Where to travel in July

Sommarstuga | Sweden

Sweden is third in our Good Trip Index for 2024, scoring top for sustainability and well for animal rights, making it a great choice for an ethical and sustainable summer holiday.

And our top pick this summer is to take a sommarstuga – that's a Swedish summer house by a lake, where most Swedes go for their summer breaks. About 50% of Swedes have either their own summer house or easy access to one through family, so if you're lucky enough to be invited to one by Swedish friends that's the perfect way to do it. If not, there are plenty on Airbnb that you can simply book yourself.

Summer is, inevitably, the best time to enjoy a sommarstuga. In the winter, Sweden's cold, so unless you're here for the winter sports come when it's sunny instead. The outdoor cafe culture is in full swing and wild swimming at the beaches and lakes is popular – yes, we know no one thinks of Sweden for a beach holiday, but the beaches here are great.

You'll have missed the crowds here to celebrate the Nordic summer solstice at the end of June but still be in time to enjoy the wildflowers that mark the start of the summer season. Pretty much everyone speaks excellent English, the food and hospitality are excellent and whether you start off with a city break or head straight for a lakeside retreat, Sweden's lakeside summer houses make for a great July getting away from it all.

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Paris | France

The Olympic Torch will finally be arriving in Paris on the 26th of the month after a 68-day journey across France and its territories – including distant overseas ones like Martinique and French Polynesia.

The city will be buzzing during July with all that Olympic hype, so even if you're not there for the games it's still a great time to visit. The weather should be nice so you can make the most of exploring the streets in search of chic bistros and creperies, or heading to the banks of the Seine where the opening ceremony will be taking place.

But if the joie de vivre becomes a bit too much for you, you can always escape it, and the sun, by heading beneath the streets to the catacombs. Famously void of life but full of intrigue, they've got a spooky vibe which will be a nice palette cleanser for all the celebration going on upstairs.

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Abruzzo | Italy

Enter Abruzzo. Renowned as the cheapest region of the whole country, its four provinces are famous for local, sustainable food and drink that's cheaper than anywhere in Italy. About half of the region is made up of nature reserves and protected parks, so it may deserve its reputation as 'the greenest region in Europe'. The region contains preserved medieval and Renaissance cities, the Trabocchi coast and the walled provincial capital of L'Aquila. In the winter you can even ski.

July marks the start of the festival season in Abruzzo, so you won't be short of things to do. Plus average temperatures range from 23°C to 29°C, making it a great time to explore the region's natural beauty, head to the beach and dine al fresco.

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Puerto de Mogán | Gran Canaria

A picture-perfect fishing village on Gran Canaria, Puerto de Mogán is our top pick for a beach holiday this month.

The Canary Islands are ever-popular for weather that's practically guaranteed and European standards of hospitality. And as July rolls around, the sheltered harbour and gentle pace makes the compact, child-friendly resort Puerto de Mogán the ideal spot to roll up with the family and start your summer holiday.

We've visited the Canaries plenty of times, so see below for our guides to UK holidaymakers' favourite destination.

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Alpe d'Huez | France

The ski resorts that British holidaymakers flock to during the winter months take on a new lease of life in the summer as the snows clear and the mountains fill with wildflowers, sun and mountain bikers taking on the 21 bends at Alp d'Huez. The same facilities that serve skiers in the winter run all summer, so you've got access to world-class accommodation as well as lifts taking you up and down the mountains.

Why go in July? It's Bastille Day on the 14th, which the mountain villages celebrate with spectacular firework displays, so if you want to catch a French holiday before the schools break up this is the last weekend to do so and there's plenty to see and do. Alternatively, if you're taking the family, a week in the mountains is the perfect alternative to the seaside – clean air, plenty of exercise and great food.

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Bali | Indonesia

July is right in the middle of the dry season, which means low humidity and warm sunshine – perfect for a tropical getaway. The maximum temperature sits at around 27ºC which is at the higher end of comfortable, but it's still term time for a lot of countries so the resorts won't be completely full up yet.

Surf the world-famous waves at Kuta Beach, explore the lush rice terraces of Ubud, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture with traditional Balinese dances and festivals. If you do find yourself in or around Ubud, you absolutely have to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest. This sanctuary is home to a colony of endangered long-tailed macaques that make their home among the trees and temple ruins. Just keep hold of your possessions as they've been known to steal gadgets and accessories and only return them in exchange for food.

July is also ideal for diving in the crystal-clear waters of Nusa Penida, an island just a short boat ride from Bali. Known for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, it offers some of the best diving spots in Indonesia. For those who prefer staying above water, snorkelling and paddleboarding are excellent ways to enjoy the stunning seascapes.

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Polish Riviera

There's a trio of cities on Poland's Baltic Sea coast that between them make up the Polish Riviera. Poland might not be at the top of your list for a beach getaway but you may be surprised. Sopot, Gdynia and Gda?sk all offer something a bit different, whether it's the charming gabled streets and 17th-century architecture of Gda?sk, the modern charm of Gdynia or the endless sandy beach of Sopot.

The weather can get surprisingly hot in July which makes it a great to visit. That, and there's loads going on at this time of year between the three cities. The biggest event being the Open'er Festival – one of Poland's biggest music festivals. This year it's featuring huge artists like Foo Fighters, Dua Lipa and Hozier.