingly relaxed.

You'll spend most of your trip wondering why more people don't talk about Slovenia.

Then you'll realise that's exactly why it's so good.

Malta

It's sunny, English-speaking and just a short flight from the UK. Within a few days, you can explore ancient cities, swim in crystal-clear water, dive shipwrecks and work your way through some seriously good food.

The real challenge is trying not to fill your phone storage with photos of honey-coloured streets, historic buildings and impossibly blue sea views.

Greece

Greece remains one of Europe's greatest summer escapes. The trick is knowing where to look.

Instead of following the crowds to the busiest islands, head for places like Naxos, Ikaria, Tilos, Lefkada or the Peloponnese, where life moves at a slower pace, and sunsets are treated like a daily event. Days revolve around long lunches, quiet beaches and evening strolls by the sea.

Football might be coming home, but you'll be too busy watching the sun sink into the Aegean Sea to care.

A white lighthouse sits atop a rugged rocky headland overlooking deep blue sea, with hazy mountains and a dry coastal landscape stretching into the distance.

Italy

Wait... Let me double-check my notes.

Yep. Italy didn’t qualify.

But that's no reason to avoid it.

Head to Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia, the Italian Lakes or the Dolomites and focus on what Italy does best: incredible food, stunning scenery and the art of doing absolutely nothing for an afternoon.

And if a football conversation does find you?

Change the subject to pasta. No one’s ever had a stronger opinion about pasta.

Iceland

If you're serious about escaping the football, Iceland is a strong choice (no, not the supermarket). Through June and July, you'll get almost endless daylight, dramatic waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, whale watching and puffin spotting.

The only downside is that Iceland has a habit of ruining ordinary holidays forever.

After you've seen a glacier, a natural hot spring, and a black-sand beach before dinner, it's hard to get excited about an all-inclusive hotel pool (the drinks do help you forget, though).

Denmark

Copenhagen is effortlessly cool (temperature and vibe), while the country's coastline and hundreds of islands create endless opportunities for swimming, exploring and slowing down. Or, kicking back and relaxing at one of the many waterfront cafés along the way.

The atmosphere is relaxed, the scenery is beautiful and the biggest competition you'll face all week is finding the best cinnamon bun.

Colourful waterfront buildings line a canal-side promenade filled with outdoor cafés and diners, while boats are moored along the harbour in the foreground.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria remains one of Europe's most underrated summer destinations.

Its Black Sea coast offers sunshine, beaches and surprisingly good value, especially if you venture beyond the biggest package-holiday hotspots. Towns like Sozopol, Nessebar, Varna and Balchik combine history, charm and seaside views that feel far more expensive than they actually are.

Plus, your wallet gets a holiday, which is becoming a rare experience these days.

Seychelles

For the ultimate football escape, head thousands of miles from the tournament and straight into the Indian Ocean.

Think white-sand beaches, turquoise water, island-hopping adventures, snorkelling and nature that looks suspiciously photoshopped. June and July are particularly lovely, with warm temperatures and cooling ocean breezes.

The biggest decision you'll face is whether to spend the afternoon on the beach or in the sea. Fortunately, it’s one dilemma that doesn't end in penalties.

Palm trees frame a tranquil tropical coastline, where turquoise waves wash against smooth granite boulders beneath a cloudy sky.

Final Whistle

I wish I'd written this article before booking my own holiday. I land in Croatia the day they play England. If you don't hear from me again, assume I accidentally wandered into a sports bar.

Anyway.

Missing the World Cup doesn't have to mean missing out on summer. In fact, it might be the perfect excuse to discover somewhere new.

From Albania's hidden beaches and Greece's island escapes to Slovenia's mountains and Iceland's otherworldly landscapes, these destinations prove that the best holiday memories don't happen in front of a giant screen.

This summer, let everyone else keep an eye on the score.

You've got places to be.


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