Best countries to visit in July 2023

There’s no getting away from it – July is peak season in much of the world and the most popular attractions can be overrun and overwhelming, not to mention expensive. Leave popular hotspots such as Venice and Barcelona behind and head for the Carpathian Mountains or the Austrian countryside for respite from the heat and crowds. Or navigate the waters of the Aegean or Croatia, choosing a small ship voyage that keeps away from the busy cruise routes.

Unless you like the combination of seasonal downpours and peak summer holiday prices then much of the Caribbean and Southeast Asia is best avoided, with the exception of Indonesia and Malaysia, where it’s the perfect time to see orangutans. For a wild card, Australian winter is a revelation: head for Tasmania for sunny skies and tip-top hiking conditions. Keep reading to find out more about the best places to go on holiday in July.

Montenegro’s beaches are bursting with tourists at this time of year, but head into the countryside and it’s cloud and crowd free – just right for a zip-lining, canyoning, rafting extravaganza. While Spain’s popular beaches are heaving, in the Spanish Pyrenees and you can find peace (and cooler temperatures) walking through national parks and learning to cook in traditional mountain villages.

Plenty of fresh air and the feeling of warm sun on your skin is enough to enhance your mood already. Throw in some al fresco yoga and you’ll be really relaxed. All our wellness retreats are in full swing in July; head for Austria for a backdrop of snow-capped mountains or Greece for views across olive groves to the sea.